HomeMy WebLinkAboutJ_Rezone_Modification_20170425_v1SECTION 8
REZONE, VARIANCE, MODIFICATION OR
CONDITIONAL USE JUSTIFICATION
One variance from project requirements is requested.
The current City of Renton parking requirement is for all parking stalls (270) to be located within
the building’s structure. This proposal includes 229 parking stalls within the building envelope.
The remainder parking requirement (41 stalls) will be met with 29 surface stalls adjacent to the
south building entrance and 12 surface stalls adjacent to the building’s north entrance.
In accordance with City of Renton requirements, RMC Section 4.9.250 D (2) a – f, Modification
Procedures, the Applicant addresses Decision Criteria below.
2. Decision Criteria: Whenever there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the
provisions of this Title, the Department Administrator may grant modifications for individual cases
provided he/she shall first find that a specific reason makes the strict letter of this Code
impractical, that the intent and purpose of the governing land use designation of the
Comprehensive Plan is met and that the modification is in conformity with the intent and purpose
of this Code, and that such modification:
a. Substantially implements the policy direction of the policies and objectives of the
Comprehensive Plan Land Use Element and the Community Design Element and the
proposed modification is the minimum adjustment necessary to implement these policies
and objectives;
Applicant’s Response - The majority of the parking follows the City’s land use goals by
providing parking within the building. The remaining parking meets the goals of the
comprehensive plan by providing parking at the side or rear of the building. No parking is
located between the building and the street.
The proposed alternate parking configuration meets the goals of the Comprehensive plan by
developing underutilized areas and by creating more efficient parking. The existing
commercial buildings currently use these underutilized surface lots to meet their parking
requirements. By allowing the residential project to share these surface lots will promote a
commercial / residential mixed use district. The location of this surface parking better
serves residential visitors and patrons of the commercial spaces.
b. Will meet the objectives and safety, function, appearance, environmental protection and
maintainability intended by the Code requirements, based upon sound engineering
judgment;
Applicant’s Response - The proposed alternate parking configuration will be safe and use
best design practices available to protect the environment. The proposed mixed use
residential project will use the existing surface parking to fulfill the parking requirements. No
new surface parking lots are being created in order to meet the project’s parking
requirements.
c. Will not be injurious to other property(ies) in the vicinity;
Applicant’s Response – The proposed parking will not be injurious to the neighboring
properties. Landscaping and exterior walkways will be developed to encourage safer
pedestrian circulation and efficient parking.
d. Conforms to the intent and purpose of the Code;
Applicant’s Response – 229 of the required 286 parking stalls are located within the
building. The remaining 30 stalls are located next to the side and rear of the building. 27
stalls are located in an off-site lot that’s within the 500’ distance allowed for a residential
use.
e. Can be shown to be justified and required for the use and situation intended; and
Applicant’s Response – The proposed parking located around the exterior of the building is
conveniently located for the apartment tenants and their visitors. The project will encourage
shared parking of the existing surface lots.
f. Will not create adverse impacts to other property(ies) in the vicinity.
Applicant’s Response – There are no adverse impacts to the neighboring properties. All of
the neighboring properties have more parking than is required by the city and will meet their
demand.