HomeMy WebLinkAboutSR_ERC_Report_Amazon_SWA2_Reissuance_220609_v5_FINALDEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
SR_ERC Report_Amazon_SWA2_220303_v5_FINAL
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT
ERC Meeting Date: June 13, 2022
Project File Number: PR21-000051
Project Name: SWA2 Amazon
Land Use File Number: LUA21-000233, SA-A, SME, ECF
Project Manager: Alex Morganroth, Senior Planner
Owner: Western B Northwest WA, LLC, 602 W Office Center Drive, Ste 200, Fort Washington,
PA 19034
Applicant/Contact: Paul Gierlach, CESO / 175 Montrose West Ave / Akron, OH 44321 / paulg@cesoinc.com
Project Location: 1905 Raymond Ave SW (APN 2423049115)
Project Summary: The applicant, Amazon, is requesting Site Plan Review, Environmental (SEPA) Review,
and a Shoreline Exemption for minor site work and tenant improvements in a 126,600 -
sq. ft. existing industrial building at 1905 Raymond Ave SW (APN 2423049115). The
building was previously occupied by DHL Global Forwarding, a shipping service. The
applicant intends to use the building for its “Amazon Flex” delivery service, in which
contract employees pick up packages from the site in their personal, passenger vehicles
and distribute (i.e. deliver) the packages to customers in the Renton area. The proposal
is subject to Environmental (SEPA) Review due to the scope including the addition of new
parking stalls in an existing parking lot with over 20 stalls. In addition, the project site is
encumbered by critical areas. The proposed work within the shoreline, the installation
of a bicycle rack, is an exempt action due to the value of the work falling under the fair
market value threshold as outlined in WAC 173-27-040. The applicant has proposed to
retain the existing office space for use by support staff, while updating the
warehouse/distribution space to better meet the needs of the flex delivery service. The
building is located on the north half of a 6.8 acre site near the corner of SW 19th St and
Raymond Ave SW. The subject site is located in the Industrial, Light (IL) zone and
Employment Area Comprehensive Plan Land Use designation. According to the
applicant, all work would be interior except for parking lot re-striping and minor concrete
work that would add a total of 26 new parking stalls as well as new ADA ramps and
crosswalks. No trees or vegetation are proposed for removal as part of the project.
According to COR Maps, multiple critical areas are present on the site including a high
seismic hazard, sensitive slopes, a special flood hazard area (FEMA zone AE), and an
unclassified wetland. In addition, the eastern portion of the site is located within Reach
C of the Black River/Springbrook Creek Regulated Shoreline Area and has an
environmental designation of Shoreline High Intensity. According to the applicant, the
project would result in a net impervious surface increase of approximately 127 sq. ft.
The Environmental Review Committee issued a Determination of Non -Significance –
Mitigated, on April 5, 2022, with five (5) mitigation measures (Exhibit 14).
1) The applicant shall construct the following improvements at the
intersection of Raymond Ave SW and SW 19th St:
a. Widen the westbound approach of SW 19th St by constructing
vertical curb and gutter to match alignment of the existing curb,
providing a minimum of twenty feet (20’) of pavement;
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2C4A6631-DC6E-4782-B5C1-C3C1FD820667
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
SWA2 Amazon
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA21-000233, SA-A, SME, ECF
Report of June 13, 2022 Page 2 of 10
SR_ERC Report_Amazon SWA2_220609_v5_FINALv5_FINAL
b. Construct ADA compliant curb ramps at the NE corner of
Raymond Ave SW and SW 19th St intersection and associated
companion ramps;
c. Provide advanced warning signage on the westbound approach
of SW 19th St and the southbound approach of Raymond Ave
SW;
d. Trim vegetation in the immediate vicinity of the intersection to
improve sight distance.
The final design of the improvements shall be reviewed and approved
by the Development Engineering Project Manager prior to
implementation. The improvements shall be fully constructed prior to
issuance of a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO).
2) The applicant shall install a traffic signal at the intersection of Lind Ave
SW and SW 19th St. The traffic signal shall be designed in a manner that
accommodates the future construction of an additional 11 -foot lane on
Lind Ave SW. The final design of the traffic signal infrastructure shall be
reviewed and approved by the Development Project Engineering
Manager. The signalization of the intersection shall be implemented and
operational prior to issuance of a TCO.
