HomeMy WebLinkAboutSR_ERC_Renton_Downtown_Library_120514DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
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City of
Project Name:
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Owner:
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Applicant.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT
ERC MEETING DATE:
May 14, 2012
Project Name:
Renton Downtown Library
Owner:
City of Renton; 1055 South Grady Way; Renton, WA 98057
Applicant.
King County Library System; Greg Smith; 960 Newport Way NW; Issaquah, WA 98027
Contact:
Miller Hull Partnership; Maaike Post; 71 Columbia St - 6" Floor; Seattle, WA 98104
File Number:
LUA12-022, ECF, SA -H, CU -H, MOD
Project Manager:
Rocale Timmons, Associate Planner
Project Summary:
The applicant, King County Library System (KCLS�, is requesting Hearing Examiner Site
Plan Review, a Hearing Examiner Conditional Use Permit, Environmental (SEPA) Review
and a Parking Modification for the construction of a new 15,083 square foot public
library. The project site consists of three parcels containing a total of 24,070 square
feet of Center Downtown (CD) zoned property. The site is also located within Design
District 'A'. There is an existing retail structure on the west end of the site, formerly
used by Big 5, and an associated parking lot in the center of the site which is proposed
for demolition/removal as part of the proposal. Additionally, Gateway Park is located
on the eastern portion of the site which would be redesigned as part of the proposal in
order to create an entry plaza for the new library. The proposed restriping of the
existing parking area, to the north within a City of Seattle Cedar River Pipeline
easement, would create two additional parking spaces along with the addition of 6
new stalls, resulting in a total of 50 onsite parking stalls. The applicant is requesting a
parking modification in order to decrease the minimum number of parking spaces
required onsite from 60 to 50 stalls. Access to the site is proposed via two curb cuts;
one along Morris Ave S through to Logan Ave S. There are no critical areas located on
site.
Project Location:
510 S 3rd St (Parcel Vs: 569600-0005, 784180-0205, 784180-0195)
Exist_ Bldg. Area SF:
13,444 SF Proposed New Bldg. Area (gross): 15,083
Site Area:
24,070 SF
STAFF
Staff Recommends that the Environmental Review Committee issue a Determination
RECOMMENDATION:
of Non -Significance - Mitigated (DNS -M).
Project Location Map
ERC Report. dot
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Environmental Review Committee Report
RENTON DOWNTOWN LIBRARY LUA12-022, ECF, 5A-H, CU-H, MOD
Report of May 14, 2012 Page 2 of 8
[P:A:RT:ONE: PROJECT DESCRIPTION / BACKGROUND
The applicant is requesting Hearing Examiner Site Plan Review, Conditional Use Permit approval, Environmental
(SEPA) Review, and a Parking Modification for the construction of an approximate 15,000 square foot public library
and associated parking, landscaping and infrastructure improvements. All public facilities are required to obtain a
Conditional Use Permit in order to establish the use.
The site is located within the Center Downtown (CD) zoning designation on the northwest corner of the S 3'd St and
Logan Ave S intersection. The site is also located within Design District 'A'.
The site currently contains a retail structure, formerly occupied by Big 5, a small parking lot and Gateway Park. The
applicant is proposing the demolition of the existing 13,444 square foot structure and the removal of the existing
parking lot on site. The existing park is proposed to be re-designed in order to create a plaza that would function as
the entry plaza for the proposed library. Following development impervious surface coverage would be a 100% on
the building site and approximately 50% on the park parcel to the east. The applicant is proposing to excavate
approximately 1,320 cubic yards on site and import fill in the amount of 1,030 cubic yards.
The structure would have height of 32 -feet and 6 -inches, at the tallest point; the top of the parapet.
Access to the site is proposed via two existing curb cuts; one along Morris Ave S through to Logan Ave S. A total of
50 surface parking spaces would be provided on site of which 42 stalls are existing.
The site currently contains 28 trees which are all proposed for removal. The property generally is flat with a two -
foot relief across the site. There are no known critical areas on or near the site. Landau Associates have performed a
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment for the project site which has been developed since 1925 (Exhibit 8). The
assessment revealed no evidence of recognized environmental conditions in connection with the property.
Staff received comments from the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation; regarding the potential for
an archeological site in the area (Exhibit 6).
