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SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 1 of 11
SEPA ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
Purpose of checklist:
Governmental agencies use this checklist to help determine whether the environmental impacts of your
proposal are significant. This information is also helpful to determine if available avoidance, minimization
or compensatory mitigation measures will address the probable significant impacts or if an environmental
impact statement will be prepared to further analyze the proposal.
Instructions for applicants: This environmental checklist asks you to describe some basic information about your proposal. Please
answer each question accurately and carefully, to the best of your knowledge. You may need to consult
with an agency specialist or private consultant for some questions. You may use “not applicable” or
"does not apply" only when you can explain why it does not apply and not when the answer is unknown.
You may also attach or incorporate by reference additional studies reports. Complete and accurate
answers to these questions often avoid delays with the SEPA process as well as later in the decision-
making process.
The checklist questions apply to all parts of your proposal, even if you plan to do them over a period of
time or on different parcels of land. Attach any additional information that will help describe your proposal
or its environmental effects. The agency to which you submit this checklist may ask you to explain your
answers or provide additional information reasonably related to determining if there may be significant
adverse impact.
Instructions for Lead Agencies:
Please adjust the format of this template as needed. Additional information may be necessary to
evaluate the existing environment, all interrelated aspects of the proposal and an analysis of adverse
impacts. The checklist is considered the first but not necessarily the only source of information needed to
make an adequate threshold determination. Once a threshold determination is made, the lead agency is
responsible for the completeness and accuracy of the checklist and other supporting documents.
Use of checklist for nonproject proposals: For nonproject proposals (such as ordinances, regulations, plans and programs), complete the applicable
parts of sections A and B plus the SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET FOR NONPROJECT ACTIONS (part D). Please
completely answer all questions that apply and note that the words "project," "applicant," and "property or
site" should be read as "proposal," "proponent," and "affected geographic area," respectively. The lead
agency may exclude (for non-projects) questions in Part B - Environmental Elements –that do not
contribute meaningfully to the analysis of the proposal.
A. Background
1. Name ofproposed project, if applicable: Installation of residential backyard composite deck
2. Name of applicant: Karen Lang Crane
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3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person: 212 S. 20th Place, Renton, WA 98055
208-880-3296
4. Date checklist prepared: May 27 & June 9, 2022
5. Agency requesting checklist: City of Renton, Department of Community and Economic
Development
6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable): Retroactive to June 2020
7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected with
this proposal? If yes, explain. No.
8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared,
directly related to this proposal.
• GEO Group Northwest, Inc. - Geotechnical Evaluation Report (August 10, 2020)
• GEO Group Northwest, Inc. – Responsive letter to Alan D. Findlay, City of Renton, with
Technical Drawing (October 5, 2020)
• Apex Engineering - Topographical Survey (February 16, 2021)
• GEO Group Northwest, Inc. - Drainage Evaluation Report (March 25, 2022)
9. Do you know whether applications are pending for governmental approvals of other proposals directly
affecting the property covered by your proposal? If yes, explain. Yes. An administrative setback and
reasonable use variances are also pending approval.
10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known. A building
permit, environmental review, and the administrative setback and reasonable use variances are
necessary for this project.
11. Give brief, complete description of your proposal, including the proposed uses and the size of the
project and site. There are several questions later in this checklist that ask you to describe certain
aspects of your proposal. You do not need to repeat those answers on this page. (Lead agencies may
modify this form to include additional specific information on project description.) Building a deck in the
vicinity of a steep slope requiring variances. For further detail, please refer to the materials
provided.
12. Location of the proposal. Give sufficient information for a person to understand the precise location
of your proposed project, including a street address, if any, and section, township, and range, if known.
If a proposal would occur over a range of area, provide the range or boundaries of the site(s). Provide a
legal description, site plan, vicinity map, and topographic map, if reasonably available. While you should
submit any plans required by the agency, you are not required to duplicate maps or detailed plans
submitted with any permit applications related to this checklist. [address, parcel number] Northern side
of property. For further detail, please refer to the referemce materials provided.
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B. Environmental Elements
1. Earth
a. General description of the site: Residential property with steep slope
b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)? < 90%.
c. What general types of soils are found on the site (for example, clay, sand, gravel, peat, muck)?
