HomeMy WebLinkAbout05_City of Renton envchlst-final14-000942 1601 Lind Ave. SW March 27,2015 1
14-000942
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ENV
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:
Governmental agencies use this checklist to help determine whether the environmental impacts of
your proposal are significant. This information is also helpful to determine if available avoidance,
minimization or compensatory mitigation measures will address the probable significant impacts
or if an environmental impact statement will be prepared to further analyze the proposal.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICANTS:
This environmental checklist asks you to describe some basic information about your proposal.
Please answer each question accurately and carefully, to the best of your knowledge. You may
need to consult with an agency specialist or private consultant for some questions. You may use
“not applicable” or “does not apply” only when you can explain why it does not apply and not
when the answer is unknown. You may also attach or incorporate by reference additional studies
reports. Complete and accurate answers to these questions often avoid delays with the SEPA
process as well as later in the decision-making process.
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.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR LEAD AGENCIES:
Additional information may be necessary to evaluate the existing environment, all interrelated
aspects of the proposal and an analysis of adverse impacts. The checklist is considered the first but
not necessarily the only source of information needed to make an adequate threshold
determination. Once a threshold determination is made, the lead agency is responsible for the
completeness and accuracy of the checklist and other supporting documents.
14-000942 1601 Lind Ave. SW March 27,2015 2
USE OF CHECKLIST FOR NONPROJECT PROPOSALS:
For non-project proposals (such as ordinances, regulations, plans and programs), complete the applicable
parts of sections A and B even though questions may be answered “does not apply”. In addition the
SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET FOR NONPROJECT ACTIONS (part D).
Please completely answer all questions that apply and note that the words “project”, “applicant”, and
“property or site” should be read as “proposal”, “proponent”, and “affected geographic area” respectively.
The lead agency may exclude (for non-projects) questions in Part B - Environmental Elements –that do not
contribute meaningfully to the analysis of the proposal.
A. BACKGROUND
1. Name of proposed project, if applicable:
GSA/FAA, 1601 Lind Ave SW, Renton, WA
2. Name of applicant:
FP-FAA Seattle LLC
c/o Unico Properties
3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person:
Unico Properties
Att: Julie Currier
1215 Fourth Ave, Seattle, WA 98161
4. Date checklist prepared:
March 18, 2015
5. Agency requesting checklist:
City of Renton
6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable):
Anticipated construction start late fall 2015 – completion and occupancy August 2017. The construction
will be done in 2 phases. Phase 1 will be construction of the new 91,850 gsf building (August 2015-July
2016). Phase two will be the renovation of the existing 201,000 gsf building (September 2016-July 2017)
and construction of the 210,900 gsf parking garage (September 2016-March 2017).
14-000942 1601 Lind Ave. SW March 27,2015 3
7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected
with this proposal? If yes, explain.
There is one tenant improvements permit that will be requested over the next several months.
8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared,
directly related to this proposal.
Please refer to:
· Geotechnical report dated Sept. 5th, 2014
· Civil Engineering plans:
o C110- Tree Inventory plan
o C300- Paving and grading plan
o C400-Storm Drainage plan
o C500- Water
· Utility plan and civil engineering report dated Jan 13, 2015
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.
There are no other current proposals
10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known.
City of Renton SEPA and site plan review, building permit, street improvement, MEP, fire
sprinkler, demolition, and permit modifications.
11. Give brief, complete description of your proposal, including the proposed uses and the size of
the project and site. There are several questions later in this checklist that ask you to describe
certain aspects of your proposal. You do not need to repeat those answers on this page.
(Lead agencies may modify this form to include additional specific information on project
description.) Below add the site size as it relates to the building size.
The project address is 1601 Lind Avenue, SW. It is located at the SW corner of Lind Ave.
SW and SW 16th Street. It is one block south of Interstate 405 and one block west of
State Route 167. There is currently an office building at the address of 1601 Lind Ave,
S.W. The project will incorporate and upgrade the existing building, while adding a new
91,850 gsf wing on the east end. The existing building is 201,000 gross square feet in area.
