HomeMy WebLinkAboutJ_Modification_Request_Retaining_Wall_180308_v1
RJ Development
401 Central St SE – Olympia, WA 98501
(360) 528-3343 – www.rjdevelopment.com
WEATHERLY INN RENTON
MODIFICATION REQUEST: SOUTH RETAINING WALL
Please accept this letter as our justification for a Modification Request to the retaining wall requirements per RMC
4-4-040, which states the following:
• For Commercial zones: A maximum of eight feet (8') anywhere on the lot
• For Residential zones: In any residential district, the maximum height of any fence, hedge or retaining wall
shall be seventy-two inches (72")
We are proposing two (2) terraced retaining walls on the south edge of our property thirteen foot (13’) high at
their maximum height (see “Exhibit A” below). It should be noted that these walls will taper off and not be at full
height along the entire length. Current code standards would require several six foot (6’) terraced retaining walls
to accomplish the same purpose. This does not change any of our adherence to city policies and objectives
regarding the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Element or the Community Design Element, as we are still adhering
to code with regard to setbacks, building height requirements, lot coverage ratios, etc. As such, the project will
not be injurious or create adverse impacts to other properties in the vicinity. We will still meet the objectives and
safety, function, appearance, environmental protection and maintainability intended by the Code requirements.
Our plans will be prepared by licensed engineers and reviewed by city staff.
In developing a site for Assisted Living and Memory Care residents, it is imperative to adhere to ADA standards
for accessibility to areas on and off of the property. In the case of our proposed building, there are tight thresholds
to allow for sloped walkways leading from the building down to the public right-of-way that adhere to ADA
accessibility guidelines. In turn, the finished floor elevation of the facility had to be lowered to adhere to ADA
access constraints and this created the need for taller retaining walls on the south side of the property to meet
RMC goals.
In order to create this accessibility to the public right-of-way, the current site plan has been designed in a way to
allow for gradual sloping along the ADA compliant path leading from the building. This adherence dictated a
configuration of only two (2) retaining walls on the south of the property, each designed to be thirteen feet (13’)
in height.
In understanding the purpose and intent of the Renton Municipal Code for these purposes being “…to promote
traffic and public safety and to maintain or create aesthetically pleasing neighborhoods,” there are several
benefits to designing the site in the proposed manner that align directly with these intentions. First, creating walls
with heights of thirteen feet (13’) effectively eliminates the chance of resident elopement. Secondly, this design
moves the first retaining wall farther away from the nearest resident windows, which creates a much more
RJ Development
401 Central St SE – Olympia, WA 98501
(360-528-3343) – www.rjdevelopment.com
appealing environment for the residents and creates an opportunity for appealing landscaping and natural
sunlight to enter through the windows. Third, more space between the building wall and retaining walls allows us
to maintain adequate egress in the event of an emergency.
In conclusion, we believe that the configuration of two (2) thirteen foot (13’) walls on the south edge of the
property allows us to achieve adequate slope guidelines for accessibility reasons, and enables us to align with the
intent and purpose of the Renton Municipal Code for the unique purposes of the proposed facility with regards
to resident safety and aesthetics.
Frank Durocher
Project Manager
RJ Development
frank@RJDevelopment.com
“Seniors Housing Delivered” ™
Exhibit A: