HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/17/2024 - Agenda Packet (Canceled)
AGENDA
Planning Commission Meeting
6:00 PM - Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Council Chambers, 7th Floor, City Hall – 1055 S. Grady Way
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
4. AUDIENCE COMMENT (NON-AGENDA ITEMS)
1. Virtual Attendees
2. In-person Attendees
Those attending virtually (Call 253-215-8782, Zoom meeting ID: 840 3805 3295, password:
Weplan2024 or https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84038053295?pwd=dWNf9RFGHA-
PqpEJ_02KdhxN6jJnlqlh0io.dYgRlsWyFtXn5Q2X
will be offered an opportunity to speak before the in-person (physical meeting at the City Hall,
7F Council Chambers) comments are completed.
Please use your device to raise your (electronic) hand in order to be recognized by the
Recording Secretary.
Each speaker will be provided three (3) minutes to address an item. Groups or organizations
are encouraged to select a spokesperson to speak on a group’s behalf.
Alternatively, interested parties are encouraged to provide written comments to
planningcommission@rentonwa.gov.
Attendees will be muted and not audible to the Commission except during times they are
designated to speak.
Public can use the “Raise Hand” option if attending through video.
If there are others calling in, you can be called upon by the last 4 digits of your telephone
number. Phone instructions: *6 to mute/unmute, *9 to raise hand.
5. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
6. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
7. BRIEFING-COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DRAFT ELEMENTS (See Staff Report)
(Vision, Climate, Economic Development, Capital Facilities, Community Planning, Utilities)
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a)
8. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
9. ADJOURNMENT
Hearing assistance devices for use in the Council Chambers are available upon request.
For more information please visit rentonwa.gov/planningcommission
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CITY OF RENTON
Community and Economic Development Department
2024 Comprehensive Plan Update: Review of Draft Elements
Staff: Paul Hintz, Principal Planner
Date: April 11, 2024
Applicant or Requestor: Staff
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The city is in the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan, which is a long-term plan that establishes
goals and policies for growth and development in Renton. The Plan guides decision making on a variety
of important topics – including housing and land use, parks, economic development, and transportation.
In order to keep Renton a great place to live, work, and visit, the Comprehensive Plan will include policy
direction to:
• Plan for and accommodate housing for residents and households with all income levels
• Encourage a variety of housing options, such as ADUs and middle housing to increase housing
availability and affordability.
• Identify strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resiliency to impacts
related to climate change.
• Meet Renton’s equity objectives and ensure that all residents have equitable access to
opportunity.
City staff are seeking feedback on the following drafts (attached to this staff report) of updated
Comprehensive Plan Elements:
1. Vision
2. Climate and Resilience
3. Capital Facilities
4. Economic Development
5. Community Planning
6. Utilities
BACKGROUND
VISION 2050, developed by the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC), provides a regional growth,
environmental, economic, and transportation framework to guide future employment and population
growth for the central Puget Sound region. King County’s Countywide Planning Policies (CPPs) ensure
consistency for addressing issues that cross jurisdictional boundaries within the County. These
documents inform the update to the city’s Comprehensive Plan.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Provide feedback to staff on the draft updated Elements (see attachments).
AGENDA ITEM #7. a)
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COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 1
Draft 1.0 Draft Revised: DATE
Vision
Renton Comprehensive Plan Update Element Policies Draft
Draft: 2.0 BERK : Updated: April 10, 2024
Summary of Required Updates
Washington State Law:
▪ N/A
VISION 2050:
▪ N/A
King County Countywide Planning Policies:
▪ N/A
Plans to be Adopted by Reference:
▪ Renton Business Plan
Other Edits
▪ Updating with inclusive language
▪ Clarifying the overlaying planning frameworks.
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2015 Discussion
“The center of opportunity in the Puget Sound region where residents and businesses thrive.”
These words from the Renton Business Plan represent the city’s Vision of itself now and in the future. The image of a thriving, opportunity-rich community takes form
as different elements of that Vision come into focus:
▪ A sustainable city that promotes economic vitality, environmental quality, social equity, and resiliency ;
▪ A community that is healthy and safe, that has cohesive, well-established neighborhoods and a growing variety of housing to match the diversity of the
population with its various needs and wants;
▪ A working town with a full spectrum of employment opportunities for all economic segments, regardless of education, age, gend er, or ethnicity;
▪ A regional center for active and passive recreation that features 1access for all to a healthy river, a clean lake, abundant trees, and clear mountain views to
enhance the experience; and
▪ A well-connected place that builds cohesive networks, in the form of : partnerships that enhance community resources; transportation and recreation facilities
that connect through trails, sidewalks, and streets; and local business, volunteer, and neighborhood organizations that bring people together.
RELATIONSHIP TO THE GMA AND VISION 2040
The State of Washington adopted the Growth Management Act (GMA) in 1990. This legislation requires comprehensive plans to include specific elements; obligates
cities to adopt implementing regulations and counties to develop Countywide Planning Policies (CPP’s) to address issues of a regional nature. King County’s CPPs
ensure consistency for addressing issues that cross jurisdictional boundaries within the County.
In addition to the GMA and CPP’s, the multicounty planning policies of Vision 2040 greatly influence the content and policies of comprehensive plans. Developed by
the Puget Sound Regional Council, Vision 2040 is the long-range growth management, environmental, economic, and transportation plan intended to guide future
employment and population growth for the central Puget Sound region.
The content, analyses, goals, and policies of Renton’s Comprehensive Plan were developed in conformance with the GMA, King Coun ty’s Countywide Planning
Policies, and Vision 2040.
RENTON WITHIN THE REGION
Renton’s city government, business community, and residents are infused with a passionate belief that this is the best place to be. There is also the will, desire, and
resources to nurture the qualities that make it great and to make it even better in the future.
At the center of Renton’s Vision is the underlying principle that urban living provides both choice and balanced opportunities for employment, housing, recreation,
health, goods, and services. As Renton grows beyond a community of 100,000 residents, development patterns will continue to shift from traditional suburban forms
to more urban forms.
Regional growth continues to shape Renton’s landscape and the city has a responsibility to ensure adequate land capacity to allow expansion and diversification of its
employment and economic base, as well as its housing stock. Policies encourage maximum land efficiency and strive for development that is more intense than
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typical suburban prototypes. Future residential and commercial growth is directed to the City Center and to mixed-use areas that already exist throughout the city.
Expansion of Renton’s employment and economic base will continue through redevelopment in the City Center and the Valley. Th e development of small business
and industry in Renton will also diversify and strengthen the loca l economy.
Renton’s City Center is located at the hub of commerce and transportation networks and designated as a Regional Growth Center for employment and housing. A
revitalized Downtown that functions as a 24-hour living, working, and entertainment area will emerge through planning for a balance of residential, commercial, and
office uses with a distinctive, local identity. Development north of Downtown, near the Landing, will contribute to the vita lity of the City Center by serving regional
needs for shopping, entertainment, housing, and employment.
Outside of the City Center in areas currently dominated by commercial strip development , higher density mixed-use development will establish neighborhood-scale
living, working, and entertainment nodes, such as the Sunset Area of the Renton Highlands. Mixed-use centers and neighborhood nodes will reduce transportation
impacts within the City by allowing residents to work and shop close to where they live , as well as provide alternatives to single-occupant vehicle trips.
While new multi-family and mixed-use housing in the City Center and established neighborhood nodes will help to accommodate housing growth, single -family housing
stock will grow through infill development. Single-family infill development also allows for the necessary densities to provide services at the edge of the urban area.
Renton is proud of the diversity of its population and requires a full range of housing types to accommodate people of different ages, incomes, and ethnic groups.
Housing Renton’s growing population will require approaches that allow for a variety of housing types, maintain the ability t o provide high levels of service, and ensure
a high quality of life in Renton’s new and established neighborhoods.
One of the ways to sustain quality of life and respond to the diverse needs of the community is through community planning. The city is divided into ten
geographically distinct community planning Areas. Through the Community Planning process, residents, businesses, and other stakeholders develop a local vision
and establish policies that address issues of growth, quality of life, design, and capital improvements as they affect the Co mmunity Planning Area. Meeting and
working together can also help to build community connections and strengthen neighborhood cohesiveness.
Beyond local needs, there are city goals to enhance the character of the city and improve overall quality of life. Renton is a safe, healthy, and attractive community
that promotes good design, abundant tree cover and landscaping, and civic art. Neighborhoods are well-maintained and have strong ties that have been nurtured
through the city’s Neighborhood Program. Quality parks and open space meet the recreational needs of residents. Trails, bike paths, sidewalks, and transit tie
neighborhoods together and make it possible to travel without a car. Renton enjoys high levels of service in all areas and the cost of implementation is shared in an
equitable manner.
There is an abiding commitment to protect, restore, and enhance environmental quality because the many natural features of the city are deeply appreciated by its
residents. Renton participates in regional efforts to improve sustainability and, at the local level, make it easier for businesses and residents to pursue
environmentally friendly methods by which to live and work. Policies, plans, and programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support the use of renewable
resources and energy, and increase access to locally grown food, make a difference in the health of Renton’s residents and makes the community more resilient
when faced with natural or human-made disasters.
The City of Renton’s Vision is ambitious and far-sighted; it is the underlying structure for the Comprehensive Plan, the Renton Business Plan, and all other plans and
strategies made by the city.
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Revised Discussion 2024
A regionally vital and connected city fostering inclusivity, dynamic economic growth, safety, environmental stewardship, and community, enabling all residents to
experience prosperity and quality of life.
The Vision is of a thriving, opportunity-rich community with economic vitality, sustainability, inclusivity, and high-quality municipal services. This community envisions:
▪ An inclusive city that offers opportunity, resilience, and equitable outcomes for all to ensure social, economic, environmental, and racial justice;
▪ A sustainable city that promotes economic vitality, environmental quality, and resilienc e to climate change;
▪ A healthy and safe community that has cohesive, diverse neighborhoods and a growing variety of housing to meet the various needs and wants of its diverse
population;
▪ A full spectrum of employment opportunities with a dynamic, diversified employment base;
▪ A regional center for active and passive recreation that features access for all to a healthy river, a clean lake, abundant trees, and clear mounta in views; and
▪ A place of connection, networks, and partnerships that enhance community resources; transportation and recreation facilities that connect through trails,
sidewalks, and streets; and local business, volunteer, and neighborhood organizations that bring our diverse population together.
The City of Renton’s Vision is ambitious and far-sighted; it is the framing for the Comprehensive Plan, the Renton Business Plan, and all other plans and strategies
made by the city.
A Plan for Choice and Opportunity
At the center of Renton’s Vision is the underlying principle that urban living provides choice and opportunities for all for in employment, housing, recreation, health,
goods, and services.
Regional growth continues to shape Renton’s landscape and Renton has a responsibility to ensure adequate development capacity to allow expansion and
diversification of its economy, employment opportunities, and housing options. As Renton grows beyond a community of 110,000 residents, development patterns
will continue to shift from suburban forms to more urban forms. Policies encourage land efficiency and strive for development that is more intense than typical
suburban development. Future residential and commercial growth is directed to the City Center and to mixed -use areas that will continue to redevelop and grow.
Expansion of Renton’s employment and economic base will continue through redevelopment in the City Center and the Valley. The development and retention of
small businesses and industry in Renton will diversify and strengthen the local economy.
Renton’s City Center is located at the hub of commerce and transportation networks with much of the area designated as a PSRC Regional Growth Center for
employment and housing. A revitalized Downtown, a thriving South Lake Washington area, and a redeveloped Rainier/Grady Junction TOD Subarea that function as
vibrant living, working, and entertainment areas will emerge through implementation of plans that balance residential, commercial, and office uses with distinctive
identities. Development north of Downtown near The Landing and Southport will contribute to the strength of the City Center by serving regional needs for shopping,
entertainment, housing, and employment.
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Outside of the City Center in areas currently dominated by commercial strip or office development, higher density mixed-use development will establish neighborhood-
scale living, working, and entertainment nodes, such as the Sunset , Rainier/Grady Junction, and Longacres areas. Mixed-use centers and commercial nodes will
reduce transportation impacts within Renton by allowing residents to work and shop close to where they live and provide alternatives to single-occupant vehicle trips.
Renton needs a full range of housing types to support its proud history as a place of diversity and opportunity. Increased density and mixed-use housing in the City
Center and established neighborhoods will improve housing options and accommodate the need for housing growth. Infill development will enable reinvestment into
existing neighborhoods and provide a wider range of housing types to support inclusive neighborhoods with people of different ethnicities, ages, and incomes. By
reducing barriers to infill development in historically low-density neighborhoods, inequities caused by former housing policies and practices can b e corrected.
Quality parks and open space meet the recreational needs of residents. Trails, bike paths, sidewalks, and transit connect neighborhoods and make it possible to
travel without a car. Renton enjoys high levels of service in all areas and the cos t of implementation is shared in an equitable manner.
There is an abiding obligation to protect, restore, and enhance environmental quality because Renton’s many natural features are deeply appreciated by its residents.
Renton participates in regional efforts to advocate for and increase sustainability efforts and, at the local level, implements pragmatic and effective programs that
enable residents and businesses to pursue environmentally friendly methods by which to live and work. Policies, plans, and programs to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and support the use of renewable resources and energy make a difference in the health of all Renton residents and makes the community more resilient
when faced with natural or human-made disasters.
Planning for Renton’s Future
State and Regional Planning Frameworks
Renton plans and manages growth in accordance with the Growth Management Act (GMA), a collaborative, regional framework adopted in 1990 by the State of
Washington. The planning framework includes an interconnected hierarchy to meet statewide goals in a manner aligned to local values and needs.
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Element Review ▪ Vision ▪ Revised Discussion 2024
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Tree Graphic: <a href="https://www.vecteezy.com/free-vector/tree">Tree Vectors by Vecteezy</a>. Modified by BERK Consulting, 2024.
Vision 2050, developed by the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) provides a regional growth, environmental, economic, and transportation framework to guide
future employment and population growth for the central Puget Sound region. King County’s Countywide Planning Policies (CPPs) ensure consistency for addressing
issues that cross jurisdictional boundaries within the County.
The GMA requires cities like Renton to prepare comprehensive plans and regulations that comply with Countywide Planning Policies (CPP’s). The city uses a public
process to establish comprehensive plan goals and policies to guide city action to improve the overall quality of life for all residents.
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Renton’s Comprehensive Plan’s content, analyses, goals, and policies are developed in conformance with the GMA, King County’s Countywide Planning Policies, and
Vision 2050.
Local Planning
The city is divided into ten geographically distinct Community Planning Areas. Renton uses community planning to sustain a high quality of life and respond to the
diverse needs of the community. Through the Community Planning process, residents, businesses, and other stakeholders develop a local vision and establish
policies to manage growth, quality of life, design, and capital improvements. Meeting and working together build s community connections and strengthens
neighborhoods.
Renton’s Business Plan is updated every five years and describes how Renton intends to achieve its vision.
Many aspects of the city’s services and activities are guided by functional or topical plans developed by multi -disciplinary stakeholder groups. The functional plans
establish the city’s roles, resources, and services. The Comprehensive Plan is aligned to the functional and topical plans to ensure a consistent set of goals and
policies.
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COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 1
Draft: Planning Commission 1st Presentation - April 17,2024 Draft Revised: March 27 , 2024
Climate & Resilience
Renton Comprehensive Plan Update Element Policies Draft
Draft: Planning Commission 1st Presentation - April 17,2024 Updated: April 4, 2024
Summary of Updates
Washington State Law:
GMA was amended in 2023 under HB 1181, which requires cities and counties to integrate climate mitigation and resilience into comprehensive plan
updates.
Policies must result in reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and vehicle miles traveled (VMT).
Policies must prioritize actions that benefit vulnerable communities and promote environmental justice.
VISION 2050:
Substantially reducing emissions of greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change and reducing climate impacts.
Engaging in regional resilience planning and climate preparedness with a focus on equitable outcomes, particularly for vulnerable communities.
Helping cities and counties to incorporate emission reductions and adaptation measures in their comprehensive planning.
Guiding land use plan updates to improve climate adaptation and resilience and implement measures to address climate hazards.
King County Countywide Planning Policies:
Climate action, mitigation, and resilience must be incorporated into comprehensive plans, focusing on sustainable land use, multimodal transportation, and
energy infrastructure.
Plan for development patterns that minimize emissions and enhance resiliency.
Plans to be Adopted by Reference:
Renton Clean Economy Strategy 2.0
Renton Trails and Bicycle Master Plan
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Element Review ▪ Climate & Resilience ▪ Summary of Updates
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Renton Transportation Improvement Program
Renton EV Implementation Plan
Stormwater Management Program Plan
Sustainable Materials Management Plan
Parks, Recreation, and Natural Areas Plan
Urban Forest Management Plan
Forthcoming plan addressing a circular economy and sustainable materials management
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2022 Stormwater Management Program Plan
Urban Forest Management Plan
Parks, Recreation, and Natural Areas Plan
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Element Review ▪ Climate & Resilience ▪ Discussion
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Draft: Planning Commission 1st Presentation - April 17,2024 Draft Revised: March 27 , 2024
Discussion
Washington State Law
The Growth Management Act was amended in 2023 under Washington House Bill 1181, requiring cities and counties to integrate climate mitigation and resilience
policies into comprehensive plan updates. These required policy changes will address climate emissions and impacts, while considering co-benefits and integration
with other planning documents related to housing, transportation, and land use. Jurisdictions must adopt climate policies consistent with the Department of
Commerce’s Climate Planning Guidance, which will result in reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and vehicle miles traveled (VMT). Policies must also consider
and prioritize actions that benefit vulnerable communities and promote environmental justice.
Puget Sound Regional Council VISION 2050
Renton's Climate Element aligns with VISION 2050 goals and actions related to climate change in the region, which include:
Substantially reducing emissions of greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change and reducing climate impacts.
Engaging in regional resilience planning and climate preparedness with a focus on equitable outcomes, particularly for vulnerable communities.
Helping cities and counties to incorporate emission reductions and adaptation measures in their comprehensive planning.
Guiding land use plan updates to improve climate adaptation and resilience and implement measures to address climate hazards.
King County Countywide Planning Policies
The King County Regional Growth Strategy emphasizes the importance of addressing climate impacts and enhancing policies for emissions reduction. The strategy
envisions integrating climate action, mitigation, and resilience into local comprehensive plans, with a focus on sustainable land use, multimodal transportation, and
energy infrastructure. The plan advocates for development patterns that minimize emissions and enhance resiliency through measures such as energy efficiency,
electrification, natural resource restoration, and climate impact-ready infrastructure planning.
Renton Clean Economy Strategy 2.0
Renton’s Clean Economy Strategy update (CES 2.0) serves as a roadmap of local policies to reduce Renton’s GHG emissions, enhance environmental sustainability,
and prepare for climate change, while maintaining and building a strong economy. The CES 2.0 is rooted in the best available climate science, aligned with regional
targets, and tailored to specific Renton community needs and priorities. The CES 2.0 provided a framework for the development of goals and policies for the Renton
Climate Element and brings together city-wide planning efforts to move towards a vision of net zero emissions and community resilience in the face of climate
impacts.
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Element Review ▪ Climate & Resilience ▪ Implementation and Monitoring
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Draft: Planning Commission 1st Presentation - April 17,2024 Draft Revised: March 27 , 2024
Implementation and Monitoring
Discussion
Under the GMA, counties and cities with specific population criteria must submit an implementation progress report to Commerce five years after revising their
comprehensive plan. Additionally, they must adopt a work plan to implement necessary changes within two years of submitting the progress report. The
Implementation and Monitoring section of Renton’s Climate Element supports monitoring and reporting on the GHG reduction targets adopted through the City’s
Clean Economy Strategy 2.0, as well as monitoring changes to vehicle miles traveled (VMT). Renton has adopted the King County-Cities Climate Collaboration (K4C)
targets, as follows:
Reduce 2007 greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030.
Reduce 2007 greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2040.
Reduce 2007 greenhouse gas emissions by 95% and reach carbon neutrality by 2050.
Policies in this section also support monitoring and reporting on climate vulnerability and resilience policies to increase the City’s understanding of and capacity to
respond to future climate impacts.
Goals
Table 1. Implementation and Monitoring Goals
Row
# Proposed Language Purpose or Rationale
1 Goal C-A: Increase the City’s capacity to monitor and report on climate action
implementation.
Complies with HB1181 monitoring requirements.
Policies
Table 2. Implementation and Monitoring Policies
Row
# Proposed Language Purpose or Rationale
1 Policy C-1: Consider the resources needed, such as partnerships (e.g., K4C),
regular implementation progress reports, and City budgeting, to implement the
Climate Element.
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Row
# Proposed Language Purpose or Rationale
2 Policy C-2: Monitor, assess, and publicly report on community-scale
greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles travelled (VMT) every five years.
Include emissions from all local sources associated with resident, business,
and local government activities.
Complies with HB1181 monitoring requirements.
3 Policy C-3: Develop and periodically update a climate vulnerability assessment
with a focus on the built environment, communities, and natural systems. Use
assessment findings to evaluate changes to Comprehensive Plan goals and
policies and enhance resilience.
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Element Review ▪ Climate & Resilience ▪ Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction
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Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction
Discussion
The City of Renton completed a communitywide greenhouse gas (GHG)
inventory for 2019, detailed within the CES 2.0, which informed the
identification of mitigation targets to assess the City’s progress over time. As
shown in Figure 1, the largest emissions sources in 2019 were electricity
(residential, commercial, and industrial) (40%), on-road transportation (25%),
building natural gas (14%), and air travel 1 (12%). Commercial electricity
emissions were greater than both residential and industrial electricity
emissions combined. During the CES 2.0 process, an emissions forecast for
the city was also completed to identify strategies that would have the
greatest GHG emissions reduction benefits going forward. The goals and
policies in the GHG Emissions Reduction Sub-element are intended to reduce
GHG emissions by minimizing or eliminating emissions within Renton’s
largest emission sources, reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) within the city,
sequester carbon through natural carbon sinks, and equitably distribute the
benefits of GHG reduction.
