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HomeMy WebLinkAboutERC_Grant_Place_Townhomes_FINALDEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ERC_Grant Place Townhomes_Final ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT ERC Meeting Date: September 18, 2023 Project File Number: PR23-000126 Project Name: Grant Place Townhomes Land Use File Number: LUA23-000283, PP, SA-H, ECF, MOD, V-H Project Manager: Jill Ding, Senior Planner Owner: Apex Enterprises Group LLC, 15 S Grady Way, Suite 527, Renton, WA 98057 Applicant: Satwant Singh, 15 S Grady Way, Suite 527, Renton, WA 98057 Contact: Dean Furr, Furr Engineering Services, 4715 152nd Pl SW, Unit B, Edmonds, WA 98026 Project Location: 1504-1582 SE Grant Circle, Renton, WA 98055 (Parcel No. 2023059052) Project Summary: The applicant is requesting Preliminary Plat approval, Hearing Examiner Site Plan Review, Environmental (SEPA) Review, a Parking Modification, a Street Standards Modification, and a Landscape Variance for the construction of a multi -family development containing a unit lot subdivision with 36 townhomes. The project site totals approximately 2.14 acres and is located within the Residential Multi-Family (RMF) zoning classification, and the Residential High Density (RHD) land use designation. The development would be comprised of eight (8) separate multi-family residential structures. Access to the site is proposed via new loop access drive extended from Grant Ave S. A parking modification is requested as the parking stalls would not comply with the minimum dimensional requirement, a landscape setback variance is requested to vary from the 15-foot buffer required abutting a residentially zoned property, and a street standards modification was requested to modify the unit lot driveway standards. The proposed development is located on a partially - developed site that was originally part of the expired Grant Pl ace Townhomes Preliminary Plat and Planned Urban Development (PUD) (LUA15-000885 and LUA17- 000335). The Preliminary Plat and PUD applications have expired and the proposed townhome development would require new land use approvals. The site is mapped with Sensitive Slopes, Moderate Coal Mine Hazards, Moderate Landslide Hazards, High Erosion Hazards, and seismic faults. Exist. Bldg. Area SF: N/A Proposed New Bldg. Area (footprint): Proposed New Bldg. Area (gross): 24,620 sq. ft. 68,356 sq. ft. Site Area: 93,100 sq. ft. (2.14 acres) Total Building Area GSF: 68,356 sq. ft. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff Recommends that the Environmental Review Committee issue a Determination of Non-Significance - Mitigated (DNS-M). Project Location DocuSign Envelope ID: E5C77ED5-CC36-4002-B927-1548FF65ACF2 City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Grant Place Townhomes Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA23-000283, PP, SA-H, ECF, MOD, V-H Report of September 18, 2023 Page 2 of 5 ERC_Grant Place Townhomes_Final ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW In compliance with RCW 43.21C.240, the following environmental (SEPA) review addresses only those project impacts that are not adequately addressed under existing development standards and environmental regulations. A. Environmental Threshold Recommendation Based on analysis of probable impacts from the proposal, staff recommends that the Responsible Officials: Issue a DNS-M with a 14-day appeal period B. Mitigation Measures 1. Project construction shall comply with the recommendations outlined in the Geotechnical Report prepared by Nelson Geotechnical Associates, Inc., dated June 10, 2005 as well as the geotechnical letter prepared by Cobalt Geosciences, LLC, dated March 3, 2023. 2. The applicant shall submit an Inadvertent Discoveries Plan prepared by a qualified professional with the civil construction permit for review and approval by the Current Planning Project Manager prior to permit issuance. 