HomeMy WebLinkAboutD_Honey_Dew_CAE_FINALDEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
D_Honey_Dew_CAE_FINAL
PLANNING DIVISION
CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION
FROM CRITICAL AREAS REGULATIONS
EVALUATION FORM & DECISION
DATE OF DECISION: December 8, 2022
PROJECT NUMBER: LUA22-000400, CAE
PROJECT NAME: Honey Dew Elementary School Field Upgrades
PROJECT MANAGER: Jill Ding, Senior Planner
APPLICANT/OWNER: Renton School District #403
300 SW 7th St, Renton, WA 98057
CONTACT: Johnny Hong, Integrus Architecture
117 S Main St, Seattle, WA 98104
PROJECT LOCATION: 800 Union Ave NE, Renton, WA 98059
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The applicant is requesting a Critical Areas Exemption for improvements to an
existing athletic field at Honey Dew Elementary School. The proposed field improvements would include the
removal of the top 2 inches of sod, organics, and debris that has accumulated over the years. The removed material
would be replaced with 2 inches of sand and a ¾-inch thick layer of new grass sod. An existing wetland has been
identified off site to the north of the project site. The existing athletic field is located within the wetland buffer. A
landslide hazard area and seismic hazard area are also mapped on the project site. A SEPA threshold Determination
of Non-Significance was issued by the Renton School District for the proposed work on October 19, 2022.
CRITICAL AREA: Wetland Buffer
EXEMPTION JUSTIFICATION: RMC 4-3-050C.3.g.i Remodeling, Replacing, Removing Existing Structures, Facilities,
and Improvements: Remodeling, restoring, replacing or removing structures, facilities and other improvements in
existence or vested on the date this Section becomes effective and that do not meet the setback or buffer
requirements of this Section provided the work complies with the criteria in RMC 4-10-090.
A legally nonconforming, regulated activity or structure that was in existence or approved or vested prior to the
passage of the Critical Area Regulations, RMC 4-3-050, and to which significant economic resources have been
committed pursuant to such approval but which is not in conformity with the provisions of RMC 4-3-050 may be
continued; provided, that:
1. No such legal nonconforming activity or structure shall be expanded, changed, enlarged or altered in any way
that infringes further on the critical area that increases the extent of its nonconformity with this Section
without a permit issued pursuant to the provisions of RMC 4-3-050;
DocuSign Envelope ID: D78C26C7-B61C-43E3-BB22-2C437FD3C24B
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Devel opment Certificate of Exemption From Critical Areas Regulations
Honey Dew Elementary School Field Upgrades LUA22-000400, CAE
Permit Date: December 8, 2022 Page 2 of 3
D_Honey_Dew_CAE_FINAL
Staff Comment: The proposal includes the replacement of an existing athletic field, no expansion of the field is
proposed that would infringe further into the wetland or associated buffer area.
2. Except for cases of ongoing agricultural uses, if a nonconforming activity is discontinued pursuant to RMC 4-
10-060, any resumption of the activity shall conform to this Section;
Staff Comment: The athletic field use is existing and has not been discontinued, the proposal includes
improvements to the existing athletic field.
3. Except for cases of ongoing agricultural use, if a nonconforming use or activity or structure is destroyed by
human activities or an act of God, it shall not be resumed or reconstructed except in conformity with the
provisions of RMC 4-3-050, 4-10-050 and 4-10-060;
Staff Comment: The existing athletic field has not been destroyed by an act of G od, the proposal includes
improvements to the existing field so that its use may be continued.
4. Activities or adjuncts thereof that are or become nuisances shall not be entitled to continue as nonconforming
activities.
Staff Comment: The existing athletic field use is not a nuisance that should be discontinued.
