HomeMy WebLinkAboutSummary_Preapp_Mtg_PRE12-000016i:\rtimmons\preapps\12-016 benson townhomes (rm-f-duplexes).doc
DEPARTMENT OF
COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE:March 1, 2012
TO:Pre-Application File No. 12-016
FROM:Rocale Timmons, Associate Planner
SUBJECT:Benson Townhomes III
General: We have completed a preliminary review of the pre-application for the above-
referenced development proposal. The following comments on development and permitting
issues are based on the pre-application submittals made to the City of Renton by the applicant
and the codes in effect on the date of review. The applicant is cautioned that information
contained in this summary may be subject to modification and/or concurrence by official
decision-makers (e.g., Hearing Examiner, Community & Economic Development Administrator,
Public Works Administrator, Planning Director, Development Services Director, and City
Council). Review comments may also need to be revised based on site planning and other
design changes required by City staff or made by the applicant. The applicant is encouraged to
review all applicable sections of the Renton Municipal Code. The Development Regulations are
available for purchase for $50.00 plus tax, from the Finance Division on the first floor of City Hall
or online at www.rentonwa.gov
Project Proposal: The subject property is located east of Benson Rd S just south of I-405. The
project site totals 3.13 acres in area and is zoned Residential Multi-Family (RM-F). The pre-
application packet indicates that the proposal is to demolish two of the existing three structures
and construct a 30-unit townhome development. Access appears to be proposed via a 30 foot
wide access easement extended from Benson Rd S across a private property to the south. The
site is located within a high and unclassified landslide hazard area and contains slopes up to
40%.
Current Use: The property currently contains three existing single family residences of which
two would be demolished.
Zoning: The property is located within the Residential Multi-family (RM-F) zoning designation.
Attached residential development is permitted within the RM-F designation, provided the
proposal complies with the density range specified by the zone. The density range required in
the RM-F zone is a minimum of 10.0 to a maximum of 20.0 dwelling units per net acre (du/ac).
The area of public and private streets and critical areas would be deducted from the gross site
area to determine the “net” site area prior to calculating density; alleys are not deducted from
the site area for the purpose of calculating density. Information regarding the square footage of
critical areas, right-of-way dedications, and access easements was not provided with the
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application materials. A 30-unit proposal would result in a gross density of 9.58 du/acre (30
units / 3.13 acres = 9.58 du/ac. It is probable the proposal would fall within the allowable
density range once deductions for right-of-way dedications, access easements and critical
areas are deducted.
Development Standards: The project would be subject to RMC 4-2-110, “Development
Standards for Multi-Family Zoning Designations” effective at the time of complete application
(noted as “RM-F standards” herein). A copy of these standards is included herewith.
Minimum Lot Size, Width and Depth – There is no minimum lot size required for the RM-F zone.
The minimum lot width required is 50 feet and the minimum lot depth required is 65 feet.
While it appears the lots would meet the dimension requirements of the zone once adjusted it
does not appear there are four existing lots. The applicant would be required to provide proof
of four existing lots and/or subdivide the three existing parcels into four lots.
Lot Coverage – Lot coverage by buildings is limited to 35% however a maximum coverage of 45%
may be obtained through the Hearing Examiner site development plan review process.
Impervious surface coverage is limited to a maximum of 75%. Lot coverage ratios were not
provided with the pre-application packet; therefore staff could not confirm compliance with the
building standards for the RM-F zone. The applicant will be required at the time of formal land
use application to provide elevations and lot coverage calculations of the subject site.
Setbacks – Setbacks are the minimum required distance between the building footprint and the
property line and any private access easement. The required setbacks in the RM-F zone are 20
feet in the front, 15 feet in the rear, and 12 feet for interior side yard setbacks. Additional side
yard setbacks apply to structures greater than 2 stories: The entire structure shall be set back
an additional 1 foot for each story in excess of 2 stories. It appears the applicant has met the
setback requirements of the zone.
Building Height – The RM-F zone restricts building height to 35 feet and 3 stories however, an
additional 10 feet may be obtained through the provision of additional amenities such as
pitched roofs, additional recreation facilities, underground parking, and additional landscaped
open space areas; as determined through the site development plan review process and
depending on the compatibility of the proposed buildings with adjacent existing residential
development. In no case shall the height of a residential structure exceed forty 45 feet. The
height of the proposed structures ratios were not provided with the pre-application packet;
therefore staff could not confirm compliance with the building standards for the RM-F zone.
Building elevations and detailed descriptions of elements and building materials are required
with your site plan review submittal.
Screening – Screening must be provided for all surface-mounted and roof top utility and
mechanical equipment. The site plan application will need to include elevations and details for
the proposed methods of screening.
