HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAP 2015-05-11 Item 2C - Update - North Highline Annexation AreaTO:
City of Tukwila
Jim Haggerton, Mayor.
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
Mayor Haggerton
Community Affairs and Parks Committee
FROM: Jack Pace, Department of Community Development Director
BY: Minnie Dhaliwal, Planning Supervisor
DATE: May 4, 2015
SUBJECT: North Highline Annexation Area
ISSUE
Briefing on Seattle's Notice of Intent to Annex the North Highline annexation area.
BACKGROUND
Tukwila designated the North Highline area as a potential annexation area (PAA) in the City's
Comprehensive Plan in 1995.The City of Seattle has also designated a PAA that includes a
much larger area of unincorporated North Highline that overlaps with Tukwila's PAA. See
attached map showing the overlapping areas. The City of Seattle's PAA consists of three
different areas: Sliver by the River (only Seattle's PAA); Duwamish Industrial Area (overlap
between Seattle and Tukwila); and Area Y (it was an overlap between Burien and Seattle, but
Burien has taken it out of their PAA).
In 2012 the property owners in the Duwamish Industrial area filed a petition to annex into the
City of Tukwila. At that time Tukwila filed the Notice of Intent to Annex with the Boundary
Review Board, but Tukwila's request was denied by the Board. Both the City of Seattle and King
County opposed Tukwila's Notice of Intent to Annex.
After the denial by the Boundary Review Board Tukwila participated in the mediation
proceedings with King County and the City of Seattle to help resolve the overlap issue. The
mediation process did not result in any agreement.
DISCUSSION
At this time the City of Seattle has adopted a resolution calling for the annexation by an election
method in the Duwamish Industrial Area (the area that overlaps with Tukwila's PAA) and the
Sliver by the River area (only Seattle's PAA). Seattle has also filed a Notice of Intent to Annex
with the Boundary Review Board. Attached is the summary of Seattle's Notice of Intent
prepared by the Boundary Review Board. Boundary Review Board has scheduled a hearing on
July 20, 2015 to decide on Seattle's Notice of Intent to Annex.
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INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 2
Staff is in the process of reviewing the information prepared by the City of Seattle and will be
submitting comments to the Boundary Review Board opposing Seattle's Notice of Intent due to
the following reasons:
1. At the time the Boundary Review Board denied Tukwila's Notice of Intent to Annex, it
desired a more comprehensive solution that included Area Y, Duwamish Triangle and
the Sliver by the River. Seattle's Notice of Intent to Annex does not include Area Y.
2. The property owners in the industrial area desire to be part of City of Tukwila.
Additionally, the industrial area relates to Tukwila's manufacturing/industrial area, given
the land uses, geography and development pattern in the area.
ATTACHMENTS
• Boundary Review Board Summary of Seattle's Duwamish Annexation Notice of Intent
• Map showing overlapping potential annexation areas.
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FILE NO.
2358
SUMMARY
ACTION Resolution by Seattle City Council
for Land Annexation via Election Method
TITLE Duwamish Annexation Area
Thomas Guide Map No. 625
Date Received:
Date Distributed:
Date Filed:
Expiration 45 Days:
Board Meeting:
08/08/14
08/14/14
10/15/12
09/11/14
Introduction:
Location
Land Area
Land Use:
Population Estimate
Assessed Valuation
County Comprehensive
Plan Designation/Zoning
The City of Seattle has submitted this Notice of Intention to Annex the
Duwamish Annexation Area to the City of Seattle, as required by Chapter
36.93 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and the Notice of
Intention procedures promulgated by the Washington State Boundary
Review Board for King County. The proposed annexation area consists
of two separate Seattle Potential Annexation Areas, as defined by the
City of Seattle's Comprehensive Plan. originally adopted in 1994: the
Duwamish Industrial Area (North Highline Area 'Q'), designated in 1996,
and the South Park 'Sliver,' designated in 2012.
More specific information about these territories and the history attached
thereto is provided in the below "Summary."
