HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRE_StaffComments_230810_v1DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Planning Division | 1055 South Grady Way, 6th Floor | Renton, WA 98057 | 425-430-7200
|www.rentonwa.gov
PREAPPLICATION MEETING FOR
Bretzke Cottage Housing or Short Plat
5521 NE 10th St (APN 1023059358)
PRE23-000235
August 10, 2023
Contact Information:
Planner: Andrew Van Gordon, 425-430-7286, avangordon@rentonwa.gov
Public Works Plan Reviewer: Sam Morman, 425-430-7383, smorman@rentonwa.gov
Fire Prevention Reviewer: Corey Thomas, 425.276.9582, cthomas@RentonRFA.org
Please retain this packet throughout the course of your project as a reference. Consider
giving copies of it to any engineers, architects, and contractors who work on the
project. You will need to submit a copy of this packet when you apply for land use
and/or environmental permits.
Pre-screening: When you have the project application ready for submittal, call and
schedule an appointment with the project manager to have it pre-screened before
making all of the required copies.
The pre-application meeting is informal and non-binding. The comments provided on
the proposal are based on the codes and policies in effect at the time of review. The
applicant is cautioned that the development regulations are regularly amended and the
proposal will be formally reviewed under the regulations in effect at the time of project
submittal. The information contained in this summary is subject to modification and/or
concurrence by official decision-makers (e.g., Hearing Examiner, Planning Director,
Development Services Director, Department of Community & Economic Development
Administrator, Public Works Administrator and City Council).
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: July 25, 2023
TO: Andrew Van Gordon, Senior Planner
FROM: Corey Thomas, Lead Plans Review Inspector
SUBJECT: Bretzke Short Plat
1. The fire flow requirement for a single-family home is 1,000 gpm minimum for dwellings
up to 3,600 square feet (including garage and basements). If the dwelling exceeds 3,600 square
feet, a minimum of 1,500 gpm fire flow would be required. A minimum of on e fire hydrant is
required within 300-feet of the proposed buildings and two hydrants if the fire flow goes up to
1,500 gpm. Water is provided by King County Water District 90. A water availability certificate
is required. Looks like the existing water main is a looped 8 inch main. It appears that there is
one existing fire hydrant that will meet the minimum requirements.
2. The fire impact fees are currently applicable at the rate of $829.77 per single family unit.
This fee is paid at building permit issuance. No charges apply to the existing house that is to
remain.
3. Fire department apparatus access roadways are required to be a minimum of 20-feet
wide fully paved, with 25-feet inside and 45-feet outside turning radius. Fire access roadways
shall be constructed to support a 30-ton vehicle with 75-psi point loading. Access is required
within 150 feet of all points on the buildings. The maximum grade is 15 percent.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: August 10, 2023
TO: Andrew Van Gordon, Planner
FROM: Sam Morman, Civil Engineer
SUBJECT: Bretzke Short Plat
5521 NE 10th St
PRE23-000235
NOTE: The applicant is cautioned that information contained in this summary is preliminary and non-
binding and may be subject to modification and/or concurrence by official City decision-makers. Review
comments may also need to be revised based on site planning and other design changes required by
City staff or made by the applicant.
I have completed a preliminary review for the above-referenced proposal located at parcel(s)
1023059358. The following comments are based on the pre-application submittal made to the City of
Renton by the applicant.
Water
1. This property is served by King County Water District 90 (425-255-9600). A water availability
certificate will be required from King County Water District 90 at time of land use submittal.
Sanitary Sewer
2. The project is within the City of Renton’s sanitary sewer service area.
3. There is an existing gravity wastewater main located in NE 10th St that transitions from 8-inch to 10-
inch along the property frontage (see record drawing S-327803).
4. These is an 8-inch gravity wastewater main that runs on-site (see record drawing S-362009).
5. There are two existing 6” PVC sewer stubs serving the existing residence. The side sewers may be
reused if it meets the needs of the proposed layout. A CCTV video of the existing stubs and side
sewers must be provided to the City to determine whether the stubs are able to be reused.
6. Individual sewer stubs from a sewer main and individual side sewers are required for each lot. All
new sewer stubs shall conform to the standards in RMC 4-6-040 and City of Renton Standard Details.
7. A conceptual utility plan will be required as part of the land use application for the subject
development.
8. The development is subject to a wastewater system development charge (SDC) fee. SDC fee for sewer
is based on the size of the new domestic water to serve the project. Current fees can be found in the
2023 Development Fees Document on the City’s website. Fees will be charged based on the rate at
the time of construction permit issuance.
• The current sewer SDC fee is $3,650.00 per 1-inch meter.
• Final determination of applicable fees will be made after the water meter size has been
determined.
• A credit will be applied for each existing wastewater lateral that is abandoned.
• The full fee schedule can be found at:
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/DocView.aspx?id=10067864&dbid=1&repo=Cityof
Renton
Surface Water
1. There is an existing inactive 12-inch polyethylene stormwater pipe that runs and stops in NE 10th St
along the property frontage in NE 10th St.
2. Any new on or off-site drainage systems must be designed in accordance with Chapter 4 of the 2022
RSWDM.
3. Critical areas on site that may affect stormwater review include regulated (steep) slopes, high erosion
hazard, and on-site wetlands.
4. Drainage plans and a drainage report complying with the adopted 2022 Renton Surface Water Design
Manual will be required. Refer to Figure 1.1.2.A – Flow Chart of the 2022 Renton Surface Water Design
Manual (RSWDM) to determine what type of drainage review is required for this site. The site falls
within the Flow Control Duration Standard Matching Forested Site Conditions. The site falls within the
May Creek drainage basin and Honey Creek sub basin.
5. The current Surface Water Standard Plans shall be used in all drainage plan submittals. The current
City of Renton Standard Details are available online in the City of Renton website
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/Browse.aspx?id=990403&dbid=0&repo=CityofRenton
6. If the new plus replaced pollution generating impervious surface exceeds 5,000 SF, the applicant will
be required to provide basic water quality treatment. Any proposed detention and/or water quality
vault shall be designed in accordance with the RSWDM that is current at the time of civil construction
permit application. Separate structural plans will be required to be submitted for review and approval
under a separate building permit for the detention and/or water quality vault.
