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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSR_HEX_Report_LUA09-051PUBLIC HEARING A. PUBLIC HEARING DATE: Project Name: Owner/Applicant: Contact: File Number: Project Manager: Project Summary: Project Location: Exist. Bldg. Area SF: Site Area: Project Location Map City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development PRELIMINARY REPORT TO THE EXAMINER SUMMARY AND PURPOSE OF REQUEST July 14, 2009 HCC Expansion & Remodel Highlands Community Church; 3031 NE 10'" St, Renton, WA 98056 Larry Maison; Higlands Community Church; 3031 NE 10'" St; Renton, WA 98056 LUA09-051, ECF, SA-H Roca le Timmons, Associate Planner The applicant is requesting Hearing Examiner Site Plan approval and Environmental (SEPA) Review for the phased construction of additions to and the interior remodel of the existing Highlands Community Church facility. The 19,000 square feet of additions include office space, a new lobby and a 2-story education wing. The additions would create the opportunity to remodel the existing facility and increase the size of the sanctuary. The proposal also includes an expansion of the surface parking lot in the amount of 168,000 square feet or 304 new parking stalls. As part of the parking lot expansion the applicant is also proposing associated landscaping and pedestrian pathways. The 2 parcel site is approximately 7.68 acres and is located within the Center Village (CV) and Residential-8 du/ac zoning designations. In addition Parcel B, the location of the proposed parking lot and education wing, is located within Urban Design District D. Access to the site would continue to be provided via existing curb cuts along Kirkland Ave NE, NE 9th and NE 10th Street. One additional entry to the new parking area is proposed on the southwest corner of the site along NE 9th Street. The applicant requested one administrative modification in order to downsize the refuse and recycle area from 390 square feet to 260 square feet. The applicant has also requested to phase thr project over a 6-year period. There are no critical areas on-site. 3031 NE 10th Street 56,540 SF Proposed New Bldg. Area (gross): 19,000 SF 334,549 SF (7 .68 ac) Total Building Area GSF: 77,540 SF City of Renton Department of Comr. :y & Economic Development Pref, ;ry Report to the Hearing Examiner HCC EXPANSION & REMODEL LUA09-051, ECF, SA-HH Hearing Date July 14, 2009 Page 2 of 28 II 8. EXHIBITS: Exhibit 1: Project file ("yellow file") containing the application, reports, staff comments, and other material pertinent to the review of the project. Exhibit 2: Zoning and Neighborhood Detail Map Exhibit 3: Site Plan Exhibit 4: Overall Landscape Plan Exhibit 5: Tree Retention Plan Exhibit 6: North and South Elevations Exhibit 7: East and West Elevations Exhibit 8: Aerial Photo of Project Site Exhibit 9: Refuse and Recyclables Modification Approval (3 pages) ~ C. GENERAL INFORMATION: 1. Owner(s) of Record: Highlands Community Church 3031 NE 10th Street Renton, WA 98056 2. Zoning Designation: Residential -8 du /ac (R-8) and Center Village (CV) 3. Comprehensive Plan Land Use Designation: 4, Existing Site Use: 5. Neighborhood Characteristics: Residential Single Family and Center Village (CV) Religious Institution and Associated Classrooms North: Safeway and Multi-Family Residential (R-8 zone) East: South: West: 6. Access: 7, Site Area: Single Family Residential (Center Village zone) Single Family Residential (R-8 zone) Multi-Family residential -Harrington Square {Center Village zone) Via existing curb cuts along Kirkland Ave NE, NE 9th and NE 10th Street and one new curb cut along NE 9th Street. 334,549 Square Feet (7.68 ac) i D. HISTORICAL/BACKGROUND: Action Comprehensive Plan Zoning Annexation CUP, ECF CUP, ECF, SA-H CUP, ECF HEX Report Description N/A N/A N/A Enclose 550 SF Courtyard Construct 195 Parking Stalls and 2,500 Seat Sanctuary Conversion of Crawl Space into a Basement Land Use File No. N/A N/A N/A LUA99-070 LUA96-134 LUA93-152 Ordinance No. Date 4924 12/5/2001 5099 11/1/2004 1246 4/16/1996 N/A 8/3/1999 N/A 3/18/1997 N/A 6/14/1994 City of Renton Department of Corr. ,ity & Economic Development HCC EXPANSION & REMODEL Hearing Date July 14, 2009 LLA R CUP TP SA I E. PUBLIC SERVICES: 1. Utilities Lot Line Adjustment Rezone Expansion of Facility Temporary Parking on Athletic Field (Parcel B) Expansion of Facility Pr< ,10ry Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA09-051, ECF, SA-HH Page 3 of 28 LUA92-144 N/A 1/1/1992 LUA90-048 N/A 4/24/1990 LUA88-003 N/A LUA81-026 N/A 4/29/1981 LUA73-738 N/A 9/26/1973 a. Water: There is a 6-inch water main within NE 10th Street, a 10-inch water main within Kirkland Ave NE, and an 8-inch water main along NE 9th Street. b. Sewer: There is an 8-inch sewer main within the project site and along NE 10th Street. c. Surface/Storm Water: There exist storm water conveyance systems in the north side of NE g•h Street. Surface water drains to North Renton sub-basin. 2. Streets: There are curb, gutters, and sidewalks for the entire perimeter of the project site. 3. Fire Protection: City of Renton Fire Department 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 4-2-070: Zoning Use Table c. Section 4-2-110: Residential Development Standards d. Section 4-2-120: Commercial Development Standards 2. Chapter 3 Environmental Regulations and Special Districts a. Section 4-3-100: Urban Design Regulations-Design District 'D' 3. Chapter 4 Property Development Standards a. Section 4-4-030: Development Guidelines and Regulations b. Section 4-4-070: Landscaping Regulations c. Section 4-4-080: Parking, Loading, and Driveway Regulations d. Section 4-4-090: Refuse and Recyclables Standards 4. Chapter 6 Streets and Utility Standards a. Section 4-6-060: Street Standards 5. Chapter 9 Procedures and Review Criteria a. Section 4-9-200: Site Plan Review 6. Chapter 11 Definitions HEX Report City of Renton Deportment of Con. ,ity & Economic Development HCC EXPANSION & REMODEL Hearing Date July 14, 2009 G. APPLICABLE SECTIONS OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: 1. Land Use Element: Residential Policies Pr, 10ry Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA09-051, ECF, SA-HH Page 4 of 28 2. Community Design Element: Established Residential Neighborhoods ~ H. DEPARTMENT ANALYSIS: 1. Project Description/Background The applicant, Highlands Community Church, is requesting Site Plan Review before the Hearing Examiner for the future construction of 19,000 square-feet of additions which include new office space, a lobby and a 2-story education wing. The existing facility and proposed additions/expansions would be sited on two parcels totaling 7.68 acres in size; zoned Center Village (CV) and Residential 8 du/ac (R- 8). The existing structure straddles a lot line between the two different zoning designations. For the purposes of this report the R-8 zoned property will be referenced as Parcel A and the Center Village zoned property will be referred to as Parcel B. In addition Parcel B, the location of the proposed parking lot and education wing, is located within Urban Design District 'D'. The bulk of the existing church facility is located on Parcel A and the additions for the lobby and office space would be located on this parcel. All additions would create the opportunity to remodel the existing facility and increase the size of the sanctuary. The proposal also includes an expansion of the surface parking lot in the amount of 168,000 square feet predominately located on Parcel B. The subject property is located on the west side of Kirkland Ave NE between NE 9th and NE 10th Street. The completed project would provide a total of 577 surface parking stalls and 77,540 square-foot church facility on three levels; ground, mid and upper level. Due to the topography on site each of the three levels has an at-grade entrance. The proposed 2-story education wing would be attached to the west side of the existing facility; located on the ground-level with the second story at the mid-level. The office addition would be constructed on the upper-level of the northwest fa,ade with support structures on the mid level. The new lobby would be constructed on the south fa,ade of the facility at ground-level with paparpets reaching to the mid-level in order to screen roof-top equipment. The additions would create the opportunity to remodel 35,000 square-feet of the existing facility in order to enhance internal corridor circulation, reconfigure existing office and adult education space. In addition the main worhip center would be increased from a 600 to a 900 person seating capacity. The church facility, both existing and proposed portions, would be located at the northeast corner of the project site with surface parking areas located along the north, south and west sides of the main building. Existing and proposed landscaping is located around the perimeter of the site and within the surface parking lot. Access to the site would continue to be provided via one existing curb cut along NE 9th Street and two existing curb cuts along Kirkland Ave NE and NE 10th Street. One additional curb cut is being proposed along NE 9th Street, at the southwest corner of the site, in order to better access the expanded portion of the surface parking lot. The proposed building would result in a lot coverage of 12.5 percent. The tallest point of the proposed additions would be the top of the parapet on the proposed education wing, which would have a height of 31 feet and 1 inch from existing grade. The proposed office addition, on the northwest facade, would have a height of 30 feet and O inches as measured from existing grade and the proposed lobby, on the south fa,ade, would have a height of 24 feet and 6 inches measured from existing grade. There appears to be no critical areas on site. Approximately 23 of 47 existing trees are proposed to be removed as part of the proposed project. The applicant requested an administrative modification in order to downsize the refuse and recycle area from 390 square feet to 260 square feet. Staff reviewed and approved the requested modification (Exhibit 9). A 14-day appeal period commenced on June 16, 2009 and ended on June 30, 2009. No appeals of the decision were filed. HEX Report City of Renton Deportment of Con HCC EXPANSION & REMODEL Hearing Date July 14, 2009 2. Environmental Review 1ity & Economic Development Pn wry Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA09-051, ECF, SA-HH Page 5 of 28 Pursuant to the City of Renton's Environmental Ordinance and SEPA (RCW 43.21C, 1971 as amended), on June 1, 2009, the Environmental Review Committee issued a Determination of Non-Significance - Mitigated (DNS-M) for Sunset Highlands Mixed-Use Building. The DNS-M included 5 mitigation measures. A 14-day appeal period commenced on June 5, 2009 and ended on June 19, 2009. No appeals of the threshold determination were filed. 3. Compliance with ERC Conditions Based on an analysis of probable impacts from the proposal, the Environmental Review Committee (ERC) issued the following mitigation measures with the Determination of Non-Significance -Mitigated: 1. The applicant will be required to submit a Temporary Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan (TESCP) designed pursuant to the State Department of Ecology's Erosion and Sediment Control Requirements, outlined in Volume II of the 2001 Stormwater Management Manual. The plan must be submitted to and approved by the Development Services Division Plan Review staff prior to issuance of the utility construction and building permits and during construction. 2. The applicant will be required to comply with the recommendations found in the geotechnical report prepared by Terra Associates, Inc., dated March 2, 2009, during site clearing, grading, and building construction. 3. The detention system for this project shall be required to comply with the requirements found in the 2005 King County Surface Water Design Manual to meet both detention (Conservation Flow control -a.k.a. Level 1) and water quality improvements. 4. The applicant shall pay a Traffic Mitigation Fee in the amount of $75.00 for each new net daily trip prior to issuance of building permits. The fee is estimated to be $30,825.00. 5. The applicant shall pay a Fire Mitigation Fee of $0.52 for each square foot of new non-residential space. This fee is estimated to be $9,880.00 which would be payable prior to the issuance of building permits. 4. Staff Review Comments 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. 