The soils on the site consist of dense soil derived from weathered sandstone from the Renton
Formation (Tr). The presence of shallow bedrock is a mitigating factor in regards to stability of
the slope at the northern extent of the site. It is our interpretation that the slope is comprised of
bedrock, which is evidenced by local geologic mapping, and because the slope is currently at
inclinations steeper than a soils’ natural angle of repose. Per our geotechnical engineers’
opinions, no additional mitigation is required for slope stability or deck support. See GEO
Group Northwest, Inc. - Drainage Evaluation Report (March 25, 2022).
If you know the classification of agricultural soils, specify them and note any agricultural land of long-
term commercial significance and whether the proposal results in removing any of these soils. Does not
apply.
d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so, describe.
None known.
e. Describe the purpose, type, total area, and approximate quantities and total affected area of any
filling, excavation, and grading proposed. Indicate source of fill. None proposed.
f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe. There
was a concern of potential erosion occurring; however, the geotechnical evaluation and review
has determined and certified that the location is stable.
g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project
construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)? 2,756 SF, or 55% of lot square footage, per R-6
zoning requirements.
Value Description
5,011 Lot square footage (per the King County Assessor’s Office
https://blue.kingcounty.com/Assessor/eRealProperty/Detail.aspx?ParcelNbr=8860500070
2,756 Allowable impervious surface (55% x 5,011 = 2,756 SF)
1,944 Footprint of the house, garage, and driveway (900 house, 440 garage, and 604
driveway) square footage (per the King County Assessor’s Office)
+406 Existing Deck: (12’ x 38’ - 50 SF for planting area)
2,350 Total existing impervious surface
+406 New Deck: additional impervious surface
2,756 Total Proposed Impervious Surface
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any:
The existing stormwater management for the site is effective and does not adversely affect the
proposed deck area. An aluminum drainage grate is proposed to accommodate the 405 SF of
new deck area added via gravity flow to the existing stormwater management system
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(downspouts). Drainage will not drain directly below in the retaining wall backfill area. See
GEO Group Northwest, Inc. - Drainage Evaluation Report (March 25, 2022).
2. Air a. What types of emissions to the air would result from the proposal during construction,
operation, and maintenance when the project is completed? If any, generally describe and
give approximate quantities if known. Does not apply.
b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so,
generally describe. Does not apply.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any: Does not
apply.
3. Water a. Surface Water: 1. Is there any surface water body on or in the immediate vicinity of the site (including year-round
and seasonal streams, saltwater, lakes, ponds, wetlands)? If yes, describe type and provide
names. If appropriate, state what stream or river it flows into. Does not apply.
2. Will the project require any work over, in, or adjacent to (within 200 feet) the described waters? If
yes, please describe and attach available plans. Does not apply.
3. Estimate the amount of fill and dredge material that would be placed in or removed
from surface water or wetlands and indicate the area of the site that would be affected. Indicate
the source of fill material. Does not apply.
4. Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general description,
purpose, and approximate quantities if known. Does not apply.
5. Does the proposal lie within a 100-year floodplain? If so, note location on the site plan. Does not
apply.
6. Does the proposal involve any discharges of waste materials to surface waters? If so, describe
the type of waste and anticipated volume of discharge. Does not apply.
b. Ground Water:
1. Will groundwater be withdrawn from a well for drinking water or other purposes? If so, give a
general description of the well, proposed uses and approximate quantities withdrawn from the
well. Will water be discharged to groundwater? Give general description, purpose, and
approximate quantities if known. Does not apply.
2. Describe waste material that will be discharged into the ground from septic tanks or other sources,
if any (for example: Domestic sewage; industrial, containing the following chemicals. . . ;
agricultural; etc.). Describe the general size of the system, the number of such systems, the
number of houses to be served (if applicable), or the number of animals or humans the system(s)
are expected to serve. Does not apply.
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c. Water runoff (including stormwater):
1. Describe the source of runoff (including storm water) and method of collection and disposal, if
any (include quantities, if known). Where will this water flow? Will this water flow into other waters? If
so, describe. See response to question B(1)(h) above and GEO Group Northwest, Inc. - Drainage
Evaluation Report (March 25, 2022).
2. Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe. No.
3. Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of the site? If so,
describe. No.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water, and drainage pattern
impacts, if any: See GEO Group Northwest, Inc. - Drainage Evaluation Report (March 25, 2022)
4. Plants
a. Check the types of vegetation found on the site:
__X__deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other
_____evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other
__X__shrubs
__X__grass
____pasture
____crop or grain
____ Orchards, vineyards or other permanent crops.
____ wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bullrush, skunk cabbage, other
____water plants: water lily, eelgrass, milfoil, other
____other types of vegetation
b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered? None
c. List threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. None
d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance
vegetation on the site, if any: None
e. List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site. Blackberries in
neighboring yard.
5. Animals a. List any birds and other animals which have been observed on or near the site or are
known to be on or near the site. Does not apply.
Examples include:
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birds: hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds, other:
mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other:
fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other ________
b. List any threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. Does not
apply.
c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain. Does not apply.
d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any: Does not apply.
e. List any invasive animal species known to be on or near the site. Does not apply.
6. Energy and Natural Resources
a. What kinds of energy (electric, natural gas, oil, wood stove, solar) will be used to meet
the completed project's energy needs? Describe whether it will be used for heating,
manufacturing, etc. Does not apply.
b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties?
If so, generally describe. Does not apply.
c. What kinds of energy conservation features are included in the plans of this proposal?
List other proposed measures to reduce or control energy impacts, if any: Does not apply.
7. Environmental Health
a. Are there any environmental health hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, risk
of fire and explosion, spill, or hazardous waste, that could occur as a result of this proposal?
If so, describe. Does not apply.
1. Describe any known or possible contamination at the site from present or past uses.
Does not apply.
2. Describe existing hazardous chemicals/conditions that might affect project development
and design. This includes underground hazardous liquid and gas transmission pipelines
located within the project area and in the vicinity. Does not apply.
3. Describe any toxic or hazardous chemicals that might be stored, used, or produced
during the project's development or construction, or at any time during the operating
life of the project. Does not apply.
4. Describe special emergency services that might be required. Does not apply.
5. Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any: Does
not apply.
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b. Noise
1. What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example: traffic,
equipment, operation, other)? Does not apply.
2. What types and levels of noise would be created by or associated with the project on a short-term
or a long-term basis (for example: traffic, construction, operation, other)? Indicate what hours
noise would come from the site. Does not apply.
3. Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any: Does not apply.
8. Land and Shoreline Use
a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties? Will the proposal affect current land
uses on nearby or adjacent properties? If so, describe. Residential including neighboring properties
(Zoned R-6).
b. Has the project site been used as working farmlands or working forest lands? If so, describe. How
much agricultural or forest land of long-term commercial significance will be converted to other uses as a
result of the proposal, if any? If resource lands have not been designated, how many acres in farmland or
forest land tax status will be converted to nonfarm or nonforest use? No.
1. Will the proposal affect or be affected by surrounding working farm or forest land normal
business operations, such as oversize equipment access, the application of pesticides, tilling,
and harvesting? If so, how: No
c. Describe any structures on the site. Single family residence
d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what? None
e. What is the current zoning classification of the site? R-6
f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site? Residential medium
density
g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site? Does
not apply.
h. Has any part of the site been classified as a critical area by the city or county? If so,
specify. Yes. Steep slope, erosion hazards, landslide hazards, and coal mine hazard.
i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project? Single
family residence; no changes made to household.
j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace? None
k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any: None
l. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land uses
and plans, if any: None
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m. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts to agricultural and forest lands of long-term
commercial significance, if any: Does not apply.
9. Housing
a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-
income housing. Does not apply.
b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-
income housing. Does not apply.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any: Does not apply.
10. Aesthetics
a. What is the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including antennas; what is
the principal exterior building material(s) proposed? Deck is at grade; no increased height to
existing structure.
b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed? None
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any: Does not apply.
11. Light and Glare a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly occur?
Does not apply.
b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views? Does not
apply.
c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal? Does not apply.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any: Does not apply.
12. Recreation
a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity?
Does not apply.
b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe. Does not
apply.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation opportunities to
be provided by the project or applicant, if any: Does not apply.
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13. Historic and cultural preservation
a. Are there any buildings, structures, or sites, located on or near the site that are over 45 years old
listed in or eligible for listing in national, state, or local preservation registers ? If so, specifically describe.