With the new addition, the project total will be 292,850 gross square feet. There is a PSE
substation in the middle of the block on SW 16th St. which is not part of the site.
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General site improvements will include landscaping, changes to the parking layout, and
upgrading and re-routing of utilities.
In addition to the office building expansion, an open parking structure will be added in
the Northwest corner of the site. The footprint is approximately 52,725 square feet.
There are four levels, including ground, for a total of 210,900 gsf. Parking for 80 bicycles
will be located in a secure enclosure on the ground level.
The site is located in a Seismic hazard area HIGH Seismicity (per ASCE 31) with a soil
classification of F.
Runoff from the site will be conveyed to an existing storm system.
The new parking garage will provide 800 spaces (404 standard, 396 compact) which is
49% compact, within the limit of the 50% maximum for structured parking. 405 spaces
will be provided on grade (176 standard, 152 compact, 24 HC). 77 of these spaces are
official visitor spaces, all standard size. The remaining spaces are employee parking. Out
of a total of 405 surface spaces, 152 are compact, or 37%.
Other improvements include; replacement and upgrade of site lighting with LED fixtures,
enhancing existing site landscaping and plantings, replacing two handicapped sidewalk
ramps, and adding a new emergency generator next to the existing generator and
transformer area just west of the existing building.
There are currently curb cuts on Lind Avenue, 16th Street and Raymond Avenue. The
Lind Avenue and 16th Street curb cuts are currently closed off with bollards for site
security reasons. The applicant would like to retain the flexibility to re-open the Lind and
16th curb cuts in the future.
Site access will remain a single point on the Raymond Avenue side of the site. The FAA
would like to control access to the site for security reasons. Both cars and service vehicles
will use this entrance. There will be two ingress and two egress lanes, as well as a pull-off
area for truck inspections. The existing curb cut will be widened to accommodate the
additional lanes, and a flush pedestrian island added in the middle.
Pedestrian access is from the adjacent parking, via the main lobby for most, while some
employees will park in the reserved parking area on the north side of the site and use the
secondary staff entry. There is a landscaped and well lit path through the parking lot to
the secondary entrance from SW 16th Street, where there is a bus stop. There is another
well lit pedestrian path from Lind Avenue.
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12. Location of 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.
The project address is 1601 Lind Avenue, SW and is located within the City of Renton, one
block south of Interstate 405 (1-405) and on block west of State Route 167 (SR-167). The
site is bordered by SW 16th Street to the north, Lind Avenue SW to the east, Raymond
Avenue SW to the west and its property line to the south.
The site is in Section 19, Township 23 North, Range 5 East, Willamette Meridian. The site
will occupy parcels 3340404006, 3340404004 and 3340404003 with an area of 230,430-SF.
See location plan below:
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B. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
1. EARTH
a. General description of the site
Primarily flat & gently sloping toward the south side of the site, and can be considered
effectively flat.
b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)?
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
agricultural land of long-term commercial significance and whether the proposal results in
removing any of these soils.
The soils encountered at the site consist of relatively shallow granular fill, overlying alluvial
deposits that extend to depths of about 25 to 30 feet below grades. Dense sand and gravel
representing a competent soil bearing layer are present below the alluvial deposits.
Fill was encountered in each of the four borings completed for this study. The fill
encountered generally consists of medium dense to dense pit run sand and gravel with
variable silt content. The thickness of fill ranged between 4½ to 6½ feet below grade.
Alluvial deposits were encountered below the fill in each of the borings and generally
consists of interbedded layers of very soft to stiff silt with variable sand and gravel content
and very loose to medium dense sand with variable silt and gravel. The alluvial deposits
extend to between 23 and 28½ feet below grade. An approximate 5-foot-diameter wood
log was encountered in the alluvial deposits in boring GEI-3 at a depth of approximately
12½ feet.
A dense sand and gravel layer was encountered below the alluvial deposits and extended
to the depths explored. The dense sand and gravel layer consists of dense to very dense
silty sand or gravel with sand and variable silt content. The deeper borings (GEI-1 and GEI-
3) encountered a stiff/loose to medium dense zone of silt with sand and silty sand
between depths of 70 to 80 feet, and 75 to 83½ feet in borings GEI-1 and GEI-3,
respectively.
