HomeMy WebLinkAboutEX_11_C_Advisory_NotesDEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Page 1 of 2 LUA22-000374
ADVISORY NOTES TO APPLICANT
The following notes are supplemental information provided in conjunction with the administrative land use
action. Because these notes are provided as information only, they are not subject to the appeal process for
the land use action.
Planning:
(Contact: Jill Ding, 425-430-6598, jding@rentonwa.gov)
1. RMC section 4-4-030.C.2 limits haul hours between 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday unless
otherwise approved by the Development Services Division.
2. Commercial, multi-family, new single family and other nonresidential construction activities shall be
restricted to the hours between seven o’clock (7:00) a.m. and eight o’clock (8:00) p.m., Monday through
Friday. Work on Saturdays shall be restricted to the hours between nine o’clock (9:00) a.m. and eight
o’clock (8:00) p.m. No work shall be permitted on Sundays.
3. Within thirty (30) days of completion of grading work, the applicant shall hydroseed or plant an
appropriate ground cover over any portion of the site that is graded or cleared of vegetation and wh ere
no further construction work will occur within ninety (90) days. Alternative measures such as mulch,
sodding, or plastic covering as specified in the current King County Surface Water Management Design
Manual as adopted by the City of Renton may be proposed between the dates of November 1st and
March 31st of each year. The Development Services Division’s approval of this work is required prior to
final inspection and approval of the permit.
4. The applicant may not fill, excavate, stack or store any equipment, dispose of any materials, supplies or
fluids, operate any equipment, install impervious surfaces, or compact the earth in any way within the
area defined by the drip line of any tree to be retained.
5. The applicant shall erect and maintain six foot (6') high chain link temporary construction fencing around
the drip lines of all retained trees, or along the perimeter of a stand of retained trees. Placards shall be
placed on fencing every fifty feet (50') indicating the words, “NO TRESPASSING – Protected Trees” or on
each side of the fencing if less than fifty feet (50'). Site access to individually protected trees or groups
of trees shall be fenced and signed. Individual trees shall be fenced on four (4) sides. In addition, the
applicant shall provide supervision whenever equipment or trucks are moving near trees.
Development Engineering:
(Contact: Nathan Janders, 425-430-7382, njanders@rentonwa.gov)
1. See Attached Development Engineering Memo dated November 21, 2022
Fire Authority:
(Contact: Corey Thomas, 425-276-9582, cthomas@rentonrfa.org)
1. No new comments.
Technical Services:
(Contact: Amanda Askren, 425-430-7369, aaskren@rentonwa.gov)
1. None
Community Services:
(Contact: Erica Schmitz, 425-430-6614, eschmitz@rentonwa.gov)
1. Change the street tree species from Acer to another species from the City’s Approved Street Tree List.
EXHIBIT 11DocuSign Envelope ID: 1169B1FC-4E5A-4A85-B963-8EA37D86CF02
ADVISORY NOTES TO APPLICANT
Page 2 of 2 LUA22-000374
Police:
(Contact: Cyndie Parks, 425-430-7521, cparks@rentonwa.gov)
1. See Attached Police Comments Memo
Building:
(Contact: Rob Shuey, 425-430-7235, rshuey@rentonwa.gov)
1. None
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: November 21, 2022
TO: Jill Ding, Senior Planner
FROM: Nathan Janders, Civil Engineer III
SUBJECT: Duvall & 17th LLC Office
1625 Duvall Ave NE
LUA22-000374
I have reviewed the Land Use Application submittal for the Duvall & 17th LLC Office project at 1625
Duvall Ave NE (KC Parcel ID: 5169700129) and have the following comments:
EXISTING CONDITIONS
The Site is approximately .18 acres in size and is rectangular in shape. The existing site was being used as
an office building (converted SFR).
