HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEPA E96-0028 - CITY OF TUKWILA / COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - CODE AMENDMENTS: SIGN, TREE PROTECTION AND FERMENTING/DISTILLINGCITY OF TUKWILA
CODE AMENDMENTS FOR
FERMENTING/DISTILLING,
TREE PROTECTION
& SIGN CODE
CITY WIDE
E96-0028
CITY OF TUKWILA
DETERMINATION OF NONSIGNIFICANCE (DNS)
DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSAL:
UPDATING THE ZONING CODE TO INCLUDE AN
AMORTIZATION PERIOD FOR SIGNS. AMENDING THE
ALLOWED USES IN INDUSTRIAL ZONES TO INCLUDE
DISTILLERIES. CHANGING THE DEFINITION OF
SIGNIFICANT TREES TO INCLUDE COTTONWOODS.
PROPONENT: CITY OF TUKWILA
LOCATION OF PROPOSAL, INCLUDING STREET ADDRESS, IF ANY:
ADDRESS: 6200 SOUTHCENTER BL
PARCEL NO: 359700-0282
SEC/TWN/RNG:
LEAD AGENCY: CITY OF TUKWILA FILE NO: E96-0028
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.
***************************************************************************
This determination is final and signed this 23A day ofM862
199k.
Steve Lancaster, Responsible Official
City of Tukwila, (206) 431-3670
6300 Southcenter Boulevard
Tukwila, WA 98188
Copies of the procedures for SEPA appeals are available with the
Department of Community Development.
AFFIDAVITOF
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J Board of Adjustment Agenda
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LI Board of Appeals Agenda
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fl Planning Commission Agenda
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LI Short Subdivision Agenda
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O Notice of Application for
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CHECKLIST: EARONMENTAL REVIEW/SHORELINE•ERMIT MAILINGS
() U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
() FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
() DEPT OF FISH & WILDLIFE
() OFFICE OF ARCHAEOLOGY
( ) TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
() DEPT NATURAL RESOURCES
() OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
() DEPT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
() DEPT OF FISHERIES & WILDUFE
() KC. PLANNING & COMMUNITY DEV.
() BOUNDARY REVIEW BOARD
() FIRE DISTRICT #11
() FIRE DISTRICT #2
() S CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
( ) TUKWILA LIBRARIES
() RENTON UBRARY
() KENT UBRARY
() CITY OF SEATTLE UBRARY
()USWEST
() SEATTLE CITY UGHT
() WASHINGTON NATURAL GAS
() HIGHUNE WATER DISTRICT
( ) SEATTLE WATER DEPARTMENT
() TCI CABLEVISION
() OLYMPIC PIPEUNE
() KENT PLANNING DEI
( ) TU ILA CITY DEPA
PUBUC WORK
() POUCE
() PLANNING
() PARKS & REC.
MENTS:
( ) FIRE
() FINANCE
( ) BUILDING
() MAYOR
() PUGET SOUND REGIONAL COUNCIL
() P.S. AIR POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY
() SW K C CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
() MUCKLESHOOT INDIAN TRIBE
() DUWAMISH INDIAN TRIBE
() DAILY JOURNAL OF COMMERCE
( ) VALLEY DAILY NEWS
7/12/95 C:WP51 DATA\CHKLIST
FEDERAL AGENCIES
() U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
() U.S. DEPT OF H.U.D.
WASHINGTON STATE AGENCIES
() DEE OF SOCIAL & HEALTH SERV.
( )�OEPT OF ECOLOGY, SHORELANDS DIV
( DEPT OF ECOLOGY, SEPA DIVISION
() OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL
* SEND CHECKUST WITH DETERMINATIONS
* SEND SITE MAPS WITH DECISION
KING COUNTY AGENCIES
() KC. DEPT OF PARKS
( ) HEALTH DEPT
() PORT OF SEATTLE
( ) BUILDING & LAND DEV. DIV -SEPA INFO CENTER
SCHOOLS/UBRARIES
() HIGHUNE SCHOOL DISTRICT
() K C PUBUC UBRARY
() SEATTLE MUNI REF UBRARY
() SEATTLE SCHOOL DISTRICT
() RENTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
UTILITIES
() PUGET SOUND POWER & UGHT
( ) VAL-VUE SEWER DISTRICT
() WATER DISTRICT #20
() WATER DISTRICT #125
() CITY OF RENTON PUBLIC WORKS
() RAINIER VISTA
() SKYWAY
CITY AGENCIES
() RENTON PLANNING DEPT
() CITY OF SEA -TAC
() CITY OF BURIEN
() TUKWILA PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS
() TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
OTHER LOCAL AGENCIES
() METRO ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING DIV.
