HomeMy WebLinkAbout3953oRDTNANcE No. 3lss
AN ORDINANCE of the City Council of the
City of Kent, Washington, granting a revised major
modification of the Verdana Planned Unit
Development located at L22OO SE 304th Street,
Kent, Washington (PUD-2004-4(R)),
RECITALS
A, The Verdana Planned Unit Development (PUD) (PUD 2004-
4(R)) received approval with conditions for a 378 lot single family
residential development and Future Development Tracts on February L6,
2006 (the "2006 PUD Approval"), Kent 25 LLC/Kent 160 LLC (Applicant)
submitted a request for a major modificatÌon of the PUD on September 12,
2006. The City Council denied the major modification request without
prejudice by Ordinance No. 3874 on February L9, 2008, The Applicant
filed a Land Use Petition Act (LUPA) appeal of the City Council's action in
King County Superior Court on March 10, 2008.
B. The Applicant submitted a revised request for major
modification on July 2,2009 (Revised Major Modification). The City's SEPA
responsible official analyzed the environmental impact of the Revised Major
Modification under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), Ch. 43.2LC
RCW, The City issued an addendum to the City's October L6,2007 Revised
Mitigation Determination of Nonsignificance (MDNS) on December 31,
2009. The Addendum determined that the impacts of the Revised Major
Modification are consistent with the type of development analyzed under
7 Verdana PUD -
Approve Revised Major Modification
the October 16, 2007 MDNS, and concluded that adequate environmental
analysis has been conducted under SEPA.
C, A community meeting was held regarding the Revised Major
Modification on October 13, 2009, and an open public hearing followed on
March 3, 2010, The hearing examiner issued findings, conclusions, and a
recommendation of approval with conditions on March 15, 2010
(Recommendation). The Recommendation is attached as Exhibit "A" and
incorporated herein,
D. On April 20, 2010, the City Council voted to adopt, with
modifications, the Recommendation and approve the Revised Major
Modification. The first modification to the Recommendation is to clarify
that the conditions attached to the approval of the Revised Major
Modification are in addition to the conditions originally imposed in the 2006
PUD Approval, The second modification is to clarify that the traffic
conditions imposed on the Revised Major Modification relate only to revised
improvements required for the Revised Major Modification. Traffic
conditions imposed in the 2006 PUD Approval are governed by the 2006
PUD Approval, If the development envisioned by the Revised Major
Modification occurs prior to the development envisioned by the 2006 PUD
Approval, traffic improvements adjacent to the Revised Major Modification
will be constructed consistent with the 2006 PUD Approval and the Revised
Major Modification.
NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CIry OF KENT,
WASHINGTON, DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
2 Verdana PUD -
Approve Revised Major Modification
ORDINANCE
SECTION 7. - Recitals Incorporated as Findings. The foregoing
recitals are incorporated by this reference,
SECTION 2, - Decision, The hearing examiner's findings,
conclusions and recommendation (Recommendation), dated March 15,
2070, is attached and incorporated as Exhibit "4." The City Council
adopts the Recommendation approving the Revised Major Modification with
the following modifications:
1. Council imposes conditions A. l through 9 and B.l through 3
in addition to the conditions imposed in the 2006 PUD Approval,
2. Council modifies Condition B. 1 to clarify that construction of
improvements prior to a certificate of occupancy for the commercial
development is related to additional improvements only required by the
commercial development and not to those improvements originally
required by the 2006 PUD Approval,
B. PRIOR TO THE ISSUANCE OF A COMMERCIAL
CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY THE APPLICANT SHALL:1. Construct required road and utility improvements
adjacent to and onlyor serving the commercial development
within the future development tracts as required through the
February 15, 2006 Verdana PUD approval and the Revised
MDNS issued October 76, 2007, including any mitigation (EMA
or EMF) charges.
SECTION 3, - Severability. If any one or more sections, sub-
sections, or sentences of this ordinance are held to be unconstitutional or
invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion
of this ordinance and the same shall remain in full force and effect,
3 Verdana PUD -
Approve Revised Major Modification
SECTION 4, - Corrections by City Clerk or Code Reviser. Upon
approval of the City Attorney, the City Clerk and the code reviser are
authorized to make necessary corrections to this ordinance, including the
correction of clerical errors; references to other local, state or federal laws,
codes, rules, or regulations; or ordinance numbering and
section/subsection numbering.