3) The applicant shall construct a roundabout at the intersection of
Raymond Ave SW and SW 16th St. The final design of the roundabout
shall be reviewed and approved by the Development Engineering
Project Manager. The roundabout shall be constructed prior to issuance
of a TCO.
4) The applicant shall implement Adaptive Traffic Control Systems (ATCS)
Split Cycle Offset Optimization Technique (SCOOT) at the following
intersections: Oakesdale Ave SW and SW Grady Way, Oakesdale Ave SW
and SW 16th St, Lind Ave SW and SW Grady Way, Lind Ave SW and SW
16th St. The final design of the system shall be reviewed and approved
by the Development Engineering Project Manager prior to
implementation. The ATCS SCOOT shall be implanted and fully
operational prior to issuance of a TCO.
5) The applicant shall sample soil for arsenic and lead following 2019
Tacoma Smelter Plume Guidance. If lead or arsenic are found at
concentrations above the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) cleanup
level, construction workers and employees on site shall be notified of
their occurrence.
The applicant submitted a request for reconsideration on April 15, 2022, as well as a
request to place review of the project on hold until additional traffic analysis could be
completed by the applicant’s consultant (Exhibit 13). On May 20th, 2022, the applicant
submitted a Traffic Technical Memorandum prepared by NV5 and dated May 11, 2022
(Exhibit 5) as well as a letter outlining the findings in the memorandum as well as a
request for updated mitigation measures based on the new findings. Staff included both
the analysis related to the initial traffic analysis (Exhibit 6) and new memo in the
Transportation impacts section of the report.
Exist. Bldg. Area SF: 126,600 Proposed New Bldg. Area (footprint):
Proposed New Bldg. Area (gross):
N/A
N/A
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2C4A6631-DC6E-4782-B5C1-C3C1FD820667
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
SWA2 Amazon
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA21-000233, SA-A, SME, ECF
Report of June 13, 2022 Page 3 of 10
SR_ERC Report_Amazon SWA2_220609_v5_FINALv5_FINAL
Site Area: 6.8 Total Building Area GSF: 126,600
STAFF
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff Recommends that the Environmental Review Committee issue a Determination
of Non-Significance - Mitigated (DNS-M).
Project Location Map
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 Offi cials:
Issue a DNS-M with a 14-day appeal period
B. Mitigation Measures
1) The applicant shall construct the following improvements at the intersection of Raymond Ave SW and
SW 19th St:
a. Widen the westbound approach of SW 19th St by constructing vertical curb and gutter to
match alignment of the existing curb, providing a minimum of twenty feet (20’) of pavement ;
b. Construct ADA compliant curb ramps at the NE corner of Raymond Ave SW and SW 19 th St
intersection and associated companion ramps ;
c. Provide advanced warning signage on the westbound approach of SW 19 th St and the
southbound approach of Raymond Ave SW;
d. Trim vegetation in the immediate vicinity of the intersection to improve sight distance .
The final design of the improvements shall be reviewed and approved by the Development
Engineering Project Manager prior to implementation. The improvements shall be fully constructed
prior to issuance of a Final Certificate of Occupancy, or by January 31, 2023, whichever comes first.
2) The applicant shall install a traffic signal at the intersection of Lind Ave SW and SW 19 th St. The traffic
signal shall be designed in a manner that accommodates the future construction of an additional 11 -
foot lane on Lind Ave SW. The final design of the traffic signal infrastructure shall be reviewed and
approved by the Development Engineering Project Manager. The signalization of the intersection shall
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2C4A6631-DC6E-4782-B5C1-C3C1FD820667
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
SWA2 Amazon
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA21-000233, SA-A, SME, ECF
Report of June 13, 2022 Page 4 of 10
SR_ERC Report_Amazon SWA2_220609_v5_FINALv5_FINAL
be implemented and operational prior to issuance of a Final Certificate of Occupancy, or by July 31,
2023, whichever comes first.