5. Consistency with Site Plan Criteria The Site Development Plan Review Criteria set forth in Section 4-9-200 and Development Standards set forth in Section 4-3-040F of the Renton Municipal Code forms the basis of the Site Plan Review, as follows: a) Compliance with the Comprehensive Plan Designation The site is designated Center Village (CV) and Residential Single Family (RSF) on the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map. Lands in the CV designation are intended to provide an opportunity for redevelopment. These areas are anticipated to provide medium to high-density residential development and a wide range of commercial activities serving citywide and sub-regional markets. Lands in the RSF designation are intended for use as quality residential detached development organized into neighborhoods at urban densities. The proposal is consistent with the following Comprehensive Plan Land Use and Community Design Element policies: HEX Report City of Renton Deportment of Corr. ,ity & Economic Development Prt 10ry Report to the Hearing Examiner HCC EXPANSION & REMODEL LUA09-051, ECF, SA-HH Hearing Date July 14, 2009 Page 6 of 28 Center Village Policy LU-243. Encourage uses in Center Villages that serve a sub-regional or citywide market as well as the surrounding neighborhoods. Policy Objective Met 0 Not Met Policy CD-10: Sidewalks or walking paths should be provided along streets in established neighborhoods, where sidewalks have not been previously constructed. Sidewalk width should be ample to safely and comfortably accommodate pedestrian traffic and, where practical, match existing sidewalks Policy Objective Met 0 Not Met Policy CD-82: Lighting fixtures should be attractively designed to complement the architecture of a development, the site, and adjacent buildings. Policy Objective Met 0 Not Met Residential Single Family Policy LU-159. Maximum height of structures should not exceed two (2) stories in single-family residential neighborhoods. Policy Objective Met 0 Not Met b) Compliance with the Underlying Zoning Designation The subject site is designated R-8 and Center Village on the City's of Renton Zoning Map. The proposed development would allow for the future construction of 19,000 square feet of additions to the existing Highlands Community Church facility and the expansion of the parking lot. HEX Reporl Use: A Religious Institution use is permitted with a Conditional Use Permit in both the CV and R-8 zoning designations granted by the Hearing Examiner. Activities of existing conditional uses directly related to the uses that have already been established, such as new construction and additions shall not require an additional Conditional Use Permit Review. Over the last 50 years the church has had a series of additions and expansions. A couple of Conditional Use Permits have been applied for and granted, as part of applications to expand the facility (See Section D: historical/Background). The Conditional Use Permit allows the religious institution along with an educational facility to operate. Therefore, an additional Conditional Use Permit is not necessary for the proposed expansion. Lot Coverage: The R-8 zone allows a building coverage at a maximum of 35% of the lot area and the CV zone allows a maximum of 65%. The total building footprint is proposed to be 41,225 square feet. This generates a total building coverage of 12.5% which is well below the maximum building lot coverage permitted in both zones. Setbacks: The existing structure straddles a lot line between two different zoning designations; R-8 on Parcel A and Center Village (CV) on Parcel B. Typically setbacks would be assessed from the shared lot line; however as the structure is existing and the parcels are under common ownership setbacks will be assessed from the perimeter of the site for the respective zone. On the CV zoned parcel, the minimum front yard setback and side yard along a street is 10 feet but may be reduced to zero feet through the site plan review process provided no blank walls are located within the reduced setback. The maximum front yard setback permitted is 15 feet. The interior side and/or rear yard setback is a minimum of 15 feet as the rear/interior side yard abuts a residential zoned property. The required setbacks in the R-8 zone are as follows: front yard is 15 feet for the primary structure and 20 feet for an attached garage; interior side yard is S feet; side yard along a street is 15 feet for the primary structure and 20 feet for an attached garage; and the rear yard is 20 feet. City of Renton Department af Camr, .y & Economic Development Pre/, Hy Report to the Hearing Examiner HCC EXPANSION & REMODEL LUA09-051, ECF, SA-HH Hearing Date July 14, 2009 Page 7 af 28 HEX Report The property has frontage on three streets; Kirkland Ave NE, NE g<h and lO'h Street. The front yard will be considered Kirkland Ave NE with side yards along-a-street for NE g<h and 10th Streets. The rear yard is located along the western border of the site. The building elevations submitted by the applicant depict a 15-foot front yard setback, at the closest point, from the property line along Kirkland Ave NE; an 80-foot side yard along-a-street setback, at the closest point, from the property line along NE 10th Street; a 235-foot side yard along-a-street setback, at the closest point, from the property line along NE 9th Street; and a 365-foot rear yard setback, at the closest point, from the western property line. The applicant complies with setback regulations of the R-8 and Center Village zones. Height: The CV zone allows a maximum building height of 50 feet when a commercial use is not located within the ground floor of the structure. The R-8 zone allows a maximum building height of 30 feet. The tallest point of the proposed additions would be the top of the parapet on the proposed education wing, which would have a height of 31 feet and 1 inch from existing grade. The education wing is located on the CV zoned parcel (Parcel B) and complies with the height requirements for the zone. The proposed office addition, on the northwest facade, would have a height of 30 feet and O inches measured from existing grade and the proposed lobby, on the south fa,ade, would have a height of 24 feet and 6 inches measured from existing grade. The office and lobby additions are located on the R-8 zoned parcel (Parcel) and would comply with the height requirements of the zone. Landscaping: The applicant submitted a tree inventory plan as part of the site plan application. There are approximately 47 trees on the site of with 23 are proposed for removal. A majority of Parcel B is currently covered with native grasses. There are 6 cottonwood trees proposed for removal, along with a maple, on the west side of the property that is being proposed. A condition was imposed as part of the Harrington Square Site Plan Approval (LUA03-066) that required the 6 cottonwood trees to be retained due to the maturity of the trees and their ability to provide a buffer between the two uses. While one of the cottonwoods, the tree located closest to NE gth Street, has been damaged due to the recent Harrington Square fire; staff offers the remainder of the cottonwood trees and the maple could and should be retained. Staff recommends, as a condition of approval, the applicant retain the 5 northern cottonwood trees along the western property line along with the maple on the northwestern property line. A revised tree retention plan shall be submitted to and approved by the Current Planning Project Manager prior to building permit approval. In order to preserve the root systems of the mature trees, staff recommends as a condition of approval the applicant widen the landscape buffer along the western property line from 20 to at least 28 feet in width. To provide the additional square footage staff recommends the applicant remove one stall from each tier of the parking modules located to the west of the buffer. The reduction of these particular spaces would move the islands to east and would preserve the several proposed parking spaces abutting the western landscape buffer. A total of 12 parking spaces would be eliminated in order to provide the additional landscaping space. However the applicant would still comply with the parking code requirement (see the parking analysis on page 9). RMC 4-4-130 provides protection measures in order to preserve and protect the 30 trees during utility and building construction. The trees shall be fenced off around the drip line and a sign posted that the trees to be preserved and the location of the trees shall be indicated on all utility construction plan sheets. The fencing shall be in place prior to the issuance of any utility construction permits and shall remain until the final inspection of the new building is complete. The remainder of the site is vegetated with a variety of flowering, Douglas fir, dogwood, birch and katsura trees. The applicant is proposing the redesign of planting beds on the east side of the site in order to provide a mixture of trees, shrubs and groundcovers that are drought tolerant and will improve the plant diversity on site. The redesign would include the removal of 7 trees of which all City of Renton Deportment of Com .ity & Economic Development Pre. 10ry Report to the Hearing Examiner HCC EXPANSION & REMODEL LUA09-051, ECF, SA-HH Hearing Date July 14, 2009 Pages of 28 HEX Report but one is of the flowering variety and the other is cedar that could possibly be saved. The remainder of the trees that are proposed for removal are being removed as result of the building and parking lot expansion. Renton Municipal Code requires that 30 % of the trees on Parcel A and 10 % of the trees on Parcel B be retained. Of the 47 trees on site, 14 trees are required to be retained at the higher 30% retention rate. As a result of the recommended condition above, a total of 30 trees would be retained complying with both tree retention requirements. The R-8 zone requires a 5-foot wide landscape buffer along the street. The R-8 zoned parcel (Parcel A) is currently fully and has an established, approximately 13-foot, landscape strip with full-sized trees along Kirkland Ave NE (of which 7 feet is located within the right-of-way) and approximately 17 feet along NE 9th Street (of which 7 feet is also located within the right-of-way). The CV zone requires a 15-foot wide landscape buffer when the commercial property is adjacent to a residential zoned property and a 15-foot wide visual barrier when abutting a residential zoned property. The CV zone parcel (Parcel B) has some existing landscaping on the northern property line, approximately 10 feet in width, and along NE 9th Street, approximately 10 feet in width (of which 5 feet is located within the right of way). A conceptual landscape plan was submitted showing no changes to the existing landscape buffer on the perimeter of the site. The applicant is proposing the addition of a landscape buffer for the remainder of the frontage along NE 9th Street. The landscape tapers from approximately 20 feet (of which 5 feet is located within the right of way) to 10 feet (of which 5 feet is located within the right of way) which does not fully comply with the 15-foot required landscape buffer along NE 9th Street. Therefore staff recommends, as a condition of the approval, the applicant submit a revised landscape plan depicting at least 15 feet of landscaping, which may include landscaping within the right-of-way, along NE 9th Street. The revised landscape plan shall be submitted to and approved by the Current Planning Project Manager prior to building permit approval. In order to retain as many of the proposed parking stalls as possible, staff recommends the applicant remove one stall from each tier of the two parking modules located to the north where the landscape buffer is the smallest. The reduction of these particular spaces would move the islands to north and would preserve the several proposed parking spaces abutting the landscape buffer along NE 9th Street. A total of 4 parking spaces would be eliminated in order to provide the additional landscaping space. However the applicant would still comply with the parking code requirement (see the parking analysis on page 9). The applicant is proposing a 20-foot landscape buffer along the western property line which abuts the Harrington Square multi-family site and a 10-foot landscape buffer, on average, along the northwestern property line which abuts the Safeway property. As a condition of approval staff has recommended the applicant increase the landscaping along the western border (see condition noted above) and the northern border of the site (see the design district analysis on page 16) to 30 feet. The project site complies with the required landscaping requirements prescribed by City Code as long as the conditions of approval are complied with. Within the proposed surface parking lot, 35 square feet of landscaping per parking space would be required for parking lots with 100 or more parking stalls. Based on the proposal no more than 577 surface parking stalls would be provided, a minimum of 20,195 square feet of landscaping would be required within the surface parking areas. The submitted landscape analysis indicates that a total of 21,501 square feet of landscaping would be provided on the interior of the site. In addition approximately 38,012 square of perimeter landscaping is being proposed. As proposed the parking lot landscaping would exceed the minimum requirement. City of Renton Deportment of Corr, Jty & Economic Development Pre ,ory Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA09-051, ECF, SA-HH HCC EXPANSION & REMODEL Hearing Date July 14, 2009 Page 9 of 28 HEX Report The proposed landscaping will consists of several different plant species including Douglas fir, Rocky Mountain and vine maple, Japanese flowering cherry, dogwood, katsura, crabapple and flowering plum trees. In addition there are several ornamental shrubs and groundcovers proposed. Underground sprinkler systems are required to be installed and maintained for all landscaped areas. The sprinkler system shall provide full water coverage of the planted areas specified on the plan. A detailed landscape plan and irrigation plan will need to be submitted and approved prior to building permit approval. Access: Access to the site would continue to be provided via one existing curb cut along NE 9th Street and two existing curb cuts along Kirkland Ave NE and NE 10th Street. One additional curb cut is being proposed along NE 9th Street, at the southwest corner of the site, in order to better access the expanded portion of the surface parking lot on Parcel B. Parking: The parking regulations require a specific number of off-street parking stalls be provided based on the number of seats provided in the main auditorium for religious institutions and the number of employees and students that will attend the education portion of the facility. The following ratios would be applicable to the site: Use Square t!_Q[ t!