HomeMy WebLinkAboutModification Justification for UG Power under PR21000259.pdfTHIRD DAY DESIGN
5918 Waller Road E, Tacoma, WA 98443
(253) 256-1812
1218 N 35th St, Renton, WA 98056 Page 1 of 2
Justification for the Modification Request for Permit Number: PR21000259
November 24, 2021
Department of Community and Economic Development
Planning Division
1055 South Grady Way, 6th Floor
Renton, WA 98057
RE: Justification for Modification Request to Power Undergrounding per RMC 4-6-090
Permit Number: PR21000259
Sites/Parcels: Parcel # 334210-2885, 334210-2890
To Whom it May Concern,
The following justification narrative is to address no. 5 of the Modification Submittal Requirements for
the subject sites under the subject right-of-way permit. The following requirements under RMC 4-6-
090.C are applicable:
1. All new electrical or communication facilities shall be required to be installed underground,
pursuant to the standards of this Section.
2. Existing overhead power and utility facilities abutting a development or redevelopment site
triggering street frontage improvements under RMC 4-6-060 shall be required to be relocated
underground, pursuant to the standards of this Section.
Per RMC 4-06-090.D.1.a an exemption may be granted for the following via an approved Modification:
“Overhead power and utility facilities adjacent to a redevelopment site where a street modification under
RMC 4-9-250D is granted to keep the existing overhead power and/or utility facilities above ground.”
This specific modification request is to provide conduits to accommodate future undergrounding of power
in the right-of-way instead undergrounding power for this development per RMC 4-6-090.
5. Justification for the Modification Request
a. Substantially implements the policy direction of the policies and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan
Land Use Element and the Community Design Element and the proposed modification is the minimum
adjustment necessary to implement these policies and objectives;
Response: Per RMC 4-6-090 undergrounding of overhead power is required when street frontage
improvements are required. Street frontage improvements are required for the subject lots. To meet
RMC 4-6-090, conduit will be installed for future undergrounding of power and communications by the
utility providers with minimal impact to the completed street frontage improvements in front of these
lots.
b. Will meet the objectives and safety, function, appearance, environmental protection and
maintainability intended by the Code requirements, based upon sound engineering judgment;
Response: It is our opinion that the proposed plan to install conduits with the proposed frontage
improvements will accommodate future undergrounding of power meeting all of the above objectives.
c. Will not be injurious to other property(ices) in the vicinity;
THIRD DAY DESIGN
5918 Waller Road E, Tacoma, WA 98443
(253) 256-1812
1218 N 35th St, Renton, WA 98056 Page 2 of 2
Justification for the Modification Request for Permit Number: PR21000259
Response: It is our opinion that maintaining the proposed plan to install conduits will not be injurious
to other properties in the vicinity.
d. Conforms to the intent and purpose of the Code;
Response: The intent of the code is to underground power. Providing conduits will allow that to be
completed in the future without impacting the frontage improvements for these lots.
e. Can be shown to be justified and required for the use and situation intended; and
Response: Installation of conduits for future undergrounding is appropriate, instead of undergrounding
with these two projects, since the length of frontage improvements for these lots does not even span
two power poles. The location of conduits across other lots to the east and west will need to be
coordinated with the design of the frontage improvements and should be installed at the same time as
development occurs on other lots.
f. Will not create adverse impacts to other property(ies) in the vicinity.
Response: It is our opinion that maintaining the existing right-of-way this will not create adverse
impacts to other properties.
Sincerely,
Andy Epstein, PE
Third Day Design, LLC