PART TWO: ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
In compliance with RCW 43.210.240, the following environmental (SEPA) review addresses only those project
impacts that are not adequately addressed under existing development standards and environmental regulations.
A. Environmental Threshold Recommendation
Based on analysis of probable impacts from the proposal, staff recommends that the Responsible Officials:
Issue a DNS -M with a 14 -day Appeal Period.
B. Mitigation Measures
1. All earthwork performed, implemented by the applicant, shall be consistent with the recommendations
of the geotechnical report, prepared by GeoEngineers, dated November 2, 2011.
2. The applicant shall comply with all of the recommendations included within the "Pre -Demolition
Hazardous Materials Survey", prepared by Landau Associates, dated lune 6, 2011 during demolition
activities.
3. A survey shall be submitted to the Current Planning Project Manager that conforms to the requirements
and standards of the Washington State Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation and must be
conducted under the on-site supervision of a state -approved archaeologist prior to construction permit
approval.
ERC Report.doc
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Environmental Review Committee Report
RE'NTON DOWNTOWN LIBRARY LUA12-022, ECF, SA -N, CU -f!, MOD
Report of May 14, 2012 Page 3 of S
4. The applicant shall pay a Transportation Impact fee, as determined by the Renton Municipal Code at the
time of payment. The fee shall be payable to the City as specified by the Renton Municipal Code at the
time of Building Permit application.
S. The applicant shall pay a Fire Impact fee, as determined by the Renton Municipal Code at the time of
payment. The fee shall be payable to the City as specified by the Renton Municipal Code at the time of
Building Permit Application.
C. Exhibits
Exhibit 1 Neighborhood Detail Map
Exhibit 2 Aerial Photograph
Exhibit 3 Site Plan
Exhibit 4 Elevations
Exhibit 5 Drainage Report (includes the Geotechnical Report)
Exhibit 6 Department of Archeology & Historic Preservation Comment Letter
Exhibit 7 Pre -Demolition Hazardous Materials Survey
Exhibit 8 Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
D. Environmental Impacts
The Proposal was circulated and reviewed by various City Departments and Divisions to determine whether the
applicant has adequately identified and addressed environmental impacts anticipated to occur in conjunction
with the proposed development. Staff reviewers have identified that the proposal is likely to have the following
probable impacts:
1. Earth
Impacts: The applicant provided a geotechnical report, prepared by GeoEngineers, on November 2, 2011
(Exhibit 5). The topography of the site is relatively flat, sloping downward from the eastern portion of the
site. Following development impervious surface coverage would be a 100% on the building site and
approximately 50% on the park parcel to the east.
The site consist of interbedded layers of soft to medium stiff silts and clays, and loose sand with variable
amounts of silt, underlain by dense sands and gravels with variable amounts of silt and occasional cobbles.
The applicant is proposing to excavate approximately 1,320 cubic yards on site in order to accommodate a
depressed slab for the proposed access floor. In addition, geothermal bore holes would be drilled
underneath the proposed structure producing drilling spoils that would be required to be hauled off site.
Fill, in the amount of 1,030 cubic yards, would be imported to the site in order to fill void areas of removed
footings from the existing building demolition.
Groundwater was encountered at approximate depths ranging from 12-15 feet below existing grades in
borings in the site vicinity. The feasibility of deep foundations and several ground improvement methods
was explored for the proposed structure. The report recommends that shallow foundations bearing on
improved soil is the preferred foundation alternative. Lean concrete augercast columns installed to an
approximate depth of 20 to 30 feet below site grades on a variable grid pattern have been selected at the
preferred ground improvement technique. Dewatering during construction is not anticipated except for
deep utility trenches.
The provided geotechnical report recommended measures to be implemented by the applicant to mitigate
the proposal's potential impact to soils and related conditions. Staff recommends a mitigation measure
requiring all earthwork performed, implemented by the applicant, be consistent with the recommendations
of the geotechnical report, prepared by GeoEngineers, dated November 2, 2011.
ERC Report. doc
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Environmental Review Committee Report
RENTON DOWNTOWN LIBRARY LUA12-022, ECF, SA -H, CU -H, MOD
Report of May 14, 2012 — Page 4 of 8
Mitigation Measures: All earthwork performed, implemented by the applicant, shall be consistent with the
recommendations of the geotechnical report, prepared by GeoEngineers, dated November 2, 2011.
