HomeMy WebLinkAboutSR_ERC_Report_231009_v1DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
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SR_ERC_Report_231009_v1
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT
ERC Meeting Date: October 9, 2023
Project File Number: PR23-000139
Project Name: SW Grady Office and Shop Building
Land Use File Number: LUA23-000300, ECF, SA-A, MOD
Project Manager: Clark H. Close, Principal Planner
Owner/Applicant: Daniel Mendes, 1404 Grady LLC, 10650 9th Pl, Unit 1822, Bellevue, WA 98004
Contact: David Boileau, Sitts & Hill Engineers, Inc., 4815 Center St, Tacoma, WA 98409
Project Location: 1404 SW Grady Way, Renton, WA 98055 (APN 2423049061)
Project Summary: The applicant is requesting administrative site plan review, environmental (SEPA)
review, and a street modification to construct a 9,418 square foot one-story office
and shop building at 1404 SW Grady Way (APN 2423049061). The subject property
is approximately 27,175 square feet (0.62 acres) and is located within the Medium
Industrial (IM) zoning designation. The applicant is proposing to retain the existing
1,520 square foot building during construction of the new building for material
storage. After construction, the material would be relocated to the new building
and the existing building would be demolished. In addition to the new building, the
site work would include a vehicle parking, pedestrian walkway, landscaping, and
other associated utility improvements. Access to the property is from SW Grady
Way. The site is relatively flat. Grading would include 10 cubic yards of cut and 1,210
cubic yards of fill from a local gravel pit. The applicant is proposing a street
modification to retain the existing curb and gutter, sidewalk, and landscaping along
the project frontage. One (1) significant tree would be removed and replaced. The
City’s mapping system has identified the subject property is within a high seismic
hazard area and the northeast corner of the parcel in within the 100-year special
flood hazard area (FEMA Zone – AE). The applicant submitted a geotechnical report,
technical information report, traffic letter, and an arborist report.
Exist. Bldg. Area SF: 1,520 SF Proposed New Bldg. Area (footprint):
Proposed New Bldg. Area (gross):
9,418 SF
9,418 SF
Site Area: 27,175 SF Total Building Area GSF: 12,138 SF
STAFF
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff Recommends that the Environmental Review Committee issue a
Determination of Non-Significance - Mitigated (DNS-M).
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development SW Grady Office and Shop Building Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA23-000300, ECF, SA-A, MOD
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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. The project construction shall comply with the recommendations found in the submitted Geotechnical
Report, prepared by PanGEO Inc., dated July 2023 and any future addenda.
2. The applicant’s geotechnical engineer shall review the project’s construction and building permit plans
to verify compliance with the geotechnical report(s). The geotechnical engineer shall submit a sealed
letter stating that he/she has reviewed the construction and building permit plans and in their opinion
the plans and specifications meet the intent of the report(s).
3. The applicant shall comply with the following recommendations found in the submitted letter from the
Department of Ecology, dated September 27, 2023, prior to civil construction permit issuance:
a. Sample the soil and analyze for arsenic and lead following the 2019 Tacoma Smelter Plume
Guidance and send the soil sample results to Ecology for review.
b. If lead or arsenic are found at concentrations above the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) cleanup
levels (Chapter 173-340 WAC); the owners, potential buyers, construction workers, and others
shall be notified of their occurrence.
c. If lead, arsenic and/or other contaminants are found at concentrations above MTCA cleanup levels,
the applicant shall:
i. Develop soil remediation plan and enter into the Voluntary Cleanup Program with Ecology.
ii. Obtain an opinion letter from Ecology stating that the proposed soil remediation plan will
likely result in no further action under MTCA. The applicant shall provide to the local
permitting agency the opinion letter from Ecology.
iii. Prior to finalizing site development permits, provide to the local land use permitting agency
“No Further Action” determination from Ecology indicating that the remediation plans were
successfully implemented under MTCA.
d. If soils are found to be contaminated with arsenic, lead, or other contaminants, extra precautions
shall be taken to avoid escaping dust, soil erosion, and water pollution during grading and site
construction. Contaminated soils generated during site construction shall be managed and
disposed of in accordance with state and local regulations, including the Solid Waste Handling
Standards regulation (Chapter 173-350 WAC).
