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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOW 2013-10-14 ITEM 4B - COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMPLETE EXHIBITS A-FCHAPTER THIRTEEN TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT EXHIBIT A TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ELEMENT 13 TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTATION WHAT YOU WILL FIND IN THIS CHAPTER: • A description of the existing transportation network in Tukwila; • A discussion of how transportation planning and land use are related • A discussion of how demand on the transportation network is managed; and • Goals and Policies for providing adequate levels of service. PURPOSE To provide safe and efficient movement of people and goods to, from, within, and through Tukwila. The Transportation Element establishes Tukwila's transportation goals and policies for the 20 -year planning period. It provides direction for transportation decisions regarding annual plan updates, including: — The Six -Year Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP); — The Six -Year Capital Improvement Program and Financial Planning Model (CIP /FPM); — The annual budget; and — Infrastructure Design and Construction Standards. It is key in supporting community livability and economic vitality, as prioritized in Tukwila's Strategic Plan. It also provides guidance for development review and approval, land use and zoning decisions, and continuing transportation and maintenance programs. The Transportation Element establishes a basis for decision - making that is consistent with Washington's Growth Management Act, King County's Countywide Planning Policies, and the Puget Sound Regional Council's (PSRC) Transportation 2040. The specific requirements of each of these plans are fulfilled by the City of Tukwila Background Report for the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan Update (hereafter referred to in this element as the Background Report), and summarized herein. The Background Report, Walk and Roll Nonmotorized Transportation Plan, Tukwila Transit Plan, Commute Trip Reduction Plan, Growth and Transportation Efficiency Center Plan, the annually- updated six -year Transportation Improvement Plan, six -year CIP /FPM, and the budget are all adopted by reference in the Tukwila Comprehensive Plan. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 13 -2 ELEMENT 13 TRANSPORTATION ISSUES Tukwila's diverse transportation system includes freeways, highways, arterial streets, access streets, bus, light rail, commuter rail transit service, Amtrak passenger rail service, sidewalks, trails, and neighborhood footpaths. In addition, Sea-Tac International Airport and Boeing Field provide air transportation for general, commercial, and business aviation. The Duwamish River provides water access to Elliott Bay and beyond. The City's road and rail network enables freight and rail transportation within and through the city. Future Tukwila transportation system additions include Bus Rapid Transit. A detailed inventory of the existing transportation system in Tukwila is contained in the Background Report. (Fehr & Peers, May 2012) The major transportation issues facing Tukwila include the following: • Physical and geographic barriers that challenge connectivity throughout the City. Physical barriers include the valley wall, the Green /Duwamish River, and highways that separate portions of the City from each other, increasing emergency services response times and cost. Residents value quiet neighborhood streets that exist in an incomplete or disconnected street system. With relatively few "through "streets, many vehicles use the streets that do connect, burdening the adjacent properties and residents. The large volume of vehicles on through- streets also makes it more difficult to walk to destinations such as schools, libraries or shopping. • Limited funding to satisfy competing priorities. — Increasing connectivity is very costly given the need to acquire new rights -of -way, conducting engineering studies and design, and construction costs. — Criteria for grant funding are most often targeted to Tukwila's Urban Center or the Manufacturing /Industrial Center because these are the locations where significant employment and residential growth are planned and are supported by regional plans. — There are unmet needs in other areas of the City, including streets that do not meet City standards and it is unlikely that the roads would be improved by new development in these already developed areas. • Reliance on regional agencies, such as the Port of Seattle, Metro and Sound Transit, to serve local needs. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 13 -3 ELEMENT 13 TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTATION AND LAND USE The Transportation Element supports the City's Land Use Element. It demonstrates how the City will maintain and preserve the existing network, as well as address deficiencies while demonstrating how planned growth will be accommodated over the next 20 years per the Office of Financial Management (OFM) and PSRC forecasts. The household and job forecasts for Tukwila are for an additional 4,860 households and 27,670 jobs by the year 2030, with most of that occurring in the Southcenter, Tukwila International Boulevard and Tukwila South mixed use commercial areas. To plan for land use and transportation changes associated with this growth, these households and jobs are assigned to Traffic Analysis Zones (TAZs) based on the availability of vacant and redevelopable lands. (Maps 13 -1 and 13 -2) Employment forecasts in the Transportation Element and used for the Transportation Demand Model that include 27,670 additional jobs from 2010 -2030, are nearly double the growth that current growth targets and forecasts represent (i.e., 15,500 additional jobs by 2031). The Transportation Demand Model was developed using employment forecast information available at the time. Since then, the employment forecast has been revised downward significantly due to the effects of the great recession on the regional economy. In addition, current forecasts are based to a greater degree on adopted King County Growth Targets for Tukwila. The City will revise the employment forecast and land use assumptions in the Transportation Element for consistency with land use - related elements and adopted growth targets during the next scheduled Transportation Demand Model update in 2016. GOAL 13.1 GENERAL Tukwila's transportation network provides for safe and efficient movement of people and goods to, from, within, and through Tukwila. GENERAL TRANSPORTATION POLICIES 13.1.1 Prioritize safety in an ongoing monitoring program. 13.1.2 Focus on transportation efficiency by maximizing the movement of people with streets that are designed to be safe for all transportation modes, accommodating existing land uses while designing for the future. 13.1.3 Balance travel efficiency, safety, and quality -of -life in residential areas through creative roadway design. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 13 -4 ELEMENT 13 TRANSPORTATION ;Seattle Lake Washinvton King County King County 10.5 0.25 0 Kent O Map 13 -1: Projected Household Growth Projected Household Growth by Traffic Analysis Zone 2010 -2030 Legend CityLimits Household Growth F-10- 15 ®16 -50 E-151 - 100 77 101 - 200 201 and above TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 13 -5 ELEMENT 13 TRANSPORTATION Lake\ Washin ton Seattle King County King County 10.5 0.25 0 • • Kent 405 v Map 13 -2: Projected Employment Growth Projected Employment Growth by Traffic Analysis Zone 2010 -2030 Legend -_ -� CityLimits Employment Growth DO -50 51 -200 201 -450 451 - 1500 1501 and above TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 13 -6 ELEMENT 13 WHAT ARE THE KING CO COUNTYWIDE PLANNIN The Countywide Planning Po of policies that address grow in King County. The County Policies provide a county-wic a framework each juri when developing its own cor UNTY G POLICIES? licies are a series th management wide Planning de vision and ;diction can use nprehensive plan. HOW DO THE COUNTYWIDE PLANNING POLICIES AFFECT TRANSPORTATION PLANNING IN TUKWILA? Because each city's comprehensive plan must be consistent with the overall County policy framework, Tukwila has incorporated some of the Countywide Planning Policies into this element. For example, the Countywide Planning Policies identify protection of the natural environment and transportation accessibility for non - drivers as regional priorities. The City has established policies 13.1.5 and 13.1.8 to address these needs. Other policies throughout this element will reference county -wide priorities and ensure thatTukwila's planning efforts are consistent with the overall transportation vision for King County. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 TRANSPORTATION 13.1.4 Support, encourage, and implement transportation programs and improvements that promote water quality and regional air quality. 13.1.5 Design and operate transportation facilities in a manner that is compatible with and integrated into the natural and built environments in which they are located. Incorporate features such as natural drainage, native plantings, and local design themes that facilitate integration and compatibility. 13.1.6 Continue to coordinate with surrounding jurisdictions and with regional and state agencies to finance and develop a multi -modal transportation system that enhances regional mobility and reinforces the countywide vision for managing growth. 13.1.7 Protect the transportation system (e.g. roadway, rail, transit, air, and marine) against major disruptions by developing maintenance, prevention and recovery strategies and by coordinating disaster response plans. 13.1.8 Address the need for a range of mobility options including walking, biking, transit and driving in the development and management of local and regional transportation systems. 13.1.9 Support, encourage, and implement programs and improvements that promote transit, foot, and bicycle access to community amenities, stores, and jobs. 13.1.10 Support car - share, bike -share and other alternatives to individual automobile ownership, to enhance sustainability. 13.1.11 Support electric vehicle charging stations and other alternative fuel sources, as available. PAGE 13 -7 TRANSPORTATION STREET CLASSIFICATIONS For street design and operation purposes, engineers classify streets into four categories: principal arterials, minor arterials, collector arterials, and local access streets. These four categories group streets according to whether they primarily provide access to properties or are purely for mobility. The differences in function result in different street widths, number of curb cuts /driveways allowed, speed limit, traffic controls, and other similar design and operation features. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 Implementation Strategies Ongoing monitoring of accidents and level of service, with associated engineering improvements or education/ outreach efforts to improve safety in target areas. Implement Traffic Calming Program. Implement Walk and Roll Non - motorized Transportation Plan. Implement Complete Streets. Implement Safe Routes to School. Implement Commute Trip Reduction Plan. Implement Growth and Transportation Efficiency Centers Plan. Develop Low Impact Development /Green Streets strategies. GOAL 13.2 STREET NETWORK The public street network has a hierarchy of street designs that serve pedestrian and vehicle safety, traffic movement, and adjacent land use. STREET NETWORK POLICIES 13.2.1 Develop a street network plan that augments the existing system of streets, breaks up super - blocks in non - residential areas, designs connecting through streets in all areas, and provides functional separation of traffic through new streets. 13.2.2 Prioritize residential local access through- streets, minimizing cul -de -sacs. PAGE 13 -8 ELEMENT 13 TRANSPORTATION 13.2.3 Create or require the creation of non - motorized connections in lieu of streets where local access through streets are not feasible, such as on steep hillsides or where property owners resist streets. 13.2.4 Require street improvement projects and development improvements to be in accordance with the general Functional Street System Standards or subarea plans and require an engineering study. 13.2.5 Require all new streets, street improvements, property developments and property improvements to provide sidewalks and other non - motorized infrastructure consistent with adopted standards and subarea plans. Property developments and improvements in commercial areas shall provide direct pedestrian access from sidewalks to buildings, as well as to, from and between parking areas. 13.2.6 Incorporate proportionately greater neighborhood- enhancing elements in collector, minor arterial, and principle arterial design. These elements include collector lanes, wider sidewalks, separated sidewalks, and curbline trees. 13.2.7 Design residential access streets to provide at least the minimum capacity for emergency access and for slow traffic. 13.2.8 Design collector arterials with a two travel lane, local access road design to encourage slow but steady speeds. 13.2.9 Design streets, including retrofit projects, to accommodate a range of motorized and non - motorized travel modes in order to reduce injuries and fatalities, to provide access to services and to encourage non - motorized travel. The design should include well- defined, safe and appealing spaces for pedestrians and bicyclists. 13.2.10 Evaluate street improvement projects for the inclusion of features that support the Complete Streets policy and the Walk and Roll Plan in order to encourage walking, bicycling, and transit use. 13.2.11 Design intersections and sidewalks to promote pedestrian safety and foster walking as a viable mode of transportation. 13.2.12 Include roadside plantings whenever feasible for street and road improvement projects on slopes to help mitigate the land used for roadway and sidewalk improvements. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 13 -9 ELEMENT 13 WHAT IS TRANSPORTATION CONCURRENCY? TRANSPORTATION The Washington State Growth Management Act requires the City to ensure that transportation programs, projects and services needed to serve growth are regionally coordinated, and are in place either when new development occurs or within six years. This is done to make sure the City can provide the transportation Implementation Strategies • Implement sidewalk ordinance. • Implement subdivision ordinance. • Implement Street Network Plan. • Emergency vehicle criteria in street design standards. ▪ Prioritize neighborhood quality design features when reducing street facilities (e.g. removal of one lane of parking before removal of sidewalk). • Traffic Calming Program. • Develop methods to incentivize and encourage coordinated development between adjacent commercial properties, including shared driveways and direct vehicular access between parking lots. LEVEL OF SERVICE improvements needed to maintain its adopted standards of service and so that conditions do not degrade with the addition of the new households and workers in the City. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN The projected growth numbers in Tukwila and surrounding areas were used in the Background Report for the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan Update to anticipate traffic volumes and levels of service in 2030. The Level of Service (LOS) analysis is one of the ways the City plans and budgets for future transportation projects. The City balances the fiscal constraints of its financing plan for transportation programs and projects with planned growth and existing needs. To do this, Tukwila monitors LOS on arterial streets to examine the existing performance of the system and anticipated impacts of planned land use growth, to determine what adjustments will need to be made to maintain adopted LOS standards concurrent with new development. Properly applied and monitored, LOS standards for the transportation network ensure that mobility, vitality, and quality of life for the city is maintained. For the 2030 planning horizon, significant new capacity will be required to accommodate future growth throughout the city; although, the majority of the project capacity needs are in the Southcenter area. - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 13 -10 ELEMENT 13 TRANSPORTATION Traditionally, LOS has been used to evaluate vehicular flow with little regard to other forms of transportation such as pedestrians, bicycles, and transit. Building upon Tukwila's Walk and Roll Plan, the Complete Streets standard, and Transit Network Plan, the City is working to develop a Multi -Modal Level of Service (MMLOS) to help balance transportation goals across all modes of transportation. The City has identified Transit Priority Corridors as part of an analysis done for the Transit Network Plan and will continue to work closely with transit providers to achieve goals and policies related to transit service to serve existing needs and to accommodate future growth. AUTOMOBILE LOS In many ways, the existing performance of Tukwila's transportation system reflects how performance has historically been evaluated —with a strong bias towards auto travel. Automobile LOS is focused on setting an acceptable level of delay drivers can expect along a corridor or at a particular intersection. To see how the transportation system will function in the future, growth projections are incorporated into traffic models to determine future conditions along arterial streets and at intersections. Modeling results, along with a list of projects needed to maintain adopted LOS on arterial streets, are included in the Background Report.Tukwila's transportation system generally accommodates auto travel well, with just a handful of locations operating at a poor automobile LOS. NON - MOTORIZED LOS LOS for pedestrians and bicyclists is focused on measuring factors that impact the safety and comfort of pedestrians and bicycles rather than quantifying congestion and delay. In 2007 and 2008, Tukwila collected data on existing conditions for pedestrians and bicycle facilities on all arterial streets using the 2010 Highway Capacity Manual's Multi -Modal Level of Service (2010 HCM MMLOS) methodology. The 2010 HCM MM LOS did not produce results that could be used in a similar fashion as the automobile LOS, which categorizes minutes of delay into an A -F. The City needs to create or find a system for quantifying the conditions of pedestrian and bicycle facilities so that a goals based approach to prioritizing these projects is achieved. The City will continue to customize a non - motorized level of service measure to help achieve the City's vision of a more balanced mix of mobility options. TRANSIT LOS Transit service, both frequency and time -span of service, is an important aspect of a healthy transportation network. The City uses the Transit Capacity and Quality of Service Manual, published by the Transportation Research Board, as a methodology to measure level of service for transit. This recommended level of service methodology is included in the City's Transit Network Plan (Perteet 2004.) The Plan identified service frequency needs for the City and facility improvements necessary TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 13 -11 ELEMENT 13 TRANSPORTATION Table 13 -1 Service Frequency LOS: Urban Scheduled Transit Service Table 13 -2 Hours of Service LOS LOS Headway (min) Vehicle /hour Comments A <10 >6 Passengers don't need schedule B 10 -14 5 -6 Frequent service, passengers consult schedules C 15 -20 3 -4 Maximum desirable time to wait if bus /train missed D 21 -30 2 Service unattractive to choice riders E 31 -60 1 Service available during hour F >60 <1 Service unattractive to all riders Source: Transit Capacity and Quality of Service Manual, 2nd Edition, 2003 LOS Hours per Day Comments A 19 -24 Night or owl service provided B 17 -18 Late evening service provided C 14 -16 Early evening service provided D 12 -13 Daytime service provided E 4 -11 Peak hour service / limited midday service F 0 -3 Very limited or no service Source: Transit Capacity and Quality of Service Manual, 2nd Edition, 2003 for robust and effective transit service. Tables 13 -1 and 13 -2 illustrate LOS standards for transit service frequency and hours of service, respectively. King County Metro and Sound Transit provide transit service to Tukwila residents and businesses. At this time, the City is not the owner /operator of a transit service, therefore a minimum level of service standard cannot be enforced. However, Tukwila will encourage all transit providers to achieve and maintain a minimum LOS C and focus service within Tukwila's Transit Priority Corridors. Tukwila's goal is to have transit service every 15 -20 minutes throughout most of the day on its Transit Priority Corridors, including early evening. Table 13 -3 King County Transit Corridors in Tukwila Between And Via Major Route Federal Way SeaTac SR -599 A Line Kent Seattle CBD Tukwila 150 Tukwila Fairwood S 180th St, Carr Road 155 Renton Burien S 154th St 140 (F Line)* Tukwila Seattle CBD Pacific Hwy S, 4th Ave S 124 Admiral District Southcenter California Ave SW, Military Rd,TIBS 128 Tukwila Des Moines McMicken Heights, Sea -Tac 156 Auburn Burien Kent, SeaTac 180 TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 * Service scheduled to go into effect June 2014 PAGE 13 -12 ELEMENT 13 TRANSPORTATION The following is an assessment of existing transit service on Tukwila's Transit Priority Corridors: II King County Metro identifies eight corridors in Tukwila on which it has set target service levels (see Table 13 -3). Other bus routes not identified in Table 13 -3 also currently serve Tukwila. 11 During peak hours, King County Metro's target LOS on the eight major corridors as of 2011 is consistent with Tukwila's in terms of frequency, except for service from Tukwila to Fairwood and from Admiral District to Southcenter. However, most corridors are not served with frequent service throughout the day, with the exception of the Rapid Ride routes, including Rapid Ride A Line and the planned Rapid Ride F Line. II Link Light Rail, providing service between SeaTac Airport and Seattle, currently meets the City's LOS standard both in terms of frequency and time -span. (Sound Transit 2013 Service Implementation Plan, p.21) II There are currently nine northbound and nine southbound Sounder Trains providing service between Seattle and Lakewood, with a stop in Tukwila on the Sounder South Line. The Sounder South Line represents 90% of total Sounder ridership. Four new South Line round trips are being implemented beginning in September 2013. The preliminary draft schedule for Sounder South Line in fall of 2013 includes 20- minute headways for the peak hour of service, which will bring the South Line into conformance with the City's LOS in terms of frequency during the peak hour, but will not meet the City's LOS in terms of time span. (Sound Transit 2013 Service Implementation Plan, p. 29) GOAL 13.3 LEVEL OF SERVICE Traffic levels -of- service provide safe and efficient movement of pedestrians, bicycles, cars, buses and trucks and incorporate evolving, sustainable land use and traffic patterns. LEVEL -OF- SERVICE POLICIES 13.3.1 In general, use varied Level of Service Standards according to differing levels of development, desired character of streets, and growth management objectives. 13.3.2 Use adopted LOS standards to guide City improvement and development approval decisions. 13.3.3 Maintain adopted LOS standards in planning, development, and improvement decisions. 13.3.4 Provide capacity improvements or trip reduction measures so that the LOS standards are not exceeded. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 13 -13 ELEMENT 13 TRANSPORTATION 13.3.5 Evaluate impacts to LOS when reviewing private development proposals, and require mitigation and /or reduce or delay project impacts,if necessary in order to maintain adopted LOS standards. 13.3.6 Prioritize transportation choices that provide capacity mitigation (i.e. transit use, carpooling /rideshare, pedestrian and bicycle facilities.) After considering these priority improvements, consider other street capacity improvements (i.e. signal improvements, street widening) as a last resort. 13.3.7 Maintain a program to monitor congestion and evaluate the effectiveness of the LOS standards in providing a competitive business environment and adequate public safety response. AUTOMOBILE LEVEL OF SERVICE 13.3.8 Highways of Statewide significance (HSS), including Interstate 5 (1 -5), Interstate 405 (1 -405), and State Route 518 (SR -518), are exempt from concurrency requirements. 13.3.9 Use the following LOS standards to guide City improvement and development approval decisions: • The Southcenter area corridor average is not to exceed LOS E, except for the Strander Boulevard corridor and a portion of the Andover Park E corridors. Methods for computing the average LOS are described in the Background Report. • The Strander Boulevard corridor average is not to exceed LOS F with an average delay not to exceed 120 seconds. The Andover Park E corridor, between Tukwila Parkway and Strander Boulevard, is not to exceed LOS F with an average delay not to exceed 120 seconds. • All other non - residential arterial intersections are not to exceed LOS E. • The LOS of minor and collector arterials in predominantly residential areas is not to exceed LOS D for each specific arterial. • SR 181 (West Valley Highway) and SR 599, as state highways of regional significance, are subject to a Regional Level of Service Standard established by the Puget Sound Regional Council and WSDOT. Automobile level of service is not to exceed LOS E /Mitigated. • 1 -5, 1 -405, SR 518, and SR 99, as highways of statewide significance, are subject to a LOS standard established by WSDOT. Automobile level of service is not to exceed LOS D. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 13 -14 ELEMENT 13 TRANSPORTATION NON - MOTORIZED LEVEL OF SERVICE 13.3.10 Establish multi -modal levels of service consistent with planned development, the countywide vision for managing growth, Vision 2040 and Transportation 2040. 13.3.11 Use the Transportation Background Report, and the Walk and Roll Plan sidewalk prioritiza- tion scheme, planned trails, and bicycle - friendly routes network, in conjunction with this Plan's land use goals, to prioritize construction of new sidewalks, bike lanes, and trails. TRANSIT LEVEL OF SERVICE 13.3.12 Advocate for Tukwila representation on the boards of King County Metro and Sound Transit in order to influence service and policies that are effective for Tukwila. 13.3.13 Advocate through verbal and written testimony to King County Metro and Sound Transit to achieve and maintain a minimum LOS C (defined by headway, vehicles per hour, and hours of service) and work within Tukwila's Transit Priority Corridor Classification System. Implementation Strategies Implement concurrency ordinance. Monitor traffic volumes and levels of service. Implement Complete Streets. Implement Transportation Demand Management. Implement Commute Trip Reduction programs. Implement Capital Improvement Plan. Build on work done with the 2010 Highway Capacity Manual LOS to develop a multi -modal level of service standard that includes a calculated standard plus a qualitative element to address desired urban form. Update the analysis done for the Transit Network Plan as the basis for transit service advocacy for Tukwila. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 13 -15 ELEMENT 13 TRANSPORTATION TRANSIT The City ofTukwila strives to collaborate and cooperate with the region's transit providers in order to have convenient transit service to support and complement adjacent land uses. The goal of increasing overall transit ridership within the City ofTukwila drives the need for both service and capital improvements. Transit speed and reliability, improved passenger amenities, and access to transit service are all crucial for attracting and maintaining transit riders. King County Metro provides bus service throughout the City ofTukwila. Twelve different routes provide intra - Tukwila service and direct service to Burien, Kent, Auburn, Seattle, Renton, and West Seattle. Existing Route 140 is planned to be upgraded to Rapid Ride bus rapid transit, with associated facilities, in 2014. At this time, Sound Transit does not serve any destinations in Tukwila with Regional Express Bus service. Sounder, the regional commuter rail service, has a stop in Tukwila at the Tukwila Station, as does Amtrak regional passenger rail service. Sound Transit Link Light Rail is located in Tukwila, with service from SeaTac Airport to downtown Seattle. Extensions of Link Light Rail are planned to the north, south, and east. To achieve the goal of increased transit frequency and time span of service to Tukwila's activity centers and regional destinations, a multi -hub system and Transit Priority Corridor Classifications were developed, as shown on Map 13 -3. Transit Priority Corridors are those corridors where transit service currently exists. Activity centers are tied together by the Transit Priority Corridors, and include the Tukwila International Boulevard Link Light Rail Station, the Tukwila Commuter Rail /Amtrak Station, an improved Southcenter Transit Center, and a new link connecting the Tukwila Commuter Rail /Amtrak Station to areas near Westfield Mall at Southcenter. Improved routes and frequency feed into this multi -hub concept. Transit Priority Corridor Classifications identify transit corridor types by function, ideal transit operational characteristics, optimal adjacent land uses, and supporting physical design features of the public infrastructure. The classification system is designed to be flexible and assist quality decision - making. An inventory of present transit routes are contained in the Background Report. Recommendations for service changes and infrastructure needs are contained in the Tukwila Transit Plan. King County Metro and Sound Transit control changes to routes. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 13 -16 ELEMENT 13 TRANSPORTATION Lake Washington King County 204th St Map 13 -3: Transit Priority Corridors Transit Priority Corridor Classification Legend Transit Way Principal Corridor Minor Corridor Local Access Potential Transit Transit Center Park and Ride • Metro South Base Rail Lines Heavy Rail Light Rail 00 TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 13 -17 ELEMENT 13 TRANSPORTATION GOAL 13.4 TRANSIT Efficient transit capacity that will reduce single- occupancy - vehicle trips to, from, and through Tukwila and provide public transportation options for all Tukwila residents. TRANSIT POLICIES 13.4.1 Support and encourage the location of a light rail stop at Boeing Access Road. 13.4.2 Coordinate with the Washington State Department of Transportation to preserve and support the Amtrak Cascades stop in Tukwila. 13.4.3 Recommend and pursue a regional multi -modal center in conjunction with the Tukwila Commuter Rail /Amtrak Station and secondary pedestrian /bicycle /transit hubs elsewhere in the City. 13.4.4 Pursue amenities and funding in support of a pedestrian /bicycle route linking Westfield Mall at Southcenter to the Tukwila Commuter Rail /Amtrak Station. 13.4.5 Continue to provide assistance to King County Metro, Sound Transit, Washington State Department of Transportation, King County, and other agencies in increasing people - carrying capacity of vehicles and reducing trips. 13.4.6 Maintain a partnership with King County Metro in operation and maintenance of the Tukwila Transit Center. 13.4.7 Research and pursue a Southcenter area circulator service that would connect the Tukwila Station, the Transit Center, businesses, and attractions in and adjacent to the urban center with frequent service to encourage reduction of single- occupant vehicle trips, enhance the Southcenter area's image as a lifestyle center, and bring more customers to all businesses. 13.4.8 Encourage and support public transportation services, including: • Expanded dial -a -ride and fixed -route van service to areas that do not produce enough transit ridership to warrant a bus route; • Continued development of commuter and light rail, particularly with service to Southcenter and the Manufacturing /Industrial Center; and • Commute Trip Reduction service. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 13 -18 ELEMENT 13 TRANSPORTATION 13.4.9 The development and extension of any light rail or commuter rail system shall meet the following objectives: • Any commuter or light rail system serving Tukwila, Seattle, South King County and /or Sea -Tac Airport should be located in a manner which promotes the coordinated short - term and long -term use of alternative transportation systems, such as carpools, transit, biking, and walking. • Such systems shall be located so as to allow for future extensions to commuter and/ or light rail service to East King County and Southeast King County, and shall be coordinated with other transit service. • Such systems shall be located in a manner that provides multi -modal connections to Tukwila's urban center, Manufacturing and Industrial Center, and transit centers, so as to encourage development in the manner contemplated by this Plan and the Countywide Planning Policies. Implementation Strategies Implement Commute Trip Reduction Program. Implement Commute Trip Reduction Plan. Implement Growth and Transportation Efficiency Center Plan. Implement Walk and Roll Plan and Design Report for the Walk and Roll Plan. Encourage transit providers to meet minimum level of service standards. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 13 -19 1 ELEMENT 13 TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT Transportation Demand Management (TDM) emphasizes the movement of people and goods, rather than vehicles, by providing transportation alternatives to driving. TDM benefits the community by maximizing the efficiency of existing infrastructure and limiting the impacts of excessive traffic in neighborhoods by promoting transportation options such as carpooling, vanpooling, transit, walking, biking, teleworking and flexible work hours. Reducing vehicle trips limits air and water pollution and supports the City's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Tukwila's TDM activities are directed at employers, workers, business owners, residents, and visitors. Tukwila adopted a Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Plan in 2008 that sets goals and implementation strategies for large employers to reduce drive -alone trips and vehicle miles traveled. Tukwila adopted a Growth and Transportation Efficiency Center (GTEC) Plan in 2008 to set the stage for focused TDM activities in Tukwila's urban center. The CTR Plan and GTEC Plan provide locally adopted mode -split goals for Tukwila's Southcenter /Urban Center and the Manufacturing and Industrial Center (MIC). The City's six -year mode -split targets for the Urban Center are 65.7% drive -alone trips and 34.3% non -drive alone trips, as defined in the City's GTEC Plan. Within the Urban Center, the City will also try to meet its GTEC goals with a targeted Vehicle Miles Travelled (VMT) rate of 13.05. In the MIC, mode -split goals are 70% drive - alone, consistent with the remainder of the city. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 13 -20 ELEMENT 13 TRANSPORTATION GOAL 13.5 TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT Support transportation system improvements and programs which encourage transit use, high- occupancy vehicle trips, and non - motorized transportation to reduce single- occupancy vehicle trips, vehicle miles traveled, traffic congestion, and greenhouse gas emissions. POLICIES 13.5.1 Provide Commute Trip Reduction Program services to Tukwila employers to reduce drive - alone trips, vehicle miles traveled, traffic congestion, and greenhouse gas emissions. 13.5.2 The City of Tukwila will set an example to other employers by a commitment to reducing drive -alone trips, vehicle miles traveled, and greenhouse gas emissions through implementation of CTR goals. 13.5.3 Work with King County Metro and Sound Transit to provide amenities for transit riders, encourage transit use, and enhance multi -modal connections to transit. 13.5.4 Establish mode -split goals for all significant employment centers which will vary according to development densities, access to transportation service, and levels of congestion. 13.5.5 Continue to encourage the use of rideshare, transit, bicycle, and evolving technological transportation improvements. 13.5.6 Encourage transit - oriented uses, development patterns and pedestrian amenities in the vicinity of high- capacity transit stations. 13.5.7 Require that parking facilities developed in conjunction with transit facilities be adequately sized and managed to prevent spillover parking onto private property, public property, or public streets. Consider a phasing plan to require structured parking if additional parking is needed. Implementation Strategies Implement Commute Trip Reduction Program. Implement and update Growth and Transportation Efficiency Center (GTEC) Plan. Promote the use of drive -alone alternatives through social media, Rideshareonline.com, community outreach, and offering assistance with parking management. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 13 -21 ELEMENT 13 TRANSPORTATION NON- MOTORIZED TRANSPORTATION Tukwila adopted its first non - motorized transportation plan, the Walk and Roll Plan, in 2009 as well as a Complete Streets policy. This policy requires all new City transportation improvement projects to provide appropriate accommodation for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and persons of all abilities, while promoting safe operation for all users. The Walk and Roll Plan includes an inventory of existing non - motorized facilities, including bike lanes, trails, sidewalks, and pedestrian footpaths. The Plan also identifies projects to guide City implementation of a safe and complete non - motorized network. These projects are made up of (1) a list of missing sidewalk segments and a method of prioritizing which missing segments should be constructed first, (2) trail projects to expand the existing system of non - motorized neighborhood connections, and (3) a backbone network of Bicycle Friendly Routes - existing and planned on- street facilities and trail projects that represent a bicycle network connected to local and regional destinations, as well as existing and planned bicycle friendly routes in adjacent jurisdictions. The Walk and Roll Plan commits the City to promoting programs that support and encourage biking, walking, commute trip reduction activities, and the City's annual participation in the regional bicycle and pedestrian count. GOAL 13.6 NON - MOTORIZED TRANSPORTATION Tukwila's non - motorized transportation network is safe and comfortable, provides local and regional connections to neighborhoods and activity centers, and makes cycling and walking viable and enjoyable forms of transportation and recreation. POLICIES 13.6.1 Consider and provide for all users of the roadway, including pedestrians and bicyclists, as appropriate, when new streets and street improvements are made. 13.6.2 Allocate funds to the Residential Street Fund in order to build sidewalks on residential local access streets. 13.6.3 Include pedestrian and bicycle improvements in street improvement projects, as appropriate. The prioritized list of missing sidewalk linkages and the Bicycle Friendly Routes map adopted with the Walk and Roll Nonmotorized Transportation Plan is the priority network to connect schools, employment centers, parks, shopping and other local and regional destinations. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 13 -22 ELEMENT 13 TRANSPORTATION OS Director S Lake \N Washington Seattle King County King County !0.5 0.25 0 • • Kent i05 O Map 13 -4: Existing Non - motorized Facilities Existing Nonmotorized Facilities Legend Sidewalks Paved Shoulders Trails Bike Lanes TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 13 -23 ELEMENT 13 TRANSPORTATION Lake, Washington 596thSt King County 5 164th'St ;' Ott S 10.5 0.25 0 0 Mi -s szmthst 1 / Kent O Map 13 -5: Bicycle - Friendly Routes Bicycle Friendly Routes Legend Bike Friendly Routes — — Existing Bike Lanes Trails TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 13 -24 ELEMENT 13 TRANSPORTATION 13.6.4 Pursue external funding sources to construct pedestrian and non - motorized improvements. 13.6.5 Coordinate with adjacent agencies on the development of regional non - motorized transportation improvements in, through and to Tukwila. 13.6.6 Construct neighborhood links by providing additional sidewalks and trails as opportunities and development occur. 13.6.7 Pursue converting railroad and other easements to pedestrian and bicycle trails. 13.6.8 Require secure bicycle storage (i.e., racks, lockers, cages, etc.) in appropriate locations. 13.6.9 Provide way- finding along roads, sidewalks, and trails to direct non - motorized travelers to trails and destinations. 13.6.10 13.6.11 Work with school officials to promote Safe Routes to School projects and programs, and require safe routes to school improvements, such as sidewalks and crosswalks, as new development occurs along designated school walk routes. Provide more than the minimum for pedestrian safety. Options include wider sidewalks, landscape buffers, street trees, pedestrian -level lighting, crossing enhancements, patterned pavement, and improved driveway design to encourage residents and visitors to walk for transportation, recreation, and improved health. 13.6.12 Plan and budget for non - motorized transportation projects within the Tukwila Capital Improvement Program. 13.6.13 Draw upon all sources of transportation funding for implementation of Complete Streets improvements. 13.6.14 Maintain existing unimproved rights of way if there is a potential future opportunity to create a non - motorized connection through stairs or other trail improvements. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 13 -25 ELEMENT 13 TRANSPORTATION Implementation Strategies Follow the Walk and Roll Nonmotorized Transportation Plan and Design Report to pursue additional pedestrian and bicycle amenities. Pursue connections between existing pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Update the Infrastructure Design and Construction Standards with improved pedestrian safety and amenity designs. Adopt a multi -modal level of service which may be incorporated into the City's concurrency and traffic impact fee program. Develop local wayfinding programs based on subarea or neighborhood plans. Develop a consistent regional way- finding program for bicycle routes. Provide staff support to the Safe Routes to School Committee made up of City and school district staff to coordinate grant applications, events, and spot improvements in school zones. Adopt the Tukwila School District school walk route maps as the basis for new requirements in the subdivision code. Participate in the National Documentation Project annual count of bicycles and pedestrians at designated locations throughout the City. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 13 -26 ELEMENT 13 TRANSPORTATION FREIGHT, RAIL, WATER, AND AIR TRANSPORTATION Tukwila's Urban Center and Manufacturing and Industrial Center (MIC) include retail, commercial, and industrial businesses which serve the region. Railroad tracks owned by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) and Union Pacific (UP) railroads run north /south through Tukwila.These rail networks carry international and domestic cargo to inland markets and serve the Port of Seattle to the north and the Port of Tacoma to the south. Industrial railroad spurs, operated and controlled by the railroad companies and private property owners, are located in the Southcenter and MIC area. BNSF has a multi -modal storage yard in the Manufacturing and Industrial Center in northern Tukwila. Both Amtrak and Sound Transit's Sounder Commuter Rail use the BNSF tracks. Given Tukwila's location at the crossroads of two major interstate highways, and the prevalence of manufacturing, warehousing, and commercial activities in the City, many streets experience high truck volumes. The streets with the highest truck traffic are West Valley Highway south of Strander Boulevard, Interurban Avenue South north of SR 599, and East Marginal Way South north of Boeing Access Road. The portion of the Duwamish River in Tukwila north of the Turning Basin is located within the City's Manufacturing and Industrial Center and is accessible to shipping activity.The river remains inaccessible to shipping activity south of the Turning Basin, where it can be accessed by small water craft, kayaks, and canoes only. King County International Airport, also known as Boeing Field, is located in northern Tukwila at the City's border with Seattle and is one of the busiest primary non -hub airports in the nation. The airport serves small commercial passenger airlines, cargo carriers, private aircraft owners, helicopters, corporate jets, and military and other aircraft. It is also home to approximately 150 tenant businesses, including the Boeing Company operations. The Museum of Flight is also located there and attracts a large number of visitors to the area. Sea -Tac Airport, the state's largest airport, is located within a mile of Tukwila city Iimits.The airport is a large employer for Tukwila residents, and its operations support many Tukwila businesses. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 13 -27 ELEMENT 13 TRANSPORTATION GOAL 13.7 FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION Tukwila has adequate geometric capacity for commercial freight transportation located in and serving Tukwila. POLICIES 13.7.1 Include trucking design parameters in principal and minor arterial improvements as well as in commercial areas. 13.7.2 Allow truck traffic on all principal and minor arterials, as well as on commercial area local access streets. Consider using load limit restrictions on residential collector arterials and residential local access streets. GOAL 13.8 RAIL, WATER, AND AIR TRANSPORTATION Tukwila and the rail and airport operators are collaborators in rectifying poor planning decisions from the past, partners in minimizing impacts upon each other's land use activities, and supportive of the mutual benefits between the people of Tukwila and the rail and air operators. POLICIES 13.8.1 Participate with King County and the Port of Seattle in updating their airport master plans to ensure that King County International Airport and SeaTac International Airport operations and development: • Enhance Tukwila goals and policies; • Incorporate Tukwila land use plans and regulations; • Minimize adverse impacts to Tukwila residents; and • Are not encroached upon by incompatible land uses. 13.8.2 Support goods mobility by all modes, recognizing that Tukwila is part of a regional freight distribution hub and a major international trade gateway. 13.8.3 Work with BNSF to mitigate impacts associated with rail and intermodal yard operations within Tukwila's residential neighborhoods. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 13 -28 ELEMENT 13 TRANSPORTATION GOAL 13.9 FUNDING SOURCES Funding through grants, mitigations, general funds, and other sources for safety and capacity measures provides safe and efficient movement of people and goods to, from, within, and through Tukwila. POLICIES 13.9.1 Pursue grants. 13.9.2 Use an impact fee system that identifies: • Capacity improvements based upon the long -term 2030 LOS needs, but which also accommodate a realistic financing plan; • Costs of improvements needed to mitigate growth that are reflected in the annual CIP/ FPM update and annual update to the Impact Fee Schedule; • Impact fee assessments, determined by the number of new development trips in the p.m. peak hour; and • Additional mitigation measures, in accordance with the Concurrency Ordinance when development cannot meet Concurrency standards. 13.9.3 Study and pursue funding sources such as Local Improvement Districts (LIDs) to pay for improvements not fully funded by grants, impact fees, and general funds. 13.9.4 Update the CIP /FPM bi- annually, adding new projects that implement City goals and deleting completed projects. 13.9.5 Update the Impact Fee Schedule annually, adding new projects, deleting projects as necessary, and keeping project costs at current dollar value. 13.9.6 Prioritize preserving and maintaining existing transportation facilities to avoid costly replacements and to meet public safety objectives in a cost - effective manner. Implementation Strategies Aggressively pursue grant opportunities. Consider interlocal agreements for impact fees with adjacent jurisdictions recognizing that traffic generated in one jurisdiction contributes to the need to make transportation improvements across jurisdictional boundaries. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 13 -29 ELEMENT 13 TRANSPORTATION RELATED INFORMATION Transportation Background Report Walk and Roll Plan Commute Trip Reduction Program and Plan Growth and Transportation Efficiency Center Plan (GTEC) Transit Network Plan Acknowledgement: "This project is funded in whole or in part by funds made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). This funding was awarded by the US Department of Energy through the Energy Policy Division of the Washington State Department of Commerce under Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant No.DE- EE0000849." Disclaimer: "This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States Government. Neither the United States Government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government or any agency thereof." TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 13 -30 CHAPTER TWELVE UTILITIES ELEMENT TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ELEMENT 12 UTILITIES UTILITIES WHAT YOU WILL FIND IN THIS CHAPTER: • A description of the utility systems and providers in the City of Tukwila; • Goals and Policies for providing effective utility service to Tukwila's residents; and • Strategies for implementing the City's policies and working with private utility providers. PURPOSE STATEMENT: To provide utility services and facilities that meet the community's current and future needs in a safe, reliable, efficient, economic and environmentally responsible manner. PURPOSE Utility facilities and services are closely linked to the development of land, affecting whether, how and when it can be developed. Tukwila relies on other public and private agencies to provide many of these services. Sewer, water, surface water management, solid waste, electricity, natural gas and telecommunica- tions are addressed in this Element. Policies pertaining to utilities and vegetation are located in the Natural Environment element. The Utilities Element profiles both City and non - City -owned utilities operating within Tukwila. Sewer and water services are provided by the City, adjacent municipalities and special districts. Surface water drainage is managed locally, but with interjurisdictional coopera- tive planning and management. The remaining utilities are provided to residents and businesses through franchise agreements between the City and service providers. The Utilities Element establishes a basis for decision - making that is consistent with Washington's Growth Management Act, the Puget Sound Regional Council's Vision 2040, and King County's Countywide Planning Policies, including targets for housing units and employment, which are a basis for determining demand for utility services and infrastructure. These state and regional requirements are fulfilled by the Utilities Background Report, Comprehensive Sanitary Sewer Plan, Comprehensive Water Plan, and Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan. These documents, along with the six -year Capital Improvement Program and the City of Tukwila budget, are adopted by reference in Tukwila's Comprehensive Plan. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 12 -2 ELEMENT 12 TUKWILA UTILITY PROV WATER City of Tukwila City of Seattle City of Renton IDERS King County Water District #20 King County Water District #1 Highline Water District SEWER City of Tukwila City of Seattle City of Renton Valley View Sewer District SURFACE WATER City of Tukwila ELECTRICITY Puget Sound Energy Seattle City Light Natural Gas Puget Sound Energy 25 REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS This element is consistent with Washington State GMA, PSRC Vision 2040, and King County County -wide Planning Policies requirements for utilities planning, based on housing and employment targets. These requirements are fulfilled by the following documents: Utilities Background Report Comprehensive Sanitary Sewer Plan Comprehensive Water Plan Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 ISSUES Several key issues in meeting the utility needs of the City are addressed in this Utilities Element: Service Extensions. Planned extensions of utility services are based on existing need, or to accommodate planned growth or growth targets. Coordination of Service Providers. The City- managed utilities must coordinate with adjacent providers that provide utility services to portions of the City. Coordination among Tukwila's three non -City sewer and five non -City water districts is critical. Concurrency and Implications for Growth. Utility projects and other capital facilities must be developed so that improvements are in place by the time they are needed, to meet growth and to accommodate growth targets. cnvlronmental Justalnaullny. utility plarlrllrly dim operations require environmental protection and restoration efforts, to preserve the quality of the natural environment and its contributions to human health and vitality. Residential Neighborhood and Sub -Area Vitality. City - planned utility improvements and extensions place priority on improving and sustaining residential neighbor- hood quality and livability. Utility investments affect neigh- borhood quality of life and the ability to realize established visions for specific sub - areas. System Rehabilitation, Replacement and Retrofit. Much of the City's utility infrastructure has reached or is near its life expectancy. Rehabilitation or replacement of these systems is needed to ensure their continued reliability. Federal, state and, local polices require utility system improvements to comply with new regulations. PAGE 12 -3 ELEMENT 12 UTILITIES SYSTEM DESCRIPTIONS WATER AND SEWER The City of Tukwila purchases all of its water from the Cascade Water Alliance under a contract through the year 2064. Tukwila's Comprehensive Water System Plan identifies areas of water supply and distribution deficiency, and the six -year Capital Improvement Plan proposes corrective improvements. The Tukwila sewer system is exclusively a collector system with no treatment component. King County DNRP WasterwaterTreatment Division provides Regional wastewater treatment at the South Treatment Plant in Renton. The Comprehensive Sewer System Plan identifies deficiencies in the system, and corrective improvements are proposed in the six -year Capital Improvement Plan. Certain areas of the City are served by other water and sewer providers, which develop their own plans in coordination with the City of Tukwila. Tukwila's Comprehensive Water System and Sewer System Plans are adopted by reference as part of the Comprehensive Plan. Those system plans identify present and future improvements, and establish certain required levels of service and priorities for system improvements. Level of service standards are also established by applicable Board of Health regulations, the Uniform Plumbing Code, and the Uniform Fire Code. Consistent with State mandates, Tukwila revises and updates system plans to assure consistency with the Comprehensive Plan and the Capital Improvement Program. SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT Tukwila's surface water drainage system consists of both drainage improvements and the natural drainage of the area. Except for a small area in the Ryan Way neighborhood, drainage is ultimately to the Green /Duwamish River. For locations of surface water management facilities, see Map 12 -3. The Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan contains an inventory of existing facilities, and identifies current system deficiencies and planned improvements. It evaluates the system under present development conditions, and identifies remedies for segments of the system where problems exist or are likely to develop in the future as a result of growth and development. Proposed improvements are included in the Six -Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The City reviews and updates its Surface Water Management Plan regularly to assure consistency with this Plan, State and local regulations, the CIP, and other on -going City planning processes. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 12 -4 Highline water district intertie Water district 75 intertie Water district #75 intertie ELEMENT 12 UTILITIES S Director St ;Seattle Lake'\ Washington King County King County ,.1 10.5 0.25 0 0.5 Miles Kent 0 Map 12 -1: Water Districts Tukwila Water System Legend Water Facilities ■ Tukwila Intertie • Pressure Relief Valve • Pump Station • Supply Station Emergency Relief Valve S Supply Station Pressure Relief Valve Reservoir ▪ WD1251nterties Pipeline Diameter 2 -4 — 68 10 -12 — 14 -16 - 18 -24 Water Districts Highline Water Service I-7 Renton Water Service I—I Seattle Water Service (—I Tukwila Water Service WD 125 Water Service WD 20 Water Service TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN — OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 12 -5 ELEMENT 12 UTILITIES 599 99 S Director St King County 0 Burin Lake Washington Seattle u Allentown Lift Station No. 10 S 128 Commercial Center Lift Station No. 9 King County BN Lift Station pl Iii, 1 N 11‘11-te ''''ii VAIWIlliii ailo Emiliwilliti11-14 lk , 1--fris0 Ng '--P4FT la Foster Point Lift Station No. 8 Lift Station No. 6 • 0 S 164 -St Lift Station �+ III il lipp,_ IN , i Lift Station No. 12 Lift Station No. 5 Lift Station No. 2 Lift Station No. 3 S186 .ST `_ Lift Station No. 11 10.5 0.25 0 0.5 Miles S 204 St Lift Station No. 4 Kent O Map 12 -2: Tukwila Sewer System TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN — OCTOBER 2013 Tukwila Sewer System Legend KC Treatment Plant • KC Interties Lift Stations A Metro Other Private Tukwila PipeType Force Main Pipeline Diameter 8" and Smaller 10 -12" - 14 -36" 38 -54" - 56 -96" SewerService I No Sewer I Renton Sewer Seattle Sewer Tukwila Sewer Valley View Sewer PAGE 12 -6 ELEMENT 12 UTILITIES 99 S I irector St King County ir-.0.7 N 0 ro VIII: 11111111► >r4 ■Iil RR nvli _146: liark We AIM 1 Mil 1111, firo_- Burien S 128 St Lake Washington ,Seattle King County \Renton II S1.4 10.5 0.25 0 0.5 Miles 204 St Kent 0 Map 12 -3: Surface Water Management Facilities Surface Water Facilities Legend ® Pump Stations © Detention Facilities Streams Pipes Culverts /Ditches Trench Drain Waterbodies TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 12 -7 ELEMENT 12 UTILITIES 7niage'source: King County Solid Waste Division TURNING WASTE INTO ENERGY King County's Cedar Hills Landfill, which is the destination for much of Tukwila's solid waste, is also the site of the nation's third - largest landfill gas energy project. Methane gas from garbage is processed and purified, then sold to Puget Sound Energy power plants to be used to generate electricity. Converting landfill gas to electricity in this way reduces the landfill's greenhouse gas emissions and provides additional revenue to the County's Solid Waste Division, keeping disposal rates low for residents across King County. Image source: King County Solid Waste Division TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN — OCTOBER 2013 SOLID WASTE Solid Waste collection, transportation and disposal in Tukwila is governed by State and local regulations, an interlocal agreement with King County, and collection contracts with solid waste providers. Through a competitive multi -year contract with the City, Waste Management, Inc., provides comprehensive garbage, recyclables, and yard -waste collection services to residential, multi - family and commercial customers. Tukwila considered implementing mandatory garbage collection to curb illegal dumping, litter and accumulation of trash /garbage on private property, but garbage collection remains voluntary. Approximately 75% of Tukwila residents subscribe to curbside garbage services, and the remaining 25% either self -haul to King County's Bow Lake Transfer Station in Tukwila or use other disposal methods. The City's solid waste is ultimately taken to King County's Cedar Hills Landfill for disposal. As part of the Solid Waste Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with King County, Tukwila and other parties will develop plans and alternatives to waste disposal at Cedar Hills Landfill in advance of its closure in 2025. ELECTRIC POWER Electric power involves both transmission systems and distribution systems. Tukwila's electric power is provided by Puget Sound Energy, with approximately 3,800 customers, and Seattle City Light, serving approximately 5,700 residential and 1,000 commercial customers in Tukwila. Both companies operate under non - exclusive franchise agreements with the City. See Map 12 -4. PAGE 12 -8 ELEMENT 12 UTILITIES S Director St Lakes. Washington Seattle King County King County Map 12 -4: Electric Service Providers Electrical Service Providers Legend • PSE Substation Existing • PSE Substation Future PSE Line Existing PSE Line Future SCL Trunk Line Electrical Service Area I I I I Puget Sound Energy Seattle City Light TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN — OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 12 -9 ELEMENT 12 UTILITIES Plans from both Seattle City Light and Puget Sound Energy place a priority on using energy conservation as a way to increase service capacity. Puget Sound Energy estimates that half of its long -term need for electric power can be met by energy efficiency and additional wind - power. The rest is likely to be met with added natural gas -fired resources. To meet future demand, some new transmission lines and substations will be built in Tukwila, and existing ones rebuilt and /or maintained. Distribution plans include line and station projects. Future distribution improvements will be required to meet the demands of Tukwila's projected growth. Seattle City Light's plans for future distribution capacity include additional feeder capacity that is expected to meet demand in Tukwila through the year 2031. Seattle City Light intends to meet electrical load growth through conservation and new generation resources powered by renewable energy. NATURAL GAS Puget Sound Energy, an investor -owned utility, builds, operates and maintains natural gas facilities serving approximately 3,400 customers in Tukwila. Puget Sound Energy covers virtually all of Tukwila with their main distribution lines. The utility foresees no difficulties in meeting future demand during the planning period. No major improvement projects are planned at this time. For natural gas service areas in Tukwila, see Map 12 -5. TELECOMMUNICATIONS As telecommunications technologies have evolved, convergence of these technologies has occurred, resulting in multiple communication services migrating into consolidated networks. Telecommunications in Tukwila includes both wired and wireless telephone services, cable and satellite television, and high -speed broadband technology. Through partnerships with franchised telecommunications companies, internal public works projects and completion of capital projects, the City has a robust conduit infrastructure that would enable and facilitate future fiber optic connectivity projects benefitting the City, its residents and business, and project partners. The City has joined a connectivity consortium of cities and other public partners that would construct and maintain a regional fiber -optic telecommunications system. This fiber -optic system would provide redundancies, enhance communications networks, and emergency operations. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 12 -10 ELEMENT 12 WHAT IS VoIP? Voice over Internet Telephony (VoIP) is a technology that allows voice communication over an internet connection, rather than a UTILITIES CABLE AND SATELLITE TELEVISION The City of Tukwila has a non - exclusive franchise agreement with Comcast Corporation to construct, operate and maintain a cable system in compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations. Comcast's network provides high- definition television capacity and high -speed internet access through cable modems, and includes coaxial and fiber optic cabling systems deployed both underground and overhead using utility poles leased from power and telephone companies. Satellite television competes directly with cable television by delivering hundreds of channels directly to mini - dishes installed in homes and businesses throughout Tukwila. WIRELINE AND WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS Many companies offer telecommunications services including integrated voice and data, and voice over internet traditional phone network. VoIN service is often offered as part of a bundle of services from an Internet provider, but it is also commercially available as a stand -alone service and is very popular for making international calls, due to its low cost as compared to traditional long- distance service. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 telephony (VoiP) technology. CenturyLink, the Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier (ILEC), is now joined by several Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLECs) in providing more communications service options to Tukwila residents and businesses. With expansion of telecommunications infrastructure, new technologies and competition, telecommunications utilities are expected to meet voice, video and broadband demands during the planning period. PAGE 12 -11 ELEMENT 12 OS Director St ;Seattle King County Lake \N. Washiri-gton King County 0.5 0.25 0 Map 12 -5: Natural Gas Service Natural Gas Provider Legend High Pressure Lines PSE Service Area TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 12 -12 ELEMENT 12 UTILITIES GOALS AND POLICIES GOAL 12.1 Utility services and facilities that meet the community's current and future needs in a safe, reliable, efficient, economic and environmentally responsible manner. Policies for City- Managed Utilities SERVICE EXTENSIONS 12.1.1 Ensure that the City of Tukwila utility functional plans and operations meet applicable federal, state, regional and county requirements and regulations to address health and safety requirements, address deficiencies, and assure quality of service. 12.1.2 Require the use of Tukwila's applicable service standards to design and construct all utility service extensions. 12.1.3 Base the extension and sizing of utility system components on applicable design standards and Comprehensive Plan development priorities. 12.1.4 Ensure that new development, redevelopment, and other actions within the City of Tukwila's jurisdiction do not cause significant adverse upstream or downstream impacts on flooding, erosion, and natural resources within and outside of Tukwila's jurisdiction. COORDINATION OF SERVICE PROVIDERS 12.1.5 Coordinate with service providers for reliable and cost - effective utility services to the public. 12.1.6 Coordinate with other jurisdictions and agencies in planning and implementing utility operations, facility additions and improvements located in or affecting multiple jurisdictions. 12.1.7 Participate in the regulation of all water, sewer and surface water utility services within the City's eventual boundaries. 12.1.8 Consider annexing water and sewer providers, when requests by or within the Districts occur, or to achieve efficiencies and minimum levels of service for customers of the Districts. 12.1.9 Allow utility service outside City boundaries only when required by adjustments to City limits or to provide temporary service due to emergency. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 12 -13 ELEMENT 12 UTILITIES 12.1.10 Establish and maintain franchises and working agreements with sewer and water utilities currently operating within the City limits, to ensure that the level of service provided is consistent with the City's requirements and neighborhood revitalization plans. 12.1.11 Allow special - purpose sewer and water districts to continue to operate and serve Tukwila residents and businesses, when appropriate. Implementation Strategy • Provide timely and effective notification of road construction, maintenance and other City actions to interested and affected utilities. CONCURRENCY AND IMPLICATIONS FOR GROWTH 12.1.12 Schedule and phase utility extensions to occur concurrently with expected growth and development. 12.1.13 Approve development only if adequate utilities are available when a need is created for those facilities, or within a reasonable period as required by state law. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY 12.1.14 Provide environmentally sound and sustainable operations with cost - effective methods in water, sewer and surface water management utilities operations. 12.1.15 Make conservation an integral part ofTukwila's utility operations and management. 12.1.16 Promote energy efficiency, conservation methods, and sustainable energy sources in utility operations to support climate change reduction goals. 12.1.17 Consider Tukwila's Urban Forest together with other infrastructure systems - during utility planning, design, installation and /or maintenance - to ensure that trees are protected. Implementation Strategies • Develop and practice conservation measures for each utility. • Use conservation as a means of deferring the development of new facilities or as a means of augmenting available resources. • Structure water rates to encourage conservation. • Require conservation - conscious operation of all City facilities, to provide a good model for the community. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 12 -14 ELEMENT 12 UTILITIES • Implement public education programs on water conservation and surface water quality, including alternatives to toxics and safe use and disposal of household toxics. • Provide routine inspection and maintenance of surface water system, and dispose of all sediments in an approved manner. • Use methods associated with sewage disposal systems - including grease traps, oil and water separators, and regular monitoring of infiltration and inflow through television inspection - to eliminate point and non -point pollution sources. • Reuse and reclaim water at public facilities as appropriate, especially for high - volume non - potable water uses such as parks, schools, and the golf course. • Use Low - Impact Development techniques whenever possible. IN Provide training for City staff. • Use manuals for best management practices to protect tree roots during trenching. • Develop Urban Forest Management Plan. RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD AND SUB -AREA VITALITY 12.1.18 Give priority to the City's regional growth and manufacturing /industrial centers, while balancing the needs of residential neighborhoods for City - planned utility improvements and extensions. 12.1.19 Design, construct and maintain facilities to minimize impacts on adjacent neighborhoods and businesses. Implementation Strategies • Screen generators, pump stations, material storage yards or other infrastructure, to reduce impacts to neighboring property. • Implement Design Review for public utility facilities. • Allow joint use of utilities corridors and transportation rights -of -way, when possible. • Underground utilities according to policy. • Coordinate construction activities to minimize impacts. IN Use right -of -way agreements for cable and electrical services to discourage excessive wiring throughout the City. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 12 -15 ELEMENT 12 UTILITIES WATER UTILITY 12.1.20 Actively participate in determining a regional solution toTukwila's water supply, and addressing the potential impacts of climate change on regional water resources. 12.1.21 Provide safe, reliably- maintained and sustainable water service for domestic, commercial, industrial, fire flow and water emergency uses, to meet present and future needs. Implementation Strategies • Implement a response plan for water emergencies. • Develop and use an operations maintenance manual and program. • Carry out a water quality monitoring program. • Implement water reuse as a water supply source. • Allow private wells, where approved by the appropriate authority. • Implement a water line replacement /enhancement program for deficient single - family residential areas, as documented in the Comprehensive Water Plan. SEWER UTILITY 12.1.22 Serve all existing and potential residences and businesses with a sewer utility. Implementation Strategy • Establish a schedule and strategy to bring sewer service to homes and businesses within the City's service area that are currently on septic systems. SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT UTILITY 12.1.23 Serve all of Tukwila's residences and businesses with a surface water utility. 12.1.24 Provide capital, maintenance, education and enforcement programs as a function of the storm and surface water management utility. 12.1.25 Require on -site detention or retention and treatment of surface water for both development and redevelopment projects, unless a regional facility benefiting a drainage basin is constructed, or storage is provided in the Green /Duwamish River for previously - treated surface water as documented in the Surface Water Comprehensive Plan. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 12 -16 ELEMENT 12 UTILITIES 12.1.26 Apply an adopted surface water design manual as the minimum requirement for all development projects and other actions that could cause or worsen flooding, erosion, water quality and habitat problems, for both upstream and downstream development. 12.1.27 Coordinate water quality improvement programs with adjoining jurisdictions whose surface waters flow into or through Tukwila. 12.1. 28 Use the Surface Water Fund to retrofit surface water systems to improve water quality and enhance fish passage, by establishing: • A water quality program that prioritizes projects based on need, takes into account upstream land uses and Washington Department of Ecology expanded listing of impaired water bodies; and • A fish passage program that prioritizes projects based on habitat needs and compliance with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife requirements. 12.1. 29 Encourage the retention and planting of trees for their beneficial effects on surface water runoff, including flow attenuation, water quality enhancements and temperature reduction. Implementation Strategies • Establish a signage program identifying important surface drainage connections and corridors. • Regularly update a Surface Water Management Plan that addresses capital improvements and maintenance of storm water infrastructure, guides education programs, and meets regulatory requirements, including the City's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II municipal permit. • Adopt and apply an approved Washington State Department of Ecology Surface Water Design Manual. • Develop a policy that provides consistent guidance for private versus public ownership, and maintenance requirements for residential surface water detention, water quality and conveyance systems. • Investigate programs that provide financial incentives through the Surface Water Utility to property owners who maintain or enhance the tree canopy. • Adequately fund surface water facility inspections and enforcement. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 12 -17 ELEMENT 12 UTILITIES NOT OPE BY THE CITY Aside from water, sew( water management, rr serving the residents o not owned or operates While the City can pro) planning efforts for the it does not directly cor rates or the exact locat infrastructure. Private utilities are req any City permits neces or install infrastructur e and must comply with City regulations. RA FED r and surface ost utilities fTukwila are I by the City. side input on se utilities, trol service ion of new uired to obtain sary to operate within the City, all applicable Image Source: Puget Sound Energy TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 UTILITIES Policies for Non - City -Owned Utilities Non - City -owned utilities develop strategic and operational plans with varying degrees of input and involvement from the City. They set capacity and service levels on an area -wide basis, and rely on the local government's involvement to ensure that capacity is sufficient. As a condition of applying for a permit, new development that uses non -City owned water and sewer utilities is required to obtain a letter of service availability. This letter establishes that utility service meeting City standards is either available or will be available prior to occupancy. The electric power and natural gas utilities project adequate capacity during the 20 -year planning period, assuming responsible use of these resources. Electric utility capacity is set regionally, with Tukwila's needs determined and provided for as part of an area -wide system. Similarly, natural gas is provided via a regional delivery system. With new technologies, telecommunications utilities project virtually limitless capacity within the planning horizon. Through long -term Interlocal Agreements (ILAs), the solid waste system will continue to be upgraded to meet Tukwila's current and future needs. The Cedar Hills Landfill expects to reach full capacity in 2025. The current ILA that expires in 2040 addresses the process that cities and King County will follow to develop disposal options prior to Cedar Hills Landfill reaching its full capacity. Tukwila and other suburban cities participate in planning and contribute to reaching regional goals via their recycling and waste reduction strategies and practices. PAGE 12 -18 ELEMENT 12 UTILITIES GENERAL POLICIES 12.1.30 Actively coordinate project implementation with individual utilities, based on Tukwila's Comprehensive Plan and development regulations. 12.1.31 Require new development that uses non - City -owned water and sewer utilities to obtain a letter of service availability as a condition of receiving a Tukwila permit. 12.1.32 Require utilities operating in the right -of -way to obtain a franchise that includes service levels and requirements meeting Comprehensive Plan forecasts and other applicable federal, state and local regulations. 12.1.33 Encourage utilities to consolidate facilities, use existing transportation corridors, and minimize visual impacts of facilities, where technically feasible. 12.1.34 Encourage communication between the City of Tukwila, the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, and the utilities, regarding cost distribution and rate - setting for existing and proposed facilities and services. 12.1.35 All new electrical and communication facilities shall be constructed underground, unless specifically exempted by the Tukwila Municipal Code or determined by the City Council to be financially impractical. 12.1.36 If a utility relocation is required by a public works project - such as a street widening project, utility repairs or upgrades - or any major replacement of aerial facilities, the relocated /replaced facilities shall be underground, unless the City determines that doing so is not in the best interest of the public. Implementation Strategies • Consolidate utility locations and use shared towers, poles, antennae, trenches, easements and substation sites. • Require new cellular communications facilities to make use of existing structures wherever possible. • Enclose telephone switching facilities in buildings compatible with the surrounding area. TELECOMMUNICATIONS 12.1.37 Provide telecommunication infrastructure to serve growth and development in a manner consistent with Tukwila's vision, as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 12 -19 ELEMENT 12 UTILITIES SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT 12.1.38 Reduce the solid waste stream, and encourage reuse and recycling. 12.1.39 Maintain a comprehensive solid waste management program that includes environmental responsibility and sustainability, competitive rates, and customer service excellence for Tukwila's residential, multi - family and commercial customers. 12.1.40 Assume greater control over the City's waste management in annexed areas through contracts for services as current franchise agreements expire. 12.1.41 Encourage and actively participate in a uniform regional approach to solid waste management. Implementation Strategies • Continue comprehensive public education and outreach programs that promote recycling, composting, purchase and use of environmentally preferable products, and other waste diversion and prevention measures. • Support and promote product stewardship to divert waste from Cedar Hills Landfill. • Continue competitively -bid solid waste and recycling collection services and technical assistance contracts when current contracts expire. • Consider innovative solid waste and recycling programs to reduce carbon emissions, and limit accumulation of garbage in Tukwila residential neighborhoods. • Monitor solid waste providers for adequacy of service and compliance with the service contracts. • Continue to participate in the Metropolitan Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC). ELECTRIC AND GAS UTILITY 12.1.42 12.1.43 Reduce the rate of energy consumption, and use efficiency and conservation as a means to lower energy costs and mitigate environmental impacts associated with traditional energy supplies. Promote use of renewable and alternative energy resources to help meet long -term energy needs, reduce environmental impacts associated with traditional energy supplies, and increase community sustainability. 12.1.44 Ensure that development regulations are consistent with and do not otherwise impair fulfilling public service and other obligations imposed by federal and state law. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 12 -20 ELEMENT 12 UTILITIES 12.1.45 12.1.46 Actively support the use of local, renewable energy generation techniques for both residential and commercial properties in Tukwila, with the goal of generating 5.5% of total City electricity use from a combination of rooftop solar power, solar water heating, and utility scale solar power by 2025. Actively support conservation techniques and programs for both residential and commercial properties in Tukwila, with the goal of reducing the total City energy use by 25% by 2025. Implementation Strategies • Support regional, state, federal initiatives and programs that encourage local renewable energy production such as: Third -party financing to lower up -front costs of solar panels; Incentive programs for rooftop solar systems; • Expanded opportunities for net metering; Establish feed -in tariff programs; Net -zero energy building code statewide; - Expanded opportunities for net - metering through raising net - metering cap statewide. • Consider local actions to support local energy generation, including amendments to development codes that would: =- Provide mechanisms to exempt solar panels and wind turbines from maximum height standards; Allow the creation of solar access easements; =- Streamlined permit process for alternative energy production projects, including waiving permit fees; Develop incentives to encourage local electrical generation and conservation projects. • Investigate and consider the following: y Make City properties available for community solar access or other pilot programs; Install solar panels on existing City properties such as Tukwila's Community Center and the Foster Golf Course; • Prioritize installing solar panels at new City facilities; - Use franchise agreements to leverage electric utilities actions regarding solar and renewable power, including expanded programs and plans. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 12 -21 ELEMENT 12 UTILITIES RELATED INFORMATION Utilities Background Report Tukwila Water Plan Tukwila Sewer Plan Tukwila Surface Water Plan Tukwila Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Valley View Sewer District City of Renton Utilities City of Seattle (Water, Sewer) Highline Water District King County Water District #125 King County Water District #20 Puget Sound Energy (Electric, Natural Gas) Seattle City Light Waste Management (Solid Waste, Recycling) TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 12 -22 CHAPTER FOURTEEN CAPITAL FACILITIES ELEMENT TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 14 CAPITAL FACILITIES CAPITAL FACILITIES WHAT YOU WILL FIND IN THIS CHAPTER: • A description of how and why capital facilities are planned; • A discussion of the funding methods and challenges facing the City; and • Goals and Policies for providing adequate levels of service. "Tukwila makes a commitment that the land use intensities and pattern of uses are appropriate for the community and that its adopted levels of service will be met and maintained." PURPOSE GROWTH MANAGEMENT ACT CAPITAL FACILITY PLANNING REQUIREMENTS This element of the Comprehensive Plan presents the goals and policies for Tukwila's Capital Facilities. Capital Facilities Planning under the Growth Management Act (GMA) requires an inventory of public facilities and their capacities; establishment of a minimum acceptable level of service for the community; a list of needed capital projects to serve growth and that maintain the standards; a realistic financing plan; and stipulation that adjustment of the Plan will occur if funding is inadequate or if growth requires previously unanticipated expansion. In adopting its Comprehensive Plan and the supporting documents, Tukwila makes a commitment that the land use intensities and pattern of uses are appropriate for the community and that its adopted levels of service will be met and maintained. The GMA Capital Facilities Plan for Tukwila consists of: 1. The Comprehensive Plan Capital Facilities goals and policies; 2. The Capital Facilities Element Background Report, which contains a discussion of the City's growth targets for the Comprehensive Plan's planning period to 2030; TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 14 -1 14 Why Plan for Capital Fac Under GMA, the City is required ilities? to include a capital facilities element in its Comprehensive Plan. The Capital Facilities Elem ent and associated Capital Facilities Plan describe how public services will be provided and financed. Capital facilities planning also helps mited funds local jurisdictions manage their li to provide the greatest value to their residents and take full advantage of availa opportunities. ble funding What is Concurrency? "Concurrency" exists when adequate public facilities or services are in place to serve new development. Specifically pertaining to streets and utilities in Tukwila, concurrency requirements are intended to prevent new development from outpacing Tukwila's ability to provide the improvements that are needed to serve the new development. New development's infrastructure demands can result in congestion or overcrowding that will impact new and existing residents alike, if improvements are not made in time. Concurrency is often referred to as a pass or fail test for a new development. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 CAPITAL FACILITIES 3. The City's Capital Improvement Program /Financial Planning Model (CIP /FPM) which includes projects for the six year period and projects to address community needs and maintain standards to 2030; The Comprehensive Plan's goals cannot be carried out unless the supporting infrastructure can be financed. The CIP /FPM addresses how specific projects and facilities will be financed and provides a current assessment of the City's financial capacities and limitations; and 4. The systems plans and their regular updates, such as the Nonmotorized Plan, the Fire Master Plan, the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan; the Surface Water Plan; the Water Plan, the Sewer plan, the Transportation Plan, the Fire Services Plan; all of which are adopted by reference as part of this Comprehensive Plan. A key concept of the GMA and capital facilities planning is concurrency —that specific public facilities will be available when the impacts of development occur, or within ten years of the development. Concurrency in Tukwila is supported through policy, systems planning and implemented in current regulation. Tukwila's public facility needs are served not only by City facilities but also by regional agencies such as the Washington State Department of Transportation, Sound Transit, King County, and the Port of Seattle; and by special purpose districts, such as Tukwila and Renton School Districts; King County Library System; and the King County Flood Control, Valley View Sewer, Highline Water, and the Metropolitan Park Districts. (See also the Utilities Element.) In addition to maintaining adequate levels of service on City - provided facilities, the City of Tukwila must coordinate with these special purpose districts and regional providers on Tukwila's growth and land use planning. PAGE 14 -2 14 CAPITAL FACILITIES CAPITAL FACILITY PLANNING IN TUKWILA Capital facilities planning in Tukwila is separated into two categories: • General Government -type Funds, which include funds for general capital needs, such as residential streets, arterials, buildings, parks and trails, and other improvements. • Enterprise Funds, which include funds for which fees are received in exchange for specific goods and services. In Tukwila this includes water, sewer, surface water, and the Foster Golf Course. GENERAL GOVERNMENT FACILITIES FUNDS General government facilities are designed, built and operated for the general public, unlike enterprise funds, which serve specific fee paying customers. Any person may drive on City streets, walk on a trail, play in a City park, be served by fire and emergency aid, etc. Tukwila does capital improvement planning by organizing its general government facilities needs into similar programmatic categories, which are referred to as funds. There are six categories of funds, which illustrate the focus of the City's capital planning and spending. All phases of a capital project are included in capital planning, from plan and project development, preliminary engineering, right -of -way acquisition, permitting, construction engineering, to construction. • The Residential Streets Program Fund is specifically identified for street improvement in single - family residential neighborhoods and includes lane widening, curbs and gutters, sidewalks, illumination and utilities undergrounding. Funding for the program's projects is primarily through City General revenues, grants, and motor vehicle excise tax. • The Bridges and Arterial Streets Program Fund is designed to improve mobility within the City and to correct deficiencies in arterial streets and traffic operations, and is the largest category of spending in the City's Capital Facilities Plan. The dollar size for the current six - year list of projects is ten times larger than any of the other program funds. It also functions as the City's Transportation Improvement Program, which is a State requirement. Included are transportation planning, sidewalks, new streets, traffic control devices, non - motorized improvements, and lane additions. In addition to City general revenues, projects in this program are paid for with grants, real estate excise tax, motor vehicle excise tax, parking tax, developer funds, local improvement district funds, impact fees and mitigation payments. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 14 -3 14 CAPITAL FACILITIES • The Parks and Trails Program Fund is for the acquisition and development of land for parks and recreational facilities and fisheries projects, including the planning and engineering costs associated with the projects. Dollars to pay for these projects come from City funds, grants, real estate excise tax, excess property tax levy, and impact fees. • The Facilities Replacement Program Fund is for government buildings, such as City Hall. It also includes the Tukwila Village project, which is an urban renewal /redevelopment project on Tukwila International Boulevard. • The General Improvements Fund is designated for maintainance and repair and other miscellaneous minor capital projects not provided for elsewhere and, for example, included the emergency levee costs associated with the Howard Hanson Dam repair. • The Fire Improvements Fund is designed for major capital fire and aid equipment and fire stations, and is established to account for revenues from the fire impact fee. General government sources of revenue for capital expenditures and allocation percentages by funding category are illustrated in Figure 14 -1. 2012 General Government Funds Revenue Sources 18% Charges for1 services \ 1% Miscellaneous 1 23% Taxes 58% Inter -_ govenmental 2012 General Government Funds Capital Expenditures 5.38% 0.08% Residential Facilities 21.88% Strreets s Parks /Trails 23.73% General Gov't 48.93% Arterial Streets /Bridges Figure 14 -1: General government sources of capital revenue and expenditures by capital improvement programming categories TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 14 -4 ELEMENT 14 ENTERPRISE FACILITIES FUNDS CAPITAL FACILITIES Enterprise Funds are supported by revenues generated by user fees and charges. Grants and developer contributions supplement the Water, Sewer, and Surface Water Funds. Enterprise funds are used by public agencies to account for operations that are financed and operated in a manner similar to private business enterprises. They are established as fully self - supporting operations with revenues provided primarily from fees, charges, or contracts for services and require periodic determination of revenues earned, expenses incurred, and net income for capital maintenance, public policy, management control and accountability. In order to provide for the short -term and long -term operating and capital needs of the water, surface water and sewer utilities, the City evaluates and utilizes a combination of revenue sources, such as utility rates, bonds, loans, grants, developer contributions, Public Works Trust Fund loans, and local improvement districts (LIDs.) An example of enterprise capital sources of funds and expenditures is illustrated in Figure 14 -2. 2012 Enterprise Funds Revenue Sources 100% Charges for Services 2012 Enterprise Funds Expenditures 19% Surface Water 12% Golf Course 31% Water Figure 14 -2: Enterprise capital sources of funds and expenditures 38% Sewer • Water and Sewer Funds — Slightly more than 50 percent of the area of the City is served by Tukwila Water and Sewer Utilities. With respect to sewer service, the remainder of the City is either not served or served by other districts. In order to provide infrastructure in the unserved portions of the City, additional revenue is needed in order to extend service to these areas. Available revenue sources include local improvement districts, grants, Trust Fund loans, rate increases, customer contributions, and general fund loans or transfers. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 14-5 ELEMENT 14 CAPITAL FACILITIES • Surface Water Fund — The Surface Water Enterprise Fund accounts for operations and capital improvements for the management of the City's storm drainage and surface water. Surface Water capital projects are required to correct deficiencies and to meet Federal, State and local mandates. Required infrastructure is paid for by developers, local improvement districts, and possibly grants, but the largest fund contribution comes from the utility's ratepayers. • Foster Golf Course — This is a publicly -owned facility funded by operating revenues, primarily user fees but also citizens' general obligation bonds, Councilmanic bonds, and transfers in from the General Fund. The City has chosen to account for the Golf Course as an enterprise fund for a number of reasons. Enterprise funds may be used to report any activity for which a fee is charged to users for good or services, and the enterprise fund structure provides transparent accounting of costs and revenues. Within the current financial structure, the Golf Course is expected to meet its capital and operating needs over the 20 -year planning period and maintain a rate structure competitive with nearby municipal courses. Capital improvements will be funded from the above - mentioned revenues. The Golf Course Enterprise Fund accounts for operation, maintenance, and improvements of the municipal golf facility. The difference between the Golf Course Enterprise Fund and other utility enterprise funds is that the Golf Fund serves voluntary customers as opposed to the users of the water, sewer, and surface water funds who have no choice in service provider. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PLANS Capital facility planning is related to a variety of other long- range, sub -area, and system plans adopted by the City. Figure 14 -3 illustrates how these various plans are interrelated. Figure 14 -3: Relationship of Adopted City of Tukwila Planning Documents LONG -RANGE PLANS Strategic Plan IA0p) d20f2p 7 Compreharnlva Plan (WO, rgdafe 2001, adopted /995) TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 SYSTEM PLANS Water (Last adopted 2001, Sewer (Last adopted 2006) Transportation (Lost adopted 7005) Parks, Rec & Open Space II ILasl arfopicd 20601 Stormwater Management (1 ast adopted' 2003) City Facilities /Droll vo•sion) Nonotortasd Transportaucr IL -M (last adopted 2009) Eire P ,St adapl,.d 2(00) SUB -AREA PLANS MIC (Last adapted 2014) Tukwila Urban Center (Daft c .k r,! Shoreline 'Master Program (Last adopted 2000) Tukwila Valley South tL asi adopted 2008) TIB Revita i anon Plan tl cst add °A199&) IMPLEMENTING DOCUMENTS! REGULATIONS Capital Improvement Program -I rndar..d annuaat(Y) Biennial Budget Tukwila Idunicpal Code PAGE 14-6 14 CAPITAL FACILITIES ISSUES The following issues are based upon City experiences as well as from likely events that could impact Tukwila's ability to pay for its future. DECREASES IN CAPITAL SPENDING Figure 14 -4 shows 10 years in operations and maintenance spending versus capital spending. There is a trend line that shows the increasing percentage of City revenues being spent on operations and maintenance and less on Capital. 12094 1 8 6 20% Operations vs. Capital Spending 2003-2012 03 04 OS 06 07 08 09 1.0 11 12 & M Capital Linear (0 & M) Linear (C ap it I) Figure 14 -4: Operations vs. Capital Spending Trend (2003- 2012). EXTERNAL FORCES REDUCING AVAILABLE LOCAL REVENUES In 2002 the voters of Washington State approved a property tax initiative that limits annual revenues to no more than one percent over previous years' revenues or Implicit Price Deflator (IPD), whichever is lower. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 14 -7 14 How does the SSUTA affect local revenue? The SSUTA was designed in res Congressional debates about ho ponse to w tax should be collected for sales made by mail -order and on the Internet. Because sales tax is now based on the destination of the sale, sa les tax that was previously collected by Tukwila on products being shipped out of the city is now being collected by other jurisdictions. Sales tax for products sold within the city or to customers who pick their orders up in person are unaffected. What are Special Purpose Districts? Special Purpose Districts can be created to provide a new service or a higher level of service than is currently available. Special Purpose Districts can be established for a variety of purposes, such as agriculture, economic development, education, parks, or environmental protection. Special Purpose Districts may collect funds within their boundaries to provide services related to their stated purpose, though funding mechanisms (property tax, fees, etc.) vary by district. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 CAPITAL FACILITIES The Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement (SSUTA) of 2008 allows Washington State to cooperate with multiple states and the business community to create a more uniform sales and use tax structure. Under SSUTA, sales tax sourcing changed from being based on origin of sales to being based on destination of goods purchased. In 2000, sales tax revenues of $18.5 million were the largest revenue source for Tukwila, generally over 40% of total revenue. In 2012, sales tax of $15.0 million accounts for 23% of total revenues. The State established a mitigation fund to compensate localities that lost revenue from implementation of SSUTA, but it does not compensate for 100% of the loss, and there is no guarantee that the State will maintain the fund. Since 2009 the City has received about $1.2 million in compensation for lost sales tax revenues, which — prior to SSUTA — would range from a high of $19.4 million in 2007 to a low of $14.4 million in 2009. LEVYING NEW TAXES AND FEES There are several ways that the Tukwila community has been able to compensate for the decrease in revenues. The City created a Revenue Generating Regulatory License (RGRL), which is a fee levied on businesses operating within the City, and instituted a Utility Tax, which applies to electric, natural gas and communication sales. Both the RGRL and the utility tax are relatively new revenue sources that were created and levied to compensate for the recent changes in the funding sources from traditional means. CREATING MORE SPECIAL PURPOSE DISTRICTS Forming special purpose districts allows the community to collect additional money for specific needs such as for parks. In 2011 a Metropolitan Park District was created with coterminous boundaries with the City of Tukwila, in order to sustain the operation of the Tukwila Pool. Beginning in 2013, Tukwila PAGE 14 -8 14 CAPITAL FACILITIES Levee repair at Lilly Point property owners began paying an additional 15 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation. Fire Protection is a topic that has also been discussed as a potential break away service that would benefit from its own taxing authority. PREPARING FOR NATURAL DISASTERS AND EMERGENCIES The climate of the world is changing. Temperatures are rising and patterns of rain and drought are changing. Flooding events will occur with greater frequency, water levels will rise and more droughts will occur. For Tukwila, a significant water feature of the City is the Duwamish /Green River and its tributaries. Property owners of the City are part of the King County Flood Control District that manages the levy system that protects the commercial and industrial base of the City. An infrastructure repair and the potential for flooding caused millions of dollars in unexpected expenses to the City in the last six years. Response to these changes needs to be regionally collaborative and combined with targeted local efforts. Tukwila is located in a seismic zone, and is vulnerable to potential natural and man -made disasters such as an earthquake or a hazardous substance leak. As the responsible public service entity, the ability to support the community after an event is a paramount job. The location and condition of the City's infrastructure to withstand significant catastrophes and the presence of a reserve to pay for unexpected events should be a factor in the capital planning of the City. GOALS AND POLICIES These policies are intended to ensure the availability of financing to accomplish the goals expressed here and in the other elements of the Comprehensive Plan over the next 20 years. PAGE 14 -9 14 CAPITAL FACILITIES Goal 14.1 Public facilities and services that reflect desired levels of quality, address past deficiencies, and anticipate the needs of growth through acceptable levels of service, prudent use of fiscal resources, and realistic timelines. General Capital Facilities Policies 14.1.1 The City shall use non - capital and regionally shared capital options to meet its public facility needs when there are financial or space economies of scale to be gained. Such options include: • Contracted Services, such as King County Animal Control; • Cooperative programs with other public entities, such as Valley Communications for dispatch services and South County Correctional Entity for jail services, and Cascade Water Alliance for water supply; • Demand Management strategies; and • Rent or lease options. 14.1.2 The City's management of its capital facilities shall follow this order: 1. Prioritizing projects when making improvements, if the public health and safety is at risk; 2. Regular inspection of systems for evaluation and to ensure conformity with current safety standards; 3. Preventive maintenance and cost effective replacement of aging elements; and 4. Planning for the orderly extension and upgrading of capital systems. 14.1.3 Projects listed for the 7 -20 year time frame shall be generally developed, described, estimated and evaluated using Comprehensive Plan goals, while projects in the six - year CIP /FPM shall be more specifically described. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 14 -10 14 CAPITAL FACILITIES 14.1.4 The City shall ensure that capital facilities are provided within a maximum of six years of the occurrence of impacts that will degrade standards. 14.1.5 Prioritize and fund residential street improvements whenever financially feasible. 14.1.6 A dedicated facility fund and allocation for building needs shall be included in the CIP/ FPM. 14.1.7 Continue to fund the correction of single - family residential neighborhood infrastructure deficiencies, including transportation, surface water, sewer and water, through interfund loans or general fund transfers, in order to address emergency and public health and safety issues. 14.1.8 No capital improvement projects located outside the city limits shall be approved without specific City Council approval. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES • The CIP /FPM shall track six year spending in single - family, industrial and commercial neighborhoods in order to measure investment balance. • The CIP /FPM shall include capital expenditures and include bond payment expenditures. Paying for Facilities 14.1.9 If the City determines that the public's health, safety, and welfare will be benefited, or if funding is available through external sources, such as development or grant funds, the City shall allocate funding for preliminary engineering and design of commercial and residential street projects. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 14 -11 14 CAPITAL FACILITIES 14.1.10 Late -comer agreements shall be considered an acceptable means of funding capital projects, improvements and replacements, in whole or in part when requested by a developer . 14.1.11 The City shall initiate property negotiations with a request for donation of the property needed for rights -of -way and easements in all projects. 14.1.12 14.1.13 Arterial street improvements listed in the six -year CIP /FPM may be funded through an LID or financing external to the City. The City may participate using operating revenues, grants or bonds based on health and safety needs or public benefit. If funds are available, the City shall pay for local improvement district formation costs in addition to the preliminary and construction engineering costs, in order to provide a more timely option for residential street improvements. To initiate this action, a majority of affected property owners must petition the City for creation of a local improvement district. Residents shall pay the other costs such as, for undergrounding utilities in the street and undergrounding from the street to their house, for the actual construction contract cost, and for any improvements on private property such as rockeries, paved driveways, or roadside plantings. The process and requirement for initiating a local improvement district by petition are set forth in state and local law. 14.1.14 The City shall, whenever practical and advantageous, apply for grants, loans, or other external financing sources. Grant applications for capital facilities shall: • Be made only for projects listed in the CIP /FPM, and • Be made after approval of the appropriate Council Committee, who shall report to the full Council on any pending grant. 14.1.15 Full Council approval is required for any grant acceptance. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 14 -12 14 CAPITAL FACILITIES 14.1.16 The City shall continue to target a minimum of 33 percent of total sales tax proceeds to pay for capital projects. 14.1.17 Transportation, fire and parks impact fees shall be collected so that "growth may pay for growth" and growth- caused improvements may be constructed. 14.1.18 Impact fees shall be adjusted periodically based upon an appropriate capital cost index and or other relevant data, to ensure that the fees reflect the cost of planned system improvements related to growth and shall be subject to City Council approval. 14.1.19 The City shall consider issuance of bonds for facilities if repayment can be made from revenue allocations and if it is more cost - effective. 14.1.20 The City shall consider projects identified in the CIP /FPM for general operating revenues if substantial funding from grants, developers, other jurisdictions, or other funding sources becomes available. 14.1.21 Non - transportation capital projects and improvements (i.e. new fire station, parks, trails, City offices) shall be funded by general revenues, impact fees, grants or bonds as determined in the biennial CIP /FPM review process. 14.1.22 The first 1/4 -cent real estate transfer tax shall be dedicated to park and open space land acquisition. The second 1/4 -cent tax, along with the parking tax revenues, shall be used for arterial streets Prioritizing Facility Construction 14.1.23 Residential streets with safety issues, high traffic volumes, high pedestrian activity and poor roadway conditions shall be considered the highest priority projects. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 14 -13 ELEMENT 14 CAPITAL FACILITIES Landscaping and sidewalk improvements should be coordinated with transportation improvements. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 14.1.24 14.1.25 14.1.26 Capital improvements shall be coordinated, whenever feasible, with related improvements by other jurisdictions. Transportation improvements shall be coordinated with related improvements such as utility, landscaping, sidewalks, etc. Capital facility projects shall be prioritized using Comprehensive Plan and Strategic Plan goals and policies. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES • Create and use a decision matrix to show project consistency with Comprehensive and Strategic Plan goal and policies. • Rank and prioritize unfunded projects. Financial Planning and Plan Maintenance 14.1.27 14.1.28 Capital planning decisions shall be linked to City -wide goals by tracking actual growth and evaluating growth targets and level of service standards. The CIP /FPM shall be updated biennially and include reviews of forecasts and actual growth, revenue, and cost totals. PAGE 14 -14 14 CAPITAL FACILITIES 14.1.29 14.1.30 Capital Facility policies shall be reviewed biennially during revisions to the CIP /FPM. Desirable changes shall be implemented during the annual Comprehensive Plan amendment process. Policies and practices of sound governmental budgeting and accounting principles, revenue diversity, and promoting the economic well -being of the City shall be used in order to maintain an A -1 bond rating or better for the City 14.1.31 In the event that anticipated funding falls short of meeting existing and /or anticipated needs, the City shall reassess and revise the following as needed: • The land uses in the Comprehensive Plan; • Funding alternatives; and /or • The level of service standards of the City. Enterprise Funds Policies 14.1.32 14.1.33 Utility rates and charges shall be structured to ensure adequate infrastructure development, in addition to compliance with operation, maintenance and Federal and State requirements. Adequate reserved working capital balances shall be maintained for each enterprise fund's annual expenditures. The fund balance for enterprise funds, at the close of each fiscal year, shall equal or exceed 20% of the previous year revenue, exclusive of significant non - operating, non - recurring revenues such as real estate sales, transfers in from other funds or debt proceeds. 14.1.34 Rate increases shall be small, applied frequently, and staggered to avoid an overly burdensome increase and undue impact in any given year. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 14 -15 14 CAPITAL FACILITIES 14.1.35 Each enterprise fund shall be reviewed at least biennially, and shall have a rate structure adequate to meet its operations & maintenance and long -term capital requirements. 14.1.36 Rate increases of external agencies (i.e. King County secondary wastewater treatment fees) shall be passed through to the users of the utility. 14.1.37 14.1.38 For safety and health reasons, the City shall provide sewers to all residential and commercial areas in the City's service area by using a combination of operating revenues, grants, loans, bonds, voluntary local improvement district formations, and/ or inter -fund loans. Interfund loans shall be permissible if practical. Interest rates shall be computed based on the discounted market rate that is based on the US Treasury note rate(s) corresponding to the term of the loan, in order to adequately compensate the loaning fund. 14.1.39 When there is a general long -term benefit to the respective enterprise fund and its customers, the City shall use bonded indebtedness as a funding alternative. Level of Service Standards 14.1.40 Sufficient system capacity for surface water, water, sewer and transportation is required prior to approval of any new development. (Standards for surface water, water, and sewer are codified in the City's Municipal Code and the transportation standards are in the Transportation Element of this Plan.) New development must pass the concurrency tests, before development may be permitted. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 14 -16 ELEMENT 14 CAPITAL FACILITIES 14.1.41 The City shall monitor the capacity and maintain the water, sewer, surface water and transportation systems at the adopted standards. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES • Continue funding six year System Plan updates. • Compliance with the level of service standards shall be reviewed in the biennial updates to the CIP /FPM. Goal 14.2 A Capital Improvement Program and facility designs that meet the broad spectrum of the City's human needs rather than just traditional needs such as vehicular and pedestrian circulation, drinking water distribution, and sewage collection. Policies 14.2.1 The City shall recognize and provide for multiple purposes and functions in all City facilities and where possible, incorporate the needs of the individual within the design. 14.2.2 The design of infrastructure improvements shall include conservation of resources, such as water reuse and energy- efficient electric fixtures, and the use of local power generation. 14.2.3 The design and location of infrastructure improvement shall consider the impact of climate change, seismic occurrence and ability to serve the community in the event of a natural disaster. 14.2.4 Minimizing the costs of maintaining, operating and other life cycle costs shall be used as a criterion in the design and funding for any capital facility. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 14 -17 14 CAPITAL FACILITIES 14.2.5 The design and construction of capital projects shall: • Use best practices for a crime free environment, • Create high quality built places, • Have a strong landscape component, • Maximize environmental and economic benefits, • Minimize environmental costs, and • Promote public health by providing opportunities for safe and convenient daily physical activity. 14.2.6 Throughout the city, the focus of capital investments shall be on creating a connected, dynamic urban environment. 14.2.7 The City, both acting on its own or in coordination with flood protection partners, shall seek, design, and implement flood hazard reduction projects that are permanent, low maintenance flood protection solutions that meet multiple objectives such as flood control, water supply storage, water quality, recreation and fisheries protection, and compliance with City and State regulation. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 14 -18 ELEMENT 14 CAPITAL FACILITIES RELATED INFORMATION Capital Facilities Background Report Capital Improvement Program /Financial Planning Model Fire Master Plan TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 14 -19 CHAPTER TEN SOUTHCENTER - TUKWILA'S URBAN CENTER TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN elf0 is•1111111111111111111 1111111111t111111N Mill1111111111111 101 ELEMENT 10 SOUTHCENTER - TUKWILA'S URBAN CENTER SOUTHCENTER - TUKWILA'S URBAN CENTER WHAT YOU WILL FIND IN THIS CHAPTER: • A Vision Statement for the Southcenter area; • A discussion of regional planning policies for urban centers; • A discussion of issues to be addressed to ensure that Southcenter achieves the City's Vision; and • Goals and Policies to guide development in Southcenter. PURPOSE Tukwila's Southcenter area is intended to develop as a high- density, regionally oriented, mixed - use center. In 1995, the Southcenter area was designated as a regional growth center under the Puget Sound Regional Council's (PSRC) Vision 2040, and as an urban center under the King County Countywide Planning Policies. The vision for Southcenter is consistent with both documents. Urban centers are described in the Countywide Planning Policies as areas of concentrated employment and housing, with direct service by high- capacity transit. They encompass a wide range of land uses, including retail, recreation, public facilities, parks, residential, and open space. They encourage the growth of each urban center as a unique, vibrant community that is attractive to live and work. Centers should support efficient public services including transit, and respond to local needs and markets for jobs and housing. In Vision 2040, regional growth centers are intended to be compact areas of high- intensity residential and employment development, with a mix of land uses including housing, jobs, recreation and shopping. The designation of regional growth centers is a key element of the regional strategy to preserve resource lands and protect rural lands from urban -type development by promoting infill and redevelopment within urban areas to create more compact, walkable, sustainable and transit - friendly communities. These strategies direct the majority of the region's employment and housing growth to urban centers in the form of compact, sustainable communities where housing and jobs are located in a manner that provides for easy mobility and accessibility. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 10 -2 ELEMENT 10 SOUTHCENTER - TUKWILA'S URBAN CENTER Urban centers are also given priority by transit providers for fixed -rail transit service and other transit service and facility improvements. The idea is to help ensure the long -term economic viability and competitiveness of urban centers in the region as energy costs escalate, congestion increases and consumer preferences shift. Tukwila is also designated as a Core City under Vision 2040. Core cities are major cities with regionally designated growth centers. They are intended to accommodate a significant share of future growth, contain key hubs for the region's long -range multimodal transportation system, and are major civic, cultural and employment centers within their counties. In 2002, Tukwila began creating an urban center plan for the Southcenter area. The Plan focused on retaining the urban center's competitive edge and economic strength as retail development grows within the region. At that time, the City recognized that an urban center of regional significance creates benefits for all of Tukwila. The City held six public workshops and found that participants supported the following ideas: 1. Making the Southcenter area a more attractive destination for shopping and leisure activities; 2. Relieving critical congestion points, improving circulation, and making alternative modes of transportation available; 3. Supporting existing businesses and attracting new; and, 4. Creating opportunities for residential development in appropriate areas. Public investment in key areas will support progress towards the community's vision of enhanced and diversified economic vitality. The Southcenter element policies support and expand the qualities of the center that have generated its economic success. ❖ Land use polices are flexible to support diverse uses. ❖ Urban design policies implement the community's vision, to be achieved through public and private sector initiative and cooperation. ❖ Site and streetscape policies emphasize accessibility as a key factor, as well as choice in transportation modes. These policies will reinforce future competitiveness and will create an urban center that gives identity to the City. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 10 -3 ELEMENT 10 SOUTHCENTER - TUKWILA'S URBAN CENTER ISSUES Southcenter currently provides regional comparison shopping, major discount shopping, major facilities for incubator businesses, entertainment, and a full range of professional services. It includes intensely developed areas such as Westfield Southcenter Mall and Andover Industrial Park, transportation facilities such as the Sounder commuter rail /Amtrak station, and natural features and amenities such as Tukwila Pond, Minkler Pond, and the Green River. Retail uses dominate Southcenter; Westfield Southcenter Mall, in the northwest corner of the center, is the largest regional shopping mall in the Seattle area. Warehouse uses are more prominent in the area to the south. A goal of growth management is to integrate housing, job growth, and services in order to reduce the need for long commutes, and to keep living and working communities easily accessible to each other. As a significant employment center, Southcenter already provides jobs to residents and nearby communities. However, considerable residential development is needed in the urban center to meet the City's housing targets. The vision for Southcenter includes expanded opportunities for housing, accommodating the majority of the City's projected housing needs, and addressing the types of amenities and infrastructure needed to attract quality housing and create a connected, dynamic urban environment. Southcenter's future of higher- density growth will take place during and beyond the 20 -year horizon of the Countywide Policies. While urban centers play an integral role in the regional vision, the County- wide Policies require the form and function of these centers to be determined at the local level. VISION STATEMENT The vision for Southcenter's next 30 -50 years foresees: ❖ a high- density area with housing and regional employment; ❖ walkable, as well as auto - oriented shopping and entertainment districts; ❖ areas of high quality housing near water amenities and within walking distance of the Sounder commuter rail /Amtrak station and the new bus transit center; and ❖ recreational opportunities for business people, residents, and visitors. Support for interlinked transit and a pedestrian system to supplement an improved road network are included in the future; as well as sensitively enhancing the accessibility to the City's natural amenities, such as Tukwila Pond, Minkler Pond, and the Green River. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 10 -4 ELEMENT 10 SOUTHCENTER - TUKWILA'S URBAN CENTER The land use, design and transportation policies of the Southcenter Plan focus on keeping the area's successful economic engine running. To make Southcenter more competitive and attractive over the long term, the Plan aims to transition Southcenter into a great place for working, shopping, doing business, living and playing. Great places contribute to the well -being of people and communities. An area made up of great places will continue to attract people and maintain economic vitality. Economic success, in turn, provides the City of Tukwila the fiscal means to continue providing our community with excellent public services and improvements. Southcenter, Tukwila's urban center, is currently an economically vibrant, motor vehicle oriented area. It owes much of its success to a high level of regional accessibility and in the past, a lack of competi- tion within the region, as well as the 30+ year vision and vigor of its development community. Achieving the long -range vision of an economically and environmentally sustainable community is anticipated to be a gradual process. It should be pursued by reinforcing Southcenter's strengths and increasing its overall attractiveness through a combination of public and private investment. This would support both new and existing businesses and the continuation of market - sensitive transitions. Notable future features of the Southcenter Subarea Plan that will implement the Vision include: • • :• Improved connection between Westfield Southcenter Mall and Tukwila Pond Park. A core area of high quality, walkable retail, entertainment, housing, public spaces and employment creating a memorable destination within the region. ❖ Anchor areas linked by frequent transit service (5 to 10 minute busses or shuttles), enhanced with public and private pedestrian facilities, and development standards supporting this type of built environment. ❖ High - quality transit and pedestrian facilities, focusing on creating strong connections between the Mall and the Sounder commuter rail /Amtrak station. • Overall improvements to the network of streets, trails, sidewalks, and other infrastructure. ❖ Encouragement of a pedestrian- oriented environment through building and streetscape design standards and guidelines. ❖ Sub - districts differentiated through uses and development standards. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 10 -5 ELEMENT 10 SOUTHCENTER — TUKWILA'S URBAN CENTER Tukwila Pky Baker Blvd Strander Blvd 0_ 0 0 0 a 1) U 0 Tukwila Pond Corporat0 e Dr N O Upland Dr 0 a CT) 0 0 c Treck Dr MinkIar Rlvd Midland Dr Costco Dr Triland Dr w 0 0_ 0 > 0 0 0 S 180 St Figure 10 -1: Tukwila's Urban Center (Southcenter) Boundaries TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN — OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 10 -6 ELEMENT 10 SOUTHCENTER - TUKWILA'S URBAN CENTER SOUTHCENTER'S BOUNDARIES Northern - Properties south of Interstate 405 Southern -180th Street with some properties on south side of the street Eastern - The center of the Green River between 180th Street and the southern boundary of properties which abut the south side of the Strander Boulevard alignment, thence eastward to the City limits Western -Toe of west valley wall GOALS AND POLICIES The following goals, policies, and strategies reflect the established vision for Southcenter. These policies will help achieve the desired form and function of Tukwila's urban center over the 30 to 50- year planning period. These goals and policies cover the issues of land use, urban development, and transportation and circulation. They support development and protection of the long -term economic and environmental sustainability of Southcenter by fostering an attractive and functional environment to live and recreate, as well as retain its reputation as a good place to work, shop, and do business. GOAL 10.1 LAND USE Southcenter will contain an intense, diverse mix of uses, which will evolve over time. The character and pace of this change will be set by a combination of guidelines, regulations, incentives, market conditions, and proactive private /public actions which will reinforce existing strengths and open new opportunities. The desire for a high quality environment for workers, visitors, and residents will also drive this character transition. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 10 -7 ELEMENT 10 SOUTHCENTER - TUKWILA'S URBAN CENTER LAND USE POLICIES 10.1.1 Southcenter Character. Recognize Southcenter as a regional commercial /industrial area, with opportunities for high quality, mixed -use transit - oriented development, including housing, served by a balance of auto, pedestrian, bicycle and transit facilities. (Figures 10 -2 and 10 -3) 10.1.2 Private and Public Investment. Private and public investment will be aimed at facilitating and encouraging overall growth and redevelopment in Southcenter. 10.1.3 Tukwila Urban Center (Southcenter) "Districts." Southcenter encompasses a relatively large area containing a wide variety of uses. To create a more coherent urban form and enhance the Center's long -term competitive edge within the region, guide development and change to create distinct areas, or districts, where the character, forms, types of uses and activities benefit, complement, and support each other. ELI !! tart R •I L 11 II It JO Figure 10 -2: Envisioned High - Density Development in Tukwila 10.1.4 Tukwila Urban Center (Southcenter) Residential Uses. To preserve Tukwila's existing residential neighborhoods and to provide a diverse set of housing alternatives and locations, a large percentage of the City's future housing needs will be accommodated in the urban center. Residential development is encouraged in proximity to water amenities or within walking distance of the Sounder commuter rail /Amtrak station or the bus transit center, subject to design standards and incentives. Defined building bays to break up length of building Flat roofs ornamented with structural expression Architectural elements to create vertical appearance Less transparent only at upper stories 111 '" 'jai" .. uarnl ? 6y( J // //J • ��f / —rY aav .0 11111 1- ,1 41 - Canopies and overhangs to shelter pedestrians Pedestrian-scaled building facade Grond entrance feature dentified by massing and detailing Transparent facade — at ground floor Figure 10 -3: Envisioned Medium - Density Development in Tukwila TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 10 -8 ELEMENT 10 SOUTHCENTER - TUKWILA'S URBAN CENTER Implementation Strategies • Public Amenities Plan. • Development regulations that allow appropriate building heights, parking, and access within each district. • Design guidelines that promote a high - quality urban environment and facilitate a range of pedestrian activity, where appropriate. • Coordinate transit service and station improvements with transit providers. • Utilize flexible zoning regulations to allow uses including residential, retail and light industrial, where appropriate for each district's purpose. IN Expand the areas where residential uses are permitted. • Develop regulations to address setback and lot coverage restrictions that allow for future street expansions, new streets and other circulation improvements. • Design Review standards to enforce quality landscape, pedestrian access, and design. • Develop standards and incentives for providing a variety of different types of open spaces (e.g., plazas, parks, public & private) that attract further residential development and, balances out the increasingly dense environment. • Use access to transit facilities and amenities to stimulate surrounding residential and mixed use development. GOAL 10.2 URBAN DEVELOPMENT The northern portion of the Southcenter area will contain a central focus area. Throughout Southcenter, the natural and built environments are attractive, functional, environmentally sustainable, and distinctive, and support a range of mixed uses promoting business, shopping, recreation, entertainment, and residential opportunities. URBAN DEVELOPMENT POLICIES 10.2.1 Natural Environment. Recognize, protect, and enhance the open space network by augmenting existing parks, enhancing access to passive and active recreation areas such as Tukwila Pond, Minkler Pond and the Green River; and by improving air and water quality and preserving natural resources; thereby effectively integrating the natural and built environments in Southcenter. In addition, recognize that open space amenities are attractors for a wide range of uses, including housing and office (Figure 10 -4). TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 10 -9 ELEMENT 10 SOUTHCENTER - TUKWILA'S URBAN CENTER Implementation Strategies • Seek opportunities for public /private partnerships. ® Look for opportunities for pocket park development. In Promote the use of shade trees. I■ During review of proposed public and private projects: Promote use of indigenous plants. Promote use of water - saving plants. Promote use of plants with wildlife habitat value. • Implement the Master Plan and water quality improvement program for Tukwila Pond Park. D• Coordinate with Tukwila's Parks and Recreation Department to ensure that the Southcenter area's parks and open space concepts are integrated into the Parks Plan. Figure 10 -4: Envisioned Southcenter open space amenity 10.2.2 Streets, Streetscape, and Pedestrian Environment. Create a "complete street" network that establishes a finer grained street grid, reflects the demand and need for motor vehicles, transit, pedestrians, and bicyclists, and provides a safe, convenient, attractive, and comfortable pedestrian and bicycling environment. Ensure that street design eliminates potential conflicts, promotes safety for all modes of travel, and maintains emergency services response capabilities. Reinforce the different functions of streets by creating distinct identities for major rights -of -way. (Figure 10 -5) TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 10 -10 ELEMENT 10 SOUTHCENTER - TUKWILA'S URBAN CENTER Implementation Strategies • Coordinate with the City Public Works Department to create a Street Network Plan that establishes a finer grained system of public and private streets and pedestrian corridors for the Southcenter area, and requires development to share in the cost of providing them. • Identify and employ mechanisms and incentives by which a finer grid system and public frontage improvements can be implemented by the Street Network Plan. • Coordinate with the Public Works Department to prepare an access management plan for the Southcenter area which requires the consolidation of driveways and access points, wherever possible • Update the Street Tree Plan for the Southcenter area (CBD) • Seek additional funding for construction of the pedestrian bridge over the Green River, connecting the Mall to the Sounder commuter rail /Amtrak station. • Continue working with Sound Transit, the City of Renton, and the Union Pacific and Burlington Northern Railroads to fund and complete the Strander Boulevard connection between the Sounder commuter rail /Amtrak Station and the City ofTukwila, including the pedestrian -only underpass beneath the Union Pacific lines. • Coordinate with land use planning efforts to ensure that improvements in the transportation and circulation system are parallel with projected growth in the Tukwila Urban Center. • Develop a Southcenter Streetscape Improvement Plan with distinct identities for major streets and strategies for pedestrian- oriented improvements and linkages such as new pathways, arcades, awnings, sidewalk eating areas, and special displays. Back of sidewalk r-8.0' >k 7.0' sidewalk planting strip I I� 15.0' Figure 10 -5: Example of envisioned Southcenter streetscape 1 I I I 7.5' 6.0' 11.0' I I 11.0' 6.0' 7.5' parking bike travel lane travel lane bike parking Public Frontage New thoroughfare cross - section TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 10 -11 ELEMENT 10 1 Figure 10 -6: Builc Southcenter Site Development - ing orientation to street Figure 10 -7: Site Development - Pedestrian connections through parking lots connecting street edge to building entrances SOUTHCENTER - TUKWILA'S URBAN CENTER 10.2.3 Site Development. Create regulations and design guidelines that result in high - quality site design and enjoyable and safe pedestrian environments, using site design techniques that include but are not limited to: • integrating architectural, site design, and landscape elements. • supporting motor vehicle, transit service, and pedestrian traffic by ensuring that new development and infrastructure are designed and constructed consistent with adopted standards and subarea plans. • using physical and natural elements that enhance an area's overall aesthetic, including orienting a building to the street (Figure 10 -6). • extending the street grid system. 10.2.4 Pedestrian Accessibility. Ensure that pedes- trians have safe, convenient, and comfortable paths from adjacent public ways to key build- ing entrances. This could include utilizing driveways or internal streets with sidewalks for access to primary entrances, or by providing clearly marked pathways through large park- ing lots from the public sidewalks and from parked cars to key building entrances. There should be minimum interruption to the pedes- trian pathway by driveways and other vehicu- lar conflicts (Figure 10 -7). TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 10 -12 ELEMENT 10 1 Figure 10 -8: Landscaping in parking areas SOUTHCENTER - TUKWILA'S URBAN CENTER Implementation Strategies • Develop design standards for parking lots that encourage walking to, from and between properties. 10.2.5 Siting and orientation of buildings and parking lots should create an environment that is conducive to walking in the northern part of the Southcenter area, particularly in the area between the Mall, the bus transit center, Tukwila Pond, and the Sounder commuter rail/ Amtrak station. Implementation Strategies • Over the short to midterm, focus public and private investments and regulations on properties fronting Baker Boulevard between the Mall and the Sounder station. 10.2.6 Require interior vehicular connection between adjacent parking areas wherever possible. 10.2.7 Development standards will consider the needs of land owners, developers, businesses, and the community. 10.2.8 Parking. Ensure an adequate supply of parking for visitors, employees, residents and customers. Provide a variety of flexible regulations, strategies and programs to meet parking demands. On -going needs will also be assessed to ensure appropriate parking requirements and to encourage efficient and effective use of land in parking design (Figure 10 -8). TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 10 -13 ELEMENT 10 SOUTHCENTER - TUKWILA'S URBAN CENTER Implementation Strategies • Conduct a public parking structure feasibility study, including siting, potential funding sources and mechanisms. • Investigate alternative parking strategies such as shared parking, etc. • Look for opportunities for on- street parking in areas planned for higher pedestrian activity, particularly in the TOD District • Develop appropriate standards and guidelines for parking design and layout to support the type of development envisioned in each of Southcenter's districts. • Factor pedestrian safety and convenience into parking lot design standards. Require safe and direct pedestrian connections from sidewalks to building entrances. • Continue Commute Trip Reduction Programs and other Transportation Demand Management Programs. Incorporate the Growth Transportation Efficiency Center (GTEC) into transportation and land use planning in Southcenter. 10.2.9 Building Design. Promote high quality architecture in Southcenter, with attention to standards and guidelines that: • Promote an appropriate display of scale and proportion; • Give special attention to developing pedestrian- oriented features and streetfront activity areas such as ground floor windows, modulated building facades, and rich details in material and signage; • Provide quality landscape treatment that emphasizes shade trees; • Provide an appropriate relationship to adjacent sites and features and; • Encourage overall building quality, and sensitivity to, and respect for, the area's important natural amenities such as the Green River and Tukwila Pond. • Include property owners in developing urban design guidelines to ensure that the intent of this policy is met. 10.2.10 Signage. Develop a directional sign program to aid pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists in wayfinding through Southcenter. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 10 -14 ELEMENT 10 SOUTHCENTER - TUKWILA'S URBAN CENTER Implementation Strategies • Identify appropriate design guidelines and locations for directional signage for shopping, access to amenities and leisure activities, in order to alleviate congestion in key corridors and intersections 10.2.11 Work collaboratively with Southcenter property owners, businesses, and community members to implement the vision for Southcenter, assess the potential to catalyze development in the Southcenter area, and form an economic redevelopment strategy. Implementation Strategies • Establish a lead redevelopment entity on the public side to coordinate implementation of an urban center redevelopment strategy and provide it with people, resources and tools to succeed. • Rebrand urban center districts to take advantage of assets, location, and character, and reinforce land use concepts so that the image of Tukwila is refreshed. • Improve infrastructure through the Capital Improvement Plan that reflects Southcenter policies • Create a public sector redevelopment tool kit that offers developers assistance in achieving the community's goals for the Southcenter area. • Prepare and implement a redevelopment strategy. • Identify projects necessary to catalyze economic development and give them high priority for funding when considering public investment in the Urban Center. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 10 -15 ELEMENT 10 SOUTHCENTER - TUKWILA'S URBAN CENTER RELATED INFORMATION Vision 2040 King County Countywide Planning Policies Tukwila Strategic Plan TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 10 -16 CHAPTER FOUR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT ELEMENT TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Habitat Conservation Area Do Not Disturbb" I1F MY 11111111111441A ELEMENT 4 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT NATURAL ENVIRONMENT WHAT YOU WILL FIND IN THIS CHAPTER: • A description of the natural resources and sensitive environmental areas present in the City of Tukwila; • A discussion of local City efforts and citizen volunteer programs to protect Tukwila's natural resources; and • Goals and Policies for protecting sensitive natural resources, including the urban forest. PURPOSE This element of the Comprehensive Plan addresses the City's natural environment - air, land, and water resources- by guiding future development in a manner that protects the community's environment, improves the quality of life in the City and provides reasonable protection of community residents from natural hazards. To be healthy and sustainable a community must integrate the natural environment into urban development design. The natural environment and its associated ecological processes provide many benefits to Tukwila including: • visual relief from the hard, constructed surfaces of urban development; • fish and wildlife habitat; • air and water quality; • surface water runoff management; • recreational opportunities for interaction with nature; and • aesthetic and economic benefits. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 4 -1 ELEMENT 4 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Tukwila Pond serves as both wetland habitat and temporary stormwater storage. Southgate Creek is an example of a watercourse with little riparian protection from urban impacts. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 THE STATE OF TUKWILA'S URBAN ENVIRONMENT Tukwila encompasses about 9 square miles, and much of the city lies within an extensive valley centered on the Lower Green /Duwamish River watershed. The valley is virtually flat and almost entirely built out except for the newly annexed Tukwila South area, which is slated for development over the next 10 to 15 years. The upland areas of the City have rolling topography and numerous areas with steep and potentially unstable slopes. Many of the steep hillsides are forested with second or third growth trees and understories with a mix of native and invasive vegetation. These areas, together with the City's numerous water resources, provide important fish and wildlife habitat that coexist with the built environment. The following is a summary of conditions in the constituent elements of Tukwila's environment. WETLANDS AND WATERCOURSES As urban development has occurred, natural drainage corridors have been altered or placed in culverts, and wetlands have been filled. Remnant wetlands remain in some of the City's parks, on undeveloped slopes (formed by springs and groundwater seeps), in freeway interchanges, and in other areas of the City. Wetlands and watercourses have been provisionally identified and mapped on the City's Sensitive Areas Map. The City has purchased Tukwila Pond and Macadam wetland for preservation. Tukwila Pond serves as both a wetland and temporary storm water storage pond for commercial development on its north side. Macadam wetland collects mostly natural surface water from the steep slopes located on its east side. Stream alterations have affected wildlife and fish habitat. There PAGE 4-3 ELEMENT 4 Fish Species in Tukwila Fish species found in the Green/ River include the following: • Cutthroat trout • Chinook salmon • Chum salmon • Coho salmon • Pink salmon • Sockeye salmon • Bull trout Duwamish Resident Cutthroat trout are found in Tukwila's streams, as well as other fish and aquatic species. Cutthroat trout photo courtesy of Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. NATURAL ENVIRONMENT are few remaining open channels in the four main streams in Tukwila (Johnson Creek, Gilliam Creek, Southgate Creek and Riverton Creek), which have been channelized, relocated and piped for much of their length. Construction of urban streets and highway systems and driveways required watercourses to be placed in culverts, which have blocked or made fish passage difficult. All the streams discharge into the Green/ Duwamish River. Run -off coupled with steep slopes in the upper reaches of Gilliam, Southgate and Riverton Creeks has caused scouring and erosion in the stream channels, resulting in deepened ravines with steep banks, instability, bank erosion and downstream sedimentation. The lower reaches of Tukwila's streams are generally lacking in pools and woody debris, which are important for good fish habitat. Thus, the open reaches of Tukwila's streams are generally in deteriorated conditions with generally poor riparian habitat and narrow buffers. In fact, many tributaries of the urban watercourses flow in roadside ditches with little protection from urban impacts. FISH AND WILDLIFE The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has mapped and identified priority habitats and species in Tukwila to ensure their protection and management. They include: the Green /Duwamish River; reaches of Gilliam Creek, Southgate Creek and Riverton Creek; riparian areas (areas adjacent to streams and rivers) and freshwater wetlands. Also mapped are wetland complexes and Johnson Creek in Tukwila South. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 4 -4 ELEMENT 4 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Volunteers removing invasive blackberry - Duwamish River Shoreline Restoration Project Community volunteers stocking Coho salmon in Southgate Creek. Pacific tree frog at wetland restoration site. The Shoreline Master Program provides more detail on the City's involvement with the Water Resource Inventory Area 9 (WRIA 9) and the Green /Duwamish River Salmon Habitat Enhancement Plan, which is intended to restore habitat for Chinook salmon and other species. Tukwila citizens are actively involved in wildlife protection and enhancement activities, such as the Backyard Wildlife Program, projects to restore habitat, and a salmon rearing project that involves school children, state wildlife officials and local businesses in annual stocking of Coho salmon in Southgate Creek. Waterfowl areas in Tukwila include Tukwila Pond and the wetlands in Tukwila South, which provide important winter habitat for migrating water fowl and permanent habitat for other waterfowl. Over 50 species of birds have been recorded at Tukwila Pond. Other bird species found in Tukwila include osprey, which regularly nest near the Green /Duwamish River; hawks; and passerine birds. Other wildlife species in Tukwila include coyotes, Eastern Grey squirrels, beaver, otter, nutria, turtles (mostly non - native red -eared sliders), garter snakes, snails, amphibians (non- native bullfrogs, native Pacific Tree frogs, and salamanders), opossum, and raccoons. FLOOD MANAGEMENT Tukwila's urban center, the light industrial and manufacturing area south of S. 180th Street, part of Tukwila South, and Fort Dent Park are protected from flooding of the Green River by levee systems. The City participates in the National Flood Insurance Program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which has mapped regulated flood plains in Tukwila. Mapped floodplains and the levee systems are explained in more detail in the Shoreline Element of the Comprehensive Plan. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 4-5 ELEMENT 4 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Impervious surfaces and the elimination of natural wetland functions have caused localized flooding from streams periodically at varying levels of severity on some areas of public right -of -way, as well as private properties where inadequate or no surface water infrastructure exists. The City has resolved many of the flooding problems through improvements to surface water infrastructure. For example, periodic flooding from Gilliam Creek near Southcenter Boulevard was resolved through the construction of a regional detention facility that serves the area of Southcenter Boulevard west of Interstate 5. The surface water management system (surface water utility) is described in more detail in the Utilities Element of the Comprehensive Plan. More detailed information on localized flooding problems is provided in the City's Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan. EARTH RESOURCES AND GEOLOGIC HAZARDS The City has mapped areas with steep and unstable slopes, including active landslide areas to ensure that there is adequate review of slope stability if development is proposed in these areas. In addition, there are coal formations on the southwest side of Interurban Avenue South, some of which have been mined and are defined as sensitive areas based on the City of Tukwila Abandoned Underground Coal Mine Hazard Assessment, May 1990. WATER QUALITY Although the City does not have ongoing monitoring programs, periodic studies have indicated that Tukwila's streams and the Green /Duwamish River suffer from poor water quality due to surface water runoff. Rain events wash contaminants off rooftops, driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, and roads into the watercourses. Runoff from these areas can contribute to high temperatures in urban streams and can carry contaminants into streams and wetlands. Many newer developments have flow control and water quality treatment facilities such as sediment removal and oil water separators that moderate the discharges that flow directly into streams, but there are still areas of Tukwila where runoff from impervious surfaces discharges directly to streams and the river with no treatment. (See Natural Environment Element Regulatory Background Report for more information on water quality.) Riparian habitat plays a valuable role in protecting stream water quality. Adequately -sized and healthy riparian buffers help filter out a variety of pollutants, including substances that can lead to the depletion of oxygen in streams. Riparian vegetation can also shade streams, reducing water TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 4 -6 ELEMENT 4 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT temperatures. However, most of Tukwila's streams have poor quality, narrow riparian areas. AIR QUALITY Tukwila lies in the air quality region made up of King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish counties. Air quality is monitored and managed by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. Through the efforts of the Clean Air Agency, all of King County currently has good air quality, except for occasional periods when air quality in our area is considered a risk to health, particularly for members of the population with respiratory conditions. CLIMATE CHANGE The impacts of climate change in Tukwila could affect several aspects of the natural environment as well as the provision of utilities to its citizens. Climate change could cause rising sea levels which would affect the tidally- influenced portions of the Green /Duwamish River, raising water levels in the river and causing tidal waters to reach further up river and into streams. This, in turn, could impact flood control measures and fish and wildlife habitat, with particular detriment to salmon. Other possible effects of climate change could include new and increased insect infestations in the City's urban forest; changes in wildlife behavior and diversity; and, reduced availability of water supplies for drinking water, irrigation of gardens, landscaped areas, street trees, and parks. Increases in temperatures could exacerbate existing heat island effects in the highly developed areas of the City where there is a significant amount of impervious surface (buildings, streets and parking lots). This underscores the importance of increasing tree canopy in these areas to help reduce temperatures during the summer months. High water temperatures are already a problem for salmon in the Green /Duwamish River, where there is a lack of shade from trees along the shoreline in many areas. Restoration plantings and maintaining large trees on the shoreline will help improve conditions for salmon in the river and in its tributaries and help to reduce even greater water temperatures that could be caused by climate change. TUKWILA'S URBAN FOREST The "City of Tukwila Urban Tree Canopy Assessment," completed in 2012, quantifies existing urban tree canopy as well as impervious surfaces, surface water, grasslands, and bare soils. The assessment forms the basis for several new goals and policies related to the urban forest. See the assessment report appended to this chapter of the Comprehensive Plan. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 4 -7 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT A tree engulfed by invasive English ivy. How Much Are Tukwila's Trees Worth? The value that Tukwila's trees provide to the community in terms of air quality improvements is $493,000, as detailed in the table below. ?ollution Benefits of Tukwila's Tree ,_ _�' __ n"_ -nber� • Stored Carbon — 71,000 Tons • Sequestered Carbon — 2300 Ton /yr • Carbon Monoxide (CO) 4.3 Ton /yr • Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) ^' 10 Ton /yr • Ozone (03) — 4.3 Ton /yr • Sulfur Dioxide (502) ^ 8.5 Ton /yr • Particulate Matter 15.7 Ton /yr Yearly Benefit 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, $1.4M $48K $4K $89K $240K $18K $94K $493K TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN — OCTOBER 2013 The results of the study show that Tukwila has a current overall city -wide average tree canopy cover of 25% and impervious surface of 51 %. The residential zones range from 33% to 51 canopy across 1,869 acres, while the industrial and commercial zones have tree canopy ranging from 9% to 49% across 2,780 acres. The City is fortunate to have remnant stands of second or third - growth native forests and high canopy coverage in its single family residential areas, on undeveloped steep slopes, and in some of its parks (for example, Crystal Springs Park and Tukwila Park). However, trees and understory vegetation in many of our parks and natural areas are plagued with infestations of invasive plants like blackberry and ivy. Trees in undeveloped areas are threatened by future development. Aging trees in already developed residential and commercial areas become hazardous and require removal, and are not always replaced with new trees. The City has street trees of varying species, sizes, health and maturity planted on City rights -of -way throughout Tukwila. They range from large canopy trees to small canopy or young trees that do not provide many benefits. Street trees often do not get replaced when they are damaged or removed and do not all get the level of care or the conditions they need to thrive. Shade trees are generally lacking in most of the City's commercial parking lots and other landscaped areas. Trees in these areas are often improperly pruned or removed and not replaced. Trees throughout the City are frequently damaged by installation or maintenance of infrastructure and new development. The Green /Duwamish River and the City's streams generally have narrow riparian buffers that have been impacted PAGE 4 -8 ELEMENT 4 Natural Environment Regulatory Agencies Federal • EPA • Corps of Engineers • National Marine Fisheries Service & US Fish and Wildlife Service • FEMA State • Department of Ecology • Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife • Department of Natural Resources by urbanization over the years, reducing the amount of urban forest in these areas. Some reaches of the river are characterized by large native canopy trees (Foster Golf Course, for example), while in other areas, there is little to no tree canopy and large expanses of invasive vegetation instead. Trees have been removed from the Green River levee, south of SR 405, to meet Corps of Engineers requirements. Several environmental restoration projects to enhance the urban forest have been completed or are underway in the City's parks, wetlands and streams, and along the Duwamish River. Trees have been planted along the river by the County as mitigation for removal of trees elsewhere. The City also plants hundreds of trees in its parks each year; requires trees as part of landscaping for commercial, industrial, office and multi - family developments; and requires tree replacement in sensitive areas. NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Regional /Local • Puget Sound Clean Air Agency • Puget Sound Partnership • Puget Sound Regional Council • King County (planning policies, water quality) • King County Flood Control District • King Conservation District TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 However, the City does not have a comprehensive written urban forestry plan, street tree, or other program in place to ensure a healthy urban forest across all areas of the City. A program to improve the urban forest should include the following aspects: • Preserve existing trees and forest; • Preserve and improve the "tree- growing" environment (i.e. provide adequate growing conditions for trees); and • Plant for the long -term (ensure the right tree in the right place, sufficient provisions for tree maintenance and care). REGULATIONS In addition to the State Growth Management Act, many regula- tions at the federal, state, and local levels apply to the manage- ment of Tukwila's natural environment. More information can be found in the Background Report for this Element. PAGE 4 -9 ELEMENT 4 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT ISSUES There are several key issues that reflect new community priorities and respond to new regulations at the local, regional, state and federal levels addressed in the Natural Environment Element. The goals and policies that follow respond to these identified issues. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, COMMUNITY EDUCATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP In order to foster best practices for protecting Tukwila's environmental quality, improve the protection and restoration of the City's sensitive areas and fish and wildlife habitat, and improve air and water quality, the City needs to provide information and education to the community in various forms. In addition, the City should continue to expand efforts, in collaboration with other organizations and businesses, to engage the community through hands -on environmental stewardship and restoration activities. Policies regarding the protection of fish and wildlife and climate change are also important to incorporate into the Natural Environment Chapter. SENSITIVE AREAS Although Tukwila enacted significant revisions to its Sensitive Areas regulations in 2004 and again in 2010, new policies are needed to reflect the most current best available science information and new federal and state regulations and guidelines. Tukwila also needs to improve the protection of watercourses and find mechanisms and resources to ensure that compensatory mitigation is successful for the long term. FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT The listing of Puget Sound Chinook salmon and Bull Trout under the Endangered Species Act has underscored the need for the City to protect and restore habitat for fish and other wildlife. New policies, continued restoration efforts, and new sources of funding are needed to carry out restoration of habitat on the Green /Duwamish River and its tributaries. The City must continue to be actively involved in shaping policies and programs and helping implement the WRIA 9 Salmon Habitat Enhancement Plan, in collaboration with other local jurisdictions and County, State and Federal government agencies. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 4 -10 ELEMENT 4 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT WATER QUALITY More efforts are needed to improve and protect water quality in the City's wetlands, watercourses, springs, and the Green /Duwamish River, therefore the City needs to make sure adequate resources are available. Programs for monitoring water quality, retrofitting surface water management systems where there are water quality problems, and improving riparian buffers are important actions for the City to carry out. SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT With new state requirements for the management of surface water, the City must modify its surface water regulations and begin implementing and requiring low impact development techniques for surface water system retrofits and for new development. FLOOD MANAGEMENT Because the City has levees along parts of the Green /Duwamish River to reduce flood potential, it is necessary for the City to coordinate with County and federal officials and neighboring local jurisdictions on maintenance and rebuilding of the levees and ensuring that federal certification is continued, where applicable. Also, due to the listing of Chinook salmon under the Endangered Species Act and Corps of Engineers policies restricting vegetation on levees, the City needs to be involved in efforts to achieve good riparian conditions, while not compromising the integrity of levees or losing federal certification. EARTH RESOURCES The definition of steep slopes should be clarified, and new policies are needed to require setbacks and better protect trees on steep slopes. TREES AND THE URBAN FOREST The City needs to establish policies and programs to protect and enhance the urban forest including establishing improved policies for protecting trees, increasing tree canopy, and ensuring sufficient resources to properly maintain trees, improve tree health, and reduce potential hazards to the public. This Element provides new goals and policies to address these issues. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 4 -11 ELEMENT 4 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT GOALS AND POLICIES - ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND STEWARDSHIP Environmental Quality and Stewardship Goal 4.1 The City's air, land and water resources are restored and protected for future generations. Policies 4.1.1 Anticipate the effects of climate change by keeping abreast of current scientific data and plan for adapting City regulations and internal procedures, as needed. 4.1.2 Collaborate with Federal and State fish and wildlife agencies to identify priority species (endangered, threatened, sensitive, and candidate species) and priority habitats to determine appropriate protection and wildlife access measures. 4.1.3 Identify impacts to wildlife from new development and ensure protection of priority fish and wildlife habitat, including Osprey and Bald Eagle nests and Chinook and Bull Trout habitat, when issuing permits for development. 4.1.4 Assist applicants in complying with Federal and State wildlife and endangered species regulations for all public and private sector projects. 4.1.5 Develop and implement programs that encourage Tukwila residents and businesses to take active measures to protect and enhance Tukwila's natural environment. Such measures could include the use of Low Impact Development (LID) techniques, natural streambank restoration, non -toxic lawn care, composting, recycling, among others. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 4 -12 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Goal 4.2 An educated public that understands the importance of protecting sensitive areas, wildlife and fish habitat in the City's natural areas, wetlands, watercourses and the Green /Duwamish River and assists in their stewardship. Policies 4.2.1 Expand free or low cost educational programs and materials for the community about the multiple benefits of the City's sensitive areas, flood plains, the urban forest, and wildlife habitat and about individual responsibilities for their stewardship. 4.2.2 Provide individualized education and technical support to residential property owners and general guidance to businesses regarding environmental stewardship. 4.2.3 Develop and continue to support community- oriented wildlife educational programs such as the Tukwila Backyard Wildlife Program. Goal 4.3 Increased number of Tukwila residents who are trained as environmental stewards and actively participate in environmental restoration and maintenance. Policies 4.3.1 Sponsor joint City and citizen cleanup and restoration projects and expand the citizen volunteer base in Tukwila for restoration and maintenance of the City's natural areas. 4.3.2 Collaborate with environmental organizations and businesses to support recruiting and training of environmental stewards, identify restoration projects, and provide logistical support for their work. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 4 -13 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND STEWARDSHIP IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES • Assign responsibilities for tracking climate change issues and develop recommendations for new City management policies. • Update and expand the City's website to post information on environmental stewardship, green building techniques and standards, recycling and re- use of construction waste, LID techniques, and other related topics. Distribute information to applicants and contractors during permit reviews. • Expand the availability of brochures on environmentally friendly lawn care, recycling and other environmental stewardship information, as funding permits. • Incorporate green construction and low impact development techniques into City construction or retrofit projects as a tool for educating Tukwila residents, businesses and developers about their benefits. • Develop and mail topic- specific fact sheets to property owners on environmental stewardship in a variety of languages. • Publish articles on environmental stewardship in the Tukwila Reporter and /or Hazelnut. • Team with environmental organizations such as Forterra, Earth Corps, National Wildlife Federation, and the Washington Native Plant Society to train environmental stewards, help recruit and manage volunteers and carry out environmental restoration projects. • Engage youth and school groups in restoration projects. • Seek grants and donations to fund publications, volunteer environmental restoration projects and citizen stewardship training. • Maintain contact with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the federal resource agencies to stay up to date on wildlife management policies, permit requirements and requirements for preparing biological assessments. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 4 -14 ELEMENT 4 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT GOALS AND POLICIES - WATER RESOURCES Goal 4.4 Water resources that function as a healthy, integrated system; provide a long -term public benefit from enhanced environmental quality, and have the potential to reduce public infrastructure costs. Wetlands /Watercourses /Fish and Wildlife Habitat Goal 4.5 Vital and self- sustaining fish and wildlife habitat areas that provide, where appropriate, opportunities for recreational and educational uses. Policies 4.5.1 Restore watershed function through sensitive area restoration projects on publicly owned lands and by working with property owners to restore /improve sensitive areas on private property. 4.5.2 Recognize, protect and enhance the value of watercourse and river riparian zones, springs and other natural areas as wildlife corridors. 4.5.3 Develop best management practices for surface water drainage and street maintenance activities to avoid disturbing or destroying native riparian vegetation. Where riparian vegetation is disturbed through maintenance activities, restore vegetation with native species. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 4 -15 ELEMENT 4 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 4.5.4 Identify staff and financial support for restoration projects, wherever feasible, to enhance salmonid habitat in watercourses, wetlands and the Green /Duwamish River, including projects identified in the Shoreline Master Program Habitat Restoration Program and the Water Resource Inventory Area 9 Salmon Habitat Plan. 4.5.5 Prohibit piping of watercourses except where unavoidable for access purposes. Where feasible and practical to create healthy riparian habitat, encourage removal of piped sections of watercourses as part of new or redevelopment and public projects. 4.5.6 Prohibit creation of new fish barriers and, where possible, eliminate existing barriers to fish passage through implementation of capital improvement projects and by providing incentives to private sector development. Goal 4.6 Watercourses and their buffers, wetlands and wetland buffers protected from encroachment and degradation and improved through mitigation, enhancement and restoration projects. Policies 4.6.1 Regulate land use and development, using Best Available Science, to protect and improve natural vegetation and hydrology in order to prevent significant erosion, sedimentation, or degradation of areas of potential geologic instability, wetlands, watercourses, fish and wildlife habitat areas and their associated buffers. 4.6.2 Ensure mitigation sequencing is applied to avoid or minimize impacts to sensitive areas consistent with Federal and State guidelines. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 4 -16 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 4.6.3 Require and enforce mitigation in order to ensure no net loss of sensitive area functions as well as mitigation designed to replace sensitive area acreage lost due to development. 4.6.4 Ensure the effectiveness of sensitive area mitigation by requiring adequate sensitive area studies and mitigation plans, the application of mitigation sequencing, financial assurances from project proponents to ensure mitigation success, and by improving City oversight of maintenance and monitoring of mitigation sites. 4.6.5 Allow off-site wetland mitigation only when there is greater functional benefit, no significant adverse impact to the drainage sub - basin, and no significant adverse impact to existing wetlands or watercourses. 4.6.6 Consider creating a City in -lieu fee program for future wetland mitigation or collaborate with King County to establish in -lieu fee sites in Tukwila for wetland restoration projects, including projects along the Green /Duwamish River shoreline. 4.6.7 In collaboration with other agencies, develop a program to provide guidance to property owners interested in using their property for sensitive area mitigation or shoreline mitigation TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 4 -17 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT WETLANDS /WATERCOURSES /FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES • Continue implementation of the Sensitive Areas Regulations and improve tracking and monitoring, and develop other mechanisms to improve compliance with maintenance requirements. Update the regulations as necessary to ensure they reflect current Best Available Science. • Develop guidelines and provide training to surface water, parks, and street maintenance staff in best management practices for work in sensitive areas. • Periodically offer special workshops or classes for property owners on sensitive areas stewardship, regulations, stream bank enhancement and other related topics. • Publish articles on sensitive areas stewardship in the Tukwila Reporter and /or Hazelnut. • Offer assistance to property owners interested in providing mitigation sites, where appropriate. • Evaluate establishing an in -lieu fee wetland mitigation program in the City, and present recommendations to decision - makers. • Continue implementation of the Surface Water Management Plan and individual watercourse Basin Plans to remove identified fish barriers during surface water and street maintenance and upgrade projects, where possible. • Continue to coordinate with the Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Tribes regarding projects that impact fish and the design of watercourse restoration projects. • Define and map springs on the SAO map using available information, and update the maps as new information is submitted in required sensitive area studies. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 4 -18 ELEMENT 4 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Water Quality and Quantity Goal 4.7 The water quality in Tukwila's wetlands, watercourses, fish and wildlife habitat areas and the Green /Duwamish River is improved over time. Policies 4.7.1 Improve surface water management and ensure provision of water quality treatment where required. 4.7.2 Prevent and reduce streambank and channel erosion and sedimentation of water resources through implementation of surface water and land clearing regulations and inspections. 4.7.3 Initiate educational and management programs to reduce the use of chemicals having negative impacts on the environment or human health. Prohibit the application of pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, algaecides, rodenticides, etc.) to surface water systems or their buffers unless warranted to protect ecological functions of the system, and inform applicators about State pesticide licensing regulations. 4.7.4 To protect water quality, promote natural yard care, alternatives to grass lawns, and proper waste management through educational programs and publicity. 4.7.5 Continue City monitoring for illicit surface water discharges and ensure that action is taken to eliminate any such discharges. 4.7.6 Retrofit existing City surface water systems, including ditches conveying stormwater, to improve the water quality of discharges where there are significant water quality or fish and wildlife benefits. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 4 -19 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Goal 4.8 Surface water generated by urban development does not exceed pre - development discharge rates. Policies 4.8.1 Demonstrate implementation of low- impact development techniques through grant - funded public projects. Where feasible, incorporate such techniques into City capital facilities projects. Provide technical assistance to developers and encourage the use of such techniques for stormwater management. 4.8.2 Require that all proposed development applications identify hydrologic features, both on -and off -site, that could be impacted by the project. Evaluate and prevent project impacts on on -site and off -site watercourses, wetlands, drainage features and springs, to avoid adverse impacts to existing sensitive area hydrology. 4.8.3 Perform inspection programs to ensure proper maintenance of public and private surface water management systems. WATER QUALITY AND QUANTITY IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES • Implement water quality testing, as required under the City's new National Pollutant Discharge System permit and develop action plans for identifying and eliminating sources of pollution when problems are identified. • Provide training and written information on low- impact development techniques to developers, contractors, City staff and City officials. • Set up internal procedures for evaluating development projects to ensure no adverse impacts to wetland or stream hydrology. • Publish articles on environmental stewardship and water quality protection in the Tukwila Reporter and /or Hazelnut. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 4 -20 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Flood Control Goal 4.9 The natural flood attenuation functions of wetlands, floodplains and floodways are protected and severe flooding is reduced to help prevent damage to life, property and public safety. Policies 4.9.1 Restrict or prohibit development that could create a danger to health, safety and property due to potential flood hazards, by complying with federal regulations. 4.9.2 Minimize the alteration of natural surface water features that retain or carry floodwaters (such as wetlands, natural flood plains and streams) and prevent land alterations that would increase potential flooding. 4.9.3 Reduce flooding that adversely affects public health, safety and general welfare and protect against flood damage through surface water and flood management projects. 4.9.4 Minimize adverse impacts to water resources by requiring the use of bioengineering and natural solutions for bank stabilization or flood control projects, where technically possible and not cost - prohibitive. 4.9.5 Require mitigation to reduce adverse environmental impacts from engineered flood control measures on a case -by -case basis. Goal 4.10 The levee system south of 1 -405 is constructed, maintained and certified to meet the accreditation standards of the Federal Emergency Management Administration and the City's Shoreline Master Program. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 4 -21 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Policies 4.10.1 Coordinate with King County Flood Control District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to inspect and maintain the City's levee system. 4.10.2 Restrict levee encroachments by adjacent property owners. 4.10.3 Continue to work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to develop levee vegetation policies consistent with Pacific Northwest conditions that enhance habitat while at the same time protecting public safety. 4.10.4 Coordinate with the City of Kent on flood control projects that affect both jurisdictions, while complying with Tukwila's Shoreline Master Program. FLOOD CONTROL IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES • Regulate uses, development and redevelopment, including essential facilities, in flood plains consistent with Federal regulations. • Prevent cumulative effects of obstructions in a flood zone by restricting development and other actions to zero increase in flood elevation. • Require flood - proofing or elevation of structures above the base flood elevation when built in a flood zone. • Encourage the use of LID for surface water management for new development or redevelopment, where appropriate. • Prohibit placement of structures or fill in the floodplain that would cause an increase in the elevation of the "zero rise" floodway. • Increase City staff expertise in bioengineering techniques for bank stabilization. • Participate in county -wide flood control meetings sponsored by King County Flood Control District, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and other applicable organizations. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 4 -22 ELEMENT 4 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT GOALS AND POLICIES - EARTH RESOURCES Goal 4.11 Potential impacts and liabilities associated with development in areas of potential geologic instability and coal mine hazard areas are minimized, erosion is prevented and natural surface water features are protected from loss, disruption or channelization. Policies 4.11.1 In geologically hazardous areas, require areas where vegetation must remain undisturbed, land disturbance minimized and cut and fill construction limited to protect slope stability on sites cleared for development. Require significant replanting and maintenance upon completion of development. 4.11.2 Require setbacks for buildings and other infrastructure where needed from the top and /or toe of steep slopes to reduce risks of slope failure and risks to public safety. 4.11.3 Require the use of erosion control measures, and where warranted, written erosion and sediment control plans to minimize erosion during and after construction activities on steep slopes or other erosion -prone areas. 4.11.4 Incorporate information from geotechnical reports and documented landslide and erosion -prone areas into the City's GIS data. 4.11.5 Ensure that proposed development projects in mapped coal mine hazard areas adequately consider and mitigate for possible risks. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 4 -23 ELEMENT 4 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT EARTH RESOURCES IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES • Modify requirements for geotechnical evaluations under the Sensitive Areas Regulations to expand the assessment of trees' function in slope stability. • Ensure that erosion control plans are adequate and that erosion control measures are implemented through inspections conducted as part of land clearing permits and NPDES permits. • Update the City's GIS system to reflect data submitted in geotechnical studies. GOALS AND POLICIES - URBAN FORESTRY Goal 4.12 Trees are recognized by Tukwila citizens, businesses, City staff and decision - makers for their benefits to the environment, urban infrastructure and their aesthetic value. Policies 4.12.1 Develop a formal urban forest management plan to promote and guide preservation, restoration and maintenance of a sustainable urban forest, using the goals and policies of this chapter as a basis for guidance. 4.12.2 Ensure that the benefits of trees are factored into site design and permit decisions. 4.12.3 Ensure that regulations recognize that larger trees provide more benefits than small trees. 4.12.4 Seek to create and fund an urban forester /municipal arborist position within the City, or contract for such services, to provide expertise for urban forest management planning, oversight of tree planting and maintenance, and assistance to all City departments that have responsibilities for tree management. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 4 -24 ELEMENT 4 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 4.12.5 Educate the public, elected officials and City staff about the importance of and benefits provided by trees in Tukwila. 4.12.6 Develop tree valuation methods to reflect the value trees provide, for use in assessing fines, determining damages or estimating loss of tree benefits. 4.12.7 Identify funding sources to support urban forestry planning and management and establish an urban forestry budget and account. 4.12.8 Consider developing an "exceptional" or "heritage" tree program to foster tree appreciation in the community. 4.12.9 Encourage public involvement in urban forest stewardship through volunteer events, free training workshops, and other means. Goal 4.13 Overall city -wide tree canopy increased to a total of 29% by 2034. Canopy cover in individual zoning categories increased by 2034 as listed below: Light Industrial zones: 3% increase from 20% to achieve 23% cover Heavy Industrial zones: 1% increase from 9% to achieve 10% cover Tukwila Urban Center and Tukwila South: 5% increase from 13 %to achieve 18% cover Office and Commercial: 3% increase from 29 %to achieve 32% cover Parks: 5% increase from 38% to achieve 43% cover Public Rights-of-Way:1 increase canopy coverage through street tree planting. Specific canopy goal to be established based on future assessment. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 4 -25 ELEMENT 4 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT No net loss of canopy cover in individual zoning categories as listed below: Low Density Residential: Maintain current City -wide canopy coverage of 47% Medium and High Density Residential: Maintain current City -wide coverage of 40% Policies 4.13.1 Promote tree retention throughout the City by: a. implementing educational programs for property owners and managers regarding tree selection and care, applicable regulations, selecting a qualified arborist, and other issues; b. except for hazard trees or trees that interfere with underground or overhead utilities, prohibiting removal of any tree four inches or larger in diameter at breast height (dbh) on all undeveloped property without an approved development or other land use permit, to provide the opportunity to preserve healthy trees during development; c. promoting the mutual goals of tree protection and urban development through the implementation of incentive programs and flexible site development regulations, especially to retain tree groves; and d. requiring financial assurances for required tree replanting and maintenance. 4.13.2 Improve retention of trees on steep slopes. 4.13.3 Continue to protect trees in sensitive areas and the shoreline through relevant regulations. 4.13.4 Ensure that required replacement trees at maturity will have equivalent or larger canopies than the removed tree(s), except where existing or future infrastructure and/ or public or private utilities impede the planting of large trees. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 4 -26 ELEMENT 4 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 4.13.5 Develop mechanisms for protecting tree roots for public and private surface and underground infrastructure installation, including in some cases, requiring the presence of a certified arborist when working in the critical root zone; replacement of trees where damage is unavoidable; and either requiring replanting or payment into a tree replacement fund as compensation if planting on -site is not feasible. Establish reasonable procedures to ensure consideration of tree root protection during routine or emergency maintenance of existing utilities and provide training to City and other public utility maintenance staff on root protection techniques. 4.13.6 Establish criteria for requiring professional assessment and corrective actions by property owners who damage code - required landscaping, street trees, or other required trees by topping, poor pruning practices, or root disturbance. 4.13.7 Where trees are regulated and required replacement trees cannot be accommodated on a site, establish procedures for off -site planting of replacement trees or payment into a dedicated tree replacement fund. 4.13.8 Develop tree planting and urban forest rehabilitation programs for City parks and other publicly owned lands. Collaborate with other agencies, such as Washington Department of Transportation, to promote planting in highway interchanges and other locations. 4.13.9 Collaborate with other government, non - profit organizations, schools, and private sector entities to promote urban forest management and restoration. 4.13.10 Provide flexibility in the landscape code to promote increased tree planting and /or planting of large canopy trees, and reward the preservation of existing healthy trees to assist in meeting the City's canopy goals. 4.13.11 Evaluate current parking lot landscape requirements to identify opportunities to increase tree canopy. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 4 -27 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Goal 4.14 Tukwila's streetscapes and landscaped areas are sustainable and attractive, and its urban forest is healthy, diverse, and safe. Policies 4.14.1 Develop tree /urban forest inventories and assess the health of trees and forests in Tukwila's public spaces. 4.14.2 Develop maintenance plans and programs for trees on City property or rights -of -way to ensure that maintenance pruning is properly carried out, that diseases and pest infestations are managed, that hazardous trees are identified and managed in a timely manner to reduce risks, and that invasive vegetation is properly managed. 4.14.3 Modify landscape code and educate property owners, property managers, landscape maintenance companies and tree companies to promote best practices for soil preparation, planting techniques, pruning, trenching, and general tree care. 4.14.4 Ensure that landscaping and replacement trees in new development or re- development are properly cared for and thrive in perpetuity, through such means as maintenance agreements, monitoring and enforcement. 4.14.5 Develop a mechanism to ensure that tree removal and maintenance companies have the necessary qualifications and liability insurance to work in Tukwila. 4.14.6 Modify landscape code to require diversity of tree species in landscape plantings and consideration of species already present in the vicinity. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 4 -28 ELEMENT 4 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 4.14.7 Establish minimum standards and landscape specifications to ensure long -term tree health for street trees, required landscape trees and required replacement trees, including minimum soil volume, soil quality, plant quality, planting techniques, irrigation, mulching, tree pruning, and prohibition of topping. 4.14.8 Develop an approved /recommended tree list for street trees, landscape perimeter planting and parking lots that recognizes the importance of the concept of "right tree, right place ", taking into account available planting space and infrastructure /utility conflicts, and that considers the importance of species diversity, climate conditions, canopy coverage goals, allergy issues, urban wildlife benefits, and tolerance of urban conditions. 4.14.9 Work with electric utility providers to limit trimming of trees and other vegetation to that which is necessary for the safety and maintenance of transmission lines where feasible, and according to American National Standards Institute (ANSI) professional arboricultural specifications and standards. 4.14.10 Perform vegetation management that is needed in utility rights -of -way that are located in sensitive areas or shoreline areas, in a manner that will maintain, restore or improve the shoreline or sensitive area ecological function. URBAN FORESTRY IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES • Prepare and publish technical specifications for landscape professionals and landscape contractors reflecting best management practices /standards for achieving adequate soil conditions, plant quality specifications, proper planting techniques, proper mulch placement, tree care and pruning and other relevant information. • Prepare and make available technical guidance for homeowners on tree selection, planting, care, pruning, selecting a good arborist, identifying and controlling invasive plants. • Conduct volunteer activities in parks and other public areas to help carry out urban forest restoration plans to remove invasive plants and plant native trees and other vegetation. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 4 -29 ELEMENT 4 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT • Create "Adopt -an- Urban - Forest," "Ivy Removal Team" or similar programs to actively remove invasive plants and promote ongoing stewardship of urban forests in the City's parks and other public areas. • Add an urban forestry page to the City's web site that contains information about programs, regulations, technical guidance, how to find a certified arborist and other relevant issues. • Expand the annual Arbor Day celebration to widen public participation; • Evaluate other jurisdiction's heritage tree programs and reach out to business and resident community to determine interest in a heritage tree program in Tukwila. • Develop mechanisms for monitoring tree canopy growth, removal and replacement, in addition to periodic tree canopy assessments using GIS and remote sensing methods; • Review and amend, as necessary, SAO and Shoreline regulations to ensure consideration of tree retention, particularly in steep slope areas. • Incorporate requirements in geotechnical studies to ensure evaluation of the role trees play in slopes stability. • Develop incentives for increasing retention of trees on steep slopes. • Provide ongoing training for City staff from all departments on tree selection, site preparation, proper planting techniques, and protection of tree roots during construction activities, proper pruning, and general tree care. • Prepare and publish technical specifications manuals for utility companies and City staff to identify techniques to protect tree roots during installation of public and private surface and underground infrastructure. • Revise City regulations to allow assessment of fines or requirement of financial guarantees in the enforcement of corrective actions. • Prepare an urban forest inventory for publically owned trees in the City. • Notify property owners about applicable tree regulations via inclusion of fliers in storm water utility bill, direct mailings, and media announcements. • Improve the frequency of landscape and tree replacement inspections and increase enforcement. • Develop street tree plans for various parts of the City, taking into account the need for diversity for tree health and urban design issues. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 4 -30 ELEMENT 4 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT • Modify landscape, tree and right -of -way vegetation regulations, including consideration of a point system for landscape requirements, clarification of responsibilities for trees on City ROW, identifying incentive programs, and allowing for fines based on the value of trees damaged or removed. • Develop street tree regulations that prioritize shade over ornamental needs. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 4 -31 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT RELATED INFORMATION Natural Environment Regulatory Background Report Tukwila Sensitive Areas Map Tukwila Shoreline Master Program Mr- WRIA 9 Salmon Habitat Enhancement Plan Abandoned Underground Coal Mine Hazards Assessment Report Tukwila Urban Tree Canopy Assessment Tukwila Municipal Code, Chapter 18.45 TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 4 -32 CHAPTER FIVE SHORELINE ELEMENT ITUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ELEMENT 5 SHORELINES SHORELINES WHAT YOU WILL FIND IN THIS CHAPTER: • A discussion of shoreline areas in the City of Tukwila; • An overview of the Shoreline Management Act and how it applies in Tukwila; • Goals and Policies for managing development in shoreline areas; and • A map of Tukwila's adopted Shoreline Environment Designations. PURPOSE This element of the City's Comprehensive Plan presents goals and policies related to development and restoration along the Green /Duwamish River, a shoreline of statewide significance subject to the Washington State Shoreline Management Act (SMA), which flows northerly through the entire length of Tukwila. A small fragment of the Black River flows into the Duwamish River just north of Fort Dent Park and is also subject to the SMA and the goals and policies of this chapter. The Shoreline Element of the Comprehensive Plan represents the Shoreline Master Program's role in the community -wide planning process. It reflects the relationship between shoreline development and other Comprehensive Plan goals and policies, and the importance of a shoreline vision to a community vision. The Shoreline Element identifies existing local and regional policies, land use and shoreline conditions, and sets forth shoreline goals and the policies for achieving them. These goals and policies reflect Tukwila's priorities in these areas: • Facilitating redevelopment and prioritizing water - dependent industrial uses in the Manufacturing /Industrial Center (MIC) and encouraging redevelopment in the Tukwila Urban Center (TUC) that recognizes the river as a valuable resource. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 5-1 ELEMENT 5 What is the Shoreline Management Act? The Shoreline Management Act (SMA) was approved by Washington voters in 1972 and is designed to prevent degradation of the state's shorelines from uncoordinated development. Where does the Shorelin Management Act apply? Each city and county defines the e it own shoreline jurisdiction based on the provisions of the SMA and regulations from the Department of Ecology. The SMA applies to the following areas: • Marine waters, • Streams and rivers that have an average annual flow of at least 20 cubic feet per second, • Upland areas within 200 feet of regulated waterbodies, and • Wetlands and flood -prone areas associated with regulated waterbodies. Additional information on the Shoreline Management Act is available on the Department of Ecology's website at: http: / /www.ecy.wa.gov/ programs /sea /sma /st guide /intro.html. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 SHORELINES • Ensuring the safety of new development from flooding and from destabilized riverbanks by establishing setbacks for new construction. Setbacks will allow for eventual replacement of existing flood control levees and regrading of over - steepened banks. • Increasing public access to the river. • Supporting restoration of habitat along the river through a restoration plan in the Shoreline Master Program. Restoration is accomplished in part, through removing invasive vegetation and replacing it with native species, constructing off - channel habitat and setting back levees to incorporate a mid -slope bench that can be planted to improve habitat. Shoreline policies encourage high - quality development and redevelopment along the river. At the same time they recognize The value of the Green/uuwamisn Kiver as an aesthetic resource by encouraging new development in the urban center to "face" the river, provide views and public or private access to the shoreline. The policies also recognize the shoreline as an important natural resource that requires protection and restoration of shoreline ecological functions (such as habitat, surface water and flood attenuation, water quality improvement and others). Policies in the Master Program support restoration of shoreline ecological functions, particularly improved habitat for endangered fish species (Chinook salmon and Pacific Bull Trout). As a whole, the Tukwila Shoreline Master Program acts as the implementation mechanism for achieving these goals and policies. PAGE 14 -2 ELEMENT 5 SHORELINES The Shoreline Management Act promotes increased recreational opportunities and public access to the shoreline environment. ISSUES Department of Ecology guidelines, and the City's obligations as a participant in the implementation of the Green /Duwamish Salmon Habitat Restoration plan, dictate that Shoreline Master Program policies and regulations be established to ensure no net loss and restoration of shoreline ecological functions. The major issue facing the City is balancing the existing and planned future urban development along the river with these requirements. SHORELINE MANAGEMENT ACT PRIORITIES The SMA designates the Green /Duwamish River as a shoreline of statewide significance. "Because these shorelines are major resources from which all people in the state derive benefit, the [development] guidelines and master programs must give preference to uses which favor public and long -range goals." [WAC 173 -16- 040(5)] The SMA states that master programs for shorelines of statewide significance shall give preference to uses that (in order of preference): 1. Recognize and protect the statewide interest over local interest 2. Preserve the natural character of the shoreline 3. Result in long -term over short -term benefit 4. Protect the resources and ecology of the shoreline 5. Increase public access to publicly owned areas of the shoreline 6. Increase recreational opportunities for the public in the shoreline 7. Provide for any other element as defined in RCW TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 14 -3 SHORELINES 90.58.100 deemed appropriate or necessary (that is, which further the state's shoreline policies). The Washington State Shoreline Management Act requires that, where alterations in the natural condition of a shoreline are authorized, priority shall be given to the following uses: • Single- family residences • Ports • Shoreline recreational uses • Industrial and commercial developments dependent upon a shoreline location • Other developments that will provide an opportunity for a substantial number of people to enjoy the shoreline. The policies established in the Tukwila Shoreline Master Program attempt to balance the river's value as a long -term natural resource for the region with the demands of intense urban development. The City's Shoreline Master Program also recognizes that except for the area north of the Turning Basin, most of the Green River is not navigable by large commercial vessels, and therefore opportunities to establish water dependent uses are limited. GOALS AND POLICIES Tukwila's 2011 approved Shoreline Master Program, which is incorporated by reference as part of this Plan, revised some of the 1995 Comprehensive Plan goals and policies and added new ones to address new issues, changed conditions along the river, or new requirements established by the Washington State Department of Ecology. Tukwila shoreline policies give priority to the economic vitality of the MIC, and focus intense multi - purpose urban uses, such as water - enjoyment commercial activity and public access, in the Tukwila Urban Center. The policies also emphasize the importance of a variety of shoreline public access methods, both physical and visual, linked to other areas of the region. They recognize the value of the river as a natural resource by encouraging restoration — including removal of invasive plants — of wildlife habitat and native riverbank vegetation, including tree planting. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 5 -4 ELEMENT 5 SHORELINES SHORELINE ENVIRONMENT DESIGNATIONS The two hundred foot shoreline jurisdiction that comprises each shoreline environment is divided lengthwise into a buffer and outside -buffer area and allowed uses are specified for each. The shoreline environments are intended to facilitate the City's long -range objectives for land and shoreline management including: • Ensuring no net loss of ecological shoreline functions; • Providing for habitat protection enhancement and restoration to improve degraded shoreline ecological functions over time and protection of already restored areas; • Allowing continued and increased urban development in recognition of Tukwila's role as a regionally significant industrial and commercial center; and • Providing for improved flood control in coordination with King County and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Shoreline Master Program provides more information on buffer size and function. The adopted buffers for each shoreline environment balance shoreline ecological function, human life and property protection (including future levee repair /reconstruction), existing land use patterns, and state and federal agency policies. Ordinary high water mark (OHWM) Wetland in 100 year Flood plain 1111 1111 - 1111 1111 =1111 =1111 1111 =1111 =1111- 1111 =1111- 111111 = 1111 = 1111 = 1111 = 1111 = 1111 = 1111 = III 1111 = 1111 = 1111= 1111 =1111=1111=1m= 1 200' I -1111: 1111 =1111- III -1111 - 1111= 1111 -1111- 1111 = 1111 = 1111 = 1111= 1111 = 1111 = 1111 = 1111 =1111= = 1111 = 1111 = IIII = III = IIII = 1111 = IIII = 1111 = IIII = k 200' Flood way 100 Year Flood Plain 200' from OHWM or flood way and all marshes, bogs, and swamps in 100 year flood plain 5 200' from OHWM and 100 year flood plain Figure 5 -1: Shoreline Management Act Jurisdiction TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 5 -5 SHORELINES Goal 5.1 Shoreline Environment Designations Shoreline Environment designations that meet Washington State Shoreline Management Act requirements, and reflect local conditions and Tukwila's long -term vision for its shoreline. The shoreline zone generally extends for 200 feet on either side of the Ordinary High Water mark, consistent with the Washington State Shoreline Management Act (as illustrated in Figure 5 -1). Policies 5.1.1 Shoreline Residential Environment. In the Shoreline Residential Environment, priority shall be given to the following: • Uses that preserve or restore the natural character of the shoreline or promote preservation of vegetation, open space, flood plain or sensitive area lands; and • Development that is compatible with the natural and biological limitations of the land and water and that will not require extensive alteration of the shoreline or new "hard" structural shoreline stabilization. Where possible the removal of bulkheads, revetments, levees or other "hard" structural shoreline stabilization is required. Hard structural shoreline stabilization may be replaced with alternative bioengineered bank stabilization; and • On publicly owned property, water - dependent or water - related recreational activities that are compatible with the character of the shoreline residential areas. • Maintenance of existing single - family residential development patterns and public open space and recreation uses; • Residential and recreational development that promotes vegetation conservation and enhancement, sensitive areas protection, and maintenance of water quality to assure no net loss of shoreline ecological functions; • Residential and recreational development that contributes to the restoration of ecological functions over time in areas where ecological degradation has occurred. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 5-6 ELEMENT 5 SHORELINES 5.1.2 Urban Conservancy Environment: In the Urban Conservancy Environment priority shall be given to the following: • Development that promotes vegetation conservation and enhancement, sensitive areas protection, and preservation of water quality to assure no net loss of shoreline ecological functions; • Water enjoyment uses; • Uses that remove shoreline armoring, unless required for a shoreline dependent use, and uses that prevent and /or minimize flood damage; • Uses that preserve or restore shoreline ecological functions provided by vegetation, open space, flood plain or sensitive area lands; • Uses that minimize interference with navigation and flood control, consider impacts to public views, and allow for the safe, unobstructed passage of fish and wildlife, particularly those species dependent on migration; • Uses that provide public access and public recreation whenever feasible and when ecological impacts can be mitigated; • Development that is compatible with the natural and biological limitations of the land and water that do not require extensive alteration of the shoreline or new shoreline stabilization, except for restoration projects; • Uses that provide public access and public recreation whenever feasible and ecological impacts can be mitigated; • Enhancement and restoration of ecological functions; and • Redevelopment of underutilized areas and development of commercial and industrial activities where shoreline impacts are minimized and where there is no net loss of shoreline functions. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 5 -7 ELEMENT 5 SHORELINES 5.1.3 High Intensity Shoreline Environment: In the High Intensity Environment, priority shall be given to the following: • Water dependent commercial and industrial uses; • Development that promotes vegetation conservation and enhancement, sensitive areas protection, and preservation of water quality to assure no net loss of shoreline ecological functions; • Uses that remove shoreline armoring, unless required for a shoreline dependent use, and uses that prevent and /or minimize flood damage; • Uses that preserve or restore shoreline ecological functions provided by vegetation, open space, flood plain or sensitive area lands; • Uses that minimize interference with navigation and flood control, consider impacts to public views, and allow for the safe, unobstructed passage of fish and wildlife, particularly those species dependent on migration; • Uses that provide public access and public recreation whenever feasible and when ecological impacts can be mitigated; • Development that is compatible with the natural and biological limitations of the land and water that do not require extensive alteration of the shoreline or new shoreline stabilization, except for restoration projects; • Uses that provide public access and public recreation whenever feasible and ecological impacts can be mitigated; • Enhancement and restoration of ecological functions; and • Redevelopment of underutilized areas and development of intensive commercial and industrial activities where shoreline impacts are minimized and where there is no net loss of shoreline functions. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 5 -8 ELEMENT 5 Lake Washin King County King County • Kent 0 SHORELINES Shoreline Environments Legend High Intensity Environment Urban Conservancy Environment Shoreline Residential Environment Aquatic Environment I-7 Tukwila City Limits Map 5 -1: Shoreline Environment Designations TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 5-9 5 SHORELINES The Aquatic Environment applies to areas below the Ordinary High Water Mark of a lake, stream, or marine water body. 5.1.4 Shoreline Aquatic Environment. In the Shoreline Aquatic Environment, priority shall be given to the following: • Uses that preserve or restore the natural character of the shoreline or promote preservation of vegetation, open space, flood plain or sensitive area lands; • Water dependent uses; • Uses that remove shoreline armoring, unless required for a shoreline dependent use, and uses that prevent and /or minimize flood damage; • Uses that minimize interference with navigation and flood control, consider impacts to public views , and allow for the safe, unobstructed passage of fish and wildlife, particularly those species dependent on migration; • Uses that provide public access and public recreation whenever feasible and ecological impacts can be mitigated; • Development that is compatible with the natural and biological limitations of the land and water that do not require extensive alteration of the shoreline or new shoreline stabilization, except for restoration projects; TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 5 -10 ELEMENT 5 SHORELINES • Uses that provide public access and public recreation whenever feasible and ecological impacts can be mitigated; • Enhancement and restoration of ecological functions; and • Uses compatible with the adjoining shoreline environments. Tukwila is located in the lower reach of the Green /Duwamish River watershed, which covers 482 square miles and includes over 93 river miles from the Cascade Mountains to Elliott Bay. The City's portion of the river covers approximately 13 river miles — as a result, the City's Shoreline Master Program recognizes that to be successful, protection and enhancement of shoreline resources is not only a City responsibility, but also a regional one. The City is a member of the Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) 9, which covers the Green /Duwamish River watershed, and has adopted the WRIA 9 Salmon Habitat Plan which identifies specific actions and restoration projects to improve salmon habitat. Goal 5.2 Shoreline Planning and Management Expanded value of the river as a community and regional resource through regional coordination of shoreline management programs and through programs that foster river appreciation and awareness, involving partnerships among businesses, schools, residents and government and community organizations. Policies 5.2.1 Coordinate shoreline planning and management activities with other local jurisdictions and their plans such as the WRIA 9 Salmon Habitat Plan and the King County Flood Hazard Management Plan to establish region -wide consistency in addressing river issues with regional implications, such as economic development, public access, wildlife habitat, water quality control, and flood control. 5.2.2 Promote river stewardship and increase river awareness through actions which further shoreline goals, such as educational programs, community activities, and partnerships with Tukwila residents, businesses, schools, government, and community organizations. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 5 -11 SHORELINES 5.2.3 Promote and participate in the implementation of the Watershed Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) 9 Plan, including supporting the recommended projects located in Tukwila to improve the habitat functions of the Green /Duwamish River, as well as the Plan policies and goals. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES • WRIA 9 Salmon Habitat Plan • Tukwila SMP Restoration Plan • King County Flood Hazard Management Plan An objective of the City's Shoreline Master Program, identified in the Issue section of this Chapter, is to allow continued and increased urban development in recognition of the City's role as a regionally significant industrial and commercial center, while also ensuring no net loss of shoreline ecological functions. The following policies address these objectives. Goal 5.3 Land Development Use and Economic Vitality Development along the shoreline that fosters the economic vitality of Tukwila while preserving the long -term benefits of the river. General Policies 5.3.1 Implement shoreline design guidelines to: • Encourage design that views the river as an amenity; • Guide the design of shoreline multiple uses; • Establish techniques for increasing shoreline multiple use; • Prioritize locations for uses; and • Encourage removal of invasive species with nonchemical methods and maintenance of native planted vegetation to minimize the presence of invasive species. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 5 -12 ELEMENT 5 SHORELINES 5.3.2 Design and locate all shoreline development to minimize impacts on areas identified as important for other river uses, such as wildlife and aquatic habitat, river vegetation, public access and recreation, historical resources, and flood control. 5.3.3 Allow structures to be placed in the water, or structural reinforcement of the riverbank, only when this provides a significant, long -term public benefit, does not interfere with navigation or flood management, does not cause a loss of shoreline function or is essential to a water - dependent use. 5.3.4 Prohibit the construction of new flood control facilities unless constructed to incorporate habitat restoration features and work to remove existing shoreline armoring — where possible — to restore habitat functions. 5.3.5 Recognize and promote the river's contribution to the economic vitality of Tukwila, as a valuable amenity for existing and future businesses which depend on or benefit from a shoreline location. 5.3.6 Ensure that shoreline development does not diminish the commercial navigability of the river. Tukwila Urban Center Development Policy 5.3.7 Design and locate shoreline development in the Tukwila Urban Center to encourage water enjoyment uses that: • Provide for shoreline multiple uses that are consistent with the underlying zoning; • Provide additional benefits, such as riverbank restoration, fishing piers, non - motorized boat launches, river views, or interpretive signs; • Support public access to and along the shoreline; • Provide water - enjoyment uses as a transition between the river and non -water uses; TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 5 -13 ELEMENT 5 SHORELINES • Encourage efficient use of land through such techniques as clustering, mixed -use projects, cooperative parking or parking located under principal structures, and shared utility and access corridors; and • Ensure that new development and re- development in the Urban Center acknowledges the goal of a continuous street facade along Christensen Road and the riverfront and locates parking facilities to the interior of the lot. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES • Shoreline Design Guidelines • Development standards • Tukwila Urban Center Plan Policy for Development Outside the Tukwila Urban Center or MIC 5.3.8 Design and locate shoreline development outside of the Tukwila Urban Center and the MIC to: • Provide for shoreline multiple uses; • Provide water - enjoyment uses as transitions between the river and non- water- dependent uses; • Encourage efficient use of land through such techniques as clustering, mixed -use projects, cooperative parking or parking located under principal structures, and shared utility and access corridors; • Treat the river as an amenity in the design and location of the project Policy for Development Outside the Tukwila Urban Center or MIC 5.3.9 Ensure that non -water dependent shoreline development in the MIC provides for shoreline multiple uses to the extent that site security and the success of industrial operations are not jeopardized, ensures no net loss of shoreline function and provides adequate mitigation for loss of shoreline multiple use opportunities. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 5 -14 ELEMENT 5 SHORELINES 5.3.10 Allow opportunities for commercial and recreational marinas to locate in Tukwila downstream of the turning basin, where compatible with existing and future navigability and existing and future ecological restoration projects. Goal 5.4 Private Property Rights Protect rights of property owners to reasonable use and enjoyment of private property through appropriate location, access to, and design of shoreline uses. Policies 5.4.1 Design, locate and manage shoreline uses in a manner which maintains reasonable use and enjoyment of private property. 5.4.2 Design and locate public access in a way that is appropriate for the site, depending on site conditions and private property concerns. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES • River design guidelines • River access guidelines • Shoreline development standards 5.4.3 Special sensitivity is required for residential property; therefore, all single - family residential development of four or fewer single - family residential lots is excluded from requirements to provide private or public access. Single family property owners are not exempt from the responsibility to improve the habitat value of the shoreline environment. 5.4.4 Maintain flexibility in methods of obtaining access, to allow for different site conditions and private property concerns that might conflict with access, such as privacy, safety, and security. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 5 -15 ELEMENT 5 SHORELINES 5.4.5 Obtain additional easement area to permit the improvement of river habitat by setting back levees or removing revetments and other hard shoreline armoring and replacing with more habitat - friendly shoreline treatment. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY • Shoreline design guidelines Goal 5.5 Shoreline Design Quality Enhanced identity of the river as a unique community asset through high - quality development and public activities that reflect Tukwila's history and sense of community pride. Policies 5.5.1 Require that shoreline development outside of the MIC: • Ensures no net loss of shoreline function; • Is designed to be consistent with Tukwila river design guidelines; • Reflects principles of high - quality design in such areas as site planning, architecture, and landscaping; and • Includes setbacks, bulk, height, density, landscape buffers, and provisions for open space that enhance the shoreline environment. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES • River design guidelines • Shoreline development standards • Tukwila Urban Center Plan TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 5 -16 ELEMENT 5 SHORELINES Tukwila's Manufacturing /Industrial Center is an important regional industrial center located along the Duwamish River. 5.5.2 Require that shoreline development in the MIC: • Is designed to be consistent with Tukwila shoreline design guidelines; • Maintains or enhances the existing visual quality along the river; • Provides trees and other landscaping to buffer industrial uses that are incompatible with other river uses; and • Provides amenities that enhance enjoyment of the river by employees. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY • Shoreline design guidelines • Shoreline development standards Public access to shorelines of the state is one of the key goals of the Shoreline Management Act — of the seven uses identified in RCW 90.58.020 as having preference in the shoreline, two relate to public access and recreation. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 5 -17 ELEMENT 5 SHORELINES In addition to the Green River Trail, which runs along much of the length of the river through the City, Tukwila is fortunate to have a number of other public access sites along the river. The following goals and policies support preserving existing public access sites and providing additional public access to the river. To support implementation of these goals and policies, the City's development regulations include incentives for private development projects to provide public access to the shoreline. Shoreline trails provide important public access opportunities for Tukwila residents. Goal 5.6 Access and Recreational Use Increase the amount and diversity of opportunities for public recreation and access to and along the river, including visual and cultural access, access to the water's edge, opportunities for small boat navigation and access, and connections to other neighborhoods consistent with the shoreline character. General Policies 5.6.1 Retain and improve areas identified as important in the network of public access to the river, including cross -town connections, former railroad rights -of -way and unimproved street -end rights -of -way, historic sites, unique natural features, or other areas valuable for their interpretive potential. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 5 -18 SHORELINES 5.6.2 Maintain existing parks along the shoreline and acquire additional park land to increase access and recreation opportunities. 5.6.3 Incorporate river access requirements to guide the design, location, and management of shoreline public access in short plats over 4 lots and all subdivisions as well as multi - family, commercial and industrial development; to identify types of access appropriate and feasible for various site conditions and locations; and to establish strategies, funding sources, and priorities for acquisition and enhancement of shoreline public access. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES • Shoreline design guidelines • Shoreline public access guidelines • Shoreline development standards • Walk and Roll Plan • Parks and Open Space Plan 5.6.4 Design, locate and manage public access for diverse types and variable levels of intensity, in order to minimize impacts on vulnerable features of the natural environment and to minimize conflicts with private property uses. 5.6.5 Where shoreline development provides public access areas, reserve such areas through the means most appropriate for the type, scale, and impacts of the development, such as donation or sale of an easement or right -of -way to the City. 5.6.6 Support the implementation of the King County Green River Trail, per the existing King County Green River Trail Master Plan as well as pedestrian /bicycle connections with the Trail from properties on the opposite bank and the expansion of this Trail where appropriate. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 5 -19 SHORELINES Policies for Development Outside MIC 5.6.7 Require subdivisions, multi - family residential uses and commercial and industrial uses along the shoreline to provide a trail for public access along the river in areas identified for trail connections, consistent with the King County Green River Trail Master Plan, Shoreline Master Program or any other approved access plan. Require any property not included in the King County Green River Trail Plan to provide public access or a private natural area in lieu of physical public access. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES • King County Green River Trail Master Plan amendment • Shoreline public access standards • Walk and Roll Plan • Parks and Open Space Plan 5.6.8 Where shoreline public access is provided, ensure that it is designed to be safe and convenient and includes access amenities such as benches, drinking fountains, public parking areas, handicapped access, and appropriate lighting, consistent with the shoreline access guidelines. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES • Shoreline access guidelines • King County Green River Trail Master Plan • Walk and Roll Plan • Parks and Open Space Plan TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 5 -20 ELEMENT 5 SHORELINES 5.6.9 Except for single - family residential development of four or fewer single - family residential lots, shoreline developments shall maintain views of the water from the shoreline and from upland areas, through appropriate design of building height, bulk and modulation, windows, breezeways, and outdoor spaces. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY • Shoreline design guidelines 5.6.10 Public access improvements should be designed and constructed to: • Look and "feel" welcoming to the public. • Connect to public areas, street ends, and other pedestrian or public through fares. • Enhance the character of Tukwila. • Avoid conflicts with water - dependent uses. • Provide for public safety and minimize impacts to private property and individual privacy and security. • Require a low level of operation and maintenance. • Ensure that construction (i.e. structures and access pathways) incorporates environmentally sensitive design and materials (e.g., non - toxic, natural materials). 5.6.11 Improve pedestrian connections between the river, Green River Trail and the Urban Center's commercial, office and residential uses. Policies for Development in MIC 5.6.12 For MIC properties included in the King County Green River Trail Master Plan, require shoreline development to provide a trail for public access along the river. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 5 -21 ELEMENT 5 SHORELINES 5.6.13 Where shoreline public access is provided, ensure that it is designed to be safe and convenient and includes access amenities such as benches, drinking fountains, public parking areas, handicapped access and appropriate lighting, consistent with the river access guidelines. 5.6.14 For MIC properties not included in the King County Green River Trail Plan, require shoreline development to provide public access or a private natural area in lieu of public access, or otherwise mitigate the loss of public access. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES • Shoreline design guidelines • Shoreline access guidelines • Walk and Roll Plan • Parks and Open Space Plan Goal 5.7 Transportation Within the Shoreline Zone Safe corridors and amenities for pedestrians, cyclists, and users of public transportation, allowing more citizens to access and enjoy the river. Policies 5.7.1 Design and locate transportation uses within the shoreline jurisdiction to be compatible with shoreline vegetation or other habitat features, turn -outs or parking areas for public access, boat ramps, biofiltration swales to protect water quality, public art, or interpretive signs. 5.7.2 Ensure that transportation uses within the shoreline jurisdiction and within those corridors identified as river cross connections provide safe, convenient, and attractive pedestrian, bicycle and boater access and facilities for public transportation. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 5 -22 ELEMENT 5 SHORELINES 5.7.3 Minimize transportation impacts on the natural environment (such as noises, odors, and air or water pollution) and enhance the natural environment wherever possible through planting trees and other habitat features. 5.7.4 Encourage maintenance of the river's navigability up to the turning basin, where this achieves a greater public interest and a balance between costs and benefits to the broader community and impacts to the habitat functions of the river, in recognition of the historical significance of navigation and its importance to the economic vitality of water - dependent uses and the MIC. Goal 5.8 Historical Resource Use Recognition of the river's contribution to Tukwila history and community identity through identification, enhancement, restoration, and protection of sites with historic and cultural value and through development of interpretive and educational programs. Policies 5.8.1 Ensure that shoreline development reflects the river's important role in Tukwila history and that long -term public use of the river as a historical resource is protected by providing for the identification, protection, and interpretation of unique historic and archaeological features. 5.8.2 Ensure that public shoreline development reflects the river's natural features and community traditions. 5.8.3 Ensure that archaeological artifacts and sites are protected when development takes place in the shoreline jurisdiction. The Green /Duwamish River has undergone extensive modifications in the past to reduce channel migration and limit the extent and duration of valley flooding by constructing levees and revetments. These modifications to the river system have negatively impacted ecological TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 5 -23 ELEMENT 5 SHORELINES functions, including hydrology, water quality, riparian habitat and in- stream habitat. River flows have been modified by dam construction, stream diversion, and urban development. River management and levees have reduced the connection between the rivers and their floodplains, changing the spatial extent of habitat, and increasing the potential for negative water quality impacts. Disturbances to the channel banks have resulted in areas that are dominated by non- native invasive species. Wood, in the form of riparian trees and in- channel wood, is generally lacking throughout the system, which has a negative impact on riparian and aquatic habitats. The following goals and policies seek to improve the ecological function of the river system. Goal 5.9 Natural Environment and Habitat Use Restored, enhanced, and protected natural environmental resources along the river, including trees, wildlife habitat, and features with value for long -term public, scientific, and educational uses. Aerial view of North Winds Weir Off - Channel Habitat (photo courtesy of WRIA 9) TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 5 -24 ELEMENT 5 SHORELINES Policies 5.9.1 Ensure that shoreline development results in no net loss of shoreline ecological function, minimizes impacts on wildlife and that significant vegetation, sandbars, wetlands, watercourses, and other critical areas identified as important for habitat are maintained through the proper location, design, construction, and management of all shoreline uses and activities. 5.9.2 Ensure that shoreline development and activities protect riverbank vegetation and, where feasible, restore degraded riverbanks in accordance with the vegetation management provisions of the Shoreline Master Program, in order to minimize and compensate for impacts on fish and wildlife habitat. 5.9.3 Mitigate unavoidable disturbances of significant vegetation or habitat through replacement of habitat and provision of interpretive features consistent with the shoreline access guidelines. 5.9.4 Support relief from certain Shoreline Master Program requirements for properties affected by habitat restoration projects that result in the movement of the ordinary high water mark. 5.9.5 Support establishing the Transition Zone as the priority area for habitat restoration projects given its importance for subtidal and intertidal habitats to allow salmonids to gradually adjust to the change between fresh and saltwater conditions. A system of levees and revetments have been constructed along a major portion of the river in Tukwila. The City has adopted a minimum levee profile to promote river bank stability, protect structures, and enhance shoreline ecological functions. The minimum levee profile incorporates a mid -slope bench that provides a wider river channel to accommodate higher flows during storm events and allows planting of native vegetation to improve habitat functions. The vegetation on the mid -slope bench will also reduce the speed of water flows during storm events. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 5 -25 a,,mff 5 ,„, SHORELINES Goal 5.10 Water Quality, Surface Water, and Flood Control Use Improved water quality and quantity control programs affecting the Green /Duwamish River that improve the river's water quality, provide habitat for fish and wildlife, protect public health and safety, and enhance public enjoyment of the river. Policies 5.10.1 Design, locate, and manage shoreline development including streets, flood control projects, surface water drainage and sewer systems, clearing and grading activities, and landscaping in a manner that minimizes opportunities for pollutants to enter the river, provides erosion control, and otherwise protects water quality. 5.10.2 Design, manage, and mitigate flood control uses to minimize impacts on other shoreline uses such as trees and riverbank vegetation, public access and recreation, and fish habitat; and set them back from the river, where feasible for the project, with land areas between the water and the levee set aside as open space for public recreation or wildlife habitat. 5.10.3 Consistent with project feasibility, mitigate unavoidable negative impacts on other shoreline uses owing to flood control uses through such measures as restoration of trees and native riverbank vegetation, provision of public access to the water's edge, interpretive features, or other mitigation of loss of opportunities for shoreline multiple uses. 5.10.4 Obtain additional easements, where needed, from property owners to set back levees to improve flood control and shoreline habitat functions. Where possible, as redevelopment occurs, replace bulkheads, revetments or other hard bank stabilization with more natural levees, riverbanks or other shoreline treatments, to improve flood control, ecological functions and habitat. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 5 -26 ELEMENT 5 SHORELINES ry _a 3 "°A le 31ff'r n Ld':aa l AE3E -W n 'var1 nfgula l Law•E• ve;3C3tl 3andl y3� -1- III -I. 4111If Wa rtanan Easenrart - I .or r3 tcr= - 3I L' y I C I F • 1 19anCh -' ' -r' _�I� 1 ✓rrr 1 Mini mu m Levee Profil e 3m Proposed profile for reconfigured levees. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES • Where possible, increase levee setback • Shoreline access guidelines • Surface Water Management Plan • WRIA 9 Plan water quality policies Goal 5.11 Public Health, Safety, and Welfare Shoreline uses that do not endanger public health, safety, and welfare or the capacity of the river to provide long -term benefits and resources to the community. 5.11.1 Design, locate, and manage shoreline uses, such as capital improvement projects and private development, in a manner that does not endanger public health, safety and welfare, and enhances the capacity of the river to provide long -term benefits and resources to the community. TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 5 -27