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HomeMy WebLinkAbout16055-R-SEPA Checklist-2013-11-13 - SNPLANNING DIVISION ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST City of Renton Planning Division 1055 South Grady Way-Renton, WA 98057 Phone: 425-430-7200 Fax: 425-430-7231 PURPOSE OF CHECKLIST: The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), Chapter 43.21C RCW, requires all governmental agencies to consider the environmental impacts of a proposal before making decisions. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) must be prepared for all proposals with probable significant adverse impacts on the quality of the environment. The purpose of this checklist is to provide information to help you and the agency identify impacts from your proposal (and to reduce or avoid impacts from the proposal, if it can be done) and to help the agency decide whether an EIS is required. INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICANTS: This environmental checklist asks you to describe some basic information about your proposal. Governmental agencies use this checklist to determine whether the environmental impacts of your proposal are significant, requiring preparation of an EIS. Answer the questions briefly, with the most precise information known, or give the best description you can. You must answer each question accurately and carefully, to the best of your knowledge. In most cases, you should be able to answer the questions from your own observations or project plans without the need to hire experts. If you really do not know the answer, or if a question does not apply to your proposal, write "do not know" or "does not apply". Complete answers to the questions now may avoid unnecessary delays later. Some questions ask about governmental regulations, such as zoning, shoreline, and landmark designations. Answer these questions if you can. If you have problems, the governmental agencies can assist you. The checklist questions apply to all parts of your proposal, even if you plan to do them over a period of time or on different parcels of land. Attach any additional information that will help describe your proposal or its environmental effects. The agency to which you submit this checklist may ask you to explain your answers or provide additional information reasonably related to determining if there may be significant adverse impact. USE OF CHECKLIST FOR NONPROJECT PROPOSALS: Complete this checklist for nonproject proposals, even though questions may be answered "does not apply." IN ADDITION, complete the SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET FOR NONPROJECT ACTIONS (part 0). For nonproject actions (actions involving decisions on policies, plans and programs), the references in the checklist to the words "project," "applicant," and "property or site" should be read as "proposal," "proposer," and "affected geographic area," respectively. 16055.004.doc -1- 06/09 A. BACKGROUND 1. Name of proposed project, if applicable: Reserve at Tiffany Park. 2. Name of applicant: Henley USA LLC 3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person: Applicant Contact Agent Henley USA LLC Barbara Yarington Wayne Potter 11100 Main Street, Suite 100 (425) 709-6557 Novastar Development Inc. Bellevue, WA 98004 (425) 656-7435 4. Date checklist prepared: November 7, 2013 5. Agency requesting checklist: City of Renton 6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable): Clearing and road construction is likely to begin in late 2014 or early 2015. At this time, there are no plans to phase the project. 7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected with this proposal? If yes, explain. No. 8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared, directly related to this proposal. • Storm water Technical Information Report (TIR) prepared by Barghausen Consulting Engineers, Inc. dated November 2013 • Geotechnical Report prepared by Associated Earth Sciences dated September 28, 2012 • Transportation Impact Analysis (TIA) prepared by the Transpo Group dated November 2013 • Wetland Determination Report prepared by C. Gary Schulz Wetland/Forest Ecologist dated October 30, 2013 • Tree Protection Plan and Report prepared by Washington Forestry Consultants, Inc. dated November 13, 2013 9. Do you know whether applications are pending for governmental approvals of other proposals directly affecting the property covered by your proposal? If yes, explain. No. 16055.004 doc - 2 - 06/09 10. List any governmental approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known. • Preliminary Plat approval • Construction plan approvals (water, sewer, roads, storm, and grading) • Final plat approval • Department of Natural Resources Forest Practice Permit • Department of Ecology NPDES Permit • Building Permits for residential homes • Residential design standards review • Private agreements to cross Seattle City Light pipeline right-of-way (roadway and water) 11. Give brief, complete description of your proposal, including the proposed uses and the size of the project and site. The project involves the subdivision of approximately 21.7 acres of land encompassing four tax parcels into 98 single-family detached homes. As part of this development there are three sensitive area/open space tracts consisting of approximately 2.8 acres (or 13 percent of the site) which have been set aside to preserve