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Home My WebLink AboutSEPA E98-0024 - CITY OF TUKWILA / COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - 1997 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND ZONING CODE (PACIFIC HIGHWAY REVITALIZATION PLAN)1997 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN POLICIES & ZONING CODE PACIFIC HIGHWAY REVITALIZATION PLAN CIN -WIDE E98-0024 (SEE L97-0085) • City of Tukwila John W. Rants, Mayor Department of Community Developme t Steve Lancaster, Director MEMORANDUM November 9, 1998 TO: File E98-0027, SEPA for Pacific Highway Revitalization Implementation FM: Steve Lancaster, Director, Department of Community Development RE: SEPA determination for E98-0027. Proposed Amendments to the Tukwila Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code to Implement Recommendations of the Pacific Highway Revitalization Plan After a review of the proposed Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code amendments to implement recommendations of the Pacific Highway Revitalization Plan, I have determined that the environmental checklist and SEPA determination prepared for the Adoption of the Pacific Highway Revitalization Plan (E97-0009) anticipated these actions and is adequate to cover the proposed amendments. p:\hwy99\SEPA2.doc 6300 Southcenter Boulevard Suite #100 ° Tukwila, Washington 98188 ° (206) 431-3670 0 Fax (206) 431-3665 City of Tukwila John W Rants, Mayor Department of Community Development Steve Lancaster, Director October 26, 1998 TO: Interested Parties MEMORANDUM FM: Steve Lancaster, Director, Departem n of Community Development RE: E98-0024: Addendum to SEPA File Number L92-0053. EIS for 1995 Tukwila Comprehensive Plan Update and Adoption of DEIS and FEIS This addendum addresses the proposed Comprehensive Plan and development regulation amendments regarding the siting of essential public facilities. A copy of the proposed Comprehensive Plan and development regulation amendments are attached as Attachments E and F respectively. A SEPA Checklist was prepared for these amendments and is also attached. The Comprehensive Plan amendments (file number L98-0067) augment existing policies on essential public facilities. The Plan amendments address their location and provide guidance on mitigation of the impacts of locating in a particular geographic area of the City. The Zoning Code amendments (file number L98-0068) change mass transit facilities, such as light rail, from a conditional use to an unclassified use in the zoning districts of the City. This is to reflect the unique and large scale character of this type of essential public facility. . The impact of these amendments has been reviewed and it has been determined that the proposed new amendments do not substantially change the analysis of significant impacts and alternatives in the existing environmental document. The amendments fall within the scope of alternatives considered in the Draft and Final Environmental Impact Statement for the 1995 Tukwila Comprehensive Plan Update. If you have any questions, please call Carol Lumb at 431-3661. Attachments: Determination of Significance/Adoption Proposed Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code Amendments SEPA Checklist p:\rta\sepa\addenmem.doc 6300 Southcenter Boulevard, Suite #100 • Tukwila, Washington 98188 • (206) 431-3670 • Fax (206) 431-3665 RCW 197-11-960 and 980 • • DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE AND ADOPTION OF EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTS Adoption for (check appropriate box) 0 DNS EIS 0 other Description of current proposal: Adoption of 1997 Comprehensive Plan (L98-0067) and Zoning Code Amendments (L98-0068) to address the siting of essential public facilities. specif cally light rail. The City's 1995 Comprehensive Plan supports the routing of light raiLservice through the Tukwila Urban Center and opposes light rail on Pacific Highway. The proposed policies provide guidance onhow the light rail system should be designed and constructed and acknowledge that the system may be located on a different alignment than that preferred by the City. The proposed Zoning Code amendments either add orsevise criteria to the Unclassified Use Section of the Code: establish Essential Public Facilities as an unclassified use in the RCC district; adds mass transit facilities, including commuter and light rail systems as one otthe essential public facilities permitted as an unclassified use in six zoning districts, including the residentia.Lzones: and, changes "mass transit systems " from a conditional use to an unclassified use in ten zoning districts. The adoption of these amendments is in addition to other 1997 Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code amendments (file numbers L97-0085 and L98-0043) to implement recommendations of the Pacific Highway Revitalization Plan, Proponent:_City of Tukwila Location of current proposal: City-wide Title of documents being adopted: 1995 Tukwila Comprehensive Plan Draft and Final Environmental Impact Statements (File # L92-0053): and Addendum to Tukwila Comprehensive Plan Environmental Impact Statement Addressing Implementing Zoning Code Amendments. (Reference File # E98-0024) Agency that prepared document being adopted: City of Tukwila Date adopted document was prepared: 6/27/95 Description of document (or portion) being adopted: Entire document of the Draft and Final Environmental Impact Statement for the 1995 Tukwila Comprehensive Plan, in particular the Land Use and Shoreline, Transportation and Public services and utilities Elements of the EIS, If the document being adopted has been challenged (197-11-630), please describe: The Draft and Final EIS were not challenged, The document is available to read at (place/time): Department of Community Development. City of Tukwila. 