HomeMy WebLinkAboutC_ApplicantAddendumNarrative_230605_v21
Andrew Van Gordon
From:Courtney Flora <cflora@mhseattle.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 6, 2023 9:35 AM
To:Andrew Van Gordon; Audrey Lee; Aron Golden
Subject:RE: Maple Highlands, preliminary plat conditions
Yes, sorry, I’ve amended my email below to include the full DNS condiƟon. Note that I think the word “regard” in the
original condiƟon is a typo, and I’ve proposed changing it to “regrade.”
Hope this is more clear and please let me know if quesƟons.
Courtney Flora
Partner
Direct line: 206.812.3376
Cell: 206.788.7729
Email: cflora@mhseattle.com
From: Andrew Van Gordon <AVanGordon@rentonwa.gov>
Sent: Monday, June 5, 2023 1:02 PM
To: Courtney Flora <cflora@mhseattle.com>; Audrey Lee <audreyl@connerhomes.com>; Aron Golden
<arong@connerhomes.com>
Subject: RE: Maple Highlands, preliminary plat conditions
Hello Courtney,
We do not need a more formal narraƟve. Unfortunately placing the ellipses at the end of the revision leaves it up in the
air about what the full requested revision is. Would you please provide me with a complete revision statement?
Thank you.
ANDREW VAN GORDON, Associate Planner
City of Renton | CED | Planning Division
1055 S Grady Way | 6th Floor | Renton, WA 98057
Virtual Permit Center | Online Applications and Inspections
(425) 430-7286 | avangordon@rentonwa.gov
From: Courtney Flora <cflora@mhseattle.com>
Sent: Monday, June 5, 2023 9:22 AM
To: Andrew Van Gordon <AVanGordon@rentonwa.gov>; Audrey Lee <audreyl@connerhomes.com>; Aron Golden
<arong@connerhomes.com>
Subject: RE: Maple Highlands, preliminary plat conditions
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Hi Andrew-- The current DNS condiƟon says:
“Prior to civil construcƟon approval, the applicant shall rehabilitate the exisƟng stormwater ditch from the exisƟng 18-
inch (18”) ouƞall to the southern driveway at 14024 154th Ave SW . . .”
We are requesƟng the following revision:
“Prior to civil construcƟon approval, the applicant shall apply for a Right-of-Way permit from King County to rehabilitate
the exisƟng stormwater ditch from the exisƟng 18-inch (18”) ouƞall to the southern driveway at 14024 154th Ave SW.
The applicant may choose to Ɵghtline the exisƟng ditch and upsize the exisƟng driveway culverts or regard
regrade/realign the exisƟng ditch and upsize the exisƟng driveway culverts. The work authorized under the Right-of-Way
permit must be performed before final plat approval.
This condiƟon will allow the ROW work and civil work to occur simultaneously, and will reduce the risk of civil work
being delayed while the ROW permit is under review.
Please let us know if you have comments/quesƟons—and if this email is sufficient, or if you’d like a more formal leƩer.
Thank you!
Courtney Flora
Partner
Direct line: 206.812.3376
Cell: 206.788.7729
Email: cflora@mhseattle.com
From: Andrew Van Gordon <AVanGordon@rentonwa.gov>
Sent: Monday, June 5, 2023 7:52 AM
To: Audrey Lee <audreyl@connerhomes.com>; Courtney Flora <cflora@mhseattle.com>; Aron Golden
<arong@connerhomes.com>
Subject: RE: Maple Highlands, preliminary plat conditions
Hello all,
Thank you for paying the invoice. We sƟll need the narraƟve and proposed revised language for the addendum.
Thank you.
ANDREW VAN GORDON, Associate Planner
City of Renton | CED | Planning Division
1055 S Grady Way | 6th Floor | Renton, WA 98057
Virtual Permit Center | Online Applications and Inspections
(425) 430-7286 | avangordon@rentonwa.gov
From: Audrey Lee <audreyl@connerhomes.com>
Sent: Friday, June 2, 2023 9:32 AM
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To: Andrew Van Gordon <AVanGordon@rentonwa.gov>; Courtney Flora <cflora@mhseattle.com>; Aron Golden
<arong@connerhomes.com>
Subject: RE: Maple Highlands, preliminary plat conditions
Hi Andrew,
Thank you for the heads up. The fees have been paid online, aƩached please find the payment confirmaƟon.