_ Q[ Emg_lo~ees Ratio Required Footage Q[ Students Sg_aces Use !seats Main 19,818 SF 900+ N/A 1 per 5 seats 180 Auditorium (Includes adult classrooms) General Office 7,500 SF N/A N/A Min: 3 per 1,000 SF Min: 23 Max: 4.5 per 1,000 Max: 34 SF Daycare 2,645 SF 81 41 1 per employee 41 (1 employee: 2 students) Early Childhood 5,600 SF 216 43 1 per employee 43 Classes (1 employee: 5 students) Elementary and 18,880 SF 468 60 1 per employee 60 Junior High (1 employee: Classes 8 students) Senior High 5,093 SF 243 30 1 per employee plus 54 Classes (1 employee: 1 space for every 10 8 students) students enrolled. College/Adult 9,815 SF 418 N/A 1 per employee plus 84 Classes 1 space for every 5 students enrolled. Bus Driver N/A N/A 3 1 per employee plus 3 Parking 1 space for every 10 students enrolled. Based on these use requirements, 488 parking spaces would be required in order to meet code. The applicant proposes to provide 577 spaces within the surface parking lot. A majority of the City of Renton Department of Can, HCC EXPANSION & REMODEL 1ity & Economic Development Prt nary Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA09-051, ECF, SA-HH Hearing Date July 14, 2009 Page 10 of 28 parking stalls would be located on the CV zoned parcel (Parcel B). Of the 577 parking stalls 318 were existing. The applicant is proposing to remove 45 of the 318 existing parking stalls add 304 new parking stalls. Due to recommended conditions of approval (see pages 7,8 and 16) for increased landscape buffer widths along the northern, western, and southern property lines of Parcel B; the number of parking stalls would be reduced by 38 stalls. As a result, a total of 539 parking spaces would be provided on site. The applicant would still comply with the parking stall requirement. It also appears the applicant complies with the dimensional requirements of the parking regulations. For surface standard stalls, each stall must be a minimum of 20 feet long and a minimum of 9 feet wide. Aisle widths of 24 feet have been provided for the 90 degree parking stalls with two-way traffic flow. Refuse and Recyclable Deposit Areas: The applicant has requested a modification from the City's Refuse and Recyclable standards in order to reduce the size of the required deposit area. There is currently a 260 square-foot area that is being used by the existing facility. Office, educational, and institutional developments require a minimum of 2 square feet per every 1,000 square feet of building gross floor area for recyclable deposit areas and minimum of 4 square feet per 1,000 square feet of building gross floor area for refuse deposit areas. The code applies in this instance due to the proposed expansions of the facility which would require a 465 square foot deposit area for the 77,500 square foot facility (465 SF= 2 x [77,500/1,000 SF]+ 4 x [77,500/1,000 SF]). Because the existing deposit area is less than the minimum required a modification was requested. Staff reviewed and approved the requested modification (Exhibit 9). A 14-day appeal period commenced on June 16, 2009 and ended on June 30, 2009. No appeals of the decision were filed. The refuse and recyclable deposit areas for the facility would be located northwestern fa,ade of the existing facility. The refuse and recyclable deposit area is proposed to be screened by an 11- foot high enclosure. Specific screening details were not submitted with the land use application specifically building materials. In order to review consistency with the design of the primary structure on the site staff recommends, as a condition of approval, the applicant be required to submit screening detail for the refuse and recyclable deposit area. Signage -There is existing signage for the building currently on the project site. Alterations and additions to existing signage were not reviewed as part of the Site Plan Review. Signage will be reviewed under a separate permit. c) Mitigation of impacts to surrounding properties and uses; HEX Report City staff does not anticipate any adverse impact on surrounding properties and uses as long as the conditions of approval are complied with. There are two parcels that abut the subject property to the north zoned Center Village (CV). Safeway is located on one of the parcels and the other is the site for the Golden Pines residential multi-family building. The property that abuts the site to the west is the site for the Harrington Square multi-family mixed use complex. The properties to the east and south, across Kirkland Ave NE and NE 9th Street, are zoned R-8 and contain single family residences. The church facility, both existing and proposed portions, would be located at the northeast corner of the project site. Surface parking areas are located along the north, south and west sides of the main building. The proposed project will result in an additional structure and the paving of a large surface parking lot on an essentially vacant site.The applicant has confined development of new structures to the same general area of the existing facility. The applicant has also limited the height of the proposed education wing on the CV zoned parcel (Parcel B) to a height of 31 feet and 1 inch from existing grade in order to not exceed the current building site lines for the single family residential neighbors to the east and south. In addition the limitation creates a transition from the City of Renton Deportment of Com HCC EXPANSION & REMODEL ity & Economic Development Pre. wry Report to the Hearing Examiner WA09-051, ECF, SA-HH Hearing Date July 14, 2009 Page 11 of 28 taller Harrington Square building, abutting the property on the west, to the single family residential neighborhood on the east and south sides of the property. The need for additional parking has been evident in the neighborhood and is also required by code. While there is an exceptional amount of parking the lot has been heavily landscaped in order to mitigate impacts to neighboring properties and staff has requested that additional landscape be added to buffers abutting or adjacent to residential uses. The refuse and recyclable deposit areas for the facility would maintain their existing location, located on the northwestern fai;ade of the existing building and will be required to be screened according to code. According to code, parking lot lighting fixtures are to be non-glare and mounted no more than 25 feet above the ground. This is to help minimize the impact onto adjacent properties. In order to mitigate some of the impacts related to parking and design, conditions of approval have been recommended below; see design district analysis beginning on page 13. The applicant submitted a Construction Mitigation Description with proposed dates for construction. As part of the Site Plan Review the applicant is requesting the phasing of the project to extend the Site Plan approval from two years to six years; constructed in 5 phases. The first phase includes the construction of the parking lot which would take place in 2009 and/or 2010. The second phase includes the construction of the education wing to be completed in 2012. The third phase includes the construction of the new lobby and interior renovations to be completed in 2014. The remaining two phases include further interior remodels to be completed in 2015. As the bulk of the exterior fai;ade modifications will happen within the first two phases to be completed in 2012, staff is recommending approval of the phasing of the project and extension of the site plan approval to 2015. d} Mitigation of impacts of the proposed site plan to the site; HEX Report The scale, height and bulk of the proposed building are appropriate for the site and would be architecturally compatible with the existing facility. The building would be located in the northwest portion of the project site with surface parking areas located along the north, south and west sides of the building, and landscaping is proposed around the perimeter of the site and within the surface parking lot. Due to the topography on site the three levels of the facility have at-grade entrances. The proposed 2-story education wing would be attached to the west side of the existing facility; located on the ground-level with the second story at the mid-level. The only entry, besides an emergency exit, into the education building would be gained from the existing facility due to child security. The new lobby would be constructed on the south fai;ade of the facility at ground-level with paparpets reaching to the mid-level in order to screen roof-top equipment. The office addition would be constructed on the upper-level of the northwest fai;ade with support structures on the mid-level. The scale and bulk of the facility would be virtually unchanged as viewed from NE 10th Street as the topography of site slopes down from NE 10th Street. As viewed from Kirkland Ave the scale and bulk of the facility would also be virtually unchanged due to the presence of the existing facility. The scale and bulk of the facility will increase, as viewed from the west and NE 9th Street. However, larger setbacks than required by code mitigate its impacts on neighboring uses. The scale and bulk of the building is also reduced through the use of different materials on the building facades and building articulation and modulation. Concrete masonry will be used at the base of the educational facility and proposed lobby in order to ground the building. Stucco above the concrete masonry with complimentary colors to the existing facility is proposed in order to enhance visual appeal. To ensure that quality materials are used staff will be recommending the City of Renton Department of Cornn. .y & Economic Development Pref,, ;ry Report to the Hearing Examiner HCC EXPANSION & REMODEL LUA09-051, ECF, SA·HH Hearing Date July 14, 2009 Page 12 of 28 applicant submit a materials board subject to the approval of the Current Planning Project Manager at the time of building permit review (see page 25). Due to the requirement and need for parking it is a challenge to limit the paved and/or impervious surfaces on the site. While there is an exceptional amount of parking; the lot has been heavily landscaped. The applicant is taking special measures to protect landscaping from damage by vehicles and/or pedestrian traffic. e) Conservation of area-wide property values; The proposed development is expected to conserve and possibly increase property values in the vicinity of the site. The development of the site provides improvements to infrastructure, landscaping and lighting. f) Safety and efficiency of vehicle and pedestrian circulation; Access to the site would continue to be provided via one existing curb cut along NE 9th Street and two existing curb cuts along Kirkland Ave NE and NE 10th Street. One additional curb cut is being proposed along NE 9th Street, at the southwest corner of the site, in order to better access the expanded portion of the surface parking lot. Staff agrees the additional curb cut is appropriate, even though it is the City's practice to limit the number of curb cuts to a site, due the large volume of traffic on Wednesdays and Sundays on the surrounding streets which are shared by single and multi-family residential uses. In addition, because the use of the additional curb cut will likely be limited to Wednesdays and Sundays vehicle/pedestrian conflicts will be limited. Internal pedestrian connections to the existing public sidewalk network are proposed in order to provide safe and efficient pedestrian access throughout the site and to other abutting sites. Staff has recommended additional pedestrian connections for better circulation (see page 18). The proposed development is expected to maintain safe and efficient pedestrian and vehicle circulation on the site. g) Provision of adequate light and air; The proposed building is designed appropriately to allow adequate light and air circulation to the building and the site. The design of the building will not result in excessive shading of the property. In addition, there is ample area surrounding the building to provide for normal airflow. Landscaping has been proposed around the perimeter of the site and within the surface parking lot which will mitigate the light impacts to the abutting and adjacent properties (see landscaping analysis on pages 7 and 8). A lighting plan was not submitted with the application materials. Staff is recommending, as a condition of Site Plan Approval, the applicant be required to provide a lighting plan that will adequately provide for public safety without casting excessive glare on adjacent properties at the time of building permit review. Pedestrian scale and downlighting shall be used in all cases to assure safe pedestrian and vehicular movement, unless alternative pedestrian scale lighting has been approved administratively or is specifically listed as exempt from provisions located in RMC 4- 4-075 Lighting, Exterior On-Site. h) Mitigation of noise, odors and other harmful or unhealthy conditions; /JEX Report Music is currently amplified in the sanctuary and in the gymnasium and is anticipated to remain the same upon completion of the expansion. The proposed use will not vary significantly from the current use or times. The church is heavily used on Wednesday and Sunday. However, the applicant is proposing new acoustic panels for the ceilings and the walls of the gymnasium. The sanctuary will likely remain the same. City of Renton Deportment of Corr. HCC EXPANSION & REMODEL ity & Economic Development Pre wry Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA09-051, ECF, SA-HH Hearing Date July 14, 2009 Page 13 of 28 It is anticipated that the noise, odor, and other potentially harmful impacts would occur during the construction phase of the project. The applicant is requesting to phase to construction of the proposal over the course of 6 years (see page 11). Due to the phasing construction noise, odor and traffic impacts will occur over a longer period of time. The applicant has submitted Construction Mitigation