6300 Southcenter Boulevard. Suite 100. Tukwila, Office hours are 8:30 to 5:00. Monday through Friday. Please call 206-431-3670 to arrange a time to review the documents, Per WAC 197-11-360 (2) and (3), this Determination of Significance and Adoption Notice have been combined. Scoping is not required as the City is adopting the EIS prepared for the adoption of the 1995 Comprehensive Plan. We have identified and adopted this document as being appropriate for this proposal after independent review. The document meets our environmental review needs for the current proposal and will accompany the proposal to the decisionmaker. Name of agency adopting document City of Tukwila p:4ta\sepa\addmdum.doc RCW 197-11-960 and 980 Contact person, if other than Responsible Official: Carol Lumb Phone 206-431-3670 Responsible official: Steve Lancaster Position/title: Director. Department of Community Development_ Address: 6300 Southcenter Boulevard, Tukwila, WA 98188 Date 10 Signature.`�il(2,\I-e /j • Phone: 206-431-3670 . L98-0067: Essential Public Facilities Comprehensive Plan Amendments October 22, 1998 ATTACHMENT E roposed Changes/Additions to Comprehensive P..L.an Policies Transportation Corridors Add a new Policy 8.1.16 to the General Transportation, Corridor section as follows:; In the event that a light rail system is developed in either the • .1 • 1 ".l_ •e1. •M_ •• 1 •" designed and constructed to achieve the following objectives: Nothing in this policy should be construed as discouraging the use of alternative modes of transportation. including light rail. 1. Such a system shall, if appropriate and feasible, include one or more rail stations located at key intersections in order to develop multi -modal transfer areas for buses. automobiles, pedestrians, and/or rail, 2. Such a system shall be designed and located so as to minimize interference with pedestrian and vehicular traffic (including both automobile and truck trafficl along. crossing and turning on and off the transportation corridor. 3. For Pacific Highway corridor, City preference shall be given The Comprehensive Plan currently anticipates that the light rail system would be located along Interurban Avenue South. This policy provides guidance for the location of light rail, whether it is located along Interurban Avenue South or along the Pacific Highway corridor. To the extent that the construction of a light rail system will reduce existing traffic or parking volumes on transportation corridors, such benefits will be considered in evaluating the mitigation necessary for the light rail system p:Iruloodwnetkplinpol.doo Page 1 of 4 DRAFT 10/15/98 Planning Commission Public Hearing L98-0067: Essential Public Facilities Comprehensive Plan Amendments October 22, 1998 ATTACHMENT E 'roposed Changes/Additions to Comprehensive Plan Policies to locating rail lines and stations at -grade or below grade as necessary to minimize interference with existing traffic patterns. 4. Design of a light rail system shall minimize the adverse effects of bulk. view blockage, and interference with light and air for neighboring properties and public areas, 5. Design of a light rail system shall minimize the potential adverse impacts and maximize the benefits of a rail system on the redevelopment of Pacific Highway South or Interurban Avenue South in a manner consistent with the any Adopted plans and policies for those geographic areas. 6. Design of a light rail system shall minimize impacts on sensitive areas, including salmon spawning habitat areas. Transportation Chapter: Add a new Policy 13.4.14 to Goal 13.4., 13.4.14: The development ofany light rail or commuter rail system shall meet the following oljjectives., 1. Any commuter or light rail system serving Tukwila, Seattle, South King County and/or Sea -Tac Airport should be located in a manner whickproniotes the coordinated short-term and long-term use of alternative transportation systems, such as carpools, buses, commuter rail, and light rail. p:kulwdeamdi pIanpot doe This new policy provides policy guidance on the criteria that should be used to evaluate any proposed alignment and station locations of light rail or commuter rail. Page 2 of 4 DRAFT 10/15/98 Planning Commission Public Hearing L98-0067: Essential Public Facilities Comprehensive Plan Amendments October 22, 1998 ATTACHMENT E roposed:Cttanges/Additions: to Comprehensive Ian Policies 2. Such systems shall be located so as to allow for future extensions to commuter and/or light rail service to East