HomeMy WebLinkAboutCorrespondence_Description of BusinessFrom: Ani Babaian <anib@keystonerei.net>
Sent: Tuesday, February 18, 2020 2:46 PM
To: Angelea Weihs
Cc: 'Jeremy Eckert'
Subject: RE: Change of Location for City of Renton Business License 411 Monroe
Ave NE Renton, WA
Hi Angelea,
I hope you had a nice President’s day holiday!
Thanks for your response and we’ll get working on the items on the attached list.
The website that you reviewed is not up to date and inaccurate. Our business has changed. We have
moved away from metal fabrication. We’ve updated our address on the website, but we haven’t had the
time to update the remainder of our site. We are working with a design agency to update our site.
For some background: we were a metal fabrication business when were located at our previous
location. While operating a metal fabrication business, we learned that pivoting our work towards
research to find the best weather barrier system integration with metal flashing for commercial business
is a much better place for us to focus and is more aligned with our skills. Simply put, the purpose of the
lab is to research, investigate and test weather barrier systems to improve energy efficiency in existing
and new structures. Hence, the move to the new location and change in the direction of our operations.
When completing due diligence for this location, I was happy to see the code’s definition of laboratory,
light manufacturing:
LABORATORIES, LIGHT MANUFACTURING: A facility in which scientific research, investigation, testing,
or experimentation occur. Manufacturing of and sale of products may also occur.
This is the use that we desire for 411 Monroe because it perfectly aligns with our business model.
Thx
Ani
From: Angelea Weihs <AWeihs@Rentonwa.gov>
Sent: Friday, February 14, 2020 9:22 AM
To: Ani Babaian <anib@keystonerei.net>
Cc: 'Jeremy Eckert' <jeremy@tharsis.land>
Subject: RE: Change of Location for City of Renton Business License 411 Monroe Ave NE Renton, WA
Hello Ani,
My apologies for the delay in getting these comments back to you. Please see the attached. In addition, I
have a question regarding your proposed use. You indicated in the pre-application meeting and in your
submittal that your proposed use is laboratory, light manufacturing. However, based on the website for
your business (First Metals, Inc.), your business appears to be a manufacturing and fabrication, light use
rather than a laboratory use. Can you please help us understand how your business meets the code
definition of the use “Laboratories, light manufacturing”.
Thank you,
Angelea Weihs
Associate Planner, City of Renton
1055 S. Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057
(425) 430-7312
From: Ani Babaian <anib@keystonerei.net>
Sent: Monday, February 10, 2020 3:58 PM
To: Angelea Weihs <AWeihs@Rentonwa.gov>
Cc: 'Jeremy Eckert' <jeremy@tharsis.land>
Subject: RE: Change of Location for City of Renton Business License 411 Monroe Ave NE Renton, WA
Hi Angelea,
Attached is all the documents I’ve filled out and prepared. Would you please take a look and see if
there’s anything missing/needs changing?
The 2 things I know are:
1. I need to have the owner notarize the Land use master application
2. The fee we need to pay.
Once I hear back from you and you think it all looks good, we’ll setup the intake appointment.
Thx
Ani
From: Angelea Weihs <AWeihs@Rentonwa.gov>
Sent: Monday, February 10, 2020 3:11 PM
To: Ani Babaian <anib@keystonerei.net>
Subject: RE: Change of Location for City of Renton Business License 411 Monroe Ave NE Renton, WA
Hello Ani,
An appointment is required for submittal of land use applications; however, if you want to email me
some of the submittal documents to verify completion, I am happy to look them over prior to our intake
appointment. Usually a prescreen meeting is done prior to application to ensure accuracy.
We do not currently take payment online. I will provide you an invoice during our appointment and you
pay on the 1st floor finance counter.
Let me know if you have any additional questions,
Angelea Weihs
Associate Planner, City of Renton
1055 S. Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057
(425) 430-7312
From: Ani Babaian <anib@keystonerei.net>
Sent: Monday, February 10, 2020 3:08 PM
To: Angelea Weihs <AWeihs@Rentonwa.gov>
Cc: 'Jeremy Eckert' <jeremy@tharsis.land>
Subject: RE: Change of Location for City of Renton Business License 411 Monroe Ave NE Renton, WA
Hi Angelea,
Do I need to drop this off at the city or can I email it in?
