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HomeMy WebLinkAboutW_RHA Sunset Gardens Waiver Request_210419_v1.pdfRENTON HOUSING AUTWIRITY YEARS Mr. Chip Vincent, Planning Director City of Renton 1055 S. Grady Way Renton, WA 98057 Re: Sunset Gardens Apartments Rental Housing Incentive Fee Waiver Intent Dear Mr. Vincent: OFFICE 425/226-1850 FAX 425/271-8319 2900 N.E. 10TH ST. P.O. Box 2316 RENTON, WA 98056-0316 April 16, 2021. The Renton Housing Authority (RHA) respectfully requests the waiver of development and mitigation fees associated with the Sunset Gardens Apartments in accordance with the Section 4-1-210 of the Renton Municipal Code (the "Code"), which permits waiver of fees associated with certain affordable rental housing projects. RHA requests the waiver of the fees given that Sunset Gardens is a new construction affordable housing rental project that will service entirely low- income households as defined in Section 2 of the Code. Sunset Gardens Apartments will consist of a single building set on the current RHA Headquarters site. The mixed -use property will contain 76 residential units on floors two through four, all of which will be characterized as affordable housing units; the first floor will contain a residential lobby as well as the Renton Housing Authority's new Central Office space. From a square footage perspective, the Sunset Gardens Lobby is much smaller compared to the adjacent RHA central office; the lobby was designed & located specifically within the building's footprint so that residents will have a dedicated point of access, which will provide a clear separation from the RHA Central Office and staff. The majority of the first -floor area will be occupied by Renton Housing Authority's new Central Office space and will have an open concept design that will encourage greater collaboration among employees; nearly all of the staff desk areas set up as flexible workstations that can be easily shifted based on staff needs for a given day and/or any social distancing requirements still in place due to the lingering COVID pandemic. In accordance with the Code, we are seeking a 100 percent waiver of the fees as outlined below and as defined in Section 4 of the Code (4.a. Fees which may be waived): A. Building permit fees; B. Building permit plan review fees; C. Water, surface water, and wastewater system development charges; D. Public works plan review and inspection fees; E. Fire, transportation, and parks impact mitigation fees; F. Civil plan review and inspection fees; and G. Technology surcharge fees. Pursuant to Section 4.b of the Code, 100 percent of the fees set forth above may be waived if the project is an eligible housing project in which at least 50 percent of the units are set aside as affordable. Because all of the units will be set aside as affordable units, Sunset Gardens is an eligible housing project for a full waiver of fees under the Code. Relief from these fees to the extent permitted under the Code enables RHA to place its resources in the best possible position to meet RHA's and the City's mutual affordable housing objectives. We appreciate your ongoing support and assistance with our efforts within the City. p „(ON NDUyN� .t, A4,„pn� Sincerely, Ma ropper +ei r TDD 1-800-833-6388 0 .rentonhousin .or