OFFICE/INDUSTRIAL 5,000 GSF OR MORE
RESIDENTIAL 50 UNITS OR MORE
RETAIL 30,000 GSF OR MORE
MEDIA
Vaal NE TIMES /
EATTLE TIMES\/
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• •
PUBLIC NOTICE MAILINGS FOR PERMITS
SEPA MAILINGS
ent period starts on date of mailing)
Dept. of Ecology Environmental Review Section
Applicant
Other agencies as necessary (checked off on attached list)
Include these documents:
SEPA Determination (3 -part form from Sierra)
Findings (staff report, usu. with MDNS)
SEPA Checklist (filled out by applicant)
• -.
rom
•
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Affidavit of Dlstribution (notice was mailed & sent to newspaper).
SHORELINE MAILINGS
Notice of Application:
Notice of application for a substantial development Permit must be
mailed to owners and to property owners within 300 feet of subject
property, prepare an affidavit of publication, and publish two
consecutive weeks with deadline for comments due 30 days after last
newspaper publication date.
Shoreline Permit:
Mail to: (within 8 days of decision; 30 -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).
Include these documents:
Shoreline Substantial Development Permit (3 -part form from Sierra)
Findings (staff report, if applicable)
Shoreline 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 w/structures & shoreline
Grading plan
Vicinity map
SEPA Determination (3 -part form from Sierra)
Findings (staff report, usu. with MDNS)
SEPA Checklist (filled out by applicant)
Any background studies related to impacts on shoreline
Notice of Application
Affidavit of Distribution (notice was mailed & sent to newspaper)
Affidavit of Publication (notice was published in newspaper).
AFFIDAVIT
1, 11L-VI4 MCMuu_E,1
Notice of Public Hearing
fl Notice of Public Meeting
ElBoard of Adjustment Agenda
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L Board of Appeals Agenda
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OPlanning Commission Agenda
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0 Short Subdivision Agenda
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O Notice of Application for
Shoreline Management Permit
0 Shoreline Management Permit
OF DISTRIBUTION
hereby declare that:
VDetermination of Non-
significance
LI Mitigated Determination of
Nonsignificance
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and Scoping Notice
ONotice of Action
0 Official Notice
0 Other
0 Other
wasaled to each of the following addresses
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Name of Projecten or Tam ILA - bCb Signature
File Number V1(42- CX)2�
City of Tukwila
John W. Rants, Mayor
Department of Community Development Steve Lancaster, Director
TO: Jack Pace\t
FROM: Hans Korve
RE: SEPA - Proposed code amendments for fermenting/distilling, tree protection and the Sign Code.
Project File No. E96-0028
DATE: September 9, 1996
MEMORANDUM
Project Description:
This SEPA Determination Memo represents three separate sets of Sign Code and Zoning Code amendments. A
brief description of each proposed amendment is described below:
Signs - These proposed changes to the sign code will set a three year deadline for all on -premise signs to come
into compliance with Tukwila's sign code regulations, change the way sign area is allocated to mixed use
buildings and clarify sign regulations for malls.
Fermenting & Distilling - The proposed changes to the Zoning Code would correct an inadvertent prohibition
of fermenting and distilling in the industrial districts of Tukwila. Fermenting and distilling would become a
permitted use in the heavy/light industrial, MIC/L and MIC/H zones. It would also become a conditional use in
the Tukwila Valley South zone.
Trees- A proposal to amend Title 18 of the TMC to make removal of Black Cottonwood;trees twelve (12)
inches or greater in diameter, located in the River and Low Impact Shoreline environment, subject to the permit
and replacement requirements of Chapter 18.54 TMC, Tree Regulations.
Agencies With Jurisdiction:
None.
Comments to SEPA Checklist:
No comments on proposed changes to the Sign Code or Zoning code in regards to fermenting and distilling. -�
One comment from the Department or Public Works was received in response to the proposed changes to the
tree ordinance, but it was found to be not applicable to the code amendment.
Summary of Primary Impacts:
None
Summary of Proposed Mitigation:
None.
Recommended Threshold Determination:
Determination of Non -Significance.
6300 Southcenter Boulevard, Suite #100 o Tukwila, Washington 98188 ° (206) 431-3670 ° Fax (206) 431-3665
CITY OF TUKWILA
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Environmental Checklist
E96-0028
A. BACKGROUND
1. Name of proposed project, if applicable: Not Applicable
2. Name of applicant: City of Tukwila Community Development Department
3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person:
City of Tukwila Planning Division
Suite 100
6300 Southcenter Blvd.
Tukwila, WA 98188
Atten. Hans Korve
206-431-3670
4. Date checklist prepared: August 9, 1996
5. Agency requesting checklist: City of Tukwila, Dept. of Community Development
6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable): Adoption by the City Council in
August, 1996
7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected
with this proposal? If yes, explain.: No.
