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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSaddlebrook Plat, Preliminary PlatCITYOF kENTON NOV0 9(ij RECEIVED CITY CLERK'S OFFICE 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 BEFORE THE HEARING EXAMINER FOR THE CITY OF RENTON 9 ) : Saddlebrook Plat 10FINAL DECISION 11 Preliminary Plat ) LUA12-077, ECF, PP ) 12 ) 13 ) 14 SUMMARY 15 16 The Applicant requests preliminary plat approval for a 14 lot residential subdivision. The preliminary plat is approved with conditions. 17 18 TESTIMONY 19 Vanessa Dolbee, Senior Planner, City of Renton 20 Ms. Dolbee described the project. Ms. Dolby stated the site is located between Yakima Avenue NE 21 and Vesta Avenue NE. The site consists of two parcels located at 13430 and 13426 156th Avenue NE (Vesta Avenue NE). The site is 4.35 acres is designated Residential Low Density in the 22 Comprehensive Plan and is within the Residential four dwelling units per acre (R-4) zone (Ex. 3). 23 The Applicant proposes a 14 lot single family subdivision. 24 Ms. Dolbee stated the site presently the site contains one single family residence, a mobile home and outbuildings. It has recently been used as pasture. All structures will be removed. 25 Exhibit 4 is a tree retention worksheet. There are 48 significant trees on-site and within right of way. 26 Eight of the trees are dangerous. Eleven of the trees are in right of way. The Applicant proposes to PRELIMINARY PLAT - 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 aft retain eight trees. Ms. Dolbee stated there are no critical areas on site. The Applicant proposes a new public roadway Road A. Road A will connect Yakima Avenue NE and Vesta Avenue NE. Ms. Dolbee stated the proposal is consistent with the zoning and development standards. The Applicant will plant street trees on all rights of way. The City issued an MDNS with four conditions. No appeals were filed. No public or agency comments were received. Ms. Dolbee stated the project is consistent with comprehensive plan land use and community design policies and with all zoning regulations, as conditioned. Ms. Dolbee stated the Applicant is seeking impervious surface credit for the King County Surface Water Design Manual. The Applicant submitted a landscape plan with trees on all frontages and a 10 foot wide landscape strip on the frontages. No trees or shrubs were proposed. Ms. Dolbee stated the code requires groundcover and shrubs in the landscape strip but no trees because they are already in the street planting. Ms. Dolbee further stated the City's forester requested the Applicant provide for a larger tree species to replace a flowering pear. She stated there were no overhead wires and a larger tree could be permitted here. Ms. Dolbee stated that 30 percent of the trees must be retained. Ms. Dolbee said the Applicant's Arborist report showed an error by counting existing trees that are in the right of way which are exempt from the 30 percent tree retention requirement. The City is asking the Applicant to prepare a new tree retention worksheet. Ms. Dolbee state the street improvements will add 5 foot bike lane, sidewalk and landscape strips on both existing streets. The new street will have parking on one side, landscaping and sidewalks. Surrounding property uses are residential, four dwelling units per acre. The proposal is similar, though the Applicant has asked for a storm drainage tract. Staff recommends the Applicant provide perimeter landscaping around the tract. Ms. Dolbee stated fire and police service are adequate to serve the proposal. The Renton School District can accommodate any additional students resulting from the proposal. Water service is adequate but the Applicant must provide a Water Availability Certificate. A sewer extension is required but adequate capacity exists. The Applicant submitted a drainage report with an onsite pond. The pond has been designed to the 2009 King County stormwater manual. The Applicant is asking to discharge to one facility instead of two. The City granted approval of the modification request to the stormwater standards on August 16, 2012, with conditions. The Applicant submitted a subsequent request for modification asking for an adjustment for a filter system. This type of system is approved by the Washington State Department of Ecology for stormwater treatment. The City of Renton approved the second modification request on October 31, 2012 with 15 conditions (Ex. 19). Staff asks that condition of approval #6 in the Staff Report (Ex. 1) be adjusted to reflect Exhibit 19. PRELIMINARY PLAT - 2 1 N 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Ms. Dolbee stated Staff recommends approval of the project, subject to conditions. In response to the Hearing Examiner, Ms. Dolby stated street trees will be provided subject to conditions. Staff states the trees in the planter strips do not need to be in the landscape strip, too. The Arborist suggested taller trees because there are no overhead electrical wires. Stephen Avril, DR Strong _ Engineering Consultants Mr. Avril represented the Applicant's engineering company, DR Strong. He testified that the Applicant concurred with the Staff recommendation. Gwendolyn High Ms. High stated she is a member of the Renton Planning Commission, but was at the hearing representing herself as a neighbor of the project, rather than as a commissioner. Ms. High stated she thinks the Staff Report is thorough but she had some concerns. Specifically, Ms. High stated she is concerned