HomeMy WebLinkAboutSR_ERC_WSADA_FinalSR_ERCWSADA_Final
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT
ERC Meeting Date: December 19, 2022
Project Name: WSADA Headquarters
Land Use File
Number:
LUA22-000381, ECF, SA-A
Project Manager: Andrew Van Gordon, Associate Planner
Owners: WSADA Property, LLC, 621 SW Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057
Applicant: WSADA Property, LLC, Attn: Vicki Giles Fabre, 621 SW Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057
Contact: Vicki Giles Fabre, WSADA Property, LLC, 621 SW Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057
Project Location: 621 SW Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057 (APN 3340404730)
Project Summary: The applicant is requesting a Site Plan Review and Environmental (SEPA) Review for a
1,390 square foot two (2) story expansion to an existing general office building. The
expansion would include additional office and meeting room space, bathrooms, a
staircase and elevator to the second floor. The applicant is requesting approval of a Site
Plan Review to reduce required front yard and secondary front yard setbacks. The
applicant proposes a reduction in the front yard setback from SW Grady Way from 15
feet (15’) to 12 feet (12’) and a reduction in the secondary front yard setback from
Raymond Ave NW from 15 feet (15’) to 10 feet (10’). The applicant also requests a
modification to frontage improvement requirements to allow existing improvements to
remain.
Exist. Bldg. Area SF: 9,008 sq. ft. Proposed New Bldg. Area (footprint):
Proposed New Bldg. Area (gross):
695 sq. ft.
1,390 sq. ft.
Site Area: 32,672 sq. ft. (0.75
acre)
Total Building Area GSF: 10,398 sq. ft.
STAFF
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff Recommends that the Environmental Review Committee issue a Determination
of Non-Significance - Mitigated (DNS-M).
Project Location
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
In compliance with RCW 43.21C.240, the following environmental (SEPA) review addresses only those project impacts
that are not adequately addressed under existing development standards and environmental regulations.
DocuSign Envelope ID: AB7E9BE7-AA48-4EC3-ADE0-27C9FD60328B
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
WSADA Headquarters
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA22-000381, ECF, SA-A
Report of December 19, 2022 Page 2 of 6
SR_ERCWSADA_Final
A. Environmental Threshold Recommendation
Based on analysis of probable impacts from the proposal, staff recommends that the Responsible Officials:
Issue a DNS-M with a 14-day appeal period
B. Mitigation Measures
1. The project shall comply with the recommendations of the geotechnical report, prepared by Migizi Group,
Inc, dated September 26, 2022, and any updated report(s) associated with the building and construction
permits to ensure compliance with the intent of the initial reports.
2. The applicant’s geotechnical engineer shall review the project’s construction and building permit plans to
verify compliance with the geotechnical reports. The geotechnical engineer shall submit a sealed letter
stating that they reviewed the construction and building permits and in their opinion the plans and
specifications meet the intent of the reports.
3. The applicant shall submit an Inadvertent Discoveries Plan prepared by a qualified professional with the
civil construction permit for review and approval by the Current Planning Project Manager prior to permit
issuance.
4. The applicant shall sample soil for arsenic and lead following 2019 Tacoma Smelter Plume Guidance. If
lead or arsenic are found at concentrations above the Model Toxics Control Act (MCTA) cleanup level,
construction workers and employees on site shall be notified of their occurrence.
