HomeMy WebLinkAboutSR_ERC_Report_Nielsen_SP_v3_FINALDEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
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SR_ERC Report_Nielsen SP_v1_FINAL
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT
ERC Meeting Date: December 28, 2020
Project File Number: PR20-000300
Project Name: Nielsen Short Plat
Land Use File Number: LUA20-000266, ECF, SHPL-A
Project Manager: Alex Morganroth, Senior Planner
Owner/Applicant/Contact: Hans Korve, Daley-Morrow-Poblete, Inc. / 726 Auburn Way N, Auburn, WA
98002 / hans@dmp-inc.us
Project Location: 3835 Lincoln Ave NE, Renton, WA 98056
Project Summary: The applicant is requesting preliminary short plat approval and Environmental
(SEPA) Review to subdivide a property into two (2) lots and two (2) tracts. The
project site (Tax Parcel 3345700130) is located at 3835 Lincoln Ave NE and totals
approximately 39,960 square feet (0.92 acres) in area and is zoned Residential-8
(R-8). An existing single-family residence is proposed to remain on the site. One
accessory structure on the eastern portion of the site is proposed for removal.
Proposed Lot A would be approximately 16,592 square feet and proposed Lot B
would be approximately 7,415 square feet. The applicant has also proposed a
1,762 square foot access tract and a 14,024 square foot native growth
protection tract. A new single-family home would be constructed on proposed
Lot B. Access to the proposed lots would be provided via a new driveway tract
(Tract B) off of the Lincoln Ave NE. The site is vegetated with grasses, bushes,
and trees. The applicant has proposed to retain 18 of the 36 significant trees
located on the site. The site is mapped with a High Erosion Hazard, High and
Moderate Landslide Hazard areas, protected slopes, and a Category IV wetlands.
The applicant submitted a Drainage Report, Arborist Report, Geotechnical
Report, Wetland Report, and SEPA checklist with the application.
Exist. Bldg. Area: 1,660 SF Proposed New Bldg. Area (footprint):
Proposed New Bldg. Area (gross):
N/A
N/A
Site Area: 39,960 SF Total Building Area GSF: N/A
STAFF
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff Recommends that the Environmental Review Committee issue a
Determination of Non-Significance - Mitigated (DNS-M). Williams Ave S DocuSign Envelope ID: 3826DF97-49FF-45E9-8707-78E8A08BA819
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Nielsen Short Plat
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA20-000266, ECF, SHPL-A
Report of December 28, 2020 Page 2 of 5
SR_ERC Report_Nielsen SP_FINAL
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-M with a 14-day appeal period
B. Mitigation Measures
1. The applicant shall submit an updated geotechnical report by South Fork Geosciences that is consistent
with applicable codes in effect at the time of building permit application. The applicant shall comply with
the recommendations of the updated geotechnical report or future addenda.
C. Exhibits
Exhibit 1: Environmental Review Committee (ERC) Report
Exhibit 2: SEPA Checklist
Exhibit 3: Site Plan
Exhibit 4: Conceptual Utilities/Drainage/Grading Plans, prepared by DMP, Inc, dated September
22, 2020
Exhibit 5: Landscape Plan, prepared by DMP, Inc, dated September 22, 2020
Exhibit 6: Drainage Assessment, prepared by DMP, Inc., dated May 12, 2019
Exhibit 7: Subsurface Exploration, Geologic Hazard, and Preliminary Design Recommendations
Report, prepared by South Fork Geosciences, PLLC, dated July 5, 2018
Exhibit 8: Tree Protection Plan, prepared by ABC Consulting Arborists, LLC
Exhibit 9: Wetland Delineation and Assessment Report, prepared by Land Services Northwest,
dated January 17, 2020
Exhibit 10: Construction Mitigation Description
Exhibit 11: Advisory Notes
D. Environmental Impacts
The Proposal was circulated and reviewed by various City Departments and Divisions to determine whether the
applicant has adequately identified and addressed environmental impacts anticipated to occur in conjunction
with the proposed development. Staff reviewers have identified that the proposal is likely to have the following
probable impacts:
1. Earth
Impacts: The subject property is irregularly shaped and approximately 0.92 acres in size. COR maps has
identified a High Erosion Hazard, High and Moderate Landslide Hazard areas, and both sensitive and
protected slopes on the project site. The eastern portion of the property has an approximate slope of
5%. The western portion of the property has a slope of approximately 60% and is undeveloped.
Expected construction impacts to the site include the demolition of an existing accessory building, as
well as soil excavation and grading for the new building and driveway tract improvements. The applicant
anticipates approximately 11,000 square feet of ground disturbance on the site and in the right-of-way
DocuSign Envelope ID: 3826DF97-49FF-45E9-8707-78E8A08BA819
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Nielsen Short Plat
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA20-000266, ECF, SHPL-A
Report of December 28, 2020 Page 3 of 5
SR_ERC Report_Nielsen SP_FINAL
(ROW) (Exhibit 4). Approximately 75 cubic yards of material would be graded on the site. No ground
disturbance would occur within the protected slopes area.
