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PREAPPLICATION MEETING
Williams Ave Mixed Use/Apartments
95 Williams Ave S
PRE22-000072
CITY OF RENTON
Department of Community & Economic Development
April 7, 2022
Contact Information:
Planner: Andrew Van Gordon, 425.430.7286, avangordon@rentonwa.gov
Public Works Plan Reviewer: Yong Qi, 425.430.7439, yqi@rentonwa.gov
Fire Prevention Reviewer: Corey Thomas, 425.276.9582, cthomas@rentonrfa.org
Building Department Reviewer: Rob Shuey, 425.430.7235, rshuey@rentonwa.gov
Please retain this packet throughout the course of your project as a reference. Consider
giving copies of it to any engineers, architects, and contractors who work on the
project. You will need to submit a copy of this packet when you apply for land use
and/or environmental permits.
Pre-screening: When you have the project application ready for submittal, call and
schedule an appointment with the assigned planner to have the documents pre-
screened.
The pre-application meeting is informal and non-binding. The comments provided on
the proposal are based on the codes and policies in effect at the time of review. The
applicant is cautioned that the development regulations are regularly amended and the
proposal will be formally reviewed under the regulations in effect at the time of project
submittal. The information contained in this summary is subject to modification and/or
concurrence by official decision-makers (e.g., Hearing Examiner, Planning Director,
Community & Economic Development Administrator, Public Works Administrator, and
City Council).
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: March 14, 2022
TO: Andrew Van Gordon, Senior Planner
FROM: Corey Thomas, Lead Plans Review Inspector
SUBJECT: Avalon Mixed Use
1. The fire flow requirement is 1,500 gpm. Two fire hydrants are required. One within
150-feet and one within 300-feet of the proposed building. One hydrant is required
within 50-feet of all fire department connections for standpipe and sprinkler systems.
Existing hydrants may be counted toward the requirements if they meet current code.
A minimum of one new fire hydrant will be required.
2. Fire impact fees are applicable at the rate of $964.53 per multi-family units and retail is
$1.25 per square foot. No fee for parking garage areas. This fee is paid at time of
building permit issuance. Credit is due for the removal of the one existing home.
3. Approved fire sprinkler, fire standpipe and fire alarm systems are required throughout
the building. Separate plans and permits required by the fire department. Direct
outside access is required to the fire sprinkler riser room. Fully addressable and full
detection is required for the fire alarm system.
4. Fire department apparatus access roadways are required within 150-feet of all points on
the building. Access by the existing city street will meet fire code requirements.
5. This facility shall be equipped with an elevator to meet the size requirements for a
bariatric size stretcher. Car size shall accommodate a minimum of a 40-inch by 84-inch
stretcher.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: April 7, 2022
June 20, 2011
TO: Andrew Von Gordon, Planner
FROM: Yong Qi, Development Engineer
SUBJECT: Avalon Apartment
95 Williams Ave S, Renton, WA
PRE22-000072
NOTE: The applicant is cautioned that information contained in this summary is preliminary and non-
binding and may be subject to modification and/or concurrence by official city decision-makers. Review
comments may also need to be revised based on site planning and other design changes required by
City staff or made by the applicant.
I have completed a preliminary review for the above-referenced proposal located at parcel # No:
0007200122. The following comments are based on the pre-application submittal made to the City of
Renton by the applicant.
Water
1. The project is within the City of Renton’s water service area in the Valley 196 hydraulic zone.
2. There is an existing ¾ -inch water meter serving the existing house (facility ID MTR-003516).
3. There is an existing 12-inch ductile iron water main (see City water project plan no. W- 322605)
in Williams Ave S, which can deliver a maximum flow rate of 4,600 gallon per minute. The static
water pressure is above 69 psi at ground elevation 38 feet.
4. Below is a summary of the existing fire hydrants in the vicinity of the site. Please refer to the
Renton Regional Fire Authority for fire hydrant requirements:
a. One on east side of Williams Ave S approximately 170 feet north to the project site (Hydrant
ID No. HYD-S-00002).
b. One on east side of Williams Ave S approximately 100 feet south to the project site (Hydrant
ID No. HYD-S-00702).
5. Based on the review of project information submitted for the pre-application meeting, Renton
Regional Fire Authority (RRFA) has determined that the preliminary fire flow demand for the
proposed development is 1,500 gpm. In order to provide domestic and fire protection service to
the development, improvements include but are not limited to:
a. Installation of domestic water meter is required for the building. Water meters 2” in size or
less will be installed by City forces and a water meter permit is required. The sizing of the
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meter and of the private service line to the building shall be in accordance with the most
recent edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).
b. Domestic water meters 3-inch or larger shall be installed in an exterior vault per standard
plan no 320.4. The meter vault shall be located within public ROW or within an easement on
private property.
c. All residential domestic water meters shall have a double check valve assembly (DCVA)
installed behand on the meter on private property per City Standards. The DCVA may be
located inside the building if the location is approved by the City Plan Reviewer and City
Water Utility Department.
d. The one existing domestic water service shall be cut, capped, and abandoned.
e. Installation of off-site and on-site fire hydrants. The location and number of fire hydrants
will be determined by the RRFA based on the final fire flow demand and final site plan.
f. Installation of a separate water meter for landscape irrigation if required. A DCVA per City
Standard Plan 340.8 is required downstream of the irrigation meter. DCVAs size 2-inch or
smaller shall be installed in a meter box and DCVAs size 3-inch or larger shall be installed in
an exterior vault per City Standard Plan 320.4.
g. Installation of a “Storz” adapter on the existing hydrants, if they are not already equipped
with one.