King County and Southeast King County, 3. Such systems shall be located in a manner serves the Tukwila Urban Center, so as to encourage the development of that Center in the manner contemplated by this Plan and the Countywide Planning Policies, Roles and Responsibilities Chapter: Add a new Policy 15.2.4 to Goal 15.2. as follows., In the event that a proposed essential public facility. such as a light rail system in the Pacific Highway corridor, creates an unavoidable significant adverse environmental or economic impact on public property. compensatory mitigation shall be required which provides other public improvements or benefits which will offset the adverse impacts of the essential public facility, p. iu deimd cplinpoi.eoc This new policy provides that in addition to the benefits that may accrue due to the location of an essential public facility, that there is the possibility that unavoidable significant environmental or economic impacts might also be created. In that event, this policy provides guidance on how to address such unavoidable significant environmental or economic impacts. These possible additional costs should be factored into any analysis of alternatives considered in the location of an essential public facility For example, if the decision is to locate the light rail system along the Pacific Highway corridor, then the mitigation required may be more costly than if it is located in either of the Interurban Avenue South alignments, since location in the Pacific Highway Page 3 of 4 DRAFT 10/15/98 Planning Commission Public Hearing L98-0067: Essential Public Facilities Comprehensive Plan Amendments October 22, 1998 ATTACHMENT E roposed Changes/Additions to Comprehensive Plan Policies p:VukodeamdAcplanpol.doe corridor is not anticipated by any adopted plans or capital improvement programs currently.. Page 4 of 4 DRAFT 10/15/98 ATTACI-IMENT F Planning Commission Public Hearing L98-0068: Essential Public Facilities Zoning Code Amendments October 22, 1999 roposed Zoning Code Change Discussion; ..:..:............ I. In the Residential Commercial Center Zone, TMC 18.20 • Revise Section 18.20.050 Unclassified Uses as follows: • 1 A. Landfills and excavations which the responsible official, acting pursuant to the State Environmental Policy Act, determines are significant environmental actions may be allowed within the RCC district, subject to the requirements, procedures and conditions established by the Unclassified Use Permits chapter of this title. 13. The following essential public facilities shall be allowed as unclassified uses: 1. Neighborhood stormwater detention and treatment facilities; 2. Stormwater pump stations' 3. Water Utility reservoirs and related facilities; 4. Sewage lift stations; 5. Water pump stations; 6. Mass transit facilities, including commuter and light rail systems; 7. Other uses not specifically listed in this Title which the Director determines to be; p:4uamneoodedoc There is no mention in the RCC zone of essential public facilities, either as an outright permitted use, conditional use, or unclassified use. This proposed addition to Chapter 18.20 treats the location of essential public facilities the same as in the other zone districts -- as an unclassified use. This revision expands the unclassified uses permitted in the RCC zone to include specific essential public facilities. These essential public facilities were added by Ordinance 1816 to other similar zone districts (LDR, MDR, HDR, MUO, 0 and NCC). The RCC zone was inadvertently excluded from this ordinance Use # 6 was not included in Ordinance 1816; it is proposed as an additional unclassified use to be permitted in the RCC district. It is also proposed to be added to the zone districts addressed in Ordinance 1816 below. Page 1 of 8 DRAFT 10/15/98 ATTACHMENT 1? ' Planning Commission Public Hearing L98-0068: Essential Public Facilities Zoning Code Amendments October 22, 1999 roposea Coning .Loae vnange A. Similar in nature to other uses allowed through the unclassified use permit b. Consistent with the stated purpose of the district; c. Consistent with the policies of the Tukwila Comprehensive Plan. •Discussion p:4te\eonecode.doc Page 2 of 8 DRAFT 10/15/98 • 'Planning Commission Public Hearing L98-0068: Essential Public Facilities Zoning Code Amendments October 22, 1999 II. Insert the following as a new essential public facility to the zone districts listed below and renumber the section as noted in the chart: ATTACHMENT F 6. Mass Transit Facilities, including commuter and light rail This new unclassified use is added to address mass transit Systems facilities and treat their location as an unclassified use, the 2,_6—Other uses not specifically listed in this Title which the same as is proposed in the other zoning districts in the City. Director determines to be: a. Similar in nature to other uses allowed through the unclassified use permit; b. Consistent with the stated purpose of the district; c. Consistent with the policies of the Tukwila comprehensive Plan. Zone nclassified se S:ecton: Low Density Residential (LDR) 18.10.050 B. Medium Density Residential (MDR) 18.12.050 B. High Density Residential (HDR) 18. 