HomeMy WebLinkAboutD_Conditional Use Permit Staff Report_181005.pdfDEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
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D_Conditional Use Permit Staff Report_181005
A. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT & DECISION
Decision: APPROVED APPROVED SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS DENIED
Report Date: October 5, 2018
Project File Number: PR18-000170
Project Name: SEA Mill Verizon Conditional Use Permit
Land Use File Number: LUA18-000241, CU-A
Project Manager: Alex Morganroth, Associate Planner
Owner: 304 Main Street Association, PO Box 4248, Renton, WA 98057
Applicant: Verizon Wireless, 3245 158th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98008
Contact: Becky Todd, MD7, 9725 3rd Ave NE, Ste 410, Seattle, WA 98115
Project Location: 304 Main Ave S, Renton, WA 98057
Project Summary: The applicant is requesting an Administrative Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to install
a new facade-mounted, camouflaged wireless communication facility (WCF) on the
existing three-story commercial structure located at 304 Main Ave S (APN
7231500720). The subject site is 24,704 sq. ft. (0.57 acres) and is located in the
Commercial Downtown (CD) zoning district in addition to three overlay districts: City
Center Sign Regulation Area, Urban Design District A, and the Downtown Business
District. The proposed WCF would include panels for four sectors, one on each
facade, with a total of two antennas and four Remote Radio Units per sector. A 150
sq. ft. screened cabinet enclosure would be located on the ground near the northern
corner of the structure and would house various equipment related to the WCF. The
antennas in each of the four sectors would be located behind shrouds mounted to
the exterior walls of the building and designed to match the color and architectural
style of the existing structure. The proposed antennas would connect to the
equipment cabinet via cabling installed in a covered case on the exterior of the
structure. Critical areas are mapped on the project site and include protected slopes
(>40%), sensitive slopes (25-40%), a high seismic hazard, and the Wellhead
Protection Area Zone 1. The applicant has not proposed the removal of any trees, but
minor vegetation removal may be required near the proposed location of the
equipment cabinet. The proposal includes approximately 150 sq. ft. of new
impervious surface, but no building coverage increase.
Site Area: 0.57 acres
DocuSign Envelope ID: 429DF61B-37AA-4BA4-8A3D-A415E5D3FDDA
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
SEA Mill Verizon Conditional Use Permit
Administrative Report & Decision
LUA18-000241, CU-A
Report of October 5, 2018 Page 2 of 12
D_Conditional Use Permit Staff Report_181005
B. EXHIBITS:
Exhibit 1: Administrative Decision
Exhibit 2: Site Plan
Exhibit 3: Photo Simulations
Exhibit 4: RF/RS Documentation
C. GENERAL INFORMATION:
1. Owner(s) of Record: 304 Main Street Association
PO Box 4248, Renton, WA 98057
2. Zoning Classification: Center Downtown (CD)
Urban Design District A Overlay
City Center Sign Regulation Area Overlay
Downtown Business District Overlay
3. Comprehensive Plan Land Use Designation: Commercial Mixed Use (CMU)
4. Existing Site Use: Office
5. Critical Areas: Protected slopes (>40%), Sensitive slopes (25-40%), a
High Seismic Hazard, and the Wellhead Protection Area
Zone 1.
6. Neighborhood Characteristics:
a. North: Center Downtown (CD) Zoning District and Urban Design District A Overlay, Social
Services Organization
b. East: I-405 Right-of-Way (ROW)
c. South: Center Downtown (CD) Zoning District and Urban Design District A Overlay, Auto
Collision Center
d. West: Center Downtown (CD) Zoning District and Urban Design District A Overlay, Sewing
Machine Service
7. Site Area: 0.57 acres
D. HISTORICAL/BACKGROUND:
Action Land Use File No. Ordinance No. Date
Comprehensive Plan N/A 5758 06/22/2015
Zoning N/A 5758 06/22/2015
Incorporation N/A 0 09/06/1901
E. PUBLIC SERVICES:
1. Existing Utilities
DocuSign Envelope ID: 429DF61B-37AA-4BA4-8A3D-A415E5D3FDDA
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
SEA Mill Verizon Conditional Use Permit
Administrative Report & Decision
LUA18-000241, CU-A
Report of October 5, 2018 Page 3 of 12
D_Conditional Use Permit Staff Report_181005
a. Water: Water service is provided to the existing structure by the City of Renton. There are existing
water mains in Main Ave S and S 3rd St.
b. Sewer: Sewer service is provided to the existing structure by the City of Renton. There is an existing
sewer main in Main Ave S and S 3rd St.
c. Surface/Storm Water: There are public stormwater mains in front of the site in both Main Ave S and
S 3rd St right-of-way (ROW).