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.
None known.
10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known.
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. (Lead agencies
may modify this form to include additional specific information on project description.)
This is a non project proposal to amend Tukwila Title 18 (Zoning Code) and Title 19 (Sign
Code) to reflect modifications to a pair of zoning definitions and the addition of an
amortization section to the sign code. The proposed changes are as follows:
a) The addition of subsection 15 to section 18.44.110, General Shoreline Regulation to
protect all trees (including Cottonwood tree)s over 4" in diameter in the river
environment. This addition will close several gaps in current regulations which allow tree
clearing along the river. (Please see the Supplemental Sheet for Non project Actions for
additional information)
b) An amendment to the permitted uses sections of the Light/Heavy Industry, MIC/L and
MIC/H zones to allow fermenting and distilling in the City of Tukwila. This change will
correct an oversight that occurred during the 1995 adoption of the new zoning code. In
previous versions of the code, fermenting and distilling were permitted uses in the
industrial zone, but when the definitions for various commercial zones were added to those
of the industrial zones, the prohibition of fermenting and distilling went unchanged.
c) The addition of an amortization provision in the Tukwila Sign Code to insure a gradual
replacement of Non -conforming commercial signs throughout the City. This Ordinance
would establish a grace period within which owners would be allowed to maintain existing
signs to derive a reasonable benefit from their sign investment. All non -conforming signs
still remaining after the grace period would be removed.
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 may, 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.
Not applicable
13. Does the proposal lie within an area designated on the City's Comprehensive Land Use Policy
Plan Map as environmentally sensitive.: No
B. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
1. Earth
a. General description of the site (circle one): Flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other
Not applicable.
b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)?
Not applicable.
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
d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so,
describe.
Not applicable
e. Describe the purpose, type, and approximate quantities of any filling or grading proposed.
Indicate source of fill.
Not applicable
f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe.
Not applicable
g.
About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project construction
(for example, asphalt, or buildings)?
Not applicable. See All.
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any:
Not applicable. See All.
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.
Not applicable
b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so, generally
describe.
Not applicable
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any:
Not applicable
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.
Not applicable
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.
Not applicable
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
4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general description,
purpose, and approximate quantities if known.
Not applicable
5) Does the proposal lie within a 100 -year floodplain? If so, note location on the site plan.
Not applicable
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
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
2) Describe waste material 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
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.
Not applicable
2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe.
Not applicable
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water impacts, if any:
Not applicable
4. Plants
a. Check or circle type of vegetation found on the site:
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, eelgrass, milfoil, other
other types of vegetation
Not applicable
b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered?
Not applicable
c. List threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site.
Not applicable
d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance vegetation on
the site, if any:
Not applicable
5. Animals
a. Circle any birds and animals which have been observed on or near the site or are known to be on or
near the site:
birds: hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds, other:
mammals: dear, bear, elk, beaver, other:
fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other:
Not applicable
b. List any threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site.
Not applicable
c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain.
Not applicable
d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any:
Not applicable
6. Energy and Natural Resources
a. What kinds of energy (electrical, natural gas, 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.
b. Would your project affect the potential use, of solar energy impacts, if any:
Not applicable.
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.
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.
Not applicable.
1) Describe special emergency services that might be required.
Not applicable.
2) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any:
Not applicable.
b. Noise
1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example: traffic,
equipment, operation, other):
Not applicable.
2) What types and levels of noise would be created by or associated with the project on a short-term
or a long-term basis (for example: traffic, construction, operation, other)? Indicate what hours
noise would come from the site.
Not applicable.
3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any:
Not applicable.
8. Land and Shoreline Use
a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties?
Not Applicable.
b. Has the site been used for agriculture? If so, describe.
Not applicable.
c. Describe any structures on the site.
Not applicable.
d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what?
Not applicable.
e. What is the current zoning classification of the site?
Not applicable.
f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site?
Not applicable.
g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site?
Not applicable.
h. Has any part of the site been classified as an "environmentally sensitive" area? If so, specify.
Not applicable.
i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project?
Not applicable.
j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace?
Not applicable.
k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any:
Not applicable.
1. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land uses and
plans, if any: None
m. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce shoreline and land use impacts are:
The proposed changes to the General Shoreline Regulation would provide improved regulatory
tools for the Board of Architectural Review and the Staff to review and control development
proposals in the river environment.
