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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEPA E03-007 - CITY OF TUKWILA / COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - ZONING CODE AMENDMENTS (4)ZONING CODE AMENDMENTS CITYWIDE E03 -007 City of Tukwila • Department of Community Development / 6300 Southcenter BL, Suite 100 / Tukwila, WA 98188 / (206) 431 -3670 DETERMINATION OF NON - SIGNIFICANCE (DNS) File Number: E03 -007 Applied: 02/21/2003 Issue Date: 03/27/2003 Status: ISSUED Proponent: CITY OF TUKWILA DCD Lead Agency: City of Tukwila Description of Proposal: Set of 4 Zoning Code Amendments, see L03 -010 A) INCREASE THE ALLOWED HEIGHT FOR STRUCTURES WHERE A PUBLIC RECREATION OVERLAY APPLIES; B) ADD AUTO & TRUCK RENTALS AS SEPARATE USE CATEGORIES IN THE ZONING CODE; C) ADD "SELF- STORAGE" AS A USE CATEGORY IN THE ZONING CODE; D) UPDATE REGULATIONS FOR ANIMATED/ ELECTRONIC SIGNS Location of Proposal: Address: Parcel Number: Section/Township /Range: City Wide 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 information is available to the public on request. Steve Lancaster, Responsible Official City of Tukwila 6300 Southcenter Blvd Tukwila, WA 98188 (206)431 -3670 Date Any appeal shall be linked to a specific governmental action. The State Environmental Policy Act is not intended to create a cause of action unrelated to a specific governmental action. Appeals of environmental determinations shall be commenced within the time period to appeal the governmental action that is subject to environmental review. (RCW 43.21C.075) doc: Miscperm E03 -007 Printed: 03 -27 -2003 Dept. Of Community Development City of Tukwila AFFIDAVIT OF DISTRIBUTION I , 4-E5-- HEREBY DECLARE THAT: Notice of Public Hearing x Determination of Non - Significance Person requesting mailing: //0Rig Notice of Public Meeting Mitigated Determination of Non - Significance Board of Adjustment Agenda Pkt Determination of Significance & Scoping Notice , Board of Appeals Agenda Pkt Notice of Action Planning Commission Agenda Pkt Official Notice Short Subdivision Agenda Notice of Application Shoreline Mgmt Permit Notice of Application for Shoreline Mgmt Permit __ __ FAX To Seattle Times Classifieds Mail: Gail Muller Classifieds PO Box 70 - Seattle WA 98111 Other Was mailed to each of the addresses listed on this ,?8 `day of offal in the year 20 03 P:GINAWYNETTA/FORMS /AFFIDAVIT -MAIL 08/29/003:31 PM Project Name: C /T7 QP /t//CW/G-f' Project Number: 4-03-007 Mailer's Signature: 4L,* " Person requesting mailing: //0Rig P:GINAWYNETTA/FORMS /AFFIDAVIT -MAIL 08/29/003:31 PM CHEST: ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW /SHORELINE PE• MAILINGS FEDERAL AGENCIES ( ) U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS ( ) FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION ( ) DEPT OF FISH & WILDLIFE �n -o o ( ) U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY ( ) U.S. DEPT OF H.U.D. () NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE WASHINGTON STATE AGENCIES ( ) OFFICE OF ARCHAEOLOGY ( ) TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT ( ) DEPT NATURAL RESOURCES ( ) OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR VI DEPT OF COMM. TRADE & ECONOMIC DEV. ( ) DEPT OF FISHERIES & WILDLIFE ( ) DEPT OF SOCIAL & HEALTH SERV. ( ) DEPT OF ECOLOGY, SHORELAND DIV 4 DEPT OF ECOLOGY, SEPA DIVISION* ( ) OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL * SEND CHKLIST W/ DETERMINATIONS * SEND SITE MAPS WITH DECISION KING COUNTY AGENCIES ( ) BOUNDARY REVIEW BOARD ( ) FIRE DISTRICT #11 () FIRE DISTRICT #2 ( ) K.C. WASTEWATER TREATMENT DIVISION () K.C. DEPT OF PARKS & REC ( ) K.C. ASSESSORS OFFICE ( ) TUKWILA SCHOOL DISTRICT. ( ) TUKWILA LIBRARY () RENTON LIBRARY O KENT LIBRARY ( ) CITY OF SEATTLE LIBRARY ( ) QWEST ( ) SEATTLE CITY LIGHT ( ) PUGET SOUND ENERGY ( ) HIGHLINE WATER DISTRICT ( ) SEATTLE WATER DEPARTMENT ( ) AT &T CABLE SERVICES ( ) KENT PLANNING DEPT ( ) TUKWILA CITY DEPARTMENTS: ( ) PUBLIC WORKS ( ) FIRE ( ) POLICE ( ) FINANCE ( ) PLANNING ( ) BUILDING ( ) PARKS & REC. ( ) MAYOR ( ) CITY CLERK SCHOOLS/LIBRARIES UTILITIES CITY AGENCIES ( ) HEALTH DEPT ( ) PORT OF SEATTLE () K.C. DEV & ENVIR SERVICES -SEPA INFO CNTR ( ) K.C. TRANSIT DIVISION - SEPA OFFICIAL ( ) K.C. LAND & WATER RESOURCES ( ) FOSTER LIBRARY O K C PUBLIC LIBRARY ()HIGHLINE SCHOOL DISTRICT ( ) SEATTLE SCHOOL DISTRICT ( ) RENTON SCHOOL DISTRICT ( ) OLYMPIC PIPELINE ( ) VAL -VUE SEWER DISTRICT ( ) WATER DISTRICT #20 ( ) WATER DISTRICT #125 ( ) CITY OF RENTON PUBLIC WORKS ( ) BRYN MAWR - LAKERIDGE SEWERNVATER DISTRICT ( ) RENTON PLANNING DEPT ( ) CITY OF SEA -TAC ( ) CITY OF BURIEN ( ) TUKWILA PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS ( ) TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS ( ) CITY OF SEATTLE - SEPA INFO CENTER - DCLU ( ) STRATEGIC PLANNING OFFICE* * NOTICE OF ALL SEATTLE RELATED PLNG PROJ. OTHER LOCAL AGENCIES ( ) PUGET SOUND REGIONAL COUNCIL ( ) SW K C CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ( ) MUCKLESHOOT INDIAN TRIBE ( ) CULTURAL RESOURCES PROGRAM ( ) FISHERIES PROGRAM ( ) WILDLIFE PROGRAM MEDIA ( ) SEATTLE TIMES ( ) SOUTH COUNTY JOURNAL P:\ADMINISTRATI V E \FORMS \CHKLIST. DOC ( ) DUWAMISH INDIAN TRIBE ( ) P.S. AIR POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY ( ) SOUND TRANSIT ( ) HIGHLINE TIMES ( ) CI.TUKWILA.WA.US.WVWV PU•C NOTICE MAILINGS FOR PESTS SEPA MAILINGS Mail to: (comment period starts on date of mailing) Dept. of Ecology Environmental Review Section *Applicant *Other