A subsurface reconnaissance and assessment, conducted by the applicant’s geotechnical engineer and
summarized in the geotechnical report prepared by South Fork Geosciences, PLLC, dated July 5, 2019,
(Exhibit 7) was submitted with the project application. Four subsurface borings were conducted on the
site using a track-mounted excavator. The depth of exploration ranged from approximately three (3)
feet to six (6) feet, with samples obtained at six-inch to one foot-depth intervals. The four borings were
located on the eastern portion of the site near the proposed new tract and lot. Findings from the four
borings (Boring EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, and EB-4) identify a foot or less of topsoil and sod overlaying Vashon
Recessional Outwash comprised of medium dense sand with gravel. The approximate depth of the top
soil and sod ranged from four (4) inches to twelve (12) inches across the four borings. Groundwater was
not encountered below grade and according to the consultant no signs of natural ponding or flowing
surface water were observed on the eastern portion of the site. Some water was observed near an
existing water meter adjacent to the ROW, which the consultant determined was the result of a water
line leak and not a natural event.
According to the City of Renton (COR) Critical Areas Maps, the project site is in a seismic hazard area.
The submitted geotechnical report concluded that the project site is subject to four (4) potential hazards
as a result of a seismic event: 1) surficial ground rupture, 2) liquefaction, 3) ground motion, and 4)
seismically induced landslides. Due to the long recurrence interval between seismic events and distance
of the site from the nearest fault system, the risk of surficial ground rupture is low according to the
report. A liquefaction hazard analysis completed for the site by the consultant concluded that the
potential for liquefaction on the site is low and does not require specific mitigation. According to the
consultant, ground motion during a seismic event should be expected and can be mitigated for by
ensuring the 2018 IBC guidelines for seismic design are met. Lastly, due to the presence of medium
dense native soils on the site and distance of the new development from the slopes on site, the
consultant concludes that the risk of seismically induced landslides is low.
The applicant’s geotechnical engineer identified the top of the bank of the protected slope at a distance
of approximately 30 feet from the existing home. Pursuant to RMC, a 15-foot structure setback is
required from the top of all protected slopes. Ground disturbed as a result of the project would occur no
closer than approximately 70 feet from the top of the slope and therefore would not impact the
structural integrity of the slope or impact the critical area in any way.
The applicant’s geotechnical report includes several recommendations related to site preparation, site
grading, slope cutting, retaining wall construction, stormwater management on site, and future
foundations. The consultant specifically recommends the use of structural fill in order to establish
grades for the project. The recommendations in the report are based on seismic design standards in the
2015 International Building Code (IBC) edition. The City of Renton plans to adopt the updated 2018 IBC
in early 2021. Therefore in order to ensure the correct seismic design requirements are reflected in the
project recommendations, staff recommends as a mitigation measure that the applicant be required to
submit an updated geotechnical report by South Fork Geosciences, PPLC, that is consistent with
applicable codes in effect at the time of building permit application. In addion, due to the presence of a
geotechnical hazard on the site, staff recommends the applicant be required to comply with the
recommendations of the updated report or future addenda to mitigate said hazard.
The applicant has indicated the project would result in approximately 6,971 square feet of new
impervious surface area.
Mitigation Measures: The applicant shall submit an updated geotechnical report by South Fork
Geosciences, PPLC that is consistent with applicable codes in effect at the time of building permit
DocuSign Envelope ID: 3826DF97-49FF-45E9-8707-78E8A08BA819
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Nielsen Short Plat
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA20-000266, ECF, SHPL-A
Report of December 28, 2020 Page 4 of 5
SR_ERC Report_Nielsen SP_FINAL
application. The applicant shall comply with the recommendations of the updated geotechnical report
or future addenda.
Nexus: State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Environmental Review, City of Renton Comprehensive
Plan Policy L-37, RMC 4-3-050 Critical Areas Regulations, and RMC 4-4-060 Grading, Excavation and
Mining Regulations.
2.Air
Impacts: It is anticipated that some temporary air quality impacts could be associated with site work and
building construction required to complete the proposed project at this site. Project development
impacts during construction activities may include dust as a result of roadway and utility work, as well as
exhaust from construction vehicles, equipment and/or machinery. These emissions would be temporary
and are anticipated to rapidly dissipate. Dust control would be mitigated through the use of temporary
erosion control measures, watering or other best management practices as identified in the
construction mitigation memo provided by the applicant (Exhibit 10).
No further site specific mitigation for the identified impacts from typical vehicle and construction
exhaust is recommended.
Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation recommended.
Nexus: N/A
3.Water
Wetland, Streams, Lakes
Impacts: A wetland is mapped on the west portion on the site that extends onto the properties to the
west of the subject property. As such, the applicant submitted a Wetland Delineation and Assessment
Report, prepared by Land Services Northwest, dated January 17, 2020 (Exhibit 9). Per the report, the
single wetland (identified as Wetland A in the report) is a shrub-scrub slope wetland. On December 14,
2019, a reconnaissance survey was completed by the applicant. During the survey, the consultant made
observations regarding the plant species, potential wildlife habitats, and the locations of potential
geological and hydrological features.
