Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRE19-000328_SD2453 Sunset Relo_Meeting SummaryPREAPPLICATION MEETING FOR SD2453 Sunset RELO PRE 19-000328 CITY OF RENTON Department of Community & Economic Development Planning Division January 16, 2020 Contact Information: Planner: Brittany Gillia, 425.430.7246, bgillia@rentonwa.gov Public Works Plan Reviewer: Scott Warlick, 425.430.7216, swarlick@rentonwa.gov Fire Prevention Reviewer: Corey Thomas, 425.276.9582, cthomas@RentonRFA.org Building Department Reviewer: Craig Burnell, 425.430.7290 Please retain this packet throughout the course of your project as a reference. Consider giving copies of it to any engineers, architects, and contractors who work on the project. You will need to submit a copy of this packet when you apply for land use and/or environmental permits. Pre-screening: When you have the project application ready for submittal, call and schedule an appointment with the project manager to have it pre-screened before formal submittal. The pre-application meeting is informal and non-binding. The comments provided on the proposal are based on the codes and policies in effect at the time of review. The applicant is cautioned that the development regulations are regularly amended and the proposal will be formally reviewed under the regulations in effect at the time of project submittal. The information contained in this summary is subject to modification and/or concurrence by official decision-makers (e.g., Hearing Examiner, Planning Director, Development Services Director, Department of Community & Economic Development Administrator, Public Works Administrator and City Council). DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT M E M O R A N D U M DATE: January 15th, 2020 TO: Brittany Gillia, Planner FROM: Scott Warlick, Engineering Specialist III SUBJECT: Sunset Relocation (AT&T) 3410 NE 12th St PRE19-000328 NOTE: The applicant is cautioned that information contained in this summary is preliminary and non - binding and may be subject to modification and/or concurrence by official City decision-makers. Review comments may also need to be revised based on site planning and other design changes required by City staff or made by the applicant. I have completed a preliminary review for the above -referenced proposal located at parcel(s) 0423059186. The following comments are based on the pre-application submittal made to the City of Renton by the applicant. FRANCHISE COMMENTS 1. If AT&T needs to access equipment within the city right of way, applicant will have to obtain a Franchise Permit. 2. The City of Renton will be accepting all franchise submittal applications electronically. The link below will take you to our submittal process. https://www.rentonwa.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=7922741&pageId=9688284 General Comments 1. 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. 2. Fees quoted in this document reflect the fees applicable in the year 2018 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. DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT M E M O R A N D U M DATE: January 16, 2020 TO: Pre-Application File No. 19-000328 FROM: Brittany Gillia, Assistant Planner SUBJECT: SD2453 Sunset RELO 3410 NE 12th St (PID 0423059186) General: We have completed a preliminary review of the pre-application for the above-referenced development proposal. The following comments on development and permitting issues are based on the pre-application submittals made to the City of Renton by the applicant and the codes in effect on the date of review. The applicant is cautioned that information contained in this summary may be subject to modification and/or concurrence by official decision-makers (e.g., Hearing Examiner, Community & Economic Development Administrator, Public Works Administrator, Planning Director, Development Services Director, and City Council). Review comments may also need to be revised based on site planning and other design changes required by City staff or made by the applicant. The applicant is encouraged to review all applicable sections of the Renton Municipal Code. Project Proposal: The applicant is proposing a new unstaffed wireless communication facility (WCF) on a water tower owned by the Renton Water Department. The subject property is located at 3410 NE 12th St, east of the intersection at NE Sunset Blvd and NE 12th St (PID 0423059186). The almost 5-acre site currently has large and small water utility-related facilities and private and public communication facilities. Vehicle access to the site is gained from NE 12th St at two points. The site is located in the Aquifer Protection Zone. Critical areas identified on-site are steep slopes surrounding the existing partially buried reservoirs. This proposal calls for the installation of several antennas, remoted radio heads (attached to or near the antennas), surge suppressors and a GPS antenna around the circumference of the water tank near other existing WCF antennae. In addition, the scope of work includes an 11’x15’ ground space to be leased for a walk in equipment closet and generator as well as an approximate 110’ below ground power/Telco conduit that leads from the lease area to the water tank, a fiber pedestal, and a utility pole. Primary power will be brought to the site from an existing abandoned meter base. Current Use: The project site is the location of a City of Renton water utility. The