2. Streets: Access to the site is provided via driveways off of S 3rd St and Main Ave S. Both streets are
classified as State Highways (Hwy 515 and Hwy 900). There are sidewalks located along the entire
frontage of the project site.
3. Fire Protection: Renton Regional Fire Authority (RRFA)
F. APPLICABLE SECTIONS OF THE RENTON MUNICIPAL CODE:
1. Chapter 2 Land Use Districts
a. Section 4-2-020: Purpose and Intent of Zoning Districts
b. Section 4-2-060: Zoning Use Table – Uses Allowed in Zoning Designations
2. Chapter 3 Environmental Regulations and Overlay Districts
a. Section 4-3-050: Critical Area Regulations
3. Chapter 4 City-Wide Property Development Standards
a. Section 4-4-140: Wireless Communications Facilities Regulations
4. Chapter 9 Permits
a. Section 4-9-030: Conditional Use Permit
5. Chapter 11 Definitions
G. APPLICABLE SECTIONS OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN:
1. Land Use Element
2. Utilities Element
H. FINDINGS OF FACT (FOF):
1. The applicant, Verizon Wireless, is requesting an Administrative Conditional Use Permit for the
installation of a camouflaged Wireless Communications Facility on an existing office building.
2. The Planning Division of the City of Renton accepted the above master application for review and
determined the application complete on April 11, 2018. The project went on hold on May 17, 2018 and
taken off-hold on September 10, 2018. The project complies with the 120-day review period.
3. The project site is located at 304 Main Ave S (Parcel #7231500720).
4. One three-story commercial building and the associated surface parking is located on the site.
5. Access to the site is provided via driveways off of Main Ave S and S 3rd St.
6. The property is located within the Commercial Mixed Use (CMU) land use designation.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 429DF61B-37AA-4BA4-8A3D-A415E5D3FDDA
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
SEA Mill Verizon Conditional Use Permit
Administrative Report & Decision
LUA18-000241, CU-A
Report of October 5, 2018 Page 4 of 12
D_Conditional Use Permit Staff Report_181005
7. The site is located within the Center Downtown (CD) zoning classification and Urban Design District A
Overlay.
8. The majority of the site consists of impervious surface, including the existing building and associated
parking.
9. The applicant has proposed retaining all trees on the sites.
10. The site is mapped with a high seismic hazard, protected slopes, sensistive slopes, and a Wellhead
Protection Area Zone 1.
11. No grading is proposed on site.
12. The applicant is proposing to construct the wireless communications facility in the spring of 2019.
13. Staff did not receive any public or agency comments.
14. Representatives from various city departments have reviewed the application materials to identify and
address issues raised by the proposed development. These comments are contained in the official file,
and the essence of the comments has been incorporated into the appropriate sections of this report and
the Departmental Recommendation at the end of this report.
15. Comprehensive Plan Compliance: The site is designate Commercial Mixed Use on the Comprehensive
Plan Land Use Map. The intention of the CMU designation is to transform strip commercial development
into business districts through the intensification of uses and with cohesive site planning, landscaping,
signage, circulation, parking, and the provision of public amenity features. The proposal is compliant with
the following Comprehensive Plan Goals and Policies if all conditions of approval are met:
Compliance Comprehensive Plan Analysis
Compliant if
condition of
approval
under FOF
18.a is met
Policy U‐79. Require that the siting and location of telecommunications facilities be
accomplished in a manner that minimizes adverse impacts on the environment and
adjacent land uses.
Staff Comment: See analysis below under FOF 18.a CUP. If conditions of the CUP are
met the proposed concealed WCF would meet the policy objective.
Compliant if
condition of
approval
under FOF
18.a is met
Policy U‐80. Require wireless communication structures and towers to be designed
and site to minimize aesthetic impacts and to be co-located on existing structures and
towers wherever possible.
Staff Comment: See analysis below under FOF 18.g CUP.
Goal L-P: Minimize adverse impacts to natural systems, and address impacts of past
practice where feasible, through leadership, policy, regulation, and regional
coordination.
Compliant if
condition of
approval
under FOF
18.a is met
Goal L-BB: Maintain a high quality of life as Renton grows by ensuring that new
development is designed to be functional and attractive.
Staff Comment: See analysis below under FOF 18.a CUP. If conditions of the CUP are
met the proposed concealed WCF would meet the policy objective.
Compliant if
condition of
approval
under FOF
18.a is met
Goal L-FF: Strengthen the visual identity of Renton and its Community Planning Areas
and neighborhoods through quality design and development.
