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ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT
ERC MEETING DATE:
December 4, 2017
Project Name:
2017 Docket #12, Group C
Owner:
City of Renton
Applicant:
City of Renton
Contact:
Jennifer Henning, Planning Director
File Number:
LUA 17-000819, ECF
Project Manager:
Jennifer Henning, Planning Director
Project Summary:
The applicant is requesting Environmental (SEPA) Review for new and revised regulations/standards withing RMC 4-6-090 to clarify undergrounding requirements and applicable exemptions
for utility and communication facilities, and requests Environmental Review for new and revised regulations/standards within RMC 4-4-140 to revise definitions and add regulations for
the deployment of small cell wireless facilities. 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).
PART ONE: PROJECT DESCRIPTION / BACKGROUND
D135 Undergrounding (RMC4-6-090).
Clarify that undergrounding is required for all new utility and communication facilities, unless exempted.
Clarify that undergrounding is required for overhead power and utility lines abutting development sites, when the project is required to install street frontage improvements.
Exempt existing single family homes from undergrounding when replacing or upgrading service panels when existing wires run from an existing pole to the house, and that pole has wires
that serve other single family homes.
Exempt projects where replacement of overhead wires would occur for 3 or fewer spans (4 poles), or a distance of less than 500 feet, unless part of a new site development or redevelopment
of a site.
D-140 Small Cell and Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS).
Revise definitions to facilitate deployment of small cell wireless facilities
Revise the Zoning Use Table and Wireless Regulations to allow for small cells in all zones subject to an Administrative Conditional Use Permit, except that small cell facilities complying
with preferred concealment techniques would be permitted without a CUP. Preferred concealment techniques include: attaching to buildings; incorporating into marquee signs; attaching
to or replacing parking lot lighting; replacing utility poles or street lights to incorporate concealed facilities; and, allow for using of existing utility poles in areas other than
design districts and area where undergrounding is mandated.
Allow for consideration of other concealment approaches through the submittal of a ‘concealment element plan’ that would allow for other concealment approaches not specifically addressed
by code such as information kiosks, street furniture, artwork, wayfinding, etc.
Allow for a single use permit to be used to apply for all small cells spaced to provide wireless coverage in a contiguous area.
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.
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.
Mitigation Measures
None.
Exhibits
None.
Environmental Impacts
There are no environmental impacts that are anticipated to occur in conjunction with the proposal.
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, December 22, 2017.
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.