The Duwamish Annexation Area is located adjacent to and south of
Seattle's South Park neighborhood between the Duwamish River and
State Route 99. More specifically, the Duwamish Area Annexation is
located immediately south of the existing City of Seattle. The northern
boundary of the entire Duwamish Area Annexation is formed by the
southern boundary of the City of Seattle at Kenyon Street (if extended)
and the Duwamish Waterway. The western boundary of the site is
variously formed by the City of Seattle (generally east of Dallas Avenue
South and by West Marginal Way. The eastern boundary is formed by
the Duwamish Waterway and the City of Tukwila. The southern
boundary is located at South 1015t Street.
The proposed annexation would unite the unincorporated areas
into Seattle's South Park Residential Urban Village.
Approximately 220 acres
Residential Uses — land units and on -board living water units; Industrial
Uses; Open Spaces; Vacant land.
177 persons
5104,405.315.00.
Residential Uses (4 units per acre), Industrial Use
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City Comprehensive Plan/
Zoning •
Proposed: Single Family Residential Uses (SF 9600 -4.5 units per acre);
General Industrial 2
Zoning I No. Lots 1 Acres
kation
R-4 - Residential. 4
DU per Acre
I - Industrial
42
14
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166
(Note: The City of Seattle reports a commitment to adopt for the Duwamish Area, at annexation,
land use designations and zoning requirements that are essentially equivalent to land use
designations and zoning requirements currently in place under the jurisdiction of King County. Land
use designations and regulations are also consistent with the City of Seattle's approved Shoreline
Master Program.)
District Comprehensive Plan Not applicable.
District Franchise
A franchise is required to provide services in the proposed annexation area. The
proposed annexation area is not within Seattle's current franchise agreement area
and negotiations will be required for the continued provision of the following
services: solid waste (Waste Management); natural gas (Puget Sound Energy);
and cable television / Internet (Comcast).
Urban Growth Area (UGA) The Duwamish Area is located within the Urban Growth Area as identified
by the State Growth Management Act, King County Comprehensive Plan,
and City of Seattle Comprehensive Plan,
SEPA Declaration The proposed Duwamish Area Annexation is exempt from SEPA
pursuant to RCW 43.21C.222.
ENTITIES/AGENCIES NOTIFIED:
King County Council Member(s) Joe McDermott; David Upthegrove
King County: Clerk of Council, Department of Natural Resources (DNR); Department of Permitting and
Environmental Review (DPER), Department of Assessments, Department of
Transportation (DOT), State Department of Ecology (DOE), King County "911" Program,
Office of Management and Budget, Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys' Office, King County
Records and Election Division, Fire Marshal Division, Historic Preservation Program.
Puget Sound Regional Council, Community and Human Services, Public Health
Department
Cities: Burien, SeaTac, Tukwila
Fire Districts: City of Seattle Fire Department; King County Fire Protection Districts No. 2, No.
11, No. 20
Water Districts: King County Water Districts No. 20; No. 45, No. 49, No. 54, and No. 125; Highline
Water District; Seattle Public Utilities
Sewer Districts: Valley View Sewer District; Southwest Suburban Sewer District, Soos Creek
Water & Sewer District; Cedar River Water and Sewer District
School District: Seattle School District #001
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SUMMARY (File No. 2358)
The City of Seattle has submitted a Notice of Intention proposing annexation of properties identified as the
Duwamish Area at 220 acres. The Duwamish Area consists of two separate Seattle Potential Annexation
Areas, as defined by the City of Seattle's Comprehensive Plan, originally adopted in 1994; the Duwamish
Industrial Area (North Highline Area `Q'), designated in 1996, and the South Park `Sliver,' designated in
2012, the City of Seattle's Comprehensive Plan, originally adopted in 1994: the Duwamish Industrial Area
(North Highline Area 'Q'), designated in 1996, and the South Park 'Sliver,' designated in 2012.
The annexation is proposed in response to a Resolution reflecting the interest of the community in joining
the City of Seattle. The Duwamish Area Annexation Notice of Intention is based upon Resolution No.
31502 adopted by the Seattle City Council in February 2014 approving a plan to annex this territory.