C. Exhibits
Exhibit 1: Environmental Review Committee (ERC) Report
Exhibit 2: Environmental Checklist
Exhibit 3: Preliminary Site Plan
Exhibit 4: Geotechnical Report authored by Migizi Group, Inc, dated September 26, 2022
Exhibit 5: Civil Grading and Drainage Plan
Exhibit 6: Technical Information Report authored by Sitts & Hill Engineers, Inc, dated October
2022
Exhibit 7: Preliminary Landscape Plan
Exhibit 8: Department of Ecology letter, dated November 23, 2022
Exhibit 9: Public Comment from the Duwamish Tribe, received November 11, 2022
Exhibit 10: Trip Generation Assessment, prepared by Heath & Associates, dated September 20,
2022
Exhibit 11: Concurrency Memo
Exhibit 12: Advisory Notes
D. Environmental Impacts
The Proposal was circulated and reviewed by various City Departments and Divisions to determine whether the
applicant has adequately identified and addressed environmental impacts anticipated to occur in conjunction with
the proposed development. Staff reviewers have identified that the proposal is likely to have the following probable
impacts:
DocuSign Envelope ID: AB7E9BE7-AA48-4EC3-ADE0-27C9FD60328B
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
WSADA Headquarters
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA22-000381, ECF, SA-A
Report of December 19, 2022 Page 3 of 6
SR_ERCWSADA_Final
1. Earth
Impacts: The proposed improvements include the construction of a two (2)-story expansion totaling
1,390 square feet on the northwest corner of the existing building at the corner of SW Grady Way and
Raymond Ave NW. The expansion would replace an existing outdoor, fenced patio and landscaping.
The site is improved with the existing building, surface parking and associated landscaping. Per the
Environmental Checklist (Exhibit 2) the total area of disturbance would be approximately 4,000 square
feet which would result in an increase of 166 square feet of impervious area. The increase comes from
the removal of existing landscaped areas. Approximately 40 cubic yards of excavation and 40 cubic
yards of fill are proposed.
The subject property is located in a Geologically Hazardous Area, specifically a High Seismic Hazard
Area. A geotechnical report (Exhibit 4) authorized by Migizi Group, Inc, dated September 26, 2022,
was provided with the land use application. Migizi Group, Inc completed surface reconnaissance of
the site, but new borings were not completed on the project site. Recommendations and conditions
are in part based upon previous exploration, specifically two (2) different reports: 1) a geotechnical
report prepared by Migizi Group, Inc, dated May 18, 2018, for LUA18-000384 Washington State Auto
Dealers Association Parking Lot, a standalone surface parking lot to the south on parcel 3340404805,
and 2) a geotechnical report prepared by E3RA, dated April 4, 2012, for LUA12-062, WSADA
Headquarters, the land use permits approved for the existing WSADA building. The E3RA report in
turn relied upon borings completed by Kleinfelder Geotechnical and Environmental Engineers on
January 11, 2006, and February 7, 2006.
The boring results on parcel 3340404805 indicated that the subsurface condition at the site includes
structural fill and construction related debris at depths between two and half feet (2.5’) to four and a
half feet (4.5’) across the site. The material overlays native alluvial flood plain deposits comprised of
fine and silty silt and sand mixed with gravel. Groundwater seepage was encountered at a depth of
four to four and a half feet (4’ – 4.5’) below existing grade. The boring completed by Kleinfelder
Geotechnical and Environmental Engineers performed six (6) test pits and two (2) auger borings with
a maximum depth being 44 feet (44’) below the existing grade. In general, Kleinfelder observed similar
subsurface conditions with existing fill material and fine-grained alluvium being observed in close
proximity to existing grade. Granular, sandy soils are not encountered until a depth of 20 to 25 feet
(20’ to 25’) below existing grade. Water seepage was encountered at a depth of six to seven feet (6’
to 7’) below existing grade. Because exploration was completed during or just past the rainy season
(November 1 to March 31), it is not anticipated that groundwater would rise much higher than
observed.
The submitted geotechnical report concluded the project site is located within an area of moderate
to severe risk for soil liquefaction. Recommendations for foundation subgrade preparation and
construction contained within the report would help mitigate the risk, but the risk for soil liquefaction
and resultant post-construction settlement should still be considered moderate across the project
area in the instance of a large-scale seismic event.
