Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEPA E2000-005 - CITY OF TUKWILA - ZONING CODE AMENDMENT RELATED TO GROUP HE2000 -005 SEPA FOR CODE AMENDMENTS MORATORIUM FOR CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES CITY OF TUKWIL..A DETERMINATION OF NONSIGNIFICANCE•. (DNS) DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSAL: ZONING CODE AMENDMENT RELATED TO GROUP HOMES, CORRECTIONAL_ FACILITIES AND SIMILAR LAND USES PROPONENT: CITY OF TIJKWILA I_UCAIIQN OF PROPOSAL_, INCLUDING STREET ADDRESS, IF` ANY: ADDRESS: PARCEL_ NO: SEC: /TWN /RNG: ;CITY - WIDE' LEAD AGENCY: = _` CITY OF- TUKWILA FILE NO: E2000 =005 The City has, determined "' that the proposal does not have a : probable significant, - :adverse i rnpact .on • tf iev> env i-r onment . An environmental impact statement (EIS) is not requi,red„ under RC:W 43.21r.030 (2) (c) � [his dec isior�'�was made after: review of• a 'completed environmental '``. checklist ,arid other i of ormatl or! on : file' with the lead agency. This information -i s available to. the p,ub1 i c.,,on request. i. ********** ik**.*:* * * * *�iir *�r7k * * * * *, *�c * * * * * * ** r****** ir**** * * * * * * *'**4rik** * * *i9'***'�k*** fh i DNS "is 'issued; under *WAC` 1,97 - X11 - 340(2) . comments must be submitted by The ",lead_ agency will not act on this proposal for, 11 days "from the date below Steve Ices ter, Responsible Official City .= Tukwila, (206) 431 -3670 6300 _ outhcenter Boulevard Tukwila, WA '-9 &188,' Copies of the procedures for SEPA, appeals are available 'wl th the Department of Communi'i;y- Ueve l opmeni 2- Bate,.. • City of Tgs • Steven M. Mullet, Mayor Department of Community Development Steve Lancaster, Director NOTICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION OF NON-SIGNIFICANCE March 22, 2001 FILE NUMBER: E2000 -005 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Zoning Code amendments related to group homes, correctional facilities and similar land uses. LOCATION: City Wide DETERMINATION: Determination of Non - Significance (DNS). LEAD AGENCY: City of Tukwila CITY CONTACT: Minnie Dhaliwal, Associate Planner (206- 431 -3685) The City has determined that the proposal does not have a probable significant adverse impact on the environment. An environmental impact statement (EIS) is not required under RCW 43.21c.030(2)(c). This decision was made after review of a completed environmental checklist and other information on file with the lead agency. This DNS is issued under WAC 197 -11- 340(2). Comments must be submitted by April 5, 2001. The lead agency will not act on this proposal for 14 days from the date of this notice. Copies of the procedures for SEPA appeals or any further information regarding this action is available to the public upon request at the City of Tukwila Department of Community Development, 6300 Southcenter Blvd., Suite 100, Tukwila WA 98188. 6300 Southcenter Boulevard, Suite #100 0 Tukwila, Washington 98188 0 Phone: 206 - 431 -3670 0 Fax: 206 - 431 -3665 STATE ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST Please respond to all questions. Use separate sheets as necessary. Applicant Responses: Comments A. BACKGROUND 1. Name of proposed project, if applicable: Code Amendments related to group homes and correctional facilities. 2. Name of Applicant: City of Tukwila Department of Community Development Minnie Dhaliwal 6300 Southcenter Boulevard, Suite 100 Tukwila WA 98188 206 - 431 -3670 3. Date checklist prepared: March 1, 2001 4. Agency requesting checklist: City of Tukwila 5. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable): Revisions to Tukwila's zoning code (pertaining to group homes and correctional facilities) are expected to be adopted by May 2001. 6. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected with this proposal? If yes, explain. No 7. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared, directly related to this proposal. None Agency • • 8. Do you know whether applications are pending for governmental approvals of other proposals directly affecting the property covered by your proposal? If yes, explain. No other code revisions are currently planned for similar uses. 9. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal. Recommedation of approval of the code changes by the Planning Commission and legislative approval by the Tukwila City Council. 10. Give brief, complete description of your proposal, including the proposed uses and the size of the project and site. There are several questions later in this checklist that ask you to describe certain aspects of your proposal. You do not need to repeat those answers on this page. Proposed code changes address the siting of group homes and correctional facilities within the City of Tukwila. The changes are proposed in order to be consistent with various State and Federal Laws, including Federal Fair Housing Law and Americans with Disabilities Act. A group of six individuals (related/unrelated /group homes residents) for up to six individuals (minor living with one parent are not counted towards the numerical limit) are proposed to be allowed in LDR zones. Group homes for more than six individuals are proposed to be allowed wherever multifamily development is permitted. Correctional Facilities that will include community treatment centers for prisoners, transitional homes for prisoners, pre - release centers and limited security detention facilities shall be allowed in MIC/H, MIC/L, LI, HI and TVS zones. 