3) The applicant shall construct a compact roundabout at the intersection of Raymond Ave SW and SW
16th St. The final design of the roundabout shall be reviewed and approved by the Development
Engineering Project Manager. The compact roundabout shall be constructed prior to issuance of a
Final Certificate of Occupancy, or by January 31, 2023, whichever comes first.
4) The applicant shall submit a deposit in the amount of $100,000 per intersection (four (4) intersections
total) to implement the Adaptive Traffic Control Systems (ATCS) Split Cycle Offset Optimization
Technique (SCOOT) at the following intersections: Oakesdale Ave SW and SW Grady Way, Oakesdale
Ave SW and SW 16th St, Lind Ave SW and SW Grady Way, Lind Ave SW and SW 16th St. The deposit
shall be submitted prior to issuance of a Final Certificate of Occupancy, or by July 31, 2023, whichever
comes first. The City will bill against the total deposit and return any unused funds to the applicant
after implementation is complete.
5) The applicant shall construct the following temporary improvements at the intersection of Raymond
Ave SW and SW 19th St until the permanent configuration can be constructed:
a. Widen the westbound approach of SW 19th St, providing a minimum of twenty feet (20’) of
pavement;
b. Provide advanced warning signage on the westbound approach of SW 19th St and the
southbound approach of Raymond Ave SW;
c. Trim vegetation in the immediate vicinity of the intersectio n to improve sight distance.
The temporary design of the improvements shall be reviewed and approved by the Development
Engineering Project Manager prior to implementation. The improvements shall be fully constructed
prior to issuance of a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO).
6) The applicant shall sample soil for arsenic and lead following 2019 Tacoma Smelter Plume Guidance.
If lead or arsenic are found at concentrations above the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) cleanup
level, construction workers and employees on site shall be notified of their occurrence.
C. Exhibits
Exhibit 1: Environmental Review Committee (ERC) Report
Exhibit 2: Site Plan
Exhibit 3: Floor Plans
Exhibit 4: Traffic Impact Analysis, prepared by NV5, dated October 28, 2021
Exhibit 5: Traffic Technical Memorandum, prepared by NV5, dated May 11, 2022
Exhibit 6: Transportation Concurrency Memo
Exhibit 7: WSDOT Letter #1, dated July 1, 2021
Exhibit 8: WSDOT Letter #2, dated August 4, 2021
Exhibit 9: WSDOT Email, dated October 5, 2021
Exhibit 10: Department of Ecology Letter, dated July 7, 2021
Exhibit 11: Compact Roundabout Concept Design, prepared by NV5
Exhibit 12: Advisory Notes
Exhibit 13: Reconsideration Request, submitted by the applicant, dated April 15, 2022
Exhibit 14: Determination of Non-Significance -Mitigated, issued April 5, 2022
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2C4A6631-DC6E-4782-B5C1-C3C1FD820667
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
SWA2 Amazon
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA21-000233, SA-A, SME, ECF
Report of June 13, 2022 Page 5 of 10
SR_ERC Report_Amazon_SWA2_220303_v5_FINAL
D. Environmental Impacts
The Proposal was circulated and reviewed by various City Departments and Divisions to determine whether or not
the applicant has adequately identified and addressed environmental impacts anticipated to occur in conjunction
with the proposed development. Staff reviewers have identified that the proposal is likely to have the following
probable impacts:
1. Earth
Impacts: According to COR Maps, high seismic hazard and sensitive slopes are present on the project site.
The applicant has indicated the project would result in approximately 127 sq. ft. of replaced impervious
area. All changes to the building are interior only and therefore a geotechnical report was not required as
part fo the land use application . The project would be required to demonstrate compliance with the
structural design requirements in the 2018 International Building Code for sites with seismic hazards at
the time of building permit review. Therefore no specific mitigation measures are recommended.
Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation recommended.
Nexus: Not applicable.
2. Water
Wetland, Streams, Lakes
Impacts: An unclassified wetland and a special flood hazard area are present on the south side of the site.