Refuse and Recycling Areas – Refuse and recycling areas need to meet the requirements of RMC
4-4-090, “Refuse and Recyclables Standards” (enclosed). For multi-family developments a
minimum of 1 ½ square feet per dwelling unit is required for recyclable deposit areas and a
minimum of 3 square feet per dwelling unit is required for refuse deposit areas.
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Based on the proposal for a total 30 residential units; a minimum area of 100 square feet of
refuse and recycle area would be required.
Landscaping – Except for critical areas, all portions of the development area not covered by
structures, required parking, access, circulation or service areas, must be landscaped with
native, drought-resistant vegetative cover. The development standards require that all pervious
areas within the property boundaries be landscaped. The minimum on-site landscape width
required along street frontages is 10 feet, except where reduced through the site plan
development review process.
Please refer to landscape regulations (RMC 4-4-070) for additional general and specific
landscape requirements (enclosed). A conceptual landscape plan and landscape analysis
meeting the requirements in RMC 4-8-120D.12, shall be submitted at the time of application
for Site Plan Review.
Tree Preservation – A tree inventory and a tree retention plan along with a tree retention
worksheet shall be provided with the formal land use application. The tree retention plan must
show preservation of at least 10 percent of significant trees. If the trees cannot be retained,
they may be replaced with minimum 2 inch caliper trees at a rate of six to one.
Fences – If the applicant intends to install any fences as part of this project, the location must be
designated on the landscape plan. A fence detail should also be included on the plan as well.
Within the RM-F zone a minimum and maximum of 1.6 spaces per 3 bedroom or larger dwelling
unit; 1.4 spaces per 2 bedroom dwelling unit; 1.0 spaces per 1 bedroom or studio dwelling unit.
The applicant will be required at the time of formal land use application to provide detailed
parking information (i.e. stall and drive aisle dimensions) and calculations of the subject site and
the overall campus use.
It should be noted that the parking regulations specify standard stall dimensions of 9 feet x 20
feet, compact dimensions of 8½ feet x 16 feet, and parallel stall dimensions of 9 feet x 23 feet.
ADA accessible stalls must be a minimum of 8 feet in width by 20 feet in length, with an adjacent
access aisle of 8 feet in width for van accessible spaces. The appropriate amount of ADA
accessible stalls based on the total number of spaces must be provided.
If the proposal provides more or less parking than required by code, a request for a parking
modification would need to be applied for and granted. This detailed written request should be
submitted by the applicant along with or prior to the land use application process.
Bicycle Parking - Bicycle parking shall be provided for all residential developments that exceed
five units. The applicant is required to provide 0.5 bicycle parking spaces for each residential
unit. Spaces shall meet the requirements of RMC 4-4-080F.11.C. If the proposal provides more
or less parking than required by code, a request for a parking modification would need to be
applied for and granted. This detailed written request should be submitted by the applicant
along with or prior to the land use application process.
Driveways: For head-in parking using the same aisle in a one way or two way circulation
pattern, the minimum width of the aisle shall be 24-feet. The maximum driveway slopes cannot
exceed 15%, provided that driveways exceeding 8% are to provide slotted drains at the lower
end of the driveway. If the grade exceeds 15%, a variance is required.
Access: The applicant would have to provide documentation, i.e. easement agreement that
permits use of the proposed private easement to the south. Otherwise the proposal would need
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to be redesign providing all on-site access to the units. The length of the road may require a cul-
de-sac for turning around.
Pedestrian Access – A pedestrian connection shall be provided from all public entrances to the
street, in order to provide direct, clear and separate pedestrian walks from sidewalks to building
entries and internally from buildings to abutting properties.
Building Design Standards – District ‘B’, would be required. See the attached checklist and
Renton Municipal Code section 4-3-100. The following bullets are a few of the standards
outlined in the regulations which are required to be incorporated into the site design as
proposed.
Buildings shall be oriented to the street with clear connections to the sidewalk.
A primary entrance of each building shall be located on the facade facing a street, shall
be prominent, visible from the street, connected by a walkway to the public sidewalk,
and include human-scale elements.
The primary entrance of each building shall be located on the facade facing the street.
Parking shall be located so that no surface parking is located between a building and the
front property line, or the building and side property line, on the street side of a corner
lot.
Developments shall include an integrated pedestrian circulation system that connects
buildings, open space, and parking areas with the sidewalk system and abutting
properties.
At least one hundred (100) square feet of the private space shall abut each unit.
o At least one hundred (100) square feet of the private space shall abut each unit.
All building facades shall include modulation or articulation at intervals of no more than
twenty feet (20').
Critical Areas: The site is located within a high and unclassified landslide hazard. The site also
appears to contain areas of 15% to 40% slopes. As required by the City’s Critical Areas
Regulations, a slope delineation indicating the location of “sensitive” slopes will be required as
part of the formal land use application.