Figure 1. Renton’s 2019 communitywide GHG emissions, by source (%)
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Element Review ▪ Climate & Resilience ▪ Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction
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Emissions Reductions in the Built Environment
Zoning & Sustainable Development
Zoning and sustainable development policy can provide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
reduction outcomes related to land use, design, and various development aspects. In the
short-term, new development introduces emissions from construction, production of
materials, equipment operation, and development-related deliveries and transportation.
However, ongoing operational emissions persist throughout a structure's lifetime. Reducing
the use of natural gas, transitioning to fully electric buildings, and investing in community
renewable energy can further decarbonize buildings and reduce emissions associated with
building energy use. Additionally, promoting alternative land use and development codes,
like mixed-use and transit-oriented development (TOD), can minimize long-term GHG
emissions from new development; while building dense, affordable communities around
high frequency transit can also enhance environmental justice priorities identified by the
State and offer community benefits such as increasing housing supply and diversity,
resilience to climate impacts, and cost savings.
Goals
Table 3. Zoning and Sustainable Development Goals
Row
# Proposed Language Purpose or Rationale
1 Goal C-B: Foster higher-intensity land uses in mixed-use centers,
neighborhoods, and transit corridors that address the need for housing for all
economic segments.
Complies with GHG emission reduction and VMT reduction requirements.
Supports housing supply and diversity; reduces emissions; promotes equity
and justice.
2 Goal C-C: Support and incentivize building and energy codes and policies that
reduce energy use, encourage sustainable construction practices, phase out
fossil fuel use, and support clean energy.
Reduces emissions; promotes economic development.
3 Goal C-D: Increase the energy efficiency of existing buildings through retrofits
that promote building decarbonization. These efforts will target the integration
of renewable energy sources, implementation of energy-efficient systems, and
the prioritization of lower-carbon building materials.
Complies with GHG emission reduction requirement.
Reduces emissions.
Supporting Elements
The Renton Comprehensive Plan includes a set of policies aimed at:
Fostering utility efficiency and decarbonization (Utilities Element).
Strategic land use planning for multiuse neighborhood centers
and the promotion of transportation-oriented development (Land
Use Element).
The enhancement and diversification of multimodal
transportation options (Transportation Element).
The encouragement of sustainable building development,
retrofitting, infill development, and affordable housing initiatives
(Housing and Human Services Element).
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Policies
Table 4. Zoning and Sustainable Development Policies
Row
# Proposed Language Purpose or Rationale
1 Policy C-4: Promote middle housing and infill development through city policies
and zoning codes to encourage broader housing types in low and medium
density residential zones.
Supports housing supply and diversity.
2 Policy C-5: Plan and implement changes to support mixed-use, high-density
development along planned high-capacity transit lines and frequent transit
routes. Prioritize housing that supports equitable access to transit and
amenities.
Complies with VMT reduction requirement.
Supports housing supply and diversity; reduces emissions; promotes equity
and justice.
3 Policy C-6: Encourage sustainable, low-impact, energy-efficient development
and promote green building guidelines outlined in certification programs such
as Built Green, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Living
Building Challenge, Salmon Safe, or others.
Reduces emissions; provides cost savings; promotes economic
development.
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Row
# Proposed Language Purpose or Rationale
4 Policy C-7: Comply with new state building energy codes and develop an all-
electric code for new buildings. Promote and implement building and energy
standards, which may include:
Use of on-site renewable energy systems or procurement of renewable
energy from offsite sources for all or a portion of the building’s annual
building energy use.
Participation in demand response technologies and programs that make
energy generation and distribution systems more affordable and more
efficient, increase grid reliability, and reduce GHG emissions.
Coordination with local and regional electricity providers to ensure the siting
and location of transmission and distribution facilities minimizes adverse
impacts on the environment and adjacent land uses.
Requiring new residential and commercial buildings to be solar ready, EV
charging ready, and to restrict natural gas use.
Supporting equitable access to energy incentives by providing resources
and funding for retrofits to improve energy efficiency or to switch from
natural gas to electricity.
Reduces emissions.
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Row
# Proposed Language Purpose or Rationale
5 Policy C-8: Encourage weatherization, upgrade, and repair assistance
programs to make energy-efficient improvements to all housing types and seek
additional funding for energy efficient retrofits at the state and federal level,
which may include:
Identifying cost-effective upgrades for weatherization programs such as
replacing single-pane windows, replacing or increasing interior wall
insulation and roof insulation, retrofitting with electric heat pumps, and
optimizing heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems.
Providing energy and water conservation materials, appliance trade-
in/exchanges, home and business conservation kits, and rooftop solar
projects.
Using lower-carbon building materials in new construction and retrofits to
reduce embodied carbon.
Prioritizing incentive and assistance programs for cost burdened
communities and ensuring outreach is targeted towards and benefits
vulnerable populations.
Reduces emissions; provides cost savings; enhances resilience.
6 Policy C-9: Provide comprehensive community education on sustainable
energy practices, especially for multiunit, low-income housing. Partner with
organizations that serve vulnerable communities to ensure education and
incentive programs equitably build capacity and reduce cost burden for all
residents.
Promotes equity and justice; builds community knowledge.
7 Policy C-10: Partner with state and regional actors to decarbonize buildings
through demand response, storage technology, and grid flexibility. Continue to
participate in regional partnerships, such as the King County Cities Climate
Collaboration (K4C) to identify and select appropriate and cost-effective energy
improvements.
Supports the shift to decarbonize housing by ensuring the grid has
increased capacity and is more reliable.
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Transportation
Establishing a well-connected, safe, and low-carbon multi-modal transit system can greatly
reduce transportation emissions in the city. Key strategies to help reduce GHG emissions
and mitigate climate change include reducing VMT and the electrification of passenger
vehicles. Transit-oriented development enhances mobility and provides alternatives like
walking and biking. Additional measures to reduce vehicle miles travelled include
teleworking, ridesharing, and carpooling.
Urban traffic congestion causes concentrated vehicle-related pollution, and can be
alleviated with policies like parking restrictions, tolls, improved freight efficiency, and
congestion pricing. Shifting from passenger vehicles in urban areas reduces pollution and
emissions and can increase the mobility of frontline communities.2 While investing in multi-
modal systems, ensuring affordability in services and housing is crucial for equitable access
and protecting communities with low income from displacement.
Goals
Table 5. Transportation Goals
Row
# Proposed Language Purpose or Rationale
1 Goal C-E: Reduce GHG emissions from the transportation sector by reducing
vehicle miles traveled (VMT) via expanding multimodal transportation systems
for all community members and promoting the use of electric vehicles (EVs).
Complies with GHG emission reduction and VMT reduction requirements; EV
Plan alignment.
Reduces emissions; improves air quality.
Policies
2 Frontline communities are those that will be disproportionately impacted by climate change; these are the populations that face historic and current inequities, often
experience the earliest and most acute impacts of climate change and have limited resources and/or capacity to adapt.
Supporting Elements
The Renton Comprehensive Plan includes a set of policies aimed
at:
Transportation demand management, enhancement and
expansion of multimodal transit options within the city,
increased safety measures for pedestrians and cyclists, and
educational resources regarding the commute trip reduction
(CTR) program (Transportation Element).
Locating development in proximity to frequent transit areas
(Land Use Element and Housing and Human Services Element).
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Table 6. Transportation Policies
Row
# Proposed Language Purpose or Rationale
1 Policy C-11: Improve the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of the
transportation system and increase multimodal transit options within Renton
in alignment with the Transportation Element. Ensure transportation system
improvements distribute benefits and access equitably and that services are
affordable to residents with low incomes through programs that reduce
household transportation costs, such as the subsidized annual transportation
pass, Reduced Regional Fare Permit, and ORCA LIFT program.
In alignment with Transportation Element; Complies with VMT reduction
requirement.
Reduces emissions; promotes equity and justice; improves air quality.
2 Policy C-12: Work with utility providers, communities, and other stakeholders
(e.g., developers and EV companies) to ensure that there is access to EV
charging where it is needed and expand EV charging readiness for buildings
equitably. Site locations for community chargers in Renton based on proximity
to areas with attached housing, high Environmental Health Disparity 3 (EHD)
scores, and points of interest in commercial and employment areas such as
City buildings, parks, schools, and open spaces.
Complies with GHG emission reduction requirement; EV Plan alignment.
Reduces emissions.
3 Policy C-13: Implement the Renton EV Implementation Plan and associated
timeline for transitioning the City fleet to electric power.
Complies with GHG emission reduction requirement; EV Plan alignment.
Reduces emissions.
4 Policy C-14: Facilitate widespread education around multimodal transportation
and EVs in Renton, actively involving community members living, working, or
otherwise in close proximity to proposed transit and EV infrastructure changes.
EV Plan alignment.
Builds community knowledge.
3 Differences in health outcomes due both to exposure to environmental hazards and to social factors, such as age, race, and income, which predict community
vulnerability to health risks (City of Renton Electric Vehicle Implementation Plan).
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Row
# Proposed Language Purpose or Rationale
5 Policy C-15: Engage in regional partnerships to enhance the overall transit
network. Opportunities to engage in regional partnerships include:
Supporting state and regional requirements for electric delivery vehicles and
Transportation Network Corporations (TNCs).
Encouraging regional advocacy for the transition to environmentally friendly
fuels for air travel.
Collaborating with the Regional Transportation Electrification Workgroup to
accelerate equitable distribution of benefits of electric vehicles.
Complies with GHG emission reduction and VMT reduction requirements.
Reduces emissions.
Waste Prevention and Management
Solid waste emissions within Renton result from GHGs that are released from landfills and
the transportation of waste to landfill and compost facilities. Diverting solid waste from
landfills is the most effective way to reduce the release of these pollutants. Key strategies
include sustainable consumption, zero waste systems, increasing recycling and composting,
and expanding waste education and outreach. The City is also committed to promoting a
circular economy that keeps materials in a regenerative loop.
Goals
Table 7. Waste Prevention and Management Goals
Row
# Proposed Language Purpose or Rationale
1 Goal C-F: Mitigate GHG emissions from waste systems by minimizing waste
generation through recycling and food waste reduction measures, ensuring
sufficient waste hauler services, and promoting a circular economy.
Complies with GHG emission reduction requirement; alignment with CES
2.0.
Reduces emissions; promotes economic development.
Policies
Supporting Elements
The Renton Comprehensive Plan includes a set of policies aimed at:
Mitigating GHG emissions stemming from waste generation
(Utilities Element).
This includes reducing the environmental impact of city
operations, promoting recycling and waste reduction in both
residential and commercial sectors, and ensuring sufficient
waste hauler services.
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Table 8. Waste Prevention and Management Policies
Row
# Proposed Language Purpose or Rationale
1 Policy C-16: Expand recycling and organics collection for commercial, multiunit,
and single-family residential buildings as part of City-provided utilities.
Implement organics separation requirements for businesses in accordance
with the 2022 Organics Management Law and the City’s Sustainable Materials
Management Plan. Consider implementing an organics disposal ban and/or
landfill disposal bans for certain materials.
Reduces emissions; builds community knowledge.
2 Policy C-17: Ensure waste management enforcement does not increase
existing financial disparities for cost-burdened households and explore
developing incentive programs to purchase interior waste containers and
conduct educational outreach on recycling and composting for households
with low incomes.
Promotes equity and justice.
3 Policy C-18: Expand current education and outreach programs that provide
technical assistance and incentives for commercial businesses and attached
residential properties. Develop targeted educational campaigns for
composting and recycling material with highest GHG reduction impact (paper,
metal, food waste) through business recycling education, recycling awareness
campaigns, and community training.
Builds community knowledge.
4 Policy C-19: Develop, implement, and enforce construction and demolition
(C&D) recycling and deconstruction ordinances, and encourage developers
and project managers to use recycled materials in the construction of
transportation facilities and other infrastructure.
Reduces emissions.
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Row
# Proposed Language Purpose or Rationale
5 Policy C-20: Promote a circular economy 4 in Renton by planning for extended
producer responsibility (EPR), reuse, and circularity programs and policies to
minimize waste and encourage sustainable resource use. Expand waste data
tracking and reporting and continue to implement the Sustainable Materials
Management Plan to reach zero waste.
Reduces emissions.
6 Policy C-21: Implement environmentally friendly purchasing policies to procure
products and services that align with sustainability and reduced GHG
emissions.
Reduces emissions; promotes economic development.
7 Policy C-22: Encourage local food production, processing, and distribution to
reduce the carbon footprint associated with food supply chains and prevent
food waste. Support urban agriculture, home and community gardens,
farmers’ markets, community kitchens, and other collaborative initiatives to
provide healthy foods and promote food security.
Reduces emissions; promotes economic development; improves public health
and well-being.
Carbon Sequestration in Natural Systems
Carbon sequestration involves capturing and storing carbon in natural sinks (e.g., wetlands,
forests, and parks), a vital aspect of climate mitigation alongside direct emissions
reduction. Actively preserving and improving local tree canopy, forests, and green spaces is
a method for carbon sequestration and minimizes carbon release from tree and plant
decay. Natural climate solutions also have additional co-benefits for communities such as
increasing biodiversity, bolstering resilience to extreme heat, and improving air, soil, and
water quality.
4 A circular economy reduces the use of materials, designs materials, products, and services to be less resource intensive, and reuses discarded materials or waste to
create new materials and products.
Supporting Elements
The Renton Comprehensive Plan includes a set of policies aimed at:
Protecting and conserving natural resources (Parks, Recreation,
Natural Areas, And Trails Element).
Reducing the environmental footprint resulting from city
operations and construction, which aligns with a broader
commitment to the environmental initiatives outlined in the
Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement (Land Use Element).
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Goals
Table 9. Carbon Sequestration in Natural Systems Goals
Row
# Proposed Language Purpose or Rationale
1 Goal C-G: Protect and restore the natural environment to increase carbon
sequestration and foster the creation of new parks and greenspace for all
community members.
Sequesters carbon; improves public health and well-being.
Policies
Table 10. Carbon Sequestration in Natural Systems Policies
Row
# Proposed Language Purpose or Rationale
1 Policy C-23: Identify and protect environmentally sensitive ecosystems, open
space, trees, and vegetation that serve as potential carbon sinks. Avoid the
conversion of carbon-rich ecosystems and prioritize increasing tree canopy
cover and open space in communities most vulnerable to climate impacts.
Sequesters carbon; enhances resilience; improves public health and well-
being.
2 Policy C-24: Promote urban forestry and the creation of new parks to enhance
green spaces within the city, maximize carbon storage, and improve public
health and wellbeing. Consider tree preservation ordinances, tree planting
programs, and programs that increase education and awareness, especially
for vulnerable communities. Implement GHG reduction activities related to
forestry as outlined in the Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP).
Alignment with UFMP and Parks, Recreation, and Natural Areas Plan (PRNA)
plan.
Sequesters carbon; improves public health and well-being; builds
community knowledge.
Resilience
Discussion
The Climate and Resilience Element seeks to address the unique climate vulnerabilities of Renton’s communities, resources, and infrastructure. As detailed in the
CES 2.0, climate impacts are already occurring and are projected to intensify in the coming years. These impacts include:
Continued wildfire smoke episodes, which severely degrade local air quality.
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Variable precipitation patterns, leading to increased flooding, landslides, and drought.
Increased temperatures, which will reduce snowpack, impacting water supplies and streams, in addition to stressing critical infrastructure, the energy grid,
and ecosystems.
Climate impacts such as extreme heat or shifting precipitation patterns have the potential to greatly affect existing housing, transportation, and energy infrastructure,
especially in areas already vulnerable to risks such as flooding or landslides. In addition, climate change amplifies existing risks and disparities like chronic health
conditions, social and economic inequalities, and pollution exposure, which disproportionately impacts frontline community groups.
Understanding which areas and populations are most at risk from climate and environmental burdens can inform policy focus areas and community priorities. Climate
change exacerbates existing inequitable health and well-being outcomes for communities, necessitating policies that reduce cumulative environmental and health
risks within Renton.
Resilience in the Built Environment
Climate hazards like extreme heat, drought, flooding, and wildfires affect critical
infrastructure, requiring the implementation and enforcement of strategic development
regulations and climate-resilient infrastructure. Renton aims to ensure that buildings,
transportation systems, energy infrastructure, and critical facilities can withstand and
recover quickly from the impacts of extreme weather and other natural hazards worsened
by climate change. Policies regulating development and infrastructure should prioritize
resilience and adaptive capacity to meet community needs in the face of climate impacts.
Additionally, promoting green, affordable housing and a resilient built environment not only
supports frontline communities but also yields cost savings and reduces emissions.
Goals
Table 11. Resilience in the Built Environment Goals
Row
# Proposed Language Purpose or Rationale
1 Goal C-H: Implement strategic and equitable land use planning that
emphasizes the prevention of community displacement caused or exacerbated
by climate change impacts.
Enhances resilience; promotes equity and justice.
Supporting Elements
The Renton Comprehensive Plan includes a set of policies aimed at:
Increasing flood protection, erosion control, and commitments to
enhance stormwater management (Land Use Element).
Ensuring water conservation, responsible management of water
resources, and adequate supply (Utilities Element).
Incorporating environmental justice into new zoning designations
or rezoning processes (Land Use Element).
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Row
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2 Goal C-I: Prepare for climate impacts expected to pose the biggest threat to
Renton’s communities and infrastructure - including wildfire smoke, flooding
and landslides, drought, and extreme heat. Seek to minimize the
disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities.
Note: Infrastructure includes transportation networks, public institutions,
utilities, etc.
Enhances resilience; promotes equity and justice; improves public health
and well-being.
Policies
Table 12. Resilience in the Built Environment Goals
Row
# Proposed Language Purpose or Rationale
1 Policy C-25: Develop a climate resilient smart growth strategy to be
incorporated into land use planning, such as restricting development in
floodplains and establishing appropriate building standards to reduce risk
from wildfires or other climate hazards.
Enhances resilience.
2 Policy C-26: Review required buffers and setbacks for areas vulnerable to
erosion, flooding, or other damages due to climate change and establish new
minimums, if necessary.
Enhances resilience.
3 Policy C-27: Reduce the exposure of property and people to current and future
climate risks by promoting clustering or acquiring properties or easements on
properties that are vulnerable to climate hazards and developing a transfer of
development rights 5 program. This would shift development from areas that
may provide climate resilience benefits to areas more suitable for
development.
4 Policy C-28: Identify and plan for climate impacts to essential and valued
community assets such as schools, libraries, parks, and other social service,
cultural, and community centers.
Promotes equity and justice; improves public health and well-being.
5 A voluntary, incentive-based, and market-driven approach to preserve land and steer development growth away from rural and resource lands (King County Transfer
of Development Rights Program).
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Row
# Proposed Language Purpose or Rationale
5 Policy C-29: Maintain government-to-government partnerships with tribes for
the preservation and restoration of culturally important resources and sites
that could be adversely impacted by climate change.
Protects tribal treaty rights; enhances resilience.
6 Policy C-30: Ensure that buildings, facilities, utilities, and critical infrastructure
are built to withstand climate impacts, recover from extreme weather events,
and reduce environmental impacts. Specific measures to enhance resilience in
building energy codes include:
Adopting building codes that promote passive survivability 6 to ensure that
buildings maintain safe conditions in the event of power outages or other
emergencies.
Upgrading building envelopes and incorporating passive solar design,
shading, natural ventilation, and daylighting.
Incorporating features such as backup power generation and emergency
water supply systems for use during climate emergencies.
Enhances resilience; improves public health and well-being.
7 Policy C-31: Support energy infrastructure, including generation and
transmission, which can withstand and recover quickly from the impacts of
extreme weather and other natural hazards.
Enhances resilience; improves public health and well-being.
8 Policy C-32: Restore and maintain habitats and open spaces, including critical
areas, to maximize the climate resilience benefits they provide and reduce the
risk of wildfire, extreme heat, flooding, and other climate-exacerbated hazards.
Identify opportunities to expand habitat protection and connectivity to
encourage climate resilience using conservation buffers, open space corridors,
and daylighting streams
Enhances resilience; improves public health and well-being.
9 Policy C-33: Ensure the transportation system (infrastructure, routes, travel
modes) can withstand and recover from extreme weather events and site
routes to reduce exposure to potential climate impacts.
Enhances resilience; improves public health and well-being.
6 The ability of a building to maintain livable conditions for its occupants if services such as power, heating, or water are lost during an emergency.
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Row
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10 Policy C-34: Implement the Stormwater Management Program Plan to provide
water management systems to minimize impacts of land use development and
storm water runoff on ecosystems, critical habitats, water supply, public
health, and safety. Ensure water system plans include robust conservation and
re-use measures by expanding municipal reclaimed water systems and
promoting the use of on-site non-potable water systems in private-sector
commercial and residential buildings to reduce water demand.
Enhances resilience; improves salmon recovery; improves public health and
well-being.
Resilient Communities & Emergency Preparedness
Climate hazards, such as increased air pollution and flood and landslide risks, pose a
significant threat to public health and safety. Implementing policies that enhance the
community's capacity to cope and adapt, such as engaging the public in emergency
planning, establishing resilience hubs, and leading communication initiatives, can
foster resilience and facilitate a more effective response and recovery from these
impacts. This may include developing a comprehensive wildfire smoke resilience
strategy, drought resilience strategy, and urban heat resilience strategy. Anchoring
climate preparedness in climate and health equity, particularly for frontline
communities, is essential to address disproportionate impacts on the most
vulnerable members of the Renton community.
Goals
Table 13. Resilient Communities & Emergency Preparedness Goals
Row
# Proposed Language Purpose or Rationale
1 Goal C-J: Protect the Renton community from the impacts of climate change,
including wildfire smoke, flooding, drought, and extreme heat events through
adaptation policy and climate hazard preparedness planning.
Enhances resilience; improves public health and wellbeing.
Supporting Elements
The Renton Comprehensive Plan includes a set of policies aimed at:
Safeguarding the health and safety of the community and promoting
educational programs that promote sustainability, health, and
emergency preparedness (Land Use Element, Utilities Element).
