HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEPA E99-0011 - CITY OF TUKWILA / COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - ZONING CODE AMENDMENTS: LANDSCAPETUKWILA COMMERCIAL
AREAS DESIGN MANUAL
ZONING CODE LANDSCAPE
STANDARDS REVISIONS
CITY-WIDE
E99-0011
AFFIDAVIT OF DISTRIBUTION
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hereby declare that:
Notice of Public Hearing termination of Non-
significance
fl Notice of Public Meeting
flBoard of Adjustment Agenda
Packet
Board of Appeals Agenda
Packet
Planning Commission Agenda
Packet
Mitigated Determination of
Nonsignificance
Determination of Significance
and Scoping Notice
Notice of Action
Official Notice
Short Subdivision Agenda ❑Other
Packet
O Notice of Application for.
Shoreline Management Permit
0 Shoreline Management Permit
Other
was mailed to each of the following addresses on
Name of Project Signature
File Number
Lih
faNg
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CITY OF T!.iKWI i
CLTLRt1IF-'.t'I It_rN O1'
DE: CP i PTION OF PROP+:..:... --
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW OF A NEW DESIGN MANUAL FOP
TUKWILA COMMERCIAL AREAS NOT COVERED BY THE
TUKWILA INTERNATIONAL BOULEVARD DESIGN MANUAL, AND
REVISIONS TO THE LANDSCAPE STANDARDS IN THE ZONING
CODE, INCLUDING REOUIREMENT'.a Ffi;LINTERIOR PARKING
LOT LANDSCAPING AND SPE& IFIr NUMBER PND, T'YDE- OF
PLANTS TO BE PROVIDED �IN PERIMETER L.AND'SCAPE:AREAS
PROPONENT: CITY F� TUKWILA
LOCATION OF PROPO':AL, INVLUDING TPEET ADDRESS,
ADDRESS:
PARCEL.,.NO: .
SEC/IWN4RNG:
LEAD AGENCY:
6300.OUTHCENTER ;BL
.00032070005
CITY WIDE
CITY'OF TUKWILA FILE NO E' 97001i
The Ci t'v' has 'ier-mi ned = that. the propo, i idot: not have a p.robabj e
s.ignif ,cant adverse rrnpact ,on, the enr;o
vinmel�,t An environmental
_.
impact tatement (CI'�,) i�_..nutr,���du-n ed u�� 'r.r� PCW 43.21c030-(2)(0)
This decision wa.. made: `at tier ` x e to ew 01 a;' =oni 1 eted environmental'
checklist and other infornratirtn,an to 1i:with the lead agency. This
information is avai lab1'e.' to the `P'-ab71 ic:scn---reg uest.
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This determination ls'final and signed;th
1990
Steve Lancaster:, Responsible Official
City of Tukwila! `1206) 431-3670
6300 'Southcenter 'Boulevard
Tukwila, WA 98188'
Copies of the procedures for SEP/ p°pea s are available with the
Department of Community Development.
CITY OSTUKWILA
Department of Community Development
6300 Southcenter Boulevard, Tukwila, WA 98188
Telephone: (206) 431-3670
SEPA APPLICATION CHECKLIST
FOR STAFF USE_ONLY'
Planner:
v rte:
Fite Number: E=11_0()1 j
Receipt. Number:.
Applicant. notified: of`incomplete:appljcation::
Cross-reference files: LCj - pv / 7
Applicant -notified :of complete'application::
Notice;of.application issued:...
A. NAME OF PROJECT/DEVELOPMENT:
B. LOCATION OF PROJECT/DEVELOPMENT: (address and accessors parcel number(s))
1Th c\ /VI cu i a i .v1.25- _ZQV\Q�.P Y 4 -ho Ge
4� e ;1 1V Ar c-.-4,ti 1 \ , `��sv tel. �.1 •
Quarter: Section: Township: Range:
(This information may be found on your tax statement)
C. PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
s ; v ; e4,) enc `c
n)c) VIEDv, .
D. APPLICANT:
NAME:
( •� i � 1 rJr.J /U v Cc,- 61 ; eel Q
ADDRESS: 6.300 ..)J -}•Y/\
PHONE: ? O 431- 36 70
SIGNATURE:
DATE: '1/MqJ
1 e No. E99-0011
ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
A. BACKGROUND
1. Name of proposed project, if applicable:
Development of a Design Manual for Commercial Areas within the City of Tukwila, except for
those areas covered by the Tukwila International Boulevard Design Manual.
Revisions to Tukwila's Zoning Code landscape standards.
2. Name of applicant:
City of Tukwila.