7. Appropriate on-site BMPs satisfying Core Requirement #9 will be required to help mitigate the new
runoff created by this development to the maximum extent feasible. On-site BMPs shall be evaluated
as described in Section C.1.3 of the 2022 RSWDM. A preliminary drainage plan, including the
application of on-site BMPs, shall be included with the land use application, as applicable to the
project. The final drainage plan and drainage report must be submitted with the utility construction
permit application.
8. A geotechnical soils report for the site is required per the 2022 Renton Surface Water Design Manual
Section C.1.3. Information on the water table and soil permeability (measured infiltration rates), with
recommendations of appropriate on-site BMPs per Core Requirement #9 and Appendix C shall be
included in the report. The report should also include information concerning the soils, geology,
drainage patterns and vegetation present shall be presented in order to evaluate the drainage,
erosion control and slope stability for site development of the proposed plat. The applicant must
demonstrate the development will not result in soil erosion and sedimentation, landslide, slippage,
or excess surface water runoff.
9. Erosion control measures to meet the City requirements shall be provided.
10. The development falls within the R-8 zone which has a maximum impervious surface area of 65% per
lot, and maximum building coverage of 50% per lot.
11. The development is subject to a surface water system development charge (SDC) fees. Fees will be
charged based on the rate at the time of construction permit issuance.
• The current SDC fee for a single family residence is $2,300 per lot.
• The full fee schedule can be found at:
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/DocView.aspx?id=10067864&dbid=1&repo=Cityof
Renton
Transportation
1. Per City code 4-6-060 frontage improvements are required for new construction in excess of
$175,000. The proposed project fronts NE 10th St to the north, and private property on the other
sides.
• NE 10th St is classified as a Residential Access street. Existing ROW width is 60 feet per the
King County Assessors Map. Existing improvements include a paved roadway with some
sidewalk and planter along portions of the north side of the street. To meet the City’s
complete street standards for Residential Access streets, minimum ROW width is 53 feet. Per
City code 4-6-060, minimum half street improvements shall include a pavement width of 26
feet from the existing established curbline on the north side of NE 10th St, a 0.5 foot curb, an
8 foot planting strip, a 5 foot sidewalk, street trees and storm drainage improvements. No
ROW dedication is required pending final survey.
2. Refer to City code 4-4-080 regarding driveway regulations.
• A minimum separation of 5 feet is required between driveway and the property line.
• Maximum driveway slopes shall not exceed 15%. Driveways exceeding 8% shall provide
slotted drains.
• The maximum width of single loaded garage driveway shall not exceed nine feet (9') and
double-loaded garage driveway shall not exceed sixteen feet (16').
3. Joint use driveways are allowed for access up to 2 lots provided that each lot abuts a public right-of-
way. Refer to the shared driveway requirements as outlined in RMC 4-4-080I. Joint use access to the
driveway shall be assured by easement or other legal form acceptable to the City.
4. In the case of cottage housing, a privately owned unit lot drive may serve as access to the site. Unit
lot drives shall have a minimum paved roadway width of sixteen feet (16’) however, the Fire
Department may require the paved roadway to be up to twenty feet (20’), with 0.5’ curbs, and an
eight foot (8’) wide landscaping strip and five foot (5’) wide sidewalk along one side of the drive.
Each unit lot drive can serve as access for up to nine (9) lots. Refer to RMC 4-6-060.K for further
detail.
5. Undergrounding of all existing utilities is required on all frontages per RMC 4-6-090.
6. Street lighting is required for projects proposing more than four residential units. See RMC 4-6-060
for street lighting requirements.
7. Paving and trench restoration within the City of Renton right of way shall comply with the City’s Trench
Restoration and Street Overlay Requirements.
8. The development is subject to transportation impact fees. Fees will be charged based on the rate at
the time of building permit issuance.
• The 2023 transportation impact fee is $12,208.54 per single family home.
• The full fee schedule can be found at:
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/DocView.aspx?id=10067864&dbid=1&repo=Cityof
Renton
General Comments
1. If frontage improvements are required, all existing and proposed utility lines (i.e. electrical, phone, and
cable services, etc.) along property frontage or within the site must be underground as outlined in
RMC 4-6-090 – UTILITY LINES - UNDERGROUND INSTALLATION. The construction of these franchise
utilities must be inspected and approved by a City of Renton inspector.
2. Adequate separation between utilities as well as other features shall be provided in accordance with
code requirements.
a. 7-ft minimum horizontal and 1-ft vertical separation between storm and other utilities is
required with the exception of water lines which require 10-ft horizontal and 1.5-ft vertical.
b. The stormwater line should be minimum 5 feet away from any other structure or wall or
building.
c. Trench of any utility should not be in the zone of influence of the retaining wall or of the
building.
3. All construction utility permits for utility and street improvements will require separate plan
submittals. All utility plans shall confirm to the Renton Drafting Standards. A licensed Civil Engineer
shall prepare the civil plans. Please visit the Development Engineering Forms page for the most up-
to-date plan submittal requirements:
http://rentonwa.gov/business/default.aspx?id=42473
4. A landscaping plan shall be included with the civil plan submittal. Each plan shall be on separate sheets.
5. Fees quoted in this document reflect the fees applicable in the year 2023 only and will be assessed
based on the fee that is current at the time of the permit application or issuance, as applicable to the
permit type. Please visit www.rentonwa.gov for the current development fee schedule.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: August 10, 2023
TO: Pre-Application File No. 23-000235
FROM: Andrew Van Gordon, Associate Planner
SUBJECT: Bretzke Cottage Housing or Short Plat – 5521 NE 10th St (Parcel
number 1023059358)
General: We have completed a preliminary review of the pre-application for the above-
referenced development proposal. The following comments on development and permitting
issues are based on the pre-application submittals made to the City of Renton by the applicant
and the codes in effect on the date of review. The applicant is cautioned that information
contained in this summary may be subject to modification and/or concurrence by official decision-
makers (e.g., Hearing Examiner, Community & Economic Development Administrator, Public
Works Administrator, Planning Director, and City Council). Review comments may also need to be
revised based on site planning and other design changes required by City staff or made by the
applicant. The applicant is encouraged to review all applicable sections of the Renton Municipal
Code. The Development Regulations are available online at
https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/Renton/.