4. Project construction activities that would result in soil disturbance below the existing fill material be
completed under observation by a professional archeologist. All project disturbance activities shall be
included in a project-specific monitoring plan upon completion of the final project design. Consultation
with concerned Tribes shall occur prior to survey activities.
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development SW Grady Office and Shop Building Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA23-000300, ECF, SA-A, MOD
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C. Exhibits
Exhibit 1: Environmental Review Committee (ERC) Report
Exhibit 2: Preliminary Site Plans (Interim and Final Phases)
Exhibit 3: Neighborhood Detail Map
Exhibit 4: Topographic Survey
Exhibit 5: Overall Architectural Floor Plans
Exhibit 6: Architectural Exterior Elevations
Exhibit 7: Architectural Renderings
Exhibit 8: Landscape Plans
Exhibit 9: Arborist Report
Exhibit 10: Tree Retention Plans Removal Plan
Exhibit 11: Technical Information Report, prepared by Sitts & Hill Engineers, Inc., dated July
2023
Exhibit 12: Conceptual Grading and Drainage Plans (Interim and Final Phases), prepared by Sitts
& Hill Engineers, Inc., dated February 1, 2023
Exhibit 13: Conceptual Utility Plan, prepared by Sitts & Hill Engineers, Inc., dated February 1, 2023
Exhibit 14: Geotechnical Report, prepared by PanGEO Inc., dated July 2023
Exhibit 15: Traffic Letter, prepared by Jake Traffic Engineering, Inc., dated June 19, 2023
Exhibit 16: Comment Email from the Duwamish Tribe, dated September 14, 2023
Exhibit 17: Staff Response to Duwamish Tribe, dated September 20, 2023
Exhibit 18: Comment Letter from Department of Ecology (Ecology), dated September 27, 2023
Exhibit 19: Staff Response to Ecology, dated September 27, 2023
Exhibit 20: Comment Letter from King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks –
Wastewater Treatment Division (KCWTD), dated September 27, 2023
Exhibit 21: Staff Response to KCWTD, dated September 28, 2023
Exhibit 22: Environmental (SEPA) Checklist, dated August 21, 2023
Exhibit 23: Construction Mitigation Description
Exhibit 24: Letter of Understanding of Geologic Risk
Exhibit 25: Hazardous Materials Statement
Exhibit 26: Transportation Concurrency Memo
Exhibit 27: Advisory Notes
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:
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development SW Grady Office and Shop Building Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA23-000300, ECF, SA-A, MOD
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1. Earth
Impacts: As provided in the applicant’s Geotechnical Report, prepared by PanGEO Inc., dated July 2023
(Exhibit 14) the project site is underlain by Quaternary Alluvium deposited by the White and Green
Rivers. This soil unit generally consists of loose to medium dense sand and soft to medium stiff silt with
occasional organic soil layer. According to the Report, field explorations consisted of drilling two (2)
test borings at the site at approximately the northern and southern portions of the proposed building
footprint. The borings generally encountered a layer of undocumented fill to a depth of approximately
seven feet (7’) below the surface followed by alluvium consisting of loose to dense sand, gravelly, and
silty sand with occasional organics and shell fragments. Groundwater was observed at about 15 feet
below the ground surface.