Plan that provides measures to reduce construction impacts such as noise control, control of dust and traffic controls. Hauling Routes are proposed to be limited to 1-405, Sunset Blvd, Harrington Ave NE and NE 9th Street. i) Availability of public services and facilities to accommodate the proposed use; Fire and Police Department staff have indicated that existing facilities are adequate to accommodate the subject proposal, subject to the applicant's payment of the necessary impact fees. As imposed by the Environmental Review Committee, the applicant will be required to pay a Fire Mitigation Fee prior to the issuance of building permits. The site is served by the City of Renton for all utilities. There is an 8-inch sewer main within the project site and along NE 10th Street. There is a 6-inch water main within NE 10th Street, a 10-inch water main within Kirkland Ave NE, and an 8-inch water main along NE 9th Street. In accordance with the Fire Department requirement, at a minimum, one hydrant within 150 feet and 2 additional hydrants within 300 ft. are required to sustain the necessary the established 3,000 GPM demand for the site. j) Prevention of neighborhood deterioration and blight; The proposal is not expected to cause neighborhood deterioration and/or blight. Conversion of underutilized land will add value to the site. Coordinated site improvements including landscaping, parking, signage and lighting would be included as part of this development. k) Review of Compliance to District D Design Guidelines; The CV zoned parcel, Parcel B, is located within Design District 'D'. The proposed project must meet the intent of the Design Regulations where the regulations are applicable. As demonstrated in the table below the proposal meets the intent of the Design Regulations on the basis of individual merit if all conditions of approval are met. Two categories have been established: (a) "minimum standards" that must be met (shaded box), and (b) "guidelines" that, while not mandatory, are considered in determining if the proposed action meets the intent of the design guidelines 9clear box). The following are the categories for compliance: M= Met NM= Not Met PM= Partially Met NA= Not Applicable N p N M M M !\ A. SITE DESIGN AND BUILDING LOCATION: Intent: To ensure that buildings are located in relation to streets and other buildings so that the Vision of the City of Renton can be realized for a high-density urban environment; so that businesses enjoy visibility from public rights-of-way; and to encourage pedestrian activity throughout the district. 1. Site Design and Street Pattern: Intent: To ensure that the City of Renton Vision can be realized within the Urban Center Districts; plan districts that are organized for efficiency while maintaining flexibility for future development at high urban densities and intensities of use; create and maintain a safe, convenient network of streets of varying dimensions for vehicle circulation; and provide service to businesses. Minimum Standard: Provide a network of public and/or private local streets in addition to _J _J __J ~ public arterials. Minimum Standard: Maintain a hierarchy of streets to provide organized circulation that LJ LJ __J ~ HEX Report City of Renton Deportment of Corr, HCC EXPANSION & REMODEL ity & Economic Development Pre wry Report to the Hearing Examiner WA09-051, ECF, SA-HH Hearing Date July 14, 2009 Page 14 of 28 promotes use by multiple transportation modes and to avoid overburdening the roadway system. The hierarchy shall consist of (from greatest in size to smallest): (a) High Visibility Street. A highly visible arterial street that warrants special design treatment to improve its appearance and maintain its transportation function. (b) Arterial Street. A street classified as a principal arterial on the City's Arterial Street Plan. (c) Pedestrian-Oriented Streets. Streets that are intended to feature a concentration of pedestrian activity. Such streets feature slow moving traffic, narrow travel lanes, on-street parking, and wide sidewalks. (d) Internal or local roads (public or private). 2. Building Location and Orientation: Intent: To ensure visibility of businesses; establish active, lively uses along sidewalks and pedestrian pathways; organize buildings in such a way that pedestrian use of the district is facilitated; encourage siting of structures so that natural light and solar access are available to other structures and open space; enhance the visual character and definition of streets within the district; provide an appropriate transition between buildings, parking areas, and other land uses and the street; and increase privacy for residential uses located near the street. Minimum Standard: Orient buildings to the street with clear connections to the sidewalk. D ~ _J - Staff Comment: The proposed building on Parcel Bis not oriented towards a street. The applicant is proposing to construct the education wing as an extension of the existing church facility which has an orientation and prominent entrance along NE 9th and 1dh Street. The proposal meets the intent of the standard to ensure visibility of the facility. The lack of orientation will not have a detrimental effect on nearby properties or the City as a whole. Minimum Standard: The front entry of a building shall not be oriented to a drive aisle, but D D _J ~ instead a public or private street or landscaped pedestrian-only courtyard. Guideline: Ground floor residential uses located near the street should be raised above street D D D ~ level for residents' privacy. 3. Building Entries: Intent: To make building entrances convenient to locate and easy to access, and ensure that building entries further the pedestrian nature of the fronting sidewalk and the urban character of the district. Minimum Standard: A primary entrance of each building shall be located on the facade facing a D ~ LJ _J street, shall be prominent, visible from the street, connected by a walkway to the public sidewalk, and include human-scale elements. Staff Comment: There are no entrances to the proposed education wing located on Parcel B. Only one entry is provided to the new wing which is through existing building for enhanced child security. The existing church facility which has an orientation and prominent entrances along NE 1dh Street. Minimum Standard: Multiple buildings on the same site shall provide a continuous network of ~ D _j w ~ pedestrian paths and open spaces that incorporate landscaping to provide a directed view to building entries. Minimum Standard: Ground floor units shall be directly accessible from the street or an open D ~ d ~ space such as a courtyard or garden that is accessible from the street. Minimum Standard: Secondary access (not fronting on a street) shall have weather protection ~ _:J ::J ,,,,.; ~ at least 4-1/2 feet wide over the entrance or other similar indicator of access. Minimum Standard: Pedestrian access shall be provided to the building from property edges, ~ D .J ~ adjacent lots, abutting street intersections, crosswalks, and transit stops. Guideline: For projects that include residential uses, entries should provide transition space D D D ~ between the public street and the private residence such as a porch, landscaped area, terrace, common area, lobby, or similar feature. Guideline: Features such as entries, lobbies, and display windows should be oriented to a street; D D D ~ otherwise, screening or art features such as trellises, artwork, murals, landscaping, or combinations thereof should be incorporated into the street-oriented facade. 4. Transition to Surrounding Development: Intent: To shape redevelopment projects so that the character and value of Renton's long- HEX Report City of Renton Deportment of Corr. HCC EXPANSION & REMODEL ,ity & Economic Development Prt wry Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA09-051, ECF, SA-HH Hearing Date July 14, 2009 Page 15 of 28 established, existing neighborhoods are preserved. Minimum Standard: Careful siting and design treatment are necessary to achieve a compatible [g] D D LJ transition where new buildings differ from surrounding development in terms of building height, bulk and scale. At least one of the following design elements shall be considered to promote a transition to surrounding uses: a. Setbacks at the side or rear of a building may be increased by the Reviewing Official in order to reduce the bulk and scale of larger buildings and so that sunlight reaches adjacent yards; b. Building proportions, including step-backs on upper levels; c. Building articulation to divide a larger architectural element into smaller increments; or d. Roof lines, roof pitches, and roof shapes designed to reduce apparent bulk and transition with existing developmeni. 5. Service Element Location and Design: Intent: To reduce the potential negative impacts of service elements {i.e., waste receptacles, loading docks) by locating service and loading areas away from high-volume pedestrian areas, and screening them from view in high visibility areas. Minimum Standard: Service elements shall be located and designed to minimize the impacts on D D D [g] the pedestrian environment and adjacent uses. Service elements shall be concentrated and located where they are accessible to service vehicles and convenient for tenant use (see illustration, RMC 4-3-100E7e). Minimum Standard: Garbage, recycling collection, and utility areas shall be enclosed, consistent D D LJ [g] with RMC 4-4-090, Refuse and Recyclables Standards, and RMC 4-4-095, Screening and Storage Height/Location Limitations. Minimum Standard: In addition to standard enclosure requirements, garbage, recycling D LJ LJ l6l collection, and utility areas shall be enclosed on all sides, including the roof and screened around their perimeter by a wall or fence and have self-closing doors (see illustration, RMC 4-3- 100E7f). Minimum Standard: The use of chain link, plastic, or wire fencing is prohibited. D D D [g] Minimum Standard: If the service area is adjacent to a street, pathway, or pedestrian-oriented D LJ LJ l6l space, a landscaped planting strip, minimum 3 feet wide, shall be located on 3 sides of such facility. Guideline: Service enclosure fences should be made of masonry, ornamental metal or wood, or D D D [g] some combination of the three. 6. Gateways: Intent: To distinguish gateways as primary entrances to districts or to the City; provide special design features and architectural elements at gateways; and ensure that gateways, while they are distinctive within the context of the district, are compatible with the district in form and scale. Minimum Standard: Developments located at district gateways shall be marked with visually D u _J ?:J prominent features (see illustration, subsection RMC 4-3-100.E7g). Minimum Standard: Gateway elements shall be oriented toward and scaled for both D u LJ 61 pedestrians and vehicles (see illustration, subsection RMC 4-3-100.E7h). Minimum Standard: Visual prominence shall be distinguished by two or more of the following: D LJ LJ 61 a. Public art; b. Monuments; c. Special landscape treatment; d. Open space/plaza; e. Identifying building form; f. Special paving, unique pedestrian scale lighting, or bollards; g. Prominent architectural features (trellis, arbor, pergola, or gazebo); h. Signage, displaying neighborhood or district entry identification (commercial signs are not allowed). N p N M M A B. PARKING AND VEHICULAR ACCESS: M HEX Report City of Renton Deportment of Com HCC EXPANSION & REMODEL ity & Economic Development Pre ,ary Report to the Hearing Examiner WA09-051, ECF, SA-HH Hearing Date July 14, 2009 Page 16 of 28 Intent: To provide safe, convenient access to the Urban Center and the Center Village; incorporate various modes of transportation, including public mass transit, in order to reduce traffic volumes and other impacts from vehicles; ensure sufficient parking ls provided, while encouraging creativity in reducing the impacts of parking areas; allow an active pedestrian environment by maintaining contiguous street frontages, without parking lot siting along sidewalks and building facades; minimize the visual impact of parking lots; and use access streets and parking to maintain an urban edge to the district. 