HomeMy WebLinkAboutJ_Justification_220719_v1PROJECT JUSTIFICATION JULY 17, 2022
BRETT WIEMANN DESIGN LLC
3835 S. EDMUNDS ST.
SEATTLE WA, 98118
206-640-4736
BRETTWIEMANN@GMAIL.COM
HOME OWNERS : SARAH & RICK MILLER
ADDRESS : 439 RENTON AVE S
BRETT WIEMANN DESIGN LLC
To Whom It May Concern,
Below is a justification required for the application for a land use decision to acquire an exemption from zoning
standards of the current Renton Comprehensive Plan.
The strict adherence to the zoning code creates two instances of practical difficulties.
The first practical difficulty is the requested modification of the existing street facing brick facade (Section 4-2-115
Residential Design and Open Space Standards sub paragraph B.2). This facade, and its current trim, window locations,
and other details are reflective of the original era and style of the house. In order to meet the 25% glazing requirement
there would need to be substantial alterations that would ultimately change the aesthetics of the home, its era and would
be an additional financial burden on the homeowner, as well as an irregular solution to an existing unaltered structure.
Furthermore, all windows in the existing structure have been purchased and installed based on the current permit
approved and issued (B22000642)by the city of Renton for the interior remodel work.
The second practical difficulty is in reference to the request to move the existing driveway (Section 4-4-080 Parking,
Loading and Driveway Regulations, sub paragraph B.ii). Due to the steep slope, existing topography, and retaining
walls, any modification of the driveway would prove to be a small and arbitrary shift in regards to the visual impact and
intent of the Renton Comprehensive Plan. Alteration or modification to the existing driveway would have adverse effects
not only on the ability to use the driveway and garage but also on site drainage as the existing driveway structure is both
elevated and on a large concrete slab of which were never intended to be modified. Additionally, the current driveway
location and relationship to the neighboring drive utilize a common curb cut and are both not in compliance with the 5'
setback for driveways. These drives can be categorized as tandem drives and altering either could potentially have
adverse effects on the functionality of the sites with little to no practical improvement to the site in regards to the intents
of the Comprehensive Plan.
It is my belief that safety, functionality, and appearance of the current street facing facade as well as the driveway
location effectively comply with the spirit of the Comprehensive Plan.
Additionally, for your consideration, during the process of acquiring the initial permit for renovation (B22000642), these
requests for facade and drive alterations were not required even though the scope and type of work reviewed
technically would have triggered these zoning requirements. Much of the work allowed via this permit has already been
completed and the city is now asking the homeowners to undo what was originally permitted just a few weeks ago.
I also believe that the code is out of date with current building costs. The value of the construction is well below 50% of
the current valuation of the property. Suggesting an alteration of $50k is equivocal to 50% of the valuation of the
property is severely out of touch with current building costs. A new kitchen has the ability to exceed $50k in expenses.
Thank you for your time and expertise. Please do not hesitate to reach out via phone or email for any additional
requirements, concerns, or corrections.
Cheers,
Brett Wiemann