The Geotechnical Report evaluated potential geologic hazards (erosion hazards, steep slope and
landslide hazards, seismic hazards, and coal mine hazards) within the subject site. The Report found
erosion hazards at the site to be low and can be effectively mitigated with Best Management Practice
(BMPs) during construction. No landslide or coal mine hazard areas were found at the site. Based on a
liquefaction analysis, the alluvial soils below the groundwater table, to a depth of about 60 feet, are
potentially liquefiable. It was determined that this could result in a post-liquefaction settlement of
about 8 to 9 inches and a potential shear-induced liquefaction settlement below the foundation to be
about 1 inch under an earthquake event. Assuming the potential differential settlement would be
equal to about 50% of total post-liquefaction settlement, the geotechnical engineer estimates that the
potential differential building settlement induced by liquefaction would be up to about 4 to 4½ inches,
but more likely be less than 3 to 4 inches due to the uniform soils found in the borings. To mitigate the
potential impacts of the soil liquefaction and ground settlement, the geotechnical engineer is
recommending the proposed structure be supported by a mat/structural slab placed on 12-inch
compacted structural fill (imported, well-graded, granular material, such as WSDOT CSBC or approved
equivalent) over a layer of geogrid (such as Tensar BX1100 or approved equivalent), and the mat
foundation should be thickened to a minimum depth of 18 inches below the adjacent finish grade
around the perimeter of the mat and the thickened edges of the structural slabs should have a
minimum width of 18 inches. Although, if a high-level foundation performance is desired by the
applicant, pile foundation may be used to support the building. The applicant has indicated that they
understand and would accept the risk of developing in an unstable area (Exhibit 24).
The applicant anticipates approximately 10 cubic yards of excavation and approximately 1,210 cubic
yards of fill to support the construction of the proposed development. The Geotechnical Report
estimates that construction would require about three feet (3’) or less of excavation below existing
grade or mainly fill underlain by loose to medium dense sand. Erosion is possible in conjunction with
any construction activity. Implementation of a Temporary Erosion Sedimentation Control (TESC) plan
would mitigate potential impacts from excavation activity. Managed erosion would include but not be
limited to installing a silt fence at the construction perimeter, placing quarry spalls or hay bales at the
disturbed and traffic areas, covering stockpiled soil or cut slopes with plastic sheets, construction of a
temporary drainage pond to control surface runoff and sediment trap, and placing rocks at the
construction entrance. Winter construction would require the implementation of best management
erosion and sedimentation control practices to minimize the migration of sediment into private or
public storm drainage systems (Exhibit 23).
As the geotechnical study has confirmed the alluvial soils below the groundwater table are susceptible
to seismically-induced liquefaction under IBC-code level earthquakes, and large ground settlement
could occur as a result of soil liquefaction during the design seismic event, PanGEO Inc. recommends
that their firm be retained to provide a review of the final design to confirm that their geotechnical
recommendations have been correctly interpreted and adequately implemented in the construction
documents. As such, staff recommends a mitigation measure that the applicant comply with the
recommendations found in the submitted Geotechnical Report, prepared by PanGEO Inc., dated July
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development SW Grady Office and Shop Building Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA23-000300, ECF, SA-A, MOD
Report of October 9, 2023 Page 5 of 11
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2023 and any future addenda. Additionally, as the geotechnical report was prepared prior to the final
design of the project, staff recommends as a mitigation measure, that the applicant’s geotechnical
engineer review the project’s construction and building permit plans to verify compliance with the
geotechnical report(s). The geotechnical engineer shall submit a sealed letter stating that he/she has
reviewed the construction and building permit plans and in their opinion the plans and specifications
meet the intent of the report(s).
Mitigation Measures:
1. The project construction shall comply with the recommendations found in the submitted
Geotechnical Report, prepared by PanGEO Inc., dated July 2023 and any future addenda.
2. The applicant’s geotechnical engineer shall review the project’s construction and building permit
plans to verify compliance with the geotechnical report(s). The geotechnical engineer shall submit
a sealed letter stating that he/she has reviewed the construction and building permit plans and in
their opinion the plans and specifications meet the intent of the report(s).
Nexus: State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Environmental Review; City of Renton Comprehensive
Plan Policy L-36; RMC 4-3-050 Critical Areas Regulations; and RMC 4-4-060 Grading, Excavation, and
Mining Regulations.