Ensuring safe air quality, including those focused on enhancing air
quality through collaborative efforts with the Puget Sound Clean Air
Agency and PSRC (Land Use Element).
Active participation in flood hazard reduction programs and the
development of flood hazard mitigation plans (Utilities Element).
Attracting low-carbon and clean-energy sectors and promoting green
job development (Economic Development Element).
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Row
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2 Goal C-K: Build partnerships with community organizations and implement
culturally contextualized outreach initiatives to educate and empower frontline
communities to implement climate resilience actions.
Enhances resilience; promotes equity and justice.
Policies
Table 14. Resilient Communities & Emergency Preparedness Policies
Row
# Proposed Language Purpose or Rationale
1 Policy C-35: Prioritize resiliency investments and initiatives that reduce
environmental burdens and equitably distribute benefits for vulnerable
communities.
Enhances resilience; improves public health and wellbeing.
2 Policy C-36: Incorporate resilience hubs into existing community-serving
facilities augmented to support residents, coordinate communication,
distribute resources, and reduce carbon pollution while enhancing quality of
life. Ensure that a diversity of individuals, groups, and agencies in climate
engagement activities are involved in the decision-making process.
Enhances resilience; promotes equity and justice.
3 Policy C-37: Inform the public on how to stay safe during extreme weather
events, especially in more vulnerable and unsheltered communities. Conduct
outreach on the impacts of climate change on health and safety and
communicate evacuation routes in case of emergency or natural disaster.
Provide outreach and materials in languages representative of community
needs.
Improves public health and well-being; builds community knowledge.
4 Policy C-38: Use climate and health assessment tools such as urban heat
island mapping or updated floodplain mapping modeling changes in extreme
precipitation to address potential impacts of climate change on health and
equity (I.e. Mapping from King County Flood Control District). Address the
social and mental health needs of communities displaced or impacted by
climate disaster.
Enhances resilience; promotes equity and justice; improves public health
and wellbeing. AG
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Row
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5 Policy-39: Expand local food-security and food-related economy to ensure that
Renton communities have access to healthy, affordable, and climate-friendly
foods.
Enhances resilience; improves public health and wellbeing.
6 Policy C-40: Support a resilient and green local economy and promote green
workforce opportunities. Develop a green jobs strategy and promote job
training for those facing economic vulnerability or with limited skills and work
experience in this sector.
Promotes economic development; promotes equity and justice.
7 Policy C-41: Develop a comprehensive wildfire smoke resilience strategy
through collaborative partnerships with the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency,
local residents, emergency management officials, and other relevant
stakeholders. The strategy may include:
Implementing a community-wide notification system designed to minimize
exposure to wildfire smoke and particulate matter, thus reducing health
risks.
Partnering with other agencies in the provision of personal protective
equipment and air filter fans, or offering incentives for infrastructure
updates, such as HVAC enhancements and the use of MERV 13 filters for air
intake in facilities serving high-risk populations.
Holding events and conducting outreach in the community to communicate
air quality benefits and methods that contribute to improved indoor air
quality during wildfire smoke events, especially in commercial, attached
residential buildings, and schools.
Enhances resilience; improves public health and well-being; improves air
quality.
8 Policy C-42: Develop a drought resilience strategy, taking into consideration
projected climate effects and specific actions for different drought phases.
Include water conservation measures through incentives, information, and
requirements that residents and business adopt water-efficiency practices and
technologies. Implement the Stormwater Management Program Plan and aim
to meet both average and peak daily water demand and the monitoring of
water supply sources to comply with state-issued water rights certificates and
permits.
Alignment with Renton Stormwater Management Program.
Enhances resilience.
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Element Review ▪ Climate & Resilience ▪ Resilience
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 23
Draft: Planning Commission 1st Presentation - April 17,2024 Draft Revised: March 27 , 2024
Row
# Proposed Language Purpose or Rationale
9 Policy C-43: Develop an urban heat resilience strategy that builds off measures
in the City’s Urban Forest Management Plan and includes:
Land use policies that reduce heat trapping surfaces, such as large parking
lots and sprawling development.
Urban design and greening policies that promote the orientation of buildings
and streets for shade, cool pavements, walls, and roofs, and green
stormwater infrastructure.
Measures to reduce waste heat 7 by promoting energy efficiency through
weatherization, building with heat-resistant materials, and reducing VMT.
Strategies to work with businesses, state, and county departments on
guidelines for safe work in outdoor environments during periods of heat and
poor air quality to keep workers safe. Align with the Washington State
Department of Labor & Industries Outdoor Heat Exposure Rules and King
County’s Extreme Heat Response Plan.
Enhances resilience; improves public health and well-being; improves air
quality; builds community knowledge.
7 Heat produced by a machine, such as through vehicle use or industrial processes.
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Element Review ▪ Climate & Resilience ▪ Resilience
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 24
Draft: Planning Commission 1st Presentation - April 17,2024 Draft Revised: March 27 , 2024
Resilient Ecosystems
Climate hazards such as flooding and wildfires have negative impacts on
ecosystems and natural areas, including forests, streams, lakes, wetlands, urban
parks, open spaces, and tree canopy. Preserving and improving environmentally
critical areas offer multiple benefits, such as creating green spaces that alleviate
heat and flooding effects, capturing carbon, and safeguarding culturally
significant resources.
Goals
Table 15. Resilient Ecosystems Goals
Row
# Proposed Language Purpose or Rationale
1 Goal C-L: Manage and enhance Renton’s natural systems so that they are
resilient to the impacts of extreme weather, invasive species, disease, and
other impacts worsened by climate change. Pursue the expansion of natural
areas and critical ecosystems when possible.
Enhances resilience; improves public health and wellbeing.
Supporting Elements
The Renton Comprehensive Plan includes a set of policies aimed at:
The effective management of urban forests to optimize air quality (Land
Use Element).
Enhancing the quality and functions of the City's sensitive waterways and
ensuring the long-term protection of groundwater resources (Utilities
Element).
Protecting, conserving, and enhancing natural resources and areas in
Renton (Parks, Recreation, Natural Areas, and Trails Element).
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Element Review ▪ Climate & Resilience ▪ Resilience
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 25
Draft: Planning Commission 1st Presentation - April 17,2024 Draft Revised: March 27 , 2024
Policies
Table 16. Resilient Ecosystems Policies
Row
# Proposed Language Purpose or Rationale
1 Policy C-44: Protect and restore streams, riparian zones, estuaries, wetlands,
and floodplains to achieve healthy watersheds that are resilient to climate
change.
Ensure no net loss of ecosystem structure and functions and strive for net
ecological gain to enhance climate resilience, especially in critical areas.
Identify and quantify the ecosystem services benefits of natural systems
and include these natural capital assets in cost-benefit assessments for
community and development planning.
Enhances resilience; improves salmon recovery; sequesters carbon;
provides ecosystem services.
2 Policy C-45: Protect wildlife corridors to minimize habitat fragmentation,
especially along existing linkages and in patches of native habitat.
Enhances resilience.
3 Policy C-46: Promote robust urban forest and climate-smart forest
management through policies and practices that reduce forest vulnerability to
known diseases or pest infestations, and future threats, including the
anticipated effects of climate change, consistent with the Urban Forest
Management Plan. This includes increasing tree canopy to reduce heat islands
and improve air quality and prioritizing improvements in frontline communities.
Enhances resilience; sequesters carbon; improves public health and well-
being; improves air quality.
4 Policy C-47: Restore floodplains and foster connectivity to enhance the
resilience of streams and rivers, thereby mitigating flood risk. When possible,
restore existing flood storage, conveyance, and ecological functions and values
of floodplains, wetlands, and riparian corridors, consistent with the Stormwater
Management Program Plan.
Enhances resilience.
5 Policy C-48: Preserve and enhance the quality and functions of the City's
sensitive waterways and ensure the long-term protection of groundwater
resources to secure a safe and ample potable water supply for Renton, in
accordance with the Utilities Element.
Enhances resilience; improves salmon recovery; provides ecosystem
services.
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Element Review ▪ Climate & Resilience ▪ Resilience
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 26
Draft: Planning Commission 1st Presentation - April 17,2024 Draft Revised: March 27 , 2024
Row
# Proposed Language Purpose or Rationale
6 Policy C-49: Utilize educational campaigns to encourage native, drought-
resistant vegetation and landscaping for residential areas in Renton.
Incentivize smart irrigation management and technology use.
Enhances resilience; builds community knowledge.
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COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 1
Draft 1.0 Draft Revised: February 15, 2024
Capital Facilities
Renton Comprehensive Plan Update Element Policies Draft
Draft 1.0: Updated: February 26, 2024
Discussion
Table 1. Capital Facilities Discussion Review
2015 Text Draft Language
The City of Renton is responsible for providing facilities and services that are needed
by the residents and businesses of the City for a functional, safe, and efficient
environment. Capital facilities and services are City-owned or managed
infrastructure, property and services such as, police and fire protection, parks,
streets, water and sanitary sewer service, and storm drainage service. The Capital
Facilities Element of the Comprehensive Plan consists of two portions: the 20-year
Element and the 6-year Program. The Element, which is this chapter of the Plan,
contains goals and policies related to capital facilities that are consistent with those
of other Comprehensive Plan Elements. The Element relies heavily on the analyses
and policies presented in other Elements of the Comprehensive Plan, specifically the
Utilities, Land Use, Transportation, and Parks, Recreation, Natural Areas, and Trails
Elements.
The Program portion is the most current Capital Investment Program, which is
supplemented by the most current adopted City Budget, and functional Plans
specific to individual City Departments and other service providers. For detailed
information and explanations concerning existing, future and improved facilities, as
well as the method of financing them, the reader must consult these documents.
The Capital Facilities Element incorpo rates by reference the information and
The City of Renton provides facilities and services for Renton’s residents and
businesses to create a functional, safe, and efficient environment. City-owned
capital facilities include infrastructure, property, and services such as, police
and fire protection, parks, streets, water and sanitary sewer service, and
storm drainage service.
The Capital Facilities Element of the Comprehensive Plan consists of the 20-
year Element and the 6-year Program.
The Program portion is the most current Capital Investment Program (CIP),
which is supplemented by the most current adopted City Budget, and city
functional plans by city departments and other service providers. Analyses
and policies presented in other elements of the Comprehensive Plan including
the Utilities, Land Use, Transportation, and Parks, Recreation, Natural Areas,
and Trails Elements inform this Capital Facilities Element. It contains goals
and policies that are consistent with other elements of this Comprehensive
Plan.
With a six-year horizon, the Program inventories existing and proposed capital
facilities, forecasts future needs, identifies deficiencies and necessary
improvements, and provides a financing plan. Capital facilities belonging to
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Element Review ▪ Capital Facilities
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 2
Draft 1.0 Draft Revised: February 26, 2024
2015 Text Draft Language
analyses presented in these other documents. With a six-year horizon, the Program
inventories existing and proposed capital facilities, forecasts future needs for
facilities, identifies deficiencies and necessary improvements of capital facilities,
and provides a financing plan. The Capital Investment Program and supplemental
plans are separate documents. Capital facilities belonging to privately owned utilities
serving Renton are addressed in the Utilities Element of the Plan.
privately owned utilities serving Renton are addressed in the Utilities Element
of the Plan.
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Element Review ▪ Capital Facilities
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 3
Draft 1.0 Draft Revised: February 26, 2024
Goals
Table 2. Goals
Row
# 2015 Goal Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
1 CF-A: Establish policies that enable the
development and implementation of the Capital
Investment Program in order to provide high-
quality, well-maintained facilities and services
that support the social, economic, cultural,
safety, transportation, environmental,
communication and other needs of the
community, that are available at the time of
development to serve new growth, and are
equitably distributed.
CF-A: Establish policies that enable the development
and implementation of the Capital Investment
Program in order to provide high-quality, well-
maintained facilities and affordable services that
support the social, economic, cultural, safety,
transportation, environmental, communication and
other needs of the community.
▪ Revised to reduce redundancy; concurrency
covered in CF-B and equitable distribution covered
in CF-X (proposed new goal).
2 CF-B: Ensure capital facility investments are
prioritized to support growth in the locations
targeted in the Land Use Element and that these
facilities will be in place when development
occurs.
CF-B: Prioritize capital facility investments to support
growth in the locations targeted in the Land Use
Element and ensure facilities will be in place when
development occurs.
▪ Revised to lead with the more important verb.
3 CF-C: Identify service standards for capital
facilities that meet community expectations for
municipal services, and that are consistent for
both existing and new development.
CF-C: Identify capital facilities service standards that
meet community expectations for municipal services
and are consistent for existing and new
development.
▪ Revised for clarity.
4 CF-D: Ensure adequate long-term financial
capacity exists to provide capital facilities and
services needed to support expected growth,
while maintaining adopted level of service
standards.
CF-D: Ensure adequate long-term financial capacity
exists to provide capital facilities and services
needed to support expected growth, while
maintaining adopted level of service standards.
▪ No change proposed.
5 -- CF-X: Promote affordable and equitable access to
public services for all Renton residents, especially
underserved and historically marginalized
communities. Ensure burdens and benefits of siting
public facilities are distributed equitably.
▪ Added goal for consistency with PSRC VISION 2050
checklist, King County CPPs.
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Element Review ▪ Capital Facilities
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 4
Draft 1.0 Draft Revised: February 26, 2024
Policies
Table 3. Policies
Row
# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
1 Policy CF-1: Update the Capital Investment
Program in conjunction with the City's regular
budget adoption process and ensure anticipated
funding is adequate to finance capital facilities
that are necessary for development at
predetermined levels of service, and in
conformance with the Comprehensive Plan. If
funding is insufficient, adjustments should be
made to the levels of service, the Land Use
Element, sources of revenue, or any combination
thereof. For the purpose of capital facilities
planning, plan for forecasted growth at the high
end of the projected range and in locations
determined by the Land Use Element.
Policy CF-1: Update the Capital Investment Program
in conjunction with the City's regular budget process
and ensure anticipated funding is adequate to
finance capital facilities that are necessary for
development at predetermined levels of service, and
in conformance with the Comprehensive Plan. If
funding is insufficient, adjustments should be made
to the levels of service, the Land Use Element,
sources of revenue, or any combination thereof. For
the purpose of capital facilities planning, plan for
forecasted growth at the high end of the projected
range and in locations determined by the Land Use
Element.
2 Policy CF-2: Ensure adequate public facilities are
in place concurrent with development.
Concurrent with development shall mean the
existence of adequate facilities, strategies, or
services when development occurs or the
existence of a financial commitment to provide
adequate facilities, strategies, or services within
six years of when development occurs.
Policy CF-2: Ensure adequate public facilities are in
place concurrent with development. Concurrent
with development shall mean the existence of
adequate facilities, strategies, or services when
development occurs or the existence of a financial
commitment to provide adequate facilities,
strategies, or services within six years of when
development occurs.
▪ No change proposed.
3 Policy CF-3: Pursue funding from a mix of sources
for new, improved, or expanded public facilities
or services in order to distribute the cost of such
facilities or services according to use, need, and
adopted goals and policies.
Policy CF-3: Pursue funding from a mix of sources for
new, improved, or expanded public facilities or
services.
▪ Revised to remove unnecessary clause.
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Element Review ▪ Capital Facilities
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 5
Draft 1.0 Draft Revised: February 26, 2024
Row
# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
4 Policy CF-4: Levy impact fees on development
that are commensurate with the cost of funding
new or expanded capital facilities and services
necessary for the development.
Policy CF-4: Levy impact fees on development that
are commensurate with the cost of funding new or
expanded capital facilities and services necessary
for the development.
▪ No change proposed.
5 Policy CF-5: Individually adopt by reference the
most current Capital Facilities Plans for the Kent
School District #415, the Issaquah School
District #411, and the Renton School District
#403, and adopt an implementing ordinance
establishing a school impact fees consistent with
each District’s adopted Capital Facilities Plan, if
the Plan demonstrates that the facilities are
needed to accommodate projected growth.
Policy CF-5 Individually adopt by reference the most
current Capital Facilities Plans for the Kent School
District #415, the Issaquah School District #411,
and the Renton School District #403, and adopt an
implementing ordinance establishing school impact
fees consistent with each District’s adopted Capital
Facilities Plan, if the Plan demonstrates that the
facilities are needed to accommodate projected
growth.
▪ No change proposed.
6 Policy CF-5: Adopt by reference the most current
Capital Facilities Plans for Renton Regional Fire
Authority and adopt an implementing ordinance
establishing a fire impact fee consistent with
their Capital Facilities Plan, if the Plan
demonstrates that the facilities are needed to
accommodate projected growth.
Policy CF-5: Adopt by reference the most current
Capital Facilities Plans for Renton Regional Fire
Authority and adopt an implementing ordinance
establishing a fire impact fee consistent with their
Capital Facilities Plan if the Plan demonstrates that
the facilities are needed to accommodate projected
growth.
▪ No change proposed.
7 Policy CF-6: Support private/public partnerships
to plan and finance infrastructure development,
public uses, structured parking, and community
amenities to stimulate additional private
investment and produce a more urban
environment.
Policy CF-6: Support private/public partnerships to
plan and finance infrastructure development, public
uses, structured parking, and community amenities
to stimulate additional private investment and
produce a more urban environment.
No change proposed.
8 Policy CF-7: Protect public health, enhance
environmental quality and promote conservation
of man-made and natural resources through
appropriate design and installation of public
facilities.
Policy CF-7: Design, site, and install public facilities
to protect public health, enhance environmental
quality, and promote conservation of man-made and
natural resources.
▪ Revised to start with most significant verbs.
Updated to include siting as a process step to
consider public health, environmental quality, etc.
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Element Review ▪ Capital Facilities
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 6
Draft 1.0 Draft Revised: February 26, 2024
Row
# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
9 Policy CF-8: Promote conservation and demand-
management programs that reduce the impact
on public facilities and maximize their efficiency.
Policy CF-8: Promote conservation and demand-
management programs that reduce the impact on
public facilities and maximize their efficiency.
▪ No change proposed.
10 Policy CF-9: Advocate projects that are energy
efficient or enhance energy conservation efforts
by the City and its residents.
Policy CF-9: Promote projects that are energy
efficient or enhance energy conservation efforts by
the City and its residents and businesses.
▪ Revised for clarity.
11 -- Policy CF-XX: Encourage investments in renewable
and alternative energy sources.
▪ Added policy for consistency with King County
CPPs.
12 Policy CF-10: Coordinate with federal, state,
regional and local jurisdictions, private industry,
businesses and citizens in the planning, design
and development of facilities serving and
affecting the community.
Policy CF-10: Coordinate with federal, state, regional
and local jurisdictions, private industry, businesses
and residents in the planning, design, siting, and
development of facilities serving and affecting the
community.
▪ Revised to incorporate inclusive language.
13 Policy CF-11: Consider land use compatibility,
capital facility needs and financial costs when
siting essential public facilities.
Policy CF-11: Consider land use compatibility, capital
facility needs, financial costs, impacts of climate
change, and economic and health impacts when
siting essential public facilities.
▪ Revised for consistency with King County CPPs.
14 -- Policy CF-XX: Work with school districts on school
siting and design to support safe, walkable access,
including strategies to provide adequate urban
capacity for new schools and to avoid serving urban
students with schools in the rural area.
▪ Added policy for consistency with PSRC VISION
2050 checklist.
15 -- Policy CF-XX: Locate community facilities and
services, including civic places like parks, schools,
and other public spaces in centers and near transit,
with consideration for climate change.
▪ Added policy for consistency with PSRC VISION
2050 checklist.
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COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 1
Draft 3.0 Draft Revised: February 26, 2024
Economic Development
Renton Comprehensive Plan Update Element Policies Draft
Draft #3.1: Updated: April 11, 2024
Summary of Updates
Washinton State Law:
▪ N/A
VISION 2050:
▪ Focus retention and recruitment efforts and activities to foster a positive business climate and diversify employment opportunities (emphasis on targeting
locally-, women-, and minority-owned small businesses and start-ups, established and emerging industries that address climate change and resilience).
▪ Promote strategies and policies that expand access to opportunity and remove barriers for economically disconnected communiti es.
▪ Address and prevent potential physical, economic, and cultural displacement of existing businesses that may result from r edevelopment and market
pressure.
▪ Promote environmentally and socially responsible business practices, especially those addressing climate change, resilience, and improved health outcomes.
▪ Support, recognize, and empower the contributions of the region’s culturally and ethnically diverse communities, institutions, and Native Tribes.
King County Countywide Planning Policies:
▪ Support the Regional Economic Strategy.
▪ Support advanced manufacturing throughout the county.
▪ Foster a supportive business environment for locally owned and women and minority owned businesses.
▪ Reduce historic and ongoing disparities in income and employment opportunities for communities that have been economically di sadvantaged.
▪ Call for the development of a system that provides a safety net during economic downturns.
▪ Prioritize a diversity of middle-wage jobs.
▪ Encourage the public and private sectors to incorporate environmental stewardship and social responsibility into their practi ces.
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Element Review ▪ Economic Development ▪
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 2
Draft 3 .0 Draft Revised: April 11 , 2024
Plans to be Adopted by Reference:
▪ Clean Economy Strategy 2.0
▪ Downtown Civic Core Vision and Action Plan
▪ Rainier/Grady Junction TOD Subarea Plan
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Element Review ▪ Economic Development ▪ Discussion
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 3
Draft 3 .0 Draft Revised: April 11 , 2024
Discussion
Table 1. Economic Development Discussion Review
2015 Text Draft Language
Renton’s economic development promotes it as the progressive, opportunity-rich city
in the Puget Sound region. Renton’s economic development policies encourage
collaboration between the public and private sectors to ensure the long-term
economic health of Renton and its residents. A healthy economy provides jobs and
opportunity and helps pay for vital public services such as education, parks,
transportation, police and fire protection, and human services. The policies
encourage a mix of high-tech, creative jobs, as well as retail, service, and office uses
that will result in a diversified employment base. The policies encourage high quality
development necessary to sustain a high standard of living in Renton.