SECTION 5. - Effective Date, This ordinance shall take effect and
be in force five (5) days from and after its publication as provided by law.
rte RP 0{MAYOI
ATTEST:
BRENDA JACOBER,CLERK
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
BRU KER, CIry ATTORNEY
PASSED , { day of May, 2010
LTAPPROVED: I day of May, 2010
nPUBLISHED, / day of May, 2010
4 Verdana PUD -
Approve Revised Major Modification
I hereby certify that this is a true copy of Ordinance No.
passed by the City Council of the City of Kent, Washington, and
approved by the Mayor of the City of Kent as hereon indicated
e^Ò*&t>¿/(sEAL)
BRENDA JACOBE CLERK
P: \Clvll\Ord inanceverdana-PUÞMajorModiflcatlonApproval.docx
5 Verdana PUD -
Approve Revised Major Modification
3 e53
EXhIIBITÀ
LAND USE HEARING EXAMINER
Theodore Paul Hunter
Hearing Examiner
CTTY OF KENT
In the Matter of the Application of PUD-2004-4(R)
KIVA#RPP4-209L934
Kent 25 LLC / Kent 160 LLC
The Village at Bridges
(formerly known as Verdana)
For Approval of a Revised Request for FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS,
AND RECOMMENDATION
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATION
The revised request for major modification of a previously-approved Planned Unit
Development, PUD-2004-4, to include an assisted líving facility and retail,
commercial, and office uses within future development tracts of PUD-2004-4,
tocated at 12200 SE 304th Street, Kent, Washington should be APPROVED.
Conditions of approval are necessary to mitigate specific impacts of the proposed
development.
SUMMARY OF RECORÞ
Requestr
Kent 25 LLC / Kent 160 LLC makes a revised request for major modification of a
previously-approved Planned Unit Development, PUD-2004'4, to include an assísted
living facility and retail, commercial, and office uses within future development
tracts of PUD-20O4-4. The property subject to the requests is located at 12200 SE
304th Street, Kent, Washington,
Hearing Date:
The Hearing Examiner held an open record hearing on the request on March 3,
2010.
Testimony:
The following individuals presented testimony under oath at the open record
hearing:
Sharon Clamp, City Planner
Virginia Haugen
Art Weichbrodt
Findings, Conclusions and Recommendation
Hearing Examiner for the City of Kent
The Village at Bridges - PUD Maior Modification (Revised)
PU D-2004-4( R)/ RPP4-209 1 934
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1.
2,
3.
4.
5,
6.
7,
8.
Debbie Pratum
Mike Pratum
Corey Forsberg
Eric Pfaff
Mary Roberts
Michael Huey, P.8., Applicant Project Manager
Kevin Jones, P.E., Applicant Transportation Engineer
Katherine Orni, Applicant Planner and Development Manager
Kim Adams-Pratt, City Attorney, represented the City of Kent at the open record
hearing. Mike Murphy, Attorney at Law, represented the Applicant at the open
record hearing.
Exhibits:
City Staft Report, dated February 24,ZOLO
Revised Modification to Planned Unit Development Application, received July
2, ZOO9
Revised PUD Major Modifícation Description, undated
The Village at Bridges Revised PUD Major Modification Description, received
September 22,2009
Village at Bridges Amendment to the Verdana Technical Information Report,
dated July 2009
Large and Reduced Schematic Plans Set: Sheets A-1, A-2, A-3, and A-4,
dated December 23,2OO8
Large and Reduced Plan Set: Sheets 1 - 10, Bridges PUD Major Modification
(Formerly Verdana), dated September 2L, 2OO9
Large Plan Set: SSD Profile Exhibit, Bridges PUD Major Modification (Formerly
Verãana), dated January L4, 2OLQ; and 124th Avenue SE Channelization
Exhibit, Bridges PUD Major Modification (Formerly Verdana), dated January
L4,2OrO
Comments from the City of Auburn
A. Email message from Elizabeth Chamberlain, Princípal Planner, City of
Auburn, dated FebruarY 9, 2010
B. Letter from Elizabeth Chamberlain, Principal Planner, City of Auburn,
dated February 9,ZOLO
C. Email message from Joe Welsh, Transportation Planner, City of Auburn,
dated January L2,20LQ
D. Email message from Joe Welsh, Transpottation Planner, City of Auburn,
dated November L6,2OO9
E. Letter from Chris Hankins, Senior Planner, City of Auburn, dated
December L8,2007
F. Letter from Chris Hankins, Senior Planner, City of Auburn, dated
November 6,2007
Findings, Conclusions and Recommendation
Hearing Examiner for the City of Kent
The Village at Bridges - PUD Maior Modification (Revised)
PU D-2004-4(R)/ RPP4-20e1es4
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Page 2 of 32
10.