Staff Comment: See analysis below under FOF 18.a CUP. If conditions of the CUP are
met the proposed concealed WCF would meet the policy objective.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 429DF61B-37AA-4BA4-8A3D-A415E5D3FDDA
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
SEA Mill Verizon Conditional Use Permit
Administrative Report & Decision
LUA18-000241, CU-A
Report of October 5, 2018 Page 5 of 12
D_Conditional Use Permit Staff Report_181005
Compliant if
condition of
approval
under FOF
18.a is met
Policy L-55: Protect public scenic views and public view corridors, including Renton’s
physical, visual and perceptual linkages to Lake Washington and the Cedar River.
Staff Comment: See analysis below under FOF 18.a CUP. If conditions of the CUP are
met the proposed stealth tower would meet the policy objective.
16. Zoning Development Standard Compliance: The site is located in the Center Downtown (CD) zoning
district and the Urban Design District A on the City’s Zoning Map. Land with the CD zoning designation is
intended provide a mixed-use urban commercial center serving a regional market as well as high-density
residential development. Uses include a wide variety of retail sales, services, multi-family residential
dwellings, and recreation and entertainment uses. The purpose of the design requirements in Urban
Design District A is to encourage high-quality, pedestrian-scale structures in areas zoned Center
Downtown (CD). Although the design requirements for structures in Urban Design District A are not
applicable to Wireless Communication Facilities (WCFs), the design and siting of new towers or
equipment should be compatible with the goals and overall intent of the design regulations. All new WCFs
are required to meet the standards and requirements in RMC 4-4-140 in lieu of the typical development
standards based on zoning designation.
Compliance Wireless Communication Facility Standards Analysis
Compliant if
conditions of
approval are
met
a. Equipment Shelters/Cabinets:
Location - Equipment shelters and cabinets used to house related equipment should
be located within buildings or placed underground, unless it is infeasible.
Screening - Equipment shelters and cabinets shall be surrounded by a fifteen foot
(15') wide sight obscuring landscape buffer around the outside perimeter of required
security fencing with a minimum height that is no less than the height of the
compound fence at any point. Existing topography, vegetation and other site
characteristics may provide relief from the screening requirement
Size - The applicant shall provide documentation that the size of any equipment
shelters or cabinets is the minimum necessary to meet the provider’s service needs.
Generators –
i. Architectural integration is required (if applicable).
ii. To the extent feasible, generators shall be enclosed along with the related
equipment. Similar to equipment shelters, the screening for the generator
shall utilize similar building materials, colors, accents, and textures as the
primary building; if no buildings exist on site, ensure that the building is
designed to blend in with the environment.
iii. A screening wall and/or landscaping material shall be required to mitigate
visual impacts.
iv. Fences shall be constructed of materials that complement and blend in with
the surroundings.
v. Anti-graffiti finish shall be applied to all solid fences, walls, and gates.
vi. A noise analysis shall be required to demonstrate that the generator will
operate within allowed noise limits if the generator is the sole power source.
Staff Comment: The associated cabinet equipment would be located in a proposed
enclosure to be constructed at grade along the northeast facade facing S 3rd St. The size
DocuSign Envelope ID: 429DF61B-37AA-4BA4-8A3D-A415E5D3FDDA
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
SEA Mill Verizon Conditional Use Permit
Administrative Report & Decision
LUA18-000241, CU-A
Report of October 5, 2018 Page 6 of 12
D_Conditional Use Permit Staff Report_181005
of the cabinet would be approximately 150 sq. ft. and would incorporate screening that
matches the paint, siding type, and architectural finishes on the commercial structure.
The applicant noted that the cabling used to connect the interior equipment with the
roof-mounted antennas would be located on the roof and would not be visible from the
ground. However, they did not disclose how the section of cabling running between the
roof and the ground equipment would be installed. Therefore, staff recommends as a
condition of the approval that the applicant submit plans showing the location and
method of installation for the exterior cabling to the Current Planning Project Manager
for approval prior to building permit issuance. In addition, due to the proximity of the
proposed cabinet to the right-of-way (ROW) and potential visual impact to the north
facade, staff recommends as a condition of approval that the applicant provide samples
of the materials proposed for the screening to the Current Planning Project Manager
for approval prior to building permit issuance.
b. Maximum Height: The maximum building height permitted in the CD zone is 95 feet.
The maximum height of wireless communication facilities is governed by RMC 4-4-
140F, which limits the height of concealed and/or camouflaged WCFs erected on a
rooftop to sixteen feet (16') above the allowed zone height.
Staff Comment: The maximum height above grade of the proposed concealed WCF is
40 feet. The proposal complies with the maximum height permitted in the CD zone.
