HomeMy WebLinkAboutSR_ERC_Cypress_Lane_v2DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
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SR_ERC_Cypress Lane_v2 (002)
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT
ERC Meeting Date: September 13, 2021
Project File Number: PR21-000304
Project Name: Cypress Lane Preliminary Plat
Land Use File Number: LUA21-000287, PP, ECF, MOD
Project Manager: Jill Ding, Senior Planner
Owners: 1. Dean and Caroly Mullenberg, 5816 NE 4th Pl, Renton, WA 98059
2. Sharon Scott, 510 Nile Ave NE, Renton, WA 98059
Applicant: Robert P Wenzl, Tuscany Construction, LLC, PO Box 2170 Renton, WA 98059
Contact: Cliff Williams, PE, Dev. Man. Eng, LLC, 4648 Shantel St, Mount Vernon, WA
98274
Project Location: 5116 NE 4th Pl and 510 Nile Ave NE, Renton, WA 98059
Project Summary: The applicant is requesting Preliminary Plat approval, Environmental (SEPA)
Review, and a Street Modification for the subdivision of an existing 4.89 acre
site, zoned R-4 into 15 lots and three (3) tracts for the future construction of
single family residences. Two existing single family residences and associated
detached accessory structures are proposed for removal. The proposed lots
would range in size from 8,511 sq. ft. to 12,445 sq. ft. Access to the proposed
lots would be provided via a new public street extension from Orcas Ave NE to
the north to NE 4th Pl to the south. Access to Lots 11 and 12 would be provided
off of Nile Ave NE via a shared driveway easement. In addition, a new public
alley extension is proposed to connect the south end of Pasco Ave NE to the
new extension of Orcas Ave NE. A Modification to the adopted street standards
is requested to reduce the required right-of-way width and pavement width
along the project's Nile Ave NE frontage. Of the existing 304 significant trees,
the applicant is proposing to retain 60 trees. There are no critical areas mapped
on the project site.
Exist. Bldg. Area SF: N/A Proposed New Bldg. Area (footprint):
Proposed New Bldg. Area (gross):
N/A
N/A
Site Area: 212,746 sq. ft.
(4.88 acres)
Total Building Area GSF: N/A
STAFF
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff Recommends that the Environmental Review Committee issue a
Determination of Non-Significance (DNS).
DocuSign Envelope ID: CA0F9445-1A24-40E1-824B-9EB5CF286C6E
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Cypress Lane Preliminary Plat
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA21-000287, PP, ECF, MOD
Report of September 13, 2021 Page 2 of 5
SR_ERC_Cypress Lane_v2 (002)
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
In compliance with RCW 43.21C.240, the following environmental (SEPA) review addresses only those project
impacts that are not adequately addressed under existing development standards and environmental regulations.
A. Environmental Threshold Recommendation
Based on analysis of probable impacts from the proposal, staff recommends that the Responsible Officials:
Issue a DNS with a 14-day appeal period
B. Mitigation Measures
1. None recommended
C. Exhibits
Exhibit 1: Environmental Review Committee (ERC) Report
Exhibit 2: Preliminary Plat Plan Set
Exhibit 3: Geotechnical Reports, prepared by prepared by Cobalt Geosciences, dated February 2,
2021 and April 12, 2021.
Exhibit 4: Preliminary Technical Information Report, prepared by Core Design, dated June 28, 2021
Exhibit 5: Arborist Report prepared by Greenforest Incorporated, dated June 21, 2021
Exhibit 6: Advisory Notes
D. Environmental Impacts
The Proposal was circulated and reviewed by various City Departments and Divisions to determine whether the
applicant has adequately identified and addressed environmental impacts anticipated to occur in conjunction
with the proposed development. Staff reviewers have identified that the proposal is likely to have the following
probable impacts:
1. Earth
Impacts: The applicant submitted two Geotechnical Reports (Exhibit 3) with the project application, one
for 5816 NE 4th Pl and one for 510 Nile Ave NE, both reports were prepared by Cobalt Geosciences. The
report for 5816 NE 4th Pl was dated February 2, 2021 and the report prepared for 510 Nile Ave NE was
dated April 12, 2021. The topography of the project site generally slopes from the northeastern corner
to the southwest corner with and average slope of approximately 7.5%.