Project Proposal: The applicant proposes to subdivide 5521 NE 10th St (APN 1023059358) into
two (2) residential lots for the benefit of detached dwellings or one (1) lot for the benefit of a
cottage housing unit lot subdivision. The property has street frontage along NE 10th St to the
north. Access for the two (2) lot subdivision is proposed through individual access for each lot to
NE 10th St. Access for the unit lot subdivision is proposed through a 20-foot (20’) shared driveway
within the right-of-way, narrowing to 16 feet (16’) on site with a 10-foot by 10-foot (10’x10’)
parking pad for each cottage. An existing detached dwelling is proposed to be retained in both
proposals.
Current Use: The lot is located within the Residential – 4 (R-4) zone. The site area is approximately
83,199 square feet (1.90 acre). The lot is currently improved with a detached dwelling and a
detached accessory building. The detached dwelling is proposed to be retained; the accessory
building is proposed to be removed. Per COR Maps the site is encumbered with wetlands, high
erosion hazard area and sensitive slopes (slopes greater than 25% up to 40%). The property is
within 100 feet (100’) of Honey Creek, a Type NS stream per COR Maps.
Zoning/Land Use: The subject property is located within the Residential-4 (R-4) zoning
classification. The Residential Low Density Land Use designation is intended to implement the R-
4 zone. The R-4 zone is established to promote urban single family residential neighborhoods
serviceable by urban utilities and containing open space amenities. The R-4 designation serves as
a transition between rural designation zones and higher density residential zones. It is intended
as an intermediate lower density residential zone.
Bretzke Cottage Housing or Short Plat
Page 2 of 15
August 10, 2023
Detached dwellings and cottage house developments are permitted within the R-4 zone.
Density: The area of public rights-of-way, shared driveway tracts, and 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)
would be deducted from the gross site area to determine the “net” site area prior to calculating
density. In order to calculate the proposed density of the project, any area of public road, shared
driveway, and/or critical area dedication must be known. 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 that result in a fraction that is 0.50 or greater
shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number. Those density calculations resulting in a
fraction that is less than 0.50 shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number. The R-4 zone
has a maximum density of four (4) dwelling units per acre with no minimum density.
The applicant provided a density worksheet showing the net density would allow for 3.63 du/ac
rounded up to four (4) total dwelling units. Cottage house developments may be granted a
bonus density of 2.5 times the maximum density that could be achieved in a standard
subdivision based on a pro-forma subdivision plan. (RMC 4-9-065, Density Bonus Review). A
density worksheet would be required with the land use application.
Development Standards: The project would be subject to RMC 4-2-110A, Development Standards
for Residential Zoning Designations effective at the time of complete application (noted as “R-4
standards” herein).
Minimum Lot Size, Width and Depth – The minimum lot size permitted in the R-4 zone is 9,000
square feet. Minimum lot width is 70 feet (70’); minimum lot depth is 100 feet (100’). In order to
ensure compliance with Tier 1 requirements for Tree Preservation Priority, pursuant to RMC 4-4-
130H2a, lot size and lot dimensions of the zone may be decreased by a maximum of 10 percent
(10%), provided the applicant can demonstrate to the Administrator’s satisfaction that the
reduction is necessary to ensure the preservation of all significant trees, as defined in RMC 4-11-
200, required for retention within dedicated tract(s), pursuant to RMC 4-4-130H1a, Minimum
Tree Retention Requirements.
Based on the provided drawings, the two (2) lot subdivision would meet lot size standards.
Critical areas and their buffers are not permitted to encroach onto lots; see “Critical Areas” for
additional information. The proposed unit lot subdivision would meet zoning requirements for
minimum lot size, lot width or lot depth. However, the proposal includes four (4) dwelling units
(existing detached dwelling plus three (3) cottage houses) on one (1) lot; each individual
dwelling unit would need to be on its own individual unit lot. Individual unit lots created for
cottage house development are exempt from minimum lot size, minimum lot width and
minimum lot depth. See “Unit Lot Subdivisions” below for additional information.
Building Standards – The R-4 standards allow a maximum building coverage of 35 percent (35%)
of the lot area. The maximum impervious coverage in the R-4 zone is 50 percent (50%). The
maximum wall plate height is restricted to 32 feet (32’), and the buildings shall be not more than
three (3) stories. Roofs with a pitch equal to or greater than 4:12 may project an additional six (6)
vertical feet from the maximum wall plate height; common rooftop features, such as chimneys,
may project an additional four vertical feet (4’) from the roof surface. Non-exempt vertical
projections (e.g., decks, railings, etc.) shall not extend above the maximum wall plate height
unless the projection is stepped back one-and-a-half horizontal feet (1.5’) from each façade for
Bretzke Cottage Housing or Short Plat
Page 3 of 15
August 10, 2023
each one vertical foot (1’) above the maximum wall plate height. The maximum wall plate height
for detached accessory structures is 12 feet (12’) and the total floor area must be less than that
of the primary structure. Accessory structures are also included in building lot coverage
calculations.
New development would need to comply with the maximum building coverage, impervious
surface requirements, and building height regulations of the zone at the time of building permit
review for lots created through a traditional short plat subdivision. Existing development would
need to identify how it is meeting requirements at the time of land use application review.
Individual unit lots created for the unit lot subdivision would be exempt from maximum building
coverage and maximum impervious surface coverage, but instead the parent site would be
required to meet development standards; compliance with requirements would be verified at
the time of land use application. See “Unit Lot Subdivisions” below for additional information.
Cottage house developments have separate height requirements. See “Cottage House
Development” below.