A healthy economy provides jobs and opportunity and helps pay for vital public
services such as education, parks, transportation, police and fire protection,
and human services. Renton is an opportunity-rich city in the Puget Sound
region. The city’s economic development policies encourage collaboration
between the public and private sectors to ensure the long-term economic
health of Renton and its residents and businesses. The policies encourage a
mix of high-tech, creative jobs, as well as retail, service, and office uses that
will result in a diversified employment base to support an economy for all
people. Guided by the city’s Clean Economy Strategy, Renton aims to enhance
environmental sustainability and prepare for climate change while
maintaining and building a strong economy and providing local green jobs.
Led by local companies such as Boeing and PACCAR Inc., Renton’s key
industries are manufacturing, aerospace, destination retail, health care,
professional services, professional sports, and technology.
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Element Review ▪ Economic Development ▪ Goals
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 4
Draft 3 .0 Draft Revised: April 11 , 2024
Goals
Table 2. Goals
Row
# 2015 Goal Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
1 ED-A: Promote and maintain diversified economic
growth by utilizing resources and amenities to
stimulate economic development while
protecting quality of life through environmental
sustainability and increased employment
opportunities to ensure competitiveness in the
market.
ED-A: Promote and maintain diversified economic
growth while protecting quality of life and
environmental health, including climate impacts.
▪ Revised for clarity and to focus on one topic.
2 ED-B: Recruit and retain businesses to ensure a
dynamic, diversified employment base. Nurture
entrepreneurship while fostering successful
partnerships with business and community
leaders. Invest in and grow workforce training
and retraining opportunities to support targeted
local industry clusters. Build a diverse economic
industry base in areas of aerospace, healthcare,
and creative industries (high-tech, design,
software, local artisan, gaming, and architecture,
etc.).
ED-B: Recruit and retain businesses to ensure a
dynamic, diversified, and growing base that provides
employment opportunities for all to ensure
competitiveness in the market.
▪ Revised for clarity and to focus on one topic.
3 ED-X: Nurture entrepreneurship while fostering
successful partnerships with business and
community leaders. Invest in and grow workforce
training and retraining opportunities to support
targeted local industry clusters.
▪ Revised for clarity and to focus on one topic.
4 ED-X: Focus efforts that expand access to economic
opportunity and identify and remove barriers for
economically disconnected communities.
▪ Added policy for consistency with PSRC VISION
2050 checklist.
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Element Review ▪ Economic Development ▪ Goals
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 5
Draft 3 .0 Draft Revised: April 11 , 2024
Row
# 2015 Goal Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
5 ED-C: Leverage public and private resources to
focus development on targeted economic
centers, in addition to industry clusters, and
pursue transportation and other regional
improvements and services that support and
improve quality of life. Foster commercial and
residential development, and cultivate optimism
and focus towards redevelopment of public and
private spaces throughout the city.
ED-C: Leverage partnerships to focus development
on targeted economic centers, in addition to
industry clusters, and pursue transportation and
other regional improvements and services that
support and improve quality of life for all people.
Foster commercial and residential development and
cultivate optimism and focus on redevelopment of
public and private spaces throughout the city.
▪ Revised for clarity and to incorporate inclusive
language.
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Element Review ▪ Economic Development ▪ Policies
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 6
Draft 3 .0 Draft Revised: April 11 , 2024
Policies
Table 3. Policies
Row
# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
1 Policy ED-1: Develop incentives for businesses to
locate, stay, and expand within the city; provide
incentives for economic development within the
city’s Growth Center, neighborhood business
districts, and commercial corridors.
Policy ED-1: Develop incentives for businesses to
locate, stay, and expand within the city, particularly
within the city’s Growth Center, neighborhood
business districts, and commercial corridors .
▪ Revised for consistency with PSRC VISION 2050
checklist.
2 -- Policy ED-X: Support and develop measures to
reduce displacement of existing businesses in
Renton. Strategies could include small business
preservation programs offering technical assistance
and capacity-building services, preservation of
existing affordable commercial spaces, create and
foster new commercial spaces, business incubators,
and other strategies.
▪ Added policy to address displacement and for
consistency with PSRC VISION 2050 checklist.
3 -- Policy ED-X: Consistent with the Clean Economy
Strategy 2.0, develop strategies to attract industries
and businesses that address climate change and
resilience and provide clean jobs.
▪ Added policy for consistency with PSRC VISION
2050 checklist.
4 Policy ED-2: Promote targeted local and regional
industry cluster development: meet with top
employers and key organizations to identify and
discuss their future needs to determine how the
city can assist them in being successful in
expanding in Renton.
Policy ED-2: Promote targeted local and regional
industry cluster development: meet with top
employers and key organizations to identify and
discuss their future needs to determine how the city
can assist them in being successful in expanding in
Renton to create job opportunities for all community
members.
▪ Revised to incorporate inclusive language.
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Element Review ▪ Economic Development ▪ Policies
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 7
Draft 3 .0 Draft Revised: April 11 , 2024
Row
# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
5 Policy ED-3: Foster communications with, and
support for key local and regional economic
foundations. Support partnerships between
businesses, government, schools, and research
institutions to implement economic development
policies and promote workforce development
programs.
Policy ED-3: Foster communications with, and
support for key local and regional economic
foundations. Support partnerships between
businesses, government, schools, and research
institutions to implement economic development
policies and expand access and opportunities for
workforce development programs.
▪ Revised for clarity.
6 Policy ED-4: Develop a retail recruitment strategy
with an emphasis on business district
development.
Policy ED-4: Develop a business recruitment
strategy with an emphasis on business district
development.
▪ Updated to reflect the city’s current strategy.
7 Policy ED-5: Implement strategies to foster and
expand knowledge-based businesses, high
profile companies, and locally owned startups.
Policy ED-5: Implement strategies to support,
recognize, empower, and expand knowledge-based
businesses, high profile companies, and locally-,
women-, and minority- owned businesses and
startups.
▪ Revised for consistency with PSRC VISION 2050
checklist.
8 Policy ED-6: Ensure Renton’s Economic
Development Element is consistent with
countywide economic policies and strategies in
accordance with relevant Countywide Planning
Policies.
Policy ED-6: Ensure Renton’s Economic
Development Element is consistent with countywide
economic policies and strategies in accordance with
relevant Countywide Planning Policies.
▪ No change proposed.
9 Policy ED-7: Provide transparency, efficiency, and
uniformity of city regulations, policies, and
procedures. Allocate sufficient resources to
process development projects quickly and
professionally.
Policy ED-7: Provide transparency, efficiency, and
uniformity of city regulations, policies, and
procedures. Allocate sufficient resources to process
development projects quickly and professionally.
▪ No change proposed.
10 Policy ED-8: Define and develop Renton’s unique
cultural, historic, recreational, educational, and
environmental assets as important marketing
and image-building tools of the city’s business
districts and neighborhoods.
Policy ED-8: Leverage Renton’s unique cultural,
historic, recreational, educational, and
environmental assets as important marketing and
image-building tools of the city’s business districts
and neighborhoods.
Updated to reflect current strategy
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Element Review ▪ Economic Development ▪ Policies
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 8
Draft 3 .0 Draft Revised: April 11 , 2024
Row
# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
11 Policy ED-9: Support Downtown Renton
redevelopment by engaging Downtown
stakeholders and business community members
with efforts to implement the City Council’s
priorities for the City Center Community Plan.
Policy ED-9: Support Downtown Renton
redevelopment by engaging Downtown stakeholders
and business community members with efforts to
implement the City Council’s priorities for the City
Center Community Plan and Downtown Civic Core
Vision and Action Plan.
▪ Revised to include newly adopted plans.
12 Policy ED-9: Promote incentives for multifamily
development in Downtown. Work with
prospective single-family and multifamily
developers to facilitate new residential
development with a diversity of housing types
and price ranges to meet the needs of Renton
citizens.
Policy ED-9: Promote incentives for development in
the targeted growth areas of Renton. Work with
prospective developers to facilitate new residential
development with a diversity of housing types and
price ranges to meet the needs of all Renton
residents.
▪ Revised for clarity and to incorporate inclusive
language.
13 Policy ED-11: Encourage growth that balances
employment and housing opportunities within
designated urban centers by promoting
investment in mixed-use centers with compact
urban development, specifically advocating for
redevelopment and quality infill design that
maximizes allowable density.
Policy ED-11: Encourage growth that balances
employment and housing opportunities within
designated urban centers by promoting investment
in mixed-use centers with compact urban
development, specifically advocating for
redevelopment and quality infill design that
maximizes allowable density.
▪ No change proposed.
14 Policy ED-12: Facilitate the Sunset Area
Community Revitalization; engage with Renton
Housing Authority and prospective developers to
identify additional opportunities for the city to
successfully leverage capital investment in the
Sunset Area.
▪ Policy removed; project largely complete.
15 Policy ED-13: Foster economic and employment
growth by encouraging local investment,
planning, and financial policies that advance the
development of commercial, manufacturing, and
industrial development centers.
Policy ED-13: Foster economic and employment
growth by encouraging local investment, planning,
and financial policies that advance the development
of commercial, manufacturing, and industrial
development centers.
▪ No change proposed.
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Element Review ▪ Economic Development ▪ Policies
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 9
Draft 3 .0 Draft Revised: April 11 , 2024
Row
# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
16 Policy ED-14: Encourage investments that
address future needs; focus investment in
infrastructure and services in designated centers
that align with the city’s projected population,
housing, and job growth targets.
Policy ED-14: Focus investment in infrastructure and
services in designated centers that align with the
city’s projected population, housing, and job growth
targets.
▪ Revised for clarity.
17 Policy ED-15: Implement the Renton Airport
Compatible Land Use Program when guiding
development within the Airport Influence Area.
▪ Policy removed; program implemented.
18 Policy ED-16: Further the provisions of Creating
Renton’s Clean Economy. Attract low-carbon and
clean-energy sectors and promote green job
development. Encourage economic activity that is
highly resource-efficient and minimizes the
generation of waste and pollution.
Policy ED-16: Further the provisions of Renton’s
Clean Economy Strategy, including attracting low-
carbon and clean-energy sectors, promoting green
job development, and encouraging economic activity
that is highly resource-efficient and minimizes the
generation of waste and pollution.
▪ Revised for clarity.
19 Policy ED-17: Promote the efficient use of
services and resources, including conserving
water and energy, reducing waste, and protecting
resource lands. Work cooperatively with local
businesses to help protect the natural
environment in a manner that is efficient and
predictable.
Policy ED-17: Promote the efficient use of services
and resources, especially those addressing climate
change, resilience, and improved health outcomes.
▪ Revised for consistency with PSRC VISION 2050
checklist.
▪ Policy split for clarity.
Policy ED-X: Work cooperatively with local
businesses to help promote environmental and
socially responsible business practices, including
providing guidance and technical assistance.
▪ Policy split for clarity.
21 Policy ED-18: Provide peripheral support to
community services to facilitate the growth of a
regional food economy through the development
and expansion of farmers’ markets, food co-ops,
and community supported agriculture programs.
Policy ED-18: Support the growth of a regional food
economy through the development and expansion of
farmers’ markets, food co-ops, food halls, and
community supported agriculture programs.
▪ Updated to reflect the city’s current strategy.
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Element Review ▪ Economic Development ▪ Policies
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 10
Draft 3 .0 Draft Revised: April 11 , 2024
Row
# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
22 Policy ED-19: Support collaboration with the
Renton Housing Authority to encourage economic
development strategies that address disparities
in income and employment opportunities for
economically disadvantaged populations,
including minorities and women.
Policy ED-19: Support collaboration with community
partners, such as the Renton Housing Authority,
Renton Technical College, Renton School District,
and Renton Chamber of Commerce, to encourage
economic development strategies that address
disparities in income and employment opportunities
for economically disadvantaged and disconnected
communities.
▪ Revised for consistency with PSRC VISION 2050
checklist.
23 Policy ED-20: Develop and promote local arts and
culture programs, particularly by supporting the
Renton Municipal Arts Commission. Encourage
investments in creative industries and centers,
bolster earned income for local attractions, and
generate new tax revenues by attracting cultural
tourists to the city while expanding cultural
experiences for residents.
Policy ED-20: Develop and promote local arts and
culture programs, particularly by supporting the
Renton Municipal Arts Commission. Encourage
investments in creative industries and centers,
bolster earned income for local attractions, and
generate new tax revenues by attracting cultural
tourists to the city while expanding cultural
experiences for residents.
▪ No change proposed.
24 Policy ED-21: Identify and encourage the
preservation of lands, sites, and structures that
have historical, cultural, and/or archaeological
significance.
Policy ED-21: Identify and encourage the
preservation of lands, sites, and structures that
have historical, cultural, and/or archaeological
significance.
▪ No change proposed.
25 -- Policy ED-22: Maintain participation in the
Mainstreet Program and consider establishing a
historic district as strategies to preserve affordable
and smaller commercial spaces and prevent
displacement of existing businesses.
▪ Added policy for consistency with PSRC VISION
2050 checklist.
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Element Review ▪ Economic Development ▪ Policies
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 11
Draft 3 .0 Draft Revised: April 11 , 2024
Row
# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
26 -- Policy ED-23: Support, recognize, and empower the
contributions of Renton’s culturally and ethnically
diverse communities, institutions, and Native Tribes.
Strategies could include promoting community
events that celebrate different cultures, honoring
traditional practices, encouraging business
incubators to support business formation including
BIPOC-owned businesses, or other strategies.
▪ Added policy for consistency with PSRC VISION
2050 checklist.
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COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 1
Draft: Planning Commission 1st Presentation - April 17,2024 Draft Revised: March 28, 2024
Community Planning
Renton Comprehensive Plan Update Element Policies Draft
Draft: Planning Commission 1st Presentation - April 17,2024 : Updated: April 4, 2024
Summary of Updates
Washington State Law:
N/A
VISION 2050:
Support inclusive community planning.
King County Countywide Planning Policies:
N/A
Plans to be Adopted by Reference:
City Center Community Plan
Benson Hill Community Plan
Civic Core Vision and Action Plan
Rainier/Grady Junction TOD Subarea Plan
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Element Review ▪ Community Planning
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 2
Draft: Planning Commission 1st Presentation - April 17,2024 Draft Revised: March 28, 2024
Discussion
Table 1. Community Planning Discussion Review
2015 Text Draft Language
Through the Community Planning process, communities decide what they want
to nurture and what they want to change at a local level and set the vision and
goals for the community. Community Plans are a unifying force that identify
local characteristics and addresses local issues that are not in the
Comprehensive Plan, such as patterns of land use, design, traffic circulation,
and services. Community Plans result from a partnership between the City and
community residents, businesses, and other stakeholders in the Planning
Area. The purpose of Community Planning is to enhance that which the
community values, as well as to identify and assure sensible growth and
development, consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Community Plans align
the provision of City services and the allocation of infrastructure investments
with community goals and priorities.
Community Planning is a process that gives greater voice to the community in the
planning and decision-making process. In Community Planning, the City partners
with residents, businesses, non-profit organizations, and other stakeholders to take
a localized approach to topics addressed in the Comprehensive Plan, such as
patterns of land use, design, traffic circulation, and services, and applies them to a
specific Planning Area or neighborhood. Community Planning enhances that which
the community values and assures sensible growth and development consistent
with the Comprehensive Plan
The City of Renton and its Potential Annexation Areas are comprised of ten distinct
communities, each with their own unique districts and neighborhoods. Through the
Community Planning process, communities set the vision and goals for their
respective areas and identify challenges and opportunities. Community Plans also
seek to identify local centers where housing, employment, and services are
accommodated in a compact urban form, as well as identify opportunities to
enhance sense of place and mix of uses through infill development, redevelopment,
and reuse of existing buildings.
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Element Review ▪ Community Planning
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 3
Draft: Planning Commission 1st Presentation - April 17,2024 Draft Revised: March 28, 2024
Goals
Table 1. Goals
Row
# 2015 Goal Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
1 CP-A: Engage the public with the opportunity to
participate in a partnership with the City shaping
the future of their community.
CP-A: Support inclusive community planning in
Renton through the Community Planning process to
provide residents, businesses, non-profits, and other
organizations the opportunity to participate in a
partnership with the City to shape the future of their
community.
Revised for clarity and consistency with PSRC
VISION 2050 checklist.
2 CP-B: Through Community Planning, improve the
livability of Renton’s neighborhoods, preserve
unique identities, foster and enhance community
character, and prioritize the provision of City
services and investment in infrastructure.
CP-B: Through Community Planning, identify goals,
priorities, challenges, and visions for Renton’s
Community Planning Areas, foster and celebrate
unique neighborhood characteristics and identities,
and prioritize the provision of City services and
investment in infrastructure and other improvement
projects.
Revision for clarity.
3 CP-C: Ensure Community Plans implement the
goals of the City and the Growth Management Act
and that there is consistency between the
Comprehensive Plan, Community Plans, and
Development Regulations.
CP-C: Ensure Community Plans implement City and
Growth Management Act goals that there is
consistency between the Comprehensive Plan,
Community Plans, and Development Regulations.
Revised for clarity.
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Element Review ▪ Community Planning
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 4
Draft: Planning Commission 1st Presentation - April 17,2024 Draft Revised: March 28, 2024
Policies
Table 2. Policies
Row
# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
1 Policy CP-1: Develop Plans in conjunction with
the people of the Community; this includes
coordinating with recognized neighborhood
associations, business associations, and other
community groups, as well as, business owners
and community residents.
Policy CP-1: Develop Community Plans in
collaboration with residents, businesses, and other
community groups. Prioritize the involvement of
underrepresented and historically marginalized
communities.
Revised for clarity and for consistency with PSRC
VISION 2050 checklist.
2 Policy CP-2: Engage in consistent and ongoing
public participation because it is essential in
developing relevant plans and in implementing
plans successfully.
Policy CP-2: Engage in ongoing equitable public
engagement to ensure development of relevant
plans and successful and equitable plan
implementation.
Revised for clarity.
3 Policy CP-3: Community Plans establish the vision
of the Community and identify features and
characteristics to retain, develop, preserve,
enhance, or correct. They also seek to identify
local centers where housing, employment, and
services are accommodated in a compact urban
form. Finally, plans seek to identify opportunities
to enhance community character and mix of uses
through infill development, redevelopment, and
reuse of existing buildings.
Removed. Removed as this is not a policy; moved language
into element discussion.
4 Policy CP-4: Develop plans that supplement and
refine the goals, objectives, and policies of the
Comprehensive Plan within the Community
Planning Areas and that make recommendations
on land use designations, design standards, and
capital improvements within the Community
Planning Areas.
Policy CP-4: Develop Community Plans that
supplement and refine the goals, objectives, and
policies of the Comprehensive Plan within the
Community Planning Areas and that make
recommendations on land use designations, design
standards, and capital improvements within the
Community Planning Area.
Revised for clarity.
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Element Review ▪ Community Planning
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 5
Draft: Planning Commission 1st Presentation - April 17,2024 Draft Revised: March 28, 2024
Row
# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
5 Policy CP-5: Recognize that unique districts and
neighborhoods exist within Community Planning
Areas and, if appropriate, include provisions for
subarea or neighborhood plans for these areas in
a Community Plan.
Policy CP-5: Include provisions within Community
Plans for subarea or neighborhood plans for unique
districts and neighborhoods that exist within
Community Planning Areas. For each Community
Planning Area, identify features and characteristics
to retain, develop, preserve, enhance, protect, or
correct.
Reorganized for clarity.
6 Policy CP-6: Implement Community Plans in
concert with Community Plan Advisory Boards
who make recommendations based on the
adopted vision and goals of their Community Plan
regarding the provision of City services and
infrastructure investment.
Policy CP-6: Implement Community Plans in concert
with Community Plan Advisory Boards who make
recommendations based on the adopted vision and
goals of their Community Plan regarding the
provision of City services and infrastructure
investment and other improvement projects.
Revised for consistency with language in the
element.
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COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 1
Draft 1.0 Draft Revised: DATE
Utilities
Renton Comprehensive Plan Update Element Policies Draft
Draft # : Updated:
Discussion 2015
The Utilities Element guides future utility service within Renton’s planning area and ensures that adequate utility services will be available to support existing and
future development in the City. The goals and policies included in the Utilities Element are designed to promote efficient, cost-effective utility service while meeting
community needs and protecting both existing neighborhoods and the natural environment.
The City of Renton provides water, wastewater, and surface water utility services to Re nton residents, as well as some areas outside City boundaries. The City
contracts with a private hauler for solid waste and recycling collection and coordinates with King County for use of regional solid waste disposal facilities. Several non-
City utility providers also operate within Renton, providing water and sewer service for developed areas that have been annexed. Other non -City utilities include
electric, natural gas, and telecommunications (cable television, internet, wired telephone, and cellular te lephone/data services).
Under the Growth Management Act, planned land use patterns and growth must be supported by adequate levels of utility service . The Utilities Element must
therefore ensure that adequate levels of utility service are available to serv e the levels of growth that are discussed in the Land Use Element. Functional plans for
each utility system must also accommodate projected growth in their respective service areas, based on these adopted growth a llocations. A detailed discussion of
City utility system capacity and the City’s adopted growth allocations is contained in Appendix C: Land Use Assumptions and Utility Plans, which is hereby adopted by
reference.
The relationship of the Land Use Element, Utilities Element, and City utility functio nal plans is shown in Figure U-1.
Major challenges related to the provision of utility services include the following:
Recent annexations have created large areas of the City, mostly in southeastern Renton, where water and/or sewer service is p rovided by non-City providers.
Much of the City’s existing wastewater infrastructure is approaching the end of its useful life and will require replacement in the near future.
New requirements for implementation of Low Impact Development (LID) are included in the NPDE S Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit for Western Washington,
issued by the Department of Ecology in 2012. These requirements may affect development patterns in Renton and may result in n ew methods for handling
stormwater runoff. Increased use of on-site infiltration may affect aquifer recharge and groundwater quality.
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S Element Review ▪ Utilities ▪ Discussion Revised 2024
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 2
Draft 2 .0 – Internal Staff Review Draft Revised: February 23 , 2023
Discussion Revised 2024
The Utilities Element guides future utility service within Renton’s planning area and ensures that adequate utility services will be available to support existing and
future development. The Utilities Element goals and policies are designed to promote ecologically sustainable, reliable and cost-effective utility service while meeting
current and future needs and protecting the natural environment.
