HomeMy WebLinkAboutA_Modification of Residential Design Regulations_Leighton Residence_151122_V1DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
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H:\CED\Data\Forms-Templates\Self-Help Handouts\Planning\Modification Application.doc Rev: 12/2015
MODIFICATION OF RESIDENTIAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR
PROJECTS WITHIN THE R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10 AND R-14 ZONES
EVALUATION FORM & DECISION
Planning Division
1055 South Grady Way-Renton, WA 98057
Phone: 425-430-7200 | www.rentonwa.gov
APPLICANT CONTACT INFORMATION
Applicant Name: Company (if applicable):
Mailing Address: Phone:
City/State: Zip:
PROJECT INFORMATION
Project Name: Parcel Number:
Zoning Designation:
Project Location:
Brief Summary of Request:
Please explain how your project proposal meets the "guidelines" for each design element, rather than the
standards.
Code Section: 4-2-115E.3. “Roofs”
Guideline:
Roofs shall represent a variety of forms and profiles
that add character and relief to the landscape of the
neighborhood. The use of bright colors, as well as
roofing that is made of material like gravel and/or a
reflective material, is discouraged.
Compliance with Guidelines:
Code Section: 4-2-115E.3. “Architectural Detailing”
Guideline:
Architectural detail shall be provided that is
appropriate to the architectural character of the home.
Detailing like trim, columns, and/or corner boards shall
reflect the architectural character of the house.
Compliance with Guidelines:
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H:\CED\Data\Forms-Templates\Self-Help Handouts\Planning\Modification Application.doc Rev: 12/2015
Code Section: 4-2-115E.1. “Garages”
Guidelines:
The visual impact of garages shall be minimized, while
porches and front doors shall be the emphasis of the
front of the home. Garages shall be located in a manner
that minimizes the presence of the garage and shall not
be located at the end of view corridors. Alley access is
encouraged. If used, shared garages shall be within an
acceptable walking distance to the housing unit it is
intended to serve
Compliance with Guidelines:
Code Section: 4-2-115E.3. “Windows and Doors”
Guidelines:
Windows and front doors shall serve as an integral part
of the character of the home. Primary windows shall be
proportioned vertically rather than horizontally.
Vertical windows may be combined together to create
a larger window area. Front doors shall be a focal point
of the dwelling and be in scale with the home. All doors
shall be of the same character as the home.
Compliance with Guidelines:
Code Section: 4-2-115E.3. “Primary Entry”
Guidelines:
Entrances to homes shall be a focal point and allow
space for social interaction. Front doors shall face the
street and be on the facade closest to the street. When
a home is located on a corner lot (i.e., at the
intersection of two roads or the intersection of a road
and a common space) a feature like a wrapped porch
shall be used to reduce the perceived scale of the
house and engage the street or open space on both
sides.
Compliance with Guidelines:
Code Section: 4-2-115E.3. “Façade Modulation”
Guidelines:
Buildings shall not have monotonous facades along
public areas. Dwellings shall include articulation along
public frontages; the articulation may include the
connection of an open porch to the building, a dormer
facing the street, or a well-defined entry element.
Compliance with Guidelines:
Code Section: 4-2-115E.3. “Eaves”
Guidelines:
Eaves should be detailed and proportioned to
complement the architectural style of the home.
Compliance with Guidelines:
23020 Edmonds Way, #113, Edmonds, WA 98020 | p. 206.542.3734 | e. heidi@h2darchitects.com
| w. h2darchitects.com
November 9, 2022
Prepared by:
H2D Architecture + Design
23020 Edmonds Way #211
Edmonds, WA 98020
Modification of Residential Design Requirements
4-2-115E.3. “Windows and doors shall constitute 25%
of all facades facing street frontage or public spaces
Property Owners:
Steve and Lisa Leighton
3307 Mountain View Ave N
Renton, WA 98056
The subject property is located at 3307 Mountain View Ave N; King County Tax Assessor No.
3124059077. There is an existing single-family residence constructed in 1993 slated for demolition
and a New Single-Family residence will be constructed partially within the existing footprint. The site
is 29,236SF and has the following known critical area: Shoreline (Lake Washington). The subject
property and adjacent properties are zoned as R-8. The East property line is adjacent to the
Burlington Northern Railroad tracks (King County Parks property) and Lake Washington Blvd (beyond
the tracks).
Due to the unique site conditions, the initial design proposal included a City of Renton
tentatively approved variance to build the house along the East Property Line adjacent to the King
County Parks property in an effort to protect the Lake Washington shoreline on the opposite façade
and meet the programmatic needs of the property owners. Construction along the property line
would require a fire-rated assembly with NO openings allowed. That would have meant an approval
to have no windows facing the adjacent public space. For this reason, the space planning leant itself
to placing more private spaces that typically do not require windows along the East façade. This plan
was rejected by the King County Parks department and rather than re-design the spaces the house
was shifted and adjusted in size to accommodate the setback requirements.
The rooms along the East façade include the following: Loft, Garage, Stair, Pantry Storage,
Hall, Powder, Laundry, Master Bedroom, Master Closet, and Attic Spaces. Windows have been added
and designed to provide adequate light to the appropriate spaces and accommodate the space
planning within. The following areas do not have windows proposed: Pantry Storage (to maximize
storage space) and Master Closet (to protect clothing from UV exposure). The loft space will have 2
vertically oriented windows to coordinate with the South façade and accommodate the furniture
layout including seating and media. The stairs will also have a vertically oriented window at the
landing for light and air flow. All other spaces are proposed to have clerestory windows. This is an
effort to provide privacy to the spaces within (Bathroom/Bedroom).
In order to meet the 25% window/door requirement on the East façade, approximately
442SF of glazing and doors would be required. Given the spatial restrictions noted above, this is
nearly impossible to meet. Even if the Loft, Bedroom, and Powder room had floor to ceiling glazing
the entirety of the façade would still be a few hundred square feet below the 25% requirement. The
proposed glazing and door area is 125 SF. This provides glazing proportionate to the spaces within. To
offset the reduction in glazing area, a variation in siding materials and colors, decorative trim, and
wood-stained window/door trim will enhance the façade on the public facing side.
23020 Edmonds Way, #113, Edmonds, WA 98020 | p. 206.542.3734 | e. heidi@h2darchitects.com
| w. h2darchitects.com
The final reason to reduce glazing along the East façade is a privacy issue. The unique
topography of the Site places the adjacent public walking trail 14 ft above the Main Floor level. As
shown on Sheet A3 of the enclosed submittal package the sight line of people walking along the trail is
directly into the windows of the subject property. If this property were adjacent to street level
pedestrians, a clerestory window could provide connection/light without invasion of privacy to the
residents within. The particular elevation of the build site places pedestrians at a high elevation and in
a position to look down into the home.
The proposed window and door design along the East Façade meets the general guidelines
to provide interaction between the home and adjacent public spaces in an appropriate manner given
the site conditions. Windows are proposed in almost all of the habitable spaces in a means to provide
connection to the exterior without sacrificing the quality of space within or privacy of the
homeowners. Efforts have been made to break up the monotony of the façade with varying siding
materials and colors, undulation of the façade and roof, as well as the visibility of the South entry and
balcony areas with decorative posts, railings, and knee braces.