2. Air
Impacts: It is anticipated that some temporary air quality impacts could be associated with site work
and building construction required to develop this site. Project development impacts during
construction may include dust as a result of grading and exhaust from construction vehicles and
equipment. Dust control would be mitigated using temporary erosion control measures or other
measures to remediate impacts as needed. According to the applicant, upon completion of the project,
emissions from the site would be typical of a specialty trade contractor space that includes office and
shop space to store/assemble materials for a job site (Exhibits 5 and 22).
No further site-specific mitigation for the identified impacts from typical vehicle and construction
exhaust is required.
Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation is recommended.
Nexus: Not applicable.
3. Water
a. Wetland, Streams, Lakes
Impacts: According to City of Renton (COR) Map, a small portion of the northeast corner of the site
is located within a Special Flood Hazard Area Zone (100-year floodplain). The approximate location
is shown on the site plan (Exhibit 2). The area of the site within the flood hazard zone (approx. 543
square feet) is proposed to be graded lower from the existing grade and a catch basin would be
added to a low point. No new fill or buildings are proposed within that flood hazard zone. In
addition, an on-site stormwater system is proposed to reroute stormwater to avoid contributing
stormwater flows to the flood plain and neighboring properties, which is anticipated to reduce any
potential occurrences of ponding or flooding problems on-site. According to the Technical
Information Report, prepared by Sitts & Hill Engineers, Inc., dated July 2023 (Exhibit 11), there have
not been any known flooding problems on-site.
Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation is recommended.
Nexus: Not applicable.
b. Ground Water
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development SW Grady Office and Shop Building Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA23-000300, ECF, SA-A, MOD
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Impacts: The proposed project is not within an Aquifer Protection Area Zone. No vehicles would
be refueled on-site (Exhibit 25). No groundwater would be withdrawn for drinking water or other
purposes. Groundwater was observed at about 15 feet below the ground surface. Groundwater
elevations and seepage rates are likely to vary depending on the season, local subsurface
conditions, and other factors. Groundwater levels are normally highest during the winter and early
spring.
Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation is recommended.
Nexus: Not applicable.
c. Storm Water
Impacts: The applicant submitted a Technical Information Report, prepared by Sitts & Hill
Engineers, Inc., dated July 2023 (Exhibit 11) with the application. The report analyzes existing
conditions and proposed surface water collection and distribution. According to the TIR Report,
the site is mainly covered in dirt and gravel and does not have an existing, private conveyance
system. The project is proposing to add more than 5,000 square feet of new and replaced
impervious area (approximately 9,418 sf of rooftop area and approximately 12,618 sf of pollution
generating hard surface). As a result, the project would be subject to full drainage review and must
satisfy all core requirements and special requirements of the 2022 City of Renton Stormwater
Design Manual (RSWDM). The project proposes work within the Peak Rate Flow Control Standards
(Existing Site Conditions) Area. The applicant is proposing a new on-site collection and conveyance
system and associated enhanced water treatment device (a 4’ x 6’ BioPod Underground with
StormMix Media) located near the northeast corner of the site. According to the TIR, the proposed
conveyance system would convey stormwater to the City’s conveyance system which would
ultimately discharge to the Black River via Springbrook Creek. Due to an increase of less than 0.15
cfs in the 100-year storm event, the project site would be exempt from flow control. It is
anticipated that the requirements set forth by the 2022 RSWDM would be sufficient to mitigate
stormwater impacts generated by the proposed development. The development would be subject
to a surface water system development charge (SDC) fees.
Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation is recommended.
Nexus: Not applicable.
