HomeMy WebLinkAboutShoreline Exemption SubmittalDEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
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SME SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS
SHORELINE EXEMPTION
Planning Division
1055 South Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057
Phone: 425-430-7294 | www.rentonwa.gov
PURPOSE: Shoreline Exemption permits ensure proposed shoreline development is consistent with the
goals and policies of the City, Shoreline Master Program, and State Shoreline Management Act.
WHEN A SHORELINE PERMIT EXEMPTION IS REQUIRED:
If you are doing any development or construction activity within 200 feet of a desi gnated shoreline, your
project will require either a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit or a Shoreline Permit Exemption.
The following activities are eligible to receive a Shoreline Permit Exemption:
Any project with certification from the governor1
Any project with a cost or fair market value (whichever is higher) of less than $6,416.002
Normal maintenance or repair of existing structure or developments3
Emergency construction necessary to protect property from damage by the elements4
Normal agricultural construction and practices5
Construction of a single-family residence or associated structures for use by the owner or
owner’s family6
Construction of a private dock for non-commercial use by the property owner(s)7
Construction or modification authorized by Coast Guard or designated authority8
Operation, maintenance, or construction related to irrigation9
Marking of property lines or corners on state-owned lands10
Operation and maintenance of agricultural drainage and diking facilities11
Activities necessary for preparation of permit application12
Removal or control of aquatic noxious weeds13
Watershed restoration projects14
Projects intended to improve fish or wildlife habitat or fish passage15
Hazardous substance remediation16
Projects on lands not subject to shoreline jurisdiction prior to restoration17
COMPLETE APPLICATION REQUIRED: In order to accept your application, each of the numbered items
must be submitted at the same time. If you have received a prior written waiver of a submittal item(s)
during a pre-application meeting, please provide the waiver form in lieu of any submittal item not
provided.
APPLICATION SCREENING: Applicants are required to bring in a CD or USB portable (flash/hard) drive
(or other device or pathway as approved by your assigned project manager) with one PDF file of the
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application package for informal review by staff, prior to scheduling an intake meeting. Please allow
approximately 45 minutes for application screening.
APPLICATION SUBMITTAL HOURS: Applications should be submitted to Development Services staff at
the 6th floor counter of Renton City Hall, 1055 South Grady Way, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Monday through Friday. Please call your assigned project manager to schedule an appointment or call
425-430-7294 to reach the Planning Division. Due to the screening time required, applications delivered
by messenger cannot be accepted.
ADDITIONAL PERMITS: Additional permits from other agencies may be required. It is the applicant’s
responsibility to obtain these other approvals. Information regarding these other requirements may be
found at http://apps.oria.wa.gov/opas/.
All Plans and Attachments are subject to Electronic File Standards
APPLICATION MATERIALS:
1. Land Use Permit Master Application Form: The application must have notarized signatures
of ALL current property owners listed on the Title Report. If the property owner is a
corporation, the authorized representative must attach proof of signing authority on behalf
of the corporation. The legal description of the property must be attached to the
application form.
2. Waiver Form: If you received a waiver form during or after a “pre-application meeting.”
3. Project Narrative: Please provide a clear and concise description of the proposed project,
including the following:
Project name, size and location of site;
Brief description of proposed work;
Basis for the exemption request (reference exemption category f rom first page);
Anticipated dates of work;
Other permits required for proposed project;
Current and proposed use of the site;
Special site features (i.e. wetlands, water bodies, steep slopes);
Statement addressing soil type and drainage conditions;
Total estimated construction cost and estimated fair market value of the proposed
project;
Estimated quantities and type of materials involved if any fill or excavation is
proposed;
Number, type and size of any trees to be removed;
Distance from closest area of work to the Ordinary High Water Mark of the
shoreline;
Nature of the existing shoreline (e.g. high bank, naturalize, rip rap, bulkhead, etc.);
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and
If the proposed project exceeds a height of 35-feet above the average grade level,
discuss the approximate location of and number of residential units, existing and
potential, that will have an obstructed view.
4. Shoreline Tracking Worksheet: Please provide a completed City of Renton Shoreline
Tracking Worksheet.
5. Neighborhood Detail Map: Please provide a map drawn at a scale of 1" = 100' or 1" = 200'
(or other scale approved by the Planning Division) to be used to identify the site location on
public notices and to review compatibility with surrounding land uses. The map shall
identify the subject site with a much darker perimeter line than surrounding properties and
include at least two cross streets in all directions showing the location of the subject site
relative to property boundaries of surrounding parcels. The map shall also show: the
property's lot lines, lot lines of surrounding properties, boundaries of the City of Renton (if
applicable), north arrow (oriented to the top of the plan sheet), graphic scale used for the
map, and City of Renton (not King County) street names for all streets shown. Please ensure
all information fits on a single map sheet.