The steepest slope on the site is approximately 5% in the parking area on the
East side, on Lind Ave. S.W.
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c. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so,
describe.
Yes- There are soils on site subject to liquefaction during a seismic event.
The site is located in a Seismic hazard area HIGH Seismicity (per ASCE 31) with a soil
classification of F.
The alluvial deposits consist of layers of sand and silt that will be susceptible to
liquefaction during the design seismic event. We estimate liquefaction-induced
settlement to be on the order of 4 to 10 inches for the design earthquake
loading.
d. Describe the purpose, type, total area, and approximate quantities and total affected area
of any filling, excavation, and grading proposed. Indicate source of fill.
There will be approximately 6,000 bcy of export and 6, 000 bcy of import for the garage;
1,000 bcy of export and 1,300 bcy of import for the new building addition. The total
affected area of the site grading is approximately 82,000 sf. The source of fill is not
available at this time. Please refer to Excavation Backfill and Materials report below for
quantities and areas:
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e. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe.
Erosion is unlikely due to control measures described in Item g. below.
f. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project
construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)?
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The existing site consists of 3.10 acres of impervious area and 0.76 acres of pervious area.
The proposed conditions will consist of approximately 2.91 acres of impervious area and
0.95 acres of pervious area.
The completed project will have 75 % impervious surface.
g. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any:
Typical erosion control measures will generally consist of inlet protection, silt fences,
interceptor swales, check dams and construction entrances. Additionally, mechanized
pick-up broom style street sweepers and water trucks will be deployed as needed to
control the spread of dust. To further aid erosion control measure, deployment of a
mechanized wheel wash may be necessary. If required, truck washes will be placed near
points of egress and incorporated with rocked construction pads or supplemental paved
surfaces creating smooth transitions to adjacent travel ways.
Our plan is to keep in place the asphalt paving around the building pad eliminating the
truck tires from spreading any wet dirt. The storm water will be pumped into Baker Tanks
to settle, once settled, released back into city storm system/
2. AIR
a. What types of emissions to the air would result from the proposal during construction,
operation, and maintenance when the project is completed? If any, generally describe and
give approximate quantities if known.
Exhaust from diesel powered construction equipment will be the primary emission during
construction. During operation and maintenance of the project, the primary emissions will
be from natural gas used to heat water.
b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so,
generally describe.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any:
Existing building is LEED EB, and Addition will be LEED CI Gold. This will reduce
building energy consumption and potentially reduce emissions. As noted in
Item b. above, air coming into the building will be monitored and highly
filtered.
Given the proximity to the freeway roughly one block to the North, there would
be emissions from vehicles in the area. These will not likely have an adverse
effect on the property, given that the air handling system is designed to monitor
air quality and provide a higher than typical level of filtration.
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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.
No.
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.
No.
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
4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general
description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known.
N/A.
5) Does the proposal lie within a 100-year floodplain? If so, note location on the site
plan.
No. The site is located outside the flood plain according to 1995 FIRM (Firmette) and
DFIRM maps and according to a Letter of Map Revision for the property submitted by
the FAA in 2010.
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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.
No.
b. Ground Water:
1) Will groundwater be withdrawn from a well for drinking water or other purposes? If
so, give a general description of the well, proposed uses and approximate quantities
withdrawn from the well. Will water be discharged to groundwater? Give general
description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known.
No. Project is on city water.
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.
None. Sewage will tie into existing sewer lines. Storm drainage will be held in unground
pipes and released to existing city storm drain system.
c. Water runoff (including stormwater):
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.
Storm water runoff will be generated from building roofs and parking areas. The
green roof will reduce storm water runoff. Water will flow to surface inlets, or
be piped from roofs to underground retention pipes under the parking area.
The retention pipes will limit the outflow of storm water to the existing city system.
1) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally
describe.
Unlikely. Storm water runoff could potentially contain oil from parking areas.
However, oil is prevented from entering ground or surface waters with the use
of oil separators in the drainage system. These are currently existing.
2) Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of
the site? If so, describe.
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__
__
__
__
No. Site drainage is currently contained to the site and will remain so.
Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water, and drainage pattern impacts, if
any:
Underground retention pipes will limit the outflow of storm water to the existing city
system. Oil separators will be used. Existing drainage patterns will be retained as much
as possible. Planting areas around the site perimeter will be retained and enhanced.
4. PLANTS
a. Check the types of vegetation found on the site:
_ X _deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other
_ X _evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other
_ X _shrubs
_ X _grass
pasture
crop or grain
orchards, vineyards or other permanent crops.
wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bullrush, skunk cabbage, other
water plants: water lily, eelgrass, milfoil, other
other types of vegetation
b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered?
c.
The following existing trees of varying degrees of health will be removed:
(70) 3”•6” caliper deciduous trees (15) 8”•10” caliper deciduous trees
(11) 4”•12” caliper coniferous evergreen trees
d. List threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site.
None that we are aware of.
e. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or
enhance vegetation on the site, if any:
Native and adapted plants and trees will be used. Existing mature trees in parking lots
will be preserved as much as possible by using much of the existing parking layout.
f. List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site.
None that we are aware of.
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5. ANIMALS
a. List any birds and other animals which have been observed on or near the site or
are known to be on or near the site. Examples include:
Unknown
Birds: hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds, other: None
Mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other: None
Fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other None
b. List any threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site.
None that we are aware of.
c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain.
None that we are aware of.
d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any:
Native and adapted plantings and trees.
e. List any invasive animal species known to be on or near the site.
None that we aware of.
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.
Electrical for lighting, Electrical or natural gas for heating and
cooling.
b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties? If so,
generally describe.
No. The building is surrounded by a great deal of space (parking
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and landscape). The closest building is approximately 215’ to the
south. This means that the shadows from 1601 Lind would fall
away from that adjacent property to the north, east, and west.
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:
The Existing building is LEED EB, and Addition will be LEED CI Gold.
This will reduce building energy consumption and potentially
reduce emissions. We will further improve the existing building by
installing more energy efficient rooftop mechanical, new roofing
with higher R-value insulation, more energy efficient elevators,
new LED lighting in existing parking lot, low flow fixtures, day
lighting, reduction in lighting power use, daylight sensors, and
occupancy sensors. Commissioning of building energy systems will
be performed to maximize the energy savings in the mechanical
and electrical systems.
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.
Minor hazard in the form of fuel oil for emergency generators. This hazard exists currently
with the existing generator.
1) Describe any known or possible contamination at the site from present or past uses.
To the best of our knowledge we do not believe there is any
2) Describe existing hazardous chemicals/conditions that might affect project
development and design. This includes underground hazardous liquid and gas
transmission pipelines located within the project area and in the vicinity.
There is a natural gas line on site to the building.
3) Describe any toxic or hazardous chemicals that might be stored, used, or produced
during the project's development or construction, or at any time during the
operating life of the project.
14-000942 1601 Lind Ave. SW March 27.2015 15
Minor hazard in the form of fuel oil for emergency generators.
4) Describe special emergency services that might be required.
None
5) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any:
Generators and fuel oil are located in a fenced and locked area. Base building
generator has a containment-type 400 gallon tank. Emergency operations generator
has an integral 400 gallon tank.
b. Noise
1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example: traffic,
equipment, operation, other)?
The freeway one block to the north will generate continuous noise. However, The
building uses insulating glass units, with either applied Mylar film (existing building) or
laminated glass ( new addition) . These materials will help mitigate exterior noise.
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.
Construction noise - 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 8:00
p.m. Saturday. We don’t plan Sunday work, however if required by the GSA schedule
we may request a noise variance for targeted work on Sundays.
3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any:
Construction noise reduced by limiting hours of work as described in b.2 above.
Foundation piles will be auger bored, instead of using a pile driver.
8. LAND AND SHORELINE USE
a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties? Will the proposal affect
current land uses on nearby or adjacent properties? If so, describe.
Current use of site is commercial office. Adjacent sites are commercial office and light
industrial.