11. Location of the proposal. Give sufficient information for a person to understand the precise location of your proposed project, including a street address, if any, the tax lot number, and section, township, and range. If a proposal would occur over a range of area, provide the range or boundaries of the site(s). Provide a legal description, site plan, vicinity map, and topographic map, if reasonably available. While you should submit any plans required by the agency, you are not required to duplicate maps or detailed plans submitted with any permit applications related to this checklist. This is a non - project action that would affect regulations for siting of group homes and correctional facilities within the City of Tukwila. 12. Does the proposal lie within an area designated on the City's Comprehensive Land Use Policy Plan Map as environmentally sensitive? As this is a non - project action that would affect regulations throughout the City including some areas classified as environmentally sensitive areas. However Tukwila's Sensitive Areas Ordinance would still apply to wetlands, watercourses, steep slopes and their buffers. B. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS 1. Earth a. General description of the site (circle one): Flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other: The new regulations would apply to all areas that lie within the limits of City of Tukwila. b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)? Slopes of up to 40% or more lie within the City limits. However the proposed code amendments would not change any regulations pertaining to steep slopes. c. What general types of soils are found on the site (for example, clay, sand, gravel, peat, muck)? If you know the classification of agricultural soils, specify them and note any prime farmland. Different types of soils exist within the city limits.This is a non - project action so there is not a need for more detailed soil information. d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so, describe. Yes, there are areas of unstable soils within Tukwila. Areas of potential geologic instability are shown on Tukwila's Sensitive Areas maps. e. Describe the purpose, type, and approximate quantities of any filling or grading proposed. Indicate source of fill. This is a non - project action so specific information about filling and grading for future development is not available. f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe. g• Erosion could occur as a result of future construction. However this is a non- project action. Impacts associated with individual developments shall be analyzed at the time of such applications. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)? This is a non - project specific action so specific information about the impervious surfaces is not available. • • h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any: The proposed code changes will not interfere with the existing requirements for erosion control. 2. Air a. What types of emissions to the air would result from the proposal (for example, dust, automobile odors, industrial wood smoke) during construction and when the project is completed? If any, generally describe and give approximate quantities if known. The proposed code changes will not change any existing regulations pertaining to air quality. All future developments shall be required to meet all air quality regulations. b. Are there any off -site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so, generally describe. Overall city conditions are not likely to be affected by these code changes. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any: Existing City regulations pertaining to air quality will remain unchanged by the proposed code amendments. 3. Water a. Surface: 1. Is there any surface water body on or in the immediate vicinity of the site (including year -round and seasonal streams, saltwater, lakes, ponds, wetlands)? If yes, describe type and provide names. If appropriate, state what stream or river it flows into. Southgate nd Gilliam Creek flow through the City to the Green/Duwamish River. Tukwila Pond is located within the Urban Center. There are a number of wetlands within the City limits. However the proposed code amendments do not change any regulations related to such surface water bodies. 2. Will the project require any work over, in, or adjacent to (within 200 feet) the described waters? If yes, please describe and attach available plans. This is a non - project action and no changes are proposed to existing regulations that apply to areas within 200 feet of the described waters. • • 3. Estimate the amount of fill and dredge material that would be placed in or removed from surface water or wetlands and indicate the area of the site that would be affected. Indicate the source of fill material. This is a non - project action and information about filling and dredging for future developments shall be obtained at the time of any such applications. 4. Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities, if known. This is a non - project action so specific information about surface water withdrawals for future developments is not available. 5. Does the proposal lie within a 100 -year floodplain? If so, note location on the site plan. The proposed code changes would apply in areas of the City that are within the 100 year floodplain. Existing City regulations for Flood Zone Control would continue to apply. 6. Does the proposal involve any discharges of waste materials to surface waters? If so, describe the type of waste and anticipated volume of discharge. This is a non - project action so specific information about discharge of waste materials as part of future development is not available. The proposed regulations will not encourage such discharges. b. Ground: 1. Will ground water be withdrawn, or will water be discharged to ground water? Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities, if known. No withdrawals or discharges are anticipated through this non - project action. 2. Describe waste materials that will be discharged into the ground from septic tanks or other sources, if any (for example: Domestic sewage; industrial, containing the following chemicals...; agricultural; etc). Describe the general size of the system, the number of such systems, the number of houses to be served (if applicable), or the number of animals or humans the system(s) are expected to serve: This is a non - project action and no impacts assocaited with discharge of waste material into the ground are anticipated as a result of this code amendment. All future developments shall meet all regulations related to discharges from septic tanks or other sources. c. Water Runoff (including storm water): 1. Describe the source of runoff (including storm water) and method of collection and disposal, if any (include quantities, if known). Where will this water flow? Will this water flow? Will this water flow into other waters? If so, describe. The proposed code changes shall not change any regulations related to runoff. 2. Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe. No waste materials are expected to enter the ground water as a result of this non - project action. d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water impacts, if any: This is a non - project action and no changes are proposed related to surface, ground and runoff water impacts. 4. Plants a. Check or circle types of vegetation found on the site: x Deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other x Evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other x Shrubs x Grass x Pasture x Crop or grain x Wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bulrush, skunk cabbage, other x Water plants: water lily, eelgrass, milfoil, other x Other types of vegetation These types of vegetation are found on sites throughout the City. b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered? This is a non - project action and no changes are proposed to regulations pertaining to vegetation removal. All future development shall meet all regulations related to vegetation removal. c. List threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site. There are no known threatened or endangered plant species within the City. The proposed changes do not impact any regulations related to threatened or endangered species. d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance vegetation on the site, if any: The proposed code changes do not impact any regulated that are related to landscaping or use of native plants. 5. Animals a. Circle any birds or animals which have been observed on or near the site or are known to be on or near the site: Birds: Bald eagle, osprey, crows, red tail hawks, great blue heron, green heron, kingfisher, mallards, robins, starlings and other small songbirds. Mammals Fish Other River Otter, Gray squirrel, coyote, raccoon, feral cats, rodents Bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish b. List any threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site. Chinook salmon and Bull Trout, which have been listed as a threatened species are found in the Green River and some tributary streams within Tukwila. Also, Bald Eagle is known to be in certain areas of the City. c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain. Salmon migrate through the Green River out to Puget Sound. d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any: The proposed code changes do not impact any regulations related to wildlife. 6. Energy and Natural Resources a. What kinds of energy (electric, natural gas, oil, wood stove, solar) will be used to meet the completed project's energy needs? Describe whether it will be used for heating, manufacturing, etc. No change in energy needs is anticipated due to the passage of the code amendments related to group homes and correctional facilities. b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties? If so, generally describe. The proposed code changes are not anticipated to impact solar energy. c. What kinds of energy conservation features are included in the plans of this proposal? List other proposed measures to reduce or control energy impacts, if any: This is a non project action and regulations related to energy conservation are not part of this code amendment. 7. Environmental Health a. Are there any environmental health hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, risk of fire and explosion, spill, or hazardous waste, that could occur as a result of this proposal? If so, describe. No known environmental health hazards are anticipated as a result of these changes. 1. Describe special emergency services that might be required. No additional services beyond what the City currently provides would be required. 2. Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any: None proposed. b. Noise 1. What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example: traffic, equipment, operation, other)? Tukwila is bisected by Interstate 5 and 405 and also contains high traffic principal arterials. Portions of Tukwila are subject to airplane noise from SeaTac International Airport and Boeing Field. 2. What types and levels of noise would be created by or associated with the project on a short -term or long -term basis (for example: traffic, construction, operation, other)? Indicate what hours noise would come from the site. None beyond what would be expected from incremental redevelopment. 3. Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any: The City has adopted noise regulations. The proposed code changes related to group homes and correctional facilities shall not impact any noise regulations. 8. Land and Shoreline Use a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties? A wide variety of uses ranging from heavy industrial to single family residential exist within the City limits. b. Has the site been used for agriculture? If so, describe. Portions of the valley floor were used for agriculture prior to construction of Interstate 5 and Southcenter Mall. c. Describe any structures on the site. The wide variety of structures in the City limits range from single family residences or multifamily complexes to multistory steel and concrete buildings. d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what? Individual structures may be demolished as sites are redeveloped. e. What is the current zoning classification of the site? The proposed code changes will apply to the entire city, which has zoning classification ranging from residential to heavy industrial. f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site? The proposed code changes will apply to the entire city, which has comprehensive plan designation ranging from residential to heavy industrial. g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site? Most of the area within the City limits is designated Urban. h. Has any part of the site been classified as an "environmentally sensitive" area? If so, specify. Yes. Tukwila has sensitive areas that include wetlands, watercourses and steep slopes. i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project? This is a non project action. J• Approximately how many people would the completed project displace? None are anticipated. k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any: None 1. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land uses and plans, if any: The proposed code changes are in accordance with the policies of the Tukwila Comprehensive Plan. 9. Housing a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, middle, or low- income housing? This is a non project action. b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high, middle, or low- income housing. The proposal is a non project action. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any: None 10. Aesthetics a. What is the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including antennas; what is the principal exterior building material(s) proposed? The height of any structures will be limited by standards in zoning code and would not be affected by the proposed changes. b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed? This is a non - project proposal that does not recommend any changes to development standards such that views would be altered. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any: None. 11. Light and Glare a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly occur? This is a non - project action and therefore will not produce any light or glare. b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views? This is a non - project action and all applications for future projects will be subject to all lighting regulations. c. What existing off -site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal? No area -wide sources of light or glare are known to affect the City. d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any: None required. 12. Recreation a. What designed and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity? Tukwila has a variety of City and County parks, a golf course, a swimming pool, and a trail network. b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe. No c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any: None required. 13. Historic and Cultural Preservation a. Are there any places or objects listed on, or proposed for, National, State, or Local preservation registers known to be on or next to the site? If so, generally describe. The former Tukwila Grade School at 14475 59th Ave South, which also served as the Tukwila City Hall and King County Library, is listed on the National Registry. The 1905 Nelson House at 15643 West Valley Highway, home to one of the original Tukwila families is listed on the State Register. b. Generally describe any landmarks or evidence of historic, archaeological, scientific, or cultural importance known to be on or next to the site. The City contains areas of Native American archeological sites. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts, if any: The proposed regulations are not expected to have any negative effect on these historic resources. 14. Transportation a. Identify public streets and highways serving the site, and describe proposed access to the existing street system. Show on site plans, if any. See attached map of the City. b. Is the site currently served by public transit? If not, what is the approximate distance to the nearest transit stop? Tukwila is served by a number of Metro bus routes. A commuter rail station exists in the vicinity of the 405 and West Valley Highway. A light rail is planned to pass through the City on its way to SeaTac airport. c. How many parking spaces would the completed project have? How many would the project eliminate? This is a non - project action, and is not expected to affect the parking requirements or the parking provisions of new projects. d. Will the proposal require any new roads or streets, or improvements to existing roads or streets, not including driveways? If so, generally describe (indicate whether public or private). No e. Will the project use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air transportation? If so, generally describe. Water transportation occurs along the Duwamish Waterway to the north of the City. BNSF Burlington Northern has a rail yard that serves as a truck transfer facility off of 124t Street. A light rail line is planned through the City. Boeing Field is partially within the City Limits and SeaTac Airport is a quarter mile from the western City limits. f. How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the completed project? If known, indicate when peak volumes would occur. No changes in vehicular trips are anticipated due to the proposed code changes. g. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any: This is a non - project action and is not expected to have transportation impacts. 15. Public Services a. Would the project result in an increased need for public services (for example: fire protection, police protection, health care, schools, other)? If so, generally describe. No b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any. None 16. Utilities a. Circle utilities currently available at the site: electricity, natural gas, water, refuse service, telephone, sanitary sewer, septic system other: All of these are available within Tukwila. • A b. Describe the utilities that are proposed for the project, the utility providing the service, and the general construction activities on the site or in the immediate vicinity which might be needed. The proposed code changes will not have an effect on utility use or service. C. SIGNATURE The above answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that the lead agency is relying on them to make its decision. Signature: '�'�'ec Date Submitted: ) ZdZ)1 (NON- PROJECT PROPOSALS (E.G., SUBURBAN PLANS AND ZONING CODE TEXT CHANGES) MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING PAGES). Please respond to all questions. Use separate sheets as necessary. Applicant Responses: Agency Comments D. SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET FOR NON - PROJECT PROPOSALS (do not use this sheet for project actions) Because these questions are very general, it may be helpful to read them in conjunction with the list of elements of the environment. When answering these questions, be aware of the extent the proposal, or the types of activities likely to result from the proposal, would affect the item at a greater intensity or at a faster rate than if the proposal were not implemented. Respond briefly and in general terms. 1. How would the proposals be likely to increase discharge to water; emissions to air; production, storage, or release of toxic or hazardous substances; or production of noise? The proposed code changes are not anticipated to affect these areas. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce such increases are: None required. 2. How would the proposal be likely to affect plants, animals, fish, or marine life? Development or redevelopment of vacant or underutilized sites, generally will result in loss of plants and animal habitat. The proposed code changes are'.49t expected to spur redevelopment. The proposed code changes related to group homes and correctional facilities are not likely to affect plants, animals, fish or marine life. Proposed measures to protect or conserve plants, animals, fish, or marine life are: None required. 3. How would the proposal be likely to deplete energy or natural resources? The proposed code changes are not expected to cause depletion of energy or natural resources. Proposed measures to protect or conserve energy and natural resources are: None required. 4. How would the proposal be likely to use or affect environmentally sensitive areas or areas designated (or eligible or under study) for governmental protection; such as parks, wilderness, wild and scenic rivers, threatened or endangered species habitats, historic or cultural sites, wetlands, floodplains, or prime farmlands? The proposed code changes do not impact any regulations or indirectly impact any environmentally sensitive areas. Proposed measures to protect such resources or to avoid or reduce impacts are: None required. 5. How would the proposal be likely to affect land and shoreline use, including whether it would allow or encourage land or shoreline uses incompatible with existing plans? The proposed code changes would not affect land and shoreline such that they are incompatible uses with existing plans. The proposed code changes are only for siting of group homes and correctional facilities. Group homes are compatible with other multifamily development and hence would be permitted where multifamily is currently permitted. Correctional Facilities will be permitted in MIC/H, MIC/L, HI, LI and TVS zones. All shoreline and other development regulations shall apply. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce shoreline and land use impacts are: Other existing City ordinances such as Sensitive Areas Ordinance and the Shoreline Master Program protect these environmentally sensitive areas. 6. How would the proposal be likely to increase demands on transportation or public service and utilities? The proposed code changes are not expected to increase demands on transportaion or public service and utilities. Proposed measures to reduce or respond to such demand(s) are: None required. 7. Identify, if possible, whether the proposal may conflict with Local, State, or Federal laws or requirements for the protection of the environment. The proposed code changes will make local regulations consistent with Federal and State laws including Federal Fair Housing law, Americans with Disablities Act and State law related to siting of essential public facilities.