HomeMy WebLinkAboutORD 6102CITY OF RENTON, WASHINGTON
ORDINANCE NO. 6102
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RENTON, WASHINGTON, ESTABLISHING NEW
STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY HOUSING BY ADDING SECTION 4-4-155 AND
AMENDING SECTION 4-11-040 OF THE RENTON MUNICIPAL CODE, PROVIDING
FOR SEVERABILITY, AUTHORIZING CORRECTIONS, AND ESTABLISHING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, this matter was duly referred to the Planning Commission for investigation
and study, and the matter was considered by the Planning Commission; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to RCW 36.70A.106, on August 12, 2022, the City notified the State
of Washington of its intent to adopt amendments to its development regulations; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on September 7, 2022,
considered all relevant matters, and heard all parties in support or opposition, and subsequently
forwarded a recommendation to the City Council;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RENTON, WASHINGTON, DO
ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I. All portions of the Renton Municipal Code in this ordinance not shown in
strikethrough and underline edits or are not explicitly repealed herein remain in effect and
unchanged.
SECTION II. Chapter 4-4 of the Renton Municipal Code is amended to add a new
section 4-5-155, Attached Dwelling Units — Minimum Standards, to read as follows:
4-4-155 ATTACHED DWELLING UNITS - MINIMUM STANDARDS:
A. INTENT:
1
ORDINANCE NO. 6102
It is the intent of this Section to ensure attached dwelling units are designed
to meet minimum standards to reasonably protect the public health, safety, and
welfare of City of Renton residents.
B. APPLICABILITY:
The standards of this Section shall apply to all attached dwelling units.
C. HABITABLE SPACE:
The amount of habitable space, as defined by WAC 246-359-010, provided by
any attached dwelling unit shall be equal to or greater than the following:
Number of Bedrooms
Required Amount of Habitable Space
1.
Studio (no bedroom)
400 square feet
2.
One 1
600 square feet
3.
Two 2
800 square feet
4.
Three 3
1,000 square feet
5.
Four 4
1,200 square feet
D. NUMBER OF BEDROOMS:
Buildings containing four (4) or more attached dwelling units shall provide at
least one (1) unit with two (2) or more bedrooms for every four (4) units in the
structure. One (1) unit with three (3) or more bedrooms and may be provided in
lace of any two (2) units required to include two (2) bedrooms.
E. BATHROOM STANDARDS:
Attached dwelling units shall provide sanitary facilities (i.e., bathrooms) in
conformance with the following minimum standards:
2
ORDINANCE NO. 6102
1. Units with no more than two (2) bedrooms shall include at least one
(1) complete bathroom with a sink, a toilet, and both a shower and bathtub.
2. Attached dwelling units with three (3) or more bedrooms shall provide
no less than one and three-auarters (1.75) bathrooms. A three-auarter bathroom
shall include no less than a sink. a toilet. and a shower or a bathtub.
F. KITCHEN STANDARDS:
Kitchens within attached dwelling units shall arovide at least one of each of
the following:
1. A gas line and/or 240-volt electrical outlet;
2. A stove/range with an approved exhaust system;
3. A sink with dimensions no less than thirty (30) inches wide, twenty (20)
inches long, and eight (8) inches deep with a waste line drain one -and -one-half (1-
%) inches or greater in diameter;
4. Contiguous open countertop of not less than 4 square feet; and
5. A refrigerator exceeding five (5) cubic feet incapacity or space opening
with an electrical outlet that may reasonably be used for a refrigerator exceeding
five (5) cubic feet in capacity.
G. STORAGE STANDARDS:
Storage space provided for attached dwelling units shall meet the following
minimum reauirements:
1. Closets for studios and each bedroom shall beat least two (2) feet wide
by two (2) feet deep by six and one-half (6.5) feet tall. The portion of a closet used
3
ORDINANCE NO. 6102
to store built-in beds or other equipment shall not be included in these minimum
2. Dwelling units with three (3) or more bedrooms shall be provided with
an entry or coat closet at least two (2) feet wide by two (2) feet deer) by six and
one-half (6.5) feet tall, in addition to anv other storage sr)ace reauirements.
3. At least fifty-five (55) cubic feet of additional storage space, located
anvwhere within the building. shall be provided for each unit.
H. MODIFICATIONS: The Administrator shall have the authority to modifv the
standards of this Section, subject to the provisions of RMC 4-9-250.D Modification
Procedures.
SECTION III. Section 4-11-040 of the Renton Municipal Code, as amended by Ordinance
No. 2247 passed on December 5, 2022, is amended as follows:
4-11-040 DEFINITIONS D:
A. DANCE CLUB: Any facility, restricted to adults over twenty-one (21) years
of age, at which dancing occurs, as a primary form of entertainment. This
definition excludes adult entertainment businesses, entertainment clubs, and
gaming/gambling facilities, dance halls and other establishments conducting
public dances as defined in RMC 5-13-1.