14.050 B. Mixed Use Office (MUO) 18.16.050 B. Office (0) 18.18.050 B. Neighborhood Commercial Center (NCC) 18.22.050 B. p:Mta1zoneoode.doet Page 3 of 8 DRAFT 10/15/98 ATTACHMENT F Planning Commission Public Hearing L98-0068: Essential Public Facilities Zoning Code Amendments October 22, 1999 Proposed Zontng Code Change ascussion Section 18.66.060, Unclassified Use Chapter of the Tukwila Municipal Code is hereby amended as follows: 18.66.060 Criteria 1. All facilities shall be undergrounded when possible. 2. The proposed use will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to the property or improvements in the vicinity. 3. The proposed use shall meet or exceed the same standards for parking, landscaping, yards and other development regulations that are required in the district it will occupy; 4. The proposed development shall be compatible generally with the surrounding 1 and uses; 5. The proposed development shall to the maximum extent feasible be ' with and promote the goals, objectives, and policies of the Comprehensive Land Use Policy Plan and applicable adopted area plans; is leeated; The proposed unclassified use shall. to the maximum extent feasible, mitigate all significant adverse environmental p:4u\zoneoode.doc The new language provides some flexibility in complying with this criteria by adding "to the maximum extent feasible". The other changes strengthen the tie to the Comprehensive Plan and add area plans of the Comprehensive Plan, such as the Pacific Highway Revitalization Plan, as plans against which a particular unclassified use will be weighed for consistency. This proposed language provides some flexibility by adding "to the maximum extent feasible". The new language also directs that alternatives be considered which reduce or eliminate identified adverse impacts. Page 4 of 8 DRAFT 10/15/98 • ATTACIIMENT 1? • Planning Commission Public Hearing L98-0068: Essential Public Facilities Zoning Code Amendments October 22, 1999 ro osed oriig'.0 ani scussior Impacts on public and private properties. Full considerations shall be given to (a) alternative locations and/or routes that reduce or eliminate adverse impacts, and (b) alternative designs that reduce or eliminate adverse impacts 7. In the event that a proposed unclassified use creates an unavoidable adverse environmental impact on public property, compensatory mitigation shall be required that provides other public improvements or benefits that will offset and compensate for the adverse impacts of the unclassified use, $.�. For uses in residential areas demonstrate that the use provides some tangible benefit for the neighborhood. 2 _8. For uses in residential areas demonstrate that the use provides some tangible benefit for the neighborhood. This new criteria is added to provide guidance on how mitigation will be addressed in the event an unavoidable adverse environmental impact is identified. p:InAnonwode.doe Page 5 of 8 DRAFT 10/15/98 Planning Commission Public Hearing L98-0068: Essential Public Facilities Zoning Code Amendments October 22, 1999 IV. The following Sections need to be amended in the Zoning Code to treat mass transit facilities consistently as unclassified uses. Twelve Chapters of the Zoning Code are affected. The following table sets forth the Chapter and Section being amended, and identifies what language is to be deleted or added. The same language change is proposed for each Chapter. Revised Conditional Use Chapter, Section'and Subsection Mixed Use Office Chapter: Amend 18.16.040 as follows: (9)-Menerail,peeple-moversrand-ether eh-as-1'park and ride lots. Amend 18.16.050 to add a new subse'tion as follows: 4. Monorails people movers, and other mass transit systems. ATTACHMENT" F • - These Sections are being revised to treat mass transit facilities consistently as an unclassified use in all zoning districts. Office Chapter: Amend 18.18.040 as follows: mo transits tme ,ch as Epark and ride lots. p ArtaVonecode doe Amend 18.18.050 to add a new subsection as follows: 3. Monorails, people movers, and other mass transit systems. Page 6 of 8 See 18.16 DRAFT 10/15/98 Planning Commission Public Hearing L98-0068: Essential Public Facilities Zoning Code Amendments October 22, 1999 ATTACHMENT F Revised Conditional Use Chapter; :. New Unclassified Use : ! Discussion Section and Subsection Neighborhood Commercial Center Chapter: Amend 18.22.040 as follows: (Fjl-Monorailn_p ople- o er", "nd other mac-tf&ncit des—such ac-Ppark and ride lots. Regional Commercial Chapter: Amend 18.24.040 as follows: (12) Epark and ride .lots. Regional Commercial Mixed Use Chapter: Amend 18.26.040 as follows: (12) - - . ma" *rani* " ctme" ,e a" Spark and ride lots. Tukwila Urban Center Chapter: Amend 18.28.040 as follows: (1-4 , f park and ride lots. p:w.Manmoae.doc Amend 18.22.050 to add a new subsection as follows; 3. Monorails, people movers, and other mass transit systems, Amend 18.24.050 to add a new subsection as follows: 6. Monorails, people movers, and other mass transit systems. Amend 18.26.050 to add a new subsection as follows: 7. Monorails, people movers, and other mass transit systems. Amend 18.28.050 to add a new subsection us follows: 8. Monorails, people movers, and other mass transit systems% Page 7 of 8 See 18.16 See 18.16 See 18.16 See 18.16 DRAFT 10/15/98 ATTACHMENT 1?. . Planning Commission Public Hearing L98-0068: Essential Public Facilities Zoning Code Amendments October 22, 1999 Revised Conditional Use Chapter, Section and:; Sub section New Unclassified Use Discussion Heavy Industrial Chapter: Amend 18.34.040 as follows: (11) -Monerad people -movers, and -other -• Epark and ride lots. Manufacturing Industrial Center/Light Chapter: Amend 18.36.040 as follows: _Monorails people -mover -sr and --ether eras -]park and ride lots. Manufacturing Industrial Center/Heavy Chapter: Amend 18.38.040 as follows: - S5.