6. A conceptual utility plan will be required as part of the land use application for the subject
development.
7. The development is subject to meter installation fees based on the number and size of the meters
for domestic uses and for fire sprinkler use. Current fees can be found in the 2022 Development
Fees document on the City’s website. Fees will be charged based on the rate at the time of
construction permit issuance.
a. Water service installation charges for each proposed domestic water service is applicable.
Water service installation is $2,875 per 1-inch service line, $4,605 per 1-1/2-inch service line,
and $4,735 per 2-inch service line and the Contractor will provide the materials and will install
the service line and water meters.
b. Drop-in meter fee is $460 per 1-inch meter, $750 per 1-1/2-inch meter, and $950 per 2-inch
meter.
c. Credit will be applied for the existing water service being abandoned.
d. The full fee schedule can be found at:
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/Browse.aspx?id=8217302&dbid=1&repo=CityofRe
nton
8. The site is located in the Merrill Gardens at Renton Center latecomer’s boundary area (LA-05-
001, PRM-27-0028). The preliminary water assessment is:
a. Parcel #7, KC Tax Act # 0007200122: area charge $ 0.8634 per square feet (SF) of property.
b. Based on the square footage of the property, the total latecomer assessment is $4,964.52.
Sewer
1. Sewer service is provided by City of Renton.
2. There is an existing 8’’ PVC gravity wastewater main located within the Alley to the west of project
site (Record Dwg: S-020903).
3. All new building side sewers shall be a minimum diameter of 6” and shall have a minimum slope
of 2% from the building to the sewer main. All new sewer stubs shall conform to the standards in
RMC 4-6-040 and City of Renton Standard Details.
4. Drainage from all parking under cover shall be routed to the sanitary sewer system after passing
through a City approved oil/water separator.
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5. A conceptual utility plan will be required as part of the land use application for the subject
development.
6. The development is subject to a wastewater system development charge (SDC) fee. SDC fee for
sewer is based on the size of the new domestic water to serve the project. Current fees can be
found in the 2022 Development Fees Document on the City’s website. Fees will be charged based
on the rate at the time of construction permit issuance.
a. The current sewer fee is $3,500 per 1-inch meter, and $ 17,500 per 1-1/2-inch meter.
b. Final determination of applicable fees will be made after the water meter size has been
determined.
c. A credit will be applied for the existing side sewer service being abandoned.
d. The full fee schedule can be found at:
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/Browse.aspx?id=8217302&dbid=1&repo=Cityo
fRenton
Surface water
1. There is a City of Renton 8-inch concrete stormwater main within Williams Ave S to the east of
the property (Record Dwg: R-133902). There is a City of Renton 8-inch PVC stormwater main
within the Alley to the west of the property (Record Dwg: R-322606).
2. The City of Renton’s Burnett and Williams Project is currently under design to make
improvements to the storm water network through Burnett Ave S and Williams Ave S from S 2nd
Street north to the Cedar River. The work will modify the storm system fronting the 95 Williams
Ave S property. The project construction could begin as early as 2024. Coordination of utility
design and construction may be necessary.
3. Refer to Figure 1.1.2.A – Flow Chart in the 2017 City of Renton Surface Water Manual (2017
RSWDM) to determine what type of drainage review is required for this site. A drainage study
complying with the 2017 RSWDM will be required. Based on the City’s flow control map, this
site falls within the Peak Rate Flow Control Standard (matching Existing Conditions). The site is
located in the Lower Cedar River basin and Cedar Main Urban sub basin.
4. Drainage report and drainage plans based on 2017 RSWDM are required to be provided.
5. If the new plus replaced pollution generating impervious surface exceeds 5,000 SF, the applicant
will be required to provide enhanced basic water quality treatment. Any proposed detention
and/or water quality vault shall be designed in accordance with the 2017 RSWDM. Separate
structural plans will be required to be submitted for review and approval under a separate
building permit for the detention and/or water quality vault. Special inspection from the
building department is required.
6. Any new storm conveyance installed on or off-site shall be designed and sized in accordance with
standards found in Chapter 4 of the 2017 RSWDM and shall account for the total upstream
tributary area, assuming developed conditions for onsite tributary areas and existing conditions
for any offsite tributary areas.
7. Appropriate on-site BMPs satisfying Core Requirement #9 will be required to help mitigate the
new runoff created by this development to the maximum extent feasible. On-site BMPs shall be
evaluated in order of preference by feasibility as described in Section C.1.3 of the 2017 RSWDM.
A preliminary drainage plan, including the application of on-site BMPs, shall be included with the
land use application, as applicable to the project. The final drainage plan and drainage report
must be submitted with the utility construction permit construction.
