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SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 1 of 12
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 [HELP]
1. Name of proposed project, if applicable: Washington State Auto Dealers Association
(WSADA) Building Addition and Improvements
2. Name of applicant: Vicki Giles Fabrè
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3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person: 621 Southwest Grady Way,
Renton, WA 98057; (206) 433-6300
4. Date checklist prepared: October 14, 2022
5. Agency requesting checklist: City of Renton
6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable): Demolition and construction
to spring 2023 and continue until fall 2023
7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or
connected with this proposal? If yes, explain. Not at this time.
8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be
prepared, directly related to this proposal. None known.
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. None known.
10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known.
SEPA Review, Site Plan Review, Building permits, Civil Construction permits.
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.) Demolition of the existing patio and landscaping to accommodate
construction of a two-story addition to the existing WSADA offices. The addition will
include stairs, and elevator, restrooms, training room, and kitchen area. Including
areas that might experience landscape removal, the project involves approximately
4,000 square feet.
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. The project is located at 621 Southwest Grady Street, Renton,
WA 98055. The site is on King County tax parcel 3340404730. The site is located in the
NW ¼ of Section 19, Township 23 North, Range 5 East, Willamette Meridian, in King
County, Washington. Site plan and vicinity maps are included with the SEPA
permitting package.
B. Environmental Elements [HELP]
1. Earth [help]
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a. General description of the site: The project site is generally flat, and fully developed with
the existing WSADA office on the westerly portion of the site, and parking on the
easterly portion of the site. In the project area, the site slopes gently up from the
foundation of the offices to the roadways to the north and west.
(circle one): Flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other _____________
b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)? ±14% at the
northwesterly corner of the site abutting Southwest Grady Way. Average slope
throughout the developed portion of the site is ±3%.
c. What general types of soils are found on the site (for example, clay, sand, gravel, peat,
muck)? 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. A geotechnical report prepared by E3RA, dated April 12,
2012 is included with the SEPA permitting package. Per the report, on-site soils
consist of “fill, consisting of medium dense to dense silty sand with varying amounts
of gravel, organics, and construction debris.” The fill was recorded as being 4 to 5 feet
in thickness at the northern edge of the site down to 1 foot or less at the southern
edge. This fill was topped with 3 to 6 inches of topsoil. Under the site is an alluvial
layer comprised of soft to medium stiff silt and loose, silty fine sand that extended
13½ to 24 feet below grade from east to west. Beneath the alluvial layer is a second
alluvial layer of medium dense to very dense sand with gravel. A supplementary
geotechnical engineering letter specific to this project, dated 09/26/2022 has also been
provided.
d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so,
describe. No.
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. Our conceptual site
plan will disturb approximately 4,000 SF of surface; and will involve earthwork of
approximately ±40 CY cut and ±40 CY fill, for a total earthwork of ±80 CY . Fill will be
comprised of structural fill obtained from local quarry, as sourced by the earthwork
contractor. Structural fill will be in accordance with Washington State Department of
Transportation standard specifications.
f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe.
Earthwork to prepare site for proposed building and permanent site features will
generally be lower than existing grade, and contained within the excavation footprint.
Installation of temporary erosion and sedimentation control (TESC) devices will be
required prior to clearing and grading activity. The proposed building, paved surfaces,
and landscaping will provide permanent stabilization for all exposed surfaces.
g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project
construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)? Approximately 78% of the total site area
will be covered with impervious surfaces upon completion of construction.
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any:
As described in section “f” above, TESC measures will be installed to minimize
erosion during construction per the CSWPPP included in the Civil Construction permit
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package. After construction, the site will be permanently stabilized with buildings,
pavement, and landscaped surfaces.
2. Air [help]
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. Typical earthwork construction equipment is
expected to be used during construction of the project. Upon completion of the
project, we do not anticipate any emissions from the site that are atypical for an office
building.
b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so,
generally describe. None known.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any: None
proposed
3. Water [help]
a. Surface Water: [help]
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. No.
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. No.
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. N/A
4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general
description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. No.
5) Does the proposal lie within a 100-year floodplain? If so, note location on the site plan.
No.
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. No.
b. Ground Water: [help]
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. Dewatering of groundwater
may be required for construction of foundation construction or relocation of storm
structures. Quantities depend on seasonal groundwater table elevation, and the
time and duration of construction.
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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. None proposed.
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. Stormwater is the only runoff
anticipated on-site. The roof runoff from the proposed building expansion will
connect to the existing roof drain. No new or replaced pollution generating hard
surfaces are proposed for this project. Stormwater from new/replaced surfaces will
be detained in accordance with the City of Renton Stormwater Manual and
discharged to the City stormwater system.
2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe. The site
will be equipped with a stormwater system designed to collect surface water runoff
and convey it to the City system via a stormwater detention feature. The existing
biorention cell will treat storm water runoff from Raymond Avenue.
3) Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of the site? If
so, describe. No, all surface water is currently tributary to the City stormwater
system in Raymond Ave SW via the same outfall as before.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water, and drainage
pattern impacts, if any: We are proposing to maintain the existing treatment system on the
site. The larger Stormtech storage chamber will remain unmodified. The 48” diameter
storage pipe providing storage for the bioretention pond in the southwest corner of the
site will be replaced with a shorter pipe, larger diameter pipe that provides equivalent
storage. Stormwater discharged from the site will also be treated.