Thank you,
Audrey Lee
Sr. Land Project Coordinator | Conner Homes
Tel: 425-646-4436
Email: AudreyL@ConnerHomes.com | Web: www.ConnerHomes.com
Please consider the environment before printing this email.
From: Andrew Van Gordon <AVanGordon@rentonwa.gov>
Sent: Friday, June 2, 2023 9:25 AM
To: Audrey Lee <audreyl@connerhomes.com>; Courtney Flora <cflora@mhseattle.com>; Aron Golden
<arong@connerhomes.com>
Subject: RE: Maple Highlands, preliminary plat conditions
Hello Audrey,
Just as a heads up, the fee needs to be paid online. A link is provided at the bo Ʃom of the invoice.
Thank you.
ANDREW VAN GORDON, Associate Planner
City of Renton | CED | Planning Division
1055 S Grady Way | 6th Floor | Renton, WA 98057
Virtual Permit Center | Online Applications and Inspections
(425) 430-7286 | avangordon@rentonwa.gov
From: Audrey Lee <audreyl@connerhomes.com>
Sent: Friday, June 2, 2023 9:23 AM
To: Andrew Van Gordon <AVanGordon@rentonwa.gov>; Courtney Flora <cflora@mhseattle.com>; Aron Golden
<arong@connerhomes.com>
Subject: RE: Maple Highlands, preliminary plat conditions
Hi Andrew, good morning,
We will get a check today and have the fees paid by Monday the 5th.
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Thank you,
Audrey Lee
Sr. Land Project Coordinator | Conner Homes
Tel: 425-646-4436
Email: AudreyL@ConnerHomes.com | Web: www.ConnerHomes.com
Please consider the environment before printing this email.
From: Andrew Van Gordon <AVanGordon@rentonwa.gov>
Sent: Friday, June 2, 2023 9:08 AM
To: Courtney Flora <cflora@mhseattle.com>; Aron Golden <arong@connerhomes.com>
Cc: Audrey Lee <audreyl@connerhomes.com>
Subject: RE: Maple Highlands, preliminary plat conditions
Hello all,
With regards to the SEPA Addendum I have gone ahead and created the invoice for the project. I have a Ʃached it to this
email. If you can get me the requested items and pay the fee by Monday (June 5) we can get this on the June 12 ERC
schedule. Please let me know when you have paid the fee, and I will keep an eye out for the requested documents.
Thank you.
ANDREW VAN GORDON, Associate Planner
City of Renton | CED | Planning Division
1055 S Grady Way | 6th Floor | Renton, WA 98057
Virtual Permit Center | Online Applications and Inspections
(425) 430-7286 | avangordon@rentonwa.gov
From: Andrew Van Gordon
Sent: Wednesday, May 31, 2023 7:47 AM
To: Courtney Flora <cflora@mhseattle.com>; Aron Golden <arong@connerhomes.com>
Cc: Audrey Lee <audreyl@connerhomes.com>
Subject: RE: Maple Highlands, preliminary plat conditions
Hello Courtney,
We will need a narraƟve for the request to modify the SEPA determinaƟon and the proposed revised language. There
will also be a SEPA Addendum fee totaling $1,890.00 ($1,800.00 SEPA Addendum + $90.00 5% Technology Fee =
$1,890.00). When you have the documents draŌed you can directly email them to me.
Thank you.
ANDREW VAN GORDON, Associate Planner
City of Renton | CED | Planning Division
1055 S Grady Way | 6th Floor | Renton, WA 98057
Virtual Permit Center | Online Applications and Inspections
(425) 430-7286 | avangordon@rentonwa.gov
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From: Courtney Flora <cflora@mhseattle.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 30, 2023 8:54 AM
To: Matthew Herrera <MHerrera@Rentonwa.gov>; Aron Golden <arong@connerhomes.com>
Cc: Audrey Lee <audreyl@connerhomes.com>; Andrew Van Gordon <AVanGordon@rentonwa.gov>
Subject: RE: Maple Highlands, preliminary plat conditions
Thanks, MaƩ. Andrew, let us know what you need from us to start the process.