8. The site is located in Zone 1 of the City’s Aquifer Protection Area (APA). In Zone 1 of the City’s
APA open facilities, open conveyance systems, and BMPs/facilities that rely on infiltration are
prohibited.
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9. A geotechnical report for the site is required and shall be submitted with the land use
application. Information concerning the soils, geology, drainage patterns, vegetation present,
water table and soil permeability, with recommendations of appropriate on-site BMP options
with typical designs for the site from the geotechnical engineer, shall be submitted with the
application.
a. However, since the project is within Aquifer Protection Area Zone 1 and infiltration
BMPs are not allowed, geotechnical evaluation of infiltration is not required.
10. Erosion control measures to meet the City requirements shall be provided.
11. All work proposed outside of the applicant’s property will require a permanent drainage
easement to be provided to the City and a temporary construction easement prior to any
permits being issued.
12. The current City of Renton Surface Water Standard Plans that shall be used in all drainage
submittals. The current City of Renton Standard details are available online at the City of Renton
website:
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/Browse.aspx?id=990403&dbid=0&repo=CityofRenton.
13. The development is subject to a surface water system development charge (SDC) fee. Fees will
be charged based on the rate at the time of construction permit issuance.
a. The 2022 Surface water system development fee is $0.84 per square foot of new
impervious surface, but no less than $2,100.00.
b. The full schedule can be found at:
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/Browse.aspx?id=8217302&dbid=1&repo=Cityo
fRenton.
TRANSPOTATION
1. In accordance with RMC 4-6-060, if the site improvements and/or proposed building additions
exceed an overall valuation of $150,000, the project site(s) shall be required to meet the City’s
Complete Streets Standards. Williams Ave S. is classified as Minor Arterial with an existing right of
way (ROW) width of 60’ as measured using the King County Assessor’s Map with an existing paved
width of approximately 40 feet. Per RMC 4-6-060, to meet the City’s complete street standards
for Minor Arterial streets, a minimum ROW width of 91 feet is required, half of street
improvements as taken from the ROW centerline would be required and include a 54 feet paved
road (27 feet each side), a 0.5-foot curb, an 8-foot planting strip, an 8-foot sidewalk, street trees
and storm drainage improvements. Dedication of approximately 15.5 feet would be required.
a. However, the COR transportation department has determined that the existing curb-curb
width is sufficient, and a modified minor arterial street standard containing a right of way
width of approximately 65-feet is acceptable. The modified street would contain 12-foot
sidewalks with 0.5-foot curb with street trees in tree grates on both sides of the street.
Therefore, frontage improvements including a full width of the 12-foot sidewalk, 0.5-foot curb
with street trees in tree grates are required, and right-of-way dedication of approximately
2.75-feet based on final survey would be required for this project.
2. An alley to the west of the property with an existing ROW width of approximately 10-feet and an
existing paved width of approximately 10 feet. Per RMC 4-6-060, the minimum right of way width
for an alley is 16-feet; therefore, a dedication of 3-feet of right of way will be required depending
on the final survey. Per City code 4-6-060 the alley would need to be 12-feet paved with storm
drainage improvements.
3. Undergrounding of all exiting utilities is required on all frontages per RMC 4-6-090.
4. Refer to City code 4-4-080 regarding driveway regulations.
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5. Paving and trench restoration shall comply with the City’s Trench Restoration and Overlay
Requirements.
6. Street lighting and street trees are required to meet current city standards. Lighting plans are
required to be submitted with the land use application and will be reviewed during the
construction utility permit review.
7. A traffic study meeting City of Renton traffic study guidelines is required at the land-use submittal.
If the result of the study is more than 20 new trips in the AM or PM peak hours, a traffic impact
analysis will be required.
8. The development is subject to transportation impact fees. Fees will be assessed at the time of a
complete building permit application. The 2022 transportation impact fee for net new pm peak
hour vehicle trips is $7,145.85 per trip.
GENERAL COMMENTS
1. All existing and proposed utility lines (i.e., electrical, phone, and cable services, etc.) along
property frontage or within the site must be underground. The construction of these franchise
utilities must be inspected and approved by a City of Renton inspector.
2. Adequate separation between utilities as well as other features shall be provided in accordance
with code requirements:
a. 7-ft minimum horizontal and 1-ft vertical separation between storm and other utilities is
required with the exception of water lines which require 10-ft horizontal and 1.5-ft vertical.
b. The stormwater line should be minimum 5 feet away from any other structure or wall or
building.
c. Trench of any utility should not be in the zone of influence of the retaining wall or of the
building.
3. All civil construction permits for utility and street improvements will require separate plan
submittals. All utility plans shall confirm to the Renton Drafting Standards. A licensed Civil
Engineer shall prepare the civil plans. Please visit the Development Engineering Forms page for
the most up-to-date plan submittal requirements:
http://rentonwa.gov/business/default.aspx?id=42473
4. A landscaping plan and tree retention shall be included with the civil plan submittal. Each plan
shall be on separate sheets.
5. Additional Building Permit Applications will be required for the following:
a. Any retaining walls that exceed 4 feet in height, as defined by RMC 4-4-040.
b. Detention vaults for storm water flow control.
c. Demo of any existing structures on the project site(s).