agencies as necessary (checked off on attached list) *Any parties of record * send only the staff report, site plan and the SEPA Determination KC Transit Division — SEPA Official would like to receive information about all projects that might affect transit demand Send These Documents to DOE: SEPA Determination (3 -part from Sierra) Findings (staff report, usu. with MDNS) SEPA Checklist (filled out by applicant) Drawings/Plans of project (site plan, elevations, etc. from PMT's) Affidavit of Distribution (notice was mailed or sent to newspaper) ,'1 SHORELINE MAILINGS: Notice of Application for a Substantial Development Permit must be mailed to owners and to property owners within 500 feet of subject property, comments are due 30 days after the notice of application is mailed/posted. The notice of Application for Shoreline Substantial Development Permit must include a statement that any person desiring to submit written comments on the application or desiring to receive notification of the fmal decision on the application may do so within 30 days of the notice of application. If a hearing Will be held on the application, the hearing notice must include the information that written comments may be submitted, or oral presentation made at the hearing. Shoreline Permit Notice of Decision: Mail to: (within 8 days of decision; 21 -day appeal period begins date received by DOE) Department of Ecology Shorelands Section State Attorney General *Applicant *Indian Tribes *Other agencies as necessary (checked off on attached list). *Any parties of record * send only the staff report, site plan and the SEPA Determination Send These Documents to DOE and Attorney General: Permit Data Sheet Shoreline Substantial Development Permit (3 -part from Sierra) Findings (staff report or memo) Shoreline Permit Application Form (filled out by applicant) Drawings/Plans of project (site plan, elevations, etc. from PMT's) - Site plan, with mean high water mark & improvements - Cross- sections of site with structures & shoreline - Grading Plan — Vicinity map SEPA determination (3 -part from Sierra) Findings (staff report or memo) SEPA Checklist (filled out by applicant) Any background studies related to impacts on shoreline Notice of Application Affidavit of Distribution (notice was mailed) P:\ADMINISTRATI V E \FORMS \CHKLIST.DOC • City of Tgskwg • Steven M. Mullet, Mayor Dep. rtment of Community Development Steve Lancaster, Director MEMORANDUM TO: Steve Lancaster, SEPA Responsible Official FROM: Nora Gierloff, Planning Supervisor1Li RE: Code Amendment SEPA DATE: March 27, 2003 Project File: E03 -007 Associated File: L03 -010 Applicant: City of Tukwila Project Location: This is a non - project proposal, however some of the changes are limited to certain zones and others would have city -wide effects. Attachments: A. SEPA Checklist B. Staff Report to the Community Affairs and Parks Committee Project Description: A set of 4 proposed amendments to the Zoning Code on topics ranging from minor housekeeping or clarification to policy decisions about allowed uses and development standards. Agencies With Jurisdiction: Washington State Department of Ecology Summary of Primary Impacts: 1. Earth - This is a non- project proposal and no earth impacts are expected. 2. Air - This is a non- project proposal and no air impacts are expected. 3. Water — This is a non - project proposal and does not affect Tukwila's adoption of the standards in the King County Surface Water Design Manual. 4. Plants - This is a non - project proposal. 6300 Southcenter Boulevard, Suite #100 0 Tukwila, Washington 98188 0 Phone: 206 - 431 -3670 0 Fax: 206 - 431 -3665 rt 5. Animals — The proposed amendments will affect areas along the Green River shoreline, habitat of the endangered Chinook salmon. However, no changes to Tukwila's Shoreline Regulations are proposed. 6. Energy and Natural Resources - This is a non - project proposal and should not affect energy usage. 7. Environmental Health - This is a non - project proposal and should not affect environmental health. Tukwila would continue to enforce its Noise Ordinance and hazardous materials regulations. 8. Land and Shoreline Use - The proposed amendments do not change the fact that self storage facilities and automobile and truck rental businesses are being built in Tukwila, they only formalize the zones in which they are permitted. The amendments would affect parcels with sensitive areas but would not change the Sensitive Area Ordinance or Shoreline Regulations. 9. Housing - The proposal will not result in a change to the housing supply. 10. Aesthetics - iThe proposed amendments would not affect design review or screening requirements so no aesthetic impacts are expected. 11. Light and Glare - This is a non - project proposal and no impacts are expected. 12. Recreation - The proposal will allow facilities in the Public Recreation Overlay more flexibility for building height. This is needed because the 30 foot height limitation that affects most of the PRO land is inconsistent with the public scale and uses common to recreational facilities. The increased height would have to be mitigated by increased setbacks from property lines. 13. Historical and Cultural Preservation - The proposed amendments should not have any impacts on historic or cultural sites. 14. Transportation - No transportation related impacts are expected from the amendments. 15. Public Services - This is a non - project proposal and no impacts are expected. 