The City of Renton provides water, wastewater, and surface water utility services to Renton residents and some areas outside city boundaries, but within the water
and wastewater service area boundaries. The City contracts with a private hauler for solid waste collection and coordinates with King County to use regional solid
waste disposal facilities. Several non-city utility providers (Water and/or Sewer Districts) also operate within Renton, providing water and sewer service for annexed,
developed areas within their established water and sewer service area boundaries. Other non-City utilities include power, natural gas, and telecommunications (cable
television, internet, wired telephone, and cellular telephone/data services).
Under the Growth Management Act, levels of utility service must support planned land use patterns and growth. The Utilities Element must ensure that adequate
levels of utility service are available to serve the growth planned for in the Land Use Element. Based on these adopted growth allocations, functional plans for each
utility system must also accommodate proj ected growth in their respective service areas. A detailed discussion of Renton’s utility system capacity and the adopted
growth allocations is contained in Appendix C: Land Use Assumptions and Utility Plans, which is hereby adopted by reference.
Major challenges related to the provision of utility services include the following:
▪ Annexations have created large areas, mostly in southeastern Renton, where water and/or sewer service is provided by an entity other than the City of
Renton.
▪ The City water, wastewater and surface water utilities existing infrastructure requires on-going rehabilitation and replacement due to age and condition to
increase the useful life of the infrastructures to maintain reliable service and to serve future growth.
▪ Increasing state and federal stormwater regulations from the Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit issued by th e Department of
Ecology every 5 years will have significant impacts to the Surface Water Utility.
▪ Increased use of on-site infiltration may affect aquifer recharge and groundwater quality. Newer requirements may affect development patterns in Renton
and may result in new methods for handling stormwater runoff.
▪ Extending sewer service to areas within the city’s Wastewater Utility service area (inside the city and in the PAA) to support new development and converting
existing properties that are on septic systems to city sewer system, especially properties that have failing septic systems , is challenging physically and
financially, but important for achieving the adopted growth allocations, protecting the environment and public health.
▪ New and changing federal and state drinking water regulations related to emerging contaminants of concern (PFAS) and the Lead and Copper Rule are
regulatory challenges for the city Water Utility that are needed to comply with to ensure safe drinking water for existing and future growth.
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S Element Review ▪ Utilities ▪ Goals: Overall
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 3
Draft 2 .0 – Internal Staff Review Draft Revised: February 23 , 2023
Goals: Overall
Table 1. Overall Goals
Row
# 2015 Goal Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
1 U-A: Provide an adequate level of public utilities
consistent with land use, protection of the
environment, and annexation goals and policies.
U-A: Provide an adequate level of public utilities
service that is sustainable, reliable, and consistent
with land use, protection of the environment, and
annexation goals and policies.
▪ Incorporate climate consideration and reliable.
2 U-B: Ensure the long-term protection of the
quality and quantity of the groundwater
resources of the City of Renton in order to
maintain a safe and adequate potable water
supply for the City.
U-B: Ensure the long-term protection of the quality
and quantity of groundwater resources of the City of
Renton in order to maintain a safe and adequate
potable water supply.
▪ The City is responsible for ensuring groundwater
resources for its planning areas, which extend
outside the city’s boundaries.
3 -- U-C: Provide equitable service to all customers. ▪ Prioritize equity in utility service provision.
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S Element Review ▪ Utilities ▪ Policies: Overall
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 4
Draft 2 .0 – Internal Staff Review Draft Revised: February 23 , 2023
Policies: Overall
Table 2. Overall Policies
Row
# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
1 Policy U-1: All utility services and systems should
be consistent with the growth projections and
development concepts established in this
Comprehensive Plan.
Policy U-1: All utility services and systems should be
consistent with the growth projections and
development concepts established in this
Comprehensive Plan.
▪ No change proposed.
2 Policy U-2: Protect the health and safety of
Renton citizens from environmental hazards
associated with utility systems through the
proper design and siting of utility facilities.
Policy U-2: Protect the health and safety of Renton
residents from environmental hazards associated
with utility systems through the proper design,
construction, maintenance, operation, and siting of
utility facilities.
▪ Incorporate specific, inclusive language.
▪ Revised for clarity.
3 Policy U-3: Promote co-location of new utility
infrastructure within rights-of-way and utility
corridors, and coordinate construction and
replacement of utility systems with other public
infrastructure projects to minimize construction-
related costs and disruptions.
Policy U-3: Promote co-location of new utility
infrastructure within rights-of-way and utility
corridors, and coordinate construction and
replacement of utility systems with other public
infrastructure projects to minimize construction-
related costs and disruptions.
▪ No change proposed.
4 Policy U-4: Coordinate with adjacent jurisdictions
and non-City service providers within Renton to
cooperatively plan for regional growth.
Policy U-4: Coordinate with adjacent jurisdictions
and other service providers within Renton to
cooperatively plan for regional growth.
▪ Revised for clarity.
5 Policy U-5: Approval of development should be
conditioned on the availability of adequate utility
service and should not result in decreases in
local levels of service for existing development.
All new development should be required to pay
their fair share of construction costs for
necessary utility system improvements.
Policy U-5: Approval of development should be
conditioned on the availability of adequate utility
service. All new development should be required to
pay their fair share of construction costs for
necessary utility system improvements.
▪ Revised for clarity.
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S Element Review ▪ Utilities ▪ Policies: Overall
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 5
Draft 2 .0 – Internal Staff Review Draft Revised: February 23 , 2023
Row
# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
6 Policy U-6: Encourage the use of water and
energy conservation technologies to provide
utility services in an environmentally responsible
manner.
Policy U-6: Encourage the use of water and energy
conservation technologies to provide utility services
in an environmentally responsible and sustainable
manner.
▪ Incorporate climate consideration.
7 Policy U-7: Non-City utility systems should be
constructed in a manner that minimizes negative
impacts to existing development and should not
interfere with operation of City utilities. City
development regulations should otherwise not
impair the ability of utility providers to adequately
serve customers.
Policy U-7: Non-city utility systems should be
constructed in a manner that minimizes negative
impacts to existing development and should not
interfere with operation, maintenance, and future
replacement of City utilities. City development
regulations should not impair the ability of utility
providers to adequately serve customers.
▪ Revised for clarity.
8 Policy U-8: Encourage the use of new technology
to increase the quality and efficiency of utility
service and utility system management.
Policy U-8: Encourage the use of new technology to
increase the quality and efficiency of utility service
and utility system management.
▪ No change proposed.
9 Policy U-50: Protect, restore, and enhance
environmental quality through land use plans,
surface water management programs, park
master programs, urban forestry programs,
transportation planning, development review,
and incentive programs; work with citizens, land
owners, and public and private agencies.
Policy U-X: Protect, restore, and enhance
environmental quality through land use plans,
stormwater management action plans, surface
water management programs, park master
programs, urban forestry programs, transportation
planning, and development review; work with
residents, land owners, and public and private
agencies.
▪ Moved to ‘Overall’ section because the policy
objective of environmental quality is broader than
surface water management.
▪ Revised for accuracy.
▪ Revised for inclusive language.
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COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 6
Draft 2 .0 – Internal Staff Review Draft Revised: February 23 , 2023
City Managed Water
Discussion 2015
The Renton Water System is a publicly owned water system operated by the City of Renton as a self-supporting enterprise utility. Operations and system planning are
guided by the City of Renton Comprehensive Water System Plan (2012) and the provisions of Chapter 246-290 of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC), Group
A Public Water Supplies. The City provides water service to an area of approximately 16 square miles, generally coincident with City boundaries, thoug h portions of
northeastern and southeastern Renton (East Renton Plateau and Benson Hill) are currently served by non-city water providers. Figure UT-2 shows the boundaries of
the City’s water service area and those of adjacent water purveyors.
The City’s water supply is from a combination of groundwater wells, Springbrook Watershed, and a partial contract with Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) for Boeing
facilities. City water sources represent 95% of the City’s supplies and the SPU agreement represents 5%. There are also emerg ency interties with adjacent cities. The
current capacity of the City’s active supply wells is 19,450 gallons per minute (gpm), or 27.29 million gallons per day (mgd). Emergency wells an d interties with
adjacent water systems can provide an additional 14,695 gpm (21.16 mgd). The City also maintains two interties wi th Seattle Public Utilities dedicated to supplying
water to the Boeing’s Renton Plant and an intertie with the Skyway Water and Sewer District, which purchases water wholesale from Renton. The City’s water system
also includes a network of ten storage rese rvoirs, consisting of underground concrete and steel tanks, above-ground steel tanks, elevated steel tanks and standpipes,
and covered concrete-lined surface reservoirs. The overall gross storage volume available is approximately 22.88 million gallons.
Detailed descriptions of the City’s supply wells, storage reservoirs, and all interties with other systems are included in th e Comprehensive Water System Plan.
Discussion Revised
The Renton Water System is a publicly owned water system operated by the City of Renton as a self -supporting enterprise utility. The City of Renton Water System
Plan Update (2021) and the provisions of Chapter 246-290 of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC), Group A Public Water Supplies, guide operations and
system planning. The City provides water service to an area of approximately 17 square miles, generally coincident with city boundaries, though portions of
northeastern and southeastern Renton (East Renton Plateau and Benson Hill) are currently served by other water providers. Figure UT-2 shows the boundaries of the
City’s water service area and those of adjacent water purveyors.
The City’s water supply is from a combination of groundwater wells, Sp ringbrook Springs, and a partial water supply contract with Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) to
provide water service to Boeing Renton Plant and to meet future water supply demands that exceed the certificated water rights for all of the city’s water suppl y
sources. City water sources provide 99.5% of the City’s water demand and SPU provides 0.5%. There are also emergency interties with adjacent cities and water
districts. The current capacity of the City’s active supply wells is 15,350 gallons per minute (gpm), or 22.10 million gallons per day (mgd). Interties with Seattle Public
Utilities can provide an additional 7,195 gpm (10.36 mgd). The City also maintains two interties with Seattle Public Utilities dedicated to supplying water to the
Boeing’s Renton Plant and an intertie with the Skyway Water and Sewer District, which purchases water wholesale from Renton. The City’s water system also includes
a network of eleven storage reservoirs, consisting of underground concrete and steel tanks, above-ground steel tanks, elevated steel tanks and standpipes, and
covered concrete-lined surface reservoirs. The overall gross storage volume available is appro ximately 24.16 million gallons.
Detailed descriptions of the City’s supply wells, storage reservoirs, and all interties with other systems are included in th e Comprehensive City of Renton Water System
Plan Update (2021).
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COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 7
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Goals
Table 3. City Managed Water Goals
Row
# 2015 Goal Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
1 U-C: Provide and maintain a consistent, ample,
and safe water supply for the City and future
service areas through system planning
consistent with anticipated development.
U-C: Provide and maintain a consistent, ample, and
safe water supply for current and future service
areas through system planning consistent with
anticipated development.
▪ Updated for clarity and accuracy.
2 U-D: Protect water supply resources and ensure
that groundwater quality is not negatively
impacted by future development.
U-D: Protect water supply resources and ensure that
groundwater quality is not negatively impacted by
development.
▪ Updated for clarity and accuracy.
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Policies
Table 4. City Managed Water Policies
Row
# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
1 Policy U-9: Provide and maintain water supply,
infrastructure, and service consistent with
projected population growth within the City’s
service area, as established in the Land Use
Element and the Water System Comprehensive
Plan.
Policy U-9: Provide and maintain water supply,
infrastructure, and service consistent with projected
population and job growth within the City’s water
service area, as established in the Land Use
Element and the Water System Plan.
▪ Revised for clarity and consistency.
2 Policy U-10: Extend water service within the City’s
water service area in an orderly manner to serve
anticipated growth and development in
accordance with the Land Use Element.
Policy U-10: Extend water service within the City’s
water service area in an orderly manner to serve
anticipated growth and development in accordance
with the Land Use Element.
▪ No change proposed.
3 Policy U-11: Ensure adequate water supply to
meet both average and maximum daily demand.
Employ monitoring of water supply sources and
withdrawal limits as necessary to comply with
State issued water rights certificates and
permits.
Policy U-11: Monitor water supply sources and
withdrawal limits as necessary to comply with State
issued water rights certificates and permits.
▪ Revised for clarity and to reduce redundancy.
4 Policy U-12: Maintain and upgrade the water
system to deliver adequate water flow and
storage for fire protection to all customers and
facilities connected to the City water system.
Policy U-12: Maintain and upgrade the water system
to deliver adequate water flow and storage for fire
protection to all customers and facilities connected
to the City water system.
▪ No change proposed.
5 Policy U-13: Continue maintenance and upgrades
to the water system to ensure water quality that
meets or exceeds all health requirements.
Policy U-13: Continue water system maintenance
and upgrades to ensure water quality that meets or
exceeds all health requirements.
▪ Revised for clarity.
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Row
# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
6 Policy U-14: Coordinate with non-City water
providers operating within Renton and
neighboring jurisdictions where the City has
extended water service to accommodate road
construction and other public works projects.
Policy U-14: Coordinate with non-City water providers
operating within Renton and neighboring
jurisdictions where the City has new road
construction or utility improvements.
▪ Revised for clarity.
Policy U-15: Practice and support water resource
management that achieves a maximum net
benefit for all citizens and promotes
enhancement of the natural environment.
Policy U-15: Practice and support sustainable water
resource management that achieves a maximum
net benefit for all water utility customers and
promotes enhancement of the natural environment.
▪ Incorporate climate consideration.
▪ Incorporate inclusive language.
Policy U-16: Actively promote voluntary water
conservation and coordinate with Seattle Public
Utilities to meet regional water conservation
goals.
Policy U-16: Promote voluntary water conservation
and coordinate with Seattle Public Utilities to meet
regional water conservation goals.
▪ Remove “actively” to simplify policy language.
Policy U-17: Implement the City’s Wellhead
Protection Plan and Aquifer Protection Program
to preserve groundwater quality.
Policy U-17: Implement the City’s Wellhead
Protection Plan and Aquifer Protection Program to
preserve groundwater quality.
Policy U-18: Emphasize the use of stormwater
management techniques that maximize water
quality and infiltration where appropriate, which
will not endanger groundwater quality.
Policy U-18: Emphasize the use of stormwater
management techniques to maximize water quality
and infiltration where appropriate, which will not
endanger groundwater quality.
▪ Revised for clarity.
Policy U-19: Promote the use of interlocal
agreements with other agencies to restrict land
use in sensitive aquifer recharge areas to
minimize possible sources of pollution and the
potential for erosion, and to increase infiltration.
Policy U-19: Promote the use of interlocal
agreements to restrict land use in sensitive aquifer
recharge areas to minimize possible sources of
pollution, the potential for erosion, and to increase
infiltration.
▪ Revised for clarity.
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COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 10
Draft 2 .0 – Internal Staff Review Draft Revised: February 23 , 2023
City Managed Wastewater
Discussion 2015
The Renton sewer system is a publicly owned wastewater system operated by the City of Renton as a self -supporting enterprise utility. Operations and system
planning are guided by the City of Renton Long-Range Wastewater Management Plan. The City collects wastewater from a service area of approximately 21.68
square miles, with approximately 3.91 square miles located outside City limits. Primary collection of wastewater is achieved through gravity sewer lines, though the
City maintains a series of lift stations and force mains to overcome changes in topography. Collected wastewater is discharged to King County wastewater facilities ,
where it is ultimately transmitted to the King County South Treatment Reclamation Plant for treatment.
Some portions of the City are not served by municipal sewer, and are instead connected to non-City sewer districts. Figure U-3 shows the boundaries of the City’s
sewer service area and those of adjacent service providers.
Sewer system capacity is dependent on a number of factors, including adequately sized pipes to collect wastewater, properly sloped pipes to allow adequate gravity
flow, the capacity of downstream treatment facilities to accept wastewater, and the level of inflow and infiltration into the system. An updated hydraulic computer
model of the City’s wastewater system was completed in 2019, and the City uses this model to evaluate the effects of changes to the sewer system resulting from
new development, changes to the existing system, or future population growth. Hydraul ic modeling does not show any current capacity deficiencies in the City’s
system, but capacity is projected to become an issue at various locations as the City nears the “ultimate build -out” year of 2030.
King County’s handling of wastewater flows from the Renton system also contributes to potential capacity issues. During peak flows, King County interceptor lines are
sometimes used to store wastewater while the South Treatment Plant is temporarily over-capacity or when flows to the treatment plant need to be limited for other
reasons. When these interceptor lines cannot flow freely, they may cause back -ups in connected systems, including Renton. During such conditions, the City system
has experienced sewer surcharging in low-lying areas, resulting in wastewater overflowing through manhole covers and side sewer connections.
Much of Renton’s existing sewer infrastructure dates from the 1940’s and 1950’s, installed as part of federal programs to pro vide housing for workers at the Renton
Boeing Plant. Sewer infrastructure in the Central Business District is even older, much of it dating from the 1920’s and 1930’s. These facilities h ave reached the end
of their useful life and many are in need of replacement. The Long-Range Wastewater Management Plan establishes a list of recommended capital improvements to
the sewer system, ranked in priority order, which includes extensive replacement of wastewater collection pipes, elimination or replacement of lift stations, and
rehabilitation or improvement of aging interceptor lines.
A complete list of proposed capital improvements is included in Chapter 6 of the Long-Range Wastewater Management Plan.
Inflow results from storm water flowing into the sewer system, either during a storm incident or from an illegal connection. Infiltration results from groundwater
entering the sewer system through leaking pipe joints, cracks, or other defects in the sewer system. While some level of Infl ow/Infiltration (I/I) is unavoidable,
excessive volumes can place a strain on the system, tak ing up valuable conveyance and treatment capacity with relatively clean water.
The City participates in King County’s regional I/I management program by implementing I/I reduction techniques, such as minimizing ve nt holes, sealing manholes in
wet areas, and conducting video inspections of sewer lines to check for leaks. Older sewer infrastru cture is more susceptible to I/I, and the City has identified priority
areas for investigation and replacement. A complete discussion of the City’s I/I monitoring efforts is contained in the Long-Range Wastewater Management Plan.
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Discussion Revised 2024
The Renton sanitary sewer system is a publicly owned wastewater system operated by the City of Renton as a self -supporting enterprise utility. The City of Renton
Long-Range Wastewater Management Plan (2022) guides operations and system planning. The City collects wastewater from a service area of approximately 22.11
square miles, with approximately 3.09 square miles located outside city limits. Primary collection of wastewater is achieved through gravity sewer lines, though the
City maintains a series of lift stations and force mains to overcome changes in topography. Collected wastewater is discharged to King County wastewater f acilities,
where it is ultimately transmitted to the King County South Treatment Reclamation Plant for treatment.
Some areas of the City are served by non-City sewer districts. Figure U-3 shows the boundaries of the City’s sewer service area and those of adjacent service
providers.
Sewer system capacity depends on several factors, including adequately sized pipes to collect wast ewater, properly sloped pipes to allow adequate gravity flow,
sufficient capacity of downstream treatment facilities to accept wastewater, and the level of inflow and infiltration into the system. A n updated hydraulic computer
model of the City’s wastewater system was completed in 2019 to evaluate the effects of changes to the sewer system resulting from new development, changes to
the existing system, or future population growth. Hydraulic modeling show s current capacity in the City’s system is near its limit. Capacity is projected to become an
issue at various locations as the City nears the “ultimate build-out” year of 2030.
King County’s handling of wastewater flows from the Renton system also contributes to potential capacity issues. During peak flows, King County interceptor lines are
sometimes used to store wastewater while the South Treatment Plant is temporarily over-capacity or when flows to the treatment plant need to be limited for other
reasons. When these interceptor lines cannot flow freely, t hey may cause back-ups in connected systems, including Renton. During such conditions, the City system
experiences sewer surcharging in low-lying areas.
Installed as part of federal programs to provide housing for workers at the Renton Boeing Plant, much of Renton’s existing sewer infrastructure dates from the 1940s
and 1950s. Sewer infrastructure in the Central Business District is older, dating from the 1920s and 1930s. These facilities have reached the end of their useful life,
and many need replacing. The Long-Range Wastewater Management Plan establishes a list of recommended capital improvements to the sewer system, ranked in
priority order, which includes extensive replacement of wastewater collection pipes, elimination or replacement of lift stat ions, and rehabilitation or improvement of
aging interceptor lines.
A complete list of proposed capital improvements is included in Chapter 8 of the Long-Range Wastewater Management Plan.
Inflow and Infiltration results from groundwater entering the sewer system through leaking pipe joints, cracks, structural defects in the sewer system, and illegal
connections. While some level of Inflow/Infiltration (I/I) is unavoidable, excessive volumes can strain the system, taking up valuable conveyance and treatment
capacity with relatively clean water.
Renton participates in King County’s regional I/I management program by implementing I/I reduction techniques, such as minimizing ve nt holes, sealing manholes in
wet areas, and conducting video inspections of sewer lines to check for leaks. Older sewer infrastructure is more susceptible to I/I, and the City has identified priority
areas for investigation and replacement. The Long-Range Wastewater Management Plan provides a complete discussion of the City’s I/I monitoring efforts.
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Goals
Table 5. City Managed Wastewater Goals Review
Row
# 2015 Goal Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
1 U-E: Ensure the availability of an adequate level
of sanitary sewer service through system
planning that is consistent with land use,
environmental protection, and annexation goals
and policies.
U-E: Ensure the availability of an adequate level of
sanitary sewer service through system planning that
is consistent with land use, environmental
protection, and annexation goals and policies.
▪ No change proposed
2 U-F: Provide and maintain a sanitary sewer
collection system that is consistent with the
public health and water quality objectives of the
State of Washington and the City of Renton.
U-F: Provide and maintain a sanitary sewer
collection system that is consistent with the public
health and water quality objectives of the State of
Washington and the City of Renton.
▪ No change proposed
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Policies:
Table 6. City Managed Wastewater Policies Review
Row
# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
1 Policy U-20: Sewer facilities and services should
be consistent with the growth and development
concepts expressed in the Land Use Element.