FINDINGS: The proposed development is consistent with the following findings pursuant to RMC section
4-3-050C.2.d:
i. The activity is not prohibited by this or any other provision of the Renton Municipal
Code or State or Federal law or regulation;
Staff Comment: The proposed field improvements are not prohibited by any provisions
of the Renton Municipal Code or State or Federal low or regulation.
ii. The activity will be conducted using best management practices as specified by industry
standards or applicable Federal agencies or scientific principles;
Staff Comment: The proposed field improvements would be conducted uti lizing best
management practices as established by the 2022 City of Renton Surface Water Design
Manual.
iii. Impacts are minimized and, where applicable, disturbed areas are immediately
restored;
Staff Comment: There is existing fencing between the existing athletic field and the
wetland. Proposed field improvements would not extend beyond the limits of the
existing fencing, therefore no new impacts to the wetland to the north are anticipated.
iv. Where water body or buffer disturbance has occurred in accordance with an exemption
during construction or other activities, revegetation with native vegetation shall be
required;
DocuSign Envelope ID: D78C26C7-B61C-43E3-BB22-2C437FD3C24B
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Devel opment Certificate of Exemption From Critical Areas Regulations
Honey Dew Elementary School Field Upgrades LUA22-000400, CAE
Permit Date: December 8, 2022 Page 3 of 3
D_Honey_Dew_CAE_FINAL
Staff Comment: As discussed above, the existing fields are fenced, therefore, it is not
anticipated that the proposed improvements would result in water body or buffer
disturbances beyond the boundaries of the existing athletic fields.
v. If a hazardous material, activity, and/or facility that is exempt pursuant to this Section
has a significant or substantial potential to degrade groundwater quality, then the
Administrator may require compliance with the Wellhead Protection Area
requirements of this Section otherwise relevant to that hazardous material, activity,
and/or facility. Such determinations will be based upon site and/or chemical-specific
data.
Staff Comment: It is not anticipated that the proposed field improvements would result
in hazardous materials infiltrating the groundwater.
DECISION: An exemption from the Critical Areas Regulations is hereby Approved .
SIGNATURE & DATE OF DECISION:
________________________________________ ____________________________________
Vanessa Dolbee, Planning Director Date
RECONSIDERATION: Within 14 days of the decision date, any party may request that the decision be reopened by
the approval body. The approval body may modify his decision if material evidence not readily discoverable prior
to the original decision is found or if he finds there was misrepresentation of fact. After review of the
reconsideration request, if the approval body finds sufficient evidence to amend the original decision, there will
be no further extension of the appeal period. Any person wishing to take further action must file a formal appeal
within the 14-day appeal time frame.
APPEALS: This administrative land use decision will become final if not appealed in writing to the Hearing
Examiner on or before 5:00 PM on December 22, 2022. An appeal of the decision must be filed within the 14-
day appeal period (RCW 43.21.C.075(3); WAC 197-11-680). Appeals must be submitted electronically to the City
Clerk at cityclerk@rentonwa.gov or delivered to City Hall 1st floor Lobby Hub Monday through Friday. The appeal
fee, normally due at the time an appeal is submitted, will be collected at a future date if your appeal is submitted
electronically. The appeal submitted in person may be paid on the first floor in our Finance Department. Appeals
to the Hearing Examiner are governed by RMC 4-8-110 and additional information regarding the appeal process
may be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office, cityclerk@rentonwa.gov.
EXPIRATION: Five (5) years from the date of decision (date signed).
Attachments: Project Narrative, Site Plan, SEPA DNS
cc: Renton School District / Owner
DocuSign Envelope ID: D78C26C7-B61C-43E3-BB22-2C437FD3C24B
12/8/2022 | 2:54 PM PST
255 S. King Street, Suite 800, Seattle, WA 98104 | 206.426.2600 | JACOBSONENGINEERS.COM
November 29, 2022
Jill Ding
Senior Planner
City of Renton
Planning Division
1055 S Grady Way, 6th Floor
Renton, WA 98057
Re: Honey Dew ES Safety Upgrades – Critical Areas Exemption Request Letter - Wetlands
Dear Ms. Ding,
The Renton School District is proposing a project to recondition the existing athletic field at Honey Dew
Elementary School located at 800 Union Ave NE on the east side of the campus. The athletic field is
bound by NE 8th ST to the south and Bremerton Ave NE to the east, the existing Next-Door Church
property (Parcel #1023059078), a residential parcel (Parcel #1023059512), as well as parcel containing a
wetland tract (Parcel #102305TR-A) to the north, and Honey Dew Elementary School to the west. Two
parcels (Parcel #1023059121 & Parcel #1023059007) make up the school property.
