HomeMy WebLinkAboutLarson_Variance_PUD_Chronology.pdfProposed short plat of Tim D Annexation lot
2605 Monroe Court NE
January 3, 2019 Preapplication with applicant: Larsen
not involved in project yet. Site is constrained with
protected slopes on northern portion and
unincorporated lot protruding into general layout
area. Proposed layout did not meet R-4 lot standards.
Initial proposal is for 9-lots. Applicant misinterpreted
the lot width averaging provision that is only
applicable to R-6 and R-8 zones and for preliminary
plats. They also attempted to utilize protected slope
area in lot design and calculation instead of placing in
tract.
March 25, 2019 Matt H. Meeting w/ Lee White: Lee
White is the original applicant that came in January for the preapplication meeting. He voices his
displeasure that the R-4 zone does not allow lot averaging. He asks if a PUD would be an option. I
provide information on the PUD process and requirement for public benefit.
April 2019 LDC Engineering gets involved: Ian Faulds of LDC Engineering attempts to schedule another
preapplication meeting for the property. I inform Mr. Faulds that we do not schedule multiple
preapplication meetings for the same parcel with similar proposals. I let Mr. Faulds know that I would
continue to be the project manager for future short subdivisions on this property and if they would like
to discuss options for a PUD that I would work directly with them. I am clear with Mr. Faulds that any
PUD proposal needs staff approval of the public benefit prior to accepting the application.
May 2019 Matt H. First Contact w/ Ryan Larsen: Ryan Larsen emails me a proposed site plan and asks if
the density calculation is correct. I respond that the density calculation is correct. In phone
conversations with Mr. Larsen I am clear that PUD applications require a public benefit and must meet
the criteria for a superior project. I am clear in my conversations that PUDs are a discretionary approval
process. In my conversations I am also clear that the proposal shown to me did not have an identifiable
public benefit and he would need to articulate this before I would accept his application.
June 27, 2019 PUD Neighborhood Meeting: The applicant conducts their neighborhood meeting at the
Renton Highlands Library. The notice sent out provided a concept of an 8-lot short plat that did not
identify or articulate a public benefit for the proposed PUD. The meeting was well attended with 16
attendees that voiced concerns with the project related to geotechnical work, HOA maintenance of
tracts, retaining walls, trees, vault maintenance, and construction.
July 9, 2019 Requesting Project Intake: Email correspondence and phone calls regarding setting up
project intake. I continue to voice my concerns regarding the absence of a public benefit or superior
project design. I tell both Mr. Faulds and Mr. Larsen that I will not accept their PUD application until they
propose and show me the public benefit and articulate why this project is superior.
Site
July 11, 2019 PUD Concept Review: Mr. Larsen provides a PUD concept layout with trail and open space
on remnant portions and on top of the vault. This is the first time I see any attempt at showing a public
benefit. He does not articulate how this project is superior to a typical short plat.
July 18, 2019 PUD Concept Response, Propose Variance Alternative: I phone Mr. Larsen and explain
that his concept does not rise to the level of a superior design and the trail proposed as the pub lic
benefit we could likely require through the subdivision code for pedestrian connectivity. I suggest to Mr.
Larsen that instead of a PUD that he apply for a variance instead as the environmental constraints do
present a hardship.
I asked that he provide a variance concept that placed the protected slopes in tracts, protected at least
30-percent of the trees, and the density did not exceed 4 du/ac. I was clear that I could make no
promises, but wanted to see what this would look like.
July 25, 2019 Variance Concept Review: Mr. Larsen emails a concept that on paper appears to meet the
3 parameters (slopes in tracts, 30% tree retention, and sub 4 du/ac ) I provided above, however all of
the lots would need a variance from dimensional requirements, only two lots meet the minimum lot
size, and he is also requesting setback variances on each lot to 10-feet front, 10-feet rear, and 5-foot
side.
August 1, 2019: Mr. Larsen follows up regarding the variance concept. I respond that unfortunately I
was unable to review with Vanessa but hope to have a follow up for him the first part of the following
week.
August 6, 2019: Mr. Larsen emails to ask about variance concept. I am unable to follow up and I am out
of the office the following day. I am working on a more acceptable variance alternative that would
require only lot dimensional variances for four of the lots resulting in a 6-lot short plat.
August 7, 2019: Clay White contacts Chip to schedule meeting.