Water Water service is provided by City of Renton. The project is within the City of Renton’s water
service area in the Highlands 565 Pressure Zone. There is an existing 6-inch water main in NE
17th St that can deliver a maximum capacity of 800 gallons per minute (GPM) (reference water
plan no. W-025201). There is an existing 12-inch water main in Duvall Ave NE that can deliver a
maximum capacity of 4,000 GPM (reference water plan no. W-03150F). The approximate static
water pressure is 56 PSI at the elevation of 424 feet. The site is located outside of the the
Aquifer Protection Area.
Sewer Sewer service is provided by the City of Renton. There is an existing 8-inch PVC, gravity,
wastewater main located in Duvall Ave NE (reference city plan no. S-0293). The project is in the
Honey Creek Special Assessment District (SAD).
Storm The existing property does not contain on site stormwater facilities. There is an existing 12-inch
conveyance system in NE 17th St that convey runoff to an existing 24-inch conveyance system in
Duvall Ave NE (reference city project file no. SWP2702952).
Streets The project fronts Duvall Ave NE and NE 17th St. Duvall Ave NE is classified as a Principal Arterial
street with an existing right of way (ROW) width of 86-96 feet as measured using the King
County Assessor’s Map. Current frontage along Duvall include an existing 5-foot sidewalk and
ADA ramp at the corner of Duvall AVE NE and NE 17th St. NE 17th St is classified as a Residential
Access street with an existing ROW width of 59 feet. There are no frontage improvements along
NE 17th St.
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CODE REQUIREMENTS
WATER
1. Civil plans for the water main improvements are required and must be prepared by a
professional engineer registered in the State of Washington. Refer to City of Renton General
Design and Construction Standards for Water Main Extensions as shown in Appendix K of the
City’s 2018 Water System Plan.
2. The applicant submitted a water system design along as part of their land use application. The
developer’s installed water main improvements are required to provide domestic water and fire
protection service for the development per City Code and Development standards (RMC 4-6-
010B) shall include, but are not limited to, the items noted below. The plan identified these
improvements as part of their application, as applicable.
a. Installation of off-site and on-site fire hydrants, if necessary. The location and number of
hydrants will be determined by the Fire Authority based on the final fire flow demand
and final site plan.
i. An existing fire hydrant currently exists on 25 feet south of the project boundary
along Duvall Avenue NE. No additional hydrants are anticipated at this time,
unless required by the Fire Authority.
b. Installation of a fire sprinkler stub a with a detector double check valve assembly
(DDCVA) for backflow prevention to each building. The fire sprinkler stub and related
piping shall be done by a registered fire sprinkler designer/contractor. The DDCVA shall
be installed on the private property in an outside underground vault per City standard
plan no. 360.2. The DDCVA may be installed inside the building if it meets the conditions
as shown on City’s standard plan 360.5 for the installation of a DDCVA inside a building.
The location of the DDCVA inside the building must be pre-approved by the City Plan
Reviewer and Water Utility.
i. A proposed DDCVA was identified on the northeast corner of the site on private
property as required.
c. Installation of a domestic water meter. Meter sizing shall be based on Uniform Plumbing
Code meter sizing criteria. Sizing calculations shall be provided to the City. Meters 3” or
larger, shall be installed in a concrete vault located outside of the building per COR
Standard Plan 320.4. By-pass piping, valves, and associated piping shall be purchased
and installed by the developer / contractor under City observation for meters 3” or
larger.
i. A proposed 2-inch domestic meter was identified on the northeast corner of the
site within the right of way behind the proposed sidewalk. The water meter
shall be moved to the proposed landscape strip.
d. The meter vault shall be located within public right-of-way or within an easement on
private property.
i. A proposed 2-inch domestic meter was identified on the northeast corner of the
site within the right of way behind the proposed sidewalk. The water meter
shall be moved to the proposed landscape strip.
ii. The domestic water service line is routed along the east side of the building to
the mechanical room in the southeast corner of the building.
e. Installation of a with a backflow prevention assembly on private property behind the
domestic water meter. A reduced-pressure principle backflow prevention assembly
(RPBA) is required for commercial water use. The RPBA shall be installed inside an
above-ground heated enclosure per City standard plan no. 350.2. The RPBA may be
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located inside the building if a drainage outlet for the relief valve is provided, and the
location is pre-approved by the City Plan Reviewer and City Water Utility Department.