Nexus: SEPA Environmental Regulations
2. Air
Impacts: There would be temporary negative impacts to air quality caused by dust and equipment exhaust
during site and building construction. Following construction, exhaust from automobiles would be
expected. Such emissions are controlled by state and federal regulations.
Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation recommended.
Nexus: Not applicable.
3. Water
a. Storm Water
Impacts: The site is located at the edge of the boundary between the Black River and Cedar River Drainage
Basins. Currently runoff, from the existing building, parking lot and park gets collected onsite and
distributed to the existing storm system to the east and north.
A preliminary drainage plan and drainage report has been submitted with the site plan application, prepared
by Coughlin Porter Lundeen, dated March 27, 2412 (Exhibit 5). The report addresses compliance with the
2009 King County Surface Water Manual and the 2009 City of Renton Amendments to the KCSWM, Chapters
1 and 2. All core and any special requirements were discussed in the report. Based on the City's flow
control map, this site falls within the Flow Control Duration Standard, Existing Conditions. The project is
exempt from flow control and water quality requirements.
Portions of the existing drainage system onsite would be removed in order to make room for the new
library. Runoff from the new building would be connected through a new service to the existing conveyance
system to the north. New area drains and conveyance piping would be installed at the park to convey runoff
to the existing system to the east.
Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation recommended.
Nexus: Not applicable.
4. Energy and Natural Resources
Impacts: The applicant is proposing to use LED, fluorescent, and ceramic metal halide lamps which are the
most energy efficient lighting options available in hopes of targeting a 10% or better below energy code for
lighting. We will have daylight dimming controls in all daylight zones and occupancy sensors in non-active
rooms.
The mechanical system will consist of geothermal boreholes couple with water source Beat pumps to
provide heating and cooling via an under -floor distribution system_ Water conserving plumbing fixtures will
be installed.
The building thermal envelope is designed to meet or exceed requirements in the Washington State Energy
Code and will consist of high performance fenestration systems, opaque wall systems, and roof assemblies.
The project also includes a closed loop geothermal energy source, powering under -floor heating and cooling.
Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation recommended.
Nexus: Not applicable.
ERC Report.doc
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Environmental Review Committee Report
RENTON DOWNTOWN LIBRARY LUAI2-022, ECF, SA -H, CU -N, MOD
Report of May 14, 2012 Page 5 of 8
5. Environmental Health
a. Environmental Health Hazards
Impacts: The applicant provided a pre -demolition hazardous materials survey, prepared by Landau
Associates, on June 6, 2011 (Exhibit 7). The survey included an inspection for suspected asbestos and other
hazardous materials within the existing structure on site. Asbestos containing materials were identified on
site along with possible polychlorinated biphenyl light ballast and potential radioactive materials in exit
signs. The survey included specific recommendations for demolition to ensure that additional hazardous
materials are not discovered. As such, staff recommends a mitigation measure that the applicant comply
with all of the recommendations included within the "Pre -Demolition Hazardous Materials Survey',
prepared by Landau Associates, dated June 6, 2011 during demolition activities.
Mitigation Measures: The applicant shall comply with all of the recommendations included within the "Pre -
Demolition Hazardous Materials Survey", prepared by Landau Associates, dated June 6, 2011 during
demolition activities.
Nexus: SEPA Environmental Regulations
6. Historic and Cultural Preservation
Impacts: Staff received comments from the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation; regarding
the potential for an archeological site in the area (Exhibit 6). It is possible that archaeological artifacts or a
historic site could be encountered during project construction. This is due to the site's proximity to former
archaeological discoveries. Archaeological sites are protected from disturbance on both public and private
lands in Washington State. Staff recommends, as a mitigation measure, that a survey be submitted that
conforms to the requirements and standards of the Washington State Office of Archaeology and Historic
Preservation and must be conducted under the on-site supervision of a state -approved archaeologist prior
to construction permit approval.
In addition to the survey, should evidence of a historic site be found during site development, work shall
immediately cease and the Washington State of Archaeology and Historic Preservation shall be contacted at
(360) 586-3065. In the event that cultural artifacts are found, work cannot recommence until approval is
received from the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation.
Mitigation Measures: A survey shall be submitted to the Current Planning Project Manager that conforms to
the requirements and standards of the Washington State Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation
and must be conducted under the on-site supervision of a state -approved archaeologist prior to
construction permit approval.