6. Fees quoted in this document reflect the fees applicable in the year 2022 only and will be assessed
based on the fee that is current at the time of the permit application or issuance, as applicable to
the permit type. Please visit www.rentonwa.gov for the current fee schedule.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: April 7, 2022
TO: Pre-Application File No. 22-000072
FROM: Andrew Van Gordon, Associate Planner
SUBJECT: Williams Ave Mixed Use/Apartments – 95 Williams Ave S (Parcel
number 0007200122)
General: We have completed a preliminary review of the pre-application for the above-
referenced development proposal. The following comments on development and permitting
issues are based on the pre-application submittals made to the City of Renton by the applicant
and the codes in effect on the date of review. The applicant is cautioned that information
contained in this summary may be subject to modification and/or concurrence by official decision-
makers (e.g., Hearing Examiner, Community & Economic Development Administrator, Public
Works Administrator, Planning Director, and City Council). Review comments may also need to be
revised based on site planning and other design changes required by City staff or made by the
applicant. The applicant is encouraged to review all applicable sections of the Renton Municipal
Code. The Development Regulations are available online at
https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/Renton/.
Project Proposal: The subject property is located at 95 Williams Ave S (Parcel number
0007200122). The lot has public street frontage on Williams Ave S and abuts a public right-of-way
alley on the rear; it is located within the CD zone in Urban Design District A and the City Center
Sign Regulation area. The site area is approximately 5,750 square feet (0.13 acre) and is currently
improved with a detached residence and a detached garage. The proposal is to place a three-story
mixed-use building with a 5,750 sq. ft. footprint (19,226 sq. ft. total). The ground level will consist
of a commercial space and structured parking. The second and third levels will have 10 dwelling
units (six (6) on Level 2 with four (4) on Level 3). Vehicle access is proposed via the alley.
Current Use: The property is currently improved with a detached residence and detached garage.
Both are proposed to be removed.
Zoning Requirements: The subject property is located within the Center Downton (CD) zoning
classification and Commercial Mixed Use (CMU) land use designation. The CMU designation is
intended to implement the CD zone. The purpose of the CD zone is to provide a mixed-use urban
commercial center serving a regional market as well as high-density residential development.
Uses include a wide variety of retail sales, services, multi-family residential dwellings, and
recreation and entertainment uses.
Within the CD zone Attached Dwellings - Flats are permitted. Retail sales is also permitted.
Commercial uses in residential mixed-use developments are limited to retail sales, on-site
services, eating and drinking establishments, taverns, daycares, preschools, indoor recreational
facilities, pet daycares, craft distilleries/small wineries/micro-breweries with tasting rooms,
Williams Ave Mixed Use/Apartments, PRE22-000072
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April 7, 2022
general offices not located on the ground floor, and similar uses as determined by the
Administrator. Uses normal and incidental to a building including, but not limited to, interior
entrance areas, elevators, waiting/lobby areas, mechanical rooms, mail areas,
garbage/recycling/compost storage areas, vehicle parking areas, and areas/facilities for the
exclusive use of the residents are not considered commercial uses.
Density: The minimum net residential density for the CD zone is 75 dwelling units per net acre;
the maximum is 150. Density may be increased to 200 dwelling units per net acre subject to
conditional use permit approval. Net density is calculated by subtracting critical areas (, public
rights-of-way and legally recorded private access easements from the gross area. All fractions
which result from net density calculations shall be truncated at two (2) numbers past the decimal
(e.g., 4.5678 becomes 4.56). Calculations for minimum or maximum density that result in a
fraction that is 0.50 or greater shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number. Those density
calculations resulting in a fraction that is less than 0.50 shall be rounded down to the nearest
whole number. Based on the approximate gross land area of 0.13 acre, the 10-dwelling unit
proposal arrives at a gross density of approximately 76.92 du/ac (10 dwelling units / 0.13 gross
acre = 76.92 du/ac).
The gross density would result in 76.92 du/ac; however, the applicant would be required to
demonstrate compliance with the net density requirements of the zone at the time of formal
application. As proposed, the entrances to the dwelling units are external. Unit entrances for
the Attached Dwellings – Flats use are required to be provided from a common internal corridor.
Development Standards: The project would be subject to RMC 4-2-120A, “Development
Standards for Commercial Zoning Designations” effective at the time of complete application
(noted as “CD standards” herein).
Building Standards – The CD zone does not have a maximum lot coverage for buildings. The
maximum building height is 95 feet. Heights may exceed the zone’s maximum height with a
conditional use permit. In no case shall building height exceed the maximum allowed by the
Airport Related Height and use Restrictions for uses located within the Airport Influence area and
Safety Compatibility Zones designated under RMC 4-3-020: Airport Related Height and Use
Restrictions.
The proposal is within Airport Safety Zone 6. Of note, the land use application must include a
certificate from an engineer or land surveyor, that clearly states that the proposed use will not
penetrate the Federal Aviation Administration Regulation Part 77 Objects Affecting Navigable
Airspace, or the maximum elevation of proposed buildings or structures based on the
established airport elevation reference datum will not penetrate the Federal Aviation
Administration Regulation Part 77 Objects Affecting Navigable Airspace are required.