i. A proposed RPBA is provided on the northeast corner of the site on private
property.
ii. The proposed fire line is routed from the RPBA along the east side of the
building to the mechanical room in the southeast corner of the building.
iii. The fire department connection extends out of the building east just within the
property boundary where it is within 50 feet of the fire hydrant as required.
f. A separate water service and meter is required for landscape irrigation. A DCVA per
COR Standard Plan 340.8 is required downstream of the meter.
i. Proposal indicates re-use of the existing water meter for irrigation purposes and
indicates installation of a DCVA located on private property as required.
3. Adequate horizontal and vertical separation between the new water main and other utilities
(storm sewer pipes and vaults, sanitary sewer, power, gas, electrical) shall be provided for the
operation and maintenance of the water main.
4. A public easement with a minimum 15-foot width shall be provided for all public water mains,
including up to the meter, on private property. The easement shall be centered over the water
main, meter and hydrant.
5. Retaining walls, rockeries or similar structures cannot be installed over the water main unless
the water main is inside a steel casing.
6. The development is subject to applicable water system development charges and meter
installation fees based on the size of the water meters. The 2023 SDC fees are noted below.
a. Water system development charges for the proposed 2-inch domestic water service is
$38,800.00 per meter.
b. There is no credit or fee for the existing ¾-inch meter as it is being re-used for irrigation
service.
c. The total water SDC fee is $38,800.00. This is payable at construction permit issuance.
7. Installation of a 2-inch stub service and meter setter only fee is $4,735.00 and a 2-inch Drop-in
meter fee is $950.00. These fees are payable at issuance of the building permit.
SEWER
1. Sewer service may be obtained by means of sewer stubs connected to the existing 8-inch sewer
main located in Duvall Ave NE. All new sewer stubs and side sewers shall conform to the
standards in RMC 4-6-040 and City of Renton Standard Details. The proposal indicates a new
side sewer connection to the existing sewer stub.
2. An 8-inch Sewer main extension in NE 17th St extending from the existing 8-inch main in Duvall
Ave NE to the western property line will be required. Sewer main extensions shall be in
accordance with RMC 4-6-040.
3. There is no record of the property being connected to the sanitary sewer system and is assumed
to be on septic. The existing onsite septic system serving the existing structure shall be
decommissioned in accordance with King County Department of Health and City of Renton
standards.
4. Drainage from all parking under cover and any floor drains inside the building shall be routed to
the sanitary sewer system after passing through a City approved commercial grade oil/water
separator.
a. The proposal has under cover parking and will need to provide an oil/water separator.
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5. The project is subject to applicable wastewater system development charges based on the size
of the new domestic water to serve the project. The 2023 SDC fees are noted below.
a. SDC fee for sewer is based on the size of the new domestic water to serve the project.
The current sewer fee for a 2-inch meter is $29,200.00.
b. SDC fees are payable at construction permit issuance.
c. If the existing property is connected to sewer, a credit will be provided for the existing
side sewer service based on the size of the existing domestic water meter.
6. The project is within the Honey Creek Sewer Interceptor Unit Special Assessment District and is
subject to applicable SAD fees.
a. SAD fee is $0.05 per square foot of property for commercial use
b. No interest is applied to this SAD
SURFACE WATER
1. A geotechnical report dated March 8, 2018, completed by Associated Earth Sciences Inc., was
provided with the Land Use Application. The report discusses the soil and groundwater
characteristics of the site and provides recommendations for project design and construction.
Geotechnical recommendations presented in this report do not support the use of infiltration
due to non-permeable soils.