The Duwamish Annexation Area is located adjacent to and south of Seattle's South Park neighborhood
between the Duwamish River and State Route 99. More specifically, the Duwamish Area Annexation is
located immediately south of the existing City of Seattle. The northern boundary of the entire Duwamish
Area Annexation is formed by the southern boundary of the City of Seattle at Kenyon Street (if extended)
and the Duwamish Waterway. The western boundary of the site is variously formed by the City of Seattle
(generally east of Dallas Avenue South and by West Marginal Way. The eastern boundary is formed by
the Duwamish Waterway and the City of Tukwila. The southern boundary is located at South 101st Street.
The proposed annexation would unite the unincorporated areas into Seattle's South Park Residential
Urban Village.
With the Notice of Intention. the City of Seattle has invoked jurisdiction at the Washington State Boundary
Review Board for King County. The City is seeking a public hearing in order to provide an opportunity for
Duwamish Area citizens and other stakeholders to comment upon the proposed annexation before
Boundary Review Board. The Boundary Review Board is an independent, quasi-judicial agent established
by statute (RCW 36.93) to conduct such public review for the purpose of ensuring logical, orderly growth
of urban communities.
City of Seattle officials report that the entirety of the Duwamish Area is currently described as a Potential
Annexation Area for the City of Seattle. In addition the southern portion of the Duwamish Area is also
designated within the Potential Annexation Area of the City of Tukwila.
More precisely, in 1996, the City of Seattle adopted a PAA that overlapped with Tukwila's PAA in the
southern portion of the Duwamish Annexation Area. Discussions between King County, and the cities of
Burien, Tukwila and Seattle were initially started in 1997. An agreement was reached between the cities
of Seattle and Burien that led to Burien's annexation of the southern portion of the North Highline
Unincorporated Area (Area X) in 2009. in April 2011, the City of Seattle initiated the County required
formal mediation process (under Countywide Planning Policies DP -25) with King County, and the City of
Tukwila using the services of the King County Alternative Dispute Resolution program. The latest
mediation process, including non -mediated discussions, was conducted over a 26 month period and
ended on June 27, 2013 with no resolution on the overlap issue with the City of Tukwila.
In addition, the City of Seattle has entered into discussions with the North Highline Fire District (NHFD
#11) regarding measures to mitigate the financial impacts that the proposed annexation would have on the
ability of the North Highline Fire District to provide fire and medical response services to the remaining
portions of the fire district. Seattle's proposed agreement would provide revenues to the fire district equal
to the amount of property tax revenues lost as a result of the proposed annexation. This proposal would
allow the fire district to maintain its current staffing levels and maintain the ability to operate the required
three shifts. At this time negotiations are expected to be finalized within the next 30 to 60 days.
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As a result of overlapping Potential Annexation Areas, King County, the City of Seattle and the City of
Tukwila have been required to comply with the provisions of King County Comprehensive
Plan/Countywide Planning Policy LU -32 prior to either jurisdiction pursuing annexation of the Duwamish
Area
King County Comprehensive Plan/Countywide Planning Policy LU -32 states that:
'1. The City proposing annexation has, at least 30 days prior to filing a Notice of Intention to annex
with the Boundary Review, to contact in writing the cities with the Potential Annexation Area
overlap and the county to provide notification of the city's intent to annex and to request a meeting
or formal mediation to discuss boundary alternatives, and:
2. The cities with the Potential Annexation Area overlap and the county have either:
a. Agreed to meet but failed to develop a negotiated settlement to the overlap within 60 days
of receipt of the notice, or
b. Declined to meet or failed to respond in writing within 30 days of receipt of the notice.)"
To that end, the background/history of events leading to this Notice of Intention to the Washington
State Boundary Review Board for King County is as follows:
• Since 2008, the city of Seattle has engaged in formal mediation, through King County's inter-
local Conflict Resolution Group (ILCRG), to determine the potential annexation boundaries of
all or portions of the North Highline Area (Area X, Area Y and Duwamish Annexation Area).
The mediation process led to an agreement giving the city of Burien first opportunity to annex
Area X and later Area Y. In 2010, the city of Burien successfully annexed Area X.
