HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRE011-066,Maplewood Heights Elermentary School, covered play area, R-4 DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE:
January 5, 2012
TO:
Pre-application File No. 11-066
FROM:
Gerald Wasser, Associate Planner
SUBJECT:
Maplewood Heights Elementary School Covered Play Area
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 $100.00
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 at 130 Jericho Avenue SE. The project site is generally flat with a down slope area toward Lyons Avenue SE in the eastern portion of
the property. The property is 377,665 square feet (8.67 acres) in size and is currently developed with an elementary school. The applicant is proposing two options for a covered play
on the school grounds. Option ‘A’ would be adding a roofed structure over an existing flat, uncovered asphalt play area; and Option ‘B’ would be the development of a new, covered play
area in the eastern portion of the school property which would involve the removal of trees and shrubs as well as grading the area which is currently in a down slope area near Lyons
Avenue SE property boundary. Vehicular and pedestrian access to the school grounds would remain unchanged.
Current Use: The parcel is currently developed with Maplewood Heights Elementary School, a Renton School District property.
Zoning/Density Requirements: The subject property is zoned Residential-4 dwelling units per acre (R-4).
Development Standards: The project would be subject to RMC 4-2-110A, “Development Standards for Residential Low Density Zoning Designations” effective at the time of complete application.
A copy of the current standards is included.
Building Standards – The R-4 zone allows a maximum building coverage of 35 percent of the lot area or 2,500 square feet, whichever is greater for lots over 5,000 square feet in size.
Building height is restricted to 30 feet except for publicly owned structures which are allowed additional height in accordance with RMC 4-2-110D.9.d.i and ii. Compliance with building
standards will be determined at the time of building permit review for any new structures. Maximum impervious surface area in the R-4 zone is 55 percent.
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 Zone R-4 are:
Front yard –30 feet for the primary structure;
Rear yard – 25 feet;
Side yards – 5 feet, except 15-feet for side yards along a street.
It appears that both Options ‘A’ and ‘B’ would comply with the development standards specified in RMC 4-2-110A for the R-4 zone.
Access/Parking: Vehicular access and parking would not be affected by the proposed project.
Critical Areas: No critical areas have been identified on the subject site.
Environmental Review: Option ‘A’ would be categorically exempt from Environmental (SEPA) Review.
Because Option ‘B’ would involve the construction of more than 4,000 square feet of floor area, it would require SEPA Review. The Renton School District would be the lead agency for
preparing any necessary environmental documentation. Please note that it may be possible to addend previous environmental documentation.
Staff prefers Option ‘A’ because no new impervious area would be created and no disruption of the existing vegetation in the eastern portion of the site would occur.
Permit Requirements: No land use permits would be required for either Option ‘A’ or Option ‘B’.