Courtney Flora
Partner
Direct line: 206.812.3376
Cell: 206.788.7729
Email: cflora@mhseattle.com
From: Matthew Herrera <MHerrera@Rentonwa.gov>
Sent: Thursday, May 25, 2023 4:23 PM
To: Courtney Flora <cflora@mhseattle.com>; Aron Golden <arong@connerhomes.com>
Cc: Audrey Lee <audreyl@connerhomes.com>; Andrew Van Gordon <AVanGordon@rentonwa.gov>
Subject: RE: Maple Highlands, preliminary plat conditions
Hi Aron,
As the ERC is the city’s SEPA Responsible Official, they are the group with the authority to modify a threshold
determinaƟon. I agree with Courtney’s assessment below, staff is in support of mod ifying the language and unlike a
typical SEPA determinaƟon, an addendum does not require noƟce or public comment and therefore should be a quick
process. Hope this clarifies and please let me know if you have any other ques Ɵons. -MaƩ
MATT HERRERA, AICP, Current Planning Manager
City of Renton | CED | Planning Division
1055 S Grady Way | 6th Floor | Renton, WA 98057
Virtual Permit Center | Online Applications and Inspections
DESK: (425) 430-6593 | MOBILE: (206) 308-6231 | mherrera@rentonwa.gov
From: Courtney Flora <cflora@mhseattle.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 25, 2023 3:07 PM
To: Aron Golden <arong@connerhomes.com>; Matthew Herrera <MHerrera@Rentonwa.gov>
Cc: Audrey Lee <audreyl@connerhomes.com>; Andrew Van Gordon <AVanGordon@rentonwa.gov>
Subject: RE: Maple Highlands, preliminary plat conditions
Hi— I understood that ERC review would be required to modify the SEPA decision. Our assump Ɵon is that the process
will be fairly quick low risk, given that it is minor and essenƟally procedural. Andrew, we look forward to working with
you to progress this. Thanks!
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Courtney Flora
Partner
Direct line: 206.812.3376
Cell: 206.788.7729
Email: cflora@mhseattle.com
From: Aron Golden <arong@connerhomes.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 25, 2023 2:55 PM
To: Matthew Herrera <MHerrera@Rentonwa.gov>; Courtney Flora <cflora@mhseattle.com>
Cc: Audrey Lee <audreyl@connerhomes.com>; Andrew Van Gordon <AVanGordon@rentonwa.gov>
Subject: RE: Maple Highlands, preliminary plat conditions
Hi MaƩ,
Thank you for your quick response.
Why would this need to go to the ERC?
Aron
From: Matthew Herrera <MHerrera@Rentonwa.gov>
Sent: Thursday, May 25, 2023 2:10 PM
To: Courtney Flora <cflora@mhseattle.com>
Cc: Aron Golden <arong@connerhomes.com>; Audrey Lee <audreyl@connerhomes.com>; Andrew Van Gordon
<AVanGordon@rentonwa.gov>
Subject: RE: Maple Highlands, preliminary plat conditions
Hi Courtney,
Yes, we can certainly work on processing this SEPA addendum to modify the miƟgaƟon measure language noted below.
Associate Planner Andrew Van Gordon will work with you and Conner Homes on the request and geƫng that formally
entered into the City’s system. We can then get this item on the agenda for the Environmental Review CommiƩee. Let
me know if you have quesƟons. -MaƩ
MATT HERRERA, AICP, Current Planning Manager
City of Renton | CED | Planning Division
1055 S Grady Way | 6th Floor | Renton, WA 98057
Virtual Permit Center | Online Applications and Inspections
DESK: (425) 430-6593 | MOBILE: (206) 308-6231 | mherrera@rentonwa.gov
From: Courtney Flora <cflora@mhseattle.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 25, 2023 10:41 AM
To: Matthew Herrera <MHerrera@Rentonwa.gov>
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Cc: Aron Golden <arong@connerhomes.com>; Audrey Lee <audreyl@connerhomes.com>
Subject: RE: Maple Highlands, preliminary plat conditions
Hi MaƩ— Following up here, Conner is ready to move forward with a request for a SEPA addendum to revise the Ɵming
requirements associated with the King County ROW permit so that civil work can be done in parallel to the ROW permit
process/work (and avoid the risk associated with County delay). Should I send a leƩer to you to iniƟate that process with
proposed amendment language?