about rats fleeing the barn on-site when it is demolished. She also stated she was concerned about the connection of Road A to 156th Avenue SE (Vesta Avenue NE). This road is a major arterial with existing problems. The road was created as a neighborhood connector but within two years was reclassified to a major arterial. There is a utility pole next to the Hill property that limits site view as they leave their property. This situation is compounded by an existing turn lane at that location. The proposed connection to 156th Avenue SE from Road A is very close to that turn lane. There is also a church there that provides traffic conflicts as it is heavily utilized throughout the day and the week. The neighbors are very concerned about the traffic. There is also a school bus stop there with stops ten times per day. The corridor is very busy. She is concerned about sight distances and sight lines. She also was concerned about the drainage plan. Ms. High entered Exhibit 21 to the record. Kayren Kittrick, Lead Construction Inspector, City of Renton Ms. Kittrick stated the traffic study showed no additional mitigation was necessary to maintain the existing level of service (LOS). The City will still look at this at the construction stage. The traffic operation group will make recommendations for anything else that is required. Ms. Kittrick stated the traffic operations group can't deal with speed limits other than to coordinate with the police. The speed limit is 35 mph, though cars do travel faster. The traffic report showed the roads would remain at LOS A or B. There are only 30 PM Peak Hour trips generated by the proposal which don't trigger any required improvements. The City didn't see any conflicts, but now that they have more information, they will pay more attention at the construction stage. The City did look at traffic on the corridor, including church traffic. The sight distance wasn't an issue, but the City will review it again. The City could work with PSE or Century Link or whoever owns the pole to fix any site distance issues. Any new utilities have to go underground. The second stormwater adjustment (the filter system), is a very small vault for water quality control. Ms. Kittrick stated the City with work with Ms. High, PRELIMINARY PLAT - 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Vanessa Dolbee Ms. Dolbee stated the City would work with a pest abatement company to deal with the rats. Stephen Avril Mr. Avril described the vault system proposed. He stated there are no proposed changes to the tract or lot lines from that shown on the plat map. EXHIBITS Exhibits 2-18 listed on page 2 of the November 6, 2012 Staff Report, in addition to the Staff Report itself (Ex. 1), were admitted into evidence the public hearing. Additional exhibits admitted during the hearing include: Ex. 19 — Modification to the Stormwater Standards, October 31, 2012 Ex. 20 — Staff Powerpoint presentation from hearing Ex. 21 — Public Comment from Gwendolyn High FINDINGS OF FACT Procedural: 1. Applicant. Justin Lagers, PNW Holdings LLC. Represented by Stephen Avril, D.R. Strong Consulting Engineers, Inc. 2. Hearing. The Examiner held a hearing on the subject application on November 13, 2012 in the City of Renton Council Chambers. 3. Project Description. The Applicant is requesting Preliminary Plat approval for a 14 lot subdivision and a storm drainage tract located in the Residential 4 net du/ac zone. The application includes two lots addressed 13430 & 13426 156th Avenue SE with a land area of 189,797 square feet (4.35 acres). The proposed lots range in size from 9,400 square feet to 11,737 square feet. The resulting net density is 3.86 dwelling units per acre. The site contains two existing buildings which will be demolished. Access to the site would be via a new public road, "Road A" which would connect Yakima Avenue NE (158th Avenue SE) to Vesta Avenue NE (156th Avenue SE). New frontage improvements would be provided along 156th Avenue SE, Yakima Avenue NE, and the new Road A. There are no critical areas located on the site. Eight significant trees have been proposed to be retained of the 48 located on site. To prepare the site approximately 8,873 cubic yards 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 of cut and 5,636 cubic yards of fill are proposed. The Applicant submitted a stormwater report, geotechnical report, and a traffic study with the application. The properties surrounding the subject site are single-family residences and are designated R-4 on the City's zoning maps. The proposal is similar to existing development patterns in the area and is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code, which encourages large lot development. 