Compliant if
conditions of
approval are
met
c. Visual Impact: RMC 4-4-140F.3 requires that site location and development preserve
the pre-existing character of the surrounding buildings and landscape to the extent
consistent with the function of the communications equipment. Towers shall be
integrated through location and design to blend in with the existing characteristics of
the site to the extent practical. Existing on-site vegetation shall be preserved or
improved, and disturbance of the existing topography shall be minimized, unless such
disturbance would result in less adverse visual impact to the surrounding area. Towers,
antennas and related equipment shall be uniformly painted a non-reflective neutral
color that best matches the colors within the immediately surrounding built and natural
landscape in order to reduce the contrast between the WCF and the landscape.
Staff Comment: The proposed design of the four antenna enclosures effectively
integrates the antennas and other equipment into the structure facades and creates a
negligible visual impact on the building and site as a whole. The four enclosures would
not extend above the existing parapet and would fully screen the proposed antennas.
Although the submitted photo simulations provided by the applicant indicate that the
front and sides will be adequately screened, it is unclear whether the enclosures include
a bottom plate that would ensure the equipment is not visible when viewed from below.
In order to ensure the enclosures adequately screen the equipment on all sides, staff
recommends as a condition of approval that the applicant provide the Current Planning
Project Manager with updated construction drawings demonstrating how the
enclosures would incorporate screening on the bottom of the four proposed antenna
enclosures.
Per the photo simulations provided by the applicant, the enclosure on the northeast side
of the structure (labeled “View 4” in Exhibit 3) is located at the midpoint of the facade
near the top of the parapet. As currently designed, the enclosure does not effectively
integrate into the building facade and does not match the scale of modulation proposed
on the other three facades. In order to lessen the visual impact and better match the
other three facades, staff recommends as a condition of approval the applicant shall
DocuSign Envelope ID: 429DF61B-37AA-4BA4-8A3D-A415E5D3FDDA
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
SEA Mill Verizon Conditional Use Permit
Administrative Report & Decision
LUA18-000241, CU-A
Report of October 5, 2018 Page 7 of 12
D_Conditional Use Permit Staff Report_181005
provide an updated photo simulation that shows a wider enclosure in order to lessen
the appendage-like appearance of the northeast facade’s enclosure. The updated photo
simulation shall be provided to the Current Planning Project Manager for review and
approval prior to building permit issuance.
N/A
d. Setbacks: RMC 4-4-140F.4 requires that towers be set back from each property line
by a distance equal to the tower height, unless an engineering analysis concludes that
a reduced setback is safe for abutting properties and the Administrator determines that
a reduced setback is appropriate for the site.
e. Maximum Noise Levels: RMC 4-4-140F.5 limits the noise of equipment associated
with Wireless Communication Facilities to forty five (45) decibels as measured from the
nearest property line on which the facility is located.
Staff Comment: The applicant has stated in their project narrative that they do not
anticipate any changes in the noise levels. If noise levels exceed the maximum decibel
limit, the applicant would be required to bring the proposed facility into compliance
with code.
e. Fencing: RMC 4-4-040 limits fences within commercial and industrial zoning to a
maximum height of 8 feet. In addition, RMC 4-4-140F.6 requires the installation of
security fencing coated with a non-reflective neutral fence.
Staff Comment: The screening proposed around the equipment area would have a
maximum height of 8 feet above grade and would therefore be compliant with the fence
standards in RMC 4-4-140F.6.
f. Lighting: RMC 4-4-140F.7 prohibits the artificial lighting of towers or antennas, unless
required by the FAA or other authority.
Staff Comment: No new lighting is proposed as a part of the camouflaged WCF project.
g. Advertising Prohibited: RMC 4-4-140F.8 prohibits the placement of advertising on
any part of the Wireless Communication Facility or associated equipment.
Staff Comment: The applicant has not proposed any type of advertising to be included
on the structure.
Compliance
not yet
demonstrated
h. Building Standards: RMC 4-4-140F.9 requires support structures to be constructed
so as to meet or exceed the most recent Electronic Industries
Association/Telecommunications Industries Association (EIA/TIA) 222 Revision G
Standard. Prior to issuance of a building permit the Building Official shall be provided
with an engineer’s certification that the support structure’s design meets or exceeds
those standards.
Staff Comment: The structural integrity of the proposed concealed WCF will be
evaluated via engineering analysis at the time of building permit application.
i. Radio Frequency Standards: RMC 4-4-140F.10 requires the applicant to ensure that
the Wireless Communication Facility will not cause localized interference with the
reception of area television or radio broadcasts.