2. A TIR by Terraforma Design Group Inc. dated October 25, 2022, is included with the land use
application. Based on the City of Renton’s flow control map, the site falls within the City’s Flow
Control Duration Standard Matching Forested Site Conditions and is within the May Creek
Drainage Basin. The project is subject to a Full Drainage review in accordance with the 2022
RSWDM. The TIR discusses all 9 core requirements and all 6 special requirements.
a. Flow Control, RSWDM Core Requirement #3: If there is less than a 0.15-cfs increase
between the developed 100 year conditions and the historical site 100 year conditions
the project is exempt from the facility requirement. The TIR and WWHM report indicate
a developed 100 year runoff of 0.11 CFS and therefore claim an exemption to the facility
requirement.
i. Frontage improvements (sidewalk, etc.) constructed are considered part of the
project and must be considered during evaluation of all requirements. For
example, new/replaced impervious areas calculation to qualify for an exemption
from flow control must include proposed “off-site” sidewalk areas.
b. Conveyance, RSWDM Core Requirement #4: All new conveyance systems constructed as
part of the project must be sized to RSWDM standards for the total tributary area
(onsite and offsite) that the storm systems serve. The proposal indicates two
conveyance paths from the site. One will convey stormwater from the parking area and
rooftops into the existing conveyance system within NE 17th St with 6-inch pipe. The
second will convey rooftop drainage into an existing manhole in Duvall Ave NE with 4 -
inch pipe. The conveyance system will receive runoff from non-roof-top pollution
generating impervious surface and the TIR indicates that spill control will be within an
on-site catch basin. The following shall be fully addressed as part of the Civil
Construction Permit Application:
i. TIR shall include conveyance calculations in accordance with RSWDM section
1.2.4.3.
ii. For private systems conveying surface flows, the minimum pipe size per table
4.2.1.A1 of the RSWDM is 8-inch. The minimum pipe size for roof drains shall
be 6-inch.
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iii. Pipe material and minimum cover shall be in accordance with RSWDM table
4.2.1.A2.
iv. Spill control devices in accordance with section 1.2.4.3.G shall be shown on the
civil construction plans.
c. Erosion and Sediment Control, RSWDM Core Requirement #5: All proposed projects that
will disturb the site must provide erosion and sediment controls. The TIR indicates
erosion control measures will be provided with a future submittal and neither a CSWPP
or TESC plan were included with the land use application.
i. A CSWPP in accordance with RSWDM section 1.2.5 shall be included with the
civil construction permit application.
d. Maintenance and Operations, RSWDM Core Requirement #6: Maintenance and
operation of all drainage facilities is either private or public and must be maintained in
accordance with the maintenance standards in Appendix A of the RSWDM. The
proposed stormwater conveyance system and facilities shall be privately maintained as
indicated in the TIR. The TIR indicates that an operation and maintenance manual will be
provided with a future submittal.
i. An operation and maintenance manual in accordance with RSWDM section
1.2.6 shall be included with the civil construction permit application.
e. Financial Guarantees and Liability, RSWDM Core Requirement #7: A construction surety
device, as calculated from the bond quantity worksheet, and insurance is required for
civil construction. The TIR indicates that the bond quantity worksheet will be provided
with a future submittal.
i. A bond quantity worksheet will be required to be submit with the civil
construction permit application.
f. Water Quality Facilities, RSWDM Core Requirement #8: All proposed projects must
provide water quality facilities to treat runoff from pollution generating impervious
surface. The project proposes to construct less than 5,000 square feet of new and
replaced pollution generating impervious surface and less than ¾ acre of new pollution
generating pervious surface; therefore, the proposal is exempt from a water quality as
indicated in TIR.
g. On Site BMPS, RSWDM Core Requirement #9: All proposed projects must provide on site
BMPs to the maximum extent feasible. The proposed project is on a single lot less than
11,000 square feet and therefore must comply with the Small Lot BMP Requirements
outlined in RSWDM section 1.2.9.1. A preliminary drainage plan and TIR has been
included with the land use application. The project proposes to utilize soil amendments
only and identifies all other BMPs as infeasible.
i. Basic dispersion appears to be feasible in the proposed western landscaped
area. This BMP shall be evaluated further by the applicant and will be
evaluated more critically at the time of civil construction permit application.
h. Special requirements 1-6: Based on the project proposed, these requirements are not
applicable.