14-000942 1601 Lind Ave. SW March 27.2015 16
b. Has the project site been used as working farmlands or working forest lands? If so,
describe. How much agricultural or forest land of long-term commercial significance will
be converted to other uses as a result of the proposal, if any? If resource lands have not
been designated, how many acres in farmland or forest land tax status will be converted
to nonfarm or non-forest use?
No.
1) Will the proposal affect or be affected by surrounding working farm or forest land
normal business operations, such as oversize equipment access, the application of
pesticides, tilling, and harvesting? If so, how:
No.
c. Describe any structures on the site.
Existing office building and day care center
d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what?
The Day Care building on site will be demolished.
e. What is the current zoning classification of the site?
CO• Commercial office
f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site?
The property is located within the Commercial Corridor (CC).
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g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site?
N/A
h. Has any part of the site been classified as a critical area by the city or county? If so,
specify.
No.
i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project?
Approximately 1200
j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace?
Approximately 75 children and staff would be displaced by removal of the day care
center.
k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any:
Day care occupants to be relocated to an existing facility nearby
l. L. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected
land uses and plans, if any:
Propose land use is same as current use, therefore no measures needed.
m. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with nearby agricultural and
forest lands of long-term commercial significance, if any:
N/A • Urban site not near agricultural uses.
9. HOUSING
a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, middle,
or low-income housing.
N/A
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b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high,
middle, or low-income housing.
N/A
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any:
N/A
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?
Tallest portion of building is 91.5' above main floor. Principal building materials
are glass, aluminum, metal panels, and precast concrete panels. See renderings
below.
b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed?
There is a view of Mount Rainier from the existing building and the new building would
have a similar view. The new addition will not obstruct views of Mount Rainier from
adjacent properties.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any:
Existing mature trees on site perimeter to be retained. New trees to be
added. Proposed addition matches materials of existing building.
View from Lind and SW 16th St.
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View from South side of site looking toward main lobby
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11. LIGHT AND GLARE
a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly
occur?
Upon project completion, it is anticipated that primary lighting impacts would be
generated from the exterior lighting associated with the buildings and parking lot lights.
Any impacts of this nature would occur during evening hours and during the late
afternoon in the winter months. Exterior lighting for the proposal would consist of
exterior wall mounted lights and pole-mounted single and multiple head lights in the
parking areas. Site lighting fixtures are LED, cut-off type beam spread to prevent light from
spilling beyond the site. Proposed perimeter landscaping with some berming is
anticipated to minimize glare from headlights on adjacent streets and properties.
b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views?
This is unlikely. Exterior and Site lighting units are cut-off type to minimize light pollution
and glare. The building is 5 stories tall, not a high rise. The glass used in the existing
building is not reflective coated, but simply tinted. See image below. The glass in the
new addition will be similar, and will have a low reflectance of approximately 12%.
Compare this to clear, uncoated glass at about 8%. Reflective glass is typically 30% and
higher.
c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal?
None that we are aware of.
14-000942 1601 Lind Ave. SW March 27.2015 21
Note low reflectivity of glass on existing building
14-000942 1601 Lind Ave. SW March 27.2015 22
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any:
All site lighting futures are cutoff type, restricting spillage of light off site. Glass
has low reflectivity.
12. RECREATION
a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity?
Two parks are within 1/2 mile of the site • Springbrook Trail and Black Rock
Riparian area.
b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe.
No
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
13. HISTORIC AND CULTURAL PRESERVATION
a. Are there any buildings, structures, or sites, located on or near the site that are over 45
years old listed in or eligible for listing in national, state, or local preservation registers
located on or near the site? If so, specifically describe.
No.
b. Are there any landmarks, features, or other evidence of Indian or historic use or
occupation? This may include human burials or old cemeteries. Is there any material
evidence, artifacts, or areas of cultural importance on or near the site? Please list any
professional studies conducted at the site to identify such resources.
No.
c. Describe the methods used to assess the potential impacts to cultural and historic
resources on or near the project site. Examples include consultation with tribes and the
department of archeology and historic preservation, archaeological surveys, historic
maps, GIS data, etc.
