Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnv Checklist Docket 17.b - 1 - 06/09 C:\Users\abravo\Desktop\Group B\Env Checklist Docket 17.b.docx PLANNING DIVISION ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST City of Renton Planning Division 1055 South Grady Way-Renton, WA 98057 Phone: 425-430-7200 Fax: 425-430-7231 PURPOSE OF CHECKLIST: The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), Chapter 43.21C RCW, requires all governmental agencies to consider the environmental impacts of a proposal before making decisions. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) must be prepared for all proposals with probable significant adverse impacts on the quality of the environment. The purpose of this checklist is to provide information to help you and the agency identify impacts from your proposal (and to reduce or avoid impacts from the proposal, if it can be done) and to help the agency decide whether an EIS is required. INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICANTS: This environmental checklist asks you to describe some basic information about your proposal. Governmental agencies use this checklist to determine whether the environmental impacts of your proposal are significant, requiring preparation of an EIS. Answer the questions briefly, with the most precise information known, or give the best description you can. You must answer each question accurately and carefully, to the best of your knowledge. In most cases, you should be able to answer the questions from your own observations or project plans without the need to hire experts. If you really do not know the answer, or if a question does not apply to your proposal, write "do not know" or "does not apply". Complete answers to the questions now may avoid unnecessary delays later. Some questions ask about governmental regulations, such as zoning, shoreline, and landmark designations. Answer these questions if you can. If you have problems, the governmental agencies can assist you. The checklist questions apply to all parts of your proposal, even if you plan to do them over a period of time or on different parcels of land. Attach any additional information that will help describe your proposal or its environmental effects. The agency to which you submit this checklist may ask you to explain your answers or provide additional information reasonably related to determining if there may be significant adverse impact. - 2 - USE OF CHECKLIST FOR NONPROJECT PROPOSALS: Complete this checklist for nonproject proposals, even though questions may be answered "does not apply." IN ADDITION, complete the SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET FOR NONPROJECT ACTIONS (part D). For nonproject actions (actions involving decisions on policies, plans and programs), the references in the checklist to the words "project," "applicant," and "property or site" should be read as "proposal," "proposer," and "affected geographic area," respectively. A. BACKGROUND 1. Name of proposed project, if applicable: 2022 Docket 17 Group B 2. Name of applicant: City of Renton 3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person: Angie Mathias: 1055 S. Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057, 425-430-6575, amathias@rentonwa.gov 4. Date checklist prepared: June 29, 2022 5. Agency requesting checklist: City of Renton 6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable): N/A 7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected with this proposal? If yes, explain. There are no existing plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to the 2022 Docket 17 Group B. 8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared, directly related to this proposal. N/A 9. Do you know whether applications are pending for governmental approvals of other proposals directly affecting the property covered by your proposal? If yes, explain. N/A 10. List any governmental approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known. N/A 11. Give brief, complete description of your proposal, including the proposed uses and the size of the project and site. D-213 Commercial Parking for Mixed Use Projects. Current standards for mixed use projects blend uses for a combined parking requirement. However, the future use of most mixed use projects is not known as the project is entitled and then later constructed. Staff recommend adopting the same parking standard as shopping centers for mixed use buildings. D-214 Battery Energy Storage Systems. This is a new land use the City has not previously considered. A property owner is interested in allowing this use on their property. The City adopted a moratorium to allow time to evaluate and consider appropriate regulations and requirements for the use. Also, which zones are appropriate for the use. D-215 Dwelling Units in the CO Zone. The Commercial Office zone historically was limited to only commercial and office uses. A few years ago, the City allowed residential development to occur in the zone when it is located in close proximity to frequent transit such as Bus Rapid Transit or the Sounder commuter rail line. However, the City would like to establish a maximum amount of residential use allowed so that opportunity for commercial and office uses are not eroded over time. D-216 Special Fence Permits. Currently code is silent on criteria and decision making regarding approval or - 3 - denial of special fence permits. Staff recommend adopting such standards. D-217 Personal Delivery Devices. This new technology is not currently used in the City. Some local jurisdictions have adopted or are considering how and with what conditions such a use may be allowed. Renton is also considering appropriate regulations. D-218 Rezones in the TOD Subarea proposes to rezone several parcels from Industrial zones to Commercial zones. D-219 Condominium Recording Documents. For this item staff are recommending that condominium recording documents be required to the city for review and comment prior to them being recorded with King County. 12. Location of the proposal. Give sufficient information for a person to understand the precise location of your proposed project, including a street address, if any, and section, township, and range if known. If a proposal would occur over a range of area, provide the range or boundaries of the site(s). Provide a legal description, site plan, vicinity map, and topographic map, if reasonably available. While you should submit any plans required by the agency, you are not required to duplicate maps or detailed plans submitted with any permit applications related to this checklist. All of the proposed Code amendments would be applicable citywide. B. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS 1. EARTH a. General description of the site (circle one); flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other. N/A, non-project action. The City of Renton has areas of steep slopes, a plateau, but also includes a valley area. All land use applications will be reviewed and analyzed for potential site specific impacts at the time of application. b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope?) N/A, this is a non-project action. c. What general types of soils are found on the site (for example, clay, sand, gravel, peat, muck)? If you know the classification of agricultural soils, specify them and note any prime farmland. N/A, this is a non-project action. d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so, describe. N/A, this is a non- project action. e. Describe the purpose, type, and approximate quantities of any filling or grading proposed. Indicate source of fill. N/A, this is a non-project action. f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe. N/A, this is a non-project action. g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)? N/A, this is a non-project action. h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any: N/A, this is a non-project action. 2. AIR a. What types of emissions to the air would result from the proposal (i.e., dust, automobile, odors, industrial wood smoke) during construction and when the - 4 - project is completed? If any, generally describe and give approximate quantities if known. N/A, this is a non-project action. All land use applications will be reviewed and analyzed for impacts to air at the time of application. If appropriate, project specific impacts will be addressed and mitigated. b. Are there any off-site sources of emission or odor that may affect your proposal? If so, generally describe. N/A, this is a non-project action. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any: N/A, this is a non-project action. 3. WATER a. Surface Water: 1) Is there any surface water body on or in the immediate vicinity of the site (including year-round and seasonal streams, saltwater, lakes, ponds, wetlands)? If yes, describe type and provide names. If appropriate, state what stream or river it flows into. N/A, this is a non-project action. The City of Renton has a significant amount of shoreline along both Lake Washington and the Cedar River. There are also wetlands and streams located in many locations throughout the city. All land use applications will be reviewed and analyzed for potential surface water impacts at the time of application. If appropriate, project specific impacts will be addressed and mitigated. 2) Will the project require any work over, in, or adjacent to (within 200 feet) the described waters? If yes, please describe and attach available plans. N/A, this is a non-project action. 3) Estimate the amount of fill and dredge material that would be placed in or removed from surface water or wetlands and indicate the area of the site that would be affected. Indicate the source of fill material. N/A, this is a non-project action. 4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. N/A, this is a non- project action. 5) Does the proposal lie within a 100-year flood plain? If so, note location on the site plan. N/A, this is a non-project action. 6) Does the proposal involve any discharges of waste materials to surface waters? If so, describe the type of waste and anticipated volume of discharge. N/A, this is a non-project action. Battery Energy Storage Systems would need to be evaluated on a project specific application for concerns about potential runoff or leakage from the batteries to surface water and appropriate mitigation or limitations would be identified for the specific application. b. Ground Water: 1) Will ground water be withdrawn, or will water be discharged to ground water? Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. N/A, this is a non-project action. All land use will be reviewed and analyzed for potential - 5 - impacts to ground water at the time of application. If appropriate, project specific impacts will be addressed and mitigated. 2) Describe waste material that will be discharged into the ground from septic tanks or other sources, if any (for example: Domestic sewage; industrial, containing the following chemicals...; agricultural; etc.). Describe the general size of the system, the number of such systems, the number of houses to be served (if applicable), or the number of animals or humans the system(s) are expected to serve. N/A, this is a non-project action. c. Water Runoff (including storm water): 1) Describe the source of runoff (including storm water) and method of collection and disposal, if any (include quantities, if known). Where will this water flow? Will this water flow into other waters, If so, describe. N/A, this is a non-project action. All land use applications will be reviewed and analyzed for potential impacts to water runoff at the time of application. If appropriate, project specific impacts will be addressed and mitigated. 2) Could waste material enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe. N/A, this is a non-project action. 3) Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water impacts, if any: N/A, this is a non-project action. 4. PLANTS a. Check or circle types of vegetation found on the site: The following vegetation can be found in the City of Renton, citywide: __X_ deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other __X_ evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other __X_ shrubs __X_ grass ____ pasture ____ crop or grain __X_ wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bullrush, skunk cabbage, other ____ water plants: water lily, eel grass, milfoil, other ____ other types of vegetation All land use applications will be reviewed and analyzed for potential impacts to plants/vegetation at the time of application. If appropriate, project specific impacts will be addressed and mitigated. b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered? N/A, this is a non-project action. c. List threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site. N/A, this is a non-project action. d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance vegetation on the site, if any: N/A, this is a non-project action. 5. ANIMALS - 6 - a. Circle any birds and animals, which have been observed on or near the site or are known to be on or near the site: The following birds and animals can be found in the City of Renton, citywide: Birds: hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds, other ___________________ Mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other ______________________ Fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other ______________ All land use applications will be reviewed and analyzed for potential impacts to animals at the time of application. If appropriate, project specific impacts will be addressed and mitigated. b. List any threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site. N/A, this is a non-project action. c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain. N/A, this is a non-project action. d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any: N/A, this a non-project action. However, reclassifying streams to a class that requires increased buffers likely would work to better preserve wildlife. 6. ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES a. What kinds of energy (electric, natural gas, oil, wood stove, solar) will be used to meet the completed project's energy needs? Describe whether it will be used for heating, manufacturing, etc. N/A, this is a non-project action. All land use applications will be reviewed for energy and potential impacts to natural resources at the time of application. If appropriate, project specific impacts will be addressed and mitigated. b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties? If so, generally describe. N/A, this a non-project action. c. What kinds of energy conservation features are included in the plans of this proposal? List other proposed measures to reduce or control energy impacts, if any: N/A, this is a non-project action. Technology associate with battery energy storage seeks to store energy in times of peak production so that it can be utilized in times when production is lower. This could help serve as energy conservation. 7. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH a. Are there any environmental health hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, risk of fire and explosion, spill, or hazardous waste that could occur as a result of this proposal? If so, describe. N/A, this a non-project action. All land use applications will be reviewed and analyzed for potential impacts to environmental health at the time of application. There have been concerns raised about potential environmental health concerns associate with battery energy storage systems. The proposed docket item is not associated with a specific project or application which would be evaluated and mitigate. However, staff’s proposal to allow the use in industrial zones only would help ensure health hazards would not impact residential areas. - 7 - 1) Describe special emergency services that might be required. N/A, this a non-project action. 2) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any: N/A, this is a non-project action. b. Noise 1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example: traffic, equipment, operation, other)? N/A, this is a non-project action. All land use applications will be reviewed and analyzed for potential noise impacts at the time of application. 2) What types and levels of noise would be created by or associated with the project on a short-term or a long-term basis (for example: traffic, construction, operation, other)? Indicate what hours noise would come from the site. N/A, this is a non-project action. 3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any: N/A, this is a non-project action. 8. LAND AND SHORELINE USE a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties? N/A, this a non-project action. All land use applications will be reviewed and analyzed for potential impacts to environmental health at the time of application. b. Has the site been used for agriculture? If so, describe. N/A, this is a non-project action. c. Describe any structures on the site. N/A, this is a non-project action. d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what? N/A, this is a non-project action. e. What is the current zoning classification of the site? N/A, this is a non-project action. f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site? N/A, this is a non-project action. g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site? N/A, this is a non-project action. h. Has any part of the site been classified as an "environmentally sensitive" area? If so, specify. N/A, this is a non-project action. i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project? N/A, this is a non-project action. j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace? N/A, this is a non-project action. k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any: N/A, this is a non-project action. - 8 - l. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land uses and plans, if any: N/A, this is a non-project action. 9. HOUSING a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income housing. N/A, this is a non-project action. b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income housing. N/A, this is a non-project action. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any: N/A, this is a non-project action. All land use applications will be reviewed and analyzed for potential measures to reduce or control housing impacts. 10. AESTHETICS a. What is the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including antennas; what is the principal exterior building material(s) proposed. N/A, this is a non-project action. All land use applications will be reviewed and analyzed for building height at the time of application. b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed? N/A, this is a non-project action. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any: N/A, this is a non-project action. 11. LIGHT AND GLARE a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly occur? N/A, this is a non-project action. All land use applications will be reviewed and analyzed for light and glare at the time of application. If appropriate, project specific impacts will be addressed and mitigated. b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views? N/A, this is a non-project action. c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal? N/A, this is a non-project action. d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any: N/A, this is a non-project action. 12. RECREATION a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity? N/A, this is a non-project action. All land use applications will be reviewed and analyzed for potential impacts to recreation at the time of application. If appropriate, project specific impacts will be addressed and mitigated. b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe. N/A, this is a non-project action. - 9 - c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any: N/A, this is a non-project action. 13. HISTORIC AND CULTURAL PRESERVATION a. Are there any places or objects listed on, or proposed for, national state, or local preservation registers known to be on or next to the site? If so, generally describe. N/A, this is a non-project action. All land use applications will be reviewed and analyzed for impacts to historic and cultural preservation at the time of application. If appropriate, project specific impacts will be addressed and mitigated. b. Generally describe any landmarks or evidence of historic, archaeological, scientific, or cultural importance known to be on or next to the site. N/A, this is a non-project action. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts, if any: N/A, this is a non-project action. 