The consultant observed characteristics of a sloped wetland that starts on the hillside and flows into a
depressional wetland at the base of the slope on the adjacent site. The overall wetland was rated as a
slope wetland due to the hydrology. Analysis of the functional values was based on characteristics such
as stormwater storage, groundwater recharge, erosion control, water quality improvement, natural
biological support, habitat functions, and cultural and socioeconomic value. Using the ECY Wetland
Rating System for Western Washington, the consultant rated the wetland as Category IV with a habitat
function score of 4. The low habitat score is a result of the simple scrub structure of the wetland and
highly developed nature of the surrounding area. As a result of the wetlands rating, the development
would be subject to a 50-foot wetlands buffer and 15-foot structure setback from the edge of the buffer
per the regulations in RMC 4-3-050. All construction related to the short plat would occur well outside of
the wetlands buffer and structure setback areas, with the nearest ground disturbance over 150 feet
from the edge of the structure setback. In addition, all existing improvements on the site are located
outside of the buffer and structure setback area.
The report concluded that due to the developed nature of the surrounding area and the fact that the
proposed new lot and driveway tract are located over 100 feet from required buffer and structure
setback areas, the project would result in no net loss of ecological function for the wetland and not
cause any temporary or permanent impacts to the on-site wetland. Therefore, no further mitigation is
recommended for impacts to the wetlands.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 3826DF97-49FF-45E9-8707-78E8A08BA819
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Nielsen Short Plat
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA20-000266, ECF, SHPL-A
Report of December 28, 2020 Page 5 of 5
SR_ERC Report_Nielsen SP_FINAL
Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation recommended.
Nexus: N/A
4.Environmental Health
Noise
Impacts: Noise impacts would primarily result from the construction of the proposed road
improvements and utility installation. The construction noise would be regulated through the City’s
adopted noise level regulations per Chapter 8-7, RMC. The City’s noise regulations limit haul hours
between 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday unless otherwise approved by the Development
Services Division. Permitted work hours in or near residential areas are restricted to the hours between
seven o’clock (7:00) a.m. and eight o’clock (8:00) p.m. for multi-family construction activities from
Monday through Friday. Work on Saturdays is restricted to the hours between nine o’clock (9:00) a.m.
and eight o’clock (8:00) p.m. No work is permitted on Sundays.
Temporary noise impacts are anticipated that would be commonly associated with single-family
development.
Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation recommended.
Nexus: N/A
E.Departments
The proposal has been circulated to City Department and Division Reviewers. Where applicable, their comments
have been incorporated into the text of this report and/or “Advisory Notes to Applicant.”
✓Copies of all Review Comments are contained in the Official File and may be attached to this report.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 3826DF97-49FF-45E9-8707-78E8A08BA819
The Environmental Determination decision will become final if the decision is not appealed within the 14-
day appeal period (RCW 43.21.C.075(3); WAC 197-11-680).
Environmental Determination Appeal Process: Appeals of the environmental determination must be filed in
writing on or before 5:00 p.m. on January 12, 2021. Due to Governor Jay Inslee’s Proclamation 20-25 (“Stay
Home, Stay Healthy”), the City Clerk’s Office is working remotely. For that reason, appeals must be submitted
electronically to the City Clerk at cityclerk@rentonwa.gov. The appeal fee, normally due at the time an appeal
is submitted, will be collected at a future date. Appeals to the Hearing Examiner are governed by RMC 4-8-110
and additional information regarding the appeal process may be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office,
cityclerk@rentonwa.gov. If the situation changes such that the City Clerk’s Office is open when you file your
appeal, you have the option of filing the appeal in person.
CITY OF RENTON
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
STAFF REPORT TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
EXHIBITS
Project Name:
Nielsen Short Plat
Land Use File Number:
LUA20-000266, ECF, SHPL-A
Date of Meeting
December 28, 2020
Staff Contact
Alex Morganroth
Senior Planner
Project Contact/Applicant
Hans Korve, Daley-Morrow-
Poblete, Inc. / 726 Auburn
Way N, Auburn, WA 98002 /
hans@dmp-inc.us
Project Location
3835 Lincoln Ave NE, Renton, WA
98056
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: Conceptual Utilities/Drainage/Grading Plans, prepared by DMP, Inc, dated September
22, 2020
Exhibit 5: Landscape Plan, prepared by DMP, Inc, dated September 22, 2020
Exhibit 6: Drainage Assessment, prepared by DMP, Inc., dated May 12, 2019
Exhibit 7: Subsurface Exploration, Geologic Hazard, and Preliminary Design Recommendations
Report, prepared by South Fork Geosciences, PLLC, dated July 5, 2018
Exhibit 8: Tree Protection Plan, prepared by ABC Consulting Arborists, LLC
Exhibit 9: Wetland Delineation and Assessment Report, prepared by Land Services Northwest,
dated January 17, 2020
Exhibit 10: Construction Mitigation Description
Exhibit 11: Advisory Notes
DocuSign Envelope ID: 3826DF97-49FF-45E9-8707-78E8A08BA819