parcel has a number of large and small existing improvements including an elevated water tower, two partially buried water storage reservoirs, booster pump station, a few small structures, power generator, existing antennas fo r wireless companies, and a radio tower. Zoning: The property is located within the Residential High Density (RHD) land use designation and the Residential- 10 du/ac (R-10) zoning classification. The project would be subject to RCM 4-4-140, “Wireless Communication Facilities” as well as RMC 4-2-110A, “Development Standards for Residential Zoning Designations” effective at the time of complete application (noted as “R-10 standards” herein). Camouflaged wireless communication facilities are allowed within the R-10 zoning classification designation with an approved Administrative Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Development Standards: Standards and requirements for all types of wireless communication facilities are contained in RMC 4-4-140F: Maximum Height – All wireless communication facilities shall comply with RMC 4-3-020, Airport Related Height and Use Restrictions. Concealed and/or camouflaged WCFs erected on a rooftop may extend up to sixteen feet (16') above the allowed zone height. Compliance with this requirement will be reviewed at the time of either formal land use application or building permit application. Visual Impact – Site location and development shall preserve the pre-existing character of the surrounding buildings and landscape to the extent consistent with the function of the communications equipment. Towers, antennas and related equipment shall be uniformly painted a non-reflective neutral color that best matches the colors within the immediately surrounding built and natural landscape in order to reduce the contrast between the WCF and the landscape. The proposal does not include any plan to paint, or camouflage the existing tower, nor any proposed change to landscaping or vegetation. Compliance with these requirements will be reviewed at the time of either formal land use application or building permit application. Maximum Noise Levels – No equipment shall be operated so as to produce noise in levels above forty five (45) decibels as measured from the nearest property line on which the wireless communication facility is located. Operation of a back-up power generator in the event of power failure or the testing of a back-up generator between eight o’clock (8:00) a.m. and nine o’clock (9:00) p.m. are exempt from this standard. No testing of back -up generators shall occur between the hours of nine o’clock (9:00) p.m. and eight o’clock (8:00) a.m. Fencing – Security fencing shall be required and shall be painted or coated with a non-reflective neutral color. Fencing shall comply with the requirements listed in RMC 4-4-040, Fences, Hedges, and Retaining Walls. The existing water utility site is fenced at the property edges. The application did not indicate if additional fencing was proposed. Lighting – Towers or antennas shall not be artificially lighted, unless required by the FAA or other applicable authority. If lighting is required, the Administrator may review the available lighting alternatives and approve the design that would cause the least disturbance to the surrounding views. Security lighting for the equipment shelters or cabinets and other on-the-ground ancillary equipment is also permitted, as long as it is appropriately down shielded to keep light within the boundaries of the compound. Advertising Prohibited – No lettering, symbols, images, or trademarks large enough to be legible to occupants of vehicular traffic on any abutting roadway shall be placed on or affixed to any part of a WCF tower, antenna array or antenna, other than as required by FCC regulations regarding tower registration or other applicable law. Antenna arrays designed and approved to be located on or within signs or billboards as a stealth tower, or a concealed or camouflaged WCF, shall not be construed to be in violation of this prohibition. Building Standards – Support structures shall be constructed so as to meet or exceed the most recent Electronic Industries Association/Telecommunications Industries Association (EIA/TIA) 222 Revision G Standard entitled: “Structural Standards for Steel Antenna Towers and Antenna Supporting Structures” (or equivalent). Prior to issuance of a building permit the Building Official shall be provided with an engineer’s certification that the support structure’s design meets or exceeds those standards. (Ord. 5675, 12-3-2012) Radio Frequency Standards – The applicant shall ensure that the wireless communication facility (WCF) will not cause localized interference with the reception of area television or radio broadcasts. If the City finds that the WCF interferes with such reception, and if such interference is not remedied within thirty (30) calendar days, the City may revoke or modify a Building and/or Conditional Use Permit. Camouflaged Wireless Communication Facility Standards: Additions or modifications to buildings shall complement the existing design, bulk, scale, and symmetry of the building, and minimize the addition of bulk and clutter. Camouflaged WCFs shall adhere to the following standards: Architectural Integration – Antennas may be mounted to a building if the antennas do not interrupt the building’s architectural theme. a. When feasible, camouflaged WCFs shall employ a