B. DANCE HALL: Any place where a public dance, as defined in RMC 5-13-1,
is conducted without restriction on age, or restricted to minors only. Dance halls
are further regulated under RMC Title 5 and require a license to operate. This
LI
ORDINANCE NO. 6102
definition excludes adult entertainment businesses, dance clubs, entertainment
clubs, and gaming/gambling facilities.
C. DANGEROUS BUILDING: As defined by the "Uniform Code for the
Abatement of Dangerous Buildings."
D. DATA CENTER: A facility used primarily for off -site storage of computer
systems and associated components including applications and secure data. Some
data centers may include maintenance areas and a small office. Data centers may
be occupied by single or multiple tenants, but typically have a small number of
employees and visitors. See RMC 4-11-230, WAREHOUSING.
E. DAY CARE CENTER: A day care operation licensed by the State of
Washington (WAC 388-73-014), for thirteen (13) or more children in any twenty
four (24) hour period, or any number of children in a nonresidential structure. This
definition does not include adult day care/health.
F. DAY CARE, FAMILY, HOME: A day care operation licensed by the State of
Washington (WAC 388-73-014), caring for twelve (12) or fewer children in any
twenty four (24) hour period within the caregiver's place of residence.
G. DAYLIGHTING: Restoration of a culverted or buried watercourse to a
surface watercourse.
H. DEDICATION: A deliberate appropriation of land by its owner for any
general and public uses, reserving to himself/herself no other rights than such as
are compatible with the full exercises and enjoyment of the public uses to which
the property has been devoted.
6�
ORDINANCE NO. 6102
I. DEED OF DEDICATION: A formal dedication of right-of-way or easement to
the City, to be approved by City Council, the Hearing Examiner, the Public Works
Administrator or designee, or the Community and Economic Development
Administrator or designee.
J. DEMOLITION WASTE: Solid waste resulting from the demolition or razing
of buildings, roads and other human -made structures. Demolition waste includes,
but is not limited to, concrete, brick, bituminous concrete, wood and masonry,
composition roofing and roofing paper, steel, and minor amounts of other metals
like copper.
K. DENSITY, GROSS: A measure of population, housing units, or building area
related to land area, and expressed as a ratio, i.e., one dwelling unit per acre, or
one thousand (1,000) people per square mile.
L. DENSITY, NET: A calculation of the number of housing units and/or lots
that would be allowed on a property after critical areas, i.e., very high landslide
hazard areas, protected slopes (except evaluate on a case -by -case basis those
protected slopes created by previous development), wetlands, Class 1 to 4
streams and lakes, or floodways, and public rights -of -way and legally recorded
private access easements, are subtracted from the gross area (gross acres minus
streets and critical areas multiplied by allowable housing units per acre).
Developments meeting the definition of a shopping center are not required to
deduct areas within access easements from the gross site area for the purpose of
calculating net density. Required critical area buffers, streams that have been
ORDINANCE NO. 6102
daylighted including restored riparian and aquatic areas, public and private alleys,
unit lot drives, drives, joint use driveways (and the access easements upon them),
and trails shall not be subtracted from gross acres for the purpose of net density
calculations. All fractions which result from net density calculations shall be
truncated at two (2) numbers past the decimal (e.g., 4.5678 becomes 4.56).
Calculations for minimum or maximum density which result in a fraction that is
one-half (0.50) or greater shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number. Those
density calculations resulting in a fraction that is less than one-half (0.50) shall be
rounded down to the nearest whole number.
tlam� �.1iV Lla.r�d-
Gro55 Are:, =Net Area
M. DEPARTMENT: The Department of Community and Economic
Development of the City of Renton, unless otherwise specified.
N. DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATOR: See ADMINISTRATOR.
O. DESIGNATED ZONE FACILITY: Any hazardous waste treatment and storage
facility that requires an interim or final status permit under rules adopted under
7
ORDINANCE NO. 6102
chapter 70.105 RCW and that is not a "preempted facility" as defined in
RCW 70.105.010.
P. DETENTION/RETENTION FACILITIES: Facilities designed either to hold
runoff for a short period of time and then release it to the point of discharge at a
controlled rate or to hold water for a considerable length of time during which the
volume is reduced through evaporation, evapotranspiration by plants, or
infiltration into the ground.
Q. DETERMINATION OF NONSIGNIFICANCE (DNS): The written decision by
the responsible official of the lead agency that a proposal is not likely to have a
significant adverse environmental impact, and therefore an EIS is not required
(WAC 197-11-310 and 197-11-340). The DNS form is in WAC 197-11-970.
R. DETERMINATION OF NONSIGNIFICANCE, MITIGATED (MDNS): A DNS that
includes mitigation measures and is issued as a result of the process specified in
WAC 197-11-350.
S. DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE (DS): The written decision by the
responsible official of the lead agency that a proposal is likely to have a significant
adverse environmental impact, and therefore an EIS is required (WAC 197-11-
310 and 197-11-360). The DS form is in WAC 197-11-980 and must be used
substantially in that form.
T. DEVELOPABLE AREA: Land area outside of critical areas, critical area and
shoreline buffers, and public rights -of -way that is otherwise developable.
ORDINANCE NO. 6102
U. DEVELOPMENT: The division of a parcel of land into two (2) or more
parcels; the construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural alteration,
relocation or enlargement of any structure; any mining, excavation, landfill or land
disturbance and any use or extension of the use of land.
V. DEVELOPMENT: (This definition for RMC 4-3-050, fleescritical
areas regulations, use only.) Any manmade change to improved or unimproved
real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures, mining,
dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations or storage of
equipment or materials located within the area of special flood hazard.
W. DEVELOPMENT: (This definition for RMC 4-3-090, Shoreline Master
Program Regulations, use only.) A use consisting of the construction or exterior
alteration of structures; dredging; drilling; dumping; filling; removal of any sand,
gravel or minerals; bulkheading; driving of piling; placing of obstructions; or any
other projects of a permanent or temporary nature which interferes with the
normal public use of the surface of the waters overlying lands subject to the Act
at any state of water level. This does not include dismantling or removing
structures if there is no other associated development or redevelopment.
X. DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT: A recorded contract entered into by the city
and an applicant setting forth development standards and other provisions
governing and vesting a development or use for a duration of time specified in the
contract. May be used to obligate an applicant to fund or provide services,
infrastructure, or other facilities
9
ORDINANCE NO. 6102
Y. DEVELOPMENT PERMIT: Written permission after appropriate review for
type of application from the appropriate decision -maker authorizing the division
of a parcel of land, the construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural
alteration, relocation or enlargement of any structure, utility, or any use or
extension of the use of the land.
Z. DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS (for vesting purposes): The following
controls placed on development or land use activities by the City, including but
not limited to: Comprehensive Plan Policies, zoning regulations, subdivision
regulations, shoreline management regulations, road design standards, site
development regulations, sign regulations, critical areas regulations, and all
regulations and land use controls that must be satisfied as a prerequisite to
obtaining approval of an application for development. For the purposes of this
definition, construction and utility regulations such as stormwater standards and
erosion/sediment control requirements contained in RMC Title IV, Development
Regulations, building standards, fire standards, sewer utility standards, and Health
Department standards are not considered development regulations or land use
controls. RMC Title IV processes and procedures are not considered development
regulations or land use controls.
AA.DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DIRECTOR: The Director of the Development
Services Division of the Department of Community and Economic Development or
designee.
10
ORDINANCE NO. 6102
BB. DISPLAY SURFACE: The area made available by the sign structure for
the purpose of displaying the advertising message.
CC. DISPLAY WINDOW: A window in a building facade intended for
nonpermanent display of goods and merchandise.
DD. DIVERSION FACILITY: A facility that provides inpatient healthcare for
individuals that are self -admitted or ordered, diverted, or referred from jails,
hospitals, doctors or similar treatment facilities or professionals, or by first
responders, including law enforcement, hospital emergency department social
workers, and similar professionals. Services may include an array of inpatient
healthcare treatment and support services including but not limited to screening
and assessment, psychological counseling, case management, crisis management,
detox services, substance use and trauma -related treatment services,
behavioral/mental health care, medical isolation, care, or treatment, counseling,
respite services, and various levels of accommodations for sleeping purposes.
Some outpatient healthcare services may be provided. Not included in this
definition are congregate residences, assisted living facilities, adult family homes,
group homes, convalescent centers, social service organizations, or homeless
services uses.
EE. DOCK: A fixed or floating platform extending from the shore over the
water.
FF. DOUBLE CHECK VALVE ASSEMBLY: See RMC 4-6-100.
GG. DOUBLE -WALLED: See RMC 4-5-120G.
11
ORDINANCE NO. 6102
HH. DOWNTOWN BUSINESS DISTRICT: Those uses, buildings, and
walkways within the area mapped in RMC 4-2-080D. In general, the area is
bounded at the north by parcel lines near South Second Street, at the east by the
Cedar River and 1-405, at the south by parcel lines near South Fourth Street and
parcel lines along South Third Street, and at the west by parcels along Burnett
Avenue South and Shattuck Avenue South.
II. DRAINAGE AREA: The total area whose drainage water flows to and across
the subject property.
JJ. DREDGING: The removal of earth from the bottom or banks of a body of
water.
KK. DRIP LINE: A tree's drip line shall be described by a line projected to the
ground from the outer edge of the tree canopy delineating the outermost extent
of foliage in all directions.