3. The current Surface Water Standard Plans shall be used in all drainage plan submittals. The
current City of Renton Standard Details is available online on the City of Renton website.
4. The 2023 Surface water system development fee is $0.92 per square foot of new impervious
surface, but no less than $2,300.00. This is payable prior to issuance of the construction permit.
This fee is subject to change based on the calendar year the construction permit is issued.
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TRANSPORTATION
1. Frontage improvements are required for all new construction with valuation in excess of
$175,000. The proposed project fronts NE 17th St along the north property line and Duvall AVE
NE along the east property line.
a. Duvall Ave NE is classified as a Principal Arterial street with an existing right of way
(ROW) width of 86-96 feet as measured using the King County Assessor’s Map. To meet
the City’s complete street standards for Principal Arterial streets, minimum ROW is 103
feet. Dedication of approximately 7-17 feet fronting the site will be required pending
final survey. Per City code 4-6-060, half street improvements shall include a pavement
width of 66 feet (33 feet from centerline), a 0.5-foot curb, an 8-foot planting strip, an 8-
foot sidewalk, street trees and storm drainage improvements. However, a street
modification for this portion of Duvall Ave NE was previously approved as part of LUA19-
000300 to provide: retention of the existing paved width and curb line along the subject
parcels frontage, install an 8 foot planting strip, install an 8 foot sidewalk with street
trees, and provide dedication as required code (approximately 7-17 feet pending final
survey).
i. The proposed construction plans are consistent with the modified street
section.
b. NE 17th St is classified as a Residential Access street with an existing ROW width of 59
feet. Per City code 4-6-060, half street improvements shall include a pavement width of
32 feet (16 feet from centerline), a 0.5-foot curb, an 8-foot planting strip, a 5-foot
sidewalk, street trees and storm drainage improvements. However, a street
modification for this portion of NE 17th St was previously approved as part of LUA19-
000300 to relocate 3 feet of the required 8 foot landscape strip to the back of walk.
i. The proposed construction plans are consistent with the modified street
section.
1. Street lighting improvements are not required if:
1) two (2) to four (4) units for residential
2) zero (0) to five thousand (5,000) square feet commercial
3) or zero (0) to ten thousand (10,000) square feet industrial.
a. Based on information provided in application, the project is exempt from street
lighting upgrades.
b. There is an existing street light along the project frontage on Duvall Ave NE. The
proposal indicates installation of a new light to replace the existing. Lighting plans
showing the proposed relocation and associated wiring will be required to be included
with the civil construction permit application.
2. A Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) per City standards is required if the new development will
generate new vehicular traffic exceeding 20 vehicles per hour in either the AM and PM peak
periods. The project proposes to remove the existing 2,370 square foot office building and
construct a 3,155 square foot general office building. The Transportation Engineers Institute
Trip Generation Manual, 11th Edition anticipates that the project will generate approximately 8
net new average weekday daily trips. During the weekday AM peak hour, the project would
generate approximately 1 net new trips (0 inbound and 1 outbound). During the weekday PM
peak hour, the project would generate approximately 2 net new trips (0 inbound and 2
outbound).
a. Based on information provided in application a TIA will not be required.
3. Please see the transportation concurrency under separate cover.
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4. Driveways shall comply with the standard details current at time of application and RMC 4-4-
080. The proposal indicates a single driveway approximately 26 feet wide.
5. Paving and trench restoration within the City of Renton right of way shall comply with the City’s
Restoration and Overlay requirements.
6. The 2023 transportation impact fees for a general office is $16.39 per square foot. A credit for
the previous square footage will be issued for the existing building. Transportation impact fees
are due at the time of building permit issuance.
GENERAL COMMENTS
1. All existing and proposed utility lines (i.e. electrical, phone, and cable services, etc.) along
property frontage or within the site must be underground. The construction of these franchise
utilities must be inspected and approved by a City of Renton inspector.
2. Maximum exposed retaining wall height is 6-ft and shall be setback a minimum of 3-ft from the
right-of-way as outlined in RMC 4-4-040 – Fences, Hedges and Retaining Walls.