4. Adequacy of Infrastructure/Public Services. The project will be served by adequate infrastructure and public services as follows: A. Water and Sewer Service. The site is located in the Water District 90 water service boundary. The Applicant must obtain a Certificate of Water Availability. There are existing City of Renton 8 -inch sewer mains in Vesta Avenue NE and Yakima Avenue NE. The Applicant provided a conceptual utility plan with the application (Exhibit 9). The conceptual utility plan was approved by Plan Review. This proposal is located in the Central Plateau Interceptor Area Special Assessment District (SAD 0034). These fees are $351.95 plus interest per unit, and shall be paid at the time a construction permit is issued and prior to recording the plat. B. Police and Fire Protection. Police and Fire Prevention Staff indicate that sufficient resources exist to furnish services to the proposed development; subject to the condition that the Applicant provides Code required improvements and fees. A Fire Impact Fee, based on new single-family lot with credit given for the existing single-family residence, is required by the MDNS for the project. The fee is payable to the City as specified by the Denton Municipal Code. C. Drainage. Drainage will be adequately addressed. The site is situated atop a ridge and discharges runoff into two sub -basins. Tributary Drainage Area (TDA) West is approximately 1.78 acres and discharges to Vesta Avenue NE while TDA East is comprised of the remaining 2.58 acres and discharges to Yakima Avenue NE. The storm drainage and TESC standards for the project are established by the City of Renton Addendum to the 2009 King County Surface Water design Manual (KCSWDM). This site is located in the Flow Control Duration Standard Forested Conditions and is required to provide Basic Water Quality treatment and Level 3 Flow Control. The Applicant submitted a Technical Information Report (TIR) prepared by D.R. Strong Consulting Engineers, dated August 27, 2012 (Ex. 12). Based on the provided TIR the Applicant is proposing all surface water runoff from impervious surfaces to be collected PRELIMINARY PLAT - 5 1 2 3 4 5 Ce 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 and conveyed to a storm detention/water quality pond located in proposed Tract A. Tract A is located in the southwest corner of the proposed development and would discharge to the conveyance system in Vesta Avenue NE. Pursuant to the provided TIR the proposed conveyance system was analyzed and is capable of conveying the 100 -year peak storm without overtopping any structures or channels. Prior to the subject application, the Applicant requested an adjustment to the requirement to discharge stormwater to one detention facility instead of the required two. An approval of this request was granted by the City of Renton Surface Water Utility Supervisor on August 16, 2012, subject to seven conditions (Ex. 18). Subsequent to this approval, the Applicant submitted a revised request for modification asking for an adjustment for a filter system. This type of system is approved by the Washington State Department of Ecology for stormwater treatment. The City of Renton approved the second modification request on October 31, 2012 with 15 conditions (Ex. 19). A condition of approval will require the Applicant to comply with the mitigation measures in Exhibit 19. The Applicant's Geotechnical Report (Exhibit 13) evaluated the on-site soils to determine their percolation rate. Based on the provided Geotechnical Report infiltration on the site or individual lots is not feasible. D. Parks/Open Space. The MDNS for the project requires the Applicant to pay a Parks and Recreation Impact fee at the time of final plat recording. RMC 4-2-115, which governs open space requirements for residential development, does not have any specific requirements for open space for residential development in the R-4 district. The impact fees provide for adequate parks and open space. E. Streets. Access to all lots would be provided along a new public road, Road A. The driveway width standards for the proposed lots would be verified at the time of building permit review. The proposed street improvements on Vesta Avenue NE will provide a 5 - foot bike lane, curb 17 feet from centerline of right-of-way, then an 8 -foot planter strip and a 5 -foot sidewalk. The proposed street improvements on Yakima Avenue NE will provide 32 feet of pavement to allow for parking on both sides, curb 16 feet from centerline of right-of-way, then an 8 -foot planter strip and a 5 -foot sidewalk. The proposed new internal street, Road A, will extend the full width of the development, connecting to both Vesta Avenue NE and Yakima Avenue NE. Road A will have a 26 - foot pavement section, with parking on one side, an 8 -foot planter, and a 5 -foot sidewalk in a 52 -foot dedicated right-of-way. PRELIMINARY PLAT - 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 The proposed plat is anticipated to generate additional traffic on the City's street system. A Transportation Impact Fee, per net new average daily trip attributed to the project, with credit given for the existing single-family residences, was recommended as part of the SEPA review. The fee would be used to mitigate the proposal's potential impacts to the City's transportation system and is payable to the City as specified by the Renton Municipal Code. F. Tree Retention. The site is currently occupied by a single family residence, a mobile home and outbuildings at the west side of 156th Avenue SE. A large portion of the site is being used for horse pasture. The remainder of the site is vegetated with scattered trees, lawn, and clumps of Himalayan blackberry. The current site contains 48 significant trees of which 8 are determined to be dead, diseased and/or dangerous, 11 would be located in the proposed roadway and 8 are proposed to be retained. There appears to be an error in the Applicant's tree retention report in determining the number of trees located on the subject site and located in the proposed right-of-way improvement area. Staff has recalculated the retention ratios and determined the Applicant would be required to provide four replacement trees at 2 -inch caliper. The Applicant's Conceptual Landscape Plan proposed to plant 61 new trees at a 1.5 inch caliper in size. If the