In addition, Reach C of the Black River/Springbrook Creek, a regulated shoreline area, extends onto the
eastern portion of the site. The portion of the site within the regulated shoreline area has an
environmental designation of Shoreline High Intensity. Minor ground disturbance would occur between
the existing building and the internal looped road near the southeast side of the site in order to construct
five (5) new parking stalls. In addition, an existing sport court on the south side of the site would be
removed in order to provide pervious surface area for passive recreation. No expansion to the existing
building is proposed and new structures or impervious surface is proposed between Spring Brook Creek
and wetlands, and the looped internal roadway, a lawfully intervening structure constructed as part of
the original stie and building development in 1997. Due to the limited site improvements proposed and
location of the proposed site improvements between the existing building and looped internal road, no
significant impacts are anticipated as a result of the project.
Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation recommended.
Nexus: Not applicable.
3. Transportation
Impacts: The proposed project is anticipated to generate more than 20 new PM peak hour trips and
therefore, the applicant submitted a revised Traffic Impact Analysis prepared by NV5 and dated October
28, 2021 (Exhibit 4) with the application. Primary access to the site is provided via the existing single access
driveway located just southwest of the intersection of Raymond Ave SW and SW 19th St. As noted in the
TIA, the prospective tenant has a unique operation that is different from those included in the Institute of
Transportation Engineers (ITE) trip generation manual, 10th Edition. Trip generation provided by the
tenant is based on their planned employee head count, delivery operation, and line-haul movements.
According to the analysis, the proposed development is estimated to generate 3,129 new daily trips,
including 341 AM peak hour trips (171 entering, 170 exiting) from 7:00 – 8:00 AM, and 180 PM peak hour
trips (102 entering, 78 exiting) from 4:00 – 5:00 PM. Trips were assigned to the existing City streets at the
study intersections based on the ass umption that most of the traffic is destined to and from I-5 to the
west and SR-167 to the east. City staff concurs with the trip generation and trip assignment outlined in
the report.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2C4A6631-DC6E-4782-B5C1-C3C1FD820667
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
SWA2 Amazon
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA21-000233, SA-A, SME, ECF
Report of June 13, 2022 Page 6 of 10
SR_ERC Report_Amazon SWA2_220609_v5_FINALv5_FINAL
The report evaluated 23 nearby intersections and utilized three (3) study periods for the evaluation
including 2021 Existing, 2025 Horizon Year No -Build, and 2025 Horizon Year Build. Study area roadways
included Raymond Ave SW, SW 19th St, Lind Ave SW, SW 16th St, SW Grady Way, Oakesdale Ave SW
Interurban Avenue S, and WA-167/Rainier Ave S. The intersections were evaluated using Level of Service
(LOS) methodology under existing conditions, existing plus project conditions, and project opening year
conditions. LOS evaluation was done in accordance with the industry standard Hig hway Capacity Manual
(HCM) Sixth Edition. The turning movements counted were obtained by StreetLight Data, Inc. in 2019 to
capture pre-pandemic traffic patterns. From this data, existing LOS was determined for each intersection.
The report concludes that in the existing condition 16 out of the 23 intersections evaluated operate with
an approach or overall LOS below D during at least one (1) peak hour. In addition to those intersections
and movements operating inadequately during Existing Conditions, Oakesdale Ave SW and SW 16th St is
expected to operate poorly by the Horizon Year 2025, with LOS below D during at least one (1) peak hour.
For the 2025 Horizon Year Build traffic conditions analyzed with the existing intersection control and l ane
configurations, the expected project traffic is expected to add minor delay to the roadway network, but
no new intersections are expected to deteriorate from adequate LOS to inadequate LOS due to the
addition of expected project traffic to the roadway network. According to the report, the intersection of
Raymond Ave SW and SW 19th St is expected to perform at LOS A but has safety concerns.
The report recommended five (5) specific mitigation measures designed to alleviate safety concerns and
poor traffic conditions anticipated to occur with a 2025 Build scenario.
1) The report recommended that the westbound approach of SW 19th St, currently only 18-feet wide, be
widened to safely accommodate traffic. Specifically, the westbound approach width of SW 19th St
should be widened to a minimum of 20 feet (two (2) 10-foot lanes). Additionally, the provision of
advanced warning signage on the westbound approach of SW 19th St and the southbound approach
of Raymond Ave SW is recommended. Measures to improve sight distance such as trimming
shrubbery/vegetation in the immediate vicinity of the intersection is also included as a
recommendation.