• in 2010, residents in the northern portion of the Duwamish Annexation Area begin contacting
Seattle City Council members expressing their interest in being annexed into the City of
Seattle. At that time, the northern portion of the area was not designated a Seattle Potential
Annexation Area.
• In 2012, Seattle City Council designated the northern portion of the Duwamish Annexation
Area as a Seattle Potential Annexation Area. The southern portion of the Duwamish
Annexation Area was designated as a Seattle Potential Annexation in 1996 (overlapping
designation with city of Tukwila).
• In February 2013, the city of Seattle once again engaged the services of King County's ILCRG
in a formal mediation process with King County, cities of Burien and SeaTac, King County
Library System, Burien-Normandy Park Fire Department (Fire District #2), and North Highline
Fire District (Fire District #11). The purpose of the mediation was to identify service and
boundary issues associated with a potential annexation of the Duwamish Annexation Area.
The mediation process did not result in an agreement between the parties and was formally
ended in June 2013.
• On February 3, 2014, Resolution No. 31502 was introduced calling for the annexation, by
election, of the Duwamish Annexation Area.
• On February 5, 2014, the Seattle City Council's Education and Govemance Committee held a
public meeting and received testimony regarding the potential annexation of the Duwamish
Area using the election method. The committee members voted to approve the resolution.
• On February 10, 2014, the Seattle City Council adopted Resolution No. 31502, calling for the
annexation, by election, of the Duwamish Annexation Area and authorizing the submittal of a
Notice of Intention to the Washington State Boundary Review Board for King County.
• On March 25, 2014, the city of Seattle initiated discussions with representatives of the North
Highline Fire District (Fire District #11) for the purposes developing an agreement to mitigate
the financial impact of the proposed Duwamish Annexation Area on the Fire District's ability to
provide fire protection services in the remaining portions of its territory. A detailed discussion
of the proposed agreement is outlined in the Notice of Intention.
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***
City of Seattle officials report that the Duwamish Annexation Area contains mainly single family residences
in the area located north of the South Park Bridge and located between the Duwamish River and Seattle's
South Park neighborhood. The area south of the South Park Bridge and located between State Route 99
and the Duwamish River contains a marina, industrial/manufacturing uses, a Seattle City Light electrical
transfer station, and large wildlife refuge area located between the electrical transfer station and the
southern boundary of the proposed annexation area that abuts the northern tip of the City of Tukwila.
City of Seattle officials report that annexation of the Duwamish Area to this community is consistent with
the State Growth Management Act. Cited in support of Seattle's annexation of Duwamish Area are: RCW
36.70A.020 (1), encouraging development in urban areas where adequate public facilities and
services exist or can be provided in an efficient manner:
• RCW 36.70A.020 (11), encouraging citizen participation and coordination in the planning process
and ensuring coordination between communities and jurisdictions to reconcile conflicts; and
RCW 36.70A.020 (12) calling for public facilities and services to be consistent with provisions of
GMA (e.g. RCW 36.70A210 (3) (b) policies that promote contiguous and orderly development
and provision of urban services to such development).
Seattle representatives report that the municipality has in place plans, programs, and resources necessary
to serve the Duwamish Area as presented in the State Growth Management Act (GMA). In keeping with
the provisions of the GMA, Seattle representatives report a plan to establish governance and services for
Duwamish Area citizens that are equivalent to - or greater than -- those benefits enjoyed under the aegis
of King County. Governance and services for the Duwamish Area would be equivalent to benefits
provided within the existing City of Seattle.
More specifically, the proposed annexation includes an unincorporated urban area with existing urban -
level public facilities and services. Seattle will address any localized deficiencies in an efficient manner
building upon the area's existing infrastructure and services, where applicable. The proposed annexation
area is currently served by many King County services, including law & code enforcement, building &
planning, transportation, others. Other local services are provided by special purpose districts that include
fire, library, water and sewer. Upon annexation, services provided by King County and special purpose
districts will be provided by the City of Seattle.