Extension of sewer service should be coordinated
with expected growth and development.
Policy U-20: Sewer facilities and services should be
consistent with the growth and development
concepts expressed in the Land Use Element.
Extension of sewer service should be coordinated
with expected growth and development.
▪ No change proposed.
2 Policy U-21: All new development should be
required to connect to the sanitary sewer system,
except properties that have adequate soils to
support on-site septic systems, are zoned for low
density single family residential development,
located away from environmentally sensitive
areas, and outside Aquifer Protection Areas.
Policy U-21: All new development in the wastewater
utility service area are required to connect to the
sanitary sewer system, except properties that have
adequate soils, are greater than 200 feet from an
existing main, are outside of the city’s Aquifer
Protection Areas and are zoned for low density
residential development on lots of sufficient size to
support on-site septic systems.
▪ Revised for clarity and accuracy.
3 Policy U-22: Projected sewage flows from
development should be calculated based on
adopted land use plans and policies. These
projections should be used as a guide in
developing the wastewater Capital Improvement
Program (CIP). The CIP should be updated as
land use plans and policies are revised.
Policy U-22: These projections should guide the
wastewater Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The
CIP should be updated as land use plans and
policies are revised.
▪ Revised to focus on the CIP.
4 Policy U-23: Coordinate with non-City sewer
providers operating within Renton and
neighboring jurisdictions where the City has
extended sewer service to accommodate road
construction and other public works projects.
Policy U-23: Coordinate with non-City sewer
providers operating within Renton and neighboring
jurisdictions where the City has extended sewer
service to accommodate road construction and
other public works projects.
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Row
# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
5 Policy U-24: Timely and orderly extension of the
sewer system should be provided within the
City’s existing and future service areas to meet
public health requirements.
Policy U-24: Timely and orderly extension of the
sewer system should be provided within the City’s
service areas to meet public health requirements.
▪ Revised for clarity.
6 Policy U-25: Sewer system improvements
supporting areas of the City projected to
experience high levels of growth should be
prioritized to ensure that sewer service is
concurrent with anticipated growth.
▪ Removed to reduce redundancy.
7 Policy U-26: Protect surface and groundwater
quality through coordination with King County to
reduce surcharging conditions that may cause
wastewater overflows.
Policy U-26: Coordinate with King County to reduce
surcharging conditions that may cause wastewater
overflows and protect surface and groundwater
quality for Renton.
▪ Reorganized to begin with relevant verb.
8 Policy U-27: Continue coordination with King
County Wastewater Division regarding
Inflow/Infiltration reduction initiatives, system
improvements, and interconnections between
City and County sewer infrastructure.
Policy U-27: Coordinate with King County
Wastewater Division regarding Inflow/Infiltration
reduction initiatives, system improvements, and
interconnections between city and county sewer
infrastructure.
▪ Revised for clarity.
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COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 15
Draft 2 .0 – Internal Staff Review Draft Revised: February 23 , 2023
City Managed Surface Water
Discussion 2015
Renton’s surface water system consists of natural streams, rivers, wetlands, and lakes, and constructed systems that manage d rainage, provide flood protection, and
water quality treatment. Surface water management is important to meet social, economic, and ecological needs including flood prote ction, erosion control, water
supply, groundwater recharge, fish and wildlife habitat, and recreation.
Impervious surfaces in an urban, growing community such as Renton can affect surface and groundwater quality through stormwater runoff containing polluta nts
from roads and parking lots and landscaping. Impervious surfaces can also decrease groundwater recharge and increase the quan tity of peak flows of runoff, causing
stream channel scouring, sedimentation, and loss of habitat.
The existing surface water drainage system is meeting capacity requirements under normal conditions. However, in some areas of the City, the system has become
inadequate to serve present needs during large, infrequent storm events. In more developed areas of the City within the Lower Cedar River and Lake Washington East
Basins, problems include flooding and ponding caused by inadequately sized pipes, ditches a nd detention facilities. In other areas of the City, such as the Black River
Basin, loss of wetlands and fish passage are concerns, as well as, development occurring within the watershed, both inside an d outside the City.
In areas where redevelopment is likely such as the Renton Urban Center, Sunset Area, and other centers, redeveloped properties would be required to provide wa ter
quality treatment, which could improve water quality over present conditions.
Additionally, as new development and redevelopment occur, Low Impact Development (LID) practices would be implemented to conserve native soils and vegetation,
protect hydrologic processes (e.g., infiltration), and reduce and treat overland stormwater flow to more closely match native forest or prairie conditions. Selected
examples of LID techniques include bioretention planters, rain gardens, and permeable sidewalks. LID works to provide water q uality treatment and reduce
stormwater flow.
Renton’s Surface Water Utility manages stormwater and surface wate r in Renton’s city limits which has grown from about 17 square miles in the year 2000 to 24
square miles in 2013. Figure U-4 illustrates the Surface Water Utility service area and its component drainage basins.
The Utility develops policies, basin plans, development design standards, and capital improvement projects in order to maintain and restore the quality of Renton’s
lakes and rivers, improve drainage, and reduce flooding.
The Utility coordinates with the Federal Emergency Management Agency regarding flood hazard management. The Utility also coordinates with multiple state, county,
and city agencies to conduct watershed planning for the Green River/Duwamish and Cedar River/Lake Washington Watersheds.
The City currently operates a storm system maintenance program that includes cleaning catch basins, pipes and other facilities, along with a street vacuum sweeping
program. The maintenance programs remove sediment and pollutants from City-owned and operated storm systems and streets, which reduces flooding and non-
point source pollution from being discharged into water bodies in the City.
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The Utility also provides public education on how homeowners and businesses can help minimize impacts to surface waters such as by using natural lawn care, and
avoiding discharges or spills entering drains or waterways. As the City redevelops and annexes territory, greater demand is placed on the Utility to provide planning,
regulatory oversight, capital project implementation, and maintenance services it provides today.
The Utility is responsible for meeting federal and state stormwater requirements. A significant effort for the Utility is com pliance with the National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II Stormwater Permit. This permit requires the Utility to control discharge of pollutants to protect surface water and to develop and
implement a stormwater management program addressing:
▪ Public education and outreach
▪ Public involvement and participation
▪ Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE)
▪ Controlling runoff from new development, redevelopment, and construction sites
▪ Pollution prevention and good housekeeping for municipal operations and maintenance
▪ Post construction stormwater management for new development & redevelopment, including LID
▪ Monitoring
▪ Annual reporting and record keeping of compliance with NPDES permit requirement.
Approximately 87 percent of Renton's water is supplied by the Cedar Valley Aquifer, with the rest coming from Springbrook Spr ings. As Renton's primary water source,
the Cedar Valley Aquifer has been designated a "sole source" by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; no federal financia l assistance can be given to a project
which might contaminate the aquifer. The City has identified aquifer protection area (APA) zones. Development projects located in either Zone 1, Zone 1 Modified, or
Zone 2 of the Aquifer Protection Area (APA) are required to pass additional City review to ensure the projects do not produce water quantity and/or quality impacts
that may affect the aquifer. Areas of particular concern include areas subject to vehicular traffic or the storage of chemic als. In some areas, infiltration systems are
not allowed and could increase runoff, requiring new facilities to be larger. If the new NPDES Phase II requirements result in changes to quality or quantity of runoff
and infiltration, the City’s aquifer protection regulations could require review and amendments.
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Discussion Revised 2024
Renton’s surface water system consists of natural streams, rivers, wetlands, and lakes , and constructed systems that manage drainage, provide flood risk reduction,
and protect surface water quality. Surface water management is important to meet social, economic, and ecological n eeds including flood risk reduction, erosion
control, water supply, groundwater recharge, fish and wildlife habitat, and recreation.
Impervious surfaces in an urban, growing community such as Renton can affect surface and groundwater quality through stormw ater runoff containing pollutants
from roads, parking lots, and landscaping. Impervious surfaces can also decrease groundwater recharge and increase the quantity of peak flows of runoff , causing
stream channel scouring, sedimentation, and loss of habitat.
Renton’s existing surface water drainage system is generally considered to meet capacity requirements under frequent rain events (less than 50% annual chance
event). However, in some areas of the City, the system is inadequate during large, infrequent storm events. In more developed areas within the Lower Cedar River and
Lake Washington East Basins, problems include flooding and ponding caused by inadequately sized pipes, ditches , and detention facilities. In other areas such as the
Black River Basin, loss of wetlands and fish passage are concerns, as well as, development occurring within the watershed, both inside and outside th e City.
In areas where redevelopment is likely such as the Renton Urban Center, Sunset Area, and other centers, redeveloped prope rties are required to provide water quality
treatment if the redevelopment area exceeds thresholds in the Renton Surface Water Design Manual. Adding treatment facilities would improve water quality in
receiving waterbodies compared to predevelopment conditions.
Additionally, as new development and redevelopment occur, Low Impact Development (LID) practices are implemented to conserve native soils and vegetation,
protect hydrologic processes (e.g., infiltration), and reduce and treat ove rland stormwater flow to more closely match native forest or prairie conditions. Selected
examples of LID techniques include bioretention planters, rain gardens, and permeable sidewalks. LID works to provide water q uality treatment, increase groundwater
recharge and reduce stormwater flow.
Renton’s Surface Water Utility manages stormwater and surface water in Renton’s city limits which has grown from about 17 squ are miles in 2000 to 24 square miles
in 2020. Figure UT-4 illustrates the Surface Water Utility service area and its component drainage basins.
The Surface Water Utility develops policies, basin plans, and development design standards and completes capital improvement projects to maintain and restore the
quality of Renton’s lakes and rivers, improve drainage, and reduce flood hazards.
It coordinates with the Federal Emergency Management Agency regarding flood hazard management. The Utility also coordinates with multiple state, county, and city
agencies to conduct watershed planning for the Green River/Duwamish and Cedar River/Lake Washington Watersheds.
The City operates a storm system maintenance program that includes cleaning catch basins, pipes and other facilities, along w ith a street vacuum sweeping program.
The maintenance programs remove sediment and pollutants from City-owned and operated storm systems and streets, which reduces flooding and non -point source
pollution from being discharged into water bodies.
Renton’s Surface Water Utility also provides public education on how residents and businesses can help minimize impacts to surface waters such as by using natural
lawn care and avoiding discharges or spills entering drains or waterways. As the City redevelops and annexes territory, greater demand is placed on the Utility to keep
providing planning, regulatory oversight, capital project implementation, and maintenance services .
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The Surface Water Utility is responsible for meeting federal and state stormwater requirements. A significant effort for the Utility is complia nce with the National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit. This permit requires the Utility to control discharge of pollutants to protect
surface water and to develop and implement a stormwater management program add ressing:
▪ Stormwater planning
▪ Public education and outreach
▪ Public involvement and participation
▪ Storm system mapping and documentation
▪ Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE)
▪ Controlling runoff from new development, redevelopment, and construction sites
▪ Pollution prevention and good housekeeping for municipal operations and maintenance
▪ Post construction stormwater management for new development & redevelopment, including LID
▪ Monitoring
▪ Ensuring implementation of source control best management practices by businesses
▪ Annual reporting and record keeping of compliance with NPDES permit requirement.
Approximately 82 percent of Renton's water is supplied by the Cedar Valley Aquifer, with the rest coming from Springbrook Sp rings. As Renton's primary water source,
the Cedar Valley Aquifer has been designated a "sole source" by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; no federal financia l assistance can be given to a project
which might contaminate the aquifer. The City has identified Aquifer Protection Area (APA) zones. Development projects located in either Zone 1, Zone 1 Modified, or
Zone 2 are required to pass additional review to ensure the projects do not produce water quantity and/or quality impacts tha t may affect the aquifer. Areas of
particular concern include areas subject to vehicular traffic or the storage of chemicals. In some areas, infiltration system s are not allowed and could increase runoff,
requiring new facilities to be larger. If future NPDES Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit requirements result in changes to quality or quantity of runoff and
infiltration, the City’s aquifer protection regulations could require review and amendments.
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Goals
Table 7. City Managed Surface Water Goals
Row
# 2015 Goal Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
1 U-G: Provide and maintain surface water
management systems to minimize impacts of
land use development and storm water runoff on
natural systems, fish and wildlife habitat, water
supply, public health, and safety.
U-G: Provide and maintain surface water
management systems to minimize impacts of land
use and storm water runoff on natural systems, fish
and wildlife habitat, water supply, public health, and
safety.
▪ Revised for accuracy and clarity.
2 U-H: Implement a stormwater management
program that optimizes Renton's water resources
and promotes low impact development that
combines engineering with the preservation of
natural systems.
U-H: Implement a stormwater management program
that optimizes Renton's water resources, maintains
and restores the quality of Renton’s waterbodies,
improve drainage, protects fish and wildlife habitat,
reduces flood hazards to protect people and
property, and promotes low impact development.
that combines engineering with the preservation of
natural systems.
▪ Updated with goal details originally listed in
policies.
3 U-I: Preserve and protect fish and wildlife habitat,
riparian corridors, and wetlands for overall
surface water system functioning.
U-I: Preserve and protect fish and wildlife habitat,
riparian corridors, and wetlands for overall surface
water system functioning.
▪ No change proposed.
4 U-J: Protect the natural functions of 100 year
floodplains and floodways to prevent threats to
life, property, and public safety associated with
flooding hazards.
U-J: Protect the natural functions of 100 year
floodplains and floodways to prevent threats to life,
property, and public safety associated with flooding
hazards.
▪ No change proposed.
5 U-K: Increase the participation by the City of
Renton in resolution of regional surface water
and ecological issues that may impact Renton
residents.
U-K: Increase the participation in resolution of
regional surface water and ecological issues that
may impact Renton.
▪ Revised to broaden focus to include both residents
and businesses.
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Policies
Table 8. City Managed Surface Water Policies
Row
# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
1 Policy U-28: Design storm drainage systems to
minimize potential erosion and sedimentation
problems, and to preserve natural drainage,
watercourses, and ravines.
Policy U-28: Design storm drainage systems to
minimize potential erosion and sedimentation
problems, and to preserve natural drainage,
watercourses, and ravines.
▪ No change proposed.
2 Policy U-29: Control runoff from new
development, redevelopment, and construction
sites through the implementation of development
design standards and construction techniques
that promote the use of best management
practices to maintain and improve storm water
quality and manage stormwater flow.
Policy U-29: Control runoff from new development,
redevelopment, and construction sites through the
implementation of development design standards
and requiring construction techniques that maintain
and improve storm water quality and manage
stormwater flow.
▪ Revised for accuracy, low impact development
techniques are now required by regulation.
▪ Revised for clarity.
3 Policy U-30: Provide incentives and regulations
appropriate to an urban environment that reduce
impervious surfaces, promote natural and
distributed stormwater techniques, and
incorporate native and naturalized vegetation.
Policy U-30: Reduce impervious surfaces, promote
natural and distributed stormwater techniques, and
incorporate native and naturalized vegetation
through low-impact development regulations
appropriate to an urban environment.
▪ Revised for accuracy; low impact development
techniques are now required by regulation.
4 Policy U-31: Maintain, protect, and enhance
natural drainage systems and natural surface
water storage sites to protect water quality,
reduce public costs, and prevent environmental
degradation.
Policy U-31: Maintain, protect, and enhance natural
drainage systems and natural surface water storage
sites to protect water quality, reduce public costs,
and prevent environmental degradation.
▪ No change proposed.
5 Policy U-32: Work to protect surface and
groundwater resources from pollutants entering
the storm drainage system.
Policy U-32: Protect surface and groundwater
resources from pollutants entering the storm
drainage system.
▪ Revised for clarity and consistency in sentence
construction.
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Row
# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
6 Policy U-33: Manage water resources for multiple
uses including recreation, fish and wildlife, flood
protection, erosion control, water supply,
recreation, and open space.
Policy U-33: Manage water resources for multiple
uses including recreation, fish and wildlife, flood
protection, erosion control, water supply, recreation,
and open space.
▪ No change proposed.
7 Policy U-34: Through public programs and new
development, naturalize degraded channels,
streams, creeks, and banks.
Policy U-34: Naturalize degraded channels, streams,
creeks, and banks through public programs and new
development. .
▪ Revised for clarity and consistency in sentence
construction.
8 Policy U-35: Prohibit filling, culverting, and piping
of natural watercourses that are classified as
streams, except as needed for a public works
project where no other option is feasible and
mitigation is provided to replace lost functions.
Policy U-35: Prohibit filling, culverting, and piping of
natural watercourses that are classified as streams,
except as needed for a public works project where
no other option is feasible and mitigation is provided
to replace lost functions.
▪ No change proposed.
9 Policy U-36: Where feasible, promote the return
of precipitation to the soil at natural rates near
where it falls through development design that
minimizes impermeable surface coverage and
maximizes infiltration, through the exposure of
natural surfaces, tree retention, and the use of
LID techniques(such as flow dispersion,
bioretention facilities, and permeable
pavements).
Policy U-36: Where feasible, promote the return of
precipitation to the soil at natural rates near where it
falls through development design that minimizes
impervious surface coverage and maximizes
infiltration, through the exposure of natural surfaces,
tree retention, and the use of LID techniques(such
as flow dispersion, bioretention facilities, and
permeable pavements).
▪ Revised to standardize the use of ‘impervious.’
10 Policy U-37: Preserve and protect wetlands for
overall system functioning.
▪ Combined with next policy
11 Policy U-38: Protect buffers along wetlands,
streams, rivers, and other water bodies to
facilitate infiltration and maintain stable water
temperatures, provide for biological diversity,
reduce amount and velocity of run-off, and
provide for fish and wildlife habitat.
Policy U-38: Protect wetlands and buffers along
wetlands, streams, rivers, and other water bodies to
facilitate infiltration and maintain stable water
temperatures, provide for biological diversity, reduce
amount and velocity of run-off, and provide for fish
and wildlife habitat.
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# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
12 Policy U-39: Ensure water level fluctuations in
wetlands used as part of storm water detention
systems are similar to the fluctuations under
natural conditions. The utilization, maintenance,
and storage capacity provided in existing
wetlands should be encouraged.
Policy U-39: Ensure water level fluctuations in
wetlands used as part of storm water detention
systems reflect fluctuations under natural
conditions.
▪ Removed
13 Policy U-40: Minimize erosion and sedimentation
by requiring appropriate construction techniques
and resource practices.
Policy U-40: Minimize erosion and sedimentation by
requiring appropriate construction techniques and
resource practices.
▪ No change proposed.
14 Policy U-41: Limit discharges of pollutants such
as chemicals, insecticides, pesticides, and other
hazardous wastes to surface waters.
Policy U-41: Prohibit discharges of pollutants such
as hazardous chemicals, insecticides, pesticides,
and other hazardous wastes to surface waters.
▪ Revised for clarity.
15 Policy U-42: Reduce the impact of new
development on the environment by encouraging
sustainable design techniques in public and
private development, through LID and other
sustainable development methods.
Policy U-42: Encouraging sustainable design
techniques in public and private development,
through LID and other sustainable development
methods.
▪ Revised for clarity.
16 Policy U-43: Prohibit permanent structures from
developing in floodways and manage
development within the 100 year floodplain.
Where development is permitted in the
floodplain, ensure compliance with FEMA
floodplain development regulations and the
National Marine Fisheries Biological Opinion
regarding the National Flood Insurance Program.
Policy U-43: Prohibit permanent structures from
developing in floodways and manage development
within the 100 year floodplain. Where development
is permitted in the floodplain, ensure compliance
with the National Flood Insurance Program and
other applicable regulations.
▪ Revised for clarity.
17 Policy U-44: Emphasize non-structural methods
in planning for flood prevention and damages
reduction.
Policy U-44: Emphasize non-structural methods in
planning for flood prevention and damages
reduction.
▪ No change proposed.
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Row
# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
18 Policy U-45: Continue to maintain levees and
floodwalls and perform maintenance dredging of
the Army Corps of Engineers constructed Lower
Cedar River Flood Hazard Reduction Project to
protect the Renton Municipal Airport, other
essential public facilities, industrial, and
residential areas in the urban center, educational
and recreation investments, and other facilities.
Policy U-45: Continue to maintain levees and
floodwalls constructed by the Army Corps of
Engineers as part of the Lower Cedar River Flood
Hazard Reduction Project and perform periodic
maintenance dredging to protect the Renton
Municipal Airport, other essential public facilities,
and industrial and residential land use areas in the
urban center.
▪ Revised for clarity.
19 Policy U-46: Actively participate in regional efforts
to improve fish habitat and water quality that
also contribute to the recovery of Endangered
Species Act listed salmon in WRIA 8 and WRIA 9,
which include May Creek, Cedar River, and Green
River Basins.
Policy U-46: Participate in regional efforts to improve
fish habitat and water quality that also contribute to
the recovery of Endangered Species Act listed
salmon in WRIA 8 and WRIA 9, which include May
Creek, Cedar River, and Green River Basins.
▪ Revised for clarity and policy construction
consistency.
20 Policy U-47: Actively participate in the King
County Flood Control District regional efforts to
implement flood hazard reduction projects and
programs on the major river basins in King
County, including the Green River and Cedar
River basins.
Policy U-47: Participate in the King County Flood
Control District regional efforts to implement flood
hazard reduction projects and programs on the
major river basins in King County, including the
Green River and Cedar River basins.
▪ Revised for clarity and policy construction
consistency.
21 Policy U-48: Coordinate with adjacent cities,
counties, state, and federal agencies in the
development and implementation of the NPDES
Phase II Stormwater Permit, flood hazard
management plans, and storm and surface water
management programs.
Policy U-48: Coordinate with adjacent cities,
counties, state, and federal agencies in the
development and implementation of the NPDES
Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit, flood hazard
management plans, and storm and surface water
management programs.
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Row
# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
22 Policy U-49: Provide high quality surface water
utility services. Continue to develop policies,
design standards, basin plans, and capital
projects to maintain and restore the quality of
Renton’s waterbodies, improve drainage, protect
fish and wildlife habitat, and reduce flood
hazards to protect people and property.
Policy U-49: Develop policies, design standards,
basin plans, and capital projects to provide high
quality surface water utility services.
