HomeMy WebLinkAboutPre-app Mtg Summary - 18-0001041
PRE-APPLICATION MEETING FOR
SEA MILL AVE VERIZON
PRE 18-000104
CITY OF RENTON
Department of Community & Economic Development
Planning Division
March 8th, 2018
Contact Information:
Planner: Alex Morganroth, 425-430-7219, amorganroth@rentonwa.gov
Public Works Plan Reviewer: Scott Warlick, 425-430-7216, swarlick@rentonwa.gov
Fire Prevention Reviewer: Corey Thomas, 425-430-7024, cthomas@rentonrfa.org
Please retain this packet throughout the course of your project as a reference. Consider
giving copies of it to any engineers, architects, and contractors who work on the
project. You will need to submit a copy of this packet when you apply for land use
and/or environmental permits.
Pre-screening: When you have the project application ready for submittal, call and
schedule an appointment with the project manager to have it pre-screened before
making all of the required copies.
The pre-application meeting is informal and non-binding. The comments provided on
the proposal are based on the codes and policies in effect at the time of review. The
applicant is cautioned that the development regulations are regularly amended and the
proposal will be formally reviewed under the regulations in effect at the time of project
submittal. The information contained in this summary is subject to modification and/or
concurrence by official decision-makers (e.g., Hearing Examiner, Planning Director,
Development Services Director, Department of Community & Economic Development
Administrator, Public Works Administrator and City Council).
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: March 6th, 2018
TO: Alex Morganroth, Planner
FROM: Scott Warlick, Engineering Specialist II
SUBJECT: SEA Mill Ave Verizon
304 Main Ave S
PRE18-000104
NOTE: The applicant is cautioned that information contained in this summary is preliminary and non-
binding and may be subject to modification and/or concurrence by official City decision-makers. Review
comments may also need to be revised based on site planning and other design changes required by City staff or
made by the applicant.
I have completed a preliminary review for the above-referenced proposal located at parcel(s) 7231500720. The
following comments are based on the pre-application submittal made to the City of Renton by the applicant.
Franchise Comments
1. If Verizon needs to access equipment within the city right of way, Applicant will have to obtain a Franchise
Permit.
2. As of April 3rd, 2017 the City of Renton will be accepting all franchise submittal applications electronically.
The link below will take you to our submittal process.
https://rentonwa.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=7922741&pageId=9688284
General Comments
1. If frontage improvements are required, all existing and proposed utility lines (i.e. electrical, phone, and
cable services, etc.) along property frontage or within the site must be underground. The construction
of these franchise utilities must be inspected and approved by a City of Renton inspector.
2. Maximum exposed retaining wall height is 6-ft and shall be setback a minimum of 3-ft from the right-
of-way as outlined in RMC 4-4-040 – Fences, Hedges and Retaining Walls.
3. Adequate separation between utilities as well as other features shall be provided in accordance with
code requirements.
a. 7-ft minimum horizontal and 1-ft vertical separation between storm and other utilities is
required with the exception of water lines which require 10-ft horizontal and 1.5-ft vertical.
b. The stormwater line should be minimum 5 feet away from any other structure or wall or
building.
c. Trench of any utility should not be in the zone of influence of the retaining wall or of the
building.
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4. All construction utility permits for utility and street improvements will require separate plan submittals.
All utility plans shall confirm to the Renton Drafting Standards. A licensed Civil Engineer shall prepare
the civil plans. Please visit the Development Engineering Forms page for the most up-to-date plan
submittal requirements:
http://rentonwa.gov/business/default.aspx?id=42473
5. A landscaping plan shall be included with the civil plan submittal. Each plan shall be on separate sheets.
6. Fees quoted in this document reflect the fees applicable in the year 2018 only and will be assessed
based on the fee that is current at the time of the permit application or issuance, as applicable to the
permit type. Please visit www.rentonwa.gov for the current development fee schedule.
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: March 7th, 2018
TO: Pre-Application File No. 18-000104
FROM: Alex Morganroth, Associate Planner
SUBJECT: SEA Mill Ave Verizon
304 Main Ave S
PRE18-000104
General: We have completed a preliminary review of the pre-application for the above-referenced development
proposal. The following comments on development and permitting issues are based on the pre-application
submittals made to the City of Renton by the applicant and the codes in effect on the date of review. The applicant
is cautioned that information contained in this summary may be subject to modification and/or concurrence by
official decision-makers (e.g., Hearing Examiner, Community & Economic Development Administrator, Public Works
Administrator, Planning Director, Development Services Director, and City Council). Review comments may also
need to be revised based on site planning and other design changes required by City staff or made by the applicant.