1. Location of Parking: Intent: To maintain active pedestrian environments along streets by placing parking lots primarily in back of buildings. Minimum Standard: No surface parking shall be located between a building and the front CJ l;:sJ _J -'-' property line or the building and side property line on the street side of a corner lot. Stoff Comment: The applicant has requested to site parking between the building and NE 9" Street. The existing church facility is located an the northeast earner of the subject site and is bordered by three streets. Existing parking is already located in between the facility and NE 9" Street. The applicant is proposing ta add a total af 304 stalls of which mast would be located ta the west of the proposed addition and existing parking lat an Parcel B. While the proposed parking would not be located between the building and the street without adequate buffers the parking lat could have negative impacts on the pedestrian environment and the abutting residential properties. The applicant is proposing a substantial amount of interior parking lot landscaping in order to minimize to the visual impact however staff offers additional buffers could be placed on the perimeter of the site. Specifically ta the Golden Pines multi-family property that abuts to the north and the single-family residential properties located across NE 9'' Street. The rear yards of the single-family residential properties face NE 9th Street and the proposed parking lot. Therefore staff offers that the northern property, which directly abuts the site, is more appropriate for an enhanced buffer. As a 30-faot buffer has been recommended on the western border af the site, which is abutted by the Harrington Square multi-family building complex, staff offers 30 feet as an appropriate buffer far the northwestern property line. Staff recommends, as a condition of approval, the applicant submit a revised landscape and site plan depicting a 30-foot buffer along the northern border of Parcel B that ties into the proposed landscaping along the western property line. The revised plan shall be submitted and approved by the Current Planning Project Manager prior ta building permit approval. As a note the number af parking stalls would be reduced by 22 stalls. However the applicant would still comply with the parking code requirement (see parking analysis on page 9). Guideline: In areas of mixed use development, shared parking ls recommended. D D D ~ 2. Design of Surface Parking: Intent: To ensure safety of users of parking areas, convenience to businesses, and reduce the impact of parking lots wherever possible. Minimum Standard: Parking lot lighting shall not spill onto adjacent or abutting properties (see D ~ ~ LJ illustration, subsection RMC 4-3-100.FSb). Stoff Comment: A lighting plan was not submitted as part of the application materials therefore staff could not verify whether or not there would be light spillover onto adjacent properties. Staff has recommended, as o condition of approval, the applicant submit a lighting plan ta be reviewed and approved by the Current Planning Project Manager prior to construction or building permit approval (see page 12). Minimum Standard: All surface parking lots shall be landscaped to reduce their visual impact ~ LJ LJ L...J (see RMC 4-4-080F7, Landscape Requirements). Guideline: Wherever possible, parking should be configured into small units, connected by ~ D D D landscaped areas to provide on-site buffering from visual impacts. Guideline: Access to parking modules should be provided by public or private local streets with ~ D D D sidewalks on both sides where possible, rather than internal drive aisles. Guideline: Where multiple driveways cannot be avoided, provide landscaping to separate and D D D ~ minimize their impact on the streetscape. 3. Structured Parking Garages: HEX Report City of Renton Deportment of Comn. HCC EXPANSION & REMODEL y & Economic Development Preli, ry Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA09-051, ECF, SA-HH Hearing Date July 14, 2009 Page 17 of 28 Intent: To more efficiently use land needed for vehicle parking; encourage the use of structured parking throughout the Urban Center and the Center Village; physically and visually integrate parking garages with other uses; and reduce the overall impact of parking garages when they are located in proximity to the designated pedestrian environment. Minimum Standard: Parking Structures Fronting Designated Pedestrian-Oriented Streets: (a) Parking structures shall provide space for ground floor commercial uses along street D D D ~ frontages at a minimum of 75% of the frontage width (see illustration, subsection RMC 4-3- 100.F5c). (bl The entire facade must feature a pedestrian-oriented facade. D D l·,'i fX1 Minimum Standard: Parking Structures Fronting Non-Pedestrian-Oriented Streets: (a) Parking structures fronting non-pedestrian-oriented streets and not featuring a D ...:J LJ ~ pedestrian-oriented facade shall be set back at least 6 feet from the sidewalk and feature substantial landscaping. This includes a combination of evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs, and ground cover. This setback shall be increased to 10 feet adjacent to high visibility streets. (bl The Director may allow a reduced setback where the applicant can successfully D D LJ ~ demonstrate that the landscaped area and/or other design treatment meets the intent of these standards and guidelines. Possible treatments to reduce the setback include landscaping components plus one or more of the following integrated with the architectural design of the building: (1) Ornamental grillwork (other than vertical bars); (2) Decorative artwork; (3) Display windows; (4) Brick, tile, or stone; (5) Pre-cast decorative panels; (6) Vine-covered trellis; (7) Raised landscaping beds with decorative materials; or (8) Other treatments that meet the intent of this standard. (c) Facades shall be articulated architecturally, so as to maintain a human scale and to avoid '-'-1 _J LJ ~ a solid wall. Vehicular entrances to nonresidential or mixed use parking structures shall be articulated by arches, lintels, masonry trim, or other architectural elements and/or materials (see illustration, subsection RMC 4-3-100.F5d). Minimum Standard: Parking structures shall provide space for ground floor commercial uses D LJ _J ~ along street frontages at a minimum of 75 percent of the frontage width (see illustration, subsection RMC 4-3-100.F5c). Minimum Standard: The entire facade must feature a pedestrian-oriented facade. ,< Minimum Standard: Facades shall be articulated architecturally, so as to maintain a human D ~ -~ scale and to avoid a solid wall. Vehicular entrances to nonresidential or mixed use parking structures shall be articulated by arches, lintels, masonry trim, or other architectural elements and/or materials (see illustration, subsection RMC 4-3-100.FSd). Guideline: Parking garage entries should be designed and sited to complement, not D D D ~ subordinate, the pedestrian entry. If possible, locate the parking entry away from the primary street, to either the side or rear of the building. Guideline: Parking garage entries should not dominate the streetscape. D D D ~ Guideline: The design of structured parking at finished grade under a building should minimize D D D ~ the apparent width of garage entries. Guideline: Parking within the building should be enclosed or screened through any combination _J D D ~ of walls, decorative grilles, or trellis work with landscaping. Guideline: Parking garages should be designed to be complementary with adjacent buildings. D D D ~ Use similar forms, materials, and/or details to enhance garages. Guideline: Parking service and storage functions should be located away from the street edge D D LJ ~ and generally not be visible from the street or sidewalks. 4. Vehicular Access: Intent: To maintain a contiguous, uninterrupted sidewalk by minimizing, consolldating and/or HEX Report City of Renton Department of Con HCC EXPANSION & REMODEL lity & Economic Development Pre wry Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA09-051, ECF, SA-HH Hearing Date July 14, 2009 Page 18 of 28 eliminating vehicular access off streets within pedestrian environments and/or designated pedestrian-oriented streets. Guideline: Parking lots and garages should be accessed from alleys or side streets. ~ D D D Guideline: Driveways should be located to be visible from the right-of-way, but not impede D D ~ D pedestrian circulation on-site or to adjoining properties. Where possible, minimize the number of driveways and curb cuts. M N p N C. PEDESTRIAN ENVIRONMENT: M M A Intent: To enhance the urban character of development in the Urban Center and the Center Village by creating pedestrian networks and by providing strong links from streets and drives to building entrances; make the pedestrian environment safer and more convenient, comfortable, and pleasant to walk between businesses, on sidewalks, to and from access points, and through parking lots; and promote the use of multi-modal and public transportation systems in order to reduce other vehicular traffic. 1. Pathways through Parking Lots: Intent: To provide safe and attractive pedestrian connections to buildings, parking garages, and parking lots. Minimum Standard: Clearly delineated pedestrian pathways and/or private streets shall be ~ D LJ LJ provided throughout parking areas. Minimum Standard: Within parking areas, pedestrian pathways shall be provided perpendicular D D ~ I ~ to the applicable building facade, at a maximum distance of 150 feet apart (see illustration, subsection RMC 4-3-100.G4a). Staff Comment: It appears that most of the internal pedestrian pathways are no more than 150 feet apart. However, in some cases the pathways exceed this distance. Due to the proposed use of the site and limited hours for which the facility will operate at capacity, staff supports the proposed pedestrian linkage system provided on site. 2. Pedestrian Circulation: Intent: To create a network of linkages for pedestrians to inlprove safety and convenience and enhance the pedestrian environment. Minimum Standard: Developments shall include an integrated pedestrian circulation system D ~ _:_J ......, that connects buildings, open space, and parking areas with the adjacent street sidewalk system and adjacent properties (see illustration, subsection RMC 4-3-100.G4b). Staff Comment: Staff has recommended the applicant submit a revised landscape and site plan depicting o 30-foot buffer along the northern border of Parcel B that ties into the proposed landscaping along the western property line. As a result additional pedestrian connections could be made in order to facilitate better pedestrian circulation on the site. Staff recommends, as a condition of approval, the applicant be required to provide a pedestrian connection within the landscape buffers along the north and western property lines of Parcel B, which is raised for the portion that crosses the entrance into the site from NE 1dh Street. The pedestrian connections will be subject to the approval of the Current Planning Project Manager. Minimum Standard: Sidewalks located between buildings and streets shall be raised above the f,, d ~ :.J ~ ~ level of vehicular travel. Staff Comment: See condition above. Minimum Standard: Pedestrian pathways within parking lots or parking modules shall be D ~ d ..:...., differentiated by material or texture from adjacent paving materials (see illustration, subsection RMC 4-3-100.G4c). Staff Comment: A materials list was not submitted as part of the application therefore staff could not verify whether or not pedestrian pathways would be differentiated by material or texture. Staff recommends, as a condition of approval, the applicant submit a materials list, noting the difference in materials for the pedestrian pathways. The list shall be submitted to and approved by the Current Planning Project Manager prior to construction or building permit approval. Minimum Standard: Sidewalks and pathways along the facades of buildings shall be of sufficient HEX Repor1 City of Renton Deportment of Com. HCC EXPANSION & REMODEL ity & Economic Development Pre ary Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA09-051, ECF, SA-HH Hearing Date July 14, 2009 Page 19 of 28 width to accommodate anticipated numbers of users. Specifically: (a) Sidewalks and pathways along the facades of mixed use and retail buildings 100 or more D D LJ cg] feet in width (measured along the facade) shall provide sidewalks at least 12 feet in width. The walkway shall include an 8 foot minimum unobstructed walking surface and street trees (see illustration, subsection RMC-4-3-100.G4d). (b) To increase business visibility and accessibility, breaks in the tree coverage adjacent to D LJ LJ cg] major building entries shall be allowed. (c) For all other interior pathways, the proposed walkway shall be of sufficient width to cg] LJ LJ D accommodate the anticipated number of users. A 10 -12 foot pathway, for example, can accommodate groups of persons walking four abreast, or two couples passing one another. An 8 foot pathway will accommodate three individuals walking abreast, whereas a smaller 5 -6 foot pathway will accommodate two individuals. Minimum Standard: Locate pathways with clear sight lines to increase safety. Landscaping shall LJ ~ ~ L.J not obstruct visibility of walkway or sight lines to building entries. Staff Comment: The applicant is proposing a pedestrian network system in the interior of the site that includes both linear and meandering pedestrian walkways. While the meandering pathways have aesthetic appeal they may cause visibility impairments. In addition the meandering pathways are relatively short and would be best used for longer portions of pedestrian networks in order to space out the meandering for better visibility. Staff recommends, as a condition of approval, the applicant revise the site plan to include linear pathways in lieu of the meandering pathways proposed if the bends in the pathway can not be further spaced. A revised set of plans {landscaping, lighting, site pion, etc.) shall be submitted to and approved by the Current Planning Project Manager prior to building permit approval. Minimum Standard: All pedestrian walkways shall provide an all-weather walking surface unless D D ~ _, the applicant can demonstrate that the proposed surface is appropriate for the anticipated number of users and complementary to the design of the development. Stoff Comment: See condition above. Guideline: Delineation of pathways may be through the use of architectural features, such as D cg] D D trellises, railings, low seat walls, or similar treatment. Guideline: Mid-block connections are desirable where a strong linkage between uses can be cg] D D D established. Guideline: Decorative fences, with the exception of chain link fences, may be allowed when D D D cg] appropriate to the situation. 