Due to the report’s confirmation of the liquefaction potential for the site and recommendations for
mitigating its effects during an earthquake, Staff recommends, as a mitigation measure, the applicant
comply with the recommendations of the geotechnical report, prepared by Migizi Group, Inc, dated
September 26, 2022, and any future addenda. Staff recommends the applicant’s geotechnical
engineer review the project’s construction and building permit plans to verify compliance with the
geotechnical report. The geotechnical engineer shall submit a sealed letter stating they have reviewed
the construction and building permit plans and in their opinion the plans and specifications meet the
intent of the report(s).
Mitigation Measures:
DocuSign Envelope ID: AB7E9BE7-AA48-4EC3-ADE0-27C9FD60328B
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
WSADA Headquarters
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA22-000381, ECF, SA-A
Report of December 19, 2022 Page 4 of 6
SR_ERCWSADA_Final
a. The project shall comply with the recommendations of the geotechnical report, prepared by
Migizi Group, Inc, dated September 26, 2022, and any updated report(s) associated with the
building and construction permits to ensure compliance with the intent of the initial reports.
b. The applicant’s geotechnical engineer shall review the project’s construction and building permit
plans to verify compliance with the geotechnical reports. The geotechnical engineer shall submit
a sealed letter stating that they reviewed the construction and b uilding permits and in their
opinion the plans and specifications meet the intent of the reports.
Nexus: City of Renton Comprehensive Plan Goals and Policies, L-36; RMC 4-3-050, Critical Area Regulations
2. Air
Impacts: Impacts: Temporary impacts to the air from typical earthwork construction equipment and
vehicle exhaust is expected during construction. This is expected to be minimal, localized to the area and
not continue past completion. Overall trip generation is not expected to increase as the expansio n is to
support existing operations. Therefore, no further SEPA mitigation measures are recommended.
Mitigation Measures: None recommended
Nexus: N/A
3. Water
a. Storm Water
Impacts: A preliminary Drainage Plan (Exhibit 5) and Technical Information Report (TIR) (Exhibit 6),
dated October 2022, was submitted with the Land Use Application. Based on the City of Renton’s flow
control map, the site is within the Flow Control Duration Standards (Existing Peak Conditions) and is
located within the Black River drainage basin. The development is subject to a Full Drainage Review
in accordance with the 2022 Renton Surface Water Design Manual (RSWDM). Core requirements 1,
2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and Special Requirements 4 and 6 have been discussed in the Technical Information
Report.
The applicant proposes to connect to an existing private on-site stormwater conveyance system,
detention facilities, water quality facilities and BMPs. This system includes a tributary to a bioretention
cell and detention pipe located near the southwest corner of the existing building. Stormwater
discharges through independent flow control structures. The control structures discharge to the
existing public stormwater system in the alley abutting the southern property line of the project site
between SW Grady Way and SW 12th St. The public stormwater system conveys the stormwater across
and westerly along S Grady Way, discharging into Springbrook Creek.
If major alterations to the flow characteristics are altered, then the facilities shall be modified as
needed for compliance with 2022 RSWDM. Erosion control measures are proposed per City of Renton
requirements. The City’s adopted 2022 RSWDM is anticipated to mitigate stormwater impacts
associated with the development, therefore no further SEPA mitigation measures are recommended.
Mitigation Measures: None recommended
Nexus: N/A
4. Vegetation
Impacts: As part of the project approximately 166 square feet of landscaping area will be removed. One
(1) six-inch (6”) caliper Red Maple is proposed for removal. A conceptual landscaping plan (Exhibit 7)
identifies that one (1) three-inch (3”) caliper Red Maple will be planted to replace the removed tree. The
DocuSign Envelope ID: AB7E9BE7-AA48-4EC3-ADE0-27C9FD60328B
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
WSADA Headquarters
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA22-000381, ECF, SA-A
Report of December 19, 2022 Page 5 of 6
SR_ERCWSADA_Final
landscaping plan identifies that five (5) varieties of shrubs (Edward Goucher Abelia, Dwarf Red-Osier
Dogwood, Gold Edge Variegated Hosta, Red-Twig Dogwood, Gulf Stream Nandina) and one (1) variety of
groundcover (Kinnickinnick) are proposed. A total of one (1) tree and 71 shrubs are proposed. Plantings
are proposed between the building and property line and within the public right-of-way landscaping strip.