symmetrical, balanced design for all facade-mounted antennas. For multiple deployments on one structure, subsequent applications will be required to provide for consistent design, architectural treatment and symmetry in placing antennas on the structure’s exterior with any existing WCFs on the same side of the structure. b. When feasible, interruption of architectural lines or horizontal or vertical reveals is prohibited. Materials – a. Mounting Hardware: Utilize the smallest mounting brackets necessary in order to provide the smallest offset from the building. b. Concealment: Utilize skirts or shrouds on the sides and bottoms of antennas in order to conceal mounting hardware, create a cleaner appearance, and minimize the visual impact of the antennas. Exposed cabling is prohibited. c. Paint: Paint and texture antennas to match the adjacent building surfaces. Antennas – a. Antennas shall be no longer or wider than the facade on which they are proposed. b. When panel antennas are unscreened, they shall be mounted no more than twelve inches (12") from the building facade. c. No exposed mounting apparatus shall remain on a building facade without the associated antennas. Equipment Shelters/Cabinets: Location: Equipment shelters and cabinets used to house related equipment should be located within buildings or placed underground, unless it is infeasible. However, in those cases where it can be demonstrated by the applicant that the equipment cannot be located in buildings or underground, equipment shelters or cabinets shall be screened to the Administrator’s satisfaction. Based on the project narrative is appears the equipment shelters would be placed within a building. Screening: Equipment shelters and cabinets shall be surrounded by a fifteen-foot (15') wide sight-obscuring landscape buffer along the outside perimeter of required security fencing with a minimum height that is no less than the height of the compound fence at any point; however, existing topography, vegetation and other site characteristics may provide relief from the screening requirement. The required landscaped areas shall include an automated irrigation system, unless the applicant is able to justify an exception to this requirement to the Administrator’s satisfaction. Related equipment facilities shall not be enclosed with exposed metal surfaces. A landscape plan shall be provided with the CUP application to identify compliance with this standard. Size: The applicant shall provide documentation that the size of any equipment shelters or cabinets is the minimum necessary to meet the provider’s service needs, and meets any size requirements of this Code. The area of the compound may be greater than is necessary in order to accommodate future collocations, but the area reserved for future equipment shelters/cabinets shall be the minimum necessary for the documented WCF capacity. Generators shall comply with the following standards: i. Architectural integration is required (if applicable). ii. To the extent feasible, generators shall be enclosed along with the related equipment. Similar to equipment shelters, the screening for the generator shall utilize similar building materials, colors, accents, and textures as the primary building; if no buildings exist on site, ensure that the building is designed to blend in with the environment. iii. A screening wall and/or landscaping material shall be required to mitigate visual impacts. iv. Fences shall be constructed of materials that complement and blend in with the surroundings. v. Anti-graffiti finish shall be applied to all solid fences, walls, and gates. vi. A noise analysis shall be required to demonstrate that the generator will operate within allowed noise limits if the generator is the sole power source. Significant Tree Retention: If significant trees (greater than 6-inch caliper or 8-caliper inches for alders and cottonwoods) are proposed to be removed, a tree inventory, tree retention plan, arborist report, and tree retention worksheet shall be provided with the formal land use application as defined in RMC 4-8-120. The tree retention plan must show preservation of at least 30% of significant trees, and indicate how proposed building footprints would be sited to accommodate preservation of significant trees that would be retained (RMC 4-4-130.H.1.a). When the required number of protected trees cannot be retained, replacement trees, with at least a two-inch (2") caliper or an evergreen at least six feet (6') tall, shall be planted at a rate of twelve (12) caliper inches of new trees to replace each protected tree removed. The Administrator may authorize the planting of replacement trees on the site if it can be demonstrated to the Administrator's satisfaction that an insufficient number of trees can be retained. Compliance with tree retention standards will be reviewed at the time of either formal land use application or building permit application. Access – Driveway widths are limited by the driveway standards in RMC 4-4080I. Access to the site may be gained from the two existing access points on NE 12th St. The applicant has not proposed any changes to the site access. Driveways and access roads may not be greater than 15% slope. Critical Areas: Steep slopes are located on site or within 50 feet of the site. Due to the presence of Geological Hazards on site, a geotechnical study may be required to be provided by a qualified professional. The study shall demonstrate that the proposal will not increase the threat of the geological hazard to adjacent properties beyond the pre-development conditions, the proposal will not adversely impact other critical areas, and the development can be safely accommodated on the site. In addition, the study shall assess soil conditions and detail construction measures to assure building stability. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ascertain whether any additional critical areas or environmental concerns are present on the site during site development or building construction. Environmental Review: The subject project is categorically exempt from Environmental (SEPA) Review Conditional Use Permit: The following materials are the minimum required to complete a review of any WCF: 1. Technical Analysis: a. Site Justification Letter: This report shall justify the need or requirement for the proposed WCF location and design. An analysis of other available sites shall be included as well as determination as to why these sites were not selected. b. Justification Map: A map identifying the zoning districts, search area, alternative sites, the selected site, and all existing and approved WCFs within a one-half (1/2) mile radius. c. Coverage Map: Map(s) identifying the proposed target coverage that illustrate the coverage prior to and after the installation. d. Noise Report: For projects proposed adjacent to residential uses when generators, air conditioning units, or other noise-generating devices are utilized. 2. Photo Simulations: Photo simulations shall be required with each plan set. The photo simulations shall illustrate the proposed WCF from at least four (4) vantage points and show the existing view (without the proposed WCF) and proposed view (with the proposed WCF) from each vantage point. 3. Method of Attachment/Cabling: Dimensioned details shall be provided of antennas and mounting hardware used to attach the antennas to the structure. 4. Visual Mitigation: Any concealment/integration techniques proposed shall be fully explained, illustrated and detailed. The following criteria shall be considered in determining whether to issue a Conditional Use Permit for a wireless communication facility; however, the Administrator may waive or reduce the burden on the applicant of one or more of these criteria if the Administrator concludes that the goals of RMC 4-4-140, Wireless Communication Facilities, are better served by: a. Height and Design: The height of the proposed tower and/or antenna as well as incorporation of design characteristics that have the effect of reducing or eliminating visual obtrusiveness. b. Proximity to Surrounding Uses: The nature of uses on adjacent and nearby properties and the proximity of the tower and/or antenna to residential structures and residential district boundaries. c. Nature of Surrounding Uses: The nature of uses on adjacent and nearby properties. The proposed use at the proposed location shall not result in substantial or undue adverse effects on adjacent property. d. Topography and Vegetation: The surrounding topography and tree canopy coverage. e. Ingress/Egress: The proposed ingress and egress. f. Impacts: The potential noise, light, glare, and visual impacts. g. Collocation Feasibility: The availability of suitable existing towers and other structures to accommodate the proposal. h. Consistency with Plans and Regulations: The compatibility with the general purpose, goals, objectives and standards of the Comprehensive Plan, this Title, and any other City plan, program, map or ordinance. i. Landscaping: Additional landscaping may be required to buffer adjacent properties from potentially adverse effects of the proposed use. (Ord. 5675, 12-3-2012) Permit Requirements: The 2020 Conditional Use Permit application fee is $1,580.00. There is an additional 5% technology fee at the time of land use application. Detailed information regarding the land use application submittal can be found on the City’s website by clicking “City Documents” on the home screen, then “CED Forms”. All forms are in alphabetical order. The City now requires electronic plan submittal for all applications. The City’s Electronic File Standards can also be found on the City’s website. Public Notice: Public Information Signs are required for all Type II Land Use Permits (Administrative Conditional Use Permit), as classified by RMC 4-8-080. Public Information Signs are intended to inform the public of potential land development, specific permits/actions being considered by the City, and to facilitate timely and effective public participation in the review process. The applicant must follow the specifications provided in the public information sign handout (see land use forms on City website). The applicant is solely responsible for the construction, installation, maintenance, removal, and any costs associated with the sign. The City has implemented electronic plan review for all applications. The City’s Electronic File Standards can also be found on the City’s website at: https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/Browse.aspx?startid=867190&cr=1 Note: When the formal application materials are complete, the applicant is strongly encouraged to contact Brittany Gillia for a pre-screening appointment prior to submitting the complete application package. Please contact Brittany Gillia, Assistant Planner, at bgillia@rentonwa.gov or 425-430-7246 for an appointment.