The applicant is encouraged to review all applicable sections of the Renton Municipal Code. The Development
Regulations are available for purchase for $50.00 plus tax from the Finance Division on the first floor of City Hall or
online at www.rentonwa.gov.
Project Proposal: Verizon Wireless is proposing a new façade-mounted camouflaged Wireless Communication
Facilities (WCF) on the three-story commercial structure located at 304 Main Ave S. The subject site is 24,704 sq. ft.
(0.57 acres) and is in the Commercial Downtown (CD) zoning district with three overlay districts: City Center Sign
Regulation Area, Urban Design District A, and the Downtown Business District. The proposed façade-mounted WCF
would include four sectors, one on each façade, with two antennas and four Remote Radio Units (RRU) per sector.
An associated 150 sq. ft. screened cabinet enclosure would be located on the ground near the northern corner of
the structure and be painted to match the building facade. The façade-mounted antennas would utilize a low
profile, flush-mount design and be painted to match the color 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
or vegetation on the site. The proposal include 150 sq. ft. of new impervious surface, but no building coverage
increase.
Current Use: The subject parcel contains an existing three-story building and associated surface parking. No WCF’s
are present on the site.
Zoning: The subject property is located within the Commercial Downtown (CD) zoning district. Under the current
Wireless Regulations, camouflaged WCFs require an Administrative Conditional Use Permit within the CD zone.
Conditional Use Permit: The following criteria shall be considered in determining whether to issue a Conditional
Use Permit for a wireless communication facility; however, the Administrator may waive or reduce the burden on
the applicant of one or more of these criteria if the Administrator concludes that the goals of RMC 4-4-140, Wireless
Communication Facilities, are better served by:
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a. Height and Design: 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.
b. Proximity to Surrounding Uses: 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.
c. Nature of Surrounding Uses: 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.
d. Topography and Vegetation: The surrounding topography and tree canopy coverage.
e. Ingress/Egress: The proposed ingress and egress.
f. Impacts: The potential noise, light, glare, and visual impacts.
g. Collocation Feasibility: The availability of suitable existing towers and other structures to accommodate
the proposal.
h. 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.
i. Landscaping: Additional landscaping may be required to buffer adjacent properties from potentially
adverse effects of the proposed use. (Ord. 5675, 12-3-2012)
Development Standards: The project would be subject to RMC 4-2-120B, “Development Standards for Commercial
Zoning Designations (CD, CO, and COR)” effective at the time of complete application. Standards and requirements
for all types of wireless communication facilities are contained in RMC 4-4-140F:
Maximum Height – All wireless communication facilities shall comply with RMC 4-3-020, Airport Related Height and
Use Restrictions, as well as the height limitation of the applicable zoning district. Concealed and/or camouflaged
WCFs erected on a rooftop may extend up to sixteen feet (16') above the allowed zone height. The maximum height
for primary structures within the CD zone is 95 feet. Compliance with this requirement will be verified at the time
of Conditional Use Permit application.
Visual Impact – Site location and development shall preserve the pre-existing character of the surrounding buildings
and landscape to the extent consistent with the function of the communications equipment. 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. Compliance with this requirement for each individual structure will be verified at the time of
Conditional Use Permit application.
Maximum Noise Levels – No equipment shall be operated so as to produce noise in levels above forty five (45)
decibels as measured from the nearest property line on which the wireless communication facility is located.
Operation of a back-up power generator in the event of power failure or the testing of a back-up generator between
eight o’clock (8:00) a.m. and nine o’clock (9:00) p.m. are exempt from this standard. No testing of back-up
generators shall occur between the hours of nine o’clock (9:00) p.m. and eight o’clock (8:00) a.m.
Fencing – Security fencing shall be required and shall be painted or coated with a non-reflective neutral color.
Fencing shall comply with the requirements listed in RMC 4-4-040, Fences, Hedges, and Retaining Walls.
Lighting – Towers or antennas shall not be artificially lighted, unless required by the FAA or other applicable
authority. If lighting is required, the Administrator may review the available lighting alternatives and approve the
design that would cause the least disturbance to the surrounding views. Security lighting for the equipment shelters
or cabinets and other on-the-ground ancillary equipment is also permitted, as long as it is appropriately down
shielded to keep light within the boundaries of the compound.