Staff Comment: The applicant does not anticipate any interference with the reception
of the area television or radio broadcasts and would be required to immediately address
any interference issues should they be reported.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 429DF61B-37AA-4BA4-8A3D-A415E5D3FDDA
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
SEA Mill Verizon Conditional Use Permit
Administrative Report & Decision
LUA18-000241, CU-A
Report of October 5, 2018 Page 8 of 12
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j. Camouflaged Wireless Communication Facility Standards: RMC 4-4-140 requires
camouflaged facilities to meet minimum standards that effectively disguise the
antennas and related equipment.
1. Architectural Integration: Antennas may be mounted to a building if the antennas do
not interrupt the building’s architectural theme.
a. When feasible, camouflaged WCFs shall employ a symmetrical, balanced
design for all facade-mounted antennas. For multiple deployments on one
structure, subsequent applications will be required to provide for consistent
design, architectural treatment and symmetry in placing antennas on the
structure’s exterior with any existing WCFs on the same side of the structure.
b. When feasible, interruption of architectural lines or horizontal or vertical
reveals is prohibited.
2. Materials:
a. Mounting Hardware: Utilize the smallest mounting brackets necessary in order
to provide the smallest offset from the building.
b. Concealment: Utilize skirts or shrouds on the sides and bottoms of antennas
in order to conceal mounting hardware, create a cleaner appearance, and
minimize the visual impact of the antennas. Exposed cabling is prohibited.
c. Paint: Paint and texture antennas to match the adjacent building surfaces.
3. Antennas:
a. Antennas shall be no longer or wider than the facade on which they are
proposed.
b. When panel antennas are unscreened, they shall be mounted no more than
twelve inches (12") from the building facade.
c. No exposed mounting apparatus shall remain on a building facade without the
associated antennas.
4. Residential Buildings: Wireless communication facilities shall not be located on
residential buildings except for multi-family structures constructed pursuant to the
International Building Code as an occupancy group R-2, which may serve as a support
structure if the interior wall or ceiling immediately abutting the facility is an unoccupied
residential space (e.g., stairwells, elevator shafts, mechanical rooms, etc.).
Staff Comment: The antennas associated with the proposed WCF would be fully
screened behind RF-porous panels made of materials identical to those used on the
exterior of the existing building. The four rectangular enclosures on each of the four
building facades, all associated cabinet equipment, would be screened and integrated
into the existing building facade. No equipment would not be visible from the outside
of the building. See FOF 18 below for analysis related to the concealed WCF.
17. Critical Areas: Project sites which contain critical areas are required to comply with the Critical Areas
Regulations (RMC 4-3-050). The proposal is consistent with the Critical Areas Regulations, if all conditions
of approval are complied with (delete those critical areas that are not located on or near the site):
DocuSign Envelope ID: 429DF61B-37AA-4BA4-8A3D-A415E5D3FDDA
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
SEA Mill Verizon Conditional Use Permit
Administrative Report & Decision
LUA18-000241, CU-A
Report of October 5, 2018 Page 9 of 12
D_Conditional Use Permit Staff Report_181005
Compliance Critical Areas Analysis
Geologically Hazardous Areas: Based upon the results of a geotechnical report and/or
independent review, conditions of approval for developments may include buffers
and/or setbacks from buffers. A standard 15-foot building setback is required for all
structures from Protected Slope areas.
A 50-foot buffer and 15-foot building setback are required from Very High Landslide
Hazard Areas.
Staff Comment: The proposed WCF would be located within a High Seismic Hazard area.
A geotechnical report was waived as part of the land use submittal application.
However, a geotechnical report may be required as part of the building permit
submittal at the discretion of the Building Official. No equipment would be located on
or near the sensitive or protected slopes on the east side of the site.
Wellhead Protection Area: If any fill is proposed on the site, the applicant shall provide
a fill statement indicating the source and type of the fill material.
18. Conditional Use Analysis: In lieu of the criteria normally evaluated for Conditional Use Permits, the
following criteria (RMC 4-9-030E) will be considered in determining whether to issue a Conditional Use
Permit for a Wireless Communication Facility (WCF).
Compliance Conditional Use Analysis for Wireless Facilities
Compliant if
condition of
approval is
met
a. Height and Design of the Proposed Tower: The height of the proposed tower and/or
antenna as well as incorporation of design characteristics that have the effect of
reducing or eliminating visual obtrusiveness.
Staff Comment: The proposed design of the screening for camouflaged WCF antennas,
which would match the paint, texture, and geometry of the existing structure facade,
would not appear visually out-of-place and or create a negative visual impact on the
building or site as a whole, if all conditions of approval are met. All facade-mounted
equipment would be fully screened by RF-porous panels and the associated cabinet
equipment would be located inside of 8-foot tall screening area to be integrated into
the side of the existing building. The four enclosures would not extend above the
parapet and vary in size.