16. Utilities - The proposed amendments do not change the uses being built in Tukwila, they only formalize the zones in which they are permitted so no effect on utility usage is expected. Recommended Threshold Determination: Determination of non - significance. • • ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST A. BACKGROUND 1. Name of proposed project, if applicable: Zoning Code Amendments 2. Name of applicant: City of Tukwila. 3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person: Nora Gierloff, Planning Supervisor City of Tukwila DCD 6300 Southcenter Blvd. Suite 100 Tukwila, WA 98188 (206) 433 -7141 4. Date checklist prepared: March 26, 2003 5. Agency requesting checklist: City of Tukwila. 6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable): 3/25/2003 Present Amendments to Council Committee (CAP) 4/24/2003 Planning Commission public hearing and recommendation 5/13/2003 Present PC Recommendation to Council Committee (CAP) 5/27/2003 Present amendments to COW 6/2/2003 City Council public hearing 7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected with this proposal? If yes, explain. No, adoption by the City Council will be the final action. 8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared, directly related to this proposal. None. 9. Do you know whether applications are pending for governmental approvals of other proposals directly affecting the property covered by your proposal? If yes, explain. Page 1 Attachment A ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLISO There is a current proposal to build a soccer facility at Fort Dent Park that would be affected by Amendment A, an increase in allowable height for public facilities in the Public Recreation Overlay (PRO). 10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal. In order to take affect these code changes will have to be adopted by the Tukwila City Council at a public hearing. 11. 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. Section E requires a complete description of the objectives and alternates of your proposal and should not be summarized here. The proposal contains 4 amendments to the Zoning Code: A. Increase the allowed height for public facilities in the Public Recreation Overlay, with increased setbacks B. Update the restrictions on animated signs to reflect current technology C. Add automobile and truck rentals as separate use categories in the Zoning code D. Add self - storage as a use category in the Zoning Code 12. 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, and section, township, and range, if known. 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 proposal, however some of the changes are limited to certain zones and others would have city -wide effects. 13. Does the proposal lie within an area designated on the City's Comprehensive Land Use Policy Plan Map as environmentally sensitive? This is a non - project proposal and does not directly affect any sensitive area regulations. B. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS 1. Earth a. General description of the site (circle one): Flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other: Page 2 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLISO This is a non - project proposal. • b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)? This is a non - project proposal. 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. This is a non - project proposal. d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so, describe. This is a non - project proposal. e. Describe the purpose, type, and approximate quantities of any filling or grading proposed. Indicate source of fill. This is a non - project proposal. f Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe. This is a non - project proposal. g. 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 proposal. h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any: This is a non - project proposal and would not affect erosion control regulations. 2. Air a. What types of emissions to the air would result from the proposal (i.e., dust, automobile odors, industrial wood smoke) during construction and when the project is completed? If any, generally describe and give approximate quantities if known. This is a non - project proposal. b. Are there any off -site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so, generally describe. This is a non- project proposal. Page 3 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLISO • c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any: This is a non - project proposal. 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. This is a non - project proposal and would not affect any sensitive area regulations. 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 proposal. 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 proposal. 4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities, if known. This is a non - project proposal. 5) Does the proposal lie within a 100 -year floodplain? If so, note location on the site plan. This is a non - project proposal. 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 proposal. 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. This is a non - project proposal and does not affect ground water regulations. 2) Describe waste materials that will be discharged into the ground from septic tanks or other sources, if any (for example: Domestic sewage; industrial, Page 4 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIS • 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 proposal. 