Also, is there a way to pay online?
Thanks
Ani
From: Angelea Weihs <AWeihs@Rentonwa.gov>
Sent: Monday, February 10, 2020 10:31 AM
To: Ani Babaian <anib@keystonerei.net>
Cc: 'Jeremy Eckert' <jeremy@tharsis.land>
Subject: RE: Change of Location for City of Renton Business License 411 Monroe Ave NE Renton, WA
Hello Ani,
See the attached master application form. The affidavit of installation of public information sign is not
required. That appears to be on the list as an error. My apologies for the confusion. The total fee is
$1659.00 for Environmental Review, including the technology fee.
Let me know if you have any additional questions,
Angelea Weihs
Associate Planner, City of Renton
1055 S. Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057
(425) 430-7312
From: Ani Babaian <anib@keystonerei.net>
Sent: Thursday, February 06, 2020 4:50 PM
To: Angelea Weihs <AWeihs@Rentonwa.gov>
Cc: 'Jeremy Eckert' <jeremy@tharsis.land>
Subject: RE: Change of Location for City of Renton Business License 411 Monroe Ave NE Renton, WA
Hi Angelea,
I have the forms otherwise completed, excluding the following 3 items:
1. What is the fee I need to include?
2. Would you help me find “Land use Permit Master Application form” as stated by Environmental
review form item # 3?
3. Would you help me find “Affidavit of Installation of Public Information Sign” as stated by
Environmental Review form item #11?
I have the forms otherwise filled out. Once I complete the above 3 with your help, I will be ready to send
in everything.
Thx
Ani
303-915-2426
From: Angelea Weihs <AWeihs@Rentonwa.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, February 5, 2020 9:32 AM
To: Ani Babaian <anib@keystonerei.net>
Subject: RE: Change of Location for City of Renton Business License 411 Monroe Ave NE Renton, WA
Thank you Ani,
Good to know. I can pre-screen your application by email. If it’s complete, we can schedule an intake
appointment at the counter.
Have a great day!
Angelea Weihs
Associate Planner, City of Renton
1055 S. Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057
(425) 430-7312
From: Ani Babaian <anib@keystonerei.net>
Sent: Tuesday, February 04, 2020 1:32 PM
To: Angelea Weihs <AWeihs@Rentonwa.gov>; 'Jeremy Eckert' <jeremy@tharsis.land>
Subject: RE: Change of Location for City of Renton Business License 411 Monroe Ave NE Renton, WA
Hi Angelea,
I was out the last 2 weeks with the flu, the last time I had the flu was 14 years ago.
I am finishing the preparation of the submittal for environmental review and will send it over the next
couple days.
Thx
Ani
From: Angelea Weihs <AWeihs@Rentonwa.gov>
Sent: Monday, January 13, 2020 10:05 AM
To: 'Jeremy Eckert' <jeremy@tharsis.land>
Cc: Ani Babaian <anib@keystonerei.net>
Subject: RE: Change of Location for City of Renton Business License 411 Monroe Ave NE Renton, WA
Hello Jeremy,
The garage bays are part of the structure and included in the square footage of the unit, which will be
occupied by the new tenant and new use. Just like restrooms and hallways are not specifically used for a
specific use, they are still counted towards square footage of a building, just as the garage would. After
discussing with our City Attorney, we have determined that the garage square footage is include as part
of the threshold, which is consistent with my comments in the pre-application meeting. If your desire is
to move this project forward as quickly as possible, it is suggested that you work on your submittal for
Environmental Review.
Have a great day!
Angelea Weihs
Associate Planner, City of Renton
1055 S. Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057
(425) 430-7312
From: Jeremy Eckert <jeremy@tharsis.land>
Sent: Monday, January 06, 2020 3:17 PM
To: Angelea Weihs <AWeihs@Rentonwa.gov>
Cc: Ani Babaian <anib@keystonerei.net>
Subject: Change of Location for City of Renton Business License 411 Monroe Ave NE Renton, WA
Hi Angelea -
Happy New Year, and thank you for your attention to Ani's business license application.