existing wetlands and significant trees. There will be approximately 3,700 linear feet of public roadway (with utilities) constructed to serve the proposed lots. 12. Location of the proposal. Give sufficient information for a person to understand the precise location of your proposed project, including a street address, if any, and section, township, and range if known. If a proposal would occur over a range of area, provide the range or boundaries of the site(s). Provide a legal description, site plan, vicinity map, and topographic map, if reasonably available. While you should submit any plans required by the agency, you are not required to duplicate maps or detailed plans submitted with any permit applications related to this checklist. The subject property is located in Section 21-23-05 and approximately 1/10 of a mile southeast of Tiffany Park Elementary School. Access to the property is from S.E. 18th Street and 124th Place S.E. (if extended). For the exact location please reference the attached Vicinity Map. 16055.004.doc - 3 - 06/09 REFERENCE: Thomas Guide (2006) Vertical: N/A 18215 72ND AVENUE SOUTH KENT, WA 98032 (425) 251-6222 (425) 251-8782 CIVIL ENGINEERING, LAND PLANNING, SURVEYING, ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES For: Reserve at Tiffany Park Renton, Washington Title: VICINITY MAP Scale: 16055 DATE: 11/04/13 Horizontal; N,T.S. Job Number P:116000s1160551exhIbitIgraphics116055 vmap.cdr B. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS 1. EARTH a. General description of the site (circle one); mountainous, other flat , Lolling, hilly , steep slopes, b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope?) The project site has an average slope between 10 and 15 percent; however, there is an isolated area with a 25 percent slope. c. What general types of soils are found on the site (for example, clay, sand, gravel, peat, muck)? If you know the classification of agricultural soils, specify them and note any prime farmland. Please reference the soils report prepared by Associated Earth Sciences, Inc. d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so, describe. No. e. Describe the purpose, type, and approximate quantities of any filling or grading proposed. Indicate source of fill. A preliminary grading plan has been prepared for this project and a copy has been attached. Based on this plan, we anticipate that the on-site structural grading to balance is approximately 95,000 cubic yards of cut and fill. The on-site strippings (topsoil) is estimated at 22,000 cubic yards and will either be spread on the finished lots and/or exported off site. At this time no import or export of material is expected. Some additional grading will occur on a lot by lot basis during the home construction phase. f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe. No. Minor (and temporary) soil erosion could occur as a result of the site clearing excavation and grading. However, as required by City Code, a Temporary Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan (TESCP) will be prepared and implemented. Additionally, erosion control Best Management Practices (BMPs) will be provided (i.e., straw mulch, silt fences, rock check dams, etc.). g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)? The total on-site impervious surface (roadways) will be approximately 4.65 acres (or 21%) of the site area (21.7 acres). Based on a maximum impervious area per lot of 75 percent, we have estimated a total impervious area (for 98 lots with an average lot size of 5,200 square feet) of approximately 8.75 acres or 382,255 square feet. 10055,004.doc - 4 - 06/09 h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any: All applicable BMPs and other normal and necessary TESC measures will be incorporated during the plat and home construction. 2. AIR a. What types of emissions to the air would result from the proposal (i.e., dust, automobile, odors, industrial wood smoke) during construction and when the project is completed? If any, generally describe and give approximate quantities if known. During plat and home construction, emissions from construction equipment and vehicles will occur on a temporary basis. When houses are completed there will be emissions generated from automobile/service truck traffic. At this time there are no known quantities. b. Are there any off-site sources of emission or odor that may affect your proposal? If so, generally describe. The site is surrounded by existing single-family developments that generate typical residential emissions; however, there are no known emissions that will affect this project. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any: All equipment will be in compliance with EPA standards for engine emissions, and during construction watering will be provided to control dust particles. Fireplaces will be used in accordance with requirements of the Puget Sound Air Quality Board. 3. WATER a. Surface Water: 1) Is there any surface water body on or in the immediate vicinity of the site (including year-round and seasonal streams, saltwater, lakes, ponds, wetlands)? If yes, describe type and provide names. If appropriate, state what stream or river it flows into. Yes. There are three isolated wetlands located on site. Please reference the wetland report prepared by C. Gary Schulz. 