Applicant provided four of the proposed 61 trees at 2 caliper inches, the 30 percent retention/replacement ratio would be met. A condition of approval will require the Applicant to provide an updated tree retention worksheet and planting plan that meets the minimum retention and/or replacement requirements. G. Landscaping, As proposed the conceptual landscape plan does comply with the 10 -foot wide on-site landscape requirement. However, there are no trees and/or shrubs proposed in the portions of on-site street frontage landscaping located along Road A and no trees proposed in the portions of on-site street frontage landscaping located along Yakima Avenue NE and Vesta Avenue NE. An 8 -foot planting strip between the back of the curb and the sidewalk is required along all street frontages. Street trees are required to be planted in the planting area. The Applicant has proposed to plant flowering pear trees in the planting strip along Road A and Katsura trees along Yakima Avenue NE and Vesta Avenue NE. As such, all lots would have trees along the frontage; therefore, staff recommends approval of eliminating the requirement for trees in the on-site landscape strips along all frontages. A mixture of shrubs and ground cover is required. As proposed, the lawn along new Road A would not meet the minimum requirements for on-site street frontage landscaping. PRELIMINARY PLAT - 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 The City's Urban Forester recommended the Applicant provide a larger sized tree in place of the flowering pear trees along Road A. The flowering pear tree is a small maturing tree which is typically used in places where overhead electrical wires occur. As no overhead electrical wires are present at the subject site, a larger tree species is appropriate. A condition of approval will require the Applicant to submit a final detailed landscape pla for approval by the Current Planning Project Manager prior to construction permit issuance, including a larger maturing tree along Road A and shrubs and ground cover located in the on-site landscape strips. H. Parking. Sufficient area exists, on each lot, to accommodate required off street parking for a minimum of two vehicles. I. Schools. The Renton School District can accommodate any additional students generated by this proposal at the following schools: Maplewood Elementary, McKnight Middle School and Hazen High School. A School Impact Fee, based on new single-family lot, will be required in order to mitigate the proposal's potential impacts to the Renton School District. The fee is payable to the City as specified by the Renton Municipal Code. Currently the fee is assessed at $6,392.00 per single family residence. 5. Adverse Impacts. There are no adverse impacts associated with the proposal. As discussed in Finding of Fact No. 4, the proposal provides for adequate infrastructure and is served by adequate public services. There are no critical areas on site. The Applicant has proposed to develop a storm drainage tract, Tract A, in the southwest corner of the site. Typically storm ponds are large "holes in the ground" surrounded by a fence. This type of development would not be compatible with the surrounding residential development. The aesthetic impacts of a fenced storm pond could be relieved by the addition of screening landscaping around the perimeter of the pond. The Applicant has proposed to provide landscaping around Tract A; however, the south side of the tract has no landscaping proposed. A condition of approval will require the Applicant to provide screening landscaping meeting the definition of fully site obscuring on the outside of the fence (if a fence is proposed) or along the entire perimeter of Tract A. One issue of significant concerns to neighbors was the potential for rats to invade the neighborhood when the existing barn is demolished. The City expressed a willingness to work with the neighbors to ensure pests are managed. A condition of approval will require the Applicant to ensure rodents are exterminated in the subject property prior to demolition of the existing structures. A final issue of significant concern to the neighbors was the sight lines and sight distances for PRELIMINARY PLAT - 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 11% 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 vehicles exiting the site and the impact of site traffic on the neighbors. There are presently sight distance issues related to a utility pole and a turn lane. Existing traffic in the area is also a concern with respect to speeding and the heavy use of a church in the subject's vicinity. The proposal is conditioned for staff to review the site distance issues raised by Ms. High and to mitigate the project as determined reasonably necessary. Conclusions of Law 1. Authodly. RMC 4-7-020(C) and 4-7-050(D)(5) provide that the Hearing Examiner shall hold a hearing and issue a final decision on preliminary plat applications. 2. Zonin /g Comprehensive Plan Designations. The subject property is zoned Residential 4 dwelling units per net acre (R-4). The comprehensive plan map land use designation is Residential Low Density. 3. Review Criteria. Chapter 4-7 RMC governs the criteria for subdivision review. Applicable standards are quoted below in italics and applied through corresponding conclusions of law. RMC 4-7-080(B): A subdivision shall be consistent with the following principles of acceptability: 1. Legal Lots: Create legal building sites which comply with all provisions of the City Zoning Code. 2. Access: Establish access to a public road for each segregated parcel. 