***
City of Seattle representatives report that the proposed Duwamish Area Annexation complies with King
County Comprehensive Plan/Countywide Planning Policies (2013.) Seattle representatives report that the
North Highline annexation would specifically be consistent with numerous Comprehensive Plan goals and
policies. Selected goals and policies include:
• Chapter — Regional Planning: Section 11 Policy Framework (RP 204)
• Chapter - Urban Communities: Sections I -III (U-102; U-106, U-201; U-202, U-203; U-205 — U-207)
• Chapter— Transportation (T-212);
• Chapter — Services, Facilities and Utilities (F-101)
Seattle representatives similarly report that the Duwamish Area annexation would specifically be
consistent with numerous Countywide Planning Policies. Selected goals and policies include:
Chapter — Development Patterns: DP -3; DP -4;
Chapter — Urban Growth Area: DP -13; DP 23 — DP -25; DDP-27; DP -28
Chapter— Public Facilities and Services (PF -2; PF -3; PF -11, PF -17
*k*
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City of Seattle officials report that the Duwamish.Area properties north of the South Park Bridge are mainly
developed as single-family homes. This development is similar to the nearby Seattle's South Park
neighborhood. The area south of the South Park Bridge primarily includes, industrial, manufacturing, and
office uses — similar to that development in the South Park neighborhood's industrial areas.
The majority of the Duwamish Annexation Area is built out and there are relatively few vacant parcels
within this PAA. The 177 population is from the 2010 U.S. Census. King County does not have
population projections for this specific area. However, this area is located within the City of Seattle's
Comprehensive Plan as the "South Park Residential Urban Village." As part of the city's comprehensive
pian process, the household growth target for the South Park Residential Urban Village, which includes
the annexation area, is an additional 250 households by 2024.
City of Seattle representatives report a plan to maintain support for the exiting and for new predominating
industrial uses and small residential areas currently in place in Duwamish Area. The City has resources
and capacity to permit provision of public utilities, public facilities, and public services to the Duwamish
Area, including, but not limited to: land use planning and development, transportation services, water
service, wastewater treatment service, storm water management services, fire/emergency medical
services, and policing services) to Duwamish Area.
More specifically, upon annexation city regulations will supplant King County regulations in the proposed
annexation area, include, but are not limited to:
• The City of Seattle Land Use Regulations and Zoning Regulations
• The City of Seattle's Critical Areas regulations
• The City of Seattle Stormwater Code
The Seattle City Council has not approved pre -annexation zoning agreements for this annexation. While
the area is within the City of Seattle's Potential Annexation Area (PAA), the Seattle Comprehensive Plan
does not apply land use designations to PAAs. If the annexation is approved, the Seattle City Council will
adopt changes to the Future Land Use Map in the Comprehensive Plan to include the annexed area within
the City's boundaries. The Future Land Use Map will indicate the generalized land use categories that
would apply in the annexed area. The change to Future Land Use Map would occur the next time the City
amends the Comprehensive Pian after the annexation of the Duwamish Annexation Area.
Zoning changes within the annexed area could occur any time after changes to the Future Land Use Map
are approved and would have to be consistent with the Future Land Use map. It should be noted that
changes to zoning and development regulations are not bound by the once -a -year limitation that applies to
amendments to the Seattle Comprehensive Plan.
The City of Seattle and King County have reached an agreement (Letter of Understanding) regarding the
operation & maintenance of the South Park Bridge.
A fiscal analysis of the Duwamish Annexation Area was prepared by the City of Seattle's Central Budget
Office. The report was transmitted to the Seattle City Council on April 5, 2012. An updated fiscal analysis
has also been prepared. The results showed that the City would face a first year annual operating cost of
$646,000 to serve the area. The report also identified a number of substantial one-time capital and
environmental remediation costs for which there are no supporting revenues, in particular costs to Seattle
Public Utilities. These costs could total in excess of $120 million.
The assumptions are based on estimates provided by City departmental staff with necessary revisions by
the City's Central Budget Office. The revenue and cost estimates were adjusted to 2013 dollars.
Note: Other City departments have estimated that most incremental costs to provide services to
the Duwamish Annexation Area will be negligible or can be absorbed within existing resources
after an annexation (e.g. police, fire, library, human services, housing, economic development,
parks & recreation, office for education, finance & administrative services, and municipal courts).