Advertising Prohibited – No lettering, symbols, images, or trademarks large enough to be legible to occupants of
vehicular traffic on any abutting roadway shall be placed on or affixed to any part of a WCF tower, antenna array or
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antenna, other than as required by FCC regulations regarding tower registration or other applicable law. Antenna
arrays designed and approved to be located on or within signs or billboards as a stealth tower, or a concealed or
camouflaged WCF, shall not be construed to be in violation of this prohibition.
Building Standards – Support structures shall be constructed so as to meet or exceed the most recent Electronic
Industries Association/Telecommunications Industries Association (EIA/TIA) 222 Revision G Standard entitled:
“Structural Standards for Steel Antenna Towers and Antenna Supporting Structures” (or equivalent), as it may be
updated or amended. 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. (Ord. 5675, 12-3-2012)
Radio Frequency Standards – The applicant shall ensure that the wireless communication facility (WCF) will not
cause localized interference with the reception of area television or radio broadcasts. If the City finds that the WCF
interferes with such reception, and if such interference is not remedied within thirty (30) calendar days, the City
may revoke or modify a Building and/or Conditional Use Permit.
Based on the provided scope of work, the proposed project would be classified as a Camouflaged WCF - a wireless
communication facility that is typically affixed to the facade of an existing structure that was not originally
constructed to be a WCF support structure (e.g., an existing building), in a manner that integrates and disguises the
WCF with the building by matching architectural elements, colors, materials, etc. Additions or modifications to
buildings shall complement the existing design, bulk, scale, and symmetry of the building, and minimize the addition
of bulk and clutter.
Camouflaged WCFs shall adhere to the following standards (in addition to the general WCF standards above):
Architectural Integration – Antennas may be mounted to the sides of a building if the antennas do not interrupt the
building’s architectural theme. When feasible, camouflaged WCFs shall employ a symmetrical, balanced design for
all facade mounted antennas. The first provider on a structure will dictate the antenna length, width, and
placement. All succeeding applications will be required to ensure consistency and symmetry in placing antennas on
the structure’s exterior. When feasible, interruption of architectural lines or horizontal or vertical reveals is
prohibited.
Materials – The proposal shall utilize the smallest mounting brackets necessary in order to provide the smallest
offset from the building. The proposal shall 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. Antennas shall be painted and textured to match the adjacent building surfaces.
Antennas – Antennas shall be no longer or wider than the facade on which they are proposed. When panel antennas
are unscreened, they shall be mounted no more than twelve inches (12") from the building facade. No exposed
mounting apparatus shall remain on a building facade without the associated antennas.
Critical Areas: Based on the City’s Critical Areas Maps, the proposed site of the WCF is mapped with protected
slopes (>40%), sensitive slopes (>25%) a high seismic hazard, and the Wellhead Protection Area Zone 1. The
proposed cabinet is located outside of all designated critical areas, including the associated buffer. Therefore, it is
not anticipated that this project would impact critical areas.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to ascertain whether any additional critical areas or environmental concerns
are present on the site during site development or building construction.
Environmental Review: The subject project is categorically exempt from Environmental (SEPA) Review.
Permit Requirements: The proposal would require an Administrative Conditional Use Permit (CUP). The CUP would
be processed within an estimated time frame of 6 to 8 weeks, from the time that the application is accepted as
complete. The fees is as follows:
Administrative Conditional Use Permit - $1,500.00 (+ 5% Technology surcharge Fee)
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Detailed information regarding the land use application submittal is provided on the land use permit application
form page on the City’s website (click “Permits” on the homepage, then click “All Forms (A to Z)”). The City has
implemented electronic plan review for all land use and building permit applications. The City’s Electronic File
Standards can also be found on the City’s website at
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/Browse.aspx?startid=867190&cr=1
In addition to the required land use permits, a separate building permit(s) would be required.
Public Notice: The applicant will be required to install a public information sign on the property. The applicant is
responsible for the procurement, installation and maintenance of the sign.
Note: When the formal application materials are complete, the applicant is strongly encouraged to have one copy
of the application materials pre-screened at the 6th floor front counter prior to submitting the complete
application package. Please call Alex Morganroth, Project Planner at 425-430-7219 for an appointment.
Expiration: Building permits, licenses or land use permits required for the operation of a Conditional Use Permit
shall be applied for within two (2) years of the date of Conditional Use Permit approval.