The existing buildings architecture includes a number of both vertical and horizontal
facade modulations. Although visible from Park Ave N, the screening structures would
not look out of place as they have been integrated into the existing architecture in both
form and material choice. The applicant has proposed matching the aesthetic look of
building facade with both the antenna and ground equipment screening. Detailed
information on the screening wall material and color was not provided to staff at the
application submittal. In order to ensure that the enclosures adequately match the
architectural and style of the existing building, staff recommends as a condition of
approval that the applicant provide detailed information on the screening color and
materials to the Current Planning Project Manager for review and approval prior to
building permit issuance.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 429DF61B-37AA-4BA4-8A3D-A415E5D3FDDA
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
SEA Mill Verizon Conditional Use Permit
Administrative Report & Decision
LUA18-000241, CU-A
Report of October 5, 2018 Page 10 of 12
D_Conditional Use Permit Staff Report_181005
b. Proximity of The Tower to Residential Structures And Residential District
Boundaries: The nature of uses on adjacent and nearby properties and the proximity
of the tower and/or antenna to residential structures and residential district
boundaries.
Staff Comment: No residential districts or structures are located near to the proposed
project. The nearest residential use is a mixed use building (Second and Main
Apartments) located approximately one block north of the project site. The visual
impact of the antenna and equipment screening would be limited and is unlikely to be
noticeable when viewed from the nearest apartment approximately 600 feet away.
Single-family residential uses are also located approximately 700 feet to the west on
the other side of I-405. Due to the difference in grade between east and west sides of
the highway, the screened WCF equipment would have a minimal visual impact if
visible at all. Therefore, the WCF would not have a negative impact on any residential
uses in the nearby area.
c. Nature of Uses On Adjacent and Nearby Properties: The nature of uses on adjacent
and nearby properties. The proposed use at the proposed location shall not result in
substantial or undue adverse effects on adjacent property.
Staff Comment: The proposed WCF is located on the perimeter of the core downtown
area that includes a variety of building and architectural styles. The addition of the
camouflaged WCF enclosures that are visually compatible with underlying structure
would not result in adverse effects on any adjacent properties.
d. Topography and Vegetation: The surrounding topography and tree canopy
coverage.
Staff Comment: No significant clearing or grading is proposed as a result of this project.
The only area of potential vegetative impact is in the location of the ground equipment,
which could result in a 12-foot by 10-foot area of impact. There are existing significant
trees located on the project site that would not be affected as a result of the proposed
project.
e. Ingress/Egress: Vehicular access to the project site would be provided via existing
driveways off of S 3rd St and Main Ave S. No changes are proposed to the existing
vehicular access to the project site.
f. Impacts: The potential noise, light, glare, and visual impacts.
Staff Comment: The impacts of light, glare, and noise are not anticipated to be above
what would be permitted in the CD zone. See FOF 16 for additional analysis.
g. Colocation Feasibility: The availability of suitable existing towers and other
structures to accommodate the proposal.
Staff Comment: The applicant submitted satisfactory evidence that no existing tower or
support structure can accommodate the proposed equipment relocation. A lack of
existing towers in the Renton downtown area have led to a number of new proposals
from Verizon and other providers for new WCFs in the area. Due to the existing zoning
in the downtown area, monopoles are generally not feasible and therefore colocation
is not easily accomplished.
j. Consistency With Plans And Regulations: The compatibility with the general
purpose, goals, objectives and standards of the Comprehensive Plan, this Title, and any
other City plan, program, map or ordinance.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 429DF61B-37AA-4BA4-8A3D-A415E5D3FDDA
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
SEA Mill Verizon Conditional Use Permit
Administrative Report & Decision
LUA18-000241, CU-A
Report of October 5, 2018 Page 11 of 12
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Staff Comment: As previously discussed above under FOF 15 and 16 the proposed
installation of the proposed concealed WCF is consistent with the City’s adopted
Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and RMC 4-4-140 Wireless Communication
Facilities regulations provided the conditions of approval is complied with.
k. Landscaping: Additional landscaping may be required to buffer adjacent properties
from potentially adverse effects of the proposed use.
Staff Comment: All cabinet equipment would screened by a wall designed to match, in
color and material, the existing facade. Due to the placement of the antennas on the
building facade, additional landscaping would not provide any buffer to adjacent
properties. The proposed cabinet equipment screen would be sufficient to screen the
new ground related cabinet from adjacent properties and adverse effects of the
proposed use, no new landscaping would be necessary.