11.
L2.
13.
L4.
15.
16.
L7,
18.
19.
20.
2L.
22.
23.
24.
G. Letter from Michael Davolio, Director, Planning Building and Community
Department, City of Auburn, dated February L2, 2OO7
Public Comment
A, Email message from Ron and Carole Novak, dated January 17, 2010, with
response by Fred Satterstrom, City of Kent Planning Director, dated
January 22,ZOLO
B. Letter from Crystal Meadows Community Members, dated November 11,
2009
City Staff Comments, dated September L7, 2AO9 and July 8, 2009
City Routing Slip, dated July 8, 2009
Notice Documents
A, Notice of Public Hearing, dated February 20,20LQ, with accompanying
affidavit of posting, dated February L9,ZOLO1 Vicinity Map, undated;
Declaration of Service, dated February L9,20tO, and distribution list; and
Email notice of publication, dated February 16, 2010
B. Notice of StafÍ Report distribution, accompanying Declaration of Service,
and distribution list, dated February 24,ZOLO
Notice of Community Meeting, dated October 3, 2009, with accompanying
Email notice of publication, dated September 30, 2009; Email message from
Michael Huey, Project Manager, dated September 29,2009; Distribution list;
Public Comments, dated October L3,2OO9i and Sign-In Sheet, dated October
13, 2009
Mixed Use Design Review Decision Document, dated January 7,2010
Addendum to Mitigated Determination of Nonsignificance, dated Þecember
31, 2009
Revised SEPA Environmental Checklíst, dated September B, 2009
Verdana Planned Unit Development Application, received September 12,
2006
Email message from Dan Repp, Utilities Engineer, City of Auburn Public
Works, dated September L7, 2007, with attached facsimile from Dan Repp,
dated September L8, 2OO7
Letter from Beth Tan, City Environmental Engineer, dated July 16, 2007
City Council Resolution No. 3858, adopted May 16, 2005
Revised Mitigated Determination of Nonsignificance, dated October L6,2OO7
Mixed Use Desígn Review Decision Document, dated October 9,2007
Site Plans: Trail Plan, Sheet L1.05, dated July 6, 20A7; Preliminary Site Plan,
Sheet 51.014, dated July 6, 2OO7¡ Preliminary Landscape Plan, Sheet
LL.OZA, dated July 6, 2OO7; Preliminary Landscape Plant Legend, Sheet
11.01, dated May 4,2007
Building Character Examples, Sheets 41.01 and 41.02, dated July 13, 2OO7
and May I, 2007, respectively
Verdana Commercial Revised Transportation Impact Analysis, dated May
2007
Amendment to Verdana Technical Information Repoft, dated May 3,2AA7
Wetland Assessment, dated September 20,2OO4
26
25.
27.
28.