Grading is proposed to ensure proper roadway configuration, site drainage, stormwater management,
and building envelopes. Approximately 17,050 cubic yards (CY) of cut and 5,634 CY of fill is anticipated,
with a net cut of 11,415 CY.
According to the submitted geotechnical reports, two test pits were excavated on 5816 NE 4th Pl. The
test pits encountered approximately 6 inches of topsoil and vegetation underlain by approximately 2.25
to 2.75 feet of loose to medium dense, silty-fine to medium grained sand with gravel (Weathered Glacial
Till). These materials were underlain by dense to very dense, silty-fine to medium grained sand with
gravel (Glacial Till). Groundwater was not encountered in the test pits, however it was concluded that
groundwater could be present seasonally on the project site perched on the underlying glacial till.
Four hand borings were dug on 510 Nile Ave NE to determine the shallow soil and groundwater
conditions, where accessible. Test pits were not feasible on this site as the vegetation was very heavy
and did not allow suitable access for an excavator. The hand borings encountered approximately 6
inches of topsoil and vegetation underlain by approximately 2 to 3 feet of loose to medium dense, silty-
fine to medium grained sand with gravel (Weathered Glacial Till). These materials were underlain by
DocuSign Envelope ID: CA0F9445-1A24-40E1-824B-9EB5CF286C6E
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Cypress Lane Preliminary Plat
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA21-000287, PP, ECF, MOD
Report of September 13, 2021 Page 3 of 5
SR_ERC_Cypress Lane_v2 (002)
dense to very dense, silty-fine to medium grained sand with gravel (Glacial Till). Groundwater was not
encountered in the hand borings. Groundwater could be present seasonally perched on the underlying
glacial till. The soil and groundwater conditions on both sites were consistent.
The reports concluded that residences supported on shallow foundation systems bearing on medium
dense or firmer native soils or on structural fill placed on the native soils may be constructed on the
project site. Local overexcavation of loose fill and weathered native soils may be necessary depending
on the proposed elevations and locations of the new residences. Stormwater infiltration is not feasible
due to the presence of dense fine-grained soil deposits on the project site.
Recommendations were included in the reports regarding site preparation, temporary and permanent
erosion control, foundation design, retaining walls, slabs-on-grade, and stormwater management. It is
anticipated that the City’s adopted erosion control measures would adequately mitigate any potential
adverse impacts that could occur during project construction, therefore no further SEPA mitigation
measures are recommended.
Mitigation Measures: None recommended
Nexus: N/A
2. Air
Impacts: Temporary impacts to the air including construction-related vehicle exhaust and dust particles
dispersed from sawing, cutting, and manipulating materials could occur onsite during project
construction. These potential construction impacts are not anticipated to be significant and would be
mitigated through the implementation of the following best management practices (BMPs): aggregate
construction entrances, truck wash stations, and spray-truck watering for exposed soils. Therefore, no
further mitigation is recommended.
Mitigation Measures: None recommended
Nexus: N/A
3. Water
a. Storm Water
Impacts: The applicant submitted a Preliminary Technical Information Report, prepared by Core
Design, dated June 28, 2021 (Exhibit 4) and preliminary drainage plans (Exhibit 2) with the project
application materials. Based on the City of Renton’s flow control map, the site falls within the Flow
Control Duration Standard- Matching Forested and is within the Lower Cedar River Drainage Basin.
Project construction is required to comply with the 2017 Renton Surface Water Design Manual
(RSWDM). The project has two natural discharge locations. Both are to the City’s conveyance
system. The north discharge location is along Nile Avenue NE and the south discharge location is on
NE 4th Place.