I wanted to follow-up on a few items below. On October 24, 2019, Ani and I met with you to
discuss the property located at 414 Monroe Ave NE (PRE-19-000241). As background, the
City's pre-app materials list the Property as a 5,555 SF automotive repair shop use. The
automotive repair shop consists of two components: (1) an enclosed office area and (2) three
large bays where work occurs on vehicles. Here is a photo of the subject property, generally
showing the "office" to the left and the bays to the right.
The "office" area is less than 4k SF in size. At the meeting, Ani expressed her desire to change
the use of the "office" area from auto repair to "laboratory, light manufacturing." She also
inquired about using the three bays as enclosed parking associated with the desired laboratory
use. To be clear, Ani does not desire to use the three bays for the laboratory use. Ani also does
not need the three bays to satisfy the parking requirement as adequate parking exists on the side
of the building to satisfy the code's parking requirements.
Perhaps this is all a misunderstanding. I would agree that SEPA is triggered if Ani desired to use
the parking as a lab use. But she simply desires to use the bays as parking associated with the
commercial building.
The linked image cannot be displayed. The file may have been moved, renamed, or deleted. Verify that the link points to the correct file and location.
At the pre-application meeting, you and I discussed whether the covered parking would count
toward the SEPA threshold. At that meeting, we determined that if we could not reconcile this
issue, we would consult with the Department of Ecology. Following that meeting, I reviewed
Ecology's SEPA Handbook and provided the City with the following information demonstrating
that the parking should not count toward the 4k SF threshold.
Ecology’s SEPA Handbook elaborates on the GSF and parking exemption: “Examples of
categorically exempt construction activities include construction of four dwelling units or
less, commercial buildings with 4,000 square feet or less of gross floor area and no
more than 20 parking spaces, and water and sewer lines eight inches or less in
diameter.” Ecology’s SEPA Handbook, p. 15 (available here).
Here, the office is 4k SF of gross floor area and the bays are less than 20 parking spaces,
qualifying for the exemption. We continue to believe that the enclosed parking should not count
toward the 4k SF threshold per City Code, incorporated WACs, and Ecology's SEPA handbook.
Ani needs to have certainty that she can operate her business in conformance with City
Code. We hope that these property-specific facts are helpful for the City. However, if the City
continues to believe that the bays should count toward the 4k SF threshold, Ani simply desires to
keep change the use of the "office" to "laboratory, light manufacturing", while keeping the use of
the three bays as the established auto repair use.
With this approach, the change of use falls below the 4k SF threshold and is SEPA
exempt. Thus, the only remaining question is how to legally establish the lab use for the
record. At the pre-application meeting, you mentioned that the business license establishes the
use when the change of use does not require a building permit or environmental review. Can you
please confirm?
I am available to meet or talk on the phone. My number is 206.579.2397. I also ask that you
include me in any future correspondence with Ani.
Sincerely,
Jeremy
--
Tharsis Law P.S.
tharsis.land
From: Angelea Weihs <AWeihs@Rentonwa.gov>
Date: December 20, 2019 at 1:06:27 PM PST
To: Ani Babaian <anib@keystonerei.net>
Subject: RE: Change of Location for City of Renton Business License 411
Monroe Ave NE Renton, WA
Hello Ani,
I have not reviewed your signage proposal. Signs require a permit. Any signs will need to
comply with RMC 4-4-100.
Regarding question number 2, you can discuss with your assigned development
engineer. Their contact information is on the cover sheet of the pre-app comments. My
understanding is that you are occupying the whole building, which is what I was told by
you in the meeting. SEPA review is required.
Regards,
Angelea Weihs ☺
Associate Planner, City of Renton
425.430.7312
From: Ani Babaian <anib@keystonerei.net>
Sent: Thursday, December 19, 2019 3:58 PM
To: Angelea Weihs <AWeihs@Rentonwa.gov>
Cc: Vanessa Dolbee <VDolbee@Rentonwa.gov>; Donna Locher
<DLocher@Rentonwa.gov>; Jeremy Eckert <jeremy@tharsis.land>
Subject: Re: Change of Location for City of Renton Business License 411 Monroe Ave NE
Renton, WA
Hi Angelea,
Am I correct that to be code compliment the change of use to Labrarory-light
manufacturing is allowed and points 1 & 2 below are meeting cities
requirements?