3. Physical Characteristics: Have suitable physical characteristics. A proposed plat may be denied because of flood, inundation, or wetland conditions. Construction of protective improvements may be required as a condition of approval, and such improvements shall be noted on the final plat. 4. Drainage: Make adequate provision for drainage ways, streets, alleys, other public ways, water supplies and sanitary wastes. 4. As noted in Finding of Fact 4g, this criterion is not satisfied with respect to landscaping requirements. The proposed lots comply with all other requirements of the R-4 zoning district as detailed by Staff at pages 7-8 of the Staff Report, which is adopted and incorporated by this reference as if set forth in full. As shown on the preliminary plat map, Ex. 2, each lot will access Road A. There are no critical areas on site. The developable site has physical characteristics suitable for development. As determined in the Finding of Fact No. 4, and as conditioned, the proposal makes adequate provision for drainage, streets water and sewer. RMC 4-7-080(I)(1): ...The Hearing Examiner shall assure conformance with the general purposes of the Comprehensive Plan and adopted standards... IW:Jami•iiMR "Ald9WAIEK 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 5. The proposed preliminary play is consistent with the Renton Comprehensive Plan as outlined in page 6 of the staff report, which is incorporated by this reference as if set forth in full. RMC 4-7-120(A): No plan for the replatting, subdivision, or dedication of any areas shall be approved by the Hearing Examiner unless the streets shown therein are connected by surfaced road or street (according to City specifications) to an existing street or highway. 6. Road A will connect to both Vesta Avenue NE and Yakima Avenue NE. RMC 4-7-120(B): The location of all streets shall conform to any adopted plans for streets in the City. 7. The internal road, Road A will connect Vesta Avenue NE to Yakima Avenue NE. RMC 4-7-120(C): If a subdivision is located in the area of an officially designed [sic] trail, provisions shall be made for reservation of the right-of-way or for easements to the City for trail purposes. 8. The staff report and administrative record do not identify any officially designated trail in the 13 II vicinity. 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 RMC 4-7-130(C): A plat, short plat, subdivision or dedication shall be prepared in conformance with the following provisions: 1. Land Unsuitable for Subdivision: Land which is found to be unsuitable for subdivision includes land with features likely to be harmful to the safety and general health of the future residents (such as lands adversely affected by flooding, steep slopes, or rock formations). Land which the Department or the Hearing Examiner considers inappropriate for subdivision shall not be subdivided unless adequate safeguards are provided against these adverse conditions. a. Flooding/Inundation: If any portion of the land within the boundary of a preliminary plat is subject to flooding or inundation, that portion of the subdivision must have the approval of the State according to chapter 86.16 RCW before the Department and the Hearing Examiner shall consider such subdivision. b. Steep Slopes: A plat, short plat, subdivision or dedication which would result in the creation of a lot or lots that primarily have slopes forty percent (4001o) or greater as measured per RMC 4-3- 050J1 a, without adequate area at lesser slopes upon which development may occur, shall not be approved. PRELIMINARY PLAT - 10 I FA 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 3. Land Clearing and Tree Retention: Shall comply with RMC 4-4-130, Tree Retention and Land Clearing Regulations. 4. Streams: a. Preservation: Every reasonable effort shall be made to preserve existing streams, bodies of water, and wetland areas. b. Method: If a stream passes through any of the subject property, a plan shall be presented which indicates how the stream will be preserved. The methodologies used should include an overflow area, and an attempt to minimize the disturbance of the natural channel and stream bed. c. Culverting: The piping or tunneling of water shall be discouraged and allowed only when going under streets. d. Clean Water: Every effort shall be made to keep all streams and bodies of water clear of debris and pollutants. 9. As discussed in Conclusion of Law No. 4, and as conditioned, the land is suitable for development. The property is not designated as a floodplain and there are no critical areas on-site. As discussed in Finding of Fact 4, there are 48 significant trees on-site. Of these, 19 trees would be excluded from the tree retention requirements because of their location in the proposed rights of way or access easements (11 trees) or because they are dead and/or dangerous (8 trees). The remaining 29 trees are subject to the 30% tree retention requirement. The Applicant must retain at least 9 trees on site or mitigate the removal of trees by planting new trees. This project will be conditioned to comply with RMC 4-4-130 wherein the Applicant shall provide an updated tree retention worksheet, tree retention plan and planting plan for review and approval by the Current Planning Project Manager prior to construction permit issuance. RMC 4-7-140: Approval of all subdivisions located in either single family residential or multi- family residential zones as defined in the Zoning Code shall be contingent upon the subdivider's dedication of land or providing fees in lieu of dedication to the City, all as necessary to mitigate the adverse effects of development upon the existing park and recreation service levels. The requirements and procedures for this mitigation shall be per the City of Renton Parks Mitigation Resolution. 