Setbacks – Setbacks are the minimum required distance between the building footprint and the
property line. The required setbacks for the R-4 zone are: Front yard and secondary front yard: 30
feet (30’) Rear yard: 25 feet (25’); Side yards: combined 20 feet (20’) with not less than 7.5 feet
(7.5’) on either side. Within subdivisions, the minimum front yard and secondary front yard
setback may be reduced to no less than twenty feet (20') provided the applicant can demonstrate
to the Administrator’s satisfaction that the setback reduction is necessary to preserve and
maintain a landmark tree within a tree protection tract, as each term is defined in RMC 4-11-200,
Definitions T. An arborist report, pursuant to RMC 4-8-120D1, shall be prepared and provided to
the City for review and concurrence, demonstrating that the setback reduction and project
proposal serve to preserve the critical root zone of the tree within a tree protection tract.
Existing development would need to show compliance with requirements at the time of land
user application review. As shown, the existing residence would not be meeting side yard
setbacks in the two (2) lot short plat proposal so it would need to be brought into conformance.
Compliance with required setbacks for new development would be verified at the time of
building permit application. Individual lots created through the unit lot subdivision process are
exempt from zoning yard setbacks and instead the parent site would be required to meet these
development standards; compliance with requirements would be verified at the time of land
use application. See “Unit Lot Subdivisions” below for additional information.
Cottage House Development: Cottage house development requirements apply to cottage house
developments within the R-4 zone. The following regulations apply:
Maximum Unit Size 1,500 sq. ft.
At least 50% of all cottages in a development shall be less
than 1,000 sq. ft.
Minimum Number of Cottages
per
Cluster
3
Bretzke Cottage Housing or Short Plat
Page 4 of 15
August 10, 2023
Maximum Number of Cottages
per Cluster
12
Minimum Distance Between
Structures
All units must be detached, with a minimum separation
of 8 ft.
Maximum Wall Plate Height 18 ft.
Roofs with a pitch equal to or greater than 4:12 may
project an additional 6' vertically from the maximum wall
plate height.
Maximum Number of Stories 2
Separation Between Clusters Individual clusters shall be separated by landscaping,
common open space, critical areas, or a community
building.
As shown, two (2) of the three (3) cottages would need to be 999 square feet or less as no more
than 50 percent (50%) of the cottages can be 1,000 square feet or greater. Elevations were not
provided with the application materials, so it is unclear if the proposed cottages would meet
height requirements. An existing detached dwelling incorporated into a cottage house
development that does not meet the requirements of RMC 4-2-110G, Development Standards
for Residential Development (Cottage House Development) is allowed to remain onsite.
Proposed modifications or additions to the structure not consistent with the provisions of RMC
4-2-110G shall not be permitted. Compliance with requirements would be verified at the time
of land use application.
Residential Design and Open Space Standards: For a standard R-4 zone short plat, the future
single-family building permits would be subject to the RMC 4-2-115, Residential Design and Open
Space Standards. Requirements related to garages, entries, modulation, windows/doors, scale,
bulk, and character, roof forms, eaves, architectural detailing, and materials/color should be
reviewed in their entity prior to submitting permit applications.
Compliance with lot configuration requirements would be verified at the time of land use
application. Compliance with building design requirements would be verified at the time of
building permit review for a traditional short plat application.
Cottage Housing Design and Open Space Standards: Cottage house unit lot subdivisions are
required to meet applicable standards within RMC 4-2-115F, Cottage House Requirements. The
standards are required to be addressed at the time of subdivision. The following are applicable
within the R-4 zone.
• Unit Lot Configuration
o Unit lots should be oriented toward common open space area or community
building; when not achievable, unit lots should be oriented toward a right-of-way.
No common open space or community building is shown. The proposal does not
have the cottages oriented towards the right-of-way either.
Bretzke Cottage Housing or Short Plat
Page 5 of 15
August 10, 2023
• Parking and Garages
o All of the following apply:
1. Parking shall be provided in designated areas within the parent site but
not at individual unit lots;
2. Shared garages on the parent site are allowed, provided the regulations
of RMC 4-4-080 are met;
3. Parking structures, i.e., garages and carports, shall be detached and set
back from the private yard space by at least six feet (6');
4. Shared garages and carports shall not exceed forty-four feet (44') in
width, and shall maintain an eight-foot (8') separation from any cottages;
5. Parking design shall be of similar design and character to the cottages.
Carports are permitted when a solar panel is incorporated into the
design;
6. Architectural detail that is consistent with the architectural character of
the cottage house development shall be incorporated in the garage
design, including but not limited to trim, columns, and/or corner boards;
7. Shared garages shall not be located further than one hundred sixty feet
(160') from any of the housing units to which it is assigned;
8. When shared garages are proposed, each unit must have garage space
assigned to it;
9. Surface parking of more than two (2) spaces, visible from a public right-
of-way (not including alleys) or adjacent to single-family uses or zones,
shall be screened; and
10. Parking structures and surface parking shall not be located between the
common open space and the cottage units.
Parking cannot occur at the individual units. Parking areas will need to occur within
surface parking areas and/or shared garages. Parking areas shall be placed in
tracts. Compliance with requirements would be verified at the time of land use
application.
• Open Space
o Landscaping: Individual unit lots are exempt from RMC 4-4-070F3, Front Yard
Trees Required When Street Trees Are Not Located Within the Right-of-Way
Abutting a Front Yard.
o Standards for Common Open Space: Above ground drainage facilities (i.e.,
ponds, swales, ditches, rain gardens, etc.) shall not be counted towards the
common open space requirement. Required to provide common open space as
follows:
1. For each unit in the development, three hundred fifty (350) square feet
of common open space shall be provided.
