HomeMy WebLinkAboutSR_ERC_Report_Verizon_SEA_Classics_201014_v3_FINALDEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
SR_ERC Report_Verizon SEA Classics_201014_v3_FINAL
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT
ERC Meeting Date: October 19, 2020
Project File Number: PR17-000670
Project Name: Verizon SEA Classics Wireless Communications Facility
Land Use File Number: LUA20-000226, ECF, SSDP, CU-A
Project Manager: Alex Morganroth, Senior Planner
Owner: RaMac, Inc, 4607 Forest Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040
Applicant: Actualize LLC, 3020 Issaquah Pine Lake Rd SE, Ste 538, Sammamish, WA 98057
Contact: Actualize LLC, 3020 Issaquah Pine Lake Rd SE, Ste 538, Sammamish, WA 98057
Project Location: 2003 Maple Valley Hwy, Renton, WA 98055
Project Summary: The applicant, Actualize LLC on behalf of Verizon Wireless, is requesting an
Environmental (SEPA) Review, a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit (SSDP), and
a minor revision to an approved Administrative Conditional Use Permit to install a
concealed wireless communications facility (WCF) on the rooftop of an existing two-
story commercial office building located at 2003 Maple Valley Hwy (Parcel
#1723059103). The project was originally approved in 2018 (LUA17-000869) and
proposed locating the equipment cabinets inside of the existing building. After approval
of the SSDP and Administrative Conditional Use Permit, additional investigations by the
applicant found that installing the equipment inside of the building was not structurally
feasible. Therefore the applicant has proposed locating the equipment in an enclosed
cabinet on the west side of the existing building. Due to the new proposal to locate the
equipment within 200 feet of the Cedar River Shoreline ordinary high water mark
(OHWM), the applicant is requesting a new SSDP, new SEPA threshold determination,
and a minor revision to the approved Administrative Conditional Use Permit. The new
proposal includes the installation of four panel antennas on the rooftop, as was
approved as part of the original project. The four antennas would be screened by two
24 square foot RF-porous enclosures approximately eight (8) feet in height (two panels
per enclosure). The proposal also includes the installation of an equipment cabinet
approximately 150 sq. ft. in size that would abut the west side of the existing building.
Cabling contained within a covered exterior chase painted to match the façade would
connect the equipment to the antennas on the roof of the building. A utility connection
would be utilized to bring power the equipment enclosure. Trenching in the existing
parking lot between the power pole in the ROW and the equipment enclosure would
total approximately 135 linear feet. A six (6) foot tall stucco flex fence would be installed
around the enclosure, as well as nine (9) new shrubs. The subject parcel is 1.87 acres in
size and has a zoning designation of COR, Commercial-Office-Residential, as well as an
Urban Design District C Overlay. The parcel has a Comprehensive Plan Land Use
designation of Commercial-Office-Residential. Critical areas mapped on-site include a
high seismic hazard, protected slopes, a special flood hazard area, and a Wellhead
Protection Area Zone 1. The site is located within the Cedar River Reach C Regulated
Shoreline area with a designation of Shoreline High Intensity. The applicant has
proposed approximately 150 sq. ft. of new impervious surface in addition to minor
vegetation removal. No trees are proposed for removal. The applicant submitted a SEPA
checklist and General Habitat Area Review report with the application.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 47F26158-00CC-4DDC-AC77-F0C2D9CF8404
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Verizon SEA Classics Wireless Communications Facility
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA20-000226, ECF, SSDP, CU-A
Report of October 19, 2020 Page 2 of 3
SR_ERC Report_Verizon SEA Classics_201014_v3_FINAL
Exist. Bldg. Area SF: 8,100 Proposed New Bldg. Area (footprint):
Proposed New Bldg. Area (gross):
N/A
N/A
Site Area: 1.87 ac Total Building Area GSF: 8,100
STAFF
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff Recommends that the Environmental Review Committee issue a Determination
of Non-Significance (DNS).
Project Location Map
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
In compliance with RCW 43.21C.240, the following environmental (SEPA) review addresses only those project
impacts that are not adequately addressed under existing development standards and environmental regulations.