Approximately 2,120 square feet of area is proposed for plantings. Additional native vegetation will be
required to be installed through the Site Plan Review application. It is anticipated that compliance with
the City’s adopted standards would adequately mitigate for the removal of the exiting vegetation on the
project site, therefore no further mitigation is recommended at this time.
Mitigation Measures: None recommended
Nexus: N/A
5. Environmental Health
a. Environmental Health Hazards
Impacts: Staff received a letter from the Department of Ecology (DOE) dated November 23, 2022
(Exhibit 8) regarding the proposed project. In the letter, the agency identifies the project site as being
located in an area that may have been contaminated with heavy metals due to the air emissions
originating from the old Asarco smelter in north Tacoma. The letter requests that the SEPA lead
agency (City of Renton) include four (4) mitigation measures as part of the threshold determination
related to entry into the agency’s Voluntary Clean Up Program (VCP) under the Washington Model
Toxics Control Act.
Staff confirmed that the Tacoma Smelter Plume map indicates the potential presence of heavy metals
on the site, as is similar to a large swath of Renton’s jurisdictional area. Therefore, staff recommends
a mitigation measure that the applicant be required to sample soil for arsenic and lead following 2019
Tacoma Smelter Plume Guidance. If lead or arsenic are found at concentrations above the Model
Toxics Control Act (MCTA) cleanup level, construction workers and employees on site shall be notified
of their occurrence.
Mitigation Measures: The applicant shall sample soil for arsenic and lead following 2019 Tacoma
Smelter Plume Guidance. If lead or arsenic are found at concentrations above the Model Toxics
Control Act (MCTA) cleanup level, construction workers and employees on site shall be notified of
their occurrence.
Nexus: State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Environmental Review; DOE comment
6. Historical and Cultural Preservation
Impacts: The City received public comment (Exhibit 8) from the Duwamish Tribe that the project is located
within an area that the Tribe considers culturally significant and has a high probability to have unknown
archaeological deposits. In general, an inadvertent discoveries plan should not be used in lieu of
archaeological investigation, however, after the Tribe reviewed the borehole and test pit logs from the
geotechnical reports provided for the project, an inadvertent discoveries plan would be acceptable. The
current proposal did not receive comment from the Washington State Department of Archaeology and
Historic Preservation. Staff recommends that the applicant submit an Inadvertent Discoveries Plan
prepared by a qualified professional with the civil construction permit for review and approval by the
Current Planning Project Manager prior to permit issuance.
Mitigation Measures:
DocuSign Envelope ID: AB7E9BE7-AA48-4EC3-ADE0-27C9FD60328B
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
WSADA Headquarters
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA22-000381, ECF, SA-A
Report of December 19, 2022 Page 6 of 6
SR_ERCWSADA_Final
a. The applicant shall submit an Inadvertent Discoveries Plan prepared by a qualified professional
with the civil construction permit for review and approval by the Current Planning Project
Manager prior to permit issuance.
Nexus: City of Renton Comprehensive Goals and Policies, L-AA, L-45 and L-46; RCW 27.53 Archaeological
Sites and Resources; RCW 27.44 Indian Graves and Records; WAC 197-11 SEPA Rules
7. Transportation
Impacts: Revisions to parking or access is not proposed as part of the project. Access to the project site is
via a driveway on SW Grady Way and a driveway from the alley abutting the southern property line. Forty -
three stalls are located on-site; an additional 32 stalls are off-site on tax parcel 3340404805 which is
accessed via SW 12th St and the same alley which abuts the project site’s southern property line.
Frontage improvements along SW Grady Way and Raymond Ave SW are triggered by the project.