-Menorailsr people -movers and -ether eh -as -]park and ride lots. Tukwila Valley South Chapter: .Amend 18.40.040 as follows: 0 6) lots. Epark and ride Amend 18.34.050 to add a new subsection as follows; 13. Monorails, people movers, and other mass transit systems. Amend 18.36.050 to add a new subsection as follows: • 10. Monorails, people movers, and other mass transit systems. Amend 18.38.050 to add a new subsection as follows: 12. Monorails. people movers, and other mass transit systems. Amend 18.40.050 to add anew subsection as follows: 14. Monorails, people movers, and other mass transit systems, See 18.16 See 18.16 See 18.16 See 18.16 p:w.\ronecode.doe Page 8 of 8 DRAFT 10/15/98 CITY OF TUKWILA Id: ACTP125 Activity Table Processing Permit No: L92-0053 Status: ISSUED Base Information Parcel No: Owner: Validated By: Status: Active/Inactive: SEPA Req'd (Y/N) : Description: Sec/Twn/Range: Zoning: Determination: DS Streams: Slope Class: Wetland Class: Water District: UNKNOWN Sewer District: Enter Table Screen Number: 1 No more Table Screens MCB ISSUED A Y EIS for new CITY-WIDE Keyword: DACT User: 1661 10/16/98 STATE ENVIR PROTECT ACT Tenant: CITY OF TUKWILA Location: CITY-WIDE Type: P-SEPA Vers: 9101 Screen: 01 Applied: 7/ 7/1992 Comment Period Begins: 6/27/1995 Comment Period Ends: 8/11/1995 Approved: 10/10/1995 Notice of Action Published: / / Comprehensive Plan per Growth Mgt. Act (DNS/DNSC/DS) SEPA/EIS Fee (Y/N): N Checklist (Y/N): N Publication Fee ($): TOTAL FEE: or ESC=Exit Table Processing .00 .00 .00 .00 F1=List Screens • • CITY OF TUKWILA Id: ACTP124 Keyword: DACT User: 1661 10/16/98 Activity Full Description Maintenance STATE ENVIR PROTECT ACT Permit No: L92-0053 Tenant: CITY OF TUKWILA Status: ISSUED Location: CITY-WIDE Full Work Description Description: Page No: 1 yEIS for new Comprehensive Plan per Growth Mgt. Act yThe Plan reflects an expanded City & state growth ymanagement act provisions. This is a comprehensive yreplacement of the 1977 Tukwila Comp Plan. Y Y Y Y Y Y Y * * F2=Next Page, F3=First Page, F4=Prev Page, ESC=Exit Desc Maint * * • • CITY OF TUKWILA Id: MISC120 Keyword: DACT User: 1661 10/16/98 Comments regarding an Activity STATE ENVIR PROTECT ACT Permit No: L92-0053 Tenant: CITY OF TUKWILA Status: ISSUED Location: CITY-WIDE Line User Id Text 1 1684 10/10/95: FEIS issued 10/9/95. No mailout until 10/10 2 1684 because the 9th was Columbus Day, when there was no Federal 3 1684 mail service. vu Enter Option: I=Inspect Up/Down=Select, PgUp/PgDn(F2)=Page, F3=First 12, ESC=Exit File No.E98-0024 • • ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST A. BACKGROUND 1. Name of proposed project, if applicable: Amendments to City of Tukwila Comprehensive Plan policies and Zoning Code to address transportation policy (regional transit systems). 2. Name of applicant: City of Tukwila. 3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person: Steve Lancaster, Director City of Tukwila Department of Community Development 6300 Southcenter Blvd. Tukwila, WA 98188 (206) 431-3670 4. Date checklist prepared: October 16, 1998 5. Agency requesting checklist: City of Tukwila. 6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable): Adoption of proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendments is scheduled for early winter, 1998. 7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected with this proposal? If yes, explain. Comprehensive Plan amendments are reviewed on an annual basis. No further amendments related to transportation policy are anticipated at this time. The policy additions are to provide City decision -makers with guidance on location of regional transportation facilities. 8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared, directly related to this proposal. • • SEPA Checklist Comprehensive Plan Amendments: Transportation Policies The City adopts by reference the environmental checklist prepared for E97- 0009, the Pacific Highway Draft Revitalization Plan. An environmental impact statement (EIS) and addendum were prepared for the City's 1995 Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Zoning Code (Tukwila File # L92-0053). The proposed action is an amendment to this document. Sound Transit has prepared an EIS for the proposed commuter rail system and is preparing an EIS on the light rail system. Additional information is available from Sound Transit on the actual construction and alternatives being considered on the light rail alignment. 