Elevations shall be determined by an engineer or land surveyor for the second option. The
proposal shall meet all applicable requirements in RMC 4-3-020.
Setbacks – Setbacks are the minimum required distance between the building footprint and the
property line. The required setbacks for the CD zone are: Front yard and secondary front yard: no
minimum, Maximum front yard and secondary front yard: 15-ft for buildings or for portions
thereof, 25 ft. or less in height and none for that portion of a building over 25 ft in height; Rear
and side yard: none, unless the ground floor façade provides windows for living rooms of attached
dwellings – then 10 ft. – unless adjacent to an alley then none. Additionally, if the façade contains
living rooms windows, then the upper stories shall be set back in the following manner: 10 ft for
the second story and 15 ft for all upper stories.
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As proposed, living rooms windows appear to be present in the façade of the second and third
story; the second and third floors would be required to meet upper story setbacks. Compliance
with required setbacks for the new structures would be verified at the time of land use
application.
Landscaping: Street trees shall be selected from the City’s Approved Street Tree List based on the
planting area width and the presence or lack of overhead power lines. Street trees shall have a
minimum caliper of two inches (2”) and be planted pursuant to the standards promulgated by the
City, which may require root barriers, structures soils, or other measures to help prevent roots
from damaging infrastructure. Tree grates and hardscape may be substituted for planting strip
areas if approved by the Administrator.
A conceptual landscape plan showing required exterior and interior landscaping shall be
provided with the construction permits (or land use application if required) as prepared by a
licensed Landscape Architect, a certified nurseryman or other certified professional. A 12-foot
sidewalk with street trees in grates will be required.
Significant Tree Retention: If significant trees (greater than 6-inch caliper or 8-caliper inches for
alders and cottonwoods) are proposed to be removed, a tree inventory, tree retention plan,
arborist report, and tree retention worksheet shall be provided with the formal land use
application as defined in RMC 4-8-120. Currently, the tree retention plan must show preservation
of at least 10 percent (10%) of significant trees in the CD zone and indicate how proposed building
footprints would be sited to accommodate preservation of significant trees that would be
retained (please note that tree regulations (D-197) are proposed to change this year that would
require properties subject to active land development permits to retain a minimum of thirty
percent (30%) of all significant trees on site). Tree retention standards shall be applied to the
developable area of a property (i.e., land within critical areas and their buffers, public rights-of-
way, private PUD streets, shared driveways, and public trails shall be excluded). If the number to
be retained includes a fraction of a tree, any amount equal to or greater than one-half (1/2) tree
shall be rounded up. The Administrator may authorize the planting of replacement trees on the
site if it can be demonstrated to the Administrator's satisfaction that an insufficient number of
trees can be retained.
Significant trees shall be retained in the following priority order:
o Priority One: Landmark trees; significant trees that form a continuous canopy;
significant trees on slopes greater than twenty percent (20%); Significant trees
adjacent to critical areas and their associated buffers; and significant trees over sixty
feet (60') in height or greater than eighteen inches (18") caliper.
o Priority Two: Healthy tree groupings whose associated undergrowth can be
preserved; other significant native evergreen or deciduous trees; and other
significant non-native trees.
o Priority Three: Alders and cottonwoods shall be retained when all other trees have
been evaluated for retention and are not able to be retained, unless the alders and/or
cottonwoods are used as part of an approved enhancement project within a critical
area or its buffer.
The Administrator may require independent review of any land use application that involves tree
removal and land clearing at the City's discretion.
Williams Ave Mixed Use/Apartments, PRE22-000072
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April 7, 2022
If staff determines that the trees cannot be retained, replacement trees, with at least a 2-inch
caliper or an evergreen at least 6 feet tall, shall be planted at a rate of 12 caliper inches of new
trees to replace each protected tree removed. An inventory, retention plan, and arborist report
would be required with the application if significant trees are to be removed.
Refuse and Recycling: All new development for multi-family, commercial, industrial and other
nonresidential uses shall provide onsite refuse and recyclables deposit areas and collection points
for collection of refuse and recyclables. Refuse and recycling areas need to meet the requirements
of RMC 4-4-090, “Refuse and Recyclables Standards.” For multi-family, a minimum of one and
one-half (1-1/2) square feet per dwelling unit in multi-family residences shall be provided for
recyclables deposit areas and a minimum of three (3) square feet per dwelling unit shall be
provided for refuse deposit areas. In retail developments, a minimum of five (5) square feet per
every one thousand (1,000) square feet of building gross floor area shall be provided for
recyclables deposit areas and a minimum of ten (10) square feet per one thousand (1,000) square
feet of building gross floor area shall be provided for refuse deposit areas. A total minimum area
of one hundred (100) square feet shall be provided for recycling and refuse deposit areas.
Architectural design of the enclosures shall be consistent with the design of the primary building.