3. Adequate separation between utilities as well as other features shall be provided in accordance
with code requirements.
a. 7-ft minimum horizontal and 1-ft vertical separation between storm and other utilities is
required with the exception of water lines which require 10-ft horizontal and 1.5-ft
vertical.
b. The stormwater line should be minimum 5 feet away from any other structure or wall or
building.
c. Trench of any utility should not be in the zone of influence of the retaining wall or of the
building.
4. All civil construction permits for utility and street improvements will require separate plan
submittals. All utility plans shall confirm to the Renton Drafting Standards. A licensed Civil
Engineer shall prepare the civil plans. Please visit the Development Engineering Forms page for
the most up-to-date plan submittal requirements:
https://rentonwa.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=7922741&pageId=9687014.
5. A landscaping plan shall be included with the civil plan submittal. Each plan shall be on separate
sheets.
6. A demo permit is required for the demolition of the existing building(s). The demo permit shall
be acquired through the building department.
7. Fees quoted in this document reflect the fees applicable in the year 2023 only and will be
assessed based on the fee that is current at the time of the permit application or issuance, as
applicable to the permit type. Please visit www.rentonwa.gov for the current development fee
schedule.
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PROJECT LUA22-000374
Duvall Office Building
1625 Duvall Ave NE, Renton
City of Renton Department of Planning / Building / Public Works
ENVIRONMENTAL & DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION REVIEW SHEET
POLICE RELATED COMMENTS
2 Police Calls for Service Estimated Annually
CONSTRUCTION PHASE
To protect materials and equipment it is recommended that all materials and tools be
locked up when not in use. Toolboxes and storage containers should be secured with
heavy-duty padlocks and kept locked when not in use. The site will need security
lighting and any construction trailer should be completely fenced in with portable chain-
link fencing. The fence will provide both a physical and psychological barrier to any
prospective thief and will demonstrate that this area is private property. Construction
trailers should be kept locked when not in use and should also have a heavy-duty
deadbolt installed with no less then a 1-1/2” throw when bolted. Any construction
material that contains copper should be removed from the construction site at the end of
each working day. Glass windows in the trailer should be shatter-resistant.
I also recommend the business post appropriate “No Trespassing” signs on the property
while it’s under construction. This will aid police in making arrests on the property after
hours if suspects are observed vandalizing or stealing building materials. The use of off-
duty police officers or private security guards to patrol the site during the hours of
darkness is also recommended. A Business Trespass Authorization Agreement, allowing
the police to trespass upon your behalf, can be completed and submitted to the Renton
Police Department. For a copy of the authorization form, please contact Sandra Havlik at
Shavlik@rentonwa.gov or 425-430-7520.
COMPLETED BUILDING
Access Control
Access control is the ability to decide who gets in and out of your business. It’s
important to direct all foot and vehicle traffic towards the main entrance of the building.
The main entry should be highlighted as the focal entry point to the building, directing
path of travel towards a well-lit prominent entry point, through the use of lighting,
landscaping and special paving. There was mention of another entrance and this is
discouraged for safety reasons.
The proposed stairwell should be secured and used as an employee only entrance with
secured badge/code access. If not secured this could be an entry point for unintended
users. Use of this stairwell as an exit should be for emergency only, again, encouraging
visitors to use lobby for exit/entry which can then be monitored. Any excess side/entry
doors should be designed so that they automatically lock when closed and only serve as
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emergency exits. Windows should be designed so that they can’t be used as entry points
for people, although some could be equipped to be utilized as emergency exits if needed.
Doors/Glass
All exterior doors should be made of solid metal or metal over wood, with heavy-duty
deadbolt locks, latch guards or pry-resistant cylinders around the locks, and peepholes.
All strike plates should have 2-1/2 to 3” wood screws. If glass doors are used, they
should be fitted with the hardware described above and additionally be fitted with a layer
of security film. Security film can increase the strength of the glass by up to 300%,
greatly reducing the likelihood of breaking glass to gain entry.