A categorized wetland is located south of the existing SW 19 th St ROW. Per RMC 4-3-050, overbuilding
(enlargement beyond existing project needs) or replacement of existing utility systems and
replacement and/or rehabilitation of existing streets, provided the work does not increase the
footprint of the structure, line or street by more than ten percent (10%) within the critical area and/or
buffer areas, and occurs in the existing right-of-way boundary or easement boundary. In addition, per
WAC 197-11-800, the construction or installation of minor road and street improvements by any
agency or private party is a SEPA exempt action if certain conditions are met.
2) According to the report, a traffic signal at the intersection of Lind Ave SW and SW 19th St is warranted
with significant right-turning traffic anticipated and with expected project traffic added to the
roadway network. The installation of a traffic signal at Lind Ave SW and SW 19th St is expected to
provide much improved adequate LOS over the existing intersection control of a conventional side
street stop.
3) The report recommends the installation of a roundabout at the intersection of Raymond Ave SW and
SW 16th St. According to the report, a roundabout would provide much improved adequate LOS over
the existing lane geometry and intersection control of a conventional side street stop. The applicant
provided a conceptual design for the roundabout (Exhibit 11) that indicates adequate existing ROW is
available at the intersection for construction of the improvement.
4) According to the report, the intersections in the study area currently experiencing inadequate LOS
during Existing Conditions and/or No-Build conditions are still expected to do so with the addition of
site traffic in a 2025 Build scenario. However, as the site traffic departs further from the site, the
percentage of site traffic relative to the over-all traffic already on the corridors decreases. In addition,
almost all the intersection locations are in dense areas that would require significant disruption to
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2C4A6631-DC6E-4782-B5C1-C3C1FD820667
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
SWA2 Amazon
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA21-000233, SA-A, SME, ECF
Report of June 13, 2022 Page 7 of 10
SR_ERC Report_Amazon SWA2_220609_v5_FINALv5_FINAL
existing developments. Therefore, further physical improvements, geometric or otherwise, are not
recommended for the remaining inadequate intersections. The report recommends that an Adaptive
Traffic Control System (ATCS) Split Cycle Offset Optimization Technique (SCOOT) to assist with
consistent flows along the mainline corridors in the area be implemented at the following intersections
including Oakesdale Ave SW and SW Grady Way, Oakesdale Ave SW and SW 16th St, Lind Ave SW and
SW Grady Way, and Lind Ave SW and SW 16th St.
5) The report recommended the construction of an eastbound right turn lane at the intersection of
Oakesdale Ave SW and SW Grady Way. In reviewing the proposed mitigation, staff determined the
additional right turn lane would result in marginal improvements to the intersection but would require
significant impacts on the adjacent Springbrook Creek located at the southwest corner of the
intersection. The intersection would be improved adequately with the addition of the SCOOT system
recommended under a separate mitigation measure and therefore staff does not recommend the
addition of the right turn lane at this time.
During initial review, staff concurred with recommended mitigation measures one through four (1-4)
noted above, but recommended adjustments to measures #1 and #3. For measure #1, staff
recommended the applicant be required to install vertical curb and gutter on the north side of SW
19th St (westbound approach) that aligns with the existing curb and gutter east of the intersection
(appx 225 linear fee). In addition, staff also recommend ed the applicant be required to construct ADA
ramps at the intersection of Raymond Ave SW and SW 19th St. For measure #3, staff recommends the
traffic signal recommended at the intersection of Lind Ave SW and SW 19 th St be constructed in a way
that accommodates the future construction of an additional 11-foot lane on Lind Avenue SW.