I understand that your position is the auto bays sq ft puts me over the threshold for
SePA review.
Would I be subject to SEPA if I desire Change of use for interior of building not
including the auto bays?
Thx
Ani
Sent from my phone
On Dec 19, 2019, at 3:38 PM, Angelea Weihs
<AWeihs@rentonwa.gov> wrote:
Hello Ani,
In the pre-application meeting we had, I stated that the proposal does
exceed the threshold for square footage for SEPA review, and the
square footage for the garage is included. I did state that I would
confirm, and unfortunately did not respond to your attorneys email
referenced below. After discussing with our City Attorney, we have
determined that the garage square footage is include as part of the
threshold, which is consistent with my comments in the pre-application
meeting. I have cc’d my manager on this email, as I believe you
requested that I cc her on that response in the pre-app meeting.
Have a great day!
Angelea Weihs
Associate Planner, City of Renton
1055 S. Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057
(425) 430-7312
From: Ani Babaian <anib@keystonerei.net>
Sent: Thursday, December 19, 2019 3:31 PM
To: Donna Locher <DLocher@Rentonwa.gov>
Cc: Linda Weldon <LWeldon@Rentonwa.gov>; Angelea Weihs
<AWeihs@Rentonwa.gov>; Jeremy Eckert <jeremy@tharsis.land>
Subject: Re: Change of Location for City of Renton Business License 411
Monroe Ave NE Renton, WA
Dear Donna
Just landing this on top of your stack of emails. Would you Please
respond.
Thx
Ani
Sent from my phone
On Dec 13, 2019, at 10:08 AM, Ani Babaian
<anib@keystonerei.net> wrote:
Dear Donna,
Thank you for your email. I have been trying to
learn about applicable code requirements to legally
operate my business in the City of Renton. To that
end, I scheduled and attended a pre-application
meeting with City Staff on October 24, 2019. At
the pre-application meeting, the City determined
that most of the items in the pre-application packet
that you forwarded did not apply to our operations
and proposal for the use of the building. Following
the meeting, we agreed that only two items
pertained to us because we were only changing the
use, not doing any interior or exterior
improvements:
1. New signage meets applicable requirements.
We are in the process of changing the sign
and we will follow the applicable
requirements.
2. Include PRV (pressure reducing valve) from
the water main to our location. I have
confirmed that the PRV was installed as part
of a new meter in 2013 before us, so we are
in compliance.
Following the pre-application meeting, the only
outstanding issue was whether the change of use to
the permitted laboratory use triggered SEPA
review. In an email dated 10/25/19, my attorney
explained to the City of Renton that our change of
use in the building is SEPA exempt because it falls
below the applicable SF threshold. The email
explained that this conclusion is consistent with
City Code, the Dept of Ecology's SEPA handbook,
and previous City Staff direction. The 10/25 email
is pasted below. I also followed up with the City on
this matter on Oct 30th. It is my understanding that
we have addressed the only outstanding item from
our pre-application meeting.
Based on my meetings and correspondence with the
City, I believe that I have done everything that is
necessary to legally operate in the City of
Renton. Please let me know if I can answer any
follow-up questions, or if you believe that there is
anything else that I need to address. As I'm sure
you understand, I want to be code compliant but I'm
also eager to put these zoning issues behind me so I
can focus on running my business.
Thx
Ani
303-915-2426
From: Donna Locher <DLocher@Rentonwa.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2019 12:53 PM
To: Ani Babaian <anib@keystonerei.net>
Cc: Linda Weldon <LWeldon@Rentonwa.gov>; Angelea
Weihs <AWeihs@Rentonwa.gov>
Subject: FW: Change of Location for City of Renton
Business License
Good Afternoon,
Please see the attached comments from your pre-
application meeting. These items must be completed
prior to operating your business from this location.
Respectfully,
Donna Locher
Lead Code Compliance Inspector
425.430.7438
Advisory: Please be advised the City of Renton is required to
comply with the Public Disclosure Act Chapter 42.56 RCW.