Enclosures for outdoor refuse or recyclables deposit areas/collection points and separate
buildings used primarily to contain a refuse or recyclables deposit area/collection point shall have
gate openings at least twelve feet (12') wide for haulers. Refuse and recycling areas would need
to be identified in the land use application that meet the minimum size, screening, location, and
other standards in RMC 4-4-090. Compliance with the refuse and recycling standards (general
and Urban Design) would be reviewed with the land use application.
Screening: Screening must be provided for all surface-mounted and roof top utility and
mechanical equipment. If applicable, the application would need to include elevations and details
for the proposed methods of screening. No mechanical or utility equipment was identified in the
submitted materials. See RMC 4-4-095, Screening and Storage Height/Location Limitations for
specific requirements.
Access/Parking: All parking shall be provided in the rear portion of the site with access taken
from an alley, where available. The project would be subject to RMC 4-4-080, “Parking Loading
and Driveway Regulations” effect at the time of complete application. Access is proposed via the
alley to a structured garage.
Standard parking stalls within structured parking shall be a minimum of 15 feet long by eight feet,
four inches (8’4”) in width for 90-degree parking. Compact stalls for structured parking shall be a
minimum of 12 feet in length and seven feet, six inches (7’6”) in width for 90-degree parking;
compact stalls shall account for no more than 50% of stalls. Ninety-degree parking shall have a
minimum aisle width of 24 feet. Within the CD zone a minimum and maximum of one parking stall
per dwelling unit is required; a maximum of one space per 1,000 square feet of net floor area,
with no minimum requirement, is required for retail sales. One-half (0.5) bicycle parking spaces
per one dwelling unit is required. For uses in the CD zone that do not require off-street vehicle
parking, the number of bicycle parking spaces shall be equivalent to 10% of off-street vehicle
parking spaces required for the same use located outside of the CD zone.
A minimum of 10 parking stalls with a maximum of 12 parking stalls is required. A minimum of
five bicycle stalls are required. Seven of the twelve stalls are compact, exceeding the 50%
maximum allowance. Dedication along Williams Ave S will be required.
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Lighting: Light fixtures should be non-glare to minimize the impact onto adjacent and abutting
properties. Methods of controlling spillover light include, but are not limited to, limits on the
height of light structure, limits on light levels of fixtures, light shields, and screening. Lighting
should include timers or other switches to ensure that lights are extinguished when not in use.
The applicant would be required to provide a conceptual lighting plan at the time of formal land
use application review. In addition, see the standards found in RMC 4-4-075 Lighting, Exterior
On-site.
Urban Design: The project would be subject to RMC 4-3-100, “Urban Design Regulations” effect
at the time of complete application. The proposal is within District A. The following are a brief
overview of the applicable requirements. Please refer to regulations in their entirety when
preparing the application package.
• Building Location and Orientation: Developments shall enhance the mutual relationship
of buildings with each other, as well as with the roads, open space, and pedestrian
amenities while working to create a pedestrian oriented environment. Lots shall be
configured to encourage variety and so that natural light is available to buildings and open
space. The privacy of individuals in residential uses shall be provided for.
• Building Entries: Primary entries shall face the street, serve as a focal point, and allow
space for social interaction. All entries shall include features that make them easily
identifiable while reflecting the architectural character of the building. The primary entry
shall be the most visually prominent entry. Pedestrian access to the building from the
sidewalk, parking lots, and/or other areas shall be provided and shall enhance the overall
quality of the pedestrian experience on the site.
• Transition to Surrounding Development: Careful siting and design treatment shall be used
to achieve a compatible transition where new buildings differ from surrounding
development in terms of building height, bulk and scale.
• Service Element Location and Design: Service elements shall be concentrated and located
so that impacts to pedestrians and other abutting uses are minimized. The impacts of
service elements shall be mitigated with landscaping and an enclosure with fencing that
is made of quality materials. Service areas not adjacent to streets, pathways, or
pedestrian-oriented spaces are encouraged to implement vegetative screening in
addition to or as part of service enclosures.
• Structured Parking Garages: Parking garages shall not dominate the streetscape; they
shall be designed to be complementary with adjacent and abutting buildings. They shall
be sited to complement, not subordinate, pedestrian entries. Similar forms, materials,
and/or details to the primary building(s) should be used to enhance garages.
• Vehicular Access: Vehicular access to parking garages and parking lots shall not impede
or interrupt pedestrian mobility. The impacts of curb cuts to pedestrian access on
sidewalks shall be minimized.
• Pedestrian Circulation: The pedestrian environment shall be given priority and
importance in the design of projects. Sidewalks and/or pathways shall be provided and
shall provide safe access to buildings from parking areas. Providing pedestrian
connections to abutting properties is an important aspect of connectivity and encourages
pedestrian activity and shall be considered. Pathways shall be easily identifiable to
pedestrians and drivers.
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• Recreation Areas and Common Open Space: Developments located at street intersections
should provide pedestrian-oriented space at the street corner to emphasize pedestrian
activity (illustration below). Recreation and common open space areas are integral
aspects of quality development that encourage pedestrians and users. These areas shall
be provided in an amount that is adequate to be functional and usable; they shall also be
landscaped and located so that they are appealing to users and pedestrians.