I. CONCLUSIONS:
1. The subject site is located in the Commercial Mixed Use Comprehensive Plan designation and complies
with the goals and policies established with this designation if conditions of approval are met, see FOF
15.
2. The subject site is located in the Center Downtown (CD) zoning designation and complies with the zoning
and development standards established with this designation provided the applicant complies with City
Code and conditions of approval, see FOF 16.
3. The proposed concealed WCF meets the nine (9) development standards that apply specifically to new
Wireless Communication Facilities, provided the applicant meets all conditions of approval, see FOF 16.
4. The proposed concealed wireless communication facility complies with the Critical Areas Regulations
provided the applicant complies with City Code and conditions of approval, see FOF 17.
5. The proposed concealed wireless communication facility meets the nine special decision criteria
considered when making a decision on a conditional use permit request for a Wireless Communications
Facility, as specified in RMC 4-9-030E, provided the applicant meets all conditions of approval, see FOF
18.h
J. DECISION:
The SEA Mill Verizon Conditional Use Permit, File No. LUA18-000241, CU-A, as depicted in Exhibits 2 and 3, is
approved and is subject to the following conditions:
1. The applicant shall submit plans showing the location and method of installation for the exterior cabling
to ensure design compatibility with the existing building. These plans shall be submitted to the Current
Planning Project Manager for review and approval prior to building permit issuance.
2. The applicant shall submit samples of the materials proposed for the cabinet screening to ensure the
materials are consistent with the building siding materials and color. These samples shall be submitted
to the Current Planning Project Manager for approval prior to building permit issuance.
3. The applicant shall provide the Current Planning Project Manager with updated construction drawings
demonstrating how the enclosures would incorporate screening on the bottom of the four proposed
antenna enclosures. These design of the enclosure bottoms shall be reviewed and approved by the
Current Planning Project Manager prior to building permit issuance.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 429DF61B-37AA-4BA4-8A3D-A415E5D3FDDA
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
SEA Mill Verizon Conditional Use Permit
Administrative Report & Decision
LUA18-000241, CU-A
Report of October 5, 2018 Page 12 of 12
D_Conditional Use Permit Staff Report_181005
4. The applicant shall provide an updated photo simulation utilizing a wider enclosure on the northeast
facade or alternative deigns to further integrate the antenna into the building form. The new enclosure
design shall be submitted for review and approval by the Current Planning Project Manager prior to
building permit issuance.
DATE OF DECISION ON LAND USE ACTION:
SIGNATURE:
_____________
Jennifer Henning, Planning Director Date
TRANSMITTED this 5th day of October, 2018 to the Owner/Applicant/Contact:
Owner: Applicant: Contact:
304 Main Street Association
PO Box 4248
Renton, WA 98057
Verizon Wireless
3245 158th Ave SE
Bellevue, WA 98008
Becky Todd, MD7
9725 3rd Ave NE, Ste 410
Seattle, WA 98115
TRANSMITTED this 5th day of October, 2018 to the Parties of Record:
No Parties of Record
TRANSMITTED this 5th day of October, 2018 to the following:
Chip Vincent, CED Administrator
Brianne Bannwarth, Development Engineering Manager
Lillian Watson, Property Services
Vanessa Dolbee, Current Planning Manager
Rick Marshall, Fire Marshal
K. LAND USE ACTION APPEALS, REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION, & EXPIRATION:
The administrative land use decision will become final if the decision is not appealed within 14 days of the
decision date.
APPEAL: This administrative land use decision will become final if not appealed in writing to the Hearing
Examiner on or before 5:00 PM on October 19th, 2018. An appeal of the decision must be filed within the 14-
day appeal period (RCW 43.21.C.075(3); WAC 197-11-680), together with the required fee to the Hearing
Examiner, City of Renton, 1055 South Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057. RMC 4-8-110.B governs appeals to the
Hearing Examiner and additional information regarding the appeal process may be obtained from the City
Clerk’s Office, (425) 430-6510.
EXPIRATION: The Conditional Use Permit decision will expire two (2) years from the date of decision. A single
two (2) year extension may be requested pursuant to RMC 4-9-030.