3. Pedestrian Amenities: Intent: To create attractive spaces that unify the building and street environments and are inviting and comfortable for pedestrians; and provide publicly accessible areas that function for a variety of activities, at all times of the year, and under typical seasonal weather conditions. Minimum Standard: Provide pedestrian overhead weather protection in the form of awnings, D _J _J ,6] marquees, canopies, or building overhangs. These elements shall be a minimum of 4-1/2 feet wide along at least 75 percent of the length of the building facade, a maximum height of 15 feet above the ground elevation, and no lower than 8 feet above ground level. Minimum Standard: Site furniture provided in public spaces shall be made of durable, vandal-:J :J ~ _J and weather-resistant materials that do not retain rainwater and can be reasonably maintained over an extended period of time. Staff Comment: After discussion with the applicant, it appears they plan to provide site furniture within the recommended landscaping on the northern and western property lines. If site furniture is provided in the public spaces it shall comply with the minimum standard above. Minimum Standard: Site furniture and amenities shall not impede or block pedestrian access to ~ _J _J ~ public spaces or building entrances. Guideline: Transit shelters, bicycle racks, benches, trash receptacles, and other street furniture D D D cg] should be provided. Staff Comment: The applicant is highly encouraged to provide any and/or oil of the items listed above. HEX Report City of Renton Deportment of Con. HCC EXPANSION & REMODEL lity & Economic Development Prt nary Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA09-051, ECF, SA-HH Hearing Date July 14, 2009 Page 20 of 28 Guideline: Street amenities such as outdoor group seating, kiosks, fountains, and public art D ~ D D should be provided. Stoff Comment: The applicant is highly encouraged to provide any and/or oil of the items listed above in the passive recreation space that is required along the north and west property lines. Guideline: Architectural elements that incorporate plants, such as facade-mounted planting D ~ D D boxes or trellises or ground-related or hanging containers are encouraged, particularly at building entrances, in publicly accessible spaces, and at facades along pedestrian-oriented streets (see illustration, subsection RMC 4-3-100.G4f}. M N p N D. LANDSCAPING/RECREATION AREAS/COMMON OPEN SPACE: M M A Intent: To provide visual relief in areas of expansive paving or structures; define logical areas of pedestrian and vehicular circulation; and add to the aesthetic enjoyment of the area by the community. To have areas suitable for both passive and active recreation by residents, workers, and visitors; provide these areas in sufficient amounts and in safe and convenient locations; and provide the opportunity for community gathering in places centrally located and designed to encourage such activity. 1. Landscaping: Intent: Landscaping is intended to reinforce the architecture or concept of the area; provide visual and climatic relief in areas of expansive paving or structures; channelize and define logical areas of pedestrian and vehicular circulation; and add to the aesthetic enjoyment of the area by the community. Minimum Standard: All pervious areas shall be landscaped (see RMC 4-4-070, Landscaping}. ~ D . D Minimum Standard: Street trees are required and shall be located between the curb edge and X D ~ D building, as determined by the City of Renton. Minimum Standard: On designated pedestrian-oriented streets, street trees shall be installed ~ _J _J -CJ with tree grates. For all other streets, street tree treatment shall be as determined by the City of Renton (see illustration, subsection RMC 4-3-100.H3a}. Minimum Standard: The proposed landscaping shall be consistent with the design intent and ~ _J _J _, program of the building, the site, and use. Minimum Standard: The landscape plan shall demonstrate how the proposed landscaping, ~ D _J _J through the use of plant material and nonvegetative elements, reinforces the architecture or concept of the development. Minimum Standard: Surface parking areas shall be screened by landscaping in order to reduce ~ _J :J D views of parked cars from streets (see RMC 4-4-080F7, Landscape Requirements}. Such landscaping shall be at least 10 feet in width as measured from the sidewalk {see illustration, subsection RMC 4-3-100.H3b}. Minimum Standard: Trees at an average minimum rate of one tree per 30 lineal feet of street ~ D :J _J frontage. Permitted tree species are those that reach a mature height of at least 35 feet Minimum height or caliper at planting shall be eight feet or two inch caliper (as measured four feet from the top of the root ball} respectively. Minimum Standard: Shrubs at the minimum rate of one per 20 square feet of landscaped area. ~ _J ~ _, Shrubs shall be at least 12 inches tall at planting and have a mature height between three and four feet. Minimum Standard: Ground cover shall be planted in sufficient quantities to provide at least 90 ~ _J :J :J percent coverage of the landscaped area within three years of installation. Minimum Standard: The applicant shall provide a maintenance assurance device, prior to .. [gl _J _, ~ occupancy, for a period of not less than three years and in sufficient amount to ensure required landscape standards have been met by the third year following installation. Staff Comment: Staff recommends, as a condition of approval, the applicant submit a landscape maintenance surety device for a period of no less than three years in sufficient amount as determined by the Current Planning Monager prior to temporary occupancy for the first phase of construction. HEX Report City of Renton Deportment of Com HCC EXPANSION & REMODEL .ity & Economic Development Pre wry Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA09-051, ECF, SA-HH Hearing Date July 14, 2009 Page 21 of 28 Minimum Standard: Surface parking with more than 14 stalls shall be landscaped as follows: (1) Required Amount: [2J D D D Total Number of Minimum Required Landscape Area' Spaces 15 to 50 15 square feet/parking space 51 to 99 25 square feet/parking space 100 or more 35 square feet/parking space * Landscape area calculations above and planting requirements below exclude perimeter parking lot landscaping areas. (2) Provide trees, shrubs, and ground cover in the required interior parking lot landscape [2J D _J D areas. (3) Plant at least one tree for every six parking spaces. Permitted tree species are those that ;gJ D .J D reach a mature height of at least 35 feet. Minimum height or caliper at planting shall be eight feet or two inch caliper (as measured four feet from the top of the root ball) respectively. (4) Plant shrubs at a rate of five per 100 square feet of landscape area. Shrubs shall be at [2J D .J -' least 16 inches tall at planting and have a mature height between three and four feet (5) Up to 50 percent of shrubs may be deciduous. [2J D (6) Select and plant ground cover so as to provide 90 percent coverage within three years of rgJ LJ -:_:_ planting; provided, that mulch is applied until plant coverage is complete. (7) Do not locate a parking stall more than 50 feet from a landscape area. [2J Minimum Standard: Regular maintenance shall be provided to ensure that plant materials are [2J . D -"-..::.:... kept healthy and that dead or dying plant materials are replaced. Minimum Standard: Underground, automatic irrigation systems are required in all landscape D ~ _J D areas. Staff Comment: An irrigation plan was not submitted as port of the application. Therefore staff recommends, as a condition of approval, the applicant submit an irrigation plan to and be approved by the Current Planning Project Manager prior to construction or building permit approval. Guideline: Landscaping should be used to soften and integrate the bulk of buildings. [2J D D D Guideline: Landscaping should be provided that appropriately provides either screening of D D [2J D unwanted views or focuses attention to preferred views. Staff Comment: The applicant is proposing to site two large vehicle (bus) stalls on the northern fa,ode of the education wing and one stall on the northwestern fa,ade of the existing building. However staff is recommending, as a condition of approval, the applicant provide an increased landscape buffer where the two bus stalls would be located near the proposed education wing; therefore the bus stalls will most likely be relocated on site. In order to screen the large vehicles, wherever they will be located on site, staff is recommending the use of landscaping and/or a fence. The applicant will be required to submit a revised landscaping plan depicting screening for bus parking, in the form of landscaping and/or a fence, subject to the approval of the Current Planning Project Manager prior to building permit approval. Guideline: Use of low maintenance, drought-resistant landscape material is encouraged. [2J D D D Guideline: Choice of materials should reflect the level of maintenance that will be available. ~ D D D Guideline: Seasonal landscaping and container plantings are encouraged, particularly at building D [2J D D entries and in publicly accessible spaces. Guideline: Window boxes, containers for plantings, hanging baskets, or other planting feature D [2J D D elements should be made of weather-resistant materials that can be reasonably maintained. Guideline: Landscaping should be used to screen parking lots from adjacent or neighboring D ~ D D properties. 2. Recreation Areas and Common Open Space: HEX Report City of Renton Deportment of Com. HCC EXPANSION & REMODEL ity & Economic Development Pre ,ory Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA09-051, ECF, SA-HH Hearing Date July 14, 2009 Page 22 of 28 Intent: To ensure that districts have areas suitable for both passive and active recreation by residents, workers, and visitors and that these areas are of sufficient size for the intended activity and in convenient locations; create usable, accessible, and inviting open space that is accessible to the public; and promote pedestrian activity on pedestrian-oriented streets particularly at street corners. Minimum Standard: Mixed use residential and attached housing developments of ten or more D D LJ ~ dwelling units shall provide a minimum area of common space or recreation area equal to SO square feet per unit. The common space area shall be aggregated to provide usable area(s) for residents. The location, layout, and proposed type of common space or recreation area shall be subject to approval by the Director. The required common open space shall be satisfied with one or more of the elements listed below. The Director may require more than one of the following elements for developments having more than 100 units. (a) Courtyards, plazas, or multi-purpose open spaces; (b) Upper level common decks, patios, terraces, or roof gardens. Such spaces above the street level must feature views or amenities that are unique to the site and are provided as an asset to the development; (c) Pedestrian corridors dedicated to passive recreation and separate from the public street system; (d) Recreation facilities including, but not limited to, tennis/sports courts, swimming pools, exercise areas, game rooms, or other similar facilities; or (e) Children's play spaces. Minimum Standard: In mixed use residential and attached residential projects, required D D LJ IZJ landscaping, driveways, parking, or other vehicular use areas shall not be counted toward the common space requirement or be located in dedicated outdoor recreation or common use areas. Minimum Standard: In mixed use residential and attached residential projects required yard D D D IZJ setback areas shall not count toward outdoor recreation and common space unless such areas are developed as private or semi~private (from abutting or adjacent properties) courtyards, plazas or passive use areas containing landscaping and fencing sufficient to create a fully usable area accessible to all residents of the development (see illustration, subsection RMC 4-3- 100.H3c). Minimum Standard: Private decks, balconies, and private ground floor open space shall not D D LJ IZJ count toward the common space/recreation area requirement. Minimum Standard: In mixed use residential and attached residential projects, other required LJ D LJ ~ landscaping and sensitive area buffers without common access links, such as pedestrian trails, shall not be included toward the required recreation and common space requirement. Minimum Standard: All buildings and developments with over 30,000 square feet of D D D ~ nonresidential uses (excludes parking garage floorplate areas) shall provide pedestrian-oriented space (see illustration, subsection RMC 4-3-100.H3d) according to the following formula: 1% of the lot area+ 1% of the building cirea = Minimum amount of pedestrian-oriented space Minimum Standard: To qualify as pedestrian-oriented space, the following must be included: ...:..., LJ .J ?::;] (a) Visual and pedestrian access (including barrier-free access) to the abutting structures from the public right-of-way or a nonvehicular courtyard; (b) Paved walking surfaces of either concrete or approved unit paving; (c) On-site or building-mounted lighting providing at least four foot-candles (average) on the ground; and (d) At least three feet of seating area (bench, ledge, etc.) or one individual seat per 60 square feet of plaza area or open space. Minimum Standard: The following features are encouraged in pedestrian-oriented space (see ~·· ''.I _j _J ?::;] _, illustration, subsection RMC 4-3-100.H3e) and may be required by the Director: (a) Provide pedestrian-oriented uses on the building facade facing the pedestrian-oriented space. (b) Spaces should be positioned in areas with significant pedestrian traffic to provide interest and security -such as adjacent to a building entry. (c) Provide pedestrian-oriented facades on some or all buildings facing the space. HEX Report City of Renton Department of Com. HCC EXPANSION & REMODEL ity & Economic Development Pre ,ary Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA09-051, ECF, SA-HH Hearing Date July 14, 2009 Page 23 of 28 (di Provide movable public seating. Minimum Standard: The following are prohibited within pedestrian-oriented space: D D LJ ~ (a) Adjacent unscreened parking lots; (b) Adjacent chain link fences; (c) Adjacent blank walls; (d) Adjacent dumpsters or service areas; and (e) Outdoor storage (shopping carts, potting soil bags, firewood, etc.) that do not contribute to the pedestrian environment. Minimum Standard: The minimum required walkway areas shall not count as pedestrian-D D LJ ~ oriented space. However, where walkways are widened or enhanced beyond minimum requirements, the area may count as pedestrian-oriented space if the Director determines such space meets the definition of pedestrian-oriented space. Minimum Standard: Commercial Arterial Zone Public Plazas. At each corner of the intersections listed below, there shall be provision of a public plaza of no D D D ~ less than 1,000 square feet with a minimum dimension of 20 feet on one side abutting the sidewalk. The public plaza must be landscaped consistent with RMC 4-4-070, including at minimum street trees, decorative paving, pedestrian-scaled lighting, and seating. Guideline: Common space areas in mixed use residential and attached residential projects D D D ~ should be centrally located so they are near a majority of dwelling units, accessible and usable to residents, and visible from surrounding units. Guideline: Common space areas should be located to take advantage of surrounding features D D D ~ such as building entrances, significant landscaping, unique topography or architecture, and solar exposure. Guideline: In mixed use residential and attached residential projects children's play space D D D ~ should be centrally located, visible from the dwellings, and away from hazardous areas like garbage dumpsters, drainage facilities, streets, and parking areas. N p N M M M ~ E. BUILDING ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN: Intent: To encourage building design that is unique and urban in character, comfortable on a human scale, and uses appropriate building materials that are suitable for the Pacific Northwest climate. To discourage franchise retail architecture. 