14. TRANSPORTATION a. Identify public streets and highways serving the site, and describe proposed access to the existing street system. Show on site plans, if any. N/A, this is a non-project action. All land use applications will be reviewed and analyzed for potential impacts to transportation at the time of application. If appropriate, project specific impacts will be addressed and mitigated. b. Is site currently served by public transit? If not, what is the approximate distance to the nearest transit stop? N/A, this is a non-project action. c. How many parking spaces would the completed project have? How many would the project eliminate? N/A, this is a non-project action. d. Will the proposal require any new roads or streets, or improvements to existing roads or streets, not including driveways? If so, generally describe (indicate whether public or private? N/A, this is a non-project action. e. Will the project use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air transportation? If so, generally describe. N/A, this is a non- project action. f. How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the completed project? If known, indicate when peak volumes would occur. N/A, this is a non-project action. g. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any: N/A, this is a non-project action. 15. PUBLIC SERVICES a. Would the project result in an increased need for public services (for example: fire protection, police protection, health care, schools, other)? If so, generally describe. N/A, this is a non-project action. All land use applications will be reviewed and analyzed for potential impacts to public services at the time of application. If appropriate, project specific impacts will be addressed - 10 - b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any. N/A, this is a non- project action. 16. UTILITIES a. Circle utilities currently available at the site: electricity, natural gas, water, refuse service, telephone, sanitary sewer, septic system, other. b. Describe the utilities that are proposed for the project, the utility providing the service, and the general construction activities on the site or in the immediate vicinity which might be needed. N/A, this is a non-project action. C. SIGNATURE I, the undersigned, declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Washington that to the best of my knowledge the above information is true, correct, and complete. It is understood that the lead agency may withdraw any declaration of non-significance that it might issue in reliance upon this checklist should there be any willful misrepresentation or willful lack of full disclosure on my part. Proponent Signature: __________________________________ Name Printed: __________________________________ Date: __________________________________ - 11 - D. SUPPLEMENTAL SHEETS FOR NONPROJECT ACTIONS (These sheets should only be used for actions involving decisions on policies, plans and programs. You do not need to fill out these sheets for project actions.) Because these questions are very general, it may be helpful to read them in conjunction with the list of the elements of the environment. When answering these questions, be aware of the extent the proposal or the types of activities likely to result from the proposal, would affect the item at a greater intensity or at a faster rate than if the proposal were not implemented. Respond briefly and in general terms. 1. How would the proposal be likely to increase discharge to water; emissions to air; production, storage, or release of toxic or hazardous substances; or production of noise? The proposed regulations and amendments will likely not have an impact on the release, production, storage, or release of toxic or hazardous substances, noise, and discharges or emissions into water or air. Regulations for battery energy storage systems will seek to ensure potential impacts would be minimized and or mitigated for any future applications. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce such increases are: Mitigation will be determined at the time of a project specific proposal. 2. How would the proposal be likely to affect plants, animals, fish, or marine life? The proposed regulations and amendments are not likely to adversely affect plants, animals, fish, or marine life. Proposed measures to protect or conserve plants, animals, fish, or marine life are: Mitigation would be determined at the time of a project specific proposal. 3. How would the proposal be likely to deplete energy or natural resources? The proposed regulations and amendments are not likely to deplete energy or natural resources. Proposed measures to protect or conserve energy and natural resources are: Mitigation would be determined at the time of a project specific proposal. 4. How would the proposal be likely to use or affect environmentally sensitive areas or areas designated (or eligible or under study) for governmental protection; such as parks, wilderness, wild and scenic rivers, threatened or endangered species habitat, historic or cultural sites, wetlands, flood plains, or prime farmlands? The proposed regulations and amendments are not likely to have a detrimental effect on environmentally sensitive areas or areas designated for governmental protection. Proposed measures to protect such resources or to avoid or reduce impacts are: Mitigation would be determined at the time of a project specific proposal. 5. How would the proposal be likely to affect land and shoreline use, including whether it would allow or encourage land or shoreline uses incompatible with existing plans? The proposed regulations and amendments are not likely to have an effect on shoreline use. Any effects on land use will be compatible with existing plans. 6. How would the proposal be likely to increase demands on transportation or public services and utilities? The proposed amendments would not increase demands on transportation or public services and utilities beyond what has been planned for. All land - 12 - use applications will be reviewed and analyzed for potential impacts to public services at the time of application and if appropriate, project specific impacts will be addressed. Proposed measures to reduce or respond to such demand(s) are: Mitigation would be determined at the time of a specific project proposal. 7. Identify, if possible, whether the proposal may conflict with local, state, or federal laws or requirements for the protection of the environment. No conflicts have been identified. SIGNATURE I, the undersigned, declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Washington that to the best of my knowledge the above information is true, correct, and complete. It is understood that the lead agency may withdraw any declaration of non-significance that it might issue in reliance upon this checklist should there be any willful misrepresentation or willful lack of full disclosure on my part. Proponent Signature: __________________________________ Name Printed: __________________________________ Date: __________________________________