HomeMy WebLinkAboutORD 5474CITY OF RENTON,WASHINGTON
ORDINANCE NO._5_4_7_4_
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RENTON,WASHINGTON,
AMENDING CHAPTER II,DEFINITIONS OF TITLE IV (DEVELOPMENT
REGULATIONS)OF ORDINANCE NO.4260 ENTITLED "CODE OF GENERAL
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF RENTON,WASHINGTON",TO AMEND THE
REGULATIONS REGARDING BULK STANDARDS AND DENSITY CALCULATIONS BY
REVISING THE DEFINITIONS OF "BUILDING HEIGHT"AND "DENSITY,NET"AND
ADDING DEFINITIONS FOR "GRADE,EXISTING"AND "GRADE PLANE".
WHEREAS,the City recognizes that measuring building height from existing grade rather
than finished grade would minimize potential impacts on neighboring properties,such as view
structure height and view blockage;and
WHEREAS,the City recognizes that measuring building height from existing grade rather
than finished grade would result in compatibility of site grades between neighboring properties,
and lessen drainage impacts;and
WHEREAS,the City seeks to set standards are consistent with adopted building codes;
and
WHEREAS,the City seeks to measure the height of structures based on the building
fal;ade,and not appurtenances such as elevator shafts,enclosed stairwells and mechanical
equipment;and
WHEREAS,the City seeks to not allow for amenities such as trails and pedestrian
pathways without penalizing developers by deducting these features from area allowed to
calculate net density;and
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ORDINANCE NO.5474
WHEREAS,the City seeks a tool to evaluate man-made slopes on a case-by-case basis to
determine whether they should be included or excluded from the calculation of net density;
and
WHEREAS,this matter was duly referred to the Planning Commission for investigation,
study,and the matter having been duly considered by the Planning Commission,and the zoning
text amendment request being in conformity with the City's Comprehensive Plan,as amended;
and
WHEREAS,the Planning Commission held a public hearing on April 22,2009,having duly
considered all matters relevant thereto,and all parties having been heard appearing in support
or in opposition;
NOW,THEREFORE,THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RENTON,WASHINGTON,DOES
ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I.Section 4-11-020,Definitions B,of Chapter 11,Definitions,of Title
IV (Development Regulations)of Ordinance No.4260 entitled "Code of General Ordinances of
the City of Renton,Washington",is hereby amended so the definition of Building Height reads
as follows:
4-11-020 BUILDING HEIGHT:The vertical distance from grade plane to the
average height of the highest roof surface.
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ORDINANCE NO._5_4_74_
Height Limits on Sloped Sites
Added Height =~
Percent of slope !..---_
divided by 6
(to a maximum of 5 feet)
SECTION II.Section 4-11-040,Definitions D,of Chapter 11,Definitions,of Title IV
(Development Regulations)of Ordinance No.4260 entitled "Code of General Ordinances of the
City of Renton,Washington",is hereby amended so the definition of Density,Net reads as
follows:
DENSITY,NET:A calculation of the number of housing units and/or lots that
would be allowed on a property after critical areas,Le.,very high landslide
hazard areas,protected slopes (except evaluate on a case-by-case basis those
protected slopes created by previous development),wetlands,Class 1 to 4
streams and lakes,or floodways,and public rights-of-way and legally recorded
private access easements are subtracted from the gross area (gross acres minus
streets and critical areas multiplied by allowable housing units per acre).
Required critical area buffers,streams that have been daylighted including
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ORDINANCE NO.5474
restored riparian and aquatic areas,and public and private alleys,and trails,shall
not be subtracted from gross acres for the purpose of net density calculations.
SECTION III.Section 4-11-070,Definitions G,of Chapter 11,Definitions,of Title
IV (Development Regulations)of Ordinance No.4260 entitled "Code of General Ordinances of
the City of Renton,Washington",is hereby amended to add the definitions of Grade,Existing
and Grade Plane,to read as follows:
GRADE,EXISTING:The surface level of the ground prior to alteration of the
land by grading.
GRADE PLANE:A reference plane representing the average of finished ground
level adjoining the building at exterior walls.Where the finished ground level
slopes away from the exterior walls,the reference plane shall be established by
the lowest points within the area between the building and the lot line,or,
where the lot line is more than 6 feet from the building,between the building
and a point 6 feet from the building.
SECTION IV.This ordinance shall be effective upon its passage,approval,and five (5)
days after publication.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL this 13th day of__J_u~ly~-"2009.
Bonnie Walton,City Clerk
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ORDINANCE NO.5474
APPROVED BY THE MAYOR this 13th day of __..;...J..;...u=l.....y -',2009.
Denis Law,Mayor
Approved as to form:
.}dALu ......•#We.•.~
Lawrence J.Warren,City Attorney
Date of Publication:7/17/2009 (summary)
ORD:1564:6/17/09:scr
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