4. Environmental Health
a. Environmental Health Hazards
Impacts: The city received review comments from the Department of Ecology on September 27,
2023 (Exhibit 18) and staff responded to Ecology’s letter via email on September 27, 2023 (Exhibit
19). Ecology raised concerns that this proposed project is located in an area that may have been
contaminated with heavy metals due to the air emissions originating from the old Asarco smelter
in north Tacoma. Soil contamination form the former Asarco smelter poses a risk to human health
and the environment. Construction workers, landscapers, gardeners, and others who work in the
soils are at risk. Ecology is recommending a number of conditions prior to approval and issuance
of any site development permits or prior to the initiation of grading, filling, or clearing. See Exhibit
18 for recommended conditions of approval. For example, if soils are found to be contaminated
with lead or arsenic above the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) cleanup levels (Chapter 173-340
WAC), the owners, potential buyers, construction workers, and others would be required to be
notified. In addition, if lead, arsenic and /or other contaminants are found at concentrations above
MTCA cleanup levels the applicant would be required to complete the following: a) develop soil
remediation plan and enter into the Voluntary Cleanup Program with Ecology; b) obtain an opinion
letter from Ecology stating that the proposed soil remediation plan would likely result in no further
action under MTCA and provide the local permitting agency the opinion letter from Ecology; and
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development SW Grady Office and Shop Building Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA23-000300, ECF, SA-A, MOD
Report of October 9, 2023 Page 7 of 11
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c) prior to finalizing site development permits, provide to the local land use permitting agency “No
Further Action” determination from Ecology indicating that the remediation plans were
successfully implemented under MTCA. If the soils are found to be contaminated with
contaminants, extra precautions should be taken by the applicant to avoid escaping dust, soil
erosion, and water pollution during grading and site construction. According to the Environmental
(SEPA) Checklist, the applicant is not aware of any contaminants on the site. Arsenic and lead in
soil puts people at risk.
According to Ecology’s Tacoma Smelter Plume map search tool (Dirt Alert (wa.gov)), the predicted
arsenic concentration is 20 parts per million (ppm) to 40 ppm and the MTCA cleanup level for
arsenic is 20 ppm. Therefore, staff recommends a mitigation measure that the applicant comply
with the following recommendations found in the submitted letter from the Department of
Ecology, dated September 27, 2023, prior to civil construction permit issuance:
a. Sample the soil and analyze for arsenic and lead following the 2019 Tacoma Smelter Plume
Guidance and send the soil sample results to Ecology for review.
b. If lead or arsenic are found at concentrations above the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA)
cleanup levels (Chapter 173-340 WAC); the owners, potential buyers, construction workers,
and others shall be notified of their occurrence.
c. If lead, arsenic and/or other contaminants are found at concentrations above MTCA cleanup
levels, the applicant shall:
i. Develop soil remediation plan and enter into the Voluntary Cleanup Program with
Ecology.
ii. Obtain an opinion letter from Ecology stating that the proposed soil remediation plan
will likely result in no further action under MTCA. The applicant shall provide to the local
permitting agency the opinion letter from Ecology.
iii. Prior to finalizing site development permits, provide to the local land use permitting
agency “No Further Action” determination from Ecology indicating that the remediation
plans were successfully implemented under MTCA.
d. If soils are found to be contaminated with arsenic, lead, or other contaminants, extra
precautions shall be taken to avoid escaping dust, soil erosion, and water pollution during
grading and site construction. Contaminated soils generated during site construction shall be
managed and disposed of in accordance with state and local regulations, including the Solid
Waste Handling Standards regulation (Chapter 173-350 WAC).
Mitigation Measures: The applicant shall comply with the following recommendations found in
the submitted letter from the Department of Ecology, dated September 27, 2023, prior to civil
construction permit issuance:
a. Sample the soil and analyze for arsenic and lead following the 2019 Tacoma Smelter Plume
Guidance and send the soil sample results to Ecology for review.
b. If lead or arsenic are found at concentrations above the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA)
cleanup levels (Chapter 173-340 WAC); the owners, potential buyers, construction workers,
and others shall be notified of their occurrence.
c. If lead, arsenic and/or other contaminants are found at concentrations above MTCA cleanup
levels, the applicant shall:
i. Develop soil remediation plan and enter into the Voluntary Cleanup Program with
Ecology.