Upon issuance of the Determination of Non -Significance – Mitigated with five (5) mitigation measures
noted in the ‘Project Summary’ section of the report, the applicant submitted a request for
reconsideration to amend mitigation measures one through four (1-4) based on newly obtained traffic
data. The applicant contends that the traffic study previously submitted (Exhibit 4), prepared by NV5
and dated October 28, 2021, was based on pre-pandemic traffic volumes. Based on those levels, the
consultant identified multiple measures that would mitigate the anticipated impacts in 2025 when
the facility is anticipated to operate at 100% capacity. The applicant submitted an updated traffic
memo with the reconsideration request that includes updates to the previously identified mitigation
measures based upon current traffic volumes, which are significantly lower than those in the prior
traffic study since many businesses in the area have not re-opened (or not fully) and/or traffic patterns
for nearby offices have changed (Exhibit 5). Based upon these lower traffic volumes, the updated
traffic study concludes that no improvements are needed to accommoda te the traffic generated by
the facility based on a 2022 opening date. Therefore, the applicant is requesting that the ERC amend
the four (4) mitigation measures related to transportation impacts and included in the April 5, 2022
Determination of Non-Significance – Mitigated (DNS-M) to require the improvements to be installed
prior to issuance of a Final Certificate of Occupancy instead of prior to issuance of the Temporary
Certificate of Occupancy. In addition, the applicant requests that Mitigation Measure #4 in the April
5, 2022 DNS- M be amended to require the applicant to fund the cost of obtaining the SCOOT system
instead of implementing the system, as the distributor of the system has an existing contract with the
City of Renton and will only perform work ordered by the City. The applicant recommends an amount
of $100,000.00 per intersection (four (4) total) for a total of $400,000.00. The City would return any
unused funds to the applicant after the system has been fully implemented at each of the fou r (4)
intersections.
While staff concurs that traffic volumes have temporarily decreased due to impacts from the
pandemic, the unprecedented nature of the global health situation over the past two (2) years and
long-term impacts to local and regional traffic in the area created by the pandemic are currently
unknown. Therefore, current best practice in transportation management is to utilize pre-pandemic
traffic volumes for the planning and implementation of new projects. Based on anecdotal evidence of
current transportation and work-from-home trends, staff acknowledges that traffic volumes may not
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2C4A6631-DC6E-4782-B5C1-C3C1FD820667
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
SWA2 Amazon
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA21-000233, SA-A, SME, ECF
Report of June 13, 2022 Page 8 of 10
SR_ERC Report_Amazon SWA2_220609_v5_FINALv5_FINAL
return to pre-pandemic levels in the near future (one to two years) and as such, supports the
applicants request to amend mitigation measures 1, 2, 3, and 4 included in the original DNS-M so as
to allow the applicant to complete the improvements prior to issuance of Final Certificate of
Occupancy or the estimated date of construction completion instead of prior to issuance of a
Temporary Certificate of Occupancy. Due to the safety issues created by the narrow portion of SW
19th St adjacent to the site, staff recommends temporary improvements be implemented at the
intersection of Raymond Ave SW and SW 19th St prior to issuance of a Temporary Certificate of
Occupancy. These improvements include widening the westbound approach of SW 19 th St to a
minimum of 20 feet, providing advanced warning signage on the westbound approach of SW 19 th St,
and trimming vegetation in the immediate vicinity of the intersection. In addition, staff supports
revising the condition related to the SCOOT system to require the applicant to fund the
implementation in the amount of $100,000.00 per intersection, which would ultimately be
implemented by the City.
A WSDOT representative, Duffy McColloch, submitted comments in response to the initial and follow-
up traffic impact analysis submitted by the applicant (Exhibit 4). The comments were primarily related
to concerns over the limited study area and included a recommendation to expand the study area and
subsequent number of intersections included in the analysis. City staff shared similar concerns and
requested the applicant update the analysis based on the study area comments and others. WSDOT
reviewed the updated traffic impact analysis used as basis for the City’s recommended mitigation
measures and determined that their concerns had been adequately addressed (Exhibit 9). No specific
mitigation measures were recommended by WSDOT.
Parking on the site would remain substantially similar to the current layout with some minor restriping
proposed in order provide parking closer to the building for the contract drivers. The existing parking
lot contains approximately 190 spaces. Five (5) new spaces are proposed at the southeast corner of
the building in addition to eleven other new spaces created by the restriping, resulting in a total of
206 spaces. The project does not take direct access off of an existing public right of way therefore no
frontage improvements are required for the project as it r elates to Renton Municipal Code (RMC) 4-
6-060. An easement across the site to the east allows access to SW 19 th St and Raymond Ave SW for
vehicles.