• Building Character and Massing: Building facades shall be modulated and/or articulated
to reduce the apparent size of buildings, break up long blank walls, add visual interest,
and enhance the character of the neighborhood. Articulation, modulation, and their
intervals should create a sense of scale important to residential buildings.
• Ground Level Details: The use of material variations such as colors, brick, shingles, stucco,
and horizontal wood siding is encouraged. The primary building entrance should be made
visibly prominent by incorporating architectural features such as a facade overhang,
trellis, large entry doors, and/or ornamental lighting (illustration below). Detail features
should also be used, to include things such as decorative entry paving, street furniture
(benches, etc.), and/or public art.
• Building Roof Lines: Building roof lines shall be varied and include architectural elements
to add visual interest to the building.
• Building Materials: Building materials are an important and integral part of the
architectural design of a building that is attractive and of high quality. Material variation
shall be used to create visual appeal and eliminate monotony of facades. This shall occur
on all facades in a consistent manner. High quality materials shall be used. If materials like
concrete or block walls are used they shall be enhanced to create variation and enhance
their visual appeal.
• Lighting: Lighting that improves pedestrian safety and also that creates visual interest in
the building and site during the evening hours shall be provided.
Complete building elevations were not provided as part of the pre-application meeting
materials. The following are items of note that do not appear to be fully met:
• The availability of natural light (both direct and reflected) and direct sun exposure to
nearby buildings and open space (except parking areas) shall be considered when siting
structures.
• Building entries from a street shall be clearly marked with canopies, architectural
elements, ornamental lighting, or landscaping and include weather protection at least
four and one-half feet (4-1/2') wide (illustration below). Buildings that are taller than
thirty feet (30') in height shall also ensure that the weather protection is proportional
to the distance above ground level. Planning supports a stoop style entrance for the
residential entry.
• At least one of the following design elements shall be used to promote a transition to
surrounding uses:
1. Building proportions, including step-backs on upper level in accordance with
surrounding planned and existing land use forms; or
2. Building articulation to divide a larger architectural element into smaller
increments; or
3. Roof lines, roof pitches, and roof shapes designed to reduce apparent bulk and
transition with existing development.
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• In addition to standard enclosure requirements, garbage, recycling collection, and
utility areas shall be enclosed on all sides, include a roof and be screened around their
perimeter by a wall or fence and have self-closing doors.
• All mixed use residential and attached housing developments of ten (10) or more
dwelling units shall provide common open space and/or recreation areas. At minimum,
fifty (50) square feet per unit shall be provided. Open space or recreation areas shall be
located to provide sun and light exposure to the area and located so that they are
aggregated to provide usable area(s) for residents.
• At least one of the following shall be provided in each open space and/or recreation
area:
i. Courtyards, plazas, pea-patches, or multi-purpose open space;
ii. Upper-level common decks, patios, terraces, or roof gardens. Such spaces above
the street level must feature views or amenities that are unique to the site and
are provided as an asset to the development;
iii. Pedestrian corridors dedicated to passive recreation and separate from the
public street system;
iv. Recreation facilities including, but not limited to, tennis/sports courts,
swimming pools, exercise areas, game rooms, or other similar facilities; or
v. Children’s play spaces that are centrally located near a majority of dwelling
units and visible from surrounding units. They shall also be located away from
hazardous areas such as garbage dumpsters, drainage facilities, and parking
areas.
• All building facades shall include modulation or articulation at intervals of no more than
40 feet. Modulations shall be a minimum of two feet (2’) deep, sixteen feet (16’) in
height and eight feet (8’) in width.
• Upper portions of building facades shall have clear windows with visibility into and out
of the building. However, screening may be applied to provide shade and energy
efficiency. The minimum amount of light transmittance for windows shall be fifty
percent (50%).
• Untreated blank walls visible from public streets, sidewalks or interior pedestrian
pathways are prohibited. A wall (including building facades and retaining walls) is
considered blank if:
i. It is a ground floor wall or portion of a ground floor wall over six feet (6') in
height, has a horizontal length greater than fifteen feet (15'), and does not
include a window, door, building modulation or other architectural detailing; or
ii. Any portion of a ground floor wall has a surface area of four hundred (400)
square feet or greater and does not include a window, door, building
modulation or other architectural detailing.
• Any façade visible to the public shall be comprised of at least 75% transparent windows
and/or doors for at least the portion of the ground floor façade that is between four
feet (4’) and eight feet (8’) above ground (as measured on the true elevation).
• At least one of the following elements shall be used to create varied and interesting roof
profiles:
1. Extended parapets;
2. Feature elements projecting above parapets;
3. Projected cornices;
4. Pitched or sloped roofs.
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• All sides of buildings visible from a street, pathway, parking area, or open space shall
be finished with the same building materials, detailing, and color scheme. A different
treatment may be used if the materials are of the same quality.
• Pedestrian-scale lighting shall be provided at primary and secondary building
entrances. Examples include sconces on building facades, awnings with down -lighting
and decorative street lighting.
Please be aware that the above are not the only regulations required. Full compliance will be
determined at time of land use application review.