Bretzke Cottage Housing or Short Plat
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August 10, 2023
2. Open space shall be designed as a common green located within the
development and shall include picnic areas, and spaces for passive
recreational activities such as outdoor cooking, picnicking, walking,
biking, observing nature, and/or active recreational activities, such as
playgrounds, bocce ball, and pickleball;
3. Open space(s) shall be accessible to all cottages. For sites one acre or
smaller in size, open space(s) shall be no less than thirty feet (30') in any
dimension. For sites larger than one acre in size, open space(s) shall be
no less than forty feet (40') in any dimension. For all sites, to allow for
variation, open space(s) of less than the minimum dimensions (thirty feet
(30') or forty feet (40'), as applicable) are allowed; provided, that no
dimension is less than eight feet (8') in width and when all open spaces
are averaged, the applicable dimension requirement is met;
4. Grass-crete or other pervious surfaces may be used in the common open
space for the purpose of meeting the one hundred fifty feet (150')
distance requirement for emergency vehicle access but shall not be used
for personal vehicle access or to meet off-street parking requirements;
and
5. Common open space areas shall have a maximum slope of five percent
(5%); and
6. Obstructions, such as retaining walls and fences, shall be strategically
placed so as not to reduce usable open space.
A minimum of 1,050 square feet of common open space is required; no open
space is shown. Open space shall be placed in tracts and shall be located outside
of critical areas and their buffers. Calculations identifying how the open space
requirements are being met will be required at the time of land use application.
o Standards for Private Yards: Each individual cottage shall have a private yard that
is at a minimum 250 square feet in size with no dimension less than eight feet (8’)
in width. Front yard process and backyard patios and reciprocal use easements
may be included in the calculation of private yard.
Individual lots were not shown on the drawings. Calculations identifying how
the private yard requirements are being met will be required at the time of land
use application.
o Sidewalks and Pedestrian Easements: All of the following are required:
1. Sidewalks shall be provided throughout the cottage house development.
The sidewalk may disconnect from the road, provided it continues in a
logical route throughout the development;
2. Front yards shall have entry walks that are a minimum width of four feet
(4'); and
3. Sidewalks shall be used to connect common open space, common
buildings, and to provide access to cottages. They shall be a minimum of
four feet (4') in width and made of concrete, or porous material such as:
Bretzke Cottage Housing or Short Plat
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August 10, 2023
porous paving stones, crushed gravel with soil stabilizers, or paving blocks
with planted joints. When possible, sidewalks connecting to parks and
green spaces shall be located at the edge of the common open space to
allow a larger usable green and easy access to cottages.
Entries to the cottages were not shown on the provided drawings. Compliance
with requirement would be verified at the time of land use application.
• Residential Design
o Primary Entry: Entrances to cottages shall be a focal point and allow
space for social interaction. Front doors shall face the common area
or a street and be on the façade closest to the street.
o Façade Modulation: Buildings shall not have monotonous facades
along public areas. Cottages 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.
o Windows and Doors: Windows and front doors shall serve as an
integral part of cottage character. Primary windows shall be
proportioned vertically rather than horizontally. Vertical windows
may be combined to create a larger window area. Front doors shall
be a focal point of the cottage and be in scale with the home. All
doors shall be of the same character as the home.
o Scale, Bulk, and Character: A diverse yet complementary streetscape
shall be provided by using elevations and models that demonstrate a
variety of floor plans, home sizes, and character.
o Roofs: 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.
o Eaves: Eaves should be detailed and proportioned to complement
the architectural style of the home.
o Architectural Detailing: Architectural detail shall be provided that is
appropriate to the architectural character of the house, including but
not limited to detailing like trim, columns, and/or corner boards.
o Materials and Colors: A diversity of materials and color shall be used
throughout the community. A variety of materials that are
appropriate to the architectural character of the neighborhood shall
be used. A diverse palette of colors shall be used to reduce monotony
of color or tone.
o Mail and Newspapers: Mailboxes shall be located so that they are
easily accessible to residents. They shall also be architecturally
compatible with the cottages.
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August 10, 2023
o Mechanical Equipment: Mechanical equipment shall only be located
in the rear and side yards.
o Utilities: All surface and roof-top equipment shall be screened or
enclosed from public view.
o Dumpster/Trash/Recycling Collection Area: Both of the following
are required:
▪ Trash and recycling containers shall be located so that they
have minimal impact on residents and their neighbors and so
that they are not visible to the general public; and
▪ A screened enclosure in which to keep containers shall be
provided or garages shall be built with adequate space to
keep containers. Screened enclosures shall not be located
within front yards. In addition, see RMC 4-4-090, Refuse and
Recyclables Standards, for additional requirements.
Elevations were not provided. Compliance with all applicable specific
requirements would be reviewed at the time of land use application.
When there is an existing dwelling on the parent site that is proposed to remain in the cottage
development, it is required to comply with the standards of RMC 4-2-115E.
Access/Parking: For the two (2) lot subdivision, individual driveways with access to NE 10th St is
proposed for each lot. Each lot is required to accommodate off street parking for a minimum of
two (2) vehicles. The maximum width of single loaded garage driveways shall not exceed nine feet
(9’) and double loaded garage driveways shall not exceed 16 feet. Maximum driveway slopes shall
not exceed 15 percent; provided, that driveways exceeding eight percent (8%) shall provide
slotted drains at the lower end with positive drainage discharge to restrict runoff from entering
the garage/residence or crossing any public sidewalk. Driveways shall not be closer than five feet
(5’) to any property line except as allowed per RMC 4-4-080I9, Joint Use Driveways.
Joint use driveways reduce the number of curb cuts along individual streets and thereby improve
safety and reduce congestion while providing for additional on-street parking opportunities. Joint
use driveways should be encouraged when feasible and appropriate, particularly when there is
existing underutilized parking proximate to a subject site. Adjoining lots may utilize a joint use
driveway accessed from a public street where such joint use driveway reduces the total number
of driveways entering the street network, subject to the approval of the Department of
Community and Economic Development. Joint use driveways must be created upon the common
property line of the properties served or through the granting of a permanent access easement
when said driveway does not exist upon a common property line. If the adjoining lots are
residential, the joint use driveway shall provide access to no more than two (2) lots and each lot
shall abut a public street. Joint use access to the driveway shall be assured by easement or other
legal form acceptable to the City.
Planning would encourage a joint use driveway placed on the common property line rather than
individual driveways for each lot.