10. The MDNS requires the payment of Park and Recreation Impact fees. 25 RMC 4-7-150(A): The proposed street system shall extend and create connections between existing 26 streets unless otherwise approved by the Public Works Department. Prior to approving a street system that does not extend or connect, the Reviewing Official shall find that such exception shall PRELIMINARY PLAT - 11 I 0 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 meet the requirements of subsection E3 of this Section. The roadway classifications shall be as defined and designated by the Department. 11. The internal road, Road A will connect Vesta Avenue NE to Yakima Avenue NE. RMC 4-7-150(B): All proposed street names shall be approved by the City. 12. As conditioned. RMC 4-7-150(C): Streets intersecting with existing or proposed public highways, major or secondary arterials shall be held to a minimum. 13. There is no intersection with a public highway or major or secondary arterial. RMC 4-7-150(D): The alignment of all streets shall be reviewed and approved by the Public Works Department. The street standards set by RMC 4-6-060 shall apply unless otherwise approved. Street alignment offsets of less than one hundred twenty five feet (125) are not desirable, but may be approved by the Department upon a showing of need but only after provision of all necessary safety measures. 14. As discussed in Finding of Fact 4, the Public Works Department has reviewed and approved the street alignment. RMC 4-7-150(E): 1. Grid: A grid street pattern shall be used to connect existing and new development and shall be the predominant street pattern in any subdivision permitted by this Section. 2. Linkages: Linkages, including streets, sidewalks, pedestrian or bike paths, shall be provided within and between neighborhoods when they can create a continuous and interconnected network of roads and pathways. Implementation of this requirement shall comply with Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element Objective T -A and Policies T-9 through T-16 and Community Design Element, Objective CD -Mand Policies CD -50 and CD -60. 3. Exceptions: a. The grid pattern may be adjusted to a `flexible grid" by reducing the number of linkages or the alignment between roads, where the following factors are present on site: i. Infeasible due to topographical/environmental constraints; and/or ii. Substantial improvements are existing. PRELIMINARY PLAT - 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 4. Connections: Prior to adoption of a complete grid street plan, reasonable connections that link existing portions of the grid system shall be made. At a minimum, stub streets shall be required within subdivisions to allow future connectivity. 5. Alley Access: Alley access is the preferred street pattern except for properties in the Residential Low Density land use designation. The Residential Low Density land use designation includes the RC, R-1, and R-4 zones. Prior to approval of a plat without alley access, the Reviewing Official shall evaluate an alley layout and determine that the use of alley(s) is not feasible... 6. Alternative Configurations: Offset or loop roads are the preferred alternative configurations. 7. Cul -de -Sac Streets: Cul-de-sac streets may only be permitted by the Reviewing Official where due to demonstrable physical constraints no future connection to a larger street pattern is physically possible. 15. The project provides a grid connection by connecting the internal street, Road A, to Vesta Avenue NE and Yakima Avenue NE. The Applicant will provide sidewalks along its frontage of both Vesta Avenue NE and Yakima Avenue NE as well as on both sides of internal Road A. RMC 4-7-150(F): All adjacent rights-of-way and new rights-of-way dedicated as part of the plat, including streets, roads, and alleys, shall be graded to their full width and the pavement and sidewalks shall be constructed as specified in the street standards or deferred by the Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator or his/her designee. 16. As conditioned. WC 4-7-150(G): Streets that may be extended in the event of future adjacent platting shall be required to be dedicated to the plat boundary line. Extensions of greater depth than an average lot shall be improved with temporary turnarounds. Dedication of a full -width boundary street shall be required in certain instances to facilitate future development. 17. There are no further street extensions possible for the proposed subdivision. RMC 4-7-170(A): Insofar as practical, side lot lines shall be at right angles to street lines or radial to curved street lines. 18. As depicted in Ex. 2, the side lines are in conformance with the requirement quoted above. RMC 4-7-170(B): Each lot must have access to a public street or road. Access may be by private access easement street per the requirements of the street standards. 