▪ Incorporated the second half into Goal U-H as it is
covered in goals (Table 7, Row 2)
23 Policy U-50: Protect, restore, and enhance
environmental quality through land use plans,
surface water management programs, park
master programs, urban forestry programs,
transportation planning, development review,
and incentive programs; work with citizens, land
owners, and public and private agencies.
▪ Moved to ‘Overall’ section as policy objective of
environmental quality is broader than surface
water management.
24 Policy U-51: Establish regulatory standards for
sustainably developed public and private
projects, to include standards for site design and
layout, construction, and on-going maintenance
and operation.
Policy U-51: Establish regulatory standards for
sustainably developed public and private projects, to
include standards for site design and layout,
construction, and on-going maintenance and
operation.
▪ Kept as is because it addresses the broader
sustainability standards beyond low impact
development discussed in U-29, U-30, and U-42 and
ties into integration with existing landscape and cost
efficiency.
25 Policy U-52: Continue to assume maintenance of
stormwater facilities in subdivisions that manage
runoff from public streets.
Policy U-52: Continue to assume maintenance of
stormwater facilities in subdivisions that manage
runoff from public streets.
▪ No change proposed.
26 Policy U-53: Continue to implement a program to
detect and remove illicit connections and
contaminated discharges.
Policy U-53: Continue to implement a program to
detect and remove illicit connections and
contaminated discharges and implement a Source
Control Program that requires use of best
management practices by businesses with the
potential to pollute stormwater.
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# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
27 Policy U-54: Continue to implement public
education and outreach activities to inform
residents, businesses, and developers about
ways they can prevent stormwater pollution.
Policy U-54: Continue to implement public education
and outreach activities to inform residents,
businesses, and developers about ways they can
prevent stormwater pollution. Where possible,
provide materials in the most common languages in
Renton.
▪ Revised to incorporate equity consideration.
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City Managed Solid Waste
Discussion 2015
While solid waste collection is managed by the City, Renton maintains an interlocal agreement with King County for disposal o f collected solid waste. This interlocal
agreement also authorizes King County to include Renton in its Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan. Renton’s Solid Waste Utility administers the City’s
solid waste, recycling, and yard/food waste collection for all residents and businesses through a contract with Republ ic Services, Inc. The City’s Solid Waste Utility also
develops and manages Renton’s Recycling Program, waste reduction, hazardous waste education, and special collection events.
Solid waste and recycling are collected every other week, while food/yard was te is collected weekly. The majority of collected waste is brought to King County’s
Renton Transfer Station located in the Renton Highlands. Residents of unincorporated King County, as well as City residents a re also allowed to use this facility for
self-haul disposal. Also within city limits is the Black River Construction, Demolition, and Land Clearing Transfer Station (CDL), overseen by Republic Services, Inc.
Under a contract with King County, this facility accepts construction, demolition, and land cle aring waste from waste hauling companies and private residents.
Following the city-administered collection process, all solid waste produced in Renton is brought to the King County Solid Waste Division’s Ceda r Hills Regional
Landfill, located southeast of Renton. All recyclables collected from single-family, duplex, and multi-family residents are brought to a recycling center while all
food/yard waste from single-family and duplex residents is taken to Cedar Grove Recycling in Maple Valley.
As of 2012, the remaining airspace capacity (with anticipated settling) at the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill is 9 million cubic yards. Howe ver, an additional waste
disposal area that is currently in planning will add another 8.6 million cubic yards by 2017, bringing the total estimated airspace capacity to 17.7 million cubic yards.
Under current planning assumptions, the landfill has a remaining operating life of nearly 15 years.
The Cedar Grove Recycling Center has a yearly capacity of 195,000 tons of organic material.
At this time, the capacities of the Renton Transfer Station, the Cedar Hills Landfill, the Cascade Recycling Center, and Ceda r Grove Recycling are sufficient to meet the
City’s needs.
The King County Solid Waste Division serves unincorporated King County and 37 of the 39 cities in the County, including Renton. It manages a complex network of
collections, transportation, and processing for garbage, recyclables, organics, and construction and demolition debris. The s ervices and infrastructure of the public
and private sectors are included in the County’s integrated network to establish long -term capacity for the management of solid waste in the County.
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Discussion Revised 2024
The City of Renton manages solid waste collection and maintains an interlocal agreement with King County for disposal of garbage. This interlocal agreement also
authorizes King County to include Renton in its Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan. Renton’s Solid Waste Utility administers the City’s garbage, recycling,
and yard/food waste collection for all residents and businesses through a contract with a private purveyor. The City’s Solid Waste Utility also develops and manages
waste reduction programs, litter collection, hazardous waste education, and special recycling collection events.
Residential garbage and recycling are collected every other week and food/yard waste is collected weekly. Commercial and multifamily waste is collected weekly. About
60% of Renton’s garbage is brought to King County’s Renton Transfer Station located in the Renton Highlands. The remaining ga rbage is taken to King County’s Bow
Lake Recycling and Transfer Station in Tukwila. Residents also use these facilities for self-hauling waste. Also within city limits are two Construction, demolition, and
land clearing (CDL) transfer stations: one in northwest Renton managed by Republic Services, and one in central Renton ma naged by DTG. Under contracts with King
County, these facilities accept construction, demolition, and land clearing waste from waste hauling companies and businesses .
All garbage produced in Renton is brought to the King County Solid Waste Division’s Ceda r Hills Regional Landfill, located about three miles southeast of Renton city
limits. All recyclables collected by the City’s contracted waste hauler from residents and commercial customers are brought t o a materials recovery facility, while all
food/yard waste collected by the City’s contracted waste hauler from detached and duplex residences is taken to Cedar Grove’s composting facility, also located
approximately three miles southeast of Renton city limits.
Each year, Renton residents and businesses contribute approximately 45,000 tons of garbage to the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill, or about 6 percent of the landfill’s
annual tonnage. The landfill has been receiving waste since 1965 and is nearing its capacity, so the King County Solid Waste Division is analyzing long-term waste
disposal options for when the landfill closes. Cedar Grove’s composting facility has a yearly capacity of 250,000 tons of org anic material. Renton annually contributes
approximately 14,500 tons of organic waste to the facility.
At this time, the capacities of the King County’s transfer stations, the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill, the contracted waste h auler’s material recovery facility, and Cedar
Grove’s composting facility are sufficient to meet the City’s needs.
The King County Solid Waste Division serves unincorporated King County and 37 of King County’s 39 cities, including Renton. The Division manages a complex
network of collections, transportation, and processing for garbage, recyclables, yard/food waste, and construction an d demolition debris. The services and
infrastructure of the public and private sectors are included in the County’s integrated network to establish long -term capacity for managing solid waste in the County.
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Goals
Table 9. City-Managed Solid Waste Goals
Row
# 2015 Goal Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
1 U-L: Provide a responsible, comprehensive solid
waste management program that provides cost -
effective, environmentally sensitive service to the
community.
U-L: Provide a responsible, comprehensive solid
waste management program that provides cost-
effective, environmentally sensitive service to the
community.
▪ No change proposed.
2 Extend the lifecycle of materials, reduce new
consumption, and improve city-wide recycling and
composting.
▪ This goal is from the Consumption & Materials
Management section of the Clean Economy
Strategy 2.0.
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Policies
Table 10. City-Managed Solid Waste Policies
Row
# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
1 Policy U-55: Actively promote recycling, as well as
overall reduction of both the residential and
commercial solid waste streams through public
education programs and incentive programs.
Policy U-55: Promote sustainable consumption and
reduce waste generation through public education
programs, incentive programs, and mandates.
▪ Revised for clarity and consistency.
2 Policy U-56: Work closely with King County Solid
Waste Division to plan for regional solid waste
collection and disposal, including siting of
facilities.
Policy U-56: Work with the King County Solid Waste
Division to plan for regional solid waste collection
and disposal, including siting of facilities.
▪ Revised for clarity and consistency.
3 Policy U-57: Coordinate with King County’s Local
Hazardous Waste Management Program to
provide opportunities for residents to dispose of
commercial and household hazardous materials
in a safe, environmentally sound manner.
Policy U-57: Coordinate with King County’s
Hazardous Waste Management Program to reduce
toxic material exposure, promote using safer
alternatives to hazardous products, and provide
convenient opportunities for workers and residents
to properly dispose of hazardous materials.
No change proposed.
4 Policy U-58: Administer the City’s contracts with
private waste haulers to ensure capacity for
collection of solid waste, recycling, and food
waste that is adequate to serve both existing and
future population and that solid waste is handled
in a manner that minimizes the potential for land,
air, and water contamination.
Policy U-58: Administer the City’s contracts with
private waste haulers to ensure safe and
dependable solid waste collection that minimizes
the potential for land, air, and water contamination
from solid waste collection.
▪ No change proposed.
Formalize and implement the Sustainable Materials
Management Plan and implement key measures.
Update the plan on a regular cadence for it to
remain relevant and for the City to be eligible for
local, state, and federal grant funding.
This is an action from the Consumption & Materials
Management section of the Clean Economy Strategy
2.0.
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S Element Review ▪ Utilities ▪ Non-City Managed Utilities
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 30
Draft 2 .0 – Internal Staff Review Draft Revised: February 23 , 2023
Non-City Managed Utilities
Discussion 2015
Non-City managed utilities operating within Renton conduct their own planning processes and maintain their own systems with limit ed involvement from the City, and
expansion of these systems is often driven by consumer demand and not solely on regional grow th forecasts, though those are considered. An overview of the major
non-City utility providers offering service within Renton is provided in this section, as well as policies to ensure that Renton is aware of non-City utility upgrades and
utility providers are aware of City needs.
Discussion Revised 2024
Non-City managed utilities operating within Renton conduct their own planning processes and maintain their own systems with limit ed involvement from the City.
Expansion of these systems is often driven by consumer demand and not solely on regional growth forecasts, though those are considered. This section provides an
overview of the major non-City utility providers offering service within Renton as well as policies to ensure effective coordination between activities related to non-City
and City utility upgrades, management, and maintenance.
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S Element Review ▪ Utilities ▪ Non-City Managed Water
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 31
Draft 2 .0 – Internal Staff Review Draft Revised: February 23 , 2023
Non-City Managed Water
Discussion 2015
While the majority of Renton is served by the City’s publicly owned water system, portions of northeastern and southeastern R enton (East Renton Plateau and Benson
Hill) are currently served by various non-City water providers; the two largest are Soos Creek Water & Sewer and King County Water District #90.
Soos Creek Water & Sewer
Soos Creek is a municipal corporation of King County that operates across multiple incorporated cities and unincorporated King County. I ts retail water service area
covers approximately 16 square miles (with the majority located within the Cities of Renton and Kent) and serves more than 23,400 equivalent residential units
(ERUs).
While only one pump station and one reservoir are located within Renton city limits, City residents are served by the broader system that utilizes the District’s entire
infrastructure. In 1997, the City of Renton and Soos Creek signed an interlocal agreement for the establishment of water and sewer service area bo undaries. An
addendum to the agreement occurred in 2004 that included a transfer of facilities and a re -establishment of service boundaries.
Soos Creek’s water supply is provided exclusively by Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), with flow occurring from four locations. The current contract with SPU guarantees a
total of 7,000 gallons per minute, which is less than the current projected m aximum daily demand (MDD) of 7,500 gallons per minute and the projected MDD of
9,458 gallons per minute in 20 years. Increased water supply could become available in the future if the District revises its contract with Seattle Public Utilities.
The District’s capital facility plan identifies capital improvements to be built over the next 20 years, including short and long term p rojects aimed at improving the
District’s existing system to meet its policies and criteria and respond to projected growth. The ty pes of projects planned include: supply and source projects, pressure
zone projects, storage facility projects, intertie projects, and distribution and transmission projects.
King County Water District #90
King County Water District #90 is a special purpose district located in the Renton Highlands area of unincorporated King County, directly east of and adjacent to the
City of Renton. It serves just fewer than 6,000 direct service connections in a service area of approximately 15 square miles (9,770 acres). Because it provides water
service to some areas inside the City of Renton, the District maintains an interlocal agreement that details the conditions o f the District’s operations, infrastructure,
and service within the City.
Seattle Public Utility (SPU) currently supplies 70% of the District’s water. The District provides the other 30% of its water supply from a groundwater we ll and
treatment facility, located off Jones Road, that it operates and maintains. In total, the District’s water supply capacity i s 3,450 gpm.
The District’s Capital Improvement Plan presents recommended improvements over a 20 -year period. It addresses construction of new facilities and upgrades to
existing facilities to provide for projected growth. The District is planning to focus on improved system reliability through astute upsizing of critical pipes and additional
looping of water mains. Another major project that will be addressed in phases is the expansion of one of the major pressure zones to address areas of low pressure
and improve the utilization of the two main storage reservoirs.
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S Element Review ▪ Utilities ▪ Non-City Managed Water
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 32
Draft 2 .0 – Internal Staff Review Draft Revised: February 23 , 2023
Discussion Revised 2024
While the majority of Renton is served by the City’s publicly owned water system, portions of northeastern and southeastern R enton (East Renton Plateau and Benson
Hill) are currently served by other water providers; the two largest are Soos Creek Water & Sewer District and King County Water District #90.
Soos Creek Water & Sewer District
Soos Creek Water & Sewer District is a municipal corporation of King County that operates across multiple incorporated cities and unincorporated King County. Its
retail water service area covers approximately 16 square miles (with the majority located within the Cities of Renton and Ken t) and serves more than 23,400
equivalent residential units (ERUs).
While only one pump station and one reservoir are located within Renton city limits, Renton residents are served by the broader system that utilizes the District’s
entire infrastructure. In 1997, the City of Renton and Soos Creek signed an i nterlocal agreement for the establishment of water and sewer service area boundaries. In
2004, an addendum to the agreement included a transfer of facilities and a re-establishment of service boundaries.
Soos Creek’s water supply is provided exclusively by Seattle Public Utilities (SPU). The current contract with SPU guarantees a to tal of 7,000 gallons per minute, which
is less than the current projected maximum daily demand (MDD) of 7,500 gallons per minute a nd the projected MDD of 9,458 gallons per minute in 20 years.
Increased water supply could become available in the future if the District revises its contract with Seattle Public Utilitie s.
The District’s capital facility plan identifies capital improvements to be built over the next 20 years, including short and long term projects aimed at improving the
District’s existing system to meet its policies and criteria and respond to projected growth. The types of projects planned i nclude: supply and source projects, pressure
zone projects, storage facility projects, intertie projects, and distribution and transmission projects.
King County Water District #90
King County Water District #90 is a special purpose district located in the Renton Highlands area of uni ncorporated King County, directly east of and adjacent to the
City of Renton. It serves fewer than 6,000 direct service connections in a service area of approximately 15 square miles (9,7 70 acres). Because it provides water
service to some areas inside the City of Renton, the District maintains an interlocal agreement that details the conditions of the District’s operations, infr astructure,
and service within the City.
Seattle Public Utility (SPU) currently supplies 70% of the District’s water. The District provides the other 30% of its water supply from a groundwater well and
treatment facility, located off Jones Road, that it operates and maintains. In total, the District’s water supply capacity is 3,450 gpm.
The District’s Capital Improvement Plan present s recommended improvements over a 20-year period. It addresses construction of new facilities and upgrades to
existing facilities to provide for projected growth. The District is planning to focus on improved system reliability through upsizing of critical pipes and additional
looping of water mains. Another major project that will be addressed in phases is the expansion of one of the major pressure zones to address areas of low pressure
and improve the utilization of the two main storage reservoirs.
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S Element Review ▪ Utilities ▪ Non-City Managed Water
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 33
Draft 2 .0 – Internal Staff Review Draft Revised: February 23 , 2023
Goals
Table 11. Non-City Managed Water Goals
Row
# 2015 Goal Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
1 U-M: Ensure that water service from non-City
providers is available to support development
that is consistent with City land use plans and
policies, as well as, the policies of the service
provider.
U-M: Ensure that water service from non-City
providers is available to support development that is
consistent with city land use plans and policies, as
well as the policies of the service provider.
▪ Revised for clarity and consistency.
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S Element Review ▪ Utilities ▪ Non-City Managed Water
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 34
Draft 2 .0 – Internal Staff Review Draft Revised: February 23 , 2023
Policies
Table 12. Non-City Managed Water Policies
Row
# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
1 Policy U-59: Maintain coordination with non-City
water providers to ensure that they have
adequate capacity to serve planned development
within the City of Renton.
Policy U-59: Coordinate with non-City water providers
to ensure that they have adequate capacity to serve
planned development within the City of Renton and
Renton’s PAA.
▪ Revised for clarity and consistency.
2 Policy U-60: Work collaboratively with non-City
water providers to identify opportunities for joint
projects to minimize potential impacts to
neighborhoods and the environment.
Policy U-60: Collaborate with non-City water
providers to identify opportunities for joint projects
to minimize potential impacts to residents and the
environment.
▪ Updated for more inclusive language.
3 Policy U-61: Coordinate with non-City water
providers to ensure that all water systems
operating in Renton have access to sufficient
emergency water flow for fire protection.
Policy U-61: Coordinate with non-City water providers
to ensure that all water systems operating in Renton
have access to sufficient emergency water flow for
fire protection.
▪ No change proposed.
4 Policy U-62: Before issuing building permits to
new development in areas not served by the City
of Renton Water Utility, require applicants to
provide a certificate of water availability stating
that sufficient water supply is available to meet
both regular and fire flow requirements.
Policy U-62: Require applicants to provide a
certificate of water availability stating that sufficient
water supply is available to meet both regular and
fire flow requirements before issuing building
permits to new development in areas not served by
the City of Renton Water Utility,
▪ Updated for clarity and to reflect structure of other
policies.
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S Element Review ▪ Utilities ▪ Non-City Managed Wastewater
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 35
Draft 2 .0 – Internal Staff Review Draft Revised: February 23 , 2023
Non-City Managed Wastewater
Discussion 2015
While most of Renton is served by the City Wastewater Utility, portions of the City are served by other wastewater providers, most notably in areas of southeastern
Renton annexed in 2008. The largest non-City provider of sewer service is Soos Creek Water & Sewer.
Soos Creek is a municipal corporation of King County that operates across multiple incorporated cities and unincorporated Kin g County. The district covers portions of
multiple cities and provides sewer service to approximately 92,500 customers with in its 35-square mile service area. Primary collection of wastewater is through
gravity mains and trunks that drain to interceptors or lift stations. Wastewater leaves the District at a total of 19 locatio ns, with three discharge connections to the City
of Renton. Collected wastewater is treated at King County’s Renton treatment facility.
The District utilizes hydraulic modeling, forecasted population growth, and a range of assumptions to prepare existing, 10 -year, 20-year, and ultimate build-out
scenario analyses that identify potential deficiencies within the system. These analyses identified relatively few capacity deficiencie s in the portion of the District’s
Renton service area. Currently, capacity issues exist in two gravity lines that discharge to the City of Renton sewer system. Additional capacity issues are projected to
develop in southeastern Renton as development continues.
Based on the system analyses described above, a range of necessary improvements have been identified to meet the District’s future sewerage needs. Improvements
have been classified as either short-term (within the next 10 years) or long-term (through ultimate build-out) and fall under one of two categories: pipe
replacements/upgrades or lift station replacement/upgrades. Fundin g has also been allocated to conduct general facilities upgrades and maintenance.
Discussion Revised 2024
While most of Renton is served by the City Wastewater Utility, portions of the City are served by other wastewater providers, most notably in areas of southeastern
Renton annexed in 2008. The largest non-City provider of sewer service is Soos Creek Water & Sewer District.
Soos Creek is a municipal corporation of King County that operates across multiple incorporated cities and unincorporated Kin g County. The District provides sewer
service to approximately 92,500 customers within its 35-square mile service area. Primary collection of wastewater is through gravity mains and trunks that drain to
interceptors or lift stations. Wastewater leaves the District at 19 locations, with three discharge connections to the City of Renton. Collected wastewater is treated at
King County’s South Plant treatment facility in Renton.
The District utilizes hydraulic modeling, forecasted population growth, and a range of assumptions to prepare existing, 10 -year, 20-year, and ultimate build-out
scenario analyses that identify potential deficiencies within the system. These analyses identified relativ ely few capacity deficiencies in the portion of the District’s
Renton service area. Currently, capacity issues exist in two gravity lines that discharge to the City of Renton sewer system. Additional capacity issues are projected to
develop in southeastern Renton as development continues.
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S Element Review ▪ Utilities ▪ Non-City Managed Wastewater
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 36
Draft 2 .0 – Internal Staff Review Draft Revised: February 23 , 2023
Based on the system analyses described above, a range of necessary improvements have been identified to meet the District’s f uture sewerage needs. Improvements
have been classified as either short-term (within the next 10 years) or long-term (through ultimate build-out) and fall under one of two categories: pipe
replacements/upgrades or lift station replacement/upgrades. Funding has also been allocated to conduct general facilities upg rades and maintenance.
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S Element Review ▪ Utilities ▪ Non-City Managed Wastewater
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 37
Draft 2 .0 – Internal Staff Review Draft Revised: February 23 , 2023
Goals
Table 13. Non-City Managed Wastewater Goals
Row
# 2015 Goal Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
1 U-N: Ensure that sewer service from non-City
providers is available to support development
that is consistent with City land use plans and
policies, as well as, the policies of the service
provider.
U-N: Ensure that sewer service from non-City
providers is available to support development that is
consistent with City land use plans and policies, as
well as the policies of the service provider.
▪ Revised for clarity and consistency.
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S Element Review ▪ Utilities ▪ Non-City Managed Wastewater
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 38
Draft 2 .0 – Internal Staff Review Draft Revised: February 23 , 2023
Policies
Table 14. Non-City Managed Wastewater Policies
Row
# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
1 Policy U-63: Maintain coordination with non-City
sewer providers to ensure that they have
adequate capacity to serve planned development
within the City of Renton.
Policy U-63: Coordinate with non-City sewer
providers to ensure that they have adequate
capacity to serve planned development within the
City of Renton.
▪ Revised for clarity and consistency.