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. The Central Puget Sound Transit Authority is considering several routes for the light rail system alignment in Tukwila -- either along Pacific Highway South or Interurban Avenue South. Proposed alignments will be reviewed against the proposed Comprehensive Plan amendments. At some future time, Sound Transit will submit building permit or land clearing and grading applications to affected jurisdictions for review and approval. 10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal. The Tukwila City Council must approve the proposed Comprhensive Plan and Zoning Code amendments. 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 proposed action is to adopt additional policies to the Tukwila Comprehensive Plan Transportation Corridors Chapter to guide local and regional decision -makers on the City's preferences on the location of essential public facilities, such as a light rail system serving Tukwila. Comprehensive Plan policy 8.3.6 currently states: "Develop preferred station sites and rail alignment through the Interurban corridor that maximize p:\.\sep.\sep,-dns.aoc 2 • • SEPA Checklist Comprehensive Plan Amendments: Transportation Policies service and access to regional services and minimize visual impacts along its entire route." Since the time the Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 1995, voters approved funding for a light rail system and the agency charged with determining the alignment and constructing the system, Sound Transit, has identified several route alternatives. The proposed Comprehensive Plan policies are meant to support the concept of light rail and provide guidance in selecting the rail alignment. 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. The proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan provide policy guidance on the location of .essential public facilities, including possible alignments for the light rail facility. The proposed alternative alignments of the light rail system are located in the City of Tukwila along either Pacific Highway South or Interurban Avenue South. See attached maps for the general alignments being considered by Sound Transit. 13. Does the proposal lie within an area designated on the City's Comprehensive Land Use Policy Plan Map as environmentally sensitive? The proposed Comprehensive Plan amendments provide policy guidance on the location of such essential public facilities as light and commuter rail and address the possible . alignment of the regional light rail system through Tukwila. The environmental impact statement being prepared by Sounc Transit for the light rail alternative alignments will address specific environmental issues in more detail. The environmental assessment prepared for the commuter rail system also addresses more fully the impacts of specific alignments. B. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS 1. Earth a. General description of the site (circle one): Flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other: p:\rn\sepa\sepudns.doc 3 SEPA Checklist Comprehensive Plan Amendments: Transportation Policies Not applicable. See #13, above. b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)? Not applicable. See #13, above. 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. Not applicable. See #13, above. d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so, describe. Not applicable. See #13, above. e. Describe the purpose, type, and approximate quantities of any filling or grading proposed. Indicate source of fill. Not applicable. See #13, above. f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe. Not applicable. See #13, above. g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)? Not applicable. See #13, above. h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any: Not applicable. See #13, above. 2. Air ,:\n. .se,,.dn..a« 4 SEPA Checklist Comprehensive Plan Amendments: Transportation Policies and when the project is completed? If any, generally describe and give approximate quantities if known. Not applicable. See #13, above. b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so, generally describe. Not applicable. See #13, above. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any: Not applicable. See #13, above. 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. The Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code amendments under consideration provide guidance on the location of essential public facilities, such as light rail and commuter rail. Sound Transit has prepared an evironmental assessment of a commuter rail system, including site specific impacts. It is currently preparing a separate environmental impact statement on alternate light rail alignments which will address site-specific impacts in greater detail. 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. Please see #3.A.1. above. 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. Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above. p:\rts\sepa\sepa-dns.doe 5 • • SEPA Checklist Comprehensive Plan Amendments: Transportation Policies 4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities, if known. Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above. 5) Does the proposal lie within a 100 -year floodplain? If so, note location on the site plan. Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above. 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. Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above. 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. Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above. 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. Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above. 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. p:\naksepa\sep,.ao..aa 6 • • SEPA Chedklist Comprehensive Plan Amendments: Transportation Policies Not applicable. Please see # 13 above. 2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe. Not applicable. Please see #13 above. d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water impacts, if any: Not applicable. Please see #13 above. 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? Not applicable. Please see #13 above. c. List threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site. Not applicable. Please see #13 above. d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance vegetation on the site, if any: Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above. 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: p:\.\,ro. a-ao,.mc 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? Not applicable. Please see #13 above. c. List threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site. Not applicable. Please see #13 above. d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance vegetation on the site, if any: Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above. 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: p:\.\,ro. a-ao,.mc SEPA Checklist Comprehensive Plan Amendments: Transportation Policies Birds: . Mammals: Fish: Other: b. List any threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site. Not applicable. Please see #13 above. c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain. Not applicable. Please see #13 above. d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any: Not applicable. Please see #13 above. 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. Not applicable. Please see #13 above. b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties? If so, generally describe. Not applicable. Please see #13 above. 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: Not applicable. Please see #13 above. 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. pArta\sepabepa-dn3.doc 8 SEPA Checklist Comprehensive Plan Amendments: Transportation Policies Not applicable. Please see #13 above. 1) Describe special emergency services that might be required. Not applicable. Please see #13 above. 2) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any: Not applicable. Please see #13 above. b. Noise 1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example: traffic, equipment, operation, other)? Not applicable. Please see #13 above. 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. Not applicable. Please see #13 above. 3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any: Not applicable. Please see #13 above. 8. Land and Shoreline Use a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties? Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above. b. Has the site been used for agriculture? If so, describe. Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above. c. Describe any structures on the site. Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above. p:\ruAsepa\sepa-dm.doc 9 • • SEPA Checklist Comprehensive Plan Amendments: Transportation Policies d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what? Not applicable. Please see #13 above. e. What is the current zoning classification of the site? Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above. f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site? Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above. g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site? Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above. h. Has any part of the site been classified as an "environmentally sensitive" area? If so, specify. Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above. i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project? Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above. 1• Approximately how many people would the completed project displace? Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above. k Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any: Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above 1. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land uses and plans, if any: Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above 9. Housing a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income housing? p:4usips Vep..dn3.doe 10 • • SEPA Checklist Comprehensive Plan Amendments: Transportation Policies Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income housing. Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any: Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above 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? Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed? Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any: Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above 11. Light and Glare a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly occur? Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views? Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal? Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any: Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above p:4n\sepaVepa-d s.doc 11 • • SEPA Checklist Comprehensive Plan Amendments: Transportation Policies 12. Recreation a. What designed and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity? Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe. Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any: Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above 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. Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above b. Generally describe any landmarks or evidence of historic, archaeological, scientific, or cultural importance known to be on or next to the site. Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts, if any: Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above 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. Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above b. Is the site currently served by public transit? If not, what is the approximate distance to the nearest transit stop? Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above p: \rta sepaNseps-dns.doc 12 • • SEPA Checklist Comprehensive Plan Amendments: Transportation Policies c. How many parking spaces would the completed project have? How many would the project eliminate? Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above 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). Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above e. Will the project use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air transportation? If so, generally describe. Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above f. How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the completed project? If known, indicate when peak volumes would occur. Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any: Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above g. 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. Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any. Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above 16. Utilities a. Circle utilities currently available at the site: electricity, natural gas, water, refuse service, telephone, sanitary sewer, septic system, other. Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above P:Via\seDadoe 13 • • SEPA Checklist Comprehensive Plan Amendments: Transportation Policies 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. Not applicable. Please see #3.A.1. above 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. p:\„a\,epa\,epa-an..doe Signature: Date Submitted: 14 SEPA Checklist Comprehensive Plan Amendments: Transportation Policies D. 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? The proposal's objective is to provide guidance to local and regional decision -makers regarding the City of Tukwila's preferences for the location of essential public facilities, such as a light-rail system serving Tukwila. The proposed Comprehensive Plan policies are intended to support the concept of light rail and provide guidance on selecting a rail alignment. Proposed Zoning Code amendments clarify aspects of the Essential Public Facilities designations which pertain to regional transit facilities, including mitigation of adverse impacts and consideration as an Unclassified Use. 2. What are the alternative means of accomplishing these objectives? These objectives might be partially accomplished through the City of Tukwila's through its comments on environmental documents and participation in regional forums concerned with the routing and impacts of the regional transit system. 3. Please compare the alternative means and indicate the preferred course of action: Tukwila already has made its views known through participation in regional groups and via comments on environmental documents. While this alternative provides some policy guidance to local and regional decision - makers, it is far preferable for Tukwila to fully express its policy .preferences on light rail and the permitting of essential public facilities with detailed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code. This preferred course of action provides a clear record of the City's views inthe context of its other adopted policies p:kubepa\seps-dm.doe 15 SEPA Checklist Comprehensive Plan Amendments: Transportation Policies 4. Does the proposal conflict with policies of the Tukwila Comprehensive Land Use Policy Plan? The proposal clarifies the existing policies of the Tukwila Comprehensive Land Use Policy Plan. There is no conflict. 5. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce the conflict(s) are: N/A p:\rta\sepa\sepa-dns.doc 16 • • si H.. .. 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