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 into other waters? If so, describe. This is a non - project proposal and does not affect stormwater regulations. 2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe. This is a non - project proposal. d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water impacts, if any: This is a non - project proposal and does not affect Tukwila's adoption of the standards in the King County Surface Water Design Manual. 4. Plants a. Check or circle types of vegetation found on the site: b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered? This is a non - project proposal. c. List threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site. This is a non - project proposal. d. Proposed : landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance vegetation on the site, if any: Page 5 deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other shrubs grass pasture crop or grain wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bulrush, skunk cabbage, other water plants: water lily, eel grass, milfoil, other other types of vegetation b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered? This is a non - project proposal. c. List threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site. This is a non - project proposal. d. Proposed : landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance vegetation on the site, if any: Page 5 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLISS • This is a non - project proposal and would not affect Tukwila's landscape requirements. 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: . Mammals: Fish: Other: b. List any threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site. The proposed amendments will apply to areas along the Green River shoreline, habitat of the endangered Chinook salmon. However, no changes to Tukwila's Shoreline Regulations are proposed. c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain. Tukwila is located within the Pacific Flyway and contains salmon bearing watercourses. d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any: This is a non - project proposal and does not affect Tukwila's Sensitive Areas Regulations. 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. This is a non - project proposal. b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties? If so, generally describe. The change in allowable height for public facilities could potentially increase the envelope of structures in the Public Recreation Overlay (PRO), which could affect the amount of sunlight reaching neighboring lots. However this will be mitigated by tying the increase to increased setbacks from the property lines. 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 proposal and should not affect energy usage. Page 6 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIP 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. This is a non - project proposal. 1) Describe special emergency services that might be required. The taller structures allowed per Amendment A might require different fire fighting techniques than conventional single family structures. 2) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any: None. b. Noise 1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example: traffic, equipment, operation, other)? Nothing other than the general traffic and construction noise found throughout Tukwila. 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. The changes to the Zoning Code use categories are only expected to clarify where uses are allowed and not change the distribution of uses in the City, so no noise impacts beyond the existing conditions are expected. 3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any: Continued enforcement of Tukwila's Noise Ordinance. 8. Land and Shoreline Use a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties? This is a non - project proposal. b. Has the site been used for agriculture? If so, describe. This is a non - project proposal. c. Describe any structures on the site. This is a non - project proposal. Page 7 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLISS d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what? This is a non- project proposal. e. What is the current zoning classification of the site? Most of Tukwila's zones are affected by at least one of the proposed amendments. f What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site? Most of Tukwila's comprehensive plan designations are affected by at least one of the proposed amendments. g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site? All of Tukwila's shoreline is classified as urban. h. Has any part of the site been classified as an "environmentally sensitive" area? If so, specify. The amendments would affect parcels with sensitive areas but would not change the Sensitive Area Ordinance. i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project? This is a non - project proposal. j• Approximately how many people would the completed project displace? This is a non - project proposal. k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any: This is a non - project proposal. L Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land uses and plans, if any: The changes to the Zoning Code use categories are only expected to clarify where uses are allowed and not change the distribution of uses in the City, so no incompatibilities are expected. 