HomeMy WebLinkAboutERC_Report_Docket_16cDEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ERC Report Docket 16 - Group C
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT
ERC MEETING DATE: November 22, 2021
Project Name: Docket 16 – Group C (Multi-Family Property Tax Exemption, Waived Fees, and Rental
Registration)
Project Number: LUA21-000395, EFC
Project Manager: Hannah Bahnmiller, Housing Programs Manager
Owner: City of Renton
Applicant: City of Renton
Contact: Hannah Bahnmiller, 206-503-3426
Project Location: The proposed docket items are citywide.
Project Summary: The City of Renton is requesting Environmental (SEPA) Review for the following non-
project items:
1. Multi-Family Property Tax Exemption (Exemption): Amend the code to
extend the sunset date to December 31, 2024. Consistent with state legislative
changes, add a twelve-year extension for existing Exemptions, add a twenty-
year Exemption for permanently affordable homeownership, and add
household size as a reporting requirement.
2. Waived Fees for Affordable Housing: Amend the code to extend the sunset
date to December 31, 2024.
3. Rental Registration Program (RRP): Amend the code to clarify annual
requirements. Clarify appeal processes and cases in which a certificate of
inspection is required. Incorporate language around protections for good faith
complaints from retaliation.
Exist. Bldg. Area SF: N/A Proposed New Bldg. Area (footprint):
Proposed New Bldg. Area (gross):
N/A
N/A
Site Area: N/A Total Building Area GSF: N/A
STAFF
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff Recommends that the Environmental Review Committee issue a
Determination of Non-Significance (DNS).
PART ONE: PROJECT DESCRIPTION / BACKGROUND
Multi-Family Property Tax Exemption (Exemption): Existing code is set to sunset on December, 31, 2021. Staff
recommend extension of the sunset date to December 31, 2024.
Changes were made to the Exemption program (RCW 84.14) by the state Legislature in 2021. Pursuant to these
changes, staff recommending three code amendments. Staff recommend adding an option for a twelve-year
extension for existing eight or twelve-year Exemption projects provided that applicants commit to including twenty
percent of units as affordable to households making no more than sixty percent of median income. Also
recommended is the addition of a twenty-year Exemption for permanently affordable homeownership. Projects
would be required to include at least 50% of units as permanently affordable ownership to households making no
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City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Environmental Review Committee Report
DOCKET 16 - GROUP C LUA21-000395, ECF
Report of November 22, 2021 Page 2 of 3
Docket 16 - Group C
more than eighty percent of median income with the remaining units priced as affordable to no more than one
hundred and twenty percent of median income. Permanently affordable homeownership would need to be
sponsored by a qualified nonprofit and subject to a ninety-nine-year resale restriction. In accordance with legislative
changes, staff recommend adding household size of household in affordable units as a reporting requirement.
Waived Fees for Affordable Housing: Existing code is set to sunset on December, 31, 2021. Staff recommend
extension of the sunset date to December 31, 2024.
Rental Registration Program (RRP): This docket item aims to clarify RRP requirements and processes.
Recommended code amendments include clarifying that a residential rental checklist applies to each rental property
and that a certificate of inspection must be dated within thirty days of required submittal. Language is
recommended that explicitly references a process for appeals through the Hearing Examiner and references state-
level civil retaliation protections. Staff are also recommending additional legislative clarifications to cases where a
certificate of inspection is required.
PART TWO: 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 with a 14-day Appeal Period.
B. Mitigation Measures
1. None
C. Exhibits
Exhibit 1: Environmental Review Committee (ERC) Report
Exhibit 2: Environmental Checklist
D. Environmental Impacts
There are no environmental impacts that are anticipated to occur in conjunction with the proposal.
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 and/or “Advisory Notes to Applicant.”
✓ Copies of all Review Comments are contained in the Official File and may be attached to this report.
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 December 6, 2021. Due to the ongoing state of emergency enacted by Governor’s
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City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Environmental Review Committee Report
DOCKET 16 - GROUP C LUA21-000395, ECF
Report of November 22, 2021 Page 3 of 3
Docket 16 - Group C
Proclamation 20-05, the City Clerk’s Office is working remotely. For that reason, appeals must be submitted
electronically to the City Clerk at cityclerk@rentonwa.gov or delivered to City Hall 1st floor Lobby Hub only on
Tuesdays and/or Wednesdays. The appeal fee, normally due at the time an appeal is submitted, will be collected at a
future date if your appeal is submitted electronically. 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.
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