HomeMy WebLinkAboutJ_Justification_For_Modification_Request_Civil_160621_v16. Justification for the Modification Request
PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION
Intent: To create a network of linkages for pedestrians, that is safe and convenient, enhances the pedestrian
environment, and provides a way for pedestrians to walk from one location to another without having to drive
their vehicle.
Guidelines: The pedestrian environment shall be given priority and importance in the design of projects.
Sidewalks and/or pathways shall be provided and shall provide safe access to buildings from parking areas.
Providing pedestrian connections to abutting properties is an important aspect of connectivity and encourages
pedestrian activity and shall be considered. Pathways shall be easily identifiable to pedestrians and drivers.
The modification request is made pursuant to the direction of the City of Renton. See attached.
City staff reviewed the street standards, the City’s planned improvements to N.E. Sunset Blvd.
and the particular conditions of this property, including multiple driveways and drive aisles.
After consideration, staff required the improvements that are proposed.
The requested modifications comply with each of the following criteria:
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;
The proposed implements the following goals and policies of the Land Use Element:
Goal L-K (provide an energetic business environment), Goal L-BB (ensure new
development is functional and attractive); Policy L-57 (complement the built
environment with landscaping appropriate to the situation and circumstance). There is
currently no “Community Design Element” in the Renton Comprehensive Plan.
b. Will meet the objectives and safety, function, appearance, environmental protection
and maintainability intended by the Code requirements, based upon sound
engineering judgment.
The proposed improvements are consistent with the City’s planned improvements to N.E.
Sunset Blvd. and recognize the particular conditions of this property, including multiple
driveways (one a shard driveway with other businesses) and drive aisles serving the
existing gas station pumps.
c. Will not be injurious to other property(ies) in the vicinity;
The proposal includes improvements to N.E. Sunset Blvd., preserving access to adjacent
properties through an existing driveway. The improvements will not be injurious to other
properties.
d. Conforms to the intent and purpose of the Code;
The purpose of the street standards is to:
establish design standards and development requirements for street improvements to
ensure reasonable and safe access to public and private properties. These
improvements include appropriately scaled sidewalks related to the urban context, a
range of landscape buffers, curbs, gutters, street paving, monumentation, signage, and
lighting, to be developed with complete streets principles. Complete streets principles
are to plan, design, and operate streets to enable safe and convenient access and travel
for all users including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and people of all ages and
abilities, as well as freight and motor vehicle drivers, and to foster a sense of place in
the public realm with attractive design amenities.
Renton Municipal Code §4-6-060.A. Here, the proposed improvements ensure
reasonable and safe access to private property. They are consistent with the City’s
planned improvements to N.E. Sunset Blvd. and recognize the specific characteristics of
the property.
e. Can be shown to be justified and required for the use and situation intended; and
The proposed improvements are justified and required for the use and situation intended.
The proposed improvements are consistent with the City’s planned improvements to N.E.
Sunset Blvd. and recognize the particular conditions of this property, including multiple
driveways (one a shard driveway with other businesses) and drive aisles serving the
existing gas station pumps.
f. Will not create adverse impacts to other property(ies) in the vicinity.
As stated above, the proposal includes improvements to N.E. Sunset Blvd., preserving
access to adjacent properties through an existing driveway. The improvements will not
be injurious to other properties.