Does not apply.
b. Are there any landmarks, features, or other evidence of Indian or historic use or occupation? This
may include human burials or old cemeteries. Are there any material evidence, artifacts, or areas of
cultural importance on or near the site? Please list any professional studies conducted at the site to
identify such resources. Does not apply.
c. Describe the methods used to assess the potential impacts to cultural and historic resources on or
near the project site. Examples include consultation with tribes and the department of archeology and
historic preservation, archaeological surveys, historic maps, GIS data, etc. Does not apply.
d. Proposed measures to avoid, minimize, or compensate for loss, changes to, and disturbance to
resources. Please include plans for the above and any permits that may be required. Does not apply.
14. Transportation a. Identify public streets and highways serving the site or affected geographic area and describe
proposed access to the existing street system. Show on site plans, if any. Does not apply.
b. Is the site or affected geographic area currently served by public transit? If so, generally
describe. If not, what is the approximate distance to the nearest transit stop? Does not apply.
c. How many additional parking spaces would the completed project or non-project proposal have?
How many would the project or proposal eliminate? Does not apply.
d. Will the proposal require any new or improvements to existing roads, streets, pedestrian, bicycle
or state transportation facilities, not including driveways? If so, generally describe (indicate whether
public or private). Does not apply.
e. Will the project or proposal use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air
transportation? If so, generally describe. Does not apply.
f. How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the completed project or proposal? If
known, indicate when peak volumes would occur and what percentage of the volume would be trucks
(such as commercial and nonpassenger vehicles). What data or transportation models were used to
make these estimates? Does not apply.
g. Will the proposal interfere with, affect or be affected by the movement of agricultural and
forest products on roads or streets in the area? If so, generally describe. Does not apply.
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any: Does not apply.
15. Public Services
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a. Would the project result in an increased need for public services (for example: fire
protection, police protection, public transit, health care, schools, other)? If so, generally
describe. Does not apply.
b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any. Does
not apply.
16. Utilities
a. List utilities currently available at the site: Electricity, natural gas, water, refuse
service, telephone and sanitary sewer are all currently on the property.
b. Describe the utilities that are proposed for the project, the utility providing the service,
and the general construction activities on the site or in the immediate vicinity which might
be needed. None
C. Signature The above answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that the
lead agency is relying on them to make its decision.
Signature: ___________________________________________________
Name of signee _______Karen Lang Crane____________________________
Position and Agency/Organization ____N/A____________________________
Date Submitted: __June 9, 2022___________
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 11 of 11
D. Supplemental sheet for nonproject actions
Does not apply.
(IT IS NOT NECESSARY to use this sheet for project actions)
Because these questions are very general, it may be helpful to read them in conjunction with the
list of the elements of the environment.
When answering these questions, be aware of the extent the proposal, or the types of activities
likely to result from the proposal, would affect the item at a greater intensity or at a faster rate than
if the proposal were not implemented. Respond briefly and in general terms.
1. How would the proposal be likely to increase discharge to water; emissions to air; production,
storage, or release of toxic or hazardous substances; or production of noise?
Proposed measures to avoid or reduce such increases are:
2. How would the proposal be likely to affect plants, animals, fish, or marine life?
Proposed measures to protect or conserve plants, animals, fish, or marine life are:
3. How would the proposal be likely to deplete energy or natural resources?
Proposed measures to protect or conserve energy and natural resources are:
4. How would the proposal be likely to use or affect environmentally sensitive areas or areas
designated (or eligible or under study) for governmental protection; such as parks, wilderness, wild and
scenic rivers, threatened or endangered species habitat, historic or cultural sites, wetlands, floodplains, or
prime farmlands?
Proposed measures to protect such resources or to avoid or reduce impacts are:
5. How would the proposal be likely to affect land and shoreline use, including whether it would allow
or encourage land or shoreline uses incompatible with existing plans?
Proposed measures to avoid or reduce shoreline and land use impacts are:
6. How would the proposal be likely to increase demands on transportation or public services and
utilities?
Proposed measures to reduce or respond to such demand(s) are:
7. Identify, if possible, whether the proposal may conflict with local, state, or federal laws or
requirements for the protection of the environment.