The Seattle Central Budget Office analysis shows that City general fund revenues would increase by $1.1
million as a result of the annexation. The largest contributors to this increased revenue would be
Business & Occupation Taxes ($594,000) and property tax ($374,000). The $374,000 in property tax
would replace the County Road, Fire District #11 and King County Rural Library District levies that are
currently collected in the Duwamish Annexation Area and would result in lower overall property taxes for
taxpayers in the Duwamish Annexation Area.
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The Duwamish Annexation Area currently receives general ,governmental services from King
General services after annexation including police and development services will be 'provided by the City
of Seattle. The following table providesa summary of services and service providers prior to and after an
annexation:
The proposed Duwamish Annexation Area is urbanized .and nearly fully developed. King County currently
provides services at lower levels than the City of Seattle provides within its existing boundaries. Upon
annexation, residents and businesses within the annexed area will see an immediate increase in the
levels of service for police, fire, parks and recreation, library and other urban services. As additional
development occurs within the. overall South Park Residential Urban Village, which includes the annexed
area, demand for services will increase. it is assumed that the cost for these additional services will
largely be offset by property taxes, sales taxes, service charges, and other population -based revenues. It
should be noted that may residents in the annexation area currently avail themselves of Seattle's services
including park & recreation programs and library services.
The net effect of this annexation on owners of residential properties in the proposed annexation area will
be positive. At annexation, the property tax rate and amount will be reduced. Based on 2013 assessed
values, the taxpayerin the annexed area would receive a net reduction annually of approximately $277 on
a house valued at $250,000. Owners of industrial Cr commercial properties will see a larger reduction in
their property tax 'bills (e.g. property valued at $1,000,000 will receive a net reduction annually of
approximately $1,110). Business owners will also see a reduction in their property tax bill, but will see an
increase in non -property tax related expenses. The City of Seattle imposes a Business & Occupation
(B&O) tax on the business operations. This will be an additional expense to businesses in the proposed
annexation since state law does not allow counties to impose a B&O taxes.
-Jr**
The City of Seattle officials report that the proposed Duwamish Area Annexation is consistent with the
provisions of RCW 36,93 (Boundary 'Review •Board Regulations). For example, City of Seattle
representatives, report that:
A. RCW 36:93.170 Factors to be considered by Boundary. Review Board
1. Population and territory; population density; land area and uses; comprehensive plans and zoning,
as adopted under chapter 35.63, 35A.63. or 36.70 RCW, comprehensive plans anddevelopment
regulations adopted under chapter. 36.70A; applicable service agreements entered into under
chapter 36.116 or 39.34 RCW, 'applicableinterlocal;annexation agreements between a county and
its cities; per capita assessed valuation; _topography. natural boundaries and drainage basins,
proximity to .other-pepulated areas: the existence and preservation of prime agricultural soils and
productive agricultural uses; the likelihood of significant growth in the area and in adjacent
incorporated ..and unincorporated areas during the next ten years; location and most desirable
future location of community facilities;
The existing population in the proposed Duwamish Area is less than one person per acreit is a
developed area that consists of residential and industrial land uses. This area is in the City of
Seattle's PAA. There are a total of 56 parcels -- $104,405,315 in total assessed valuation.
According to the South Park Business Association, businesses and uses within the proposed
annexation area includes: Delta Marine; Duwamish Yacht Club; Seattle City Light substation;
limousine business; and various multi -tenant buildings primarily light industries, some office and
retail businesses; and a wildlife refuge area. The 2010 Census listed the population at 177. The
vast majority of the population in the annexation area resides north of the South Park Bridge. The
proposed annexation area is zoned Residential and Industrial by King County.
The proposed annexation area is characterized as a vertical panhandle with the South Park
'Sliver' between the city's South Park neighborhood on the west and the Duwamish River on the
east and the southern portion that is roughly triangular in shape and is bordered by the Duwamish
River on the east. State Route 99 on the west, and South Director Street (City of Seattle) on the
north.
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The majority ofahe Duwamish Area is flat With an average elevation of approximately 20 feet
above sea IeVeL The annexation area is essentially fully built. There may be opportunities for
limited growth as a result of redevelopment in the residential areas over the next 10 years.