1. Building Character and Massing: Intent: To ensure that buildings are not bland and visually appear to be at a human scale; and ensure that all sides of a building, that can be seen by the public, are visually interesting. Minimum Standard: All building facades shall include modulation or articulation at intervals of ~ _J D _J no more than forty feet (40'). Guideline: Building facades should be modulated and/or articulated with architectural elements ~ D D D to reduce the apparent size of new buildings, break up long blank walls, add visual interest, and enhance the character of the neighborhood. Guideline: Articulation, modulation, and their intervals should create a sense of scale important D D D ~ to residential buildings. Guideline: A variety of modulations and articulations should be employed to add visual interest ~ D D D and to reduce the bulk and scale of large projects. Guideline: Building modulations should be a minimum of two feet deep, 16 feet in height, and ~ D D D eight feet in width. Guideline: Alternative methods to shape a building such as angled or curved facade elements, D ~ D D off-set planes, wing walls, and terracing will be considered; provided, that the intent of this Section is met. 2. Ground-Level Details: Intent: To ensure that buildings are visually interesting and reinforce the intended human-scale character of the pedestrian environment; and ensure that all sides of a building within near or distant public view have visual interest. Minimum Standard: Untreated blank walls visible from public streets, sidewalks, or interior ~uuu HEX Report City of Renton Department of Con HCC EXPANSION & REMODEL ,ity & Economic Development Pre wry Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA09-051, ECF, SA-HH Hearing Date July 14, 2009 Page 24 of 28 pedestrian pathways are prohibited. A wall (including building facades and retaining walls) is considered a blank wall if: (a) It is a ground floor wall or portion of a ground floor wall over six feet in height, has a horizontal length greater than 15 feet, and does not include a window, door, building modulation or other architectural detailing; or (b) Any portion of a ground floor wall having a surface area of 400 square feet or greater and does not include a window, door, building modulation or other architectural detailing. Minimum Standard: Where blank walls are required or unavoidable, blank walls shall be treated 0 [] _J ~ with one or more of the following (see illustration, subsection RMC 4-3-100.ISd): (a) A planting bed at least five feet in width containing trees, shrubs, evergreen ground cover, or vines adjacent to the blank wall; (b) Trellis or other vine supports with evergreen climbing vines; (c) Architectural detailing such as reveals, contrasting materials, or other special detailing that meets the intent of this standard; (d) Artwork, such as bas-relief sculpture, mural, or similar; or (e) Seating area with special paving and seasonal planting. Minimum Standard: Treatment of blank walls shall be proportional to the wall. 0 0 . ~ - Minimum Standard: Provide human-scaled elements such as a lighting fixture, trellis, or other ~ 0 ~ 0 . landscape feature along the facade's ground floor. Minimum Standard: Facades on designated pedestrian-oriented streets shall have at least 75 ~ LJ _J ~ percent of the linear frontage of the ground floor facade (as measured on a true elevation facing the designated pedestrian-oriented street) comprised of transparent windows and/or doors. Minimum Standard: Other facade window requirements include the following: (a) Building facades must have clear windows with visibility into and out of the building. ~ _J _J 0 However, screening may be applied to provide shade and energy efficiency. The minimum amount of light transmittance for windows shall be SOpercent. Staff Comment: Provide a materials board. (b) Display windows shall be designed for frequent change of merchandise, rather than 0 _J _J ~ permanent displays. (c) Where windows or storefronts occur, they must principally contain clear glazing. I I X (d) Tinted and dark glass, highly reflective (mirror-type) glass and film are prohibited. ~ 0 Guideline: The primary building entrance should be made visibly prominent by incorporating a 0 0 0 ~ minimum of one of the following architectural features from each category listed (see illustration, subsection RMC 4-3-100.ISe): (a) Facade Features: (1) Recess; (2) Overhang; (3) Canopy; (4) Trellis; (5) Portico; (6) Porch; (7) Clerestory. (b) Doorway Features: (1) Transom windows; (2) Glass windows flanking door; (3) Large entry doors; (4) Ornamental lighting; (S) Lighted displays. (c) Detail Features: (1) Decorative entry paving; (2) Ornamental building name and address; (3) Planted containers; (4) Street furniture (benches, etc.). Guideline: Artwork or building ornamentation (such as mosaics, murals, grillwork, sculptures, 0 ~ 0 0 HEX Report City of Renton Deportment of Corr, HCC EXPANSION & REMODEL ity & Economic Development Pr, wry Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA09-051, ECF, SA-HH Hearing Date July 14, 2009 Page 25 of 28 relief, etc.) should be used to provide ground-level detail. Stoff Comment: The applicant is highly encouraged to provide any and/or oil of the items listed above in order to ornament the ground level of the proposed structure. Guideline: Elevated or terraced planting beds between the walkway and long building walls are D ~ D D encouraged. 3. Building Roof Lines: Intent: To ensure that roof forms provide distinctive profiles and interest consistent with an urban project and contribute to the visual continuity of the district. Minimum Standard: Buildings shall use at least one of the following elements to create varied ~ D _:_j _..:. and interesting roof profiles (see illustration, subsection RMC 4-3-100.ISf): (a) Extended parapets; (b) Feature elements projecting above parapets; (c) Projected cornices; (d) Pitched or sloped roofs. Minimum Standard: Locate and screen roof-mounted mechanical equipment so that the 6 D _:_j -equipment is not visible within 150 feet of the structure when viewed from ground level. Minimum Standard: Screening features shall blend with the architectural character of the ~ D _:_j ~ building, consistent with RMC 4-4-095E, Roof-Top Equipment. Minimum Standard: Match color of roof-mounted mechanical equipment to color of exposed D 6l :J _:J portions of the roof to minimize visual impacts when equipment is visible from higher elevations. Stoff Comment: Based on colored renderings provided by the applicant it appears that roof-top equipment would differ in color from color of the roof. Staff recommends, as o condition of approval, the applicant match the color of the roof-mounted mechanical equipment to the color of exposed portions of the roof. 4. Building Materials: Intent: To ensure high standards of quality and effective maintenance over time; encourage the use of materials that reduce the visual bulk of large buildings; and encourage the use of materials that add visual interest to the neighborhood. Minimum Standard: All sides of buildings visible from a street, pathway, parking area, or open D D 6l _:_j space shall be finished on all sides with the same building materials, detailing, and color scheme, or if different, with materials of the same quality. Stoff Comment: In order to ensure that quality materials are used staff recommends the applicant submit a materials board subject to the approval of the Current Planning Project Manager at the time of building permit review. The applicant is highly encouraged to refinish the entry along NE 1dh Street to correspond with the new construction in order to: provide a cohesive design element for the entire facility while complying with the remainder of the standards and guidelines in this section. Minimum Standard: Materials, individually or in combination, shall have an attractive texture, ~ D ~ ~ pattern, and quality of detailing for all visible facades. Stott Comment: See comments above. Minimum Standard: Materials shall be durable, high quality, and reasonably maintained. ~ _:_j 61 ~ Staff Comment: See Condition above. Minimum Standard: Buildings shall employ material variations such as colors, brick or metal D [iJ 61 .. ...:, banding, patterns, or textural changes. Stott Comment: See comments above. Guideline: Building materials should be attractive, durable, and consistent with more traditional D D ~ D urban development. Appropriate examples would include brick, integrally colored concrete masonry, pre-finished metal, stone, steel, glass, and cast-in-place concrete. Statf.. Comment: See comments above. HEX Report City of Renton Deportment of Com. HCC EXPANSION & REMODEL :ty & Economic Development Pre ory Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA09-051, ECF, SA-HH Hearing Date July 14, 2009 Page 26 of 28 Guideline: Concrete walls should be enhanced by texturing, reveals, snap-tie patterns, coloring D D ~ D with a concrete coating or admixture, or by incorporating embossed or sculpted surfaces, mosaics, or artwork. Staff Comment: See comments above. Guideline: Concrete block walls should be enhanced with integral color, textured blocks and D D ~ D colored mortar, decorative bond pattern and/or incorporate other masonry materials. Stat[ Comment: See comments above. Guideline: Stucco and similar troweled finishes should be used in combination with other more D D ~ D highly textured finishes or accents. They should not be used at the base of buildings between the finished floor elevation and four feet (4') above. Staff Comment: See comments above. M N p N F. SIGNAGE: M M A Intent: To provide a means of identifying and advertising businesses; provide directional assistance; encourage signs that are bath clear and of appropriate scale for the project; encourage quality sign age that contributes to the character of the Urban Center and the Center Village; and create color and interest. Minimum Standard: Sign age shall be an integral part of the design approach to the building. D D X Minimum Standard: Corporate logos and signs shall be sized appropriately for their location. D >< Minimum Standard: Prohibited signs include (see illustration, subsection RMC 4-3-100.J3a): D D -6 i. Pole signs; ii. Roof signs; iii. Back-lit signs with letters or graphics on a plastic sheet (can signs or illuminated cabinet signs). Exceptions: Back-lit logo signs less than ten (10) square feet are permitted as are signs with only the individual letters back-lit. Minimum Standard: In mixed use and multi-use buildings, signage shall be coordinated with the D D D 61 overall building design. Minimum Standard: Freestanding ground-related monument signs, with the exception of D D _J ~ primary entry signs, shall be limited to five feet above finished grade, including support structure. All such signs shall include decorative landscaping (ground cover and/or shrubs) to provide seasonal interest in the area surrounding the sign. Alternately, signage may incorporate stone, brick, or other decorative materials as approved by the Director. Minimum Standard: Entry signs shall be limited to the name of the larger development. D IX Guideline: Alteration of trademarks notwithstanding, corporate signage should not be garish in D D D ~ color nor overly lit, although creative design, strong accent colors, and interesting surface materials and lighting techniques are encouraged. Guideline: Front-lit, ground-mounted monument signs are the preferred type of freestanding D D D ~ sign. Guideline: Blade type signs, proportional to the building facade on which they are mounted, are D D D ~ encouraged on pedestrian-oriented streets. M N p N G. LIGHTING: M M ~ Intent: To ensure safety and security; provide adequate lighting levels in pedestrian areas such as plazas, pedestrian walkways, parking areas, building entries, and other public places; and increase the visual