2 Policy U-64: Work collaboratively with non-City
sewer providers to identify opportunities for joint
projects to minimize potential impacts to
neighborhoods and the environment.
Policy U-64: Collaborate with non-City sewer
providers to identify opportunities for joint projects
to minimize potential impacts to residents and the
environment.
▪ Revised for clarity and consistency; incorporate
inclusive language.
3 Policy U-65: Ensure that wastewater flows from
areas served by non-City providers do not create
capacity deficiencies where non-City sewer lines
discharge to the City of Renton system.
Coordinate with both sewer providers and City
development services staff to ensure such areas
have adequate sewer capacity before
development is approved.
Policy U-65: Ensure that wastewater flows from
areas served by non-City providers do not create
capacity deficiencies where non-City sewer lines
discharge to the City of Renton system.
▪ Removed second clause because it is covered by
the following policy.
4 Policy U-66: Before issuing building permits to
new development in areas not served by the City
of Renton Wastewater Utility, require applicants
to provide a certificate of sewer availability
stating that sufficient capacity is available to
meet both regular and peak demand.
Policy U-66: Require applicants to provide a
certificate of sewer availability stating that sufficient
capacity is available to meet both regular and peak
demand, before issuing building permits to new
development in areas not served by the City of
Renton Wastewater Utility.
▪ Revised for clarity and consistency.
▪ Consider a new policy around coordination where
areas in non-City service areas discharge into city-
managed sewer systems.
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S Element Review ▪ Utilities ▪ Electricity
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 39
Draft 2 .0 – Internal Staff Review Draft Revised: February 23 , 2023
Electricity
Discussion 2015
Electricity is distributed in Renton by a combination of three purveyors, which are part of an integrated transmission grid t hat connects production and consumption
locations across the Pacific Northwest. Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), the regional administrative entity of the U.S. Department of Energy, operates major
transmission lines that transmit power from generation facilities to retailers across the state, who then sell power to local customers. Most electricity customers in
Renton are served by Puget Sound Energy (PSE), while Seattle City Light (SCL) provides power to the Bryn Mawr and Skyway areas, including some customers within
current Renton city limits.
The electric transmission grid consists of high-voltage transmission lines (115 kilovolts (kV) or above) and distribution lines (55 kV and lower). Distribution substations
transform high-voltage current into lower voltages suitable for distribution on local lines. Local transformers further reduce voltage to le vels suitable for use by
customers.
Bonneville Power Administration Facilities
BPA Transmission lines at voltages of 500 kV, 345 kV, and 230 kV enter the Renton Planning Area from the east and south, term inating at the Maple Valley
Substation in southeastern Renton. The Maple Valley Substation provides power to Puget Sound Energy’s adjacent Talbot Hill Substation, which distributes electricity
to local PSE customers.
Puget Sound Energy Facilities
As the primary electricity retailer in Renton, PSE maintains a variety of transmission lines, distribution lines, and substations in the area for provision of power to local
customers. Locally, PSE distributes power from its Talbot Hill Substation, located adjacent to BPA’s Maple Valley Substation in southeastern Renton.
Seattle City Light Facilities
Seattle City Light maintains distribution lines and two minor distribution substations in a small portion of the Renton Plann ing Area. Power is provided to these
substations by Seattle’s Creston distribution substation, located outside Renton’s planning area.
Discussion Revised 2024
Electricity is distributed in Renton by three purveyors, which are part of an integrated transmission grid that connects prod uction and consumption locations across
the Pacific Northwest. Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), the regional administrative entity of the U.S. Department of Energy, operates major transmission lines
that transmit power from generation facilities to retailers across the state, who then sell power to local customers. Most el ectricity customers in Renton are served by
Puget Sound Energy (PSE), while Seattle City Light (SCL) provides power to the Bryn Mawr and Skyway areas, including some cus tomers within current Renton city
limits.
The electric transmission grid consists of high-voltage transmission lines (115 kilovolts (kV) or above) and distribution lines (55 kV and lower). Distribution substations
transform high-voltage current into lower voltages suitable for distribution on local lines. Local transformers further reduce voltage to le vels suitable for use by
customers.
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S Element Review ▪ Utilities ▪ Electricity
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 40
Draft 2 .0 – Internal Staff Review Draft Revised: February 23 , 2023
Bonneville Power Administration Facilities
BPA Transmission lines at voltages of 500 kV, 345 kV, and 230 kV enter the Renton Planning Area from the east and south, term inating at the Maple Valley
Substation in southeastern Renton. The Maple Valley Substation provides power to Puget Sound Energy’s adjacent Talbot Hill Substation, which distributes electricity
to local PSE customers.
Puget Sound Energy Facilities
As the primary electricity retailer in Renton, PSE maintains a variety of transmission lines, distribution lines, and substations in the area for provision of power to local
customers. Locally, PSE distributes power from its Talbot Hill Substation, located adjacent to BPA’s Maple Valley Substation in southeastern Renton.
Seattle City Light Facilities
Seattle City Light maintains distribution lines and two minor distribution substations in a small portion of the Renton Plann ing Area. Power is provided to these
substations by Seattle’s Creston distribution substation, located outside Renton’s planning area.
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S Element Review ▪ Utilities ▪ Electricity
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 41
Draft 2 .0 – Internal Staff Review Draft Revised: February 23 , 2023
Goals
Table 15. Electricity Goals
Row
# 2015 Goal Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
1 U-O: Promote the availability of safe, adequate,
and efficient electrical service within the City and
its planning area, consistent with the regulatory
obligation of the utility to serve customers.
U-O: Promote the availability of safe, adequate,
reliable and efficient electrical service within the City
and its planning area, consistent with the regulatory
obligation of the utility to serve customers.
▪ No change proposed.
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S Element Review ▪ Utilities ▪ Electricity
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 42
Draft 2 .0 – Internal Staff Review Draft Revised: February 23 , 2023
Policies
Table 16. Electricity Policies
Row
# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
1 Policy U-67: Coordinate with local and regional
electricity providers to ensure the siting and
location of transmission and distribution facilities
is accomplished in a manner that minimizes
adverse impacts on the environment and
adjacent land uses.
Policy U-67: Coordinate with local and regional
electricity providers to ensure the siting and location
of transmission and distribution facilities is
accomplished in a manner that minimizes adverse
impacts on the environment and adjacent land uses
and equitably distributes the benefits and burdens
of new utility infrastructure.
▪ Incorporate equity consideration.
2 Policy U-68: Encourage electricity purveyors to
make facility improvements and additions within
existing utility corridors wherever possible.
Policy U-68: Encourage electricity purveyors to make
facility improvements and additions within existing
utility corridors wherever possible.
▪ No change proposed.
3 Policy U-69: Require underground electricity
infrastructure installation to be coordinated with
the City of Renton Public Works Department to
prevent cross-boring through existing water,
sewer, or natural gas lines.
Policy U-69: Require underground electricity
infrastructure installation to be coordinated with the
City of Renton Public Works Department and ensure
it does not cause damage or conflict with existing
utilities.
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S Element Review ▪ Utilities ▪ Natural Gas
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 43
Draft 2 .0 – Internal Staff Review Draft Revised: February 23 , 2023
Natural Gas
Discussion 2015
Natural gas service in Renton is provided by Puget Sound Energy under a franchise agreement with the City. The gas distribution system consists of a network of
pressurized mains and distribution lines that convey natural gas throughout PSE’s service area. PSE receives natural gas from the Northwest Pipeline Corporation,
which operates large, interstate natural gas pipelines. Two pipelines cross the Renton Planning Area and terminate at the Sou th Seattle Gate Station. PSE mains
extend from the gate station, distributing the gas to pressure regulators and smaller lines, which provide natural gas to customers.
Natural . system capacity is primarily a function of the volume of gas flowing from the Northwest Pipeline Corporation pipelines, and d emand fluctuates based on
power consumption. Natural gas is used primarily as fuel for home heating, so demand is highest during winter months and peaks during extreme ly cold weather. PSE
maintains storage tanks that provide a reserve against such periods of high demand. In the event of supply sho rtfalls from extreme demand, residential customers
are granted first priority for service.
Because it is clean-burning and less expensive than other energy sources, the popularity of natural gas has risen in recent years, and this trend is expected to
continue. Population growth within PSE’s service area will also increase demand for natural gas. Puget Sound Energy conducts ongo ing system planning to ensure an
adequate supply is available to customers. Improvements to regional infrastructure, including the South Seattle Gate Station, and construction of additional high
pressure mains, have been planned. Precise timing and location of infrastructure improvements will be determined based on rig ht-of-way permitting, environmental
analysis, and coordination with the City of Renton.
Discussion Revised 2024
Natural gas service in Renton is provided by Puget Sound Energy under a franchise agreement with the City. The gas distributi on system consists of a network of
pressurized mains and distribution lines that convey natural gas throughout PSE’s service area. PSE receives natural gas from the Northwest Pipeline Corporation,
which operates large, interstate natural gas pipelines. Two pipelines cross Renton city limits and associated potential annexation areas and terminate at the South
Seattle Gate Station. PSE mains extend from the gate station, distributing the gas to pressure regulators and smaller lines, which provide natural gas to customers.
Natural gas system capacity is primarily a function of the volume of gas flowing from the Northwest Pipeline Corporation pipelines, and demand fluctuates based on
power consumption. Natural gas is used primarily as fuel for home heating, so demand is highest during winter months and peak s during extremely cold weather. PSE
maintains storage tanks that provide a reserve for periods of high demand. In the event of supply shortfalls from extreme demand, residential customers are granted
first priority for service.
Population growth within PSE’s service area will increase dema nd for natural gas. Puget Sound Energy conducts ongoing system planning to ensure an adequate
supply is available to customers. PSE plans include improvements to regional infrastructure, including the South Seattle Gate Station, and construction of additio nal
high-pressure mains. Precise timing and location of infrastructure improvements will be determined based on right -of-way permitting, environmental analysis, and
coordination with the City of Renton.
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S Element Review ▪ Utilities ▪ Natural Gas
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 44
Draft 2 .0 – Internal Staff Review Draft Revised: February 23 , 2023
Goals
Table 17. Natural Gas Goals
Row
# 2015 Goal Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
1 U-P: Promote the safe transport and delivery of
natural gas and other fuels within the planning
area.
U-P: Promote the safe transport and delivery of
natural gas and other fuels.
▪ No change proposed.
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S Element Review ▪ Utilities ▪ Natural Gas
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 45
Draft 2 .0 – Internal Staff Review Draft Revised: February 23 , 2023
Policies
Table 18. Natural Gas Policies
Row
# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
1 Policy U-70: Coordinate with local and regional
purveyors of natural gas for the siting of
transmission and distribution infrastructure
within the Renton Planning Area.
Policy U-70: Coordinate with local and regional
purveyors of natural gas for the siting of
transmission and distribution infrastructure within
the Renton city limits and associated potential
annexation areas.
▪ Edited for clarity
2 Policy U-71: Support voluntary energy
conservation and efficiency programs, including
the supplementation of natural gas supplies with
new technologies.
Policy U-71: Support voluntary energy conservation
and efficiency programs, including the
supplementation of natural gas supplies with new
technologies.
3 Policy U-72: Allow extension of natural gas
distribution infrastructure within the Renton
Planning Area, provided such facilities are
consistent with development assumptions in the
Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan.
Policy U-72: Allow extension of natural gas
distribution infrastructure within the Renton
Planning Area, provided such facilities are
consistent with development assumptions in the
Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan.
4 Policy U-73: Require underground natural gas
infrastructure installation to be coordinated with
the City of Renton Public Works Department to
prevent cross-boring through existing utility lines.
Policy U-73: Require underground natural gas
infrastructure installation to be coordinated with the
City of Renton Public Works Department to prevent
cross-boring through existing utility lines.
▪ No change proposed.
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Telecommunications
Telephone
Discussion 2015
Conventional telephone service in Renton is provided by CenturyLink (formerly Qwest Communications). CenturyLink is an invest or-owned corporation and one of the
largest telecommunications companies in the United States, serving millions of customers nation wide. CenturyLink also provides broadband internet service and
satellite television service through DirecTV.
Digital phone service is also provided by Comcast in conjunction with their cable television and internet services.
Conventional telephone facilities consist of switching station, trunk lines, and distribution lines located throughout Renton. Switching stations direct ca lls from one
line exchange to another, trunk lines connect switching stations to one another, and distribution lines provide phone connections to individual customers.
The capacity of conventional telephone switching stations is determined by the type of switch employed. Use of modern digital switches allow for straightforward
increases in switch capacity to accommodate growth. Regulations governing telecommunications service require that telephone purveyors provide adequate service
on demand. CenturyLink installs new lines and upgrades facilities as required to accommodate customer demand .
Cellular phone and data service providers are licensed by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) for a particular band of radio frequencies. Major cellular
service providers operating in Renton include AT&T, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, and Sprint.
Cellular telephone systems consist of a series of wireless antennae, each located at the center of a single “cell” of the overall system. The cellular transmitters
themselves are generally located where topography and features of the built environment will have the least effect on signal quality, such as existing broadcast
communication towers, water towers, high-rise buildings, or vacant open land.
The significant growth in wireless phone and data usage over the past few years is anticipated to continue, placing additiona l demand on existing cellular networks.
The capacity of a cellular transmission cell is limited by the number of radio frequencies available for use; the carrier’s F CC license defines what frequency spectrum
is allowed. To increase system capacity, carriers often install additional trans mitters, thereby creating multiple smaller cells that cover less area than the original,
larger cell and serve fewer customers each, increasing overall system capacity.
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Discussion Revised 2024
Conventional telephone service in Renton is provided by CenturyLink (formerly Qwest Communications). CenturyLink also provides broadband internet service and
satellite television service through DirecTV.
Digital phone service is also provided by Comcast in conjunction with their cable television and internet servi ces.
Conventional telephone facilities consist of switching stations, trunk lines, and distribution lines located throughout Renton. Switching stations direct calls from one
line exchange to another, trunk lines connect switching stations to one another, a nd distribution lines provide phone connections to individual customers.
The capacity of conventional telephone switching stations is determined by the type of switch employed. Use of modern digital switches increase switch capacity to
accommodate growth. Regulations governing telecommunications service require that telephone purveyors provide adequate service on demand. Century Link installs
new lines and upgrades facilities as required to accommodate customer demand .
Cellular phone and data service providers are licensed by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) for a particular band of radio frequencies. Major nationwide
cellular service providers operating in Renton include AT&T, Verizon Wireless, and T-Mobile.
Cellular telephone systems consist of a series of wireless antennae, each located at the center of a single “cell” of the overall system. The cellular transmitters
themselves are generally located where topography and features of the built environment will optimize signal quality, such as existing broadcast communication
towers, water towers, high-rise buildings, or vacant open land.
The significant growth in wireless phone and data usage over the past few years is anticipated to continue, placing additiona l demand on existing cellular networks.
The capacity of a cellular transmission cell is limited by the number of radio frequencies available for use; the carrier’s F CC license defines what frequency spectrum
is allowed. To increase system capacity, carriers often install additional transmitters , thereby creating multiple smaller cells that cover less area than the original,
larger cell and serve fewer customers each, increasing overall system capacity.
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Cable and Satellite Television
Discussion 2015
Cable television service in Renton is currently provided by Comcast, and satellite television service is currently provided by DirecTV through an agreement with
CenturyLink, allowing customers to bundle their phone, internet, and television services. Satellite television is also availa ble from Dish Network.
Cable television facilities include broadcast receivers, a headend, a trunk system, and a feeder system. After receiving and processing broadcast signals, the trunk
and feeder system distribute television signal to individual customers. Cable trunk and feeder lines generally follow existing street rights-of-way.
Satellite television facilities generally consist only of receiver dishes installed at individual customer locations, which r eceive signal directly from orbiting
communications satellites. While uplink transmitters are necessary at the origin of the broadcast, no additional local infrastructure is needed to r eceive satellite
television signal.
Because Comcast currently holds the cable television franchise for the City of Renton, the company must continue to make cable television service available upon
request. Comcast offers telecommunications service over a large portion of western Washington in addition to Renton and revie ws population growth as part of its
ongoing system planning operations.
Satellite television services are provided in response to customer requests. Capacity planning occurs at a regional or nation al scale due to the substantial investment
required to use communications satellites.
Discussion Revised 2024
Comcast provides cable television service in Renton and DirecTV provides satellite television service through an agreement with CenturyLink, allowing customers to
bundle their phone, internet, and television services. Satellite television is also available from Dish Network.
Cable television facilities include broadcast receivers, a headend, a trunk system, and a feeder system. After receiving and processing broadcast signals, the trunk
and feeder system distribute television signal to individual customers. Cable trunk and feeder lines generally follow existing street rights-of-way.
Satellite television facilities generally consist only of receiver dishes installed at individual customer locations, which r eceive signal directly from orbiting
communications satellites. While uplink transmitters are necessary at the origin of the broadcast, no additional local infrastructure is needed to receive satellite
television signal.
Because Comcast currently holds the cable television franchise for the City of Renton, the com pany must continue to make cable television service available upon
request. Comcast offers telecommunications service over a large portion of western Washington and reviews population growth a s part of its ongoing system planning
operations.
Satellite television services are provided in response to customer requests. Capacity planning occurs at a regional or national scale due to the substantial investment
required to use communications satellites.
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Internet
Discussion 2015
Broadband internet service is provided in Renton by a variety of private providers; the two largest are Comcast and CenturyLink, who provide internet service s in
addition to phone and television. Wireless internet service is also provided by Clearwire through Sprint’s network of cellular communication towers.
Internet service is provided via cable television infrastructure, telephone lines, or wirelessly.
Internet service is not considered an essential public utility and is provided in response to customer requests. Individual p roviders conduct system planning in
response to population growth and increased demands for service. Given the increasing rate of internet adoption in American h omes in recent years, it is likely that
demand for internet service will continue to increase, and it will be necessary for providers to continue to increase capacity and connection speeds to satisfy demand.
Discussion Revised 2024
Broadband internet service is provided in Renton by a variety of private providers; the two largest are Comcast and Lumen, who provide internet services in addition
to phone and television.
Wireless internet home service through 5G networks is offered by T-Mobile and Verizon in some areas of the City and is anticipated to grow over time.
Internet service is provided via cable television infrastructure, telephone lines, or wirelessly.
Internet service is not considered an essential public utility for health and safety but is a critical component of opportunity. Internet access at reliable and sufficient
speeds is necessary for broad economic vitality and equitable access to information, goods and services, and opportunities for social c onnection. For these reasons,
King County County-wide policies emphasize planning for the equitable provision of telecommunication infrastructure and affordable, convenient, and reliable
broadband internet access to businesses, and to households of all income levels, with a focus on underserved areas . Individual providers conduct system planning in
response to population growth and increased demands for service.
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Goals
Table 19. Telecommunications Goals
Row
# 2015 Goal Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
1 U-Q: Promote the timely and orderly expansion of
all forms of telecommunications service within
the City and its planning area.
U-Q: Promote the timely and orderly expansion of all
forms of telecommunications service within the City
and its planning area.
2 U-X: Promote equitable access to
telecommunication.
▪ Added goal per CPPs.
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Policies
Table 20. Telecommunications Policies
Row
# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
1 Policy U-74: Require the siting and location of
telecommunications facilities be accomplished in
a manner that minimizes adverse impacts on the
environment and adjacent land uses.
Policy U-74: Require the siting and location of
telecommunications facilities be accomplished in a
manner that minimizes adverse impacts on the
environment and equitably distributes the benefits
and burdens of new utility infrastructure.
▪ Incorporate equity consideration.
2 Policy U-75: Require wireless communication
structures and towers to be designed and sited
to minimize aesthetic impacts and to be co-
located on existing structures and towers
wherever possible.
Policy U-75: Require wireless communication
structures and towers to be designed and sited to
minimize aesthetic impacts and to be co-located on
existing structures and towers wherever possible.
▪ No change proposed.
3 Policy U-76: Encourage healthy competition
among telecommunication service providers in
the City to promote high-quality, cost-effective
service for Renton residents.
Policy U-76: Encourage healthy competition among
telecommunication service providers in the City to
promote high-quality, cost-effective service for
Renton users.
▪ Revised for clarity and consistency.
4 Policy U-77: Require underground
telecommunication infrastructure installation to
be coordinated with the City of Renton Public
Works Department to prevent cross-boring
through existing water, sewer, or natural gas
lines.
Policy U-77: Require underground
telecommunication infrastructure installation to be
coordinated with the City of Renton Public Works
Department to prevent cross-boring through existing
water, sewer, or natural gas lines.
▪ No change proposed.
5 Policy U-XX. Plan for the provision of
telecommunication infrastructure and affordable,
convenient, and reliable broadband internet access
for residents and businesses, with a focus on
underserved areas.
▪ Per CPPs, policy added for addressing equity in
access.
6 Policy U-XX: Expand Wi-Fi at community centers. ▪ Policy added to increase equitable access to
telecommunications.
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Energy
Energy Goals
Energy Goals Proposed Language
U-X: Promote the availability of safe, adequate, reliable and efficient energy sources within the City and its planning area, consistent with the
regulatory obligation to service customers.
U-X: Promote the safe transport and delivery of natural gas and other fuels.
Energy Policies
Energy Policies Proposed Language
Policy U-XX: Coordinate with local and regional energy providers to ensure the siting and location of transmission and distribution facilities is
accomplished in a manner that minimizes adverse impacts on the environment and adjacent land uses and equitably distributes the benefits
and burdens of new utility infrastructure.
Policy U-XX: Encourage energy purveyors to make facility improvements and additions within existing utility corridors wherever possible.
Policy U-XX: Require underground utility infrastructure installation to be coordinated with the City of Renton Public Works Department to
prevent damage or conflict with existing utility lines.
Policy U-XX: Coordinate with local and regional energy purveyors for the siting of transmission and distribution infrastructure within the
Renton city limits and associated potential annexation areas.
Policy U-XX: Support voluntary energy conservation and efficiency programs.
Policy U-XX: Support the transition to clean, affordable, and reliable energy sources and expansion of distribution infrastructure, provided
such facilities are consistent with development assumptions in the Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan.
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