HomeMy WebLinkAboutERC Report LID (002)_16-000658DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ERC Report LID (002)_16-000658
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT
ERC MEETING DATE: August 29, 2016
Project Name: Low Impact Development (LID) Code Revisions
Owner: City of Renton
Applicant: City of Renton
Contact: Angie Mathias, x6576
File Number: LUA 16-000658, ECF
Project Manager: Angie Mathias, x6576
Project Summary: The applicant is requesting Environmental (SEPA) Review for proposed
regulations to ensure City code does not serve as a barrier to the use of Low
Impact Development (LID). The majority of the changes are technical. There
are a handfull of policy retated changes: allowing LID facilties to be counted
towards 50% of required open space, allow excess parking if LID is used,
reduce a small portion of the required landscaping in the Automall if LID is
used, and allowing varied standards for low traffic volume streets where LID is
incoorporated. These regulations would be citywide.
Project Location: Citywide
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).
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Environmental Review Committee Report
LID CODE REVISISONS LUA 16-000658, ECF
Page 2 of 3
ERC Report LID (002)_16-000658
PART ONE: PROJECT DESCRIPTION / BACKGROUND
In order to comply with the requirements of the City’s Municipal Stormwater National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES II) permit, the City reviewed its Code to identify barriers to the use of Low Impact
Development (LID) Best Management Practices (BMP’s). The proposed code changes seek to eliminate the barriers
that were identified. Most amendments are not substantive, such as allowing LID practices such as bioswales or rain
gardens to be used. Other examples of non-substantive amendments include: making the preservation of native
trees a priority, allowing permeable pavement where required by Surface Water Design Manual, and allowing for a
reduced compaction amount for fill used in LID facilities. Below is a summary of amendments that are policy based.
Summary of policy related changes:
LID counts 50% towards required open space for large Multifamily projects
o To incentivize the use of LID, this amendment allows up to 50% of the required open
space in multifamily residential projects that have over 100 units to use utilize rain
gardens, bioswales, and other LID tools in the open space they would provide as a
requirement. Projects are still required to provide open space that would be
available for recreation, either passive or active.
Allowing excess parking if LID above requirements is used
o As an incentive allow up to 10% more parking than the maximum amount identified
in Code, if the project implements LID beyond the minimum required to manage
stormwater.
Reduce the minimum amount of landscaping in the Automall if LID is implemented
o The Automall requires 3% of the site to be landscaped. This code revision would
allow only 2.5% of the site to be landscaped if LID techniques are utilized. For
example, pervious pavement could be utilized for a portion of the auto display
parking area.
Allow varied standards for low volume streets
o At the discretion of the Administrator, low volume streets may deviate from the
requirement to provide a sidewalk for some circumstances. For example, when a
path provided through a critical area buffer runs near the street allow it to serve as a
sidewalk.
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
None.
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Environmental Review Committee Report
LID CODE REVISISONS LUA 16-000658, ECF
Page 3 of 3
ERC Report LID (002)_16-000658
C. Exhibits
None.
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 will be circulated to City Department Division Reviewers and appropriate agencies. All
substantive comments will be provided to the Responsible Officials for their consideration and possible
recommendation that the comments be incorporated as “Advisory Notes to Applicant.”
Environmental Determination Appeal Process: Comments and Appeals of the environmental
determination must be filed in writing on or before 5:00 PM, September 16, 2016
Renton Municipal Code Section 4-8-110.B governs appeals to the Hearing Examiner. Appeals must be filed
in writing at the City Clerk’s office along with the required fee. Additional information regarding the
appeal process may be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office, Renton City Hall - 7th Floor, 1055 S. Grady
Way, Renton WA 98057.