Findings, Conclusions and Recommendatlon
Hearing Examiner for the City of Kent
The Village at Bridges - PUD Maior Modification (Revlsed)
PU D-2004-4( R)/ RPP4-209 19 s4
Page 3 of 32
29. Letter from Erin Fehringer, City Environmental Engineer, dated July 11, ZAOT
30. Wetland Buffer Averaging Plan, Sheet W1.01, dated May 4, 2OO7
31. Hearing Examiner Findings, Conclusions, and Decisíon, Verdana PUÐ 2AO4-4
and Subdivision SU 2004-11, dated February 15, 2006
32. City Staff Report, Verdana PUD - Major Modification Request, PUD 2004-4(R)
(KIVA #RPP4-2O6428L), and Conditional Use Permit (CUP) Request, CE
2A07-L, dated October L7,2007
33, Hearing Examiner Findings, Conclusions, and Recommendation, Verdana PUD
- Major Modification Request, PUD 2004-4(R), dated November 27,2047
34. Kent 25 LLC Request for Reconsideration, dated December 2007
35. Hearing Examiner Response to Request for Reconsideration, dated December
LL,200736, Hearing Examiner Recommendation Upon Reconsideration, dated January 17,
200837. Hearing Examiner Revised Findings, Conclusions, and Recommendation,
dated January L7,2OO838. City Council Ordinance No. 3874, adopted February 19, 2008
39. Letter from Ron Novak, dated March 2, Z0I0
40. Letter from Kay L. Everson, dated March 2, ZOLA
4L. City of Kent stafl proposed revised condition of approval No. A-2, received
March 3,ZOLO42. Project Schematics and Plans, received March 3,2AL0, with attachments A -
P43, "Olson Creek Marsh: theJewel in Kent's Crown", submitted by Mary Roberts,
dated April 9, ZOO444. Email message from Kevin Jones, P.E., dated July 6, 2009
The Hearing Examiner enters the following Findings and Conclusions based upon
the testimony and exhibits admitted at the open record hearing:
FINDINGS
Application and Notice
Kent 25 LLC / Kent 160 LLC (Applicant) requests approval of a revised
request for a major modification (Revised Request) to a Planned Unít
Development (PUD), PIJÐ-2OO4-4. PUD-2004-4 was approved with
conditions ny tfre Hàaring Examiner on February 15, 2006.1 The revised
major modification request (PUD-2004-4(R)) would modify the previously
approved PUD-2004-4 through development of approximately L3.2L acres
1 The PUo-2004-4 application proposed development of a PUD containing 386 detached single-family
lots, foursensitive area tracts, 11 recreation tracts, 22 landscape tracts, three stormwatertracts, one
util¡ty tract, one sewer lift station tract, nine access tracts, and a future development tract. The
Hearing Examiner approved PUD-2004-4 with conditions on February 15, 2006. Conditions of
approval limited the proposed development to 379 single-family residential lots and one future
development tract. Exhibit 31,
Findings, Conclusions and Recommendatlon
Hearing Examiner far the City of Kent
The Village at Bridges - PUD Maior Modification (Revised)
PU D-2004-4( R)/ RPP4-209 I 9 34
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Page 4 of 32
within PUD-2004-4, consisting of four Future DevelopmentTracts (FDTs)r
Tracts LLL, MMM, NNN, and OOO.2 Under the Revised Request, the tracts
would be developed with an assisted living facility and retail, commercial,
and office uses. PUD-2004-4 consists of ISS acres located at 12200 SE 304th
Street, Kent, Washington, on the west side of 124th Avenue SE, south of SE
288th étreet, north of Se 3o4th street, and east of 118th Avenue SE. The
Future Development Tracts are located within the PUD at the nofthwest
corner of L24th Avenue SE and SE 304th Street in Kent, Washington.3 FDTs
LLL, MMM, NNN, and OOO are bounded by The Bridges (formerly Verdana).
residentiai deveiopment to the north, 124th Avenue SE to the east, SE 304th
Street to the south and Crystal Meadows plat to the west. Exhibit 2; Exhibit
4; Exhibit 7; Exhibít 31.
2 The Applicant submitted a previous request for major modification of PUD-
2004-4 on September L2,2006. Following a revised recommendation by the
Hearing Examiner on January L7, 2OOB, the City Council denied the major
modification request without prejudice by adopting Ordinance No, 3874 on
February 19, 2008. The Applicant filed a Land Use Petition Act (LUPA) appeal
of the City Council's action in King County Superior Coutt on March 10, 2008,
In subsequent meetings with the Applicant, City staff determined a revised
PUD major modification application could be submitted. The Applicant
submitted a revised request for major modification on July 2, 2OO9. Exhibit
7, Staff Report, page 3; Exhibit 2; Exhibit 4; Exhibit 37; Exhibit 37; Exhibit
38,
The City of Kent (City) published notice of a community meeting on the
Revised Request hosted by the Applicant in the Kent Reparter on October 3,
2009. Exhibit 14. The City posted notice of the open record hearing
associated with the Revised Request on the subject propefty on February L9,
2010.4 The City also mailed notice of the hearing to local agencies,
2 At the time of Hearing Examiner approval of PUD-2004-4 and preliminary plat SU 2