The existing surface water runoff, which discharges from the north discharge location at the catch
basin located along the east side of Nile Avenue NE right at the southwest corner of the project site,
flows south to the intersection with NE 4th Street. At this point the runoff is redirected west along
the north side of NE 4th Street. At a point in between Lyons Avenue NE and Jericho Avenue NE, the
conveyance system crosses to the south side of NE 4th Street. The surface water runoff would
continue to follow this path until it is discharged into a stream tributary to Lake Washington.
The surface water runoff, which discharges from south discharge location at the two catch basins
located along the south side of NE 4th Place, one at the west side and the other at the east side of
the site flows south along Orcas Place NE until it meets NE 4th Street. The storm system directs
runoff to the west along NE 4th Street for approximately 800 ft at which point the system flows
south through a residential neighborhood. The storm system emerges again on NE 3rd Street and
DocuSign Envelope ID: CA0F9445-1A24-40E1-824B-9EB5CF286C6E
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Cypress Lane Preliminary Plat
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA21-000287, PP, ECF, MOD
Report of September 13, 2021 Page 4 of 5
SR_ERC_Cypress Lane_v2 (002)
continues to flow south along Kitsap Ave NE. The surface water runoff would continue to follow this
path until it is discharged into a stream tributary to Lake Washington.
The project is required to provide a flow control and water quality facility as the proposed
development would include more than 5,000 sq. ft. of new plus replaced pollution generating
impervious surface. Two stormwater detention wet vaults are proposed to mitigate flow control and
water quality impacts, one wet vault would be located within Tract A located on the southern
portion of the project site and the other wet vault would be located within Tract B located on the
western portion of the project site.
It is anticipated that any surface water impacts generated from the proposed development would
be mitigated by the City’s adopted stormwater regulations, therefore no further mitigation is
recommended.
Mitigation Measures: None recommended
Nexus: N/A
4. Vegetation
Impacts: The applicant submitted an Arborist Report prepared by Greenforest Incorporated, dated June
21, 2021 (Exhibit 5) with the project application materials. According to the submitted Arborist Report,
the project site is currently vegetated with 329 trees, of those 18 are landmark trees. Of the 329 onsite
trees, 25 trees were classified as dangerous trees, 60 trees are located within proposed rights-of-way
and 9 trees are located within an access tract or easement (public alley). After the deduction of the
dangerous trees, trees within a public right-of-way and trees within an access easement/tract (public
alley) the project site would have 235 trees that are viable for retention. As part of the proposed
preliminary plat, the applicant is proposing to retain 60 trees or 26 percent of the onsite significant
trees. The proposal will be required to comply with the City’s adopted Tree Retention and Land Clearing
Regulations and Landscaping Regulations which would include the retention and/or replacement of at
least 30 percent of onsite significant trees, the verification that each new lot would provide the required
minimum tree density of 2 trees per 5,000 sq. ft., 10 feet of onsite landscaping along all public street
frontages, landscaping of the proposed stormwater tracts (Tracts A and B), and the planting of street
trees within all public rights-of-way. It is anticipated that compliance with the City’s adopted Tree
Retention and Land Clearing Regulations and Landscaping Regulations would adequately mitigate for the
removal of existing trees on the project site, therefore no further mitigation is recommended at this
time.
Mitigation Measures: None recommended
Nexus: N/A
5. Transportation
Impacts: The proposed project fronts NE 4th Pl along the south property line. NE 4th Pl is classified as a
Residential Access street, with an existing right-of-way (ROW) width, according to the King County
Assessor Map, of 28.5 feet. The proposed development fronts Nile Ave Ne along the west property line.
Nile Ave NE is classified as a collector arterial street with an existing ROW width, according to the King
County Assessors Map, of 60 feet. The proposed development fronts Pasco Ave NE along a portion of
the north property line. Pasco Ave NE is classified as a Residential Access street, with an existing ROW
width, according to the King County Assessor Map, of 30 feet, as part of the proposed subdivision, Pasco
Ave NE would extend onto the project site as a 20-foot wide public alley. The proposed development
would be required to construct frontage improvements including paving, curb and gutter, planter trip
with street trees, and a sidewalk along Nile Ave NE and NE 4th St. The applicant would construct a full
width residential access street through the development extending Orcas Ave NE to NE 4th St. A Traffic
Impact Analysis is required when a project proposal would result in the generation of 20 new am or pm
DocuSign Envelope ID: CA0F9445-1A24-40E1-824B-9EB5CF286C6E
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Cypress Lane Preliminary Plat
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA21-000287, PP, ECF, MOD
Report of September 13, 2021 Page 5 of 5
SR_ERC_Cypress Lane_v2 (002)
peak hour trips. As the proposed subdivision would result in the creation of 15 new lots, it is anticipated
that the proposal would not generate 20 new am or pm peak hour trips. Therefore, the project was
exempt from providing a Traffic Study with the preliminary plat application materials. It is anticipated
that compliance with the City’s adopted Street Standards and the payment of required Traffic Impact
Fees would mitigate any adverse impacts that could be generated by additional traffic attributed to the
proposed subdivision; therefore no further mitigation is recommended.
Mitigation Measures: None recommended
Nexus: N/A
E. Comments of Reviewing Departments
The proposal has been circulated to City Department and Division Reviewers. Where applicable, their comments
have been incorporated into the text of this report and/or “Advisory Notes to Applicant.”
✓ Copies of all Review Comments are contained in the Official File and may be attached to this report.
The Environmental Determination decision will become final if the decision is not appealed within the 14-day
appeal period (RCW 43.21.C.075(3); WAC 197-11-680).
✓ Environmental Determination Appeal Process: Appeals of the environmental determination must be filed in
writing on or before 5:00 p.m. on September 27, 2021. Due to the ongoing state of emergency enacted by
Governor’s Proclamation 20-05, the City Clerk’s Office is working remotely. For that reason, appeals must be
submitted electronically to the City Clerk at cityclerk@rentonwa.gov or delivered to City Hall 1st floor Lobby Hub
only on Tuesdays and/or Wednesdays. The appeal fee, normally due at the time an appeal is submitted, will be
collected at a future date if your appeal is submitted electronically. Appeals to the Hearing Examiner are
governed by RMC 4-8-110 and additional information regarding the appeal process may be obtained from the
City Clerk’s Office, cityclerk@rentonwa.gov.
DocuSign Envelope ID: CA0F9445-1A24-40E1-824B-9EB5CF286C6E
CITY OF RENTON
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
STAFF REPORT TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
EXHIBITS
Project Name:
Cypress Lane Preliminary Plat
Land Use File Number:
LUA21-000287, PP, ECF, MOD
Date of Meeting
September 13, 2021
Staff Contact
Jill Ding
Senior Planner
Project Contact/Applicant
Cliff Williams, PE
Dev. Man. Eng, LLC
4648 Shantel St, Mount
Vernon, WA 98274
Project Location
5116 NE 4th Pl and 510 Nile Ave
NE, Renton, WA 98059
The following exhibits are included with the ERC Report:
Exhibit 1: Environmental Review Committee (ERC) Report
Exhibit 2: Preliminary Plat Plan Set
Exhibit 3: Geotechnical Reports, prepared by prepared by Cobalt Geosciences, dated February 2,
2021 and April 12, 2021.
Exhibit 4: Preliminary Technical Information Report, prepared by Core Design, dated June 28, 2021
Exhibit 5: Arborist Report prepared by Greenforest Incorporated, dated June 21, 2021
Exhibit 6: Advisory Notes
DocuSign Envelope ID: CA0F9445-1A24-40E1-824B-9EB5CF286C6E