Kroll Map Company (206-448-6277) produces maps that may serve this purpose or you may
use the King County Assessor’s maps as a base for the Neighborhood Detail M ap. Additional
information (i.e. current city street names) will need to be added by the applicant.
6. Site Plan: Please provide a fully-dimensioned plan sheet drawn at a scale of 1"=20' (or
other scale approved by the Planning Division). The Site Plan should show the following:
Name of proposed project;
Date, scale, and north arrow (oriented to the top of the paper/plan sheet);
Drawing of the subject property with all property lines dimensioned and names of
adjacent streets;
Identify all adjacent streets and alleys;
Location and dimensions of existing and proposed structures;
Parking and off-street loading space;
Free-standing signs and lighting fixtures;
Storage areas and job shacks/sales trailers; and
Location and dimensions of natural features such as streams, required buffer areas,
and wetlands.
Indicate Ordinary High Water Mark and show distance in feet to closest area of work .
7. Wetland Assessment: Please provide a map and a report if ANY wetlands are located on
the subject property or within 100 feet of the subject property. The wetland
report/delineation must be prepared by a qualified professional and include the
information specified in RMC 4-8-120D.23. In addition, if any alteration to the wetland or
buffer is proposed, a wetland mitigation plan is also required. See RMC 4-8-120D.23 for
plan content requirements.
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8. Standard Stream or Lake Study: Please provide a report containing the information
specified in RMC Section 4-8-120D.19. In addition, if the project involves an unclassified
stream, a supplemental stream or lake study is also required. If any alteration to a water-
body or buffer is proposed a supplemental stream or lake study and mitigation plan are
also required.
9. Flood Hazard Data: Please provide a scaled plan showing the nature, location, dimensions,
and elevations of the area in question; existing or proposed structures, fill, storage of
materials, and drainage facilities. Also indicate the following:
Elevation in relation to mean sea level of the lowest floor (including basement) of all
structures;
Elevation in relation to mean sea level to which any structure has been flood -
proofed;
Certification by a registered Professional Engineer or Architect the flood-proofing
methods criteria in RMC 4-3-050G.4.c have been met; and
Description of the extent to which a watercourse will be altered or relocated as a
result of proposed development.
10. Habitat Data Report: If the project site contains or abuts a critical habitat per RMC 4-3-
050F.2.b, please provide a report containing the information specified in RMC 4-8-120D.8.
All Plans and Attachments are subject to Electronic File Standards
REVIEW PROCESS: Once a complete land use application package has been accepted for initial review, it
will be routed to other City departments and other jurisdictions or agencies who ma y have an interest in
it. The reviewers typically have two weeks to return their comments to the Planning Division. Once all
comments have been addressed, the Planning Division will issue an exemption, provided the application
meets the criteria for exemption.
If the application must also be reviewed under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), this will
extend the review time necessary for the project approval. Upon issuance of the Environmental
Determination, the Planning Division will take one of the following actions: issue an exemption, request
additional information, or require a full Shoreline Substantial Development Permit. Please see the
handout entitled "Submittal Requirements: Environmental Revie w " for additional information.
If the City approves an exemption, a copy will be sent to the applicant. If you also need a building
permit, please turn in a copy of your exemption with your other submittals. A building permit (or other
City approval) may be issued immediately upon issuance of t he exemption, provided all other relevant
requirements have been met and the project does not also require a ny type of Army Corps approval.
If a project requires Army Corps approval, the City will mail a copy of the Shoreline Exemption decision
to the State Department of Ecology (DOE) and the State Attorney General's Office for review. The DOE
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has ten days to review the exemption decision. A building permit (or other City approval) may be issued
ten days after the date of mailing the exemption decision t o the Department of Ecology and Attorney
General--provided the State does not appeal the exemption decision during the ten day review period
and provided all other relevant requirements have been met.