Reconditioning of the existing athletic field will consist of stripping and removing the top 2-inches of
sod, organics, and debris that has accumulated over the years. Once stripping activity is complete, 2-
inches of sand and a ¾-inch thick layer of new grass sod will be placed. The approximate 9.25-inch to
11-inch layer of root zone mix and sand below, including sub-grade and perforated field sub-drainage,
will remain undisturbed.
Existing grades along the perimeter of the athletic field will remain unchanged. The existing storm
drainage system, including perforated field underdrain piping, and 18-inch conveyance pipe and
associated drainage structures will also remain undisturbed and are not proposed to be modified as part
of the project. See Civil Sheets C100 and C200 included with this submittal.
A portion of the field is located within an existing 200-ft wetland buffer for the wetland that is located
north of the field on separate property parcels (102305TR-A & 1023059078). To the best of our
knowledge, according to the City of Renton (GIS) COR Maps available online, the 18-inch conveyance
storm pipe that runs north-south through the approximate middle of the athletic field is used for
stormwater overflows from the existing wetland. The stormwater continues to be conveyed south and
offsite through a series of 18-inch and 24-inch storm pipes, until it discharges to a regional stormwater
facility located roughly 700 south of the field. See attached Offsite Drainage Exhibit.
The project is not impacting the existing adjacent Wetland, including existing grades and storm system
associated with Wetland, which will remain and be undisturbed. Since the project will not impact the
functioning of the existing Wetland, but is performing work within the 200-ft Wetland Buffer, the
project proposes to request a Critical Areas Exemption be granted by the City of Renton to waive the
requirement for the project to perform a Wetland Study and submit and Wetland Delineation Report.
DocuSign Envelope ID: D78C26C7-B61C-43E3-BB22-2C437FD3C24B
255 S. King Street, Suite 800, Seattle, WA 98104 | 206.426.2600 | JACOBSONENGINEERS.COM
As stated in the City of Renton Municipal Code Section RMC 4-3-050C.3.g.i, we believe the project can
be categorized under exempt activity of “Remodeling, Replacing, Removing Existing Structures, Facilities,
and Improvements20” with footnote 20 stating “Remodeling, restoring, replacing or removing structures,
facilities and other improvements in existence or vested on the date this Section becomes effective and
that do not meet the setback or buffer requirements of this section provided the work complies with the
criteria in RMC 4-10-090.” Section 4-10-090 is listed below with our responses addressing each item in
blue.
4-10-090 CRITICAL AREAS REGULATIONS – NONCONFORMING ACTIVITIES AND STRUCTURES:
A legally nonconforming, regulated activity or structure that was in existence or approved or vested
prior to the passage of the Critical Area Regulations, RMC 4-3-050, and to which significant economic
resources have been committed pursuant to such approval but which is not in conformity with the
provisions of RMC 4-3-050 may be continued; provided, that:
1. No such legal nonconforming activity or structure shall be expanded, changed, enlarged or altered in
any way that infringes further on the critical area that increases the extent of its nonconformity with this
Section without a permit issued pursuant to the provisions of RMC 4-3-050;
To the best of our knowledge, the project does not propose to expand, change, enlarge, or alter any
grading or storm drainage structure, storm pipe, or system directly within existing the Wetland (critical
area) or adjacent 200-ft buffer that is located on a portion of the existing Honey Dew Elementary
School’s athletic field.
2. Except for cases of ongoing agricultural uses, if a nonconforming activity is discontinued pursuant to
RMC 4-10-060, any resumption of the activity shall conform to this Section;
To the best of our knowledge, the proposed field reconditioning is maintaining an existing condition that
was legally established but deemed non-conforming due to establishment within an existing Wetland
Buffer. The work associated with the field activity is not altering, extending, enlarging, or relocating any
portion of the existing field that would impact the existing Wetland.