Access for the unit lot subdivision is proposed through a 20-foot (20’) shared driveway within the
right-of-way, narrowing to 16 feet (16’) on site with a 10-foot by 10-foot (10’x10’) parking pad for
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August 10, 2023
each cottage. Within cottage house development, a minimum and maximum of 1.6 stalls per
cottage house of 3 bedrooms or greater; 1.4 per 2-bedroom cottage house; 1.0 per 1-bedroom
cottage house or studio. In addition to the minimum parking stalls required, a minimum 20% of
the total number of required parking spaces in the cottage house development shall be provided
for guest parking and located in a common area accessible by guests.
Unit lot drives may be constructed to serve unit lot subdivisions. Each unit lot drive may serve up
to nine (9) unit lots. Each unit lot drive shall be accessed by a public street. The paved roadway
shall be a minimum of sixteen feet (16') wide; the Fire Department may require the paved
roadway to be up to twenty feet (20') wide. Except for points of ingress/egress, curb shall be
installed along the perimeter of the roadway. There shall be an eight foot (8') wide landscaping
strip between the curb and a five foot (5') wide sidewalk along one side of the unit lot drive. The
City may elect to have a unit lot drive dedicated as a public roadway; however, the City may
require the unit lot drive to be privately owned pursuant to RMC 4-7-090F6b, Maintenance of
Common Facilities.
It is unclear how many bedrooms would be in each cottage, so it is unclear how many parking
stalls would be needed for the cottage housing. Access for the retained detached dwelling will
need to be incorporated into the cottage housing parking. The number of parking spaces
required for cottage house developments may be averaged and dispersed within the parent site,
provided that at least one parking space is provided for each unit lot. All parking stalls and
associated drive aisles shall meet the requirements of RMC 4-4-080, Parking Loading and
Driveway Regulations. A unit lot drive would be accepted but not a shared driveway for the
cottage house unit lot subdivision. Conformance with access and parking requirements would
be reviewed at the time of land use application.
Landscaping: With the exception of critical areas, all portions of the development area not
covered by structures, required parking, access, circulation or service areas, must be landscaped
with native, drought-resistant vegetative cover. The minimum on-site landscape width required
along street frontages is 10 feet and shall contain trees, shrubs, and landscaping. Street trees in
the ROW planter will also be required. Landscaping may include hardscape such as decorative
paving, rock outcroppings, fountains, plant containers, etc. Minimum planting strip widths
between the curb and sidewalk are established according to the street development standards of
RMC 4-6-060, Street Standards. Street trees and, at a minimum, groundcover are to be located in
this area when present. Street trees shall be planted in the center of the planting strip between
the curb and the sidewalk at the following intervals; provided, that, where right-of-way is
constrained, irregular intervals and slight increases or decreases may be permitted or required.
Additionally, trees shall be planted in locations that meet required spacing distances from
facilities located in the right-of-way including, but not limited to, underground utilities,
streetlights, utility poles, traffic signs, fire hydrants, and driveways; such spacing standards are
identified in the City’s Approved Tree List. Generally, the following spacing is required: i. Small-
sized maturing trees: thirty feet (30') on center; ii. Medium-sized maturing trees: forty feet (40')
on center; and iii. Large-sized maturing trees: fifty feet (50') on center.
All parking lots shall have perimeter landscaping at least 10-feet (10’) in width as measured from
the street right-of-way. Surface parking lots shall be landscaped with plantings and trees as
follows:
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August 10, 2023
Total Number of Parking Stalls Minimum Landscape Area
15 to 50 15 sf/parking space
51 to 99 25 sf/parking space
100 or more 35 sf/parking space
For the two (2) lot short plat, 10 feet (10’) of on-site landscaping is required along the frontage.
In a unit lot subdivision for cottage housing, individual unit lots are exempt from RMC 4-4-070F3,
Front Yard Trees Required When Street Trees Are Not Located Within the Right-of-Way Abutting
a Front Yard. A 10-foot (10’) on-site landscaping strip is required along the frontage in a tract.
Parking areas will need a 10-foot fully site-obscuring buffer between them and the neighboring
property. A conceptual landscape plan shall be provided with the land use application as
prepared by a licensed Landscape Architect, a certified nurseryman or other certified
professional. Please be aware that frontage improvements will be required.
Storm drainage facilities are required to comply with the minimum 15-foot perimeter
landscaping strip on the outside of the fence unless otherwise determined through the site plan
review or subdivision review process. Please refer to landscape regulations RMC 4-4-070 for
further general and specific landscape requirements.
Significant Tree Retention: A review of COR Maps appears to show that there are mature trees
on the site. When significant trees (greater than 6-inch caliper or 8-caliper inches for alders and
cottonwoods) are proposed to be removed, a tree inventory and a tree retention plan along with
an arborist report, tree retention plan and tree retention worksheet shall be provided with the
formal land use application as defined in RMC 4-8-120. The tree retention plan must show
preservation of at least 30% of significant trees. Please refer to RMC 4-4-130, Tree Retention and
Land Clearing Regulations for further general and specific tree retention and land clearing
requirements.
In addition to retaining a minimum of 30% of existing significant trees, each new lot would be
required to provide a minimum tree density of 30 tree credits per net acre. Tree credits encourage
retention of existing significant trees with larger trees being worth more tree credits.
TREE SIZE TREE CREDITS
New small species tree 0.25
New medium species tree 1
New large species tree 2
Preserved tree 6 – 9 caliper inches 4
Preserved tree 10 – 12 caliper inches 5
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TREE SIZE TREE CREDITS
Preserved tree 12 – 15 caliper inches 6
Preserved tree 16 – 18 caliper inches 7
Preserved tree 19 – 21 caliper inches 8
Preserved tree 22 – 24 caliper inches 9
Preserved tree 25 – 28 caliper inches 10
Preserved tree 29 – 32 caliper inches 11
Preserved tree 33 – 36 caliper inches 12
Preserved tree 37 caliper inches and
greater
13
Protected trees within a subdivision shall be retained in the order of priority listed in RMC 4 -4-
130H2. Protection of trees or groves by placement within a dedicated tract (Tier 1) is the highest
priority.