19. As previously determined, each lot has access to a public street or road. PRELIMINARY PLAT - 13 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 RMC 4-7-170(C): The size, shape, and orientation of lots shall meet the minimum area and width requirements of the applicable zoning classification and shall be appropriate for the type of development and use contemplated. Further subdivision of lots within a plat approved through the provisions of this Chapter must be consistent with the then -current applicable maximum density requirement as measured within the plat as a whole. 20. As previously determined, the proposed lots comply with the zoning standards of the R-4 zone, which includes area, width and density. RMC 4-7-170(D): Width between side lot lines at their foremost points (i.e., the points where the side lot lines intersect with the street right-of-way line) shall not be less than eighty percent (8001o) of the required lot width except in the cases of (1) pipestem lots, which shall have a minimum width of twenty feet (20) and (2) lots on a street curve or the turning circle of cul-de-sac (radial lots), which shall be a minimum of thirty five feet (35). 21. As shown in Ex. 2, the requirement is satisfied. RMC 4-7-170(E): All lot corners at intersections of dedicated public rights-of-way, except alleys, shall have minimum radius offifteen feet (15). 22. As conditioned. RMC 4-7-190(A): Due regard shall be shown to all natural features such as large trees, watercourses, and similar community assets. Such natural features should be preserved, thereby adding attractiveness and value to the property. 23. As discussed in Finding of Fact No. 5, there are no critical areas on site. Significant trees are proposed for retention, where feasible on-site. RMC 4-7-200(A): Unless septic tanks are specifically approved by the Public Works Department and the King County Health Department, sanitary sewers shall be provided by the developer at no cost to the City and designed in accordance with City standards. Side sewer lines shall be installed eight feet (8) into each lot if sanitary sewer mains are available, or provided with the subdivision development. 24. As conditioned. RMC 4-7-200(B): An adequate drainage system shall be provided for the proper drainage of all surface water. Cross drains shall be provided to accommodate all natural water flow and shall be of sufficient length to permit full -width roadway and required slopes. The drainage system shall be designed per the requirements of RMC 4-6-030, Drainage (Surface Water) Standards. The drainage system shall include detention capacity for the new street areas. Residential plats shall also include PRELIMINARY PLAT - 14 1 2 3 M 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 detention capacity for future development of the lots. Water quality features shall also be designed to provide capacity for the new street paving for the plat. 25. The proposal, as conditioned, provides for adequate drainage that is in conformance with applicable City drainage standards as determined in Finding of Fact No. 4c. A condition of approval will require the drainage facilities to comply with the City's fifteen conditions included in the stormwater adjustment granted by the City of Renton Surface Water Utility Supervisor dated October 31, 2012 (Exhibit 19). RMC 4-7-200(C): The water distribution system including the locations of fire hydrants shall be designed and installed in accordance with City standards as defined by the Department and Fire Department requirements. 26. As conditioned. RMC 4-7-200(D): All utilities designed to serve the subdivision shall be placed underground. Any utilities installed in the parking strip shall be placed in such a manner and depth to permit the planting of trees. Those utilities to be located beneath paved surfaces shall be installed, including all service connections, as approved by the Department. Such installation shall be completed and approved prior to the application of any surface material. Easements may be required for the maintenance and operation of utilities as specified by the Department. 27. As conditioned. RMC 4-7-200(E): Any cable TV conduits shall be undergrounded at the same time as other basic utilities are installed to serve each lot. Conduit for service connections shall be laid to each lot line by subdivider as to obviate the necessity for disturbing the street area, including sidewalks, or alley improvements when such service connections are extended to serve any building. The cost of trenching, conduit, pedestals and/or vaults and laterals as well as easements therefore required to bring service to the development shall be borne by the developer and/or land owner. The subdivider shall be responsible only for conduit to serve his development. Conduit ends shall be elbowed to final ground elevation and capped. The cable TV company shall provide maps and specifications to the subdivider and shall inspect the conduit and certify to the City that it is properly installed. 28. As conditioned. RMC 4-7-210: A. MONUMENTS: PRELIMINARY PLAT - 15 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Concrete permanent control monuments shall be established at each and every controlling corner of the subdivision. Interior monuments shall be located as determined by the Department. All surveys shall be per the City of Renton surveying standards. I B. SURVEY. - All other lot corners shall be marked per the City surveying standards. C. STREET SIGNS: The subdivider shall install all street name signs necessary in the subdivision. 29. As conditioned. DECISION The proposed preliminary plat is approved, subject to the following conditions: 1. The Applicant shall comply with the four mitigation measures issued as part of the Determination of Non -Significance Mitigated, dated October 15, 2012. 