Feel free to call if it would help to talk through this. Thanks.
Courtney Flora
Partner
Direct line: 206.812.3376
Cell: 206.788.7729
Email: cflora@mhseattle.com
From: Matthew Herrera <MHerrera@Rentonwa.gov>
Sent: Friday, January 27, 2023 8:46 AM
To: Courtney Flora <cflora@mhseattle.com>
Cc: Aron Golden <arong@connerhomes.com>
Subject: RE: Maple Highlands, preliminary plat conditions
Good Morning Courtney, this sounds good and we’ll follow up with an email to the HEX supporƟng the revised
condiƟon. -MaƩ
MATT HERRERA, AICP, Current Planning Manager
City of Renton | CED | Planning Division
1055 S Grady Way | 6th Floor | Renton, WA 98057
Virtual Permit Center | Online Applications and Inspections
DESK: (425) 430-6593 | MOBILE: (206) 308-6231 | mherrera@rentonwa.gov
From: Courtney Flora <cflora@mhseattle.com>
Sent: Friday, January 27, 2023 8:32 AM
To: Matthew Herrera <MHerrera@Rentonwa.gov>
Cc: Aron Golden <arong@connerhomes.com>
Subject: RE: Maple Highlands, preliminary plat conditions
Hi MaƩ— We’ve discussed, and we’re ok with your revisions. We don’t see the need for a third-party arborist review
and hope we can avoid it with a thorough tree report and coordinaƟon with staff, but understand you need to preserve
the opƟon.
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I’ll prepare a leƩer to the HE with the proposed condiƟons below. I don’t think we need to submit a joint request, but
will you weigh in and say staff supports these revisions? Thanks.
Courtney Flora
Partner
Direct line: 206.812.3376
Cell: 206.788.7729
Email: cflora@mhseattle.com
From: Matthew Herrera <MHerrera@Rentonwa.gov>
Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2023 5:02 PM
To: Courtney Flora <cflora@mhseattle.com>
Cc: Aron Golden <arong@connerhomes.com>
Subject: RE: Maple Highlands, preliminary plat conditions
Sounds good Courtney. I have my out of office on, but will be monitoring my emails tomorrow. -MaƩ
MATT HERRERA, AICP, Current Planning Manager
City of Renton | CED | Planning Division
1055 S Grady Way | 6th Floor | Renton, WA 98057
Virtual Permit Center | Online Applications and Inspections
DESK: (425) 430-6593 | MOBILE: (206) 308-6231 | mherrera@rentonwa.gov
From: Courtney Flora <cflora@mhseattle.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2023 3:53 PM
To: Matthew Herrera <MHerrera@Rentonwa.gov>
Cc: Aron Golden <arong@connerhomes.com>
Subject: RE: Maple Highlands, preliminary plat conditions
Thanks so much, MaƩ. Aron and I will review and get back to you.
Courtney Flora
Partner
Direct line: 206.812.3376
Cell: 206.788.7729
Email: cflora@mhseattle.com
From: Matthew Herrera <MHerrera@Rentonwa.gov>
Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2023 3:30 PM
To: Courtney Flora <cflora@mhseattle.com>
Cc: Aron Golden <arong@connerhomes.com>
Subject: Maple Highlands, preliminary plat conditions
CAUTION: This email originated from outside the City of Renton. Do not click links, reply or open attachments unless
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Hi Courtney,
Yes the call yesterday was very helpful, thanks! I have included a couple friendly amendments that I highlighted below.