DocuSign Envelope ID: D78C26C7-B61C-43E3-BB22-2C437FD3C24B
255 S. King Street, Suite 800, Seattle, WA 98104 | 206.426.2600 | JACOBSONENGINEERS.COM
3. Except for cases of ongoing agricultural use, if a nonconforming use or activity or structure is
destroyed by human activities or an act of God, it shall not be resumed or reconstructed except in
conformity with the provisions of RMC 4-3-050, 4-10-050 and 4-10-060;
The existing athletic field is being reconditioned by replacing the top 2-inch layer of sand, organics, and
debris, with a new 2-inch layer of sand overlaid by 3/4-inch-thick grass sod. The proposed work
associated with the field is considered maintenance and will closely match existing conditions, and to
the best of our knowledge, will not impact the existing adjacent Wetland.
4. Activities or adjuncts thereof that are or become nuisances shall not be entitled to continue as
nonconforming activities.
The proposed work associated with the field is considered maintenance that will closely match existing
conditions and should not be considered nuisance activity, and to the best of our knowledge, will not
impact the existing adjacent Wetland.
Based on our review of the criteria outlined above of RMC 4-3-050 of the City of Renton Municipal Code,
we feel the work associated with reconditioning the existing Honey Dew Elementary School’s athletic
field will not impact the adjacent existing Wetland and therefore request to have the requirement for
performing a Wetland Study and Subsequent Issuance of a Wetland Delineation Report, waived for the
project. The project is important as it is maintaining and existing community asset that provides
significant benefit to the surrounding neighborhoods and residents of the City of Renton.
Thank you for consideration and time in reviewing this exemption request. Should you have questions,
or if I can provide you with additional information, please feel free to contact me at (206) 426-2600 or
alan@jacobsonengineers.com.
Regards,
Alan Jacobson, P.E., Principal
Sascha Eastman, P.E. Senior Project Manager
CC: Mike Cato, Renton School District
Johnny Hong, Integrus Architecture
Attachment: HDES_Offsite Drainage Exbibit_221128.pdf
DocuSign Envelope ID: D78C26C7-B61C-43E3-BB22-2C437FD3C24B
255 S. King Street, Suite 800, Seattle, WA 98104 | 206.399.6233 | JACOBSONENGINEERS.COM
OFFSITE DRAINAGE EXHIBIT
SCALE: NTS
206.426.2600
Project Sites
Stormwater Pond
Wetland
18"18"24"15"12"12"18"
Regional Stormwater
Facility
12"
DocuSign Envelope ID: D78C26C7-B61C-43E3-BB22-2C437FD3C24B
TTTTTTN.E. 8TH STREET(60' PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY)UNION AVENUE(60' PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY)BREMERTON AVE N.E.Δg. 8-1-1Call before youDor 1-800-424-5555UNDERGROUNDSERVICE (USA)RSCALE 1"=50'C201C202HONEY DEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOLSAFETY UPGRADESOVERALL GRADING & PAVING PLANCITY OFRENTONIN COMPLIANCE WITH CITY OF RENTON STANDARDS43667NSTATE OF WASHINGTONREGISTEREDPROFESSIONALENGINEER OSBOCAJA.DLAREJ