3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person:
Nora Gierloff
City of Tukwila DCD
6300 Southcenter Blvd. Suite 100
Tukwila, WA 98188
(206) 431-3670
4. Date checklist prepared:
3/29/99
5. Agency requesting checklist:
City of Tukwila.
6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable):
Revisions to the landscape standards in Tukwila's Zoning Code are expected to be adopted in May
of 1999. The new design manual for Tukwila's commercial zones is expected to be adopted in the
second quarter of 2000.
7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or
connected with this proposal? If yes, explain.
No, although specific Shoreline design guidelines may be developed as part of the update of
Tukwila's Shoreline Master Program.
8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be
prepared, directly related to this proposal.
None.
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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.
No other code revisions are currently planned for the Board of Architectural Review or the
Landscape, Recreation, Recycling/Solid Waste Space Requirements chapters of Tukwila's Zoning
Ordinance. Revisions to the design review process were recently adopted as part of the
development of a specialized design manual for the Tukwila International Boulevard area.
10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal.
Recommendation of approval of the code changes by the Planning Commission and legislative
approval by the Tukwila City Council.
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.
New design guidelines and criteria for Tukwila's commercial areas would replace the existing
guidelines listed at TMC 18.60.050. These would complement the more detailed Tukwila
International Boulevard and Multifamily Design Manuals by providing an equivalent level of
review for the rest of the areas in Tukwila subject to design review.
This new, more specific design manual is needed to implement the goals and policies of the
Comprehensive Plan and to satisfy legal requirements set out in a 1993 Washington State Superior
Court case concerning the City of Issaquah's design guidelines. Issaquah's guidelines, which were
quite similar to Tukwila's current guidelines, were found to be unconstitutionally vague. More
explicit guidelines, similar to those developed for the Tukwila International Boulevard area, would
also provide more guidance to developers and property owners as to the quality of development the
City expects.
In conjunction with developing a new design manual Tukwila is revising its landscape standards.
These draft landscape code revisions specify the number and type of plants required for different
situations, such as commercially zoned front yards, industrially zoned front yards, side or rear
yards adjacent to commercial or industrial zones, and side or rear yards adjacent to residential
zones. A new provision would allow the perimeter landscaping to be clustered as long as the total
required square footage was provided and the lot was not adjacent to residential zones.
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,
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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 design review regulations in all of Tukwila's
commercial zones, except in those areas covered by the Tukwila International Boulevard Design
Manual, and landscape requirements throughout the City.
13. 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, some areas
classified as environmentally sensitive would be affected. 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 manual would apply throughout Tukwila's commercial zones, except in those areas
covered by the Tukwila International Boulevard Design Manual, and the revised landscape
standards would apply throughout the City and so would cover a wide range of topography.
b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)?
Slopes of up to 40% are found on the valley walls, however much of the land with
commercial zoning is on the relatively flat valley floor (see Attachment A).
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.
Much of the City's commercial areas have been previously developed and so would be
classified as urban soils. As this is a non -project action more detailed soil information is not
available.
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.
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This is a non -project action so specific information about filling and grading required for
future development is not available.
f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe.
Erosion could occur as a result of future construction, however at this phase of non -project
level planning specific information is not available. Individual developments will have to
meet the standards of Tukwila's Land Altering Ordinance at the time of construction.
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 action so specific information about the impervious surfaces of future
developments is not available. The draft landscape code revisions do require internal parking
lot landscape islands for all commercial developments.
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 contained in the Land Altering Ordinance.
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.
Additional automobile emissions may result if commercial areas are redeveloped to higher
intensity uses. However, the proposed code changes would not likely affect a property
owner's decision about whether or not to redevelop. Commercial areas are already governed
by performance standards that restrict uses that produce odors, dust, smoke and other
airborne pollutants.
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 such as Commute Trip Reduction requirements 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 itflows into.
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Southgate and Gilliam Creeks flow through the City to the Green/Duwamish River.
Tukwila Pond is located with the Urban Center.
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.
The proposed zoning code changes would include additional design standards for sites with
sensitive areas. Specific shoreline design standards will be developed as part of the update of
Tukwila's Shoreline Master Program.
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 °fill! material.
This is a non -project action so specific information about filling and dredging required for
future development is not available.
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 required
for future development 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 of ground water 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 (f applicable), or the
number of animals or humans the system(s) are expected to serve.
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The new design manual would only affect commercially zoned areas, all of which are
served by sewer.
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.
The new design guidelines would encourage the incorporation of bioswales into site
plans. The proposed revisions would not affect Tukwila's Storm and Surface Water
Ordinance.
2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe.