1 Any project with a certification from the governor.
Any project with a certification from the governor pursuant to Chapter 80.50 RCW;
2 Total cost or fair market value of project (whichever is higher) is less than $6,416.00.
Any development of which the total cost or fair market value, whichever is higher, does not exceed five
thousand dollars, if such development does not materially interfere with the normal public use of the
water or shorelines of the state. For purposes of determining whether or not a permit is required, the
total cost or fair market value shall be based on the value of development that is occurring on shorelines
of the state as defined in RCW 90.58.030(3)(e). The total cost or fair market value of the development
shall include the fair market value of any donated, contributed or found labor, equipment or materials;
3 Normal maintenance or repair of existing structures or developments.
Normal maintenance or repair of existing structures or developments, including damage by accident, fire
or elements. "Normal maintenance" includes those usual acts to prevent a decline, lapse, or cessation
from a lawfully established condition. "Normal repair" means to restore a development to a state
comparable to its original condition, including but not limited to its size, shape, configuration, location
and external appearance, within a reasonable period after decay or partial destruction, except where
repair causes substantial adverse effects to shoreline resource or environment. Replacement of a
structure or development may be authorized as repair where such replacement is the common method
of repair for the type of structure or development and the replacement structure or development is
comparable to the original structure or development including but not limited to its size, shape,
configuration, location and external appearance and the replacement does not cause substantial
adverse effects to shoreline resources or environment;
4 Emergency construction necessary to protect property from damage by the elements.
Emergency construction necessary to protect property from damage by the elements. An "emergency"
is an unanticipated and imminent threat to public health, safety, or the environment which requires
immediate action within a time too short to allow full compliance with this chapter. Emergency
construction does not include development of new permanent protective structures where none
previously existed. Where new protective structures are deemed by th e administrator to be the
appropriate means to address the emergency situation, upon abatement of the emergency situation the
new structure shall be removed or any permit which would have been required, ab sent an emergency,
pursuant to Chapter 90.58 RCW, these regulations, or the local master program, obtained. All
emergency construction shall be consistent with the policies of Chapter 90.58 RCW and the local master
program. As a general matter, flooding or other seasonal events that can be anticipated and may occur
but that are not imminent are not an emergency;
5 Normal agricultural construction and practices.
Construction and practices normal or necessary for farming, irrigation, and ranching activities, including
agricultural service roads and utilities on shorelands, construction of a barn or similar agricultural
structure, and the construction and maintenance of irrigation structures including but not limited to
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head gates, pumping facilities, and irrigation channels: Provided, That a feedlot of any si ze, all processing
plants, other activities of a commercial nature, alteration of the contour of the shorelands by leveling or
filling other than that which results from normal cultivation, shall not be considered normal or necessary
farming or ranching activities. A feedlot shall be an enclosure or facility used or capable of being used for
feeding livestock hay, grain, silage, or other livestock feed, but shall not include land for growing crops
or vegetation for livestock feeding and/or grazing, nor shall it include normal livestock wintering
operations;
6 Construction of a single-family residence for use by owner or owner’s family.
Construction on shorelands by an owner, lessee or contract purchaser of a single -family residence for
their own use or for the use of their family, which residence does not exceed a height of thirty-five feet
above average grade level and which meets all requirements of the state agency or local government
having jurisdiction thereof. "Single-family residence" means a detached dwelling designed for and
occupied by one family including those structures and developments within a contiguous ownership
which are a normal appurtenance. An "appurtenance" is necessarily connected to the use and
enjoyment of a single-family residence and is located landward of the ordinary high water mark and the
perimeter of a wetland. On a statewide basis, normal appurtenances include a garage; deck; driveway;
utilities; fences; installation of a septic tank and drainfield and grading which does not ex ceed two
hundred fifty cubic yards and which does not involve placement of fill in any wetland or waterward of
the ordinary high water mark. Local circumstances may dictate additional interpretations of normal
appurtenances which shall be set forth and regulated within the applicable master program.
Construction authorized under this exemption shall be located landward of the ordinary high water
mark;
7 Construction of a private dock for non-commercial use by property owner(s).
Construction of a dock, including a community dock, designed for pleasure craft only, for the private
noncommercial use of the owners, lessee, or contract purchaser of a single-family and multiple-family
residences. This exception applies if the fair market value of the dock does not exceed ten thousand
dollars ($10,000); however, if subsequent construction having a fair market value exceeding two
thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) occurs within five (5) years of completion of the prior
construction, the subsequent construction shall be considered a substantial development permit; and a
dock is a landing and moorage facility for watercraft and does not include recreational decks, storage
facilities or other appurtenances;
8 Construction or modification authorized by Coast Guard or designated authority.
Construction or modification, by or under the authority of the Coast Guard or a designated port
management authority, of navigational aids such as channel markers and anchor buoys;
9 Operation, maintenance, or construction related to irrigation.
Operation, maintenance, or construction of canals, waterways, drains, reservoirs, or other facilities that
now exist or are hereafter created or developed as a part of an irrigation system for the primary purpose
of making use of system waters, including return flow and artificially stored ground water from the
irrigation of lands;
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10 Marking of property lines or corners on state-owned lands.