The applicant will be required to obtain a geotechnical report stamped and signed from a
Geotechnical Engineer stating that the proposed development is suitable with respect to the
current site conditions for soils, slopes, landslides, erosion, etc. In addition, the report would
need to address any special construction requirements deemed necessary by the Geotechnical
Engineer.
Through the site plan review process; the City may condition the approval of the development in
order to require mitigation of any potential hazards based on the results of the studies. In
addition, pursuant to RMC section 4-3-050.J.3, the geotechnical report submitted with the
application may be required to undergo independent secondary review by a qualified specialist
selected by the City at the applicant’s expense.
NOTE: The Olympic gas pipeline runs east/west in the vicinity of this site. The Title Report
required with the Land Use Application shall disclose if a pipeline easement affects this site.
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Environmental Review: The proposal would trigger Environmental (SEPA) Review as the
proposal would result in the construction of more than 4 dwelling units on a single site.
Permit Requirements:
The proposal would require a Lot Line Adjustment, Administrative Site Plan approval and
Environmental (SEPA) Review. All permits in either scenario would be reviewed in an estimated
timeframe of 8 weeks. The Site Plan Review application fee is $1,000. The application fee for
SEPA Review (Environmental Checklist) is $1,000 and the application fee for a Lot Line
Adjustment is $450. Detailed information regarding the land use application submittal is
provided in the attached handouts. There is an additional 3% technology fee charged at the time
of land use application. Detailed information regarding the land use application submittal is
provided in the attached handouts.
The purpose of the Site Plan process is the detailed arrangement of project elements so as to be
compatible with the physical characteristics of a site and with the surrounding area. An
additional purpose of Site Plan is to ensure quality development consistent with City goals and
policies. General review criteria includes the following:
a. Compliance and Consistency. Conformance with plans, policies, regulations and
approvals, including:
b. Off-Site Impacts. Mitigation of impacts to surrounding properties and uses.
c. On-Site Impacts. Mitigation of impacts to the site
d. Access and Circulation. Safe and efficient access and circulation for all users.
e. Open Space. Incorporation of public and private open spaces to serve as distinctive
project focal points and to provide adequate areas for passive and active recreation by
the occupants/users of the site;
f. Views and Public Access. Provision of view corridors to shorelines and Mt. Rainier,
incorporates public access to shorelines, and arranges project elements to protect
existing natural systems where applicable.
g. Services and Infrastructure. Availability of public services and facilities to
accommodate the proposed use;
h. Signage. Use of signs primarily for the purpose of identification and management of
sign elements – such as the number, size, brightness, lighting intensity, and location –
to complement the visual character of the surrounding area, avoid visual clutter and
distraction, and appear in proportion to the building and site to which they pertain; and
i. Phasing. Inclusion of a detailed sequencing plan with development phases and
estimated time frames, if applicable.
The applicant will also be subject to Design Review as part of the Site Plan Review and a
Design Checklist shall be completed and submitted as part of the application materials.
In addition to the required land use permits, separate construction, building and sign permits
would be required. The review of these permits may occur concurrently with the review of
the land use permits, but cannot be issued prior to the completion of any appeal periods.
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Impact Mitigation Fees: In addition to the applicable building and construction fees, the
following mitigation fees would be required prior to the issuance of building permits. Impact
fees, which would replace mitigation fees, may be adopted prior to construction. Those fees are
to be determined.
A Transportation Mitigation Fee based on $75.00 per new daily trip attributed to the
development;
Fire Mitigation Fee based on $0.52 per square foot of new commercial building area
and $388.00 per new multi-family unit; and
A Parks Mitigation Fee based on $354.51 per new multi-family unit.
A School District Impact Fee based on $1,236 per new multi-family unit.
Expiration: Upon site plan approval, the site plan approval is valid for two years with a possible
two-year extension.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE:February 28, 2012
anApril 27, 2011
August TO:Rocale Timmons, Planner
FROM:Jan Illian, Plan Review
SUBJECT:Benson Townhomes
1216 – Benson Road S.
PRE 12-016
NOTE: The applicant is cautioned that information contained in this summary is preliminary and non-
binding and may be subject to modification and/or concurrence by official city decision-makers. Review
comments may also need to be revised based on site planning and other design changes required by
City staff or made by the applicant.
I have completed a preliminary review for the above-referenced proposal. The following comments are
based on the pre-application submittal made to the City of Renton by the applicant.
WATER
1. There is an existing 10-inch water main within a private easement in the access road to Eagle Ridge
Apartments to the south. There is an 8-inch main in Benson Road South.
2. Preliminary fire flow required for the new proposed use is undetermined at this time. Available fire
flow at the 10-inch main is 3,000 gpm. The proposed project is located in the 300-water pressure zone
and is outside an Aquifer Protection Zone. Static pressure in the area is approximately 60 psi.