Residential Mixed-Use: For vertically mixed-use buildings, the facade necessary for interior
entrances, lobbies, and areas/facilities developed for the exclusive use of the building’s residents,
or their guests (“lobby facade” for the purposes of this Section), is limited to thirty five percent
(35%) of the overall facade along any street frontage or the primary facade. The Administrator
may allow the lobby facade to exceed thirty five percent (35%) if the depth of the commercial
space exceeds the minimum required by RMC 4-4-150E, provided the increased percentage of
lobby facade is generally proportional to the increased depth of commercial space.
Within the CD zone a minimum of 50% of the gross ground floor shall be commercial space.
Ground floor commercial space shall be included along the street frontage and meet the following
standards:
a. A minimum average depth of thirty feet (30') and no less than twenty feet (20') at any
given point;
b. A minimum floor-to-ceiling height of eighteen feet (18'), and a minimum clear height of
fifteen feet (15') unless a lesser clear height is approved by the Administrator;
c. ADA compliant bathrooms (common facilities are acceptable);
d. A central plumbing drain line; and
e. A grease trap and a ventilation shaft for a commercial kitchen hood/exhaust.
The ground floor area is 5,750 square feet; 50% is 2,875 square feet. As proposed the commercial
space (1,545 square feet) is below this amount. The space is also below 20 feet in depth behind
the elevator. Accessibility, plumbing and ventilation/grease trap would be reviewed at the time
of land use application submittal.
Fences/Walls: If the applicant intends to install any fences or retaining walls as part of this project,
the location must be designated on the landscape plan and grading plan with top of wall and
bottom of wall elevations. A fence and/or wall detail should also be included on the plan. A
retaining wall that is 4 feet or taller, as measured by the vertical distance from the bottom of the
footing to the finish grade at the top of the wall requires a building permit. The maximum height
of any fence or retaining wall is 72-inches subject to further height limitations in setbacks and
clear vision areas noted in RMC 4-4-040D. A fence shall not be constructed on top of a retaining
wall unless the total combined height of the retaining wall and the fence does not exceed the
allowed height of a standalone fence. For more information about fences and retaining walls refer
to RMC 4-4-040.
Critical Areas: According to COR Maps, Wellhead Protection Area Zone 1 and Seismic Hazard
Area: High are mapped on the property. The overall purpose of the wellhead protection
regulations is to protect aquifers used as potable water supply sources by the City from
contamination by hazardous materials. Some uses are restricted that store, handle, treat, use, or
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April 7, 2022
produce substances that pose a hazard to groundwater quality. If fill is used then a fill source
statement is needed. Development within high seismic hazard areas require a geotechnical study
completed by a licensed professional. A geotechnical report prepared by a licensed professional
engineer is required and hydrogeologic study prepared by a qualified professional may be
required (both at the applicant’s expense) with the formal land use application.
Environmental Review: Environmental review is required for projects with 10 or more dwelling
units.
Permit Requirements: The proposal would require Administrative Site Plan Review and
Environmental Review (SEPA). Based on the 2022 fees in effect at the time of this memo, the total
is $4,515.00 ($2,700 Administrative Site Plan Review + $1,600.00 SEPA + $215.00 Technology Fee
(5%) = $4,515.00). Each modification request is $260.00. A 5% technology fee added to the total
cost of the reviews would also be assessed at the time of land use application. All fees are subject
to change. Detailed information regarding the land use permit application submittal requirements
can be found on the Site Plan Review Submittal Requirements document. Other informational
applications and handouts can be found on the City’s Digital Records Library. The City requires
electronic plan submittal for all applications. Please refer to the City’s Electronic File Standards.
Public Information Sign: Public Information Signs are required for all Type II Land Use Permits as
classified by RMC 4-8-080. Public Information Signs are intended to inform the public of potential
land development, specific permits/actions being considered by the City, and to facilitate timely
and effective public participation in the review process. The applicant must follow the
specifications provided in the public information sign handout. The applicant is solely responsible
for the construction, installation, maintenance, removal, and any costs associated with the sign.
Fees: In addition to the applicable land use application fees, impact fees would be required. The
fee in effect at the time of permit issuance will apply. The 2022 impact fees are as follows:
• A School Impact Fee based on $4,737 (plus a 5% processing charge) per each new unit.
• A Transportation Impact Fee based on $6,717.10 per each new unit.
• Refer to the Current Fee Schedule for Transportation Impact Fees related to various
commercial uses.
• A Park Impact Fee of $1,977.62 per each new multi-family development of five (5) or more
units.
• A Fire Impact Fee of $964.53 per each new multi-family development.
• A Fire Impact Fee of $1.25 per square foot of retail.
A handout listing Renton’s development-related fees is available on the City of Renton website
for your review.
Expiration: The final approval of a Site Plan shall expire within two (2) years of the date of
approval. A single two (2) year extension may be granted for good cause by the Administrator.
The Administrator may determine at his or her discretion that a public hearing before the Hearing
Examiner is required for such extension.
It is the responsibility of the owner to monitor the expiration date.
Next Steps: When application materials are complete, the applicant shall have the application
materials pre-screened prior to submitting the complete application package. Please contact
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April 7, 2022
Andrew Van Gordon, Associate Planner at avangordon@rentonwa.gov or (425) 430-7286 for an
appointment.