Security
It’s not uncommon for a commercial business to experience theft and/or vandalism
during the hours of darkness or when the business is closed. It would be recommended
that an auxiliary security service be used to patrol the property during those times. Any
alternative employee entrances should have coded access to prevent trespassing. Exterior
doors should be checked routinely to insure they are not being propped open.
Lighting
Lighting is collectively considered to be one of the most important security features.
Good lighting has been documented to deter crime and produce a more secure
environment. Good lighting also enhances the effectiveness of CCTV systems.
All areas of parking and pedestrian travel need to have adequate lighting. This will assist
in the deterrent of theft from motor vehicle (one of the most common property crimes in
any city) as well as provide safe pedestrian travel for employees and customers.
Based on plans submitted to the City of Renton, notes indicated several considerations for
adequate pedestrian and parking lot lighting. Plans should also indicate that the company
has or will consult with lighting experts on proper selection and placement that adhere to
the standards of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) as well as CPTED standards.
Landscaping
The “Broken Window Theory” says, “An ordered and clean environment – one which is
maintained – sends the signal the area is monitored and that criminal behavior will not be
tolerated.” All trees should be trimmed six-to-eight feet up from the ground. Shrubs
should be pruned to no more than two feet tall. This will help eliminate areas of
concealment for suspicious persons. Trees and shrubs which are not maintained can
cause safety issues. Since the planned landscaping will be in its “infant” stages once the
business is completed, I do not anticipate this being an issue within the first few months.
However, due to the very generous amounts of landscaping mentioned in these plans,
regular maintenance should be a priority, and landscaping monitored to stay within the
above-mentioned guidelines.
Duvall Office Building plans indicate generous landscaping between sidewalks and the
building, as well as “landscaping screeners” around parking areas, on trellises, and
enhanced and extensive landscaping surrounding the main entry point. The front of the
building will also include a curved sidewalk, forecourt with bench seating designed to be
marking it as an inviting entry area separated from the busy street. As noted above,
landscaping must be well maintained to prevent overgrowth and/or create areas that could
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be considered unsafe if individuals or criminal activity can go unseen by passerbies or
security doing patrols of the area.
Benches are to be included at the main entrance for seating along with a covered
vestibule at entry. While trying to incorporate an inviting community space you may also
be inviting “loitering” to some who will use your space for sleeping, gathering, or cover
during undesirable weather and/or those with possible criminal intent. Benches should be
designed that they are comfortable for limited sitting, however, do not provide the
comforts of stretching out and/or sleeping. A suggested bench design is attached for
reference:
Parking
It is noted that per the plans the parking area will largely be screened by concrete block
walls topped with trellises and generous landscaping. If the parking area is blocked from
natural surveillance by walls and landscaping that might be allowed to overgrow, this
could give off the perception as being unsafe and not monitored, encouraging criminal
activity. Cameras and adequate lighting need to be in place, with signs that emphasize
that this area is under surveillance.
Territoriality/Signage
Territoriality refers to measures that reinforce a message of ownership over the business.
The most straight-forward examples of territoriality are signs restricting access, directing
customers to the main entry doors and reception areas, as well as posting the businesses
hours of operation. The public needs to be made aware at all times of what space is
private and what space is public. Signs and graphics can also assure staff and the public
that their safety is being monitored. Likewise, potential perpetrators may be deterred by
a notice that they are under surveillance. Proper No Trespassing signs should be posted in
conspicuous locations throughout the outside of the buildings (including parking areas)
so enforcement action can be taken if needed.
Defining clear borders is another step that reinforces territoriality. A low fence or hedge
around the edge of the property may not physically stop a trespasser, but it helps identify
where public space ends and private space begins. Maintenance further reinforces
territoriality. Any unkempt part of the property will soon send a message that no one is
particularly concerned about or possessive of that part of the business. If the area
remains neglected, it will also seem ideal for misbehavior or loitering.
For further and more specific safety recommendations, I highly encourage that the
business request a Renton Police Crime Prevention Representative conduct a security
survey of the premises once construction is complete.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1169B1FC-4E5A-4A85-B963-8EA37D86CF02