9. Housing a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, middle, or low - income housing? The proposed amendments will not affect the number of housing units that can be built in Tukwila. b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high, middle, or low - income housing. Page 8 ENVIRONMENTAL CI- IECKLISS The proposed amendments will not require that any housing units be demolished. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any: None required. 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? This is a non - project proposal. However Amendment A would allow certain structures to increase in height. b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed? This is a non - project proposal. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any: The proposed amendments would not affect design review or screening requirements so no aesthetic impacts are expected. The updated restrictions on animated signs would be similar to the standards currently in place, but reflect current technology. 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 proposal. b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views? This is a non - project proposal. c. What existing off -site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal? This is a non - project proposal. d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any: No impacts are expected. 12. Recreation a. What designed and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity? has an extensive network of parks and trails and an active community center. Page 9 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIP • 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 expected. 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. No. b. Generally describe any landmarks or evidence of historic, archaeological, scientific, or cultural importance known to be on or next to the site. This is a non - project action. However within the City the James Nelsen house is on the Washington State Register of Historic Places and there are archeological sites adjacent to the Green River. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts, if any: The proposed amendments should not have any impacts on historic or cultural sites. 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. Tukwila is served by Interstate 5, Interstate 405 and State Route 99 in addition to a local street network. 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 Metro bus routes and Sounder Commuter Rail. c. How many parking spaces would the completed project have? How many would the project eliminate? This is a non - project proposal. 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 new streets will be required. Page 10 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIP e. Will the project use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air transportation? If so, generally describe. Railroad tracks run through Tukwila but should not be affected by the proposed amendments. f How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the completed project? If known, indicate when peak volumes would occur. This is a non - project proposal. g. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any: No transportation related impacts are expected from the amendments. Any development proposals that would take advantage of the changes would be analyzed through the existing land use process. 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 expected. 16. Utilities a. Circle utilities currently available at the site: electricity, natural gas, water, refuse service, telephone, sanitary sewer, septic system, other. All of those are available in Tukwila. 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. This is a non - project proposal. 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: Date Submitted: Page 11 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIP D. SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET FOR NON PROJECT ACTIONS (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 the elements of the environment. When answering these questions, be aware of the extent the proposal, or the types of activities likely to result form the proposal, would affect the item at a greater intensity or at a faster rate than in the proposal were not implemented. Respond briefly and in general terms. 1. How would the proposal 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 amendments would not affect the production of environmental pollutants. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce such increases are: Continued enforcement of Tukwila's surface water regulations, hazardous materials regulations and Noise Ordinance. 2. How would the proposal be likely to affect plants, animals, fish or marine life? The proposed amendments would not affect plant or animal life. Proposed measures to protect or conserve plants, animals, fish or marine life are: Continued enforcement of Tukwila's sensitive area and shoreline regulations. 3. How would the proposal be likely to deplete energy or natural resources? The proposed amendments should not have any effect on energy or natural resources. Proposed measures to protect or conserve energy and natural resources are: Continued enforcement of the energy code through building permit review. 