3. The Duwamish Tribe shall also be notified if any archeological work or monitoring is performed on the project site. C. Exhibits Exhibit 1: Environmental Review Committee (ERC) Report Exhibit 2: DNS-M for Grant Avenue Townhomes (LUA07-018) Exhibit 3: Addendum to DNS-M for Grant Place Townhomes (LUA15-000885) Exhibit 4: Bonneville Power Land Use Agreement Exhibit 5: Architectural Plans Exhibit 6: Civil Plans Exhibit 7: Landscape Plans Exhibit 8: Geotechnical report prepared by Nelson Geotechnical Associates, Inc., dated June 10, 2005 Exhibit 9: Geotechnical letter prepared by Cobalt Geosciences, LLC, dated March 3, 2023 Exhibit 10: Stormwater Site Plan/Report, prepared by Furr Engineering Services, PLLC, dated April 3, 2023 Exhibit 11: Agency Comments and City Response Exhibit 12: Trip Generation Assessment, prepared by Heath & Associates, dated April 26, 2023 Exhibit 13: Transportation Concurrency D. Environmental Impacts The Proposal was circulated and reviewed by various City Departments and Divisions to determine whether the applicant has adequately identified and addressed environmental impacts anticipated to occur in conjunction with the proposed development. Staff reviewers have identified that the proposal is likely to have the following probable impacts: DocuSign Envelope ID: E5C77ED5-CC36-4002-B927-1548FF65ACF2 City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Grant Place Townhomes Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA23-000283, PP, SA-H, ECF, MOD, V-H Report of September 18, 2023 Page 3 of 5 ERC_Grant Place Townhomes_Final 1. Earth Impacts: A Geotechnical Report and subsequent letter were included with the submitted project application materials. The Geotechnical report was prepared by Nelson Geotechnical Associates, Inc. and was dated June 10, 2005 (Exhibit 8). This report summarized existing surface and subsurface conditions and provides general recommendations for the site development as proposed. Conclusions in their report are based on a subsurface investigation, using analysis of material excavated from (eight) 8 test pits ranging from 4.5 to 8.5 feet in depth and documentation related to geology of the vicinity. According to this report, there was no evidence found of previous coal mining activities, which were known to occur in the vicinity of the property. This, with research of records available at the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, resulted in the conclusion that mining operations were not specifically located at the site. The soil conditions on the site are summarized as follows, the top 0.5 to 1.5 feet of the site consists of loose topsoil. This is underlain by competent native glacial till deposits, which was found to the bottom of the test pits. The geotechnical report concludes that the site is compatible with the proposed development and that structures may be founded on the native medium dense or better soil that would be encountered at approximately 1 to 2 feet below the existing ground surface. Use of shallow foundations, with footings extended through loose surficial soil to underlying competent glacial till soils is recommended. Minor to moderate groundwater seepage, probably from perched water, was found at depths ranging from 2.5 to 7.5 feet below the existing grade. Although there is no indication of a regional groundwater table within the area explored, this groundwater would probably be present, in varying amounts depending on seasonal rainfall, throughout the year. It was concluded that earthwork actives during the wet season could be impacted by groundwater conditions onsite. The report concludes that the proposed project would be feasible from a geotechnical standpoint, however a SEPA mitigation measure was imposed under the original DNS-M issued for the site under LUA07-018 that required the applicant to comply with the recommendations presented in the Geotechnical report prepared by Nelson Geotechnical Associates, Inc. In addition, a second mitigation measure was adopted limiting the site construction to between April 1st and November 1st. The submitted letter was prepared by Cobalt Geosciences, LLC, dated March 3, 2023 (Exhibit 9). This letter identifies that significant construction has already occurred on the project site and concludes that project construction may continue. The letter also concludes that infiltration on the site is not feasible due to the factors onsite including site soils and groundwater conditions. To ensure that project construction continues in accordance with the geotechnical recommendations provided in Exhibits 8 and 9, staff recommends, as a SEPA Mitigation Measure that project construction occur in accordance with the Geotechnical Report prepared by Nelson Geotechnical Associates, Inc., dated June 10, 2005 as well as the geotechnical letter prepared by Cobalt Geosciences, LLC, dated March 3, 2023. As the submitted Geotechnical Report (Exhibit 