The City of Seattle reports that the proposed annexation does riot create a severe impact on
service providers in the remaining North Highline Area "Q" area. The proposed annexation will
connect the linked built communities, common infrastructure and connected natural environments
with these elements in Seattle's South Park Residential Urban Village. Seattle has proposed to
provide 'financi'a'l mitigation to the North Highline Fire District to eliminate the financial impact
resulting from the proposed annexation.
2. Municipal services; . need for .municipal services; effect of ordinances. _governmental codes;
regulations and resolutions on exisfinq uses; present cost and adequacy of governmental services
and controls in area: prospects of .governmental services from other -sources, probable future
needs for such services and -controls:. probable effect of .proposal or alternative on cost and
adequacy of "services and .controls in area and adjacent are, the effect on the .finances. debt
structure, and contractual obligations and rights of all affected governmental units.
The City of Seattle will provide fire, water, sewer, electrical, library, stormwater and road services
to the proposed annexation area after an annexation. Garbage and recycling collection in the
annexation area is provided by Waste Management, and they will also continue to serve the area
after annexation. Telephone, Internet, and gas service will continue to be provided by Comcast
and Puget Sound Energy.
The proposed annexation will have a minor financial impact on three service providers (fire, water
and sewer). However, as previously stated, Seattle is Working with the North Highline Fire District
to mitigate the impacts of the proposed annexation through a financial arrangement that will allow
the fire district to remain financially viable. Seattle will also enter into discussions with Water
District 20 and Valley View Sewer District to explore was to mitigate these impacts.
The City of Seattle reports that this proposal creates a more efficient means of providing services
to residents/businesses in unincorporated urbanized areas. The proposal will allow for Seattle to
be the single provider of those services thus enablingi King County to focus on providing services
to rural areas or on a regional basis.
3. The effect of the proposal or alternative on adjacent areas, .on mutual economic and social
interests,.and on the local governmental structure of the county.
The effect of the proposed annexation will be to implement the state Growth Management Act, to
incorporate an area already within the King County Urban Growth Area, to unify the annexation
area to the overall South Park Residential Urban Village, and, to complete the process with the
area as designated within the City of Seattle's Potential Annexation Area .(PAA).
The City of Seattle will continue working with King County to explore options to make a future
annexation of North Highline Area "Q" financially feasible. This will include working with the
Washington State Legislature to pass legislation to provide greater financial .incentives to address
the financial "Gap" between the cost of providing ,governmental services and revenues generated
by the area.
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B. RCW 36.93.180 Objectives to be considered by the Boundary Review Board
1.. Preservation of Natural Neighborhoods and Communities.
The proposed annexation area has been identified as Seattle Potential Annexation Areas (PAAs)
and are natural extensions of Seattle's South Park Residential Urban Village as identified in
Seattle's Comprehensive Plan. The residents in the northern portion of the annexation area
(South Park 'Sliver') have taken an active role in neighborhood business and civic activities in the
overall South Park neighborhood. There is a natural link in neighborhood characteristics, land
use, and demographics with Seattle's South Park Residential Urban Village. The annexation
would also link the South Park industrial area with the industrial area in the southern portion of the
annexation area (Duwamish Annexation Area). The sense of community and preservation of a
natural neighborhood within Seattle will be heightened as a result of the proposed annexation.
The annexation of North Highline Unincorporated Area (Area "Y°) is not part of this annexation
proposal. The neighborhoods in Area "Y" are separate and distinct for the areas in the proposed
annexation (separated by several miles). We believe that the neighborhoods identified as White
Center and Boulevard Park are unique standalone neighborhoods and will not be negatively
impacted by the annexation proposal. At the same time, Seattle understands the need for a
comprehensive strategy to address the need to incorporate unincorporated urbanized areas into
cities. To address this issue, Seattle and King County have made a commitment to continue
discussions and work toward a strategy to a future annexation of Area "Y". It should be noted that
this strategy will need to involve the State of Washington as a provider of additional financial
incentives for this to move forward.
The Duwamish Annexation Area is at the same general elevation as Seattle's South Park
neighborhood. It is located adjacent to the boundaries of Seattle's South Park Urban Residential
Village. The area is characterized as flat with an average elevation of 20 feet above sea level.
