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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.