4. Plants [help]
a. Check the types of vegetation found on the site:
_x__deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other
_x__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
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b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered? One 6” Red Maple is
proposed to be permanently removed to maintain access to the addition. Shrubs on-
site will be protected as possible, but may need to be removed and replaced to
facilitate construction.
c. List threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. None known.
d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance
vegetation on the site, if any: Trees and landscaping will be installed or replaced in
accordance with City of Renton landscaping requirements.
e. List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site. None known.
5. Animals [help]
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.
Examples include:
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. None known.
c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain. Pacific flyway.
d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any: None proposed.
e. List any invasive animal species known to be on or near the site. None known.
6. Energy and Natural Resources [help]
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. Existing electric or natural gas, heating only.
b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties?
If so, generally describe. No other sites are in proximity to be affected by the
addition/new building.
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: None.
7. Environmental Health [help]
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. There are no environmental hazards associated with this proposal that
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 7 of 12
are atypical from an office. The office will utilize industry standard BMPs to contain
these materials (e.g., cleaning products) and prevent spills.
1) Describe any known or possible contamination at the site from present or past uses.
None known.
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. None known.
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. No toxic or hazardous chemicals or materials are expected to be
stored, used, or produced on-site.
4) Describe special emergency services that might be required. None known.
5) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any: No
environmental health hazards are expected.
b. Noise
1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example:
traffic, equipment, operation, other)? Traffic on nearby Interstate 405, alley between
SW Grady Way and SW 12thSt, SW Grady Way, and Raymond Ave SW. Engine
noise on-site, bus depot to the west, and from other automobile dealerships
adjacent to the site.
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)? Indi-
cate what hours noise would come from the site. During construction of the project,
we expect the noise of conventional earthwork moving equipment, and tools for
construction of the addition to be heard during authorized hours. After
construction, noise will be limited to cars in the parking lot during normal business
hours only.
3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any: None proposed.
8. Land and Shoreline Use [help]
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. The site and the neighboring
parcel are zoned as Commercial Arterial, as well as the properties to the east.
Properties to the south, west, and north are zoned as Industrial – Medium. The site,
and nearby sites are presently used for office buildings and rental spaces. There is a
bus depot to the west. All areas have the Auto Mall Area A overlay.
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
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nonforest use? The subject site has been developed for at least 50 years, not used as
farmlands or working forest lands.
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. The site is currently occupied by the WSADA office
building.
d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what? An existing concrete patio attached to the
existing building will be removed.
e. What is the current zoning classification of the site? Commercial Arterial with Auto Mall
Area A overlay.
f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site? Commercial Mixed Use.
g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site? N/A
h. Has any part of the site been classified as a critical area by the city or county? If so, specify.
No, areas immediately south of the property, adjacent to the Interstate 405 on-ramp
have been designated as a landslide hazard area.
i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project?
This project will not result in any new employees.
j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace? None.
k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any: N/A
L. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land
uses and plans, if any: N/A
m. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts to agricultural and forest lands of long-term
commercial significance, if any: N/A
9. Housing [help]
a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, mid-
dle, or low-income housing. None.
b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high,
middle, or low-income housing. None.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any: N/A
10. Aesthetics [help]
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a. What is the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including antennas; what is
the principal exterior building material(s) proposed? 29’. Principal exterior building
materials include aluminum, glazing, and wooden slats.
b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed? None.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any: N/A
11. Light and Glare [help]
a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly
occur? The addition will have not have additional lighting.
b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views? This
particular project will not substantially alter lighting in the vicinity to present a safety
hazard or interfere with views.
c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal? None.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any: No light fixtures are
proposed.
12. Recreation [help]
a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity? N/A
b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe. No.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation
opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any: None.
13. Historic and cultural preservation [help]
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. None known.
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. None known.
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.
No impacts are expected.
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. No
impacts are expected.
14. Transportation [help]
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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. The project site
currently has and will maintain direct access to the alley between SW Grady Way and
SW 12th St, and direct access to SW Grady Way.
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? The site is
within ¼ mile King County Metro bus stops located near the intersection of SW Grady
Way and Lind Ave SW.
c. How many additional parking spaces would the completed project or non-project proposal
have? How many would the project or proposal eliminate? No parking will be required or
affected.
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). No.
e. Will the project or proposal use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air
transportation? If so, generally describe. No.
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? Although this project only improves the
functionality of the existing facility and does not propose to add any employees or
visitors to the site, Heath & Associates, Inc. prepared a Trip Generation Assessment to
determine what the proposed additional area would yield under the same building use.
Assuming the 1,390 SF is additional “General Office” area per ITE’s Trip Generation,
the project would add 2 trips each in the AM peak hour and the PM peak hour. See
Heath’s Trip Generation Assessment, dated 9/20/2022, which has been submitted with
the land use permitting documents under separate cover.
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. No.
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any: None.
15. Public Services [help]
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. No.
b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any. None.
16. Utilities [help]
a. Circle utilities currently available at the site:
electricity, natural gas, water, refuse service, telephone, sanitary sewer, septic system,
other ___________ All of the above.
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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.