8) included recommendations for wet weather work conditions, staff is not recommending the adoption of the previous mitigation measure which limited construction work to April 1st to November 1st. Mitigation Measure: 1. Project construction shall comply with the recommendations outlined in the Geotechnical Report prepared by Nelson Geotechnical Associates, Inc., dated June 10, 2005 as well as the geotechnical letter prepared by Cobalt Geosciences, LLC, dated March 3, 2023. Nexus: SEPA Environmental Regulations, Renton Comprehensive Plan Goal L-W and Policy L-36. DocuSign Envelope ID: E5C77ED5-CC36-4002-B927-1548FF65ACF2 City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Grant Place Townhomes Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA23-000283, PP, SA-H, ECF, MOD, V-H Report of September 18, 2023 Page 4 of 5 ERC_Grant Place Townhomes_Final 2. Water a. Storm Water Impacts: The previous project was permitted and developed under the requirements of the 2005 King County Surface Water Design Manual. The current application would require that the project comply with the requirements outlined in the 2022 City of Renton Surface Water Design Manal (RSWDM). The applicant submitted a Stormwater Site Plan/Report, prepared by Furr Engineering Services, PLLC, dated April 3, 2023. On-site drainage improvements would include the utilization of existing/partially constructed curbs, gutters, catch basins, and pipe network for the collection of surface water runoff which would be tight-lined to a detention vault located at the northwest corner of the property. The applicant would be required to demonstrate that the existing vault would satisfy the requirements of the 2022 RSWDM. The proposed location of the vault is within an overhead transmission line easement (recording number 5162689). Under the previous DNS-M (Exhibit 2), in accordance with mitigation measure 4, the applicant was required provide documentation that ensures that such structure is a permitted use of the easement area. The applicant previously submitted this documentation (Exhibit 4). The previous DNS-M also recommended that the applicant be required to provide a Temporary Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan (TESCP) designed pursuant to the Department of Ecology’s Erosion and Sediment Control Requirements outlined in Volume II of the most recent Department of Ecology Stormwater Management Manual. Under the current application, it is anticipated that the City’s currently adopted erosion and sediment control practices would adequately mitigation for any erosion or sediment control, therefore no further mitigation is recommended at this time. It is anticipated that the City’s adopted 2022 City of Renton Surface Water Design Manual would adequately mitigate impacts from surface water runoff, therefore no further mitigation is recommended. Mitigation Measures: None recommended Nexus: N/A 3. Historic and Cultural Preservation Impacts: Staff did receive comments from the Duwamish Tribe (Exhibit 11) requesting that an Inadvertent Discovery Plan (IDP) be in place prior to the recommencement of proposed construction activities due to the potential for archeological resources being discovered on the project site. The tribe also requests that they be notified if any archeological work or monitoring is performed on the project site. To ensure that any archeological deposits are managed appropriately, staff recommends as a SEPA mitigation measure that the applicant submit an Inadvertent Discoveries Plan prepared by a qualified professional with the civil construction permit for review and approval by the Current Planning Project Manager prior to permit issuance. The Duwamish Tribe shall also be notified if any archeological work or monitoring is performed on the project site. Mitigation Measures: 1. The applicant shall submit an Inadvertent Discoveries Plan prepared by a qualified professional with the civil construction permit for review and approval by the Current Planning Project Manager prior to permit issuance. 