Nexus: SEPA Environmental Regulations
7. Transportation
Impacts: Access to the site is proposed via two existing curb cuts; one along Morris Ave S through to Logan
Ave S. Based on the traffic generation analysis the proposed final project is anticipated to generate
approximately 146 additional daily trips. In order to mitigate transportation impacts, staff recommends a
mitigation measure requiring the applicant to pay an appropriate Transportation Impact Fee. Currently this
fee is assessed at $75.00 per net new average daily trip attributed to the project. However, the City is
planning an adjustment to the Transportation impact fees in the near future. Therefore the fee, as
determined by the Renton Municipal Code at the time of payment, shall be payable to the City as specified
by the Renton Municipal Code at the time of Building Permit application.
There are currently 42 surface parking stalls located within the utility right-of-way north of the site which
would be retained with the addition of six new parking stalls. There are approximately 137 street parking
stalls within a one -block radius of the site. The site is also located within the vicinity of the Renton Transit
Center and the City Center Parking Garage.
ERC Report.doc
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Fnvironmenta! Review Committee Report
RENTON DOWNTOWN LIBRARY LUA12-022, ECF, SA -H, CU -H, MOD
Report of May 14, 2012 Page 6 of 8
Mitigation Measures: The applicant shall pay a Transportation Impact fee, as determined by the Renton
Municipal Code at the time of payment. The fee shall be payable to the City as specified by the Renton
Municipal Code at the time of Building Permit application.
Nexus: SEPA Environmental Regulations, Resolution 3100, RMC 4-1 Administration and Enforcement
8. Fire & Police
Impacts: Police and Fire Prevention staff indicated that sufficient resources exist to furnish services to the
proposed development; subject to the condition that the applicant provides Code required improvements
and fees. Therefore, staff recommends a mitigation measure requiring the applicant to pay an appropriate
Fire Impact Fee. Currently this fee is assessed at $0.52 for every new square foot of commercial area.
However, the City is planning an adjustment to the Fire Impact Fee in the near future. The fee, as
determined by the Renton Municipal Code at the time of payment shall be payable to the City as specified
by the Renton Municipal Code at the time of Building Permit application.
Mitigation Measures: The applicant shall pay a Fire Impact fee, as determined by the Renton Municipal
Code at the time of payment. The fee shall be payable to the City as specified by the Renton Municipal
Code at the time of Building Permit application.
Nexus: Fire Impact Fee Resolution 2895, SEPA Environmental Regulations, RMC 4-1 Administration and
Enforcement.
E. Comments of Reviewing departments
The proposal has been circulated to City Department and Division Reviewers. Where applicable, their
comments have been incorporated into the text of this report and/or "Advisory Notes to Applicant."
✓ Copies of all Review Comments are contained in the Official File and may be attached to this report.
Environmental Determination Appeal Process: Appeals of the environmental determination must be filed in
writing on or before 5:00 PM, lune 1, 2012.
Renton Municipal Code Section 4-8-110.B governs appeals to the Hearing Examiner. Appeals must be filed in writing
at the City Clerk's office along with the required fee. Additional information regarding the appeal process may be
obtained from the City Clerk's Office, Renton City Hall - 7th Floor, 1055 S. Grady Way, Renton WA 98057.
ERC Report_doc
City of Ren tan Department of Communis conomic Development Enviro ital Review Committee Report
RENTON DOWNTOWN LIBRARY LUA12-022, ECF, SA -H, CU -H, M
Report of May 14, 2012 Page 7 of 8
ADVISORY NOTES TO APPLICANT
The following notes are supplemental information provided in conjunction with the administrative land use
action. Because these notes are provided as information only, they are not subject to the appeal process for
the land use actions.
Planning:
1. RMC section 4-4-030.C_2 limits haul hours between 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday unless otherwise
approved by the Development Services Division. The Development Services Division reserves the right to rescind the
approved extended haul hours at any time if complaints are received.
2. Within thirty (30) days of completion of grading work, the applicant shall hydroseed or plant an appropriate ground
cover over any portion of the site that is graded or cleared of vegetation and where no further construction work will
occur within ninety (90) days. Alternative measures such as mulch, sodding, or plastic covering as specified in the
current King County Surface Water Management Design Manual as adopted by the City of Renton may be proposed
between the dates of November 1st and March 31st of each year. The Development Services Division's approval of
this work is required prior to final inspection and approval of the permit.