3. If preliminary fire flow calculation exceeds 2,500 gpm, a looped water main will be required on site.
4. Hydrants capable of delivering a minimum of 1,000 gpm are required for this new use. One hydrant
is required for each 1,000-gpm fire flow. One hydrant must be located within 150 feet of the structure.
Additional hydrants shall be located within 300 feet of the structure. There are fire hydrants in the
vicinity that may be counted towards the fire protection of this project, but are subject to verification in
meeting the required distance.
5. Based on the site plan and location of existing hydrants, additional hydrants will be required.
6. Any existing 3-port hydrant counted as fire protection will be required to be retrofitted with a 5-
inch “Storz” type quick disconnect fitting if not already in place.
7. Water system development fees will be based on the size of the domestic water meter(s), irrigation
meter(s), and fire service line(s) that will serve the site. Credit will be given for all existing meters. This is
payable prior to issuance of the construction permit. See fee schedule attached.
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8. A fire sprinkler system is required by the fire department. A separate utility permit and separate
plans will be required for the installation of all double detector check valve assemblies for fire sprinkler
systems. All devices installed shall be per the latest Department of Health “Approved List” of Backflow
Prevention Devices. Location of device shall be shown on the civil plans and shall show note: “Separate
plans and utility permit for DDCVA installation for Fire Sprinkler System will be required.” DDCVA
installations outside the building shall be in accordance with City of Renton Standards.
9. Buildings that exceed 30 feet in height will require a backflow device to be installed on the
domestic water meter(s).
10. Landscape irrigation systems will require a separate permit for the irrigation meter and approved
backflow device is required to be installed. A plumbing permit will be required.
SANITARY SEWER
1. There is an existing 8-inch sewer main in Benson Road south.
2. Extension of an 8-inch sewer main will be required to be extended to the north property line to
serve this project.
3. Side sewers require a minimum slope of 2%.
4. Sewer system development fees will be based on the size of the domestic water meter(s) that will
serve the site. Credit will be given for all existing meters. This is payable prior to issuance of the
construction permit. See fee schedule attached.
SURFACE WATER
1. There are no storm drainage improvements in Benson Road.
2. A drainage plan and drainage report will be required with the site plan application. The report shall
comply with the 2009 King County Surface Water Manual and the 2009 City of Renton Amendments to
the KCSWM, Chapter 1 and 2. All core and any special requirements shall be contained in the report.
Based on the City’s flow control map, this site falls within the Flow Control Duration Standard, Forested
Site Conditions. The drainage report will need to follow the area specific flow control requirements
under Core Requirement #3.
3. A geotechnical report for the site is required. Information on the water table and soil permeability,
with recommendations of appropriate flow control BMP options with typical designs for the site from
the geotechnical engineer, shall be submitted with the application.
4. Surface Water System Development fees of $.405 per square foot of new impervious surface will
apply. This is payable prior to issuance of the construction permit.
5. Applicant will be required to submit separate structural plans for review and approval under a
building permit for stormwater vault. Special inspection from the building department is required.
6. A Construction Stormwater Permit from Department of Ecology is required if clearing and grading
of the site exceeds one acre.
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TRANSPORTATION/STREET
1. There are no street improvements fronting the property on Benson Road South. To meet the City’s
complete street standards, improvements including an 8-foot sidewalk, an 8-foot planter strip, curb,
gutter, paving, and storm drainage improvements are required fronting the site on Benson Road.
Dedication of right-of-way may be required to accommodate these improvements. Applicant may
request a modification to the street standards. Request shall be made in writing to the Development
Services Director.
2. A traffic mitigation fee of $75 per additional generated daily trip shall be assessed as determined by
the ITE trip generation manual.
GENERAL COMMENTS
1. When approval is granted and utility plans are complete please submit permit application, three (3)
copies of drawings, one (1) copy of the drainage narrative, and an itemized cost of construction estimate
and application fee at the counter on the sixth floor. A fee worksheet is attached for your use, but prior
to preparing a check, it is recommended to call our customer service representative 425-430-7266 for a
fee estimate as generated by the permit system.
3. The applicant is responsible for securing all necessary, if any, private or public utility easements.
4. Separate permits and fees for side sewer(s), domestic water meter(s), landscape irrigation meter,
and any backflow devices will be required.
5. Any proposed new rockeries or retaining walls to be constructed that are greater than four feet in
height will be require a separate building permit. Proper drainage measures are required.
6. All wire utilities shall be installed underground per the City of Renton Under Grounding Ordinance.
If three or more poles are required to be moved by the development design, all existing overhead
utilities shall be placed underground.
7. Applicant should contact WSDOT to determine design and relocation of Benson Road. This
relocation may impact this project.
8. Cut and cap permits will be required for sewer and water.