Significant trees shall be retained in the following priority order:
Priority One: Landmark trees; significant trees that form a continuous canopy; significant trees on
slopes greater than twenty percent (20%); significant trees adjacent to critical areas and their
associated buffers; significant trees over sixty feet (60') in height or greater than eighteen inches
(18") caliper; and trees that shelter interior trees or trees on abutting properties from strong
winds, which could otherwise allow such sheltered trees to be blown down if removed.
Priority Two: Healthy tree groupings whose associated undergrowth can be preserved; other
significant native evergreen or deciduous trees; and other significant non-native trees.
Priority Three: Alders and cottonwoods shall be retained when all other trees have been
evaluated for retention and are not able to be retained unless the alders and/ or cottonwoods are
used as part of an approved enhancement project within a critical area or its buffer.
The Administrator may require independent review of any land use application that involves tree
removal and land clearing at the City's discretion.
The Administrator may authorize the planting of replacement trees on the site if it can be
demonstrated to the Administrator's satisfaction that replacement requirements in RMC 4-4-
130H1e can be met.
Tree retention standards shall be applied to the developable area, as defined in RMC 4-11-040,
Definitions D, of a property. An arborist report, formal tree retention plan and tree retention
worksheet prepared by an arborist or landscape architect would be reviewed at the time of the
land use application.
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August 10, 2023
Fences/Walls: If the applicant intends to install any fences or retaining walls as part of this project,
the location must be designated on the landscape plan and grading plan with top of wall and
bottom of wall elevations. A fence and/or wall detail should also be included on the plan. A
retaining wall that is 4 feet or taller, as measured by the vertical distance from the bottom of the
footing to the finish grade at the top of the wall requires a building permit. The maximum height
of any fence or retaining wall is 72-inches subject to further height limitations in setbacks and
clear vision areas noted in RMC 4-4-040D. A fence shall not be constructed on top of a retaining
wall unless the total combined height of the retaining wall and the fence does not exceed the
allowed height of a standalone fence. For more information about fences and retaining walls refer
to RMC 4-4-040.
Critical Areas: According to COR Maps, there are sensitive slopes (slopes greater than 25% up to
40%) and high erosion hazard areas on the property.
The required study shall demonstrate the following review criteria can be met: (a) The proposal
will not increase the threat of the geological hazard to adjacent or abutting properties beyond
pre-development conditions; and (b) The proposal will not adversely impact other critical areas;
and (c) The development can be safely accommodated on the site. The geotechnical study must
meet the requirements set forth in the City of Renton Critical Areas Regulations, RMC 4-3-050.
Per RMC 4-3-050 the City may require an independent secondary review of any valid geotechnical
reports by a qualified specialists selected by the City, at the applicant’s expense. Based upon the
results of a geotechnical report and/or independent review, conditions of approval for
developments may include increased buffers and/or increased setbacks from buffers. Buffers are
established from the top, toe, and sides of slopes. Alterations to critical areas buffers is subject to
RMC 4-3-050.I. Protected slopes also require a 15-foot building setback beyond the required
buffer.
Geologically hazardous areas are present on the site. Whenever a proposed developme nt
requires a development permit and a geologic hazard is present on the site of the proposed
development geotechnical studies by licensed professionals, such as a geotechnical engineer
and/or engineering geologist, are required.
Wetlands are present on the property. They require the following buffers and additional 15-foot
structure setback based on a wetland report prepared by a qualified professional:
Critical Area Category or
Type
Critical Area Buffer Width
Structure
Setback
beyond Buffer
Wetlands
All Other Land Uses:
High Habitat
Function (8-9
points)
Moderate
Habitat
Function (5-7
points)
Low Habitat
Function (3-4
points)
All Other
Scores
15 ft.
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August 10, 2023
Category I –
Bogs & Natural
Heritage
Wetlands
200 ft.
Category I – All
Others
200 ft. 150 ft. 115 ft. 115 ft.
Category II 175 ft. 150 ft. 100 ft. n/a
Category III 125 ft. 100 ft. 75 ft. n/a
Category IV 50 ft. n/a
Alterations to wetland buffers may be permitted through buffer enhancement or buffer width
averaging per RMC 4-3-050I. Wetland buffer widths shall be reduced by no more than 25% of
the buffer requirement. The wetland and its buffer will need to be placed in a tract via the
subdivision and record a permanent and irrevocable covenant running with the land or deed
restriction on the property title of any critical area management tract or tracts created as a
condition of a permit. Such covenant or deed restriction(s) shall prohibit development,
alteration, or disturbance within the tract except for purposes of habitat enhancement as part
of an enhancement project which has received prior written approval from the City, and from
any other agency with jurisdiction over such activity. A covenant running with the land shall be
placed on the tract restricting its separate sale. Each abutting lot owner or the homeowners’
association shall have an undivided interest in the tract.
Honey Creek, a non-fish bearing season stream (Type NS) per COR Maps, is approximately 23 feet
(23’) to the west of the parcel. Type Ns streams require a minimum buffer of 50 feet with an
additional structure setback from the buffer of 15 feet.
The submitted site plan does not show the location of the stream or its associated buffer.
Alterations to stream buffers may be permitted in the case of degraded stream buffer width
with enhancement or an averaged stream buffer width per RMC 4-3-050I.
Please note a stream study, prepared by a qualified biologist, would need to verify the
classification and delineation of the stream. The city does not have a wetland biologist on staff
and may send out stream studies and wetland reports to a secondary reviewer with all costs to
be paid by the applicant.
A stream study is required because of the presence of the Type NS stream within 100 feet of the
lot. It is the applicant’s responsibility to determine whether any other critical areas are present
on the site prior to formal land use application. An administrative variance meeting the
requirements of RMC 4-9-250B.1.7 would be required to reduce the buffer widths beyond
prescribed allowances in RMC 4-3-050.
Environmental Review: Short Plats are generally exempt from State Environmental Policy Act
(SEPA) review. However, both projects would be subject to Washington State Environmental
Policy Act (SEPA) due to the presence of critical areas onsite. Therefore, an environmental
checklist is a submittal requirement. An environmental determination will be made by the
Renton Environmental Review Committee.