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development SW Grady Office and Shop Building Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA23-000300, ECF, SA-A, MOD
Report of October 9, 2023 Page 8 of 11
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ii. Obtain an opinion letter from Ecology stating that the proposed soil remediation plan
will likely result in no further action under MTCA. The applicant shall provide to the local
permitting agency the opinion letter from Ecology.
iii. Prior to finalizing site development permits, provide to the local land use permitting
agency “No Further Action” determination from Ecology indicating that the remediation
plans were successfully implemented under MTCA.
d. If soils are found to be contaminated with arsenic, lead, or other contaminants, extra
precautions shall be taken to avoid escaping dust, soil erosion, and water pollution during
grading and site construction. Contaminated soils generated during site construction shall be
managed and disposed of in accordance with state and local regulations, including the Solid
Waste Handling Standards regulation (Chapter 173-350 WAC).
Nexus: State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Environmental Review; Model Toxics Control Act
Cleanup Regulations (Chapter 173-340 WAC); and Solid Waste Handling Standards (Chapter 173-
350 WAC).
a. Noise
Impacts: Noise impacts would primarily result from construction activities associated with the
project, primarily for the demolition of the existing building, engine noise for grading by
conventional earthwork moving equipment, construction of the proposed infrastructure
improvements, and future construction of the building (Exhibits 12 and 22). The construction noise
would be regulated through the City’s adopted noise level regulations per Title 8 Chapter 7, RMC.
The City’s construction standards limit haul hours between 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through
Friday unless otherwise approved by the Development Services Division. The project site is not
located within 300 feet of a residential area and construction is not anticipated to begin in until
the spring of 2024. The City’s construction standards are anticipated to adequately mitigate the
proposed construction impacts. Once the project is completed, noise would be limited to cars and
tools inside the building during normal business hours and no significant long-term noise impacts
are anticipated by the developer.
Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation is recommended.
Nexus: Not applicable.
5. Aesthetics
Impacts: The existing site consists of a one-story building and parking for vehicle storage, such as
recreational vehicles and boats (Exhibit 3). The boundary on all sides of the property is surrounded by
chain link fence with the exception of the northern side of the site (Exhibit 4). The existing building is
proposed to be demolished after construction of the new building. The applicant is proposing to
construct a one-story office and shop building near the western portion of the site with new asphalt
parking along the eastern portion of the site with parking for 17 vehicles (Exhibits 2, 6 and 7). Access
to the property from SW Grady Way is proposed to shift or move from the west side of the lot to the
east side of the lot as part of the proposed civil construction improvements. The relocated driveway
access would be constructed to current city standards. The tallest height of the proposed structure is
22 feet and the principal exterior building material would include aluminum and metal siding. The
project would be subject to Site Plan Review to ensure that proposed development is implemented in
a manner consistent with the plans, policies and regulations of the City of Renton.
Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation is recommended.
Nexus: Not applicable.
6. Historic and Cultural Preservation
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development SW Grady Office and Shop Building Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA23-000300, ECF, SA-A, MOD
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Impacts: The applicant is not expecting any impacts to cultural and historic resources on or near the
project site. However, the applicant has not completed a Cultural Resources Assessment that would
research land use of the project site, geographic setting and geologic conditions, ethnographic sources,
research recorded cultural resources and prior surveys, and archaeological fieldwork. According to the
Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) online database
(WISAARD) the project area is within a region that has been used by humans for at least 12,500 years
and is within the traditional use areas of several federally recognized Tribes including the Snoqualmie
Tribe of Indians, the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, the Squaxin Island Tribe, the Suquamish Tribe, and the
Tulalip Tribes. In addition, the project area is the traditional use territory of the Duwamish Tribe
ancestors. The DAHP predictive model for precontact cultural materials classifies the project site as
having a very high risk to contain archaeological resources likely due to the proximity to Springbrook
Creek, Black River, and the Green River.