2) Will the project require any work over, in, or adjacent to (within 200 feet) the described waters? If yes, please describe and attach available plans. Yes. Plat and home construction will occur within 200 feet of the on-site wetlands; however, all construction will be located beyond the required buffers as established by City Code. 3) Estimate the amount of fill and dredge material that would be placed in or removed from surface water or wetlands and indicate the area of the site that would be affected. Indicate the source of fill material. 16055.004.doc - 5 - 06/09 None. 4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. No. 5) Does the proposal lie within a 100-year flood plain? If so, note location on the site plan. No. 6) Does the proposal involve any discharges of waste materials to surface waters? If so, describe the type of waste and anticipated volume of discharge. No. b. Ground Water: 1) Will ground water be withdrawn, or will water be discharged to ground water? Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. There will be no groundwater withdrawn as a result of this project (public water will be provided); however, stormwater will be collected by a gravity drainage system and discharged to an on-site storm pond. The stormwater collected will be discharged at an approved rate into the existing storm system within S.E. 18th Street. Also, some stormwater collected from the house roof drains will be discharged into the on-site wetlands to provide a re-charge during storm events. 2) Describe waste material that will be discharged into the ground from septic tanks or other sources, if any (for example: Domestic sewage; industrial, containing the following chemicals...; agricultural; etc.). Describe the general size of the system, the number of such systems, the number of houses to be served (if applicable), or the number of animals or humans the system(s) are expected to serve. None. c. Water Runoff (including storm water): 1) Describe the source of runoff (including storm water) and method of collection and disposal, if any (include quantities, if known). Where will this water flow? Will this water flow into other waters, If so, describe. Storm water will be collected by a series of catch basins and conveyed by stormwater pipe to the on-site storm pond (detention) designed in accordance with the City of Renton Storm water Design Manual (Addendum to the King County stormwater guidelines). The system will also convey drainage from roof and footings drains to the storm pond. 2) Could waste material enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe. 16055.004.doc - 6 - 06/09 Unlikely. As discussed above, all storm water will be collected and conveyed to an approved detention pond. Furthermore, the storm water will pass through a storm filter vault (water quality) prior to discharge off site. d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water impacts, if any: As previously discussed, all drainage will be collected and treated (storm filter vault) prior to discharge (for more detailed discussion see the attached storm water TIA prepared by Barghausen Consulting Engineers, Inc.). 4. PLANTS a. Check or circle types of vegetation found on the site: _X deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other X evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other X shrubs _X grass pasture crop or grain wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bullrush, skunk cabbage, other water plants: water lily, eel grass, milfoil, other other types of vegetation b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered? Upon completion of the project, all vegetation within the developable portion of the property (approximately 18.6 acres) will be removed/altered. c. List threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site. None to our knowledge. d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance vegetation on the site, if any: As required by code, we will be preserving 30 percent of significant trees (and/or providing mitigation with replacement trees) and protecting the on-site wetlands. The existing trees to be saved (approximately 102 trees) and wetland/buffers total 2.8 acres, or 13 percent of the site. 5. ANIMALS a. Circle any birds and animals, which have been observed on or near the site or are known to be on or near the site: Birds: hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds, other Mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other Fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other b. List any threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site. To our knowledge, there are no threatened or endangered species on the site per the Department of Fish and wildlife Priority Habitats and Species Map. - 7 - 06/09 16055.004.doc c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain Not to our knowledge. d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any: There will be approximately 2.8 acres of undisturbed open space provided to help mitigate urban wildlife. 6. ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES a. What kinds of energy (electric, natural gas, oil, wood stove, solar) will be used to meet the completed project's energy needs? Describe whether it will be used for heating, manufacturing, etc. Each lot will require power, natural gas, cable, and phone service. Power and natural gas will be the primary source for heating. b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties? If so, generally describe. No. c. What kinds of energy conservation features are included in the plans of this proposal? List other proposed measures to reduce or control energy impacts, if any: Al! future homes will be designed in accordance with the Washington State Energy Code. Also, as required by code, the streetlights will use LED luminaires to reduce electrical consumption. 7. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH a. Are there any environmental health hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, risk of fire and explosion, spill, or hazardous waste, that could occur as a result of this proposal? If so, describe. Unlikely. However, during construction there is always the risk of an accident involving construction equipment and diesel fuel or gasoline during house building. 1) Describe special emergency services that might be required. Medical EMT response and Fire Department response. 2) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any: All construction will be in accordance with applicable laws including OSHA safety regulations. b. Noise 1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example: traffic, equipment, operation, other)? 16055.004.doc - 8 - 06/09 Existing sources of noise in the immediate area will be residential automobile traffic, service trucks, and home care activities. 2) What types and levels of noise would be created by or associated with the project on a short-term or a long-term basis (for example: traffic, construction, operation, other)? Indicate what hours noise would come from the site. Noise levels within the area are primarily associated with automobile traffic in the long term. However, during the construction of the project and future homes, the short-term noise levels will be associated with construction equipment (trucks, tools, etc.). 3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any: All equipment will comply with applicable City of Renton noise ordinances. 8. LAND AND SHORELINE USE a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties? Vacant undeveloped land. Adjacent properties include single-family residential and public utility right-of-way. b. Has the site been used for agriculture? If so, describe. No. c. Describe any structures on the site. None. d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what? Not applicable. e. What is the current zoning classification of the site? Single-family, 4 to 8 dwelling units per acre. f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site? Not applicable. g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site? Not applicable. h. Has any part of the site been classified as an "environmentally sensitive" area? If so, specify. Yes. There are isolated wetlands located on site. For additional information please review the wetland report prepared by C. Gary Schulz. Also, the site is located in Zone 2 of the Aquifer Protection Area. 16055 004.doc -9- 06109 i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project? The 98 lots are expected to bring approximately 245 people to the project after all homes are built and occupied (this assumes an average of 2.5 people per home). This number will vary depending on house size. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace? Not applicable. k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any: Not applicable. I. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land uses and plans, if any: As part of the preliminary plat process, the project will be reviewed in accordance with the R-8 development standards which are compatible with the surrounding property. 9. HOUSING a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income housing. There are 98 lots proposed which will create housing in the middle to upper income range. b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income housing. Not applicable. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any: None are proposed or required. 10. AESTHETICS a. What is the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including antennas; what is the principal exterior building material(s) proposed. The tallest structure would be a single-family home, which has a maximum height as established in the zoning code of 35 feet without a variance. b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed? Not applicable. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any: All future homes within the project will be subject to the City building design standards at the time of building permit review. 16055.004.doc 10 06/09 11. LIGHT AND GLARE a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly occur? Construction is expected to be in the daytime hours only. During night time there may be street light illumination and car headlights as well as both interior and exterior lighting in houses typically found in single-family subdivisions. b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views? No. c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal? None. d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any: All lighting related to streetlights and houses will be done in accordance with code requirements to avoid impact to adjacent properties. Due to the open space areas provided within the project, light and glare from the internal streets will be screened in many locations, therefore reducing impacts. 