2. Pursuant to the Flow Control BMP reduction; the proposed 45 percent impervious surface limitation shall be recorded on the face of the final plat. 3. A final detailed landscape plan shall be submitted to and approved by the Current Planning Project Manager prior to construction permit issuance, including but not limited to a larger maturing tree along Road A and shrubs and ground cover located in the on-site landscape strips. 4. The Applicant shall provide an updated tree retention worksheet, tree retention plan and planting plan that meet the minimum retention and/or replacement requirements of RMC 4-4- 130. The plan sets and worksheet shall be submitted to the Current Planning Project Manager for review and approval prior to construction permit issuance. 5. The Applicant shall provide fully sight obscuring screening landscaping along the perimeter of Tract A. A landscaping plan shall be submitted for review and approval by the Current Planning Project Manager prior to Construction Permit issuance. Screening landscaping shall be required to be installed and inspected prior to final plat recording. PRELIMINARY PLAT - 16 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 6. The Applicant shall comply with the fifteen conditions included in the stormwater adjustment granted by the City of Renton Surface Water Utility Supervisor dated October 31, 2012 (Exhibit 19). 7. Prior to demolition of the existing structures, the Applicant shall ensure rodents or other pests living with the structures are exterminated. 8. City staff shall investigate the site distance issues raised by Ms. High as summarized in her testimony in the Testimony section of this decision and, if any safety problems are discovered, shall condition the project as reasonably necessary to provide for safe site distance. 9. All proposed street names shall be approved by the City. 10. All adjacent rights-of-way and new rights-of-way dedicated as part of the plat, including streets, roads, and alleys, shall be graded to their full width and the pavement and sidewalks shall be constructed as specified in the street standards or deferred by the Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator or his/her designee. 11. Unless septic tanks are specifically approved by the Public Works Department and the King County Health Department, sanitary sewers shall be provided by the developer at no cost to the City and designed in accordance with City standards. Side sewer lines shall be installed eight feet (8') into each lot if sanitary sewer mains are available, or provided with the subdivision development. 12. All lot corners at intersections of dedicated public rights-of-way, except alleys, shall have minimum radius of fifteen feet (15'). 13. The water distribution system including the locations of fire hydrants shall be designed and installed in accordance with City standards as defined by the Department and Fire Department requirements. 14. All utilities designed to serve the subdivision shall be placed underground. Any utilities installed in the parking strip shall be placed in such a manner and depth to permit the planting of trees. Those utilities to be located beneath paved surfaces shall be installed, including all service connections, as approved by the Department. Such installation shall be completed and approved prior to the application of any surface material. Easements may be required for the maintenance and operation of utilities as specified by the Department. PRELIMINARY PLAT - 17 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 15. Any cable TV conduits shall be undergrounded at the same time as other basic utilities are installed to serve each lot. Conduit for service connections shall be laid to each lot line by Applicant as to obviate the necessity for disturbing the street area, including sidewalks, or alley improvements when such service connections are extended to serve any building. The cost of trenching, conduit, pedestals and/or vaults and laterals as well as easements therefore required to bring service to the development shall be borne by the developer and/or land owner. The Applicant shall be responsible only for conduit to serve his development. Conduit ends shall be elbowed to final ground elevation and capped. The cable TV company shall provide maps and specifications to the Applicant and shall inspect the conduit and certify to the City that it is properly installed. 16. The Applicant shall install all street name signs necessary in the subdivision. DATED this 29th day of November, 2012. Phil A. Olbrechts City of Renton Hearing Examiner Appeal Right and Valuation Notices RMC 4-8-110(E)(9) provides that the final decision of the hearing examiner is subject to appeal to the Renton City Council. RMC 4-8-110(E)(9) requires appeals of the hearing examiner's decision to be filed within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date of the hearing examiner's decision. A request for reconsideration to the hearing e examiner may also be filed within this 14 day appeal period as identified in RMC 4-8-110(E)(8) and RMC 4-8-100(G)(4). A new fourteen (14) day appeal period shall commence upon the issuance of the reconsideration. Additional information regarding the appeal process may be obtained from the City Clerk's Office, Renton City Hall — 7th floor, (425) 430-6510. Affected property owners may request a change in valuation for property tax purposes notwithstanding any program of revaluation. PRELIMINARY PLAT - 18