The proposed project passes the City’s Transportation Concurrency test based upon the test of the
citywide Transportation Plan, consideration of growth levels included in the LOS‐tested
Transportation Plan, payment of a Transportation Mitigation Fee, and an applicatio n of site-specific
mitigation (Exhibit 6).
Increased traffic created by the development would be mitigated by paymen t of transportation
impact fees. The transportation impact fee that is current at the time of building permi t application
will be levied.
Mitigation Measures:
1) The applicant shall construct the following improvements at the intersection of Raymond Ave SW and
SW 19th St:
a. Widen the westbound approach of SW 19 th St by constructing vertical curb and gutter to
match alignment of the existing curb, providing a minimum of twenty feet (20’) of pavement ;
b. Construct ADA compliant curb ramps at the NE corner of Raymond Ave SW and SW 19 th St
intersection and associated companion ramps ;
c. Provide advanced warning signage on the westbound approach of SW 19 th St and the
southbound approach of Raymond Ave SW;
d. Trim vegetation in the immediate vicinity of the intersection to improve sight distance .
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2C4A6631-DC6E-4782-B5C1-C3C1FD820667
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
SWA2 Amazon
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA21-000233, SA-A, SME, ECF
Report of June 13, 2022 Page 9 of 10
SR_ERC Report_Amazon SWA2_220609_v5_FINALv5_FINAL
The final design of the improvements shall be reviewed and approved by the Development
Engineering Project Manager prior to implementation. The improvements shall be fully constructed
prior to issuance of a Final Certificate of Occupancy, or by January 31, 2023, whichever comes first.
2) The applicant shall install a traffic signal at the intersection of Lind Ave SW and SW 19 th St. The traffic
signal shall be designed in a manner that accommodates the future construction of an additional 11 -
foot lane on Lind Ave SW. The final design of the traffic signal infrastructure shall be reviewed and
approved by the Development Engineering Project Manager. The signalization of the intersection shall
be implemented and operational prior to issuance of a Final Certificate of Occupancy, or by July 31,
2023, whichever comes first.
3) The applicant shall construct a compact roundabout at the inte rsection of Raymond Ave SW and SW
16th St. The final design of the roundabout shall be reviewed and approved by the Development
Engineering Project Manager. The compact roundabout shall be constructed prior to issuance of a
Final Certificate of Occupancy, or by January 31, 2023, whichever comes first.
4) The applicant shall submit a deposit in the amount of $100,000 per intersection (four intersections
total) to implement the Adaptive Traffic Control Systems (ATCS) Split Cycle Offset Optimization
Technique (SCOOT) at the following intersections: Oakesdale Ave SW and SW Grady Way, Oakesdale
Ave SW and SW 16th St, Lind Ave SW and SW Grady Way, Lind Ave SW and SW 16th St. The deposit
shall be submitted prior to issuance of a Final Certificate of Occupancy, or by July 31, 2023, whichever
comes first. The City will bill against the total deposit and return any unused funds to the applicant
after implementation is complete.
5) The applicant shall construct the following temporary improvements at the intersection of Raym ond
Ave SW and SW 19th St until the permanent configuration can be constructed:
a. Widen the westbound approach of SW 19th St, providing a minimum of twenty feet (20’) of
pavement;
b. Provide advanced warning signage on the westbound approach of SW 19th St and t he
southbound approach of Raymond Ave SW;
c. Trim vegetation in the immediate vicinity of the intersection to improve sight distance.
The temporary design of the improvements shall be reviewed and approved by the Development
Engineering Project Manager prior to implementation. The improvements shall be fully constructed
prior to issuance of a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO).
Nexus: Renton Comprehensive Plan Policy T-24; State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Environmental
Review, RMC 4-6-060 Street Standards.
