HomeMy WebLinkAboutERC_Report_CES2.0_AdoptionDEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ERC_Report_CES2.0_Adoption
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT
ERC Meeting Date: October 23, 2023
Project Name: PR23-000002 Clean Economy Strategy (CES) 2.0 Plan Adoption
Land Use File Number: LUA23-000339
Project Manager: Katie Buchl-Morales, Senior Planner
Owner: City of Renton
Applicant: City of Renton
Contact: Katie Buchl-Morales, City of Renton, 1055 S Grady Way
Project Location: Citywide
Project Summary: The applicant is requesting Environmental (SEPA) Review for non-project item: Clean Economy Strategy (CES) 2.0 Adoption. The Clean Economy Strategy 2.0 is designed to serve as a roadmap of local policies to reduce Renton’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, enhance environmental sustainability, and prepare for climate change while maintaining and building a strong economy. The update responds to changing conditions, including significant population growth and new regional and state environmental policies. The document’s two (2) overarching objectives are to: 1. Build resilience among communities and natural systems to better prepare Renton for climate impacts, including extreme weather events; and 2. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions among City and community operations, and introduce new sustainability practices.
The document includes 32 detailed actions across five (5) focus areas;
Transportation and Land Use, Buildings and Energy, Consumption and Materials
Management, Water and Natural Systems, and Community Resilience and Well-
Being. Implementing the strategies and actions recommended by the CES 2.0 will
support the creation of local green jobs, public health benefits, safer walking and
biking routes, more accessible transit, long-term energy cost savings and a more
resilient energy grid, and stronger emergency management systems.
Exist. Bldg. Area SF: n/a Proposed New Bldg. Area (footprint):
Proposed New Bldg. Area (gross):
n/a
n/a
Site Area: n/a Total Building Area GSF: n/a
STAFF
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff Recommends that the Environmental Review Committee issue a
Determination of Non-Significance (DNS).
PART ONE: PROJECT DESCRIPTION / BACKGROUND
City of Renton Staff recommend the adoption of the Clean Economy Strategy (CES) 2.0. The plan was designed to
be a comprehensive and effective climate and sustainability action plan and roadmap of local policies to reduce
Renton’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, enhance environmental sustainability, and prepare for climate change.
The CES 2.0 is a forward-looking, science-based plan that will provide a framework that brings together citywide
planning efforts and moves us toward our collective vision of net zero emissions and community resilience in the
face of climate impacts. It will guide the City through updates to building and energy standards, transportation,
and waste and materials management systems, while protecting and enhancing the natural environment and
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development PR23-000002 Clean Economy Strategy (CES) 2.0 Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA23-000339
Report of October 23, 2023 Page 2 of 2
ERC Report LUA23-000339
ERC_Report_CES2.0_Adoption
community resilience. The successful implementation of strategies and actions within the CES 2.0 will support the
creation of local green jobs, public health benefits, safer walking and biking routes, more accessible transit, long-
term energy cost savings and a more resilient grid, and stronger emergency management systems.
Building on the foundation of the City’s original climate action and mitigation plan, the plan reflects the latest
climate science, is shaped by community input, and incorporates consultant recommendations refined through
work with dozens of peer cities and is tailored to Renton’s needs.
The policy document outlines 32 detailed actions across five focus areas; Transportation and Land Use, Buildings
and Energy, Consumption and Materials Management, Water and Natural Systems, and Community Resilience and
Well-being.
PART TWO: ENVIROMENTAL 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 with a 14-day Appeal Period.
B. Mitigation Measures
N/A.
C. Exhibits
Exhibit 1: Renton CES 2.0 Final Draft
D. Environmental Impacts
There are no environmental impacts that are anticipated to occur in conjunction with the proposal.
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 November 6, 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:
PR23-000002, Clean Economy Strategy (CES)
2.0 Adoption
Land Use File Number:
LUA23-000339, ECF
Date of Meeting
October 23, 2023
Staff Contact
Katie Buchl-Morales
Senior Planner
Project Contact/Applicant
Katie Buchl-Morales
1055 S Grady Way, WA
98057 USA
Project Location
Citywide
The following exhibits are included with the ERC Report:
Exhibit 1: Renton CES 2.0 Final Draft