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HomeMy WebLinkAboutERC Report 15-000197DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Project Location ERC Report 15-000197 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT ERC MEETING DATE: March 30, 2015 Project Name: Critical Areas Ordinance Update Owner: City of Renton Applicant: City of Renton Contact: Jill Ding, x6598 File Number: LUA 15-000197, ECF Project Manager: Jill Ding, x6598 Project Summary: Applicant is requesting Environmental (SEPA) Review for the update to the Critical Areas Ordinance. In compliance with the Growth Management Act, the City is updating its Critical Areas Regulations to comply with Best Available Science. This work includes revisions to the wetland and stream categorization, as well as increased buffers from Critical Areas. These regulations would be citywide. Project Location: The Critical Areas Regulations apply to all Critical Areas located within the City of Renton city limits. 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). Citywide City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Environmental Review Committee Report CRITICAL AREAS ORDINANCE UPDATE LUA 15-000197, ECF Report of March 30, 2015 Page 2 of 2 ERC Report 15-000197 PART ONE: PROJECT DESCRIPTION / BACKGROUND In compliance with the Growth Management Act (GMA), the City of Renton is required to update its Critical Areas Regulations to be consistent with Best Available Science (BAS). The Critical Area Regulations would regulate activities within and adjacent to: Flood Hazard Areas, Geologically Hazardous Areas, Habitat Conservation Areas, Streams and Lakes (outside shoreline jurisdiction), Wetlands, and Wellhead Protection Areas. The proposed Critical Areas Ordinance includes revisions to the City existing Critical Areas Regulations that would be consistent with BAS. The proposed ordinance includes changes to the wetland and stream classifications as well as increased buffer requirements from wetlands and streams and building setbacks. 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. C. Exhibits None. D. Environmental Impacts There are no adverse environmental impacts that are anticipated to occur in conjunction with the proposal. The proposed Critical Areas Ordinance includes increases to buffers adjacent to streams and wetlands as well as building setbacks from buffers. Therefore, it is anticipated that the proposed regulations would provide greater environmental protection to critical areas than is currently provided under the existing Critical Areas Regulations. 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: Appeals of the environmental determination must be filed in writing on or before 5:00 PM, April 17, 2015. 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.