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Unit Lot Subdivisions: Within the R-4 zone a cottage house unit lot subdivision is permitted. Unit
lot subdivisions are exempt from the following standards in RMC 4-2-110A, Development
Standards for Residential Zoning Designations (Primary and Attached Accessory Structures):
maximum density, minimum lot size, minimum lot width, minimum lot depth, yard setbacks,
maximum building coverage, and maximum impervious surface area. For more information, refer
to RMC 4-7-090. Unit lot drives may be constructed to serve unit lot subdivision; each unit lot
drive may serve up to nine (9) lots. Please refer to RMC 4-6-060K for unit lot drive requirements.
Legally established existing single-family housing intended for cottage house developments that
are nonconforming with respect to development standards (e.g., maximum net density) shall be
considered conforming for the purpose of this Section and may be subdivided pursuant to RMC
4-7-090, Unit Lot Subdivisions provided, that as conditions of a unit lot subdivision approval the
City may require that any nonconforming development standard be brought into compliance to
the extent feasible, as determined by the Administrator
A unit lot subdivision with nine (9) or fewer lots would be processed as a short plat. Additional
development standards for cottage housing developments can be found in RMC 4-2-110G. Per
RMC 4-7-090D3, Site Plan Review, unit lot subdivisions are subject to RMC 4-9-200, Master Plan
and Site Plan Review. Of note, RMC 4-9-200C2b, SEPA Exempt Development, shall not apply.
Each individual dwelling unit is required to be on its own lot. The remainder of the parent site
shall be platted as one (1) or more tracts.
Hillside Subdivisions: Because of their steeper slopes, the sites of hillside subdivisions ordinarily
should have greater attention paid to the potential for drainage, erosion, and slope stability
problems than other subdivisions. Information concerning the soils, geology, drainage patterns,
and vegetation shall be presented in order to evaluate the drainage, erosion control and slope
stability for site development of the proposed plat. The applicant must demonstrate that the
development of the hillside subdivision will not result in soil erosion and sedimentation, landslide,
slippage, excess surface water runoff, increased costs of building and maintaining roads and public
facilities and increased need for emergency relief and rescue operations. Detailed plans for any
proposed cut and fill operations shall be submitted. These plans shall include the angle of slope,
contours, compaction, and retaining walls. Plans shall be consistent with requirements in RMC 4-
4-060, Grading, Excavation and Mining Regulations. Areas of the subdivision deemed to be critical
areas due to designation as protected slopes shall be located within a tract or tracts. See RMC 4-
7-220, Hillside Subdivisions for full requirements.
Site Plan Approval: Per RMC 4-9-200, site plan review is required for any cottage house
development. The purpose of the site plan review process is to analyze the detailed arrangement
of project elements to mitigate negative impacts where necessary to ensure project compatibility
with the physical characteristics of a site and with the surrounding are. Site plan review ensures
quality development consistent with the City goals and policies. Site Plan review analyzes
elements including, but not limited to, site layout, building orientation and design, pedestrian and
vehicular environment, landscaping, natural features of the site, screening and buffering, parking
and loading facilities, and illumination to ensure compatibility with the potential future
development. Decision criteria approval are itemized in RMC 4-9-200E3.
All cottage house developments require site plan review regardless of the zone.
Permit Requirements: The two (2) lot short plat proposal would require administrative short plat
approval and an Environmental Review. The application would be reviewed within an estimated
time frame of eight (8) weeks. The 2023 fees would total $8,274.00 ($6,080.00 Preliminary Short
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August 10, 2023
Plat + $1,800.00 Environmental Review + $394.00 Technology Fee (5%) = $8,274.00). Each
modification request is $290.00.
The unit lot subdivision would require administrative short plat approval, administrative Site Plan
Review, and an Environmental Review. The application would be reviewed within an estimated
time frame of eight (8) weeks. The 2023 fees would total $19,152.00 ($6,080.00 Preliminary Short
Plat + $3,030.00 Administrative Site Plan Review + $1,800.00 Environmental Review + $545.50
Technology Fee (5%) = $11,455.50). Each modification request is $290.00.
A 5% technology fee added to the total cost of the reviews would also be assessed at the time of
land use application. All fees are subject to change. Detailed information regarding the land use
permit application submittal requirements can be found on the Short Plat Submittal
Requirements and Site Plan Review Submittal Requirements checklists. Other informational
applications and handouts can be found on the City’s Digital Records Library. The City requires
electronic plan submittal for all applications. Please refer to the City’s Electronic File Standards.
A Final Short Plat or Final Preliminary Plat application and its associated fees will be required
following construction of the subdivision’s infrastructure.
Public Notice Requirements
Public Information Sign: Public Information Signs are required for all Type II and Type III Land Use
Permits as classified by RMC 4-8-080. Public Information Signs are intended to inform the public
of potential land development, specific permits/actions being considered by the City, and to
facilitate timely and effective public participation in the review process. The applicant must follow
the specifications provided in the public information sign handout. The applicant is solely
responsible for the construction, installation, maintenance, removal, and any costs associated
with the sign.
Fees: In addition to the applicable building and construction fees, impact fees would be required.
The fee in effect at the time of residential building permit issuance will apply. For informational
purposes, the 2023 impact fees are as follows:
• A Transportation Impact Fee assessed at $12,208.54 per each new detached dwelling unit.
• A Parks Impact Fee assessed at $3,276.44 per each new detached dwelling unit subdivision.
• A Fire Impact Fee assessed at $829.77 per each new detached dwelling unit.
• An Issaquah School District Impact Fee assessed at $11,377.00 per each new detached
dwelling unit.
A handout listing Renton’s development-related fees is available on the City of Renton website
for your review.
Next Steps: When the formal land use application materials are complete, the applicant shall have
the application materials pre-screened prior to submitting the complete application package.
Please contact Andrew Van Gordon, Associate Planner at avangordon@rentonwa.gov or (425)
430-7286 for an appointment.
Expiration: Upon approval, the Short Plat is valid for five (5) years with a possible one-year
extension (RMC 4-7-070M). It is the responsibility of the owner to monitor the expiration date.