9. Housing
a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, middle, or
low-income housing.
The proposal does not increase or decrease the number of multifamily housing units within
the City limits.
b. Approximately how may units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high, middle, or
low-income housing.
Not applicable. See 9a above.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any:
Not Applicable.
10. Aesthetics
a. What if the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including antennas; what is the principal
exterior building material(s) proposed?
Not Applicable.
b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed?
None.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any:
Not Applicable.
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.
b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views?
Not Applicable..
c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal?
Not Applicable.
d. Proposed measures to reduce of control light and glare impacts, if any:
Not Applicable..
12. Recreation
a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity?
Not Applicable.
b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe.
Not Applicable.
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.
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.
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..
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts, if any:
Not Applicable.. Project specific impacts will be evaluated at the time of permit application.
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.
b. Is site currently served by public transit? If not, what is the approximate distance to the nearest
transit stop?
Not applicable.
c. How many parking spaces would the completed project have? How many would the project
eliminate?
Not applicable.
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.
Not Applicable..
f. How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the completed project? If known,
indicate when peak volumes would occur.
Not Applicable.
g. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any:
Not Applicable.
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. See 13c.
b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any.
Not Applicable. See 13c.
16. Utilities
a. Circle utilities currently available at the site: electricity, natural gas, water, refuse service,
telephone, sanitary sewer, septic system, other.
Not applicable.
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.
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:
D. SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET FOR NONPROJECT 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 question, be aware of the extent the proposal, or the types of activities likely to
result from the proposal, would affect the item at a greater intensity or at a faster rate than if the proposal
were not implemented. Respond briefly and in general terms.
1. How would the proposal be likely to increase discharge to water; emissions to air; production,
storage or release of toxic or hazardous substances; or production of noise?
No direct or indirect impact will occur to water bodies groundwater, drainage, air from the
proposed changes to either the zoning or sign code. No increase in noise or release of hazardous
substances would occur from the proposed changes.
Proposed measures to avoid or reduce such increases are:
No impacts will result, thus no mitigating measures are necessary.
2. How would the proposal be likely to affect plants, animals, fish or marine life?
Animal, fish or marine life will not be adversely affected by either the Sign Code amendment or
the Fermenting & Distillingaddition to the industrial zoning definitions. The proposal to protect
significant vegetation in the river environment will increase the amount of landscape planting that
is retained where possible. It is anticipated that the new regulations will result in a more viable
habitat for animal life along the river.
Proposed measures to protect or conserve plant, animals, fish or marine life are:
No impacts to animal, fish or marine life will result from the proposed code revision.
3. How would the proposal be likely to deplete energy or natural resources?
No impact on energy or natural resources is anticipated by the zoning code changes. New signs
are often more energy efficient than there predecessors.
Proposed measures to conserve energy and natural resources are:
No impacts will result, thus no mitigating measures are necessary.
4. How would the proposal be likely to use or affect environmentally sensitive areas or areas
designated (or eligible or under study) for governmental protection; such as parks, wilderness,
wild and scenic rivers, threatened or endangered species habitat, historic or cultural sites,
wetlands, floodplains, or prime farmlands?
- 14 -
Not Applicable. See section E
Proposed measures to protect such resources or to avoid or reduce impact are:
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 changes are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and are not anticipated to
change the land use pattern.
Proposed measures to avoid or reduce shoreline and land use impacts are:
Not Applicable.
How does the proposal conform to the Tukwila Shoreline Master Plan?
Yes, See Section E
6. How would the proposal be likely to increase demands on transportation or public services and
utilities?
The proposal will not increase demands on transportation, public services and utilities.
Proposed measures to reduce or respond to such demand(s) are:
None.
7. Identify, if possible, whether the proposal may conflict with local, state, or federal laws or
requirements for the protection of the environment.
The proposed changes to the zoning code will provide enhanced protection of the environment
resulting from better quality development.
8. Does the proposal conflict with policies of the Tukwila Comprehensive Land Use Policy Plan? If
so, what policies of the plan.
The proposals further the goals and policies of the Tukwila Comprehensive Land Use Policy Plan
policies for environmentally sensitive areas and the redevelopment of the Pacific Hwy. corridor.
Proposed measures to avoid or reduce the conflicts are:
None. The proposal is in conformance with the existing Tukwila Comprehensive Land Use Policy
Plan.
E. SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET FOR ALL PROJECT AND NON PROJECT PROPOSALS
The objectives and the alternative means of reaching the objective for a proposal will be helpful in
reviewing the aforegoing 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 area the objective(s) of the proposal?
a) The addition of subsection 15 to section 18.44.110 of the General Shoreline Regulation will
halt much of the unmitigated clearing of significant vegetation within the river environment.