THE APPEARANCE OF FAIRNESS DOCTRINE: provides that no ex parte (private one-on-one) communications
may occur concerning the land use decision. The Doctrine applies not only to the initial decision, but to Appeals
to the Hearing Examiner as well. All communications after the decision/approval date must be made in writing
through the Hearing Examiner. All communications are public record and this permits all interested parties to
know the contents of the communication and would allow them to openly rebut the evidence in writing. Any
violation of this doctrine could result in the invalidation of the appeal by the Court.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 429DF61B-37AA-4BA4-8A3D-A415E5D3FDDA
10/5/2018 | 11:54 AM PDT
CITY OF RENTON
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT & DECISION
EXHIBITS
Project Name:
SEA Mill Verizon Conditional Use Permit
Land Use File Number:
LUA18-000241, CU-A
Date of Report
October 5, 2018
Staff Contact
Alex Morganroth
Associate Planner
Project Contact/Applicant
Becky Todd
MD7
9725 3rd Ave NE, Ste 410,
Seattle, WA 98115
Project Location
304 Main Ave S, Renton,
WA 98057
The following exhibits are included with the ERC report:
Exhibit 1: Administrative Decision
Exhibit 2: Site Plan
Exhibit 3: Photo Simulations
Exhibit 4: RF/RS Documentation
DocuSign Envelope ID: 429DF61B-37AA-4BA4-8A3D-A415E5D3FDDA
RECEIVED
04/10/2018
amorganroth
PLANNING DIVISION
Exhibit 2
DocuSign Envelope ID: 429DF61B-37AA-4BA4-8A3D-A415E5D3FDDA
S.R. 405HOUS
E
R
W
A
Y
S
S 3RD ST
MAIN AVE SD U N C A N S O N
Company, Inc.
145 SW 155th Street, Suite 102
Seattle, Washington 98166
Phone 206.244.4141
Fax 206.244.4455
10900 NE 8TH ST., SUITE 810
BELLEVUE, WA 98004
Tel: 425.451.1301 Fax: 425.451.1369
www.morrisonhershfield.com
verizon
X
SITE
RENTON
DocuSign Envelope ID: 429DF61B-37AA-4BA4-8A3D-A415E5D3FDDA
MAIN AVE SHOUS
E
R
W
A
Y
S
S.R. 405D U N C A N S O N
Company, Inc.
145 SW 155th Street, Suite 102
Seattle, Washington 98166
Phone 206.244.4141
Fax 206.244.4455
1 inch = ft.
(IN FEET)
GRAPHIC SCALE
1 inch = ft. (11x17 SHEET)
10
20
10900 NE 8TH ST., SUITE 810
BELLEVUE, WA 98004
Tel: 425.451.1301 Fax: 425.451.1369
www.morrisonhershfield.com
verizon
DocuSign Envelope ID: 429DF61B-37AA-4BA4-8A3D-A415E5D3FDDA
DocuSign Envelope ID: 429DF61B-37AA-4BA4-8A3D-A415E5D3FDDA
DocuSign Envelope ID: 429DF61B-37AA-4BA4-8A3D-A415E5D3FDDA
DocuSign Envelope ID: 429DF61B-37AA-4BA4-8A3D-A415E5D3FDDA
DocuSign Envelope ID: 429DF61B-37AA-4BA4-8A3D-A415E5D3FDDA
Exhibit 3
DocuSign Envelope ID: 429DF61B-37AA-4BA4-8A3D-A415E5D3FDDA
SEA MILL AVE
v3.0
VIEW 1
DocuSign Envelope ID: 429DF61B-37AA-4BA4-8A3D-A415E5D3FDDA
DocuSign Envelope ID: 429DF61B-37AA-4BA4-8A3D-A415E5D3FDDA
SEA MILL AVE
v3.0
VIEW 2
DocuSign Envelope ID: 429DF61B-37AA-4BA4-8A3D-A415E5D3FDDA
DocuSign Envelope ID: 429DF61B-37AA-4BA4-8A3D-A415E5D3FDDA
SEA MILL AVE
v3.0
VIEW 3
DocuSign Envelope ID: 429DF61B-37AA-4BA4-8A3D-A415E5D3FDDA
DocuSign Envelope ID: 429DF61B-37AA-4BA4-8A3D-A415E5D3FDDA
SEA MILL AVE
v3.0
VIEW 4
DocuSign Envelope ID: 429DF61B-37AA-4BA4-8A3D-A415E5D3FDDA
RECEIVED
04/10/2018
amorganroth
PLANNING DIVISION
Exhibit 4
DocuSign Envelope ID: 429DF61B-37AA-4BA4-8A3D-A415E5D3FDDA
DocuSign Envelope ID: 429DF61B-37AA-4BA4-8A3D-A415E5D3FDDA
DocuSign Envelope ID: 429DF61B-37AA-4BA4-8A3D-A415E5D3FDDA
DocuSign Envelope ID: 429DF61B-37AA-4BA4-8A3D-A415E5D3FDDA
DocuSign Envelope ID: 429DF61B-37AA-4BA4-8A3D-A415E5D3FDDA