The Duwamish Annexation Area is bounded on the west by State Route 99 and on the east by the
Duwamish River. Access to the annexation area can be accomplished via State Route 99 and
West Marginal Way, via the South Park Bridge which was opened in July 2014.
2. Use of Physical Boundaries, including but not limited to Bodies of Water. Highways and Land
Contours.
The proposed annexation area follows appropriate physical boundaries and highways. The
Duwamish River provides the east boundary line for the entire annexation area. The Seattle city
limits provides the west boundaries for the northern portion and the north boundary of the
southern portion of the annexation area. State Route 99 provides the west boundary for the
southern portion of the annexation area. Due to the shape of the annexation area, the City of
Tukwila provides a southern boundary for a very small portion of the annexation area
(approximately 500 feet).
3. Creation and Preservation of Logical Service Areas.
The proposed annexation area is bounded on one side by the Duwamish River and shares a
boundary with the City of Seattle. It is connected to the City of Seattle via several streets in the
South Park neighborhood and the South Park Bridge. The proposed annexation area is a logical
extension of the City limits and will eliminate the unincorporated South Park 'Sliver' and connect
South Park's industrial areas that are located north and south of So. Director Street, the current
City limits. The City of Seattle is prepared to provide urban services to the proposed annexation
area upon annexation.
4. Prevention of Abnormally Irregular Boundaries.
The proposed annexation will extend the City limits to the south and west, and will eliminate the
South Park 'Sliver' and Duwamish Industrial Triangle as unincorporated land, within the Urban
Growth Area.
5. Discouragement of Multiple Incorporations of Small Cities and Encouragement of Incorporation of
Cities in Excess of Ten Thousand in Heavily Populated Urban Areas.
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The official April 2010 City of Seattle population was 608,660 (U.S. Census Bureau). The addition
of the proposed annexation area (177 population is from the 2010 U,S. Census Bureau) extends
the boundaries of an existing city,
6. Dissolution of Inactive Special Purpose Districts.
The annexation proposal does not dissolve inactive or active special purpose districts. It does
allow for the efficient provision of services by the City of Seattle as the single service provider to
residents and businesses in the proposed annexation area and surrounding South Park
Residential Urban Village.
7. Adjustment of Impractical Boundaries.
The annexation proposal addresses the `Sliver' located in the northern portion of the annexation
area that is located between the boundaries of the city's South Park Residential Urban Village and
Duwamish River.
8. Incorporation as Cities or Towns or Annexation to Cities or Towns of Unincorporated Areas Which
Are Urban in Character.
This proposed annexation area is within the King County Urban Growth Area (UGA). The City of
Seattle has looked into annexing this area since GMA planning of Potential Annexation Areas with
King County began in 1994. Annexation of this area is appropriate as it is within the city's Urban
Growth Area, includes urban land uses and densities and will be served by the City of Seattle at
an urban level of services.
9. Protection of Agricultural and Rural Lands Which Are Designated For Long Term Productive
Agricultural and Resource Use by a Comprehensive Plan Adopted by the County Legislative
Authority.
Not applicable. The annexation area is not designated agricultural and/or rural land, and the
current land use within the area is not agricultural.
In conclusion, The Duwamish Annexation Area proposal reportedly addresses the following goals: (1)
furthers the transition to city governance of the remaining unincorporated areas in North Highline; (2)
reunites the Duwamish Annexation Area into Seattle's South Park Urban Residential Village; (3) allows a
local government to provide a higher level of governmental services to residents and businesses in the
area; and (4) allows King County to focus its resources as the service provider on a rural and regional
basis.
City of Seattle officials report a commitment to taking the necessary steps (e.g., obtaining funding,
establishing services, land use/development review, environmental protection) in order to ensure
equivalent levels of govemance for the Duwamish Area both at current development and at estimated
maximum development. The City reportedly supports the Duwamish Area Annexation so that Seattle may
serve citizens of the area. Both the citizens of the Duwamish Area and the greater City of Seattle will
benefit from the joining of communities.
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Exhibit 14
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