NW 1/4 OF SECTION 10, TOWNSHIP 23 NORTH, RANGE 5 EAST, W.M.EXISTING ATHLETIC FIELDEXISTINGENTRY/EXITEXISTINGCLASSROOMBUILDINGEXISTINGPARKING LOTEXISTING DROP-OFFAND PICK-UPDRIVEWAYEXISTING EXITEXISTING PORTABLECLASSROOM BUILDINGS (TYP)EXISTING STAFF ANDVISITOR PARKING LOTTAX PARCEL # 1023059121TAX PARCEL # 1023059007NEW FT HIGHCHAINLIN. FENCEPER FIELD PLANS(FSERIES SHEETS) OF NEW INFIELD MI; TO %EIMPORTED TO REPAIR NECORNER INFIELD ONL< SEEFIELD PLANS (FSERIES SHEETS)PROTECT E; FT HIGH CHAINLIN.FENCE TO REMAIN AND HAVE NEWFT HIGH CHAINLIN. FENCE ANDPOSTS INSTALLED AND SLEEVEDOVER THE TOP PER FIELD PLANS(FSERIES SHEETS)PROTECT E;CATCH %ASIN TOREMAIN (T<P)E;ISTING ATHLETIC FIELD WITH UNDERDRAIN STORMS<STEM TO %E RECONDITIONED WITH TOP OFSOD ORGANICS AND DE%RIS TO %E STRIPPED ANDREMOVED THEN PLACING OF SAND AND SODE;ISTING UNDERDRAIN PIPES AND TO SECTION %ELOW OF ROOT =ONE MI; AND SAND TOREMAIN WITH SU%GRADE NOT %EING DISTUR%EDSEE FIELD PLANS (FSERIES SHEETS)SEE FIELD PLANS (FSERIESSHEETS) FOR GRADINGINFORMATION (T<P)SEE FIELD PLANS(FSERIES SHEETS) FORRECONDITIONED INFIELDSEE FIELD PLANS(FSERIES SHEETS) FORRECONDITIONED INFIELDEXISTING WETLAND(APPROXIMATE LIMITSBASED ON CITY OFRENTON COR MAPS)TAX PARCEL # 102305TR-ATAX PARCEL # 1023059078APPROXIMATE LIMITS OF200-FT WETLAND BUFFER18" SD
18" SD18"
SD12" SD12" SD18" SD
18" SD DocuSign Envelope ID: D78C26C7-B61C-43E3-BB22-2C437FD3C24B
SERVICE | EXCELLENCE | EQUITY
7812 S 124th St., Seattle, Washington 98178-4830 | p.425.204.4403 | f.425.204.4476
CAPITAL PLANNING
AND CONSTRUCTION
SEPA DETERMINATION OF NONSIGNIFICANCE (DNS)
Honey Dew Elementary School Safety Upgrades
Proponent and Lead Agency: Renton School District (RSD)
The official project file containing
the SEPA checklist and related plans
and documents is available for
public review during normal
business hours at the following
location:
Contact: Matthew Feldmeyer
Executive Director of Capital
Planning and Construction
Renton School District
7812 South 124th Street
Seattle, WA 98178
capitalprojects2@rentonschools.us
Phone: (425) 204-4403
Description of Proposal: The purpose of the proposal is to improve accessibility and security
throughout the existing Honey Dew Elementary School structure, playfield, and campus. The
project includes minor building renovation of the interior entryway that will add 18 square feet
under the existing roof overhang to create a more secure vestibule. Exterior renovations include
walkway, crosswalk, and ADA parking improvements, the addition of security bollards and
fencing, and the restoration of the natural turf playfield. There will be no change in parking
quantity, school capacity or enrollment.
Location of Proposal: 800 Union Ave NE, Renton, WA; King County Parcel Numbers 102305-
9007, 102305-9121; in Section 10, Township 23, Range 05.
Public and Agency Comments: This SEPA Threshold Determination is based on the public
record, including comments from agencies, tribes, property owners, and other interested parties
via mailings, publications and postings conducted by RSD. RSD issued notice of the SEPA
Checklist for comment on October 4, 2022, requesting the submittal of comments by October 18,
2022. No comment letters were received.
FINDINGS OF FACT:
1. Earth - The site is relatively flat. A total of 1,340 CY of earthwork will be cut and 1,470
yards will be fill. Impervious surface will not be changed with the proposal. A TESC
Honey Dew Elementary School
DocuSign Envelope ID: D78C26C7-B61C-43E3-BB22-2C437FD3C24B
SERVICE | EXCELLENCE | EQUITY
7812 S 124th St., Seattle, Washington 98178-4830 | p.425.204.4403 | f.425.204.4476
CAPITAL PLANNING
AND CONSTRUCTION
Plan will be prepared to control the potential for erosion in accordance with the
requirements of the County’s stormwater management program plan and design manual.
2. Air – Best Management Practices will be employed to minimize dust-related emissions
during construction. Methods include water sprays, minimizing vehicle speeds on
unpaved surfaces, and minimizing work during high winds.