As a best practice, the applicant should complete a monitoring plan that project plans and specifically
outlines a process to be followed in the unlikely event that human remains are encountered at any
time during implementation of the project. RCW 27.44.055 requires all activity to cease following
discovery of suspected human remains and avoidance of anything that may cause further disturbance
to those remains. The area of the find must be secured and protected from further disturbance. The
CRA states that if human skeletal remains are found the discovery would be reported to the King
County Medical Examiner and the Renton Police Department, the remains would not be touched,
moved, or further disturbed, the Medical Examiner would assume jurisdiction over the human skeletal
remains and determine whether those remains are forensic or non-forensic. If the Medical Examiner
determined the remains are non-forensic, they would report that finding to the DAHP who would take
jurisdiction over the remains. The DAHP would notify any appropriate cemeteries and all affected tribes
of the find. The State Physical Anthropologist would determine whether the remains are Indian or Non-
Indian, and report that finding to any appropriate cemeteries and the affected tribes. Finally, the DAHP
would then handle all consultation with the affected parties as to the future preservation, excavation,
and disposition of the remains.
The city received review comments (via email) from the Duwamish Tribe on September 14, 2023
(Exhibit 16) and staff responded on September 20, 2023 (Exhibit 17). The Tribe recommended an
archeological review be performed for this project due to the project location being within about a half
mile of one of their ancestral village sites. This is in an area the Duwamish Tribe considers culturally
significant and has a high probability to have unknown archeological deposits and that if any
archeological work is performed that they receive notification. In addition, the Tribe notes that the
soils reported in the PanGeo Geotechnical Report were alluvium with organic layers and shell
fragments below fill. According to the Tribe’s comments, alluvium and organic layers are sediments
that have potential for precontact cultural materials. Therefore, staff recommends as a mitigation
measure that the project construction activities that would result in soil disturbance below the existing
fill material be completed under observation by a professional archeologist. All project disturbance
activities shall be included in a project-specific monitoring plan upon completion of the final project
design. Consultation with concerned Tribes shall occur prior to survey activities.
Mitigation Measures: Project construction activities that would result in soil disturbance below the
existing fill material be completed under observation by a professional archeologist. All project
disturbance activities shall be included in a project-specific monitoring plan upon completion of the
final project design. Consultation with concerned Tribes shall occur prior to survey activities.
Nexus: State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Environmental Review; City of Renton Comprehensive
Plan Policies L-45; RCW 27.53 Archaeological Sites and Resources; and RCW 27.44 Indian Graves and
Records.
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development SW Grady Office and Shop Building Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA23-000300, ECF, SA-A, MOD
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7. Transportation
Impacts: The applicant submitted a Traffic Letter, prepared by Jake Traffic Engineering, Inc., dated June
19, 2023 (Exhibit 15) with the application. Since the redevelopment project is anticipated to generate
less than 20 AM (6:00 – 9:00 am) or PM peak-hour (3:00 – 6:00 pm) trips, a full Traffic Impact Analysis
was not required to be submitted with the land use application. The Traffic Letter indicates that the
project is projected to generate about 16 to 17 net new PM peak hour trips to the city’s street grid.
The project would be subject to transportation impact fees. The transportation impact fee that is
current at the time of building permit issuance would be levied.
The proposal has passed the City’s Traffic Concurrency Test per RMC 4-6-070.D (Exhibit 26), which is
based upon a test of the citywide Transportation Plan, consideration of growth levels included in the
LOS-tested Transportation Plan, site specific improvements, and payment of a Transportation
Mitigation Fee.
Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation is recommended.
Nexus: Not applicable.
8. Fire & Police
Impacts: Police and Fire Prevention staff indicated that sufficient resources exist to furnish services to
the proposed development; subject to the condition that the applicant provides Code required
improvements and fees (Exhibit 27).
Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation is recommended.
Nexus: Not applicable.
9. Utilities
Impacts: The city received review comments from the King County Wastewater Treatment Division
(WTD) on September 27, 2023 (Exhibit 20) and staff responded to WTD’s letter on September 28, 2023
(Exhibit 21). King County facilities and property are located adjacent to the proposed project property.