N/A
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d. Proposed measures to avoid, minimize, or compensate for loss, changes to, and
disturbance to resources. Please include plans for the above and any permits that may be
required.
N/A
14. TRANSPORTATION
a. Identify public streets and highways serving the site or affected geographic area and
describe proposed access to the existing street system. Show on site plans, if any.
See attached site location plan below. For more information about the existing streets and
highways serving the site area, please refer to the Transportation Technical Report for the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Renton Office Expansion (Heffron Transportation,
Inc., March 2015).
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The site consists of three parcels bounded by SE 16th Street on the north, Raymond
Avenue SW on the west, Lind Avenue SW on the east, and an office park (Providence
Health & Services Corporate Offices) on the south. Although the existing site has three
vehicular access driveways with one each on SW 16th Street, Lind Avenue SW, and
Raymond Avenue SW, all vehicular access is taken from the gated access on Raymond
Avenue SW. The other two access driveways are closed to vehicle traffic and blocked
with bollards.
With the proposed project, all vehicular access would continue to occur from the single
access driveway on Raymond Avenue SW. However, the access driveway would be
widened to provide separated left-and right-turn lanes for exiting traffic and two lanes
entering the site with a center pedestrian refuge between entering and exiting lanes. The
two access driveways on SW 16th Street and Lind Avenue SW are planned to remain as
they currently exist (closed to vehicular traffic with bollards). The applicant proposes to
maintain the existing curb-cut locations to provide future flexibility.
b. Is the site or affected geographic area currently served by public transit? If so, generally
describe. If not, what is the approximate distance to the nearest transit stop?
Yes. King County Metro Transit currently provides bus service directly to the project site
with stops located on SW 16th Street and Lind Avenue SW in front of the existing building.
Two stops—one for eastbound/northbound buses on the south side of SW 16th Street
(about 340 feet west of Lind Avenue SW) and one for westbound / southbound buses on
the west side of Lind Avenue SW (about 30 feet north of SW 16th Street) are served by the
“F” Line RapidRide service. There is an existing bus pullout on the south side of SW 16th
Street just east of the RapidRide stop that is not used by Metro. The “F” Line provides
frequent service between the Burien Transit Center, Southcenter Mall and Tukwila
International Boulevard Transit Station, the Tukwila Commuter Rail Station, Renton
Transit Center, and Renton Landing. The “F” Line provides all-day service seven days per
week. On weekdays, it operates from 4:45 A.M. to 12:05 A.M. with headways (the time
between consecutive buses) of 10 minutes during peak periods and 30 minutes during off-
peak periods. Bus stops serving northbound and southbound buses are also located on
Lind Avenue SW just south of SW 16th Street. These stops are served by Route 153. Route
153 provides weekday-only, peak-period service between the Renton Transit Center and
Kent Station. In the northbound direction, there are six trips between about 6:00 and 8:30
A.M. and seven trips between 2:40 and 6:20 P.M. In the southbound direction, there are
five trips between 6:10 and 8:10 A.M.; there are seven trips between 2:40 and 6:00 P.M.
c. How many additional parking spaces would the completed project or non-project
proposal have? How many would the project or proposal eliminate?
Currently, there are a total of 675 vehicle parking spaces plus about eight (8) motorcycle
parking spaces on the site. When complete, the site would have a total of approximately
1,200 parking spaces. Approximately 800 of these spaces will be in the new parking garage
and the remainder would be on surface. Thus, there will be approximately 525 spaces
14-000942 1601 Lind Ave. SW March 27.2015 25
added to the site.
d. Will the proposal require any new or improvements to existing roads, streets, pedestrian,
bicycle or state transportation facilities, not including driveways? If so, generally describe
(indicate whether public or private).
No roadway network improvements would be required to accommodate the proposed FAA
Renton Office Expansion project for short-term conditions. However, if desired by the City
of Renton, the project would remove the existing unused bus pullout on SW 16th Street and
replace it with sidewalk.