4. How would the proposal be likely to use or affect environmentally sensitive areas or areas designated (or eligible or under study) for government protection; such as parks, wilderness, wild and scenic rivers, threatened or endangered species habitat, historic or cultural sites, wetlands, floodplains, or prime farmlands? The proposed amendments will affect areas along the Green River shoreline, habitat of the endangered Chinook salmon. However, no changes to Tukwila's Shoreline or Sensitive Areas Regulations are proposed. Amendment A would allow additional height for public facilities, some of which are located near the River. Proposed measures to protect such resources or to avoid or reduce impacts are: None needed. Page 12 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLISS • 5. How would the proposal be likely to affect land and shoreline use, including whether it would allow or encourage land or shoreline uses incomplatible with existing plans? Two of the proposed amendments would clarify allowable land uses. However they would simply codify Staff's existing interpretations and so are not expected to cause changes. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce shoreline and land use impacts are: These amendments are not expected to have any adverse impacts. 6. How would the proposal be likely to increase demands on transportation or public services and utilities? The proposed amendments should not have any effect on transportation, public services or 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. No such conflicts are known or expected. F. SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET FOR ALL PROJECT AND NON PROJECT PROPOSALS The objectives and the alternative means of reaching the objectives for a proposal will be helpful in reviewing the foregoing items of the Environmental Checklist. This information provides a general overall perspective of the proposed action in the context of the environmental information provided and the submitted plans, documents, supportive information, studies, etc. 1. What are the objectives of the proposal? Each code amendment is intended to solve an existing code problem, clarify the intent of the code or resolve an inconsistency between the code and current practice. 2. What are the alternative means of accomplishing these objectives? The Council will be presented with alternative options such as modifying the zones where uses were to be allowed or removed, or variations on the proposed standards. The Council's preferred option will be presented to the Planning Commission for their recommendation. Page 13 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIP 3. Please compare the alternative means and indicate the preferred course of action: The Planning Commission will make a recommendation to the City Council on each of the proposed amendments under consideration and the Council will make a final policy decision. 4. Does the proposal conflict with policies of the Tukwila Comprehensive Land Use Policy Plan? No. 5. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce the conflict(s) are: None anticipated. Page 14 City of Tukwila Steven M. Mullet, Mayor Department of Community Development MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor Mullet Community Affairs & Parks Committee FROM: Steve Lancaster, DCD Directo DATE: March 18, 2003 RE: Proposed Code Amendments Steve Lancaster, Director During its March 10, 2003 meeting the Community Affairs & Parks Committee ( "CAP ") asked staff to continue working on various proposed amendments to the Sign and Zoning Codes, as follows. Sign Code Amendments On March 10th, CAP asked staff to explore the possibility of a moratorium which would address the way electronic signs can be regulated in the interest of traffic safety. On March 17th staff presented a draft moratorium ordinance to the Finance and Safety Committee. The draft ordinance was approved by that Committee and was forwarded to the City Council the same day. The moratorium ordinance was subsequently approved by the City Council and will run for a six month period, effective March 17, 2003. During the moratorium period, staff will assist the Council and Planning Commission in the development of policy and associated code changes. The following are some of the policy options for your consideration: Options a. Allow text -only electronic "readerboard" signs that scroll and change message, perhaps limited to a certain percentage of total sign area; b. Allow holographic or "television" type signs with unlimited content and movement, perhaps limited to certain zones; c. Update the sign code language to reflect current technology while retaining existing content restrictions and the ban on movement and flashing; d. Prohibit all signs with electronic copy. Only allow manually changeable copy such as on a traditional marquee or gas station sign; e. Other changes. Requested Action Selection of one or more of the policy options for consideration by the Planning Commission or the continued refinement of the options. Attachment B Page 1 6300 Southcenter Boulevard, Suite #100 • Tukwila, Washington 98188 • Phone: 206 - 431 -3670 • Fax: 206 - 431 -3665 Zoning Code Amendments There are four proposed amendments for the Zoning Code that were presented to CAP for their consideration on March 10th. At that time, CAP asked staff to address certain questions that were raised and to further refine the policy alternatives. Those amendments, staff responses and refined alternatives are listed below: 1. Increase the allowed height for structures located in the Low Density Residential Zone where a Public Recreation Overlay applies. The Public Recreation Overlay reserves certain areas owned or controlled by a public or quasi- public agency for either passive or active public recreation use (TMC 18.42). In