These lots are large enough with corresponding large setbacks where I think shiŌing the footprint of the homes may be a
viable opƟon to avoid root conflicts. This is especially the case for corner Lot 5 that has two 30 -foot front yard setbacks
along the streets. ShiŌing that footprint 10 feet south would sƟll allow a considerable setback along the east/west
through street. If you are good with these amendments, we are ready to support the condi Ɵon and can wrap this up
concurrently. Let me know if you have quesƟons and/or would prefer a phone call. Thanks! -MaƩ
MATT HERRERA, AICP, Current Planning Manager
City of Renton | CED | Planning Division
1055 S Grady Way | 6th Floor | Renton, WA 98057
Virtual Permit Center | Online Applications and Inspections
DESK: (425) 430-6593 | MOBILE: (206) 308-6231 | mherrera@rentonwa.gov
From: Courtney Flora <cflora@mhseattle.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2023 12:32 PM
To: Matthew Herrera <MHerrera@Rentonwa.gov>
Cc: Aron Golden <arong@connerhomes.com>
Subject: Maple Highlands, preliminary plat conditions
Hi Matt— Thanks again for the call yesterday. It was very helpful to talk through Conner’s concerns and clarify staff’s
intent regarding the recommended conditions. To recap, we will apply for a S EPA addendum to revise the timing
requirements associated with the King County ROW permit so that civil work can be done in parallel to the ROW permit
process/work (and avoid the risk associated with County delay). The Examiner can’t amend the SEPA conditions, so
we’re proposing that the HE condition incorporate the MDNS conditions as they are or “as subsequently amended by
the ERC.” We understand there is no guarantee that the ERC will approve the requested addendum, but you indicated
that staff supports the revision and approval seems likely.
Regarding trees, Aron has worked extensively over the past few days with his architect and arborist to see if the homes
on lot 5 and 6 can be reconfigured in a way to stay out of the drip line of Trees 97 – 101. It isn’t possible unless the
homes are 16’ wide, which clearly isn’t feasible from a market perspective. It is possible that when the arborist does a
root reconnaissance, it will show that one or more of these trees could remain viable even if the buildable footprint
encroaches into the drip line. We hope that’s the case, and Aron/the arborist will use best efforts to retain any trees
possible. But Conner needs to confirm that if a thorough, credible report from the arborist says it’s not possible, the City
will allow removal of Trees 97 -101. Conner will consider slight (2 – 5’) adjustments of the home footprints if that would
allow a tree to be maintained, but needs to be able to build homes consistent with R4 setbacks and building lot
coverage.
Please let me know if you disagree with any of the above. Assuming we’re aligned, our proposed revisions to Conditions
1 and 6 are below (#1 is tracked changes; #6 is substitute condition)
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1. With respect to rehabilitation of the existing stormwater ditch at 154th Ave SE, the applicant shall comply with the
mitigation measures issued as part of the Determination of Non - Significance Mitigated, dated December 12, 2022, or
as subsequently amended by the Environmental Review Committee.
a. Prior to civil construction permit approval, the applicant shall rehabilitate the existing stormwater ditch from
the existing 18-inch (18”) outfall to the southern driveway at 14024 154th Ave SE. The applicant may choose to
tightline the existing ditch and upsize the existing driveway culverts or regrade/ realign the existing ditch and
upsize the existing driveway culverts.
6. The applicant shall submit a revised Tree Retention Plan and updated Certified Arborist Report with, or prior to, the
civil construction permit application. The revised Plan shall provide a tree retention tract for Trees 11-28 along the
northern border of Lot 7. The updated Arborist Report shall thoroughly analyze the feasibility of retaining Trees 1-10
along the northern border of Lot 10 and Trees 97-101 on Lots 5 and 6, including but not limited to a root
reconnaissance, recommendations for best practices for construction around Trees 97-101, and evaluation of potential
building setback variance reductions that would allow for tree retention. Trees 1 – 10 and any retained Trees 97 – 101
shall not be placed in a tract. The revised Tree Retention Plan and Arborist Report shall be reviewed and approved by
the Current Planning Project Manager prior to permit issuance, and the City may hire a third-party consultant paid for by
the applicant for peer review of the Report. If the Arborist Report concludes that it is not possible to construct the
proposed homes on Lots 5 and 6 as permitted under applicable zoning and setbacks or potential building setback
variance reductions without removing all or some of Trees 97-101, or if all or some of Trees 97-101 would not be viable
after construction, then the Current Planning Project Manager will allow removal of the trees recommended for removal
by the Arborist. If the Arborist Report concludes that any of Trees 97 – 101 can be retained, the applicant shall provide a
surety for monitoring of such trees for five (5) years following completion of the homes on Lots 5 and 6.
I have a call from 1 – 2 but am available after that if it would help to discuss. Thanks!
Courtney Flora
Partner
MCCULLOUGH HILL PLLC
701 Fifth Avenue, Suite 6600
Seattle, Washington 98104
Direct: 206-812-3376
Cell: 206-788-7729
cflora@mhseattle.com
www.mhseattle.com
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