WTD has noted that the applicant’s fence, located on the north end of the site, is currently encroaching
on King County property and would need to be removed along with any other personal property. WTD
is requesting that the city provide project construction drawings to WTD, such that WTD would have
the ability to further assess potential project impacts and be able to provide protection and restoration
comments. Any access to WTD property for survey, design information, removal of encroachments,
along with construction and operation of the sewer connection would need to be granted by WTD. All
property information would be required to be submitted to WTD Permitting Compliance and Property
Acquisition. Per the advisory notes (Exhibit 27), the applicant would be required to provide
documentation from King County indicating they approve of shared use of the 8-inch sewer main
within King County wastewater vacant land (Exhibit 13). Furthermore, the project would be subject to
a Civil Construction Permit to ensure that proposed development is completed in accordance with
current manuals, standards, details, and regulations of the City of Renton. Construction work would
not be allowed to commence until a civil construction permit has been approved, is issued, and the
pre-construction meeting has been held; therefore, no additional mitigation is recommended at this
time.
Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation is recommended.
Nexus: Not applicable.
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development SW Grady Office and Shop Building Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA23-000300, ECF, SA-A, MOD
Report of October 9, 2023 Page 11 of 11
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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 23, 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.
CITY OF RENTON
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
STAFF REPORT TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
EXHIBITS
Project Name:
SW Grady Office and Shop Building
Land Use File Number:
LUA23-000300, ECF, SA-A, MOD
Date of Meeting
October 9, 2023
Staff Contact
Clark H. Close
Principal Planner
Project Contact/Applicant
David Boileau
Sitts & Hill Engineers, Inc.
4815 Center St, Tacoma, WA
98409
Project Location
1404 SW Grady Way, Renton, WA
98055 (APN 2423049061)
The following exhibits are included with the ERC Report:
Exhibit 1: Environmental Review Committee (ERC) Report
Exhibit 2: Preliminary Site Plans (Interim and Final Phases)
Exhibit 3: Neighborhood Detail Map
Exhibit 4: Topographic Survey
Exhibit 5: Overall Architectural Floor Plans
Exhibit 6: Architectural Exterior Elevations
Exhibit 7: Architectural Renderings
Exhibit 8: Landscape Plans
Exhibit 9: Arborist Report
Exhibit 10: Tree Retention Plans Removal Plan
Exhibit 11: Technical Information Report, prepared by Sitts & Hill Engineers, Inc., dated July 2023
Exhibit 12: Conceptual Grading and Drainage Plans (Interim and Final Phases), prepared by Sitts & Hill
Engineers, Inc., dated February 1, 2023
Exhibit 13: Conceptual Utility Plan, prepared by Sitts & Hill Engineers, Inc., dated February 1, 2023
Exhibit 14: Geotechnical Report, prepared by PanGEO Inc., dated July 2023
Exhibit 15: Traffic Letter, prepared by Jake Traffic Engineering, Inc., dated June 19, 2023
Exhibit 16: Comment Email from the Duwamish Tribe, dated September 14, 2023
Exhibit 17: Staff Response to Duwamish Tribe, dated September 20, 2023
Exhibit 18: Comment Letter from Department of Ecology, dated September 27, 2023
Exhibit 19: Staff Response to Department of Ecology, dated September 27, 2023
Exhibit 20: Comment Letter from King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks –
Wastewater Treatment Division (KCWTD), dated September 27, 2023
Exhibit 21: Staff Response to KCWTD, dated September 28, 2023
Exhibit 22: Environmental (SEPA) Checklist, dated August 21, 2023
Exhibit 23: Construction Mitigation Description
Exhibit 24: Letter of Understanding of Geologic Risk
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development SW Grady Office and Shop Building Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA23-000300, ECF, SA-A, MOD
Report of October 9, 2023 Page 13 of 2
SR_ERC_Report_231009_v1
Exhibit 25: Hazardous Materials Statement
Exhibit 26: Transportation Concurrency Memo
Exhibit 27: Advisory Notes