the majority of cases, the Public Recreation Overlay is located in Low Density Residential zone ( "LDR "), where development standards limit the height of structures to 30 feet (TMC 18.10.060). By contrast, the height limit for structures in Public Recreation Overlays located in the Tukwila Urban Center zone is 115 feet (TMC 18.28.080) Accordingly, the LDR performance standard applies to a variety of structures that are, by their nature, larger than a single family home but that may be allowed in the Public Recreation Overlay. These larger structures include public facilities associated with golf courses, community centers and public schools. It can be argued that the 30 -foot height limit is overly restrictive for some of these approved uses since they accommodate larger groups of people and may require higher ceilings for either functional or aesthetic reasons. Staff proposes that building height limits for these larger structures be determined using a sliding scale. The allowable height would be calculated in proportion to the building's distance from property lines. This approach would allow for flexibility in building design and function while mitigating the effect of a larger, taller building on the surrounding neighborhood. Options a. Determine allowable building heights (for those structures allowed in the Public Recreation Overlay) via a sliding scale which calculates height in proportion to the building's distance from property lines; b. Set a separate and specific height limit (for those structures allowed in the Public Recreation Overlay) without imposing additional lot or setback requirements; c. Base the allowable height (of those structures allowed in the Public Recreation Overlay) on lot size while retaining existing LDR setbacks; d. Other changes. Requested Action Selection of one of the policy options for consideration by the Planning Commission or the continued refinement of the options. 2. Add automobile and truck rentals as separate use categories in the Zoning Code The Zoning Code does not mention automobile or truck rentals as a use category. In the past we have allowed auto rentals in any zone that allowed auto sales (RC, RCM, TUC, C /LI, LI, HI, TVS). However the characteristics of the two uses are somewhat different and the areas where rentals are allowed should be clarified. Page 2 There are many ways to describe and categorize trucks (by use, type, length, weight and carrying capacity). However one clear distinction is that a commercial driver's license is not needed for any truck that is Tess than 26,001 lbs. in weight. For example, a wide range of trucks can be rented for casual uses from U -Haul, Ryder, Penske, Budget and Thrifty for various household moving and hauling tasks. One - ton flatbed trucks can be rented from Lowe's and Home Depot for hauling construction materials purchased at those stores. Staff recommends the following: • that companies renting vehicles not requiring a commercial driver's license (including cars, sport utility vehicles, mini -vans, recreational vehicles, cargo vans, trucks and some flat beds) be allowed in those zones where the sales of automobiles, recreational vehicles, travel trailers and used cars are currently allowed (i.e., RC, RCM, TUC, C /LI, LI, HI and TVS). that commercial truck and fleet rentals requiring a commercial driver's license be allowed in those zones where sales and rental of heavy machinery and equipment are currently allowed (i.e., C /LI, LI, HI, MIC /L, MIC /H and TVS). Options a. Approve the proposed changes as written for consideration by the Planning Commission; b. Recommend further refinement to the proposal prior to forwarding it to the Planning Commission; c. Decline to approve the proposed changes; d. Other changes. Requested Action Selection of one of the policy options for consideration by the Planning Commission or the continued refinement of the options. 3. Add self- storage as a use category in the Zoning Code The Zoning Code does not mention "self" or "mini- storage" as a use category. In the past we have allowed self- storage in any zone that allowed warehouse storage (RC, RCM, TUC, C /LI, LI, HI, MIC /L, MIC /H and TVS). However the characteristics of these two uses are somewhat different. Self- storage tends to have smaller, sometimes multi -story floorplates, generating fewer truck trips and often having an appearance more compatible with office or commercial surroundings than warehouse storage. Pedestrian - oriented uses and development will be studied during the development of the Tukwila Urban Center Plan. However, Design Review is already required, as follows, for new developments in the following zones: in RC, RCM, TUC, C /LI and TVS for all structures larger than 1,500 square feet in size. • in C /LI, LI, HI, MIC /L, MIC /H and TVS for all structures within 300 feet of residential districts or 200 feet of the Duwamish. • in HI for all structures over 45 feet in height. Page 3 3 Staff recommends that "self- storage" or "mini- storage" be allowed as an outright permitted use in any zone that currently allows warehouse storage. Options a. Approve the proposed changes as written for consideration by the Planning Commission; b. Recommend further refinement to the proposal prior to forwarding it to the Planning Commission; c. Decline to approve the proposed changes; d. Other changes. Requested Action Selection of one of the policy options for consideration by the Planning Commission or the continued refinement of the options. Page 4 4