2. The Duwamish Tribe shall also be notified if any archeological work or monitoring is performed on the project site. Nexus: SEPA Environmental Regulations and Renton Comprehensive Plan Goal L-AA and Policies L-45 and L-46. DocuSign Envelope ID: E5C77ED5-CC36-4002-B927-1548FF65ACF2 City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Grant Place Townhomes Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA23-000283, PP, SA-H, ECF, MOD, V-H Report of September 18, 2023 Page 5 of 5 ERC_Grant Place Townhomes_Final 4. Transportation Impacts: A Trip Generation Assessment, prepared by Heath & Associates, dated April 26, 2023 (Exhibit 12) was submitted with the project application materials. The project would be accessed from Grant Avenue NE by a 20-foot-wide internal, modified, looped unit lot drive. The proposed access would function as a one-way access with the north driveway functioning as ingress only and the south driveway functioning as egress only. The nearest public transit is offered along S Puget Drive, approximately 1,450-feet walking distance south of the subject site at the intersection of S Puget Drive & Grant Avenue S. Metro Transit Routes 102 (routes to Downtown Seattle) and 148 (to Renton Transit Center) are available. Street improvements including, but not limited to paving, sidewalks, curb and gutter, storm drain, landscaping, street lighting, and street signs would be required along Grant Avenue NE. According to the submitted Trip Generation Assessment (Exhibit 12), for single-family attached units, ITE data estimates the 36 dwelling units can generate 224 average weekday daily trips with 13 trips occurring the AM peak hour and 18 trips in the PM peak hour. A Transportation Concurrency Test (Exhibit 13) was issued for the proposal, it was concluded that the proposal passed the transportation concurrency test in accordance with RMC 4-6-070D. It is anticipated that any new trips generated by the proposal would be adequately mitigated through the payment of a Traffic Impact Fee, therefore no further mitigation is recommended. Mitigation Measures: None recommended Nexus: N/A E. Comments of Reviewing Departments The proposal has been circulated to City Department and Division Reviewers. Where applicable, their comments have been incorporated into the text of this report and/or “Advisory Notes to Applicant.” ✓ Copies of all Review Comments are contained in the Official File and may be attached to this report. The Environmental Determination decision will become final if the decision is not appealed within the 14 -day appeal period (RCW 43.21.C.075(3); WAC 197-11-680). Environmental Determination Appeal Process: Appeals of the environmental determination must be filed in writing on or before 5:00 p.m. on October 2, 2023. Appeals must be submitted electronically to the City Clerk at cityclerk@rentonwa.gov or delivered to City Hall 1st floor Lobby Hub Monday through Friday. The appeal fee, normally due at the time an appeal is submitted, will be collected at a future date if your appeal is submitted electronically. The appeal submitted in person may be paid on the first floor in our Finance Department. Appeals to the Hearing Examiner are governed by RMC 4-8-110 and additional information regarding the appeal process may be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office, cityclerk@rentonwa.gov. DocuSign Envelope ID: E5C77ED5-CC36-4002-B927-1548FF65ACF2 CITY OF RENTON DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STAFF REPORT TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE EXHIBITS Project Name: Grant Place Townhomes Land Use File Number: LUA23-000283, PP, SA-H, ECF, MOD, V-H Date of Meeting September 18, 2023 Staff Contact Jill Ding Senior Planner Project Contact/Applicant Dean Furr Furr Engineering Services 4715 152nd Pl SW, Unit B, Edmonds, WA 98026 Project Location 1504-1582 SE Grant Circle, Renton, WA 98055 (Parcel No. 2023059052) The following exhibits are included with the ERC Report: Exhibit 1: Environmental Review Committee (ERC) Report Exhibit 2: DNS-M for Grant Avenue Townhomes (LUA07-018) Exhibit 3: Addendum to DNS-M for Grant Place Townhomes (LUA15-000885) Exhibit 4: Bonneville Power Land Use Agreement Exhibit 5: Architectural Plans Exhibit 6: Civil Plans Exhibit 7: Landscape Plans Exhibit 8: Geotechnical report prepared by Nelson Geotechnical Associates, Inc., dated June 10, 2005 Exhibit 9: Geotechnical letter prepared by Cobalt Geosciences, LLC, dated March 3, 2023 Exhibit 10: Stormwater Site Plan/Report, prepared by Furr Engineering Services, PLLC, dated April 3, 2023 Exhibit 11: Agency Comments and City Response Exhibit 12: Trip Generation Assessment, prepared by Heath & Associates, dated April 26, 2023 Exhibit 13: Transportation Concurrency DocuSign Envelope ID: E5C77ED5-CC36-4002-B927-1548FF65ACF2