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4815 Center Street
Tacoma, WA 98409-2319
(253) 474-9449 / sittshill.com
Brent K. Leslie, P.E., S.E.
Kathy A. Hargrave, P.E.
Larry G. Lindell, P.E., S.E.
Michael A. McEvilly, P.L.S.
Andrew J. Boileau, P.E., S.E.
David C. Boileau, AIA
Civil | Structural | Architectural | Survey
October 14, 2022
CITY OF RENTON
Planning Dividion
1055 S Grady Way
Renton, Washington 98057
TO: Mr. Nathan Janders
SUBJECT: MODIFICATION JUSTIFICATION FOR OFFSITE IMPROVEMENT REQUIREMENTS
WASHINGTON STATE AUTO DEALERS ASSOCIATION (WSADA)
BUILDING ADDITION AND IMPROVEMENTS
Dear Nathan,
As a result of WSADA’s recent pre-application meeting for a building addition and associated on-site
improvements (PRE22-000200), the City of Renton is requiring WSADA to construct off-site
improvements in accordance with City of Renton street standards per RMC 4-6-060.
It is our opinion that off-site improvements in strict conformance with the City of Renton’s street
standards are impractical for a project of this magnitude. Therefore, we are writing this letter to
demonstrate how the existing street improvements presently meet the intent of the Renton street
standards.
In accordance with RMC 4-9-250D. See our justifications below how this modification:
a. Substantially implements the policy direction of the policies and objectives of the
Comprehensive Plan Land Use Element and the Community Design Element and the proposed
modification is the minimum adjustment necessary to implement these policies and objectives;
At the time when this property was originally developed in 2013, the applicant successfully
requested a modification for street improvements since the project maintained the existing 6’
sidewalk, directly abutting the curb. This maintained a consistent feel with adjacent
sidewalks fronting Grady Way and provided the necessary landscaping buffer. It was also
found that the project met Policies CD-102 and CD-103, which promote new development with
“walkable places”, “support grid and flexible grid street and pathway patterns”, and “are
visually attractive, safe and healthy environments”. This project is also consistent with these
policies.
b. Will meet the objectives and safety, function, appearance, environmental protection and
maintainability intended by the Code requirements, based upon sound engineering judgment;
Retention of the existing sidewalks meets the objectives listed above. The existing walks
provide a safe pedestrian path for the limited number of residents in the area, and provide the
necessary landscaping buffer width.
c. Will not create substantial adverse impacts to other property(ies) in the vicinity;
This project will not alter the existing sidewalk conditions on Grady Way or Raymond Ave. The
landscaping along Grady will be minimally affected, and substantially restored to the
CITY OF RENTON
October 14, 2022
Page 2 of 2
preconstruction condition. The landscaping along Raymond will be reduced slightly as a result
of the building addition, but will still provide the prescribed buffer width.
d. Conforms to the intent and purpose of the Code; and
The project will maintain a similar feel to existing conditions, which has been found to have
pedestrian pathways of sufficient width, and landscaping meeting the prescribed minimums.
e. Can be shown to be justified and required for the use and situation intended.
This project consists of a minor building addition to improve the existing operations and
functions of the WSADA building. Extensive street improvements are beyond the scope for a
project of this magnitude.
Please feel free to contact our office with any additional questions or comments regarding this project.
Sincerely,
SITTS & HILL ENGINEERS, INC.
Don Davis, P.E.
Senior Project Engineer
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