3_ Commercial, multi -family, new single-family and other nonresidential construction activities shall be restricted to the
hours between seven o'clock (7:00) a.m. and eight o'clock (8:00) p.m., Monday through Friday. Work on Saturdays
shall be restricted to the hours between nine o'clock (9:00) a -m. and eight o'clock (8:00) p.m. No work shall be
permitted on Sundays.
4_ All landscaping shall be irrigated by an approved irrigation system prior to final occupancy permits
Water:
1_ The utility system development fee for water is owed if the size of the existing water meter is increased. The
proposed site plan shows a new 1-% inch domestic water meter. The system development fee for water, based on the
site plan with a credit for the existing meter, will be $5,590.00_ Fee is payable prior to issuance of the construction
permit.
2. A backflow device is required to be installed downstream of the domestic water meter. It has been shown on the site
plan.
3. Applicant is required to install a separate fire line for the new fire sprinkler system. A double detector check valve
assembly will be required to be installed for the fire sprinkler system. The assembly shall be installed inside a vault
outside the building, or inside the building in accordance with the City of Renton's requirements. The vault and the
backflow device have been shown on the site plan.
4. A utility system development fee for the new fire line is also required. The fee is based on the size of the fire service
line. The fee for the 4 -inch fire line shown on the plan is $7,288.00. Fee is payable prior to issuance of the
construction permit.
S. The preliminary fire flow requirement per the Fire Marshal's office is 2,250 gpm. All new construction must have fire
hydrants capable of delivering a minimum of 1,000 gpm each. One primary hydrant is required within 150 feet from
the building and two additional hydrants are required within 300 feet of the building. One new hydrant is required
and is shown on the plan. Final location will require approval by the Fire Department to meet the city standards. Any
existing hydrants counted as fire protection will be required to be retrofitted with a quick disconnect Storz fitting, if
not already in place and subject to verification by the Fire Department.
Sewer.
1. A utility system development fee for sewer is owed if the size of the existing water meter is increased. The proposed
site plan shows a new 1-Y, inch domestic water meter. The system development sewer fee based on the site plan with
credit for the existing meter will be $3,977.00. The system development fee is payable prior to issuance of the
construction permit.
2. The City will proceed with the optional plan of replacing the main through the new library property and installing a
manhole where the existing bend in the existing main is located_ SPU is working on permitting for this. This part of
the work will be required to be installed by the developer. The City will follow behind this work and re -line the
portion of the main under the remaining buildings.
Surface Water:
1. Surface Water System Development fees of $.405 per square foot of new impervious surface will apply but not less
than $1,012. The Surface Water SDC fee is payable prior to issue of the construction permit_
Transportation:
1. Street improvements along S. 3`d Street shall match the existing sidewalk and lighting design improvements to the
east.
ERC Report_doc
City of Renton Department of Communi Economic Development E nmental Review Committee Report
RENTON DOWNTOWN LIBRARY LUAI2-022, ECF, SA -H, CU -H, MOA
Report of May 14, 2012 Page 8 of 8
2. All wire utilities shall be installed underground per the City of Renton ordinances and standards. All new services shall
be installed underground.
3. Pedestrian lighting is required.
Fire:
1. Both an approved fire alarm and fire sprinkler system is required throughout the building. Separate plans and permits
are required to be submitted to the Renton Fire Department for review and permitting_ Fire alarm system shall be
fully addressable and full detection is required. A direct outside door is required to the fire sprinkler riser control
room.
2. An annual place of assembly permit is required for occupancies exceeding 50 persons. An automated external
defibrillator (AED) is required if the occupancy load exceeds 300 persons.
3. Fire department apparatus access is adequate.
4. An electronic site plan is required prior to occupancy for pre -fire planning purposes.
General :
1_ All construction utility permits for utilities, drainage, and street improvements will require separate plan submittals.
All utility plans shall conform to the Renton Drafting Standards. Plans shall be prepared by a licensed Civil Engineer.
2. Any proposed rockeries or retaining walls greater than four feet (4') in height will require a separate building permit
and special inspection.
3. Separate permits and fees for water meters, side sewers, and backflow devices are required.
4. A cut and cap permit to abandon the existing water meter and side sewer will be required as part of the demo permit.
ERC Report_doc
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