attractiveness of the area at all times of the day and night. Minimum Standard: Lighting shall conform to on-site exterior lighting regulations located in D D l6J l:J RMC 4-4-075, Lighting, Exterior On-Site. Staff Comment: Staff recommended, as a condition of Approval, the applicant be required to provide a lighting plan that adequately provides for public safety without casting excessive glare on adjacent properties at the time of building permit review. Pedestrian scale and down/ighting shall be used in all cases to assure safe pedestrian and vehicular movement, unless alternative HEX Report City of Renton Deportment of Comr, HCC EXPANSION & REMODEL y & Economic Development Preli 1ry Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA09-051, ECF, SA-HH Hearing Date July 14, 2009 Page 27 of 28 pedestrian scale lighting has been approved administratively or is specifically listed as exempt from provisions located in RMC 4-4-075 Lighting, Exterior On-Site. Minimum Standard: Lighting shall be provided on-site to increase security, but shall not be D D ~ I ~ allowed to directly project off-site. Sta[[ Comment: See Condition above Minimum Standard: Pedestrian-scale lighting shall be provided, for both safety and aesthetics, I D ~ ~ L__J along all streets, at primary and secondary building entrances, at building facades, and at pedestrian-oriented spaces. Sta[[ Comment: See Condition above Guideline: Accent lighting should be provided at focal points such as gateways, public art, and D D [g] D significant landscape features such as specimen trees. Guideline: Additional lighting to provide interest in the pedestrian environment may include D D ~ D sconces on building facades, awnings with down·lighting, decorative street lighting, etc. I 1, RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the Highlands Community Church Expansion & Remodel, Project File No. LUA09-051, SA-H, ECF subject to the following conditions: 1. The applicant shall retain the 5 northern cottonwood trees along the western property line along with the maple on the northwestern property line. A revised tree retention plan shall be submitted to and approved by the Current Planning Project Manager prior to building permit approval. 2. The applicant shall widen the landscape buffer along the western property line from 20 to at least 28 feet in width. To provide the additional square footage staff recommends the applicant remove one stall from each tier of the parking modules located to the west of the buffer. 3. The applicant shall submit a revised landscape plan depicting at least 15 feet of landscaping, which may include landscaping within the right-of-way, along NE 9th Street. The revised landscape plan shall be submitted to and approved by the Current Planning Manager prior to building permit approval. The applicant shall remove one stall from each tier of the two parking modules located to the north where the landscape buffer is the smallest. 4. The applicant shall be required to submit screening detail for the refuse and recyclable deposit area prior to building permit approval. 5. The applicant shall be required to provide a lighting plan that will adequately provide for public safety without casting excessive glare on adjacent properties. The lighting plan shall be submitted to and approved by the Current Planning Project Manager prior to building permit approval. 6. The applicant shall submit a revised landscape and site plan depicting a 30-foot buffer along the northern border of Parcel B that ties into the proposed landscaping along the western property line. The revised plan shall be submitted and approved by the Current Planning Project Manager prior to building permit approval. 7. The applicant shall provide a pedestrian connection within the landscape buffers along the north and western property lines of Parcel B which is raised for the portion that crosses the entrance into the site from NE 10th Street. The pedestrian connections will be subject to the approval of the Current Planning Project Manager. 8. The applicant shall submit a materials list, noting the difference in materials for the pedestrian pathways. The list shall be submitted to and approved by the Current Planning Project Manager prior to construction or building permit approval. HEX Report City of Renton Deportment of Com HCC EXPANSION & REMODEL Hearing Date July 14, 2009 .ity & Economic Development Pn wry Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA09-051, ECF, SA-HH Page 28 of 28 9. The applicant shall revise the site plan to include linear pathways in lieu of the meandering pathways proposed if the bends in the pathway can not be further spaced. A revised set of plans (landscaping, lighting, site plan, etc) shall be submitted to and approved by the Current Planning Project Manager prior to building permit approval. 10. The applicant shall provide a landscape maintenance surety device, for a period of no less than three years, in sufficient amount as determined by the Current Planning Manager prior to temporary occupancy for the first phase of construction. 11. The applicant shall submit an irrigation plan to and be approved by the Current Planning Project Manager prior to construction or building permit approval whichever comes first. 12. The applicant shall submit a revised landscaping plan depicting screening for the bus parking, in the form of landscaping and/or a fence, subject to the approval of the Current Planning Project Manager prior to building permit approval. 13. The applicant shall match the color of the roof-mounted mechanical equipment to the color of exposed portions of the roof. 14. The applicant shall submit a materials board subject to the approval of the Current Planning Project Manager at the time of building permit review. EXPIRATION PERIODS: Site Plan Approval typically expires two (2) years from the date of approval. An extension may be requested pursuant to RMC section 4-7-080.M. Staff is recommending approval of the phasing of the project and extension of the site plan approval to expire six years from the date of approval. HEX Report \ !R-8···· R-8 / / IEXIHlll:IBll:11" 2 ZONING PWTECH.i"'IICALSER\'ICES 07/15/08 "\ ......... . -:~ --·~a--· RM F I I I I I i, ... ) ,-, ... ; ·~I R-10 I RM-F 'I ' ~-' r1 L I --- 'a.a I RM-F N CA CA t '--------~_____JNE<•~-~'------1. l CA CA R-8 -16 T23N RSE W 1/2 Jin. a o V' 200 400 l j Feet 1:4,800 09 T23N RSE W 1/2 5309 m ):( ~ l=I w ~ w • ~§::i~~~~~ .. ~!;l.Q.e'i~ji i' .;;-~.s..,.., T; ~19-~'lil~:::,~i;,-~t::~y § 'ef:l!l .. ,,"'-.. 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Ul t:: f---I)'."' _I Renton Renton City Limits Parcels 100 0 SCALE 1 : 1,981 100 200 FEET http://rentonnet.org/MapGu ide/m aps/Parcel. mwf I 300 IEXHIIB][T 8 N A Wednesday, September 24, 2008 9:13 AM Denis Law Mayor June 16, 2009 Larry Maison Higlands Community Church 3031 NE 10'" St Renton, WA 98056 Subject: Highlands Community Church Expansion & Remodel Modification Request 3031 NE 10'• Street File No. LUA09°051, SA-H, ECF Dear Mr. Maison: This letter is sent in response to your April 22'' request (attached) for modifications from the City's Refuse and Recyclables regulations (RMC 4-4-090). The request was included as part of the land use application for the expansion and remodel of the Highlands Community Church Facility. Summary. of Request . The applicant is requesting Hearing Examiner Site Plan Review and Environmental (SEPA) Review for the phased construction of additions to and the interior remodel of the existing Highlands Community Church facility. The 19,000 square feet of additions include office space, a new lobby and a 2-story education wing. The additions would creaie the opportunity to remodel the·existing facility and increase the size.of the sanctuary. The proposal also includes an expansion of the surface parking lot in the amount ;f 168,000 square feet. As part.of the parking lot expansion the applicant is.also proposing associated landscaping and pedestrian pathways. The 2 parcel site is approximately 7.68 acres and.is located within the. Center Village (CV) and Residential-8 du/ac zoning designation~. I~ addition Parcel A, the location of the proposed parking lot, is located within Urban Design District D. Access·to the site would continue to be provided via.existing curb cuts along Kirkland Ave NE, NE 9th and NE 10th Street. One additional entry to the new parking area is proposed on the southwest corner of the site along NE 9th Street. The applicant is requesting ohe administrative modification in order to reduce the refuse and recycle area from 465 square feet to 260 square feet. Section 4-4-090.F allows the Administrator to grant modifications from the refuse. and recyclable standards for individualcases, provided the modification meets the following criteria (pursuant to·RMC 4-9-250.D.2): a. Will meet the objectives and safety, function, appearance, environmental protection and maintainability intended by the Code requirements, based upon sound engineering judgment; and b. Will not be injurious to other property(ies) in the vicinity; and c. Conform to the intent and purpose of the.Code; and d. Can be shown to be justified and required for the use and situation intended; and IE)(IHI I ISXT 9 .. Renton City Hall o 1055 South Grady Way o · Renton, Washington 9805/ e. Will not create adverse impacts to other property(ies) in the vicinity. Background The applicant, Highlands Community Church, has requested a modification from the City's Refuse and Recyclable Standards (RMC 4-4-090.E) in order reduce the size of the required refuse and recycle deposit area. There is currently a 260 square foot deposit area for the existing facility. Office, educational and institutional developments, require a minimum of 2 square feet per every 1,000 square feet of building gross floor area for recyclables deposit areas and a minimum of 4 square feet per 1,000 square feet of building gross floor area for refuse deposit areas. The code applies in this instance due to the proposed expansions of the facility which would require a 465 square foot deposit area for the 77,500 square foot facility (465 SF= 2 x [77,500/1,000 SF]+ 4 x [77,500/1,000 SF]). Because the existing deposit area is less than the minimum required, Mr. Maison has requested a modification on behalf of Highlands Community Church. Analysis a) Will meet the objectives and safety, function, appearance, environmental protection and maintainability intended by the Code requirements, based upon sound engineering judgment. Modification #1 If approved, the size of the refuse and recycle deposit area would be a reduction from the 465 square feet required to the 260 square foot area.that is currently being provided for the existing facility. The applicant contends that a reduction in the required size of the refuse and recyclable deposit areas is appropriate due to the use of the facility. The 77,500 square foot facility is not used to capacity more than one day a week thereby creating less refuse and recyclables than a typical facility of this size The applicant contends that existing 260 square foot deposit area is adequate for their expanded facility, thus meeting the objectives of the refuse and recyclable standards. Staff concurs the requested modification conforms. to the intent and purpose of the refuse and recyclable standards by providing adequate deposit areas in the amou_nt necessary for the Highlands Community Church. b) Will not be injurious to other property(ies) in the vicinity. The applicant contends that the waste handling of.the site has not been a concern. The ease of service and access for the deposit area has been more than adequate for the facility and will suffice for the expanded facility. Staff concurs, the existing refuse and recyclable deposit areas would provide adequate space to handle the needs for the existing and proposed facility. It is not anticipated that the approval of a modification to permit 260 square feet of refuse and recycle deposit area, as opposed to 465 square feet, would be injurious to other properties in the vicinity. c) Conform to the intent and purpose of the Code. See discussion under criterion "a)" above. d] Can be shown to be justified and required for the use and situation intended. The refuse and recyclable standards (RMC 4-4-090.E) require a minimum of 2. square feet per every 1,000 square feet of building gross floor area be provided for recyclable deposit areas and a minimum of 4 square feet per 1,000 square feet of building gross floor area be provided for refuse deposit areas. The applicant contends and staff concurs that based upon the user volumes of the facility it is anticipated the reduction of the required deposit areas is considered to be reasonable. e) Will not create adverse impacts to other property(ies) in the vicinity. As stated under criterion "a)" & "b)", the proposed parking should not create adverse impacts to other properties in the vicinity of the church facility. Decision The refuse and recyclable deposit area modification for the Highlands Community Church Expansion and Remodel is hereby approved. Appeal Process: Appeals of this administrative decision must be filed in writing on or before 5:00 p.m. June 30, 2009. Appeals must be filed in writing, together with the required $75.00 application fee, with: Hearing Examiner, City of Renton, 1055 South Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057. Appeals to the Examiner are governed by City of Renton Municipal Code Section 4-8-110.B. Additional information regarding the appeal process may be obtained from the Renton City Clerk's Office, (425) 430-6510. If you have questions regarding this decision feel free to contact Roca le Timmons, Associate Planner, at (425) 430-7219. Sincerely, Cz \).,= ' C.E. "Chip" Vincent, Director Planning Division cc: Jennifer Henning, Planning Manager Parties of Record Yellow File