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12600 SE 38th Street, Suite 250 | Bellevue, WA 98006 | P. 425.455.9280
Maple Highlands Lot 5 Setback Variance Request
RE: PR22-000109
LUA22-000122
C23004636
Conner Homes at Maple Highlands requests a setback reduction variance on Maple Highlands Lot 5. The
City of Renton originally asked us to consider retaining trees 97-101. After much consideration, the City
of Renton has approved the removal of Trees 97 and 99-101, however Tree 98 is to be retained. To
warrant the minimum amount of impact to Tree 98 while still providing a buildable lot, a setback
reduction of the secondary front yard area from 30 feet (30’) to 20 feet (20’) is requested. During
discussions regarding these trees, the City of Renton has agreed to support this setback variance in
order to reach their goal of preserving Tree 98.
With the current secondary yard setback of 30 feet (30’) and the size of the protected root zone for Tree
98, there would not be an adequate building area for a house that fits this zoning. Tree 98 would not
survive construction of the home on Lot 5. Site construction would cause detrimental damage to the
roots of the tree. By reducing the secondary yard setback, we can move the footprint of the house away
from the protected root zone of Tree 98. The setback reduction will benefit the future homeowners of
the lot, providing them with an adequate yard and a home sized according to the zoning of this plat,
while retaining Tree 98 with minimal damage to the roots. The 10-foot (10’) reduction of the secondary
front yard area will not obstruct or be detrimental to the streetscape along SE 5th Place or be intrusive to
neighboring lots of the community. Reduction any less than 10 feet (10’) would not warrant Tree 98
surviving construction, and any more than 10 feet (10’) could affect the overall streetscape and feel of
the neighborhood along SE 5th Place.