4. Environmental Health
Impacts: Staff received a letter from the Department of Ecology (DOE) dated Ju ly 7, 2021 (Exhibit 10)
regarding the proposed project. In the letter, the agency identifies the project site as being located in an area
that may have been contaminated with heavy metals due to the air emissions originating from the old Asarco
smelter in north Tacoma. The letter requests that the SEPA lead agency (City of Renton) include three (3)
mitigation measures as part of the threshold determination related to entry into the agency’s Voluntary Clean-
up Program (VCP) under the Washington Model Toxics Control Act.
Staff confirmed that the Tacoma Smelter Plume map indicates the potential presence of heavy metals on the
site, as is similar to a large swath of Renton’s jurisdictional area. Therefore, staff recommends a mitigation
measure that the applicant be required to sample soil for arsenic and lead following 2019 Tacoma Smelter
Plume Guidance. If lead or arsenic are found at concentrations above the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA)
cleanup level, construction workers and employees on site shall be notified of their occurrence.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2C4A6631-DC6E-4782-B5C1-C3C1FD820667
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
SWA2 Amazon
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA21-000233, SA-A, SME, ECF
Report of June 13, 2022 Page 10 of 10
SR_ERC Report_Amazon SWA2_220609_v5_FINALv5_FINAL
Mitigation Measure: The applicant shall sample soil for arsenic and lead following 2019 Tacoma Smelter
Plume Guidance. If lead or arsenic are found at concentrations above the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA)
cleanup level, construction workers and employees on site shall be notified of their occurrence.
Nexus: State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Environmental Review; DOE comment
E. Comments of Reviewing Departments
The proposal has been circulated to City Department and Division Reviewers. Where applicable, their comments
have been incorporated into the text of this report and/or “Advisory Notes to Applicant.”
✓ Copies of all Review Comments are contained in the Official File and may be attached to this report.
The Environmental Determination decision will become final if the decision is not appealed within the 14 -day
appeal period (RCW 43.21.C.075(3); WAC 197-11-680).
✓ Environmental Determination Appeal Process: Appeals of the environmental determination must be filed in
writing on or before 5:00 p.m. on June 27, 2022. Due to the ongoing state of emergency enacted by Governor’s
Proclamation 20-05, the City Clerk’s Office is working remotely. For that reason, appeals must be submitted
electronically to the City Clerk at cityclerk@rentonwa.gov or delivered to City Hall 1st floor Lobby Hub only on
Tuesdays and/or Wednesdays. The appeal fee, normally due at the time an appeal is submitted, will be collected
at a future date if your appeal is submitted electronically. Appeals to the Hearing Examiner are governed by RMC
4-8-110 and additional information regarding the appeal process may be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office,
cityclerk@rentonwa.gov.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2C4A6631-DC6E-4782-B5C1-C3C1FD820667
CITY OF RENTON
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
STAFF REPORT TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
EXHIBITS
Project Name:
SWA2 Amazon
Land Use File Number:
LUA21-000233, SA-A, SME, ECF
Date of Meeting
June 13, 2022
Staff Contact
Alex Morganroth
Senior Planner
Project Contact/Applicant
Paul Gierlach, CESO / 175
Montrose West Ave / Akron,
OH 44321 /
paulg@cesoinc.com
Project Location
1905 Raymond Ave SW (APN
2423049115)
The following exhibits are included with the ERC Report:
Exhibit 1: Environmental Review Committee (ERC) Report
Exhibit 2: Site Plan
Exhibit 3: Floor Plans
Exhibit 4: Traffic Impact Analysis, prepared by NV5, dated October 28, 2021
Exhibit 5: Traffic Technical Memorandum, prepared by NV5, dated May 11, 2022
Exhibit 6: Transportation Concurrency Memo
Exhibit 7: WSDOT Letter #1, dated July 1, 2021
Exhibit 8: WSDOT Letter #2, dated August 4, 2021
Exhibit 9: WSDOT Email, dated October 5, 2021
Exhibit 10: Department of Ecology Letter, dated July 7, 2021
Exhibit 11: Compact Roundabout Concept Design, prepared by NV5
Exhibit 12: Advisory Notes
Exhibit 13: Reconsideration Request, submitted by the applicant, dated April 15, 2022
Exhibit 14: Determination of Non-Significance -Mitigated, issued April 5, 2022
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2C4A6631-DC6E-4782-B5C1-C3C1FD820667