The new Tukwila Comprehensive Plan contains policies that emphasize the importance of
vegetation along the river. The shoreline policies direct staff to ensure that "significant
vegetation" is maintained, and that shoreline development protects "riverbank vegetation."
Policies in the Natural Environment element reflect the community's concern for quality fish
habitat, and the need to `preserve and restore appropriate vegetation" in fish habitat areas.
DCD is currently working toward implementing these policies in a new Shoreline Master
Program. It is anticipated that a draft will be completed by the end of 1996.
In the meantime, shoreline development will be evaluated under regulations dating from 1974.
These shoreline regulations have virtually no provisions for review of tree clearing or for tree
replacement. Our tree regulations address some, but not all types of important shoreline
vegetation. Out of this regulatory gap, there arise several scenarios in which shoreline trees
can be cleared without a permit. Where no permit is required, there is no mechanism to
evaluate impacts, and no tree replacement requirements.
In particular, cottonwoods --which are one of the most significant natural habitat features
along the river --are excluded from protection or replacement. Smaller understory and
groundcover plants, which provide cover and erosion control along the river, may be cleared
without mitigation. "Small-scale " projects, such as single family or commercial site
preparation may remove a relatively large amount of vegetation, but they fall below land -
altering or shoreline permit thresholds. As a result, the community is likely to see the
continued loss of shoreline vegetation.
Because of the importance and vulnerability of the river environment, indiscriminate and
unmitigated tree clearing in the shoreline could have significant long-term impacts. The
cumulative impact of many small clearing projects is of particular concern. Alternative
solutions to this issue will be explored during the development of Tukwila's new Shoreline
Master Program. In the interim, a simple code revision can address most of the impacts of
shoreline clearing.
• •
b) The amendment of the permitted uses sections of the Light/Heavy Industry, MIC/L and MIC/H
zones to allow fermenting and distilling will correct an oversight that occurred during the
adoption of the 1995 zoning code.
The issue arises from the a request for a business license from the Pacific Crest Brewery to
operate a brewery and tasting room at 10849 East Marginal Way. The current zoning code
does not allow fermenting or distilling in the industrial districts in the city. This prohibition
was inadvertently added to the 1995 zoning code update as part of the district consolidations
that took place. In previous versions of the Tukwila zoning code, fermenting and distilling
have always been permitted out -right in the Light/Heavy Industrial, MIC/L and MIC/H zones.
The proposed amendment will correct this minor oversight.
c) Addition of an amortization ordinance will encourage the timely removal and replacement of
non -conforming signs throughout the city.
One issue associated with the ongoing effort to improve the Pacific Highway commercial
area, has been an increased focus on signs which do not conform to Tukwila's sign code.
The Comprehensive Plan contains a policy dealing with this issue:
1.8.4 Promote a gradual reduction in the number and size of commercial
signs through the adoption an amortization period for nonconforming
signs.
The removal of non -conforming signs is important to fostering redevelopment of an area
because oversized signs, especially those placed on tall poles close to the roadway, create
a cluttered and confusing visual environment. Tukwila's sign code restricts the number of
signs allowed per business and requires that freestanding signs be set back from property
lines in order to create a more ordered visual environment.
Currently Tukwila treats signs which were installed under King County's sign code as
legally non -conforming and allows them to remain in place until there is a change of use of
the site or a change of business which requires new signage. While this creates the least
amount of hardship for existing businesses, it also means that change is very slow and new
businesses may be put at a disadvantage due to their less conspicuous signage.
In 1994 the City conducted a survey of signage along the Highway 99 corridor to identify
the number and type of non -conforming signs. The survey indicates that many of the non-
conforming signs along Highway 99 are painted directly on walls or sheets of plywood and
therefore are relatively low cost to alter or remove. Other signs could be brought into
conformance by being moved or lowered without altering the sign itself Signs made of
channel letters, on awnings, or oversized cabinet signs would likely have to be replaced to
bring the business into compliance with the sign code. The Highway 99 Task Force
supports the development of an ordinance to require the removal of non -conforming signs
within a five year period.
2. What are the alternative means of accomplishing these objectives?
See above section.
3. Please compare the alternative means and indicate the preferred course of action.
4. Does the proposal conflict with policies of the Tukwila Comprehensive Land Use Policy Plan? If
so, what policies of the plan.
Each of the three proposal furthers the goals and policies of the Tukwila Comprehensive Land
Use Policy Plan.
Proposed measures to avoid or reduce the conflict(s) are:
None:
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