This act establishes a strong state mandate in favor of
disclosure of public records. As such, the information you
submit to the City via email, including personal information,
may ultimately be subject to disclosure as a public record.
<image001.png>
CODE COMPLIANCE program information
PARKING ENFORCEMENT information
BUILDING & SIGN PERMITS information
From: Angelea Weihs <AWeihs@Rentonwa.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2019 10:01 AM
To: Donna Locher <DLocher@Rentonwa.gov>
Subject: RE: Change of Location for City of Renton
Business License
Hello Donna,
This change of use requires Environmental Review. See
the attached pre-app comments.
Thank you,
Angelea Weihs
Associate Planner, City of Renton
1055 S. Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057
(425) 430-7312
From: Donna Locher <DLocher@Rentonwa.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2019 7:13 AM
To: Angelea Weihs <AWeihs@Rentonwa.gov>
Subject: FW: Change of Location for City of Renton
Business License
Address is 414 Monroe Ave NE
Donna Locher
Lead Code Compliance Inspector
425.430.7438
Advisory: Please be advised the City of Renton is required to
comply with the Public Disclosure Act Chapter 42.56 RCW.
This act establishes a strong state mandate in favor of
disclosure of public records. As such, the information you
submit to the City via email, including personal information,
may ultimately be subject to disclosure as a public record.
<image001.png>
CODE COMPLIANCE program information
PARKING ENFORCEMENT information
BUILDING & SIGN PERMITS information
From: Ani Babaian <anib@keystonerei.net>
Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2019 6:04 PM
To: Donna Locher <DLocher@Rentonwa.gov>
Cc: Angelea Weihs <AWeihs@Rentonwa.gov>
Subject: Re: Change of Location for City of Renton
Business License
414 Monroe Ave NE Renton WA 98056.
I’m sorry I forgot to include
Thx
Ani
Sent from my phone
On Dec 10, 2019, at 3:01 PM, Donna
Locher <DLocher@rentonwa.gov>
wrote:
OK!
Ani, what is your address please &
thank you.
Donna Locher
Lead Code Compliance Inspector
425.430.7438
Advisory: Please be advised the City of
Renton is required to comply with the Public
Disclosure Act Chapter 42.56 RCW. This act
establishes a strong state mandate in favor
of disclosure of public records. As such, the
information you submit to the City via
email, including personal information, may
ultimately be subject to disclosure as a
public record.
<image001.png>
CODE COMPLIANCE program information
PARKING ENFORCEMENT information
BUILDING & SIGN PERMITS information
From: Angelea Weihs
<AWeihs@Rentonwa.gov>
Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2019 2:30
PM
To: Donna Locher
<DLocher@Rentonwa.gov>
Subject: RE: Change of Location for City
of Renton Business License
It sounds like one of the preapps I’ve
done, but I would need the address to
be able to provide you the comments.
Thanks,
Angelea Weihs
Associate Planner, City of Renton
1055 S. Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057
(425) 430-7312
From: Donna Locher
<DLocher@Rentonwa.gov>
Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2019 2:25
PM
To: Angelea Weihs
<AWeihs@Rentonwa.gov>
Subject: FW: Change of Location for
City of Renton Business License
Do you know about this?
Thank you!
Donna Locher
Lead Code Compliance Inspector
425.430.7438
Advisory: Please be advised the City of
Renton is required to comply with the Public
Disclosure Act Chapter 42.56 RCW. This act
establishes a strong state mandate in favor
of disclosure of public records. As such, the
information you submit to the City via
email, including personal information, may
ultimately be subject to disclosure as a
public record.
<image001.png>
CODE COMPLIANCE program information
PARKING ENFORCEMENT information
BUILDING & SIGN PERMITS information
From: Linda Weldon
<LWeldon@Rentonwa.gov>
Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2019 2:04
PM
To: 'Ani Babaian'
<anib@keystonerei.net>; Planning
Customer Service
<PlanningCustomerService@rentonwa.
gov>
Cc: Donna Locher
<DLocher@Rentonwa.gov>
Subject: RE: Change of Location for City
of Renton Business License
Thank you for your email. I have
cc’d Donna Locher on this
email. She is the person who denied
the license and it will be up to her to
review and approve if applicable.