No waste materials are expected to enter the ground water through this non -project
action.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water impacts, if any:
The design guidelines are expected to encourage site designs that use surface water detention
and natural treatment of storm water flows. Additional landscape areas will be required for
redeveloped sites through the new landscape code provisions.
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
pasture
crop or grain
X
wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bulrush, skunk cabbage, other
X
water plants: water lily, eel grass, 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?
At this phase of non -project planning, detailed planting plans have not been developed. The
landscape code changes will require that any existing, healthy vegetation within required
landscape areas be retained.
c. List threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site.
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There are no known threatened or endangered plant species within the City.
d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance
vegetation on the site, if any:
The proposed design guidelines will address the use of landscaping to enhance site design
and the proposed landscape ordinance will require specific plant material and landscape
areas.
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:
Crows, red tail hawks, great blue heron, green heron, kingfisher, mallards,
robins, starlings and other small songbirds
Mammals:
Gray squirrel, coyote, raccoon, feral cats, rodents
Fish:
Salmon, trout, three spine stickleback, suckers, sculpin
Other:
Insects
b. List any threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site.
Chinook salmon, which have been listed as a threatened species, are found in the Green River
and some tributary streams within Tukwila.
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 landscape ordinance will require the preservation of existing vegetation within required
landscape areas. More detailed shoreline requirements will be developed as part of the
update of Tukwila's Shoreline Master Program.
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 new design manual or
landscape revisions.
b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties? If so,
generally describe.
It is possible that redevelopment to more intense uses could affect the potential use of solar
energy.
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ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKT
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:
The design guidelines are expected to encourage pedestrian and transit facility improvements,
thereby potentially reducing the number of automobile trips.
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 standards and procedures for noise in the Tukwila Municipal
Code that limit the hours that noises may exceed acceptable standards. The City also
participates in Federal Aviation Regulation Part 150 noise programs sponsored by the
Port of Seattle and King County, the operators of the airports. A purpose of Part 150
is to ensure appropriate land use planning adjacent to airports based upon noise
contours that result from arriving and departing aircraft.
8. Land and Shoreline Use
a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties?
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The current uses in Tukwila's commercial zones include retail, warehousing, commercial
services, transportation, public recreation, and light industrial.
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.
Structures in Tukwila's commercial zones range from small scale wood frame or masonry
structures to multi -story 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 zones subject to the proposed design manual are MUO, 0, NCC, RCC, RCMU, TUC,
TVS and C/LI.
f. What Ls the current comprehensive plan designation of the site?
The areas subject to the proposed design manual are designated MUO, 0, NCC, RCC,
RCMU, TUC, TVS and C/LI.
g.
If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site?
Urban.
h. Has any part of the site been classified as an "environmentally sensitive" area? If so,
specify.
Yes. Tukwila has mapped its Sensitive Areas that include wetlands, watercourses and steep
slopes.
J•
Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project?
Tukwila has a current population of approximately 14,700 people and current employment of
approximately 48,000. However, residential and industrial areas would not be affected by the
new design guidelines and single family areas would not be affected by the landscape
standards.
Approximately how many people would the completed project displace?
None are anticipated.
k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any:
Mixed use projects may increase the number of housing units within the City.
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L Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land
uses and plans, if any:
The design guidelines are being revised 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?
The proposals are non -project actions and would not provide new housing.
b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high,
middle, or low-income housing.
The proposals are non -project actions and would not eliminate housing.
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 new structures would be limited by the standards in the 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 change to development standards
such that views would be altered.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any:
The new design guidelines will provide a more thorough and detailed explanation of
Tukwila's vision for its commercial areas. This should result in a higher quality built
environment. The new landscape standards will set a minimum level of landscape quality
throughout the City.
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?
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This is a non -project action and therefore this level of information is not available. The
careful site planning encouraged through the new design manual should help to minimize the
creation of safety hazards and off-site lighting impacts.
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:
Standards to limit off-site glare are included in the landscape code revisions.
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. Additional links in the trail network will be negotiated as properties redevelop.
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 59`h Avenue 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 Road, 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
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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 Attachment B.
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 34, 39, 124, 128, 129, 150, 154, 160, 163, 280, 340,
and 941. A light rail line is planned to pass through the City on its way to SeaTac airport. A
commuter rail station is planned in the vicinity of 405 and West Valley Highway.
c. How many parking spaces would the completed project have? How many would
the project eliminate?
This is a non -project level action, and is not expected to affect either the parking
requirements or the parking provision 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 124th Street.
A light rail line is planned through the City to connect Seattle to SeaTac airport. 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 change in forecast vehicular trips are anticipated due to these proposed code changes.
g.
Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any:
This is a non -project level 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.
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Site design for safety will be addressed in the design manual.
