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schemata workshop inc |1720 12th avenue, seattle wa 98122
www.schemataworkshop.com v 206.285.1589
February 8, 2018
conditional use permit j ustification
subject Conditional Use Permit - CUP Justification
project name Sunset Multi-Service and Career Development Center
The Renton Housing Authority, in partnership with Neighborhood House, proposes to reuse the former Renton Highlands
Library as a Multi-Service and Career Development Center. Per the Renton Municipal Code, this is a “Service and Social
Organization” use, and in the R-14 zone, requires approval of the Hearing Examiner. The site also has an underlying use
restriction that identifies it as a “Public Use Area”.
We believe the change of use from library to Multi-Service and Career Development Center meets the Conditional Use Permit
criteria as described below.
Consistency with Plans and Regulations: The goal of the Multi-Service and Career Development Center is to provide job
training, ESL classes, school readiness assistance, and other family assistance services to local low-income residents. That
these services are proposed in what is technically a residential zone is not unusual. First, that the site served as a library for
more than 40 years provides precedent for the proposed use at this location. Additionally, the Housing and Human Services
element of the city’s Comprehensive Plan specifically integrates “Human Services goals and policies with Housing goals and
policies, because housing and human service needs are often intertwined (page 36)”. Similarly, the description of the R-14
zone highlights the enhancement of a neighborhood and the fostering of a sense of community. Neighborhood House’s mission
is literally to help build community.
Appropriate Location: The proposed location is nearly equidistant between McKnight Middle School and the commercial
services available on NE Sunset Blvd. As the site of a former library, the proposed use can be seen simply as a continuation of
a use that fosters a sense of community and focuses on the well-being and continued development of local residents.
Effect on Adjacent Properties: By re-energizing a vacant property, the proposed use should have a beneficial security impact
on adjacent properties. Moreover, the services provided could also be utilized by neighbors.
Compatibility: The existing building has already been part of the neighborhood for over 40 years. The minimal bulk of the one-
story building fits the scale of the predominantly residential neighborhood. The proposed use will not change either the scale
or the character of the building.
Parking: The existing 26 stall parking lot is sufficient for the proposed use.
Traffic: The new use will not generate any more vehicular or pedestrian traffic than the former library.
Noise, Light and Glare: The proposed use and building upgrades will not generate new light and glare impacts. Noise may
occur to a limited extent during construction work. But since all work is expected to be within the existing building, it is
anticipated that any noise would be minimal and during normal working hours.
Landscaping: Existing landscaping will be maintained and currently non-compliant areas brought up to code.