Until then, there is nothing further I
can do with your license.
Thank you
Linda L Weldon
City of Renton
Tax & License Division
1055 S Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057
425-430-6851
lweldon@rentonwa.gov
<image002.png>
<image003.png>
From: Ani Babaian
<anib@keystonerei.net>
Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2019 1:44
PM
To: Planning Customer Service
<PlanningCustomerService@rentonwa.
gov>
Cc: Linda Weldon
<LWeldon@Rentonwa.gov>
Subject: RE: Change of Location for City
of Renton Business License
Dear Donna,
I received a letter from you at the
city or Renton rejecting the business
license for First Metals Inc. because
I mistakenly wrote research-light
industrial instead of laboratory-light
industrial.
I know based on our pre-app meeting
(full notes and email exchange w/
Angelea attached) with my legal
counsel and the city of Renton the
zoning and use table states that
laboratory is allowed at our location.
Our business is a laboratory. How do
you suggest I proceed from here?
This is copied from the use table:
LABORATORIES, LIGHT
MANUFACTURING: A facility in which
scientific research, investigation, testing, or
experimentation occur. Manufacturing of
and sale of products may also occur.
Thx
Ani
303-915-2426
From: Linda Weldon
<LWeldon@Rentonwa.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, December 4, 2019
4:21 PM
To: Ani Babaian
<anib@keystonerei.net>
Subject: RE: Change of Location for City
of Renton Business License
Hello Ani – Please contact Donna
Locher – she is the person in Code
Compliance that denied the
license. She will be able to answer
your questions. Her number is 425-
430-7438.
Thank you
Linda L Weldon
City of Renton
Tax & License Division
1055 S Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057
425-430-6851
lweldon@rentonwa.gov
<image004.png>
From: Ani Babaian
<anib@keystonerei.net>
Sent: Wednesday, December 4, 2019
4:18 PM
To: Linda Weldon
<LWeldon@Rentonwa.gov>
Subject: Re: Change of Location for City
of Renton Business License
Hi Linda,
Happy late Thanksgiving.
I received a letter from the city
rejecting the license because I
mistakenly wrote research-light
industrial instead of laboratory-light
industrial.
I know based on our pre-app
meeting with the city of Renton and
the zoning and use table that
laboratory is allowed at our location.
Our business is a laboratory. How do
you suggest I proceed from here?
Thx
Ani
Sent from my phone
On Nov 26, 2019, at
11:02 AM, Linda
Weldon
<LWeldon@rentonwa
.gov> wrote:
<image002.gif>
Thank you for the
change of address
application. The
process has been
started and should
take 1-2 weeks for
final reviews.
We will mail you
information the 2nd
week of December
regarding renewing
your business license
and also filing Renton
B&O tax for 2019.
You can either
complete a paper
form and mail in with
payment or you can
log into our portal and
renew and file there
as
well. www.filelocal
-wa.gov.
Thank you – please
let me know if you
have any further
questions.
Linda L Weldon
City of Renton
Tax & License Division
1055 S Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057
425-430-6851
lweldon@rentonwa.gov
<image001.png>
From: Ani Babaian
<anib@keystonerei.net
>
Sent: Monday,
November 25, 2019
10:55 AM
To: Linda Weldon
<LWeldon@Rentonwa.
gov>
Subject: RE: Change of
Location for City of
Renton Business
License
Hi Linda,
Attached is form filled
out per your request.
Also, when do I need to
pay for 2020?
Is that in Jan and will I
do that on the website
or thru you?
Thx
Ani
From: Linda Weldon
<LWeldon@Rentonwa.
gov>
Sent: Friday, November
22, 2019 11:53 AM
To: Ani Babaian
<anib@keystonerei.net
>
Subject: Change of
Location for City of
Renton Business
License
We received
notification of your
change of address in
Renton. In order for
us to change the
address, a new
application must be
completed. There is
no fee due with the
application, so please
complete both pages
of the attached
application, indicate
this is a change of
location and then
email back to us.
License renewals will
be mailed mid
December.
Thank you
Linda L Weldon
City of Renton
Tax & License Division
1055 S Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057
425-430-6851
lweldon@rentonwa.gov
<image005.png>