Approximately one and a half feet (1.5’) of dedication along SW Grady Way, approximately four and a half
feet (4.5’) of dedication along Raymond Ave SW and a radius (width to be calculated) at the SW Grady
Way/Raymond Ave SW intersection are required. The proposal includes a modification to retain the
existing curb line and frontage improvements as-is along Raymond Ave SW and SW Grady Way.
A Trip Generation Assessment (Exhibit 10) was provided by Heath & Associates, dated September 20,
2022. Per the assessment, the net new peak hour trips in either the AM or PM is two (2). Therefore, a
complete Traffic Impact Analysis is not required. However, the assessment notes that the addition is not
anticipated to generate any new real-world trips as the space is intended to augment existing operations.
No tangible increase to parking demands on-site is anticipated. The existing on-site 45 parking stalls meet
parking requirements for the offices, general use requirements (RMC 4-4-080, Parking, Loading and
Driveway Regulation. Parking provisions on-site are deemed adequate.
The proposal has passed the City’s Traffic Concurrency Test (Exhibit 10) per RMC 4-6-070D, which is based
upon a test of the citywide Transportation Plan, consideration of growth levels included in the LOS-tested
Transportation Plan, and future payment of appropriate Transportation Impact Fees.
Mitigation Measures: None recommended
Nexus: N/A
E. Comments of Reviewing Departments
The proposal has been circulated to City Department and Division Reviewers. Where applicable, their comments
have been incorporated into the text of this report and/or “Advisory Notes to Applicant.”
✓ Copies of all Review Comments are contained in the Official File and may be attached to this report.
The Environmental Determination decision will become final if the decision is not appealed within the 14 -day
appeal period (RCW 43.21.C.075(3); WAC 197-11-680).
Environmental Determination Appeal Process: Appeals of the environmental determination must b e filed in writing
on or before 5:00 p.m. on January 3, 2023. Appeals must be submitted electronically to the City Clerk at
cityclerk@rentonwa.gov or delivered to City Hall 1st floor Lobby Hub Monday through Friday. The appeal fee,
normally due at the time an appeal is submitted, will be collected at a future date if your appeal is submitted
electronically. The appeal submitted in person may be paid on the first floor in our Finance Department. Appeals to
the Hearing Examiner are governed by RMC 4-8-110 and additional information regarding the appeal process may be
obtained from the City Clerk’s Office, cityclerk@rentonwa.gov.
DocuSign Envelope ID: AB7E9BE7-AA48-4EC3-ADE0-27C9FD60328B
SR_ERCWSADA_Final
CITY OF RENTON
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
STAFF REPORT TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
EXHIBITS
Project Name:
WSADA Headquarter Expansion
Land Use File Number:
LUA22-000381, ECF, SA-A
Date of Meeting
December 19, 2022
Staff Contact
Andrew Van Gordon
Associate Planner
Project Contact/Applicant
Vicki Giles Fabre
WSADA Property, LLC
621 SW Grady Way, Renton,
WA 98057
Project Location
621 SW Grady Way, Renton, WA
98057
The following exhibits are included with the ERC Report:
Exhibit 1: Environmental Review Committee (ERC) Report
Exhibit 2: Environmental Checklist
Exhibit 3: Preliminary Site Plan
Exhibit 4: Geotechnical Report authored by Migizi Group, Inc, dated September 26, 2022
Exhibit 5: Civil Grading and Drainage Plan
Exhibit 6: Technical Information Report authored by Sitts & Hill Engineers, Inc, dated October 2022
Exhibit 7: Preliminary Landscape Plan
Exhibit 8: Department of Ecology letter, dated November 23, 2022
Exhibit 9: Public Comment from the Duwamish Tribe, received November 11, 2022
Exhibit 10: Trip Generation Assessment, prepared by Heath & Associates, dated September 20, 2022
Exhibit 11: Concurrency Memo
Exhibit 12: Advisory Notes
DocuSign Envelope ID: AB7E9BE7-AA48-4EC3-ADE0-27C9FD60328B