ILL. DRIP LINE, PROTECTED: A tree drip line identified to be retained and
preserved as an undisturbed, vegetated area that fully encompasses the drip line
of a protected tree removed in violation of a land development permit.
MM. DRIVE-IN/DRIVE-THROUGH RETAIL OR SERVICE: A business or a
portion of a business where a customer is permitted or encouraged, either by the
design of physical facilities or by service and/or packaging procedures, to carry on
business in the off-street parking or paved area accessory to the business, while
seated in a motor vehicle. In some instances, customers may need to get out of
the vehicle to obtain the product or service. This definition shall include but not
12
ORDINANCE NO. 6102
be limited to drive-in services at fast-food restaurants, espresso stands, and banks
and pharmacies. This definition excludes vehicle service and repair, vehicle fueling
stations, and car washes.
NN. DROP-OFF ZONE: A sidewalk area abutting a street intended for
passengers to enter or exit vehicles that are temporarily parked for that purpose.
00. DWELLING, ATTACHED: A dwelling unit connected to one or more
dwellings by common roofs, walls, or floors or a dwelling unit or units attached to
garages or other nonresidential uses. This definition includes all buildings or
portions of buildings meeting this definition assisted living fa6litie but excludes
boarding and lodging houses, accessory dwelling units, adult family homes, group
home I or group home II as defined herein. Attached dwellings include the
following types:
Al. Flat: A dwelling unit attached to one or multiple dwelling units by one
or more common roof(s), wall(s), or floor(s) within a building. Typically, the unit's
habitable area is provided on a single level. Unit entrances are provided from a
common internal corridor.
92. Townhouse: A ground -related dwelling attached to one or more such
units in which each unit has its own exterior, ground -level access to the outside,
no unit is located over another unit, and each unit is separated from any other
unit by one or more vertical common walls. Townhouse units may be multi -story.
Q. Carriage House: One or more dwelling units built above one or more
private garage(s). The attached garage(s) typically contains vehicles and/or
13
ORDINANCE NO. 6102
storage for people living in another building as well as occupants of the carriage
house. This definition does not include accessory dwelling unit.
94. Garden Style Apartment(s): A dwelling unit that is one of several
stacked vertically, with exterior stairways and/or exterior corridors and surface
parking. Parking is not structured and may include detached carports or garages.
Buildings and building entries are oriented toward internal drive aisles and/or
parking lots and not street frontage. There is typically no formal building entry
area connected to a public sidewalk and a public street. Site planning may
incorporate structures developed at low landscaped setbacks.
PP. DWELLING, DETACHED: A building containing one dwelling unit which
is not attached to any other dwelling by any means except fences, has a
permanent foundation, and is surrounded by open space or yards. Also called a
single-family dwelling. This definition does not include accessory dwelling units.
QQ. DWELLING UNIT: A structure or portion of a structure designed,
occupied or intended for occupancy as a single unit providing complete,
independent living facilities with separated living quarters�w 4 a kitchen ceeking,
sleeping, and sanitary facilities provided for the exclusive use of a single
household.
RR. DWELLING UNIT, ACCESSORY: An independent subordinate dwelling
unit that is located on the same lot as, but not within, either a single-family
dwelling or a principal building actively operated with a nonresidential use by a
14
ORDINANCE NO. 6102
religious institution or social service organization. This may include units over
detached garages.
SECTION IV. Complete master site plan land use applications in the Commercial Office
Residential Zone (COR) that have been submitted between January 1 and December 19, 2022,
are not subject to the new standards for multifamily housing as established in this ordinance.
SECTION V. Upon approval of the City Attorney, the City Clerk is authorized to direct
the codifier to make necessary corrections to this ordinance, including the corrections of
scriveners or clerical errors; references to other local, state, or federal laws, codes, rules, or
regulations; or ordinance numbering and section/subsection numbering and references. The City
Clerk is further authorized to direct the codifier to update any chapter, section, or subsection
titles in the Renton Municipal Code affected by this ordinance.
SECTION VI. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of this
ordinance should be held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court or competent jurisdiction,
such invalidity or unconstitutionality thereof shall not affect the constitutionality of any other
section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of this ordinance.
SECTION VII. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect December 20, 2022. No later
than five (5) days prior to such effective date, a summary consisting of this ordinance's title shall
be published in the City's official newspaper.
15
ORDINANCE NO. 6102
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL this 12th day of December, 2022.
APPROVED BY THE MAYOR this 12th day of Decemb(
Approved as to form:
Shane Moloney, City Attorney
Date of Publication: 12/15/2022 (Summary)
ORD-CED: 2256: 11.28.22
I I If I I I I,,,,�
,•�'��y R,E V;-,
=*"
=zz
0 ATE0 S�Q```-"%
16