The marking of property lines or corners on state-owned lands, when such marking does not significantly
interfere with normal public use of the surface of the water;
11 Operation and maintenance of agricultural drainage and diking facilities.
Operation and maintenance of any system of dikes, ditches, drains, or other facilities existing on June 4,
1975, which were created, developed or utilized primarily as a part of an agricultural drainage or diking
system;
12 Site activities necessary for preparation of application for development authorization.
Site exploration and investigation activities that are prerequisite to preparation of an application for
development authorization under this chapter, if:
(i) The activity does not interfere with the normal public use of the surface waters;
(ii) The activity will have no significant adverse impact on the environment including but not
limited to fish, wildlife, fish or wildlife habitat, water quality, and aesthetic values;
(iii) The activity does not involve the installation of any structure, and upon completion of the
activity the vegetation and land configuration of the site are restored to conditions
existing before the activity;
(iv) A private entity seeking development authorization under this section first posts a
performance bond or provides other evidence of financial responsibility to the local
jurisdiction to ensure that the site is restored to preexisting conditions; and
The activity is not subject to the permit requirements of Chapter 90.58.550 RCW;
13 Removing or controlling aquatic noxious weeds
The process of removing or controlling aquatic noxious weeds, as defined in Chapter 17.26.020 RCW,
through the use of an herbicide or other treatment methods applicable to weed control that are
recommended by a final environmental impact statement published by the department of agriculture or
the department of ecology jointly with other state agencies under Chapter 43.21C RCW;
14 Watershed restoration projects
Watershed restoration projects as defined herein. Local government shall review the projects for
consistency with the shoreline master program in an expeditious manner and sha ll issue its decision
along with any conditions within forty-five days of receiving all materials necessary to review the
request for exemption from the applicant. No fee may be charged for accepting and processing requests
for exemption for watershed restoration projects as used in this section.
(i) "Watershed restoration project" means a public or private project authorized by the
sponsor of a watershed restoration plan that implements the plan or a part of the plan
and consists of one or more of the following activities:
(A) A project that involves less than ten miles of streamreach, in which less than twenty -
five cubic yards of sand, gravel, or soil is removed, imported, disturbed or discharged,
and in which no existing vegetation is removed except as minimally necessary to
facilitate additional plantings;
(B) A project for the restoration of an eroded or unstable stream bank that employs the
principles of bioengineering, including limited use of rock as a stabilization only at the
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toe of the bank, and with primary emphasis on using native vegetation to control the
erosive forces of flowing water; or
(C) A project primarily designed to improve fish and wildlife habitat, remove or reduce
impediments to migration of fish, or enhance the fishery resource available for use by
all of the citizens of the state, provided that any structure, other than a bridge or
culvert or instream habitat enhancement structure associated with the project, is less
than two hundred square feet in floor area and is located above the ordinary high
water mark of the stream.
(ii) "Watershed restoration plan" means a plan, developed or sponsored by the department
of fish and wildlife, the department of ecology, the department of natural resources, the
department of transportation, a federally recognized Ind ian tribe acting within and
pursuant to its authority, a city, a county, or a conservation district that provides a
general program and implementation measures or actions for the preservation,
restoration, re-creation, or enhancement of the natural resources, character, and ecology
of a stream, stream segment, drainage area, or watershed for which agency and public
review has been conducted pursuant to RCW Chapter 43.21C, the State Environmental
Policy Act;
15 Projects intended to improve fish or wildlife habitat or fish passage.
A public or private project, the primary purpose of which is to improve fish or wildlife habitat or fish
passage, when all of the following apply:
(i) The project has been approved in writing by the department of fish and wildlife as
necessary for the improvement of the habitat or passage and appropriately designed and
sited to accomplish the intended purpose;
(ii) The project has received hydraulic project approval by the department of fish and wildlife
pursuant to RCW Chapter 75.20; and
(iii) The local government has determined that the project is consistent with the local
shoreline master program. The local government shall make such determination in a
timely manner and provide it by letter to the project proponent.
16 Hazardous substance remediation pursuant to WAC 173-27-040.
17 Projects on lands not subject to shoreline jurisdiction prior to restoration.