3. Water – There are no surface water bodies on the site. The City of Renton has mapped
one wetland that abuts the northeastern site boundary and two wetlands approximately
200 feet south, and one wetland approximately 200 feet east. All are unnamed. Work
will occur within the vicinity of the wetland north of the site. The proposal will improve
drainage with field reconditioning and clearing of debris and organics from the existing
drainage system. Stormwater design is based on the requirements of the 2022 City of
Renton Water Design Manual. Prior to construction a TESC plan will be prepared. Best
Management practices will be implemented to minimize erosion.
4. Plants – The existing field turf will be removed and replaced with new sod and a sand
base.
5. Environmental Health – There is no known contamination on the site, however it is
possible that spills could occur during construction. Any soils contaminated by spills
would be excavated and disposed of in a manner consistent with the level of
contamination and in accordance with federal, state, and local requirements.
6. Noise – Temporary, short term noise impacts will occur typical of construction activity.
Construction is anticipated to occur during the summer months of 2023 and between the
hours of 7:00 am and 5:00 pm.
7. Land and Shoreline Use – The current use of the site is the existing Honey Dew
Elementary School. Adjacent uses are largely residential; there is a church to the north
and a park to the west. The use will not change as a result of the proposal, nor will the
proposal increase impacts to nearby or adjacent properties. Interior renovations may
require minor demolition. The site is not within a critical area or the vicinity of a
shoreline of the state. Honey Dew currently has 352 students and 68 staff members; the
proposal will not change enrollment or staffing.
8. Recreation – The existing natural turf playfield will be temporarily displaced during
construction.
9. Historic and cultural preservation – No disturbance to cultural or historical resources is
expected. The soil disturbance is occurring in an area previously impacted by grading. If
any cultural or archaeological objects are found during work on the site, work will stop,
and the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation will be
notified.
10. Transportation – The proposal will not modify driveway locations or result in
transportation impacts. There will be no change to the quantity of onsite parking spaces.
THRESHOLD DETERMINATION: In reaching the Threshold Determination, the
Responsible Official reviewed the completed environmental checklist, environmental
information on file with RSD, City of Renton, and public/agency comments, relying on the
DocuSign Envelope ID: D78C26C7-B61C-43E3-BB22-2C437FD3C24B
SERVICE | EXCELLENCE | EQUITY
7812 S 124th St., Seattle, Washington 98178-4830 | p.425.204.4403 | f.425.204.4476
CAPITAL PLANNING
AND CONSTRUCTION
information therein to exercise substantive authority under the Washington State Environmental
Policy Act, pursuant to RCW 43.21C.060. This Determination of Nonsignificance (DNS) is
issued under the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 197-11-340 and pursuant to the
criteria and procedures of WAC 197-11-300 through 197-11-340 and 197-11-390. The
Responsible Official has determined that the proposal does not have a probably significant
adverse impact with adherence to local, state, federal regulations and the incorporation of the
following practices.
1. If during constructions soils are found to be contaminated with arsenic, lead, or other
contaminants, extra precaution will be taken to avoid escaping dust, soil, erosion, and
water pollution during grading and site construction. Contaminated soils generated
during site construction shall be managed and disposed of in accordance with state and
local regulations, including the Solid Waste Handling Standards regulation (Chapter 173-
350 WAC).
2. All imported fill mut be clean fill utilizing an approved source.
3. A Construction General Stormwater permit, if required, is to be obtained prior to
clearing, grading, or excavation activities.
The lead agency will not act on this proposal for 14 days from issue date (issue date: October 24,
2022). Comments must be submitted by 5:00 pm on November 7, 2022. Comments can be
mailed or emailed to the address listed above. There is no agency appeal of this DNS; appeals
are governed by RCW 43.21C.075.
Responsible Official: Matthew Feldmeyer, Executive Director of Capital Planning and
Construction.
Matthew Feldmeyer, Executive Director of Date
Capital Planning and Construction
Renton School District
Published in the Seattle Times: October 24, 2022
10/19/2022
DocuSign Envelope ID: D78C26C7-B61C-43E3-BB22-2C437FD3C24B