In the long-term, WSDOT’s planned I-405 / Lind Avenue SW interchange is expected to
substantially increase traffic volumes on SW 16th Street through the Raymond Avenue SW
intersection. If volumes increase to the levels predicted in WSDOT’s long-range (2030)
forecasts, the combination of these background traffic volume increases and the added
traffic from the FAA Renton Office Expansion could degrade operations for northbound
movements from Raymond Avenue SW onto SW 16th Street to LOS F. These long-term
impacts could be mitigated with a channelization improvement that would separate the
left- and right-turn movements on the south leg of the intersection. It appears that such a
channelization improvement would be possible within the existing curb-to-curb width of
Raymond Avenue SW and could be achieved with re-striping and signage. No other changes
to the intersection would be required; SW 16th Street could remain with its current three-
lane configuration.
e. Will the project or proposal use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air
transportation? If so, generally describe.
No
f. How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the completed project or
proposal? If known, indicate when peak volumes would occur and what percentage of the
volume would be trucks (such as commercial and non-passenger vehicles). What data or
transportation models were used to make these estimates?
The project is anticipated to generate a net increase of 450 vehicle trips per day (225 in,
225 out). Peak volumes currently occur from 7:00 to 8:00 A.M. and from 4:00 to 5:00 P.M.
and those peak hours are expected to remain unchanged with the proposed project. The
project is expected to generate net increases of 93 vehicle trips during the AM and PM
peak hours. For more information about project trip generation, please refer to the
Transportation Technical Report for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Renton
Office Expansion (Heffron Transportation, Inc., March 2015).
g. Will the proposal interfere with, affect or be affected by the movement of agricultural and
forest products on roads or streets in the area? If so, generally describe.
No
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h. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any:
The project would be subject to Transportation Mitigation Fees that are collected by the
City of Renton to help pay for the costs of system improvements needed to serve new
development. An independent fee calculation prepared for the project estimated the fee
at $230,544. Transportation impact fees are due and payable before the building permit is
issued by the City based on the fee rates in effect at that time.
The project also proposes to widen the site access driveway on Raymond Avenue SW to
provide two exit lanes (separating left and right turns) and two entry lanes (one
approaching the security gate house and one approaching the card-swipe gate). This
proposed access configuration is expected to improve queuing conditions for entry and
exit at the site.
Bicycle parking and showers are being provided within the building to encourage non-
automobile travel for employees. In addition, two (2) Zipcar spaces will be provided.
These will serve as incentives to employees to use transit or other non-automobile
modes of travel by allowing them access to vehicles during the day.
15. PUBLIC SERVICES
a. Would the project result in an increased need for public services (for example: fire
protection, police protection, public transit, health care, schools, other)? If so, generally
describe.
No.
b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any.
N/A
16. UTILITIES
a. Circle utilities currently available at the site:
Electric, water, sewer, gas, telephone and data, and trash removal are all currently provided
and available on site.
b. Describe the utilities that are proposed for the project, the utility providing the service,
a n d the general construction activities on the site or in the immediate vicinity which
might be needed.
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Puget Sound Energy electrical
Puget Sound Energy natural gas
City of Renton Sewer and Water
Tenant:
CenturyLink for local calls
Verizon long distance
FTI/Harris data
Building management:
CenturyLink voice and data
Utilities on site will be connected to existing services and upgraded where required.
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D. SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET FOR NONPROJECT 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 of 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?
Proposed measures to avoid or reduce such increases are:
2. How would the proposal be likely to affect plants, animals, fish, or marine life?
Proposed measures to protect or conserve plants, animals, fish, or marine life are:
3. How would the proposal be likely to deplete energy or natural resources?
Proposed measures to protect or conserve energy and natural resources are:
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, floodplains, or prime farmlands?
(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.)
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Proposed measures to protect such resources or to avoid or reduce impacts are:
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?
Proposed measures to avoid or reduce shoreline and land use impacts are:
6. How would the proposal be likely to increase demands on transportation or public
services and utilities?
Proposed measures to reduce or respond to such demand(s) are:
7. Identify, if possible, whether the proposal may conflict with local, state, or federal laws or
requirements for the protection of the environment.