12. RECREATION a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity? The subject property is located within 655 feet of Tiffany Park Elementary School which provides some limited recreation opportunities. Also, the site is within 1,000 feet of Tiffany Park which is connected by pedestrian pathways to the Tiffany-Cascade Connector open space and to Cascade Park. Also, abutting the east and south property lines are the Cedar River Pipeline right-of-way and Mercer Island Pipeline right-of-way that provide walking trails used by the public. b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe. No. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any: Each Building Permit will be required to pay a parks impact fee of $530.76 to reduce or control recreational impacts. 13. HISTORIC AND CULTURAL PRESERVATION a. Are there any places or objects listed on, or proposed for, national state, or local preservation registers known to be on or next to the site? If so, generally describe. 16055,004.doc 11 - 06/09 No. b. Generally describe any landmarks or evidence of historic, archaeological, scientific, or cultural importance known to be on or next to the site. None. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts, if any: Not applicable. 14. TRANSPORTATION a. Identify public streets and highways serving the site, and describe proposed access to the existing street system. Show on site plans, if any. The project site will gain access from two public streets: S.E. 18th Street and 124th Place S.E.; however, 124th Place S.E. will require the acquisition of a public easement to extend the roadway across the Cedar River Pipeline right-of-way (owned and maintained by Seattle City Light). Please reference the project site plan for exact location of the public streets. b. Is site currently served by public transit? if not, what is the approximate distance to the nearest transit stop? No. c. How many parking spaces would the completed project have? How many would the project eliminate? Each lot will have the required two parking stalls. d. Will the proposal require any new roads or streets, or improvements to existing roads or streets, not including driveways? If so, generally describe (indicate whether public or private? There will be approximately 3,700 linear feet of new on-site public roadways designed as "residential access roads" which require 26 feet of paving, curb and gutter, 8-foot planter strips, and 5-foot sidewalk (52 feet of right-of-way). e. Will the project use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air transportation? If so, generally describe. No. f. How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the completed project? If known, indicate when peak volumes would occur. Please see the Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) prepared by The Transpo Group. g. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any: Please see the TIA prepared by The Transpo Group. 15. PUBLIC SERVICES 16055.004.doc - 12 - 06/09 a. Would the project result in an increased need for public services (for example: fire protection, police protection, health care, schools, other)? If so, generally describe. The future construction of homes on each of the 98 lots will result in a proportional need for public services normally associated with single-family development such as police, fire, health care, schools, postal service, garbage service, etc. b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any. Building the on-site roads to public standards will provide an acceptable means of access for any needed public services to existing lots. Property tax revenue will assist with offsetting the proportional impact on public services. Mitigation fees will be collected at the time of building permit for individual lots to offset traffic, fire, and school impacts as well. 16. UTILITIES Circle utilities currently available at the site: electricity, a. natural gas water refuse service , telephone, sanitary sewer, septic system, other. b. Describe the utilities that are proposed for the project, the utility providing the service, and the general construction activities on the site or in the immediate vicinity which might be needed. The following is a list of the anticipated utility purveyors: • Electricity Puget Power • Natural Gas Puget Power • Water City of Renton • Sewer City of Renton • Telephone Century Link • Cable T.V. Comcast • Garbage - Waste Management (contract with the City of Renton) All utilities are available at the project site. However, to provide a water system loop we are extending 300 lineal feet of an 8-inch water main from the project's east boundary line (Tract D) across the Mercer Island Pipeline right-of-way to 19th Court S.E. Also, to ensure proper storm water discharge we are removing the existing storm conveyance system in S.E. 18th Street and installing approximately 600 lineal feet of new 18-inch storm conveyance pipe. C. SIGNATURE I, the undersigned, declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Washington that to the best of my knowledge the above information is true, correct, and complete. It is understood that the lead agency may withdraw any declaration of 16055.004.doc - 13 - 06/09 . buArki Po-H-e If - 13 - 3 non-significance that it might issue in reliance upon this checklist should there be any willful misrepresentatio r willf lack of full disclos e o my part. Proponent Signatu Name Printed: Date: 16055 004.doc - 14 - 06/09