A. Environmental Threshold Recommendation
Based on analysis of probable impacts from the proposal, staff recommends that the Responsible Officials:
Issue a DNS
B. Mitigation Measures
None
C. Exhibits
Exhibit 1: Environmental Review Committee (ERC) Report
Exhibit 2: SEPA Checklist
Exhibit 3: Site Plan
Exhibit 4: Equipment Plan
Exhibit 5: Elevations
Exhibit 6: General Habitat Area Review, prepared by Terracon Consultants, dated August 21, 2020
Exhibit 7: Shoreline Tracking Worksheet
Exhibit 8: Original Environmental Review Committee Threshold Determination, dated January 29,
2018
DocuSign Envelope ID: 47F26158-00CC-4DDC-AC77-F0C2D9CF8404
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Verizon SEA Classics Wireless Communications Facility
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA20-000226, ECF, SSDP, CU-A
Report of October 19, 2020 Page 3 of 3
SR_ERC Report_Verizon SEA Classics_201014_v3_FINAL
D. Environmental Impacts
The Proposal was circulated and reviewed by various City Departments and Divisions to determine whether the
applicant has adequately identified and addressed environmental impacts anticipated to occur in conjunction
with the proposed development. Staff reviewers have identified that the proposal is likely to have the following
probable impacts:
1. Water
Impacts: The project site is located along the northern shore of the Cedar River, a Shoreline of the
State. Reach C of the Cedar River Shoreline is designated as High Intensity at the project location
(Exhibit 3). Due to the enclosure being located within 200 feet of the OHWM of the Cedar River, the
applicant submitted a General Habitat Area Review prepared by Terracon Consultants (Exhibit 6). The
existing building on the site has a footprint of 4,050 sq. ft. and is located approximately 80 feet from the
Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) at its closest point. The applicant has proposed the installation of a
9.5 foot by 17.5 foot equipment enclosure adjacent to the northwest corner of the building. The
enclosure would be located inside the 200 foot regulated shoreline area approximately 125 feet from
the OHWM of the Cedar River. All work and associated structures would be located outside of the
Special Flood Hazard Area mapped on the project site. The proposed lease area is currently landscaped
and the applicant proposes removal of grass, mulch, and a single shrub in order to pour a concrete slab
used to support the cabinet equipment (Exhibit 4). Screening around the perimeter lease area would
include a six (6) foot tall stucco flex fence and nine (9) new evergreen shrubs (Exhibit 5).
The shoreline adjacent to the site is not in a natural state and has been altered through the installation
of riprap and various other shoreline armoring materials. The General Habitat Review submitted by the
applicant identifies the presence of the regulated shoreline area and concludes that the proposed
wireless facility and associated utility installation would not result in impacts to the Cedar River. The
consultant identifies the importance of utilizing best management practices (BMPs) during construction
in order to avoid temporary impacts the river as a result of grading or trenching. The applicant identifies
the intention to utilize BMPs in the submitted SEPA checklist (Exhibit 2). Based on the consultant’s
finding of no net loss of ecological function as a result of the project, staff does not recommend any
specific mitigation measures related to impacts to the Cedar River.
Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation required.
Nexus: N/A
2. Wildlife
Impacts: The General Habitat Area Review submitted by the applicant identifies the following
threatened or endangered species as potentially occurring in the project boundaries: Gray Wolf, North
American Wolverine, Marbled Murrelet, Streaked Horned Lark, Yellow-Billed Cuckoo, and Bull Trout.
The report concludes that the proposed wireless facility and associated work would not affect any listed
endangered species or their habitats. Therefore staff does not recommend any specific mitigation
measures related to impacts to wildlife.
Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation required.
Nexus: N/A
E. Comments of Reviewing Departments
The proposal has been circulated to City Department and Division Reviewers. Where applicable, their comments
have been incorporated into the text of this report.
Copies of all Review Comments are contained in the Official File and may be attached to this report.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 47F26158-00CC-4DDC-AC77-F0C2D9CF8404
CITY OF RENTON
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
STAFF REPORT TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
EXHIBITS
Project Name:
Verizon SEA Classics Wireless
Communications Facility
Land Use File Number:
LUA20-000226, ECF, SSDP, CU-A
Date of Meeting
October 19, 2020
Staff Contact
Alex Morganroth
Senior Planner
Project Contact/Applicant
Actualize LLC
3020 Issaquah Pine Lake Rd SE,
Ste 538, Sammamish, WA 98057
Project Location
2003 Maple Valley Hwy,
Renton, WA 98055
The following exhibits are included with the ERC Report:
Exhibit 1: Environmental Review Committee (ERC) Report
Exhibit 2: SEPA Checklist
Exhibit 3: Site Plan
Exhibit 4: Equipment Plan
Exhibit 5: Elevations
Exhibit 6: General Habitat Area Review, prepared by Terracon Consultants, dated August 21, 2020
Exhibit 7: Shoreline Tracking Worksheet
Exhibit 8: Original Environmental Review Committee Threshold Determination, dated January 29,
2018
DocuSign Envelope ID: 47F26158-00CC-4DDC-AC77-F0C2D9CF8404
Exhibits can be found on the
Laserfiche Data base at:
https://cutt.ly/qglrPnU