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.
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.
Sanitary sewer systems are being extended to those areas still served by septic systems. 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:
Date Submitted: 4/I / q e
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?
If the proposed code changes affect these areas at all it will likely be to decrease such emissions
through more detailed site design standards, integrated treatment of stormwater runoff and
increased landscaping requirements.
Proposed measures to avoid or reduce such increases are:
None required.
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2. How would the proposal be likely to affect plants, animals, fish or marine life?
Redevelopment, especially of vacant or underutilized sites, generally will result in loss of plants
and animal habitat. The proposed code changes are not expected to spur redevelopment in
commercial areas, but help shape it when it happens.
Proposed measures to protect or conserve plants, animals, fish or marine life are:
For the first time property owners will be required to retain existing healthy vegetation within
landscape areas.
3. How would the proposal be likely to deplete energy or natural resources?
The proposed code changes themselves are not expected to cause depletion of energy or natural
resources.
Proposed measures to protect or conserve energy and natural resources are:
The additional landscaping required may help to moderate the microclimate around buildings,
resulting in energy savings. Sites that are designed with the needs of pedestrians and transit users
in mind may reduce the number of car trips.
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 areas subject to the new design manual are commercially zoned, and so are generally urban in
nature, however some parcels may contain steep slopes, wetlands or floodplains.
Proposed measures to protect such resources or to avoid or reduce impacts are:
Other existing City ordinances such as the Sensitive Areas Ordinance and the Shoreline Master
Program protect these environmentally sensitive areas.
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 allowed land and shoreline uses.
Proposed measures to avoid or reduce shoreline and land use impacts are:
None required.
6. How would the proposal be likely to increase demands on transportation or public services
and utilities?
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Redevelopment, especially of vacant or underutilized sites, generally will result in increased
infrastructure demands. However, the proposed code changes are not expected to spur
redevelopment in commercial areas, but help shape it when it happens.
Proposed measures to reduce or respond to such demand(s) are:
Sites that are designed with the needs of pedestrians and transit users in mind may reduce the
number of car trips.
7. Identify, if possible, whether the proposal may conflict with local, state, or federal laws or
requirements for the protection of the environment.
No conflicts are known.
E. 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?
Develop a design manual for Tukwila's commercial areas to implement the goals and policies of
the Comprehensive Plan and satisfy legal requirements set out in a 1993 Washington State
Superior Court case concerning the City of Issaquah's design guidelines. More explicit guidelines
and criteria would also provide more guidance to developers and property owners as to the quality
of development the City expects. The revisions to the landscape code will further this effort by
setting a minimum level of landscape quality required throughout the City.
2. What are the alternative means of accomplishing these objectives?
We could retain the existing design guidelines and landscape standards and continue to pursue
design and landscape quality on a case by case basis as projects go through design review, though
this would not address the defensibility of Tukwila's current guidelines.
3. Please compare the alternative means and indicate the preferred course of action:
The preferred course of action is to develop new design guidelines and landscape standards in
accordance with the mandate in Tukwila's Comprehensive Plan.
4. Does the proposal conflict with policies of the Tukwila Comprehensive Land Use Policy
Plan?
No, it implements them, specifically policy 10.2.3:
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ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
Site Development. Create regulations and design guidelines to result in high-quality site
design and contribute to the creation of hospitable pedestrian environments through the use
of site design techniques that may include but not be limited to:
• integration of architectural, site design, and landscape elements;
• the co -existence of motor vehicle, transit service, and pedestrian traffic;
• implementing physical and natural elements that enhance an area's overall aesthetic,
including street orientation
and policy 10.2.7:
Building Design. Promote high quality, market feasible architecture in the Tukwila Urban
Center, with attention to guidelines which:
• Promote an appropriate display of scale and proportion;
• Give special attention to developing pedestrian -oriented features and storefront activity
areas such as ground floor windows, modulated building facades, rich details in materials
and signage;
• Provide quality landscape treatment;
• Provide an appropriate relationship to adjacent sites and features and;
• Encourage overall building quality, and sensitivity to, and respect for, the area's
important features such as the Green River and Tukwila Pond.
Include property owners in developing urban commercial design guidelines to ensure that the
intent of this policy is met.
5. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce the conflict(s) are:
None required.
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Tukwila Area Topography
0 Tukbound.shp
20 ' Contours
A/0-100
101 - 200
A/ 201 - 300
A/ 301 - 400
A/ 401 - 500
Commzone.shp
Tukwater.shp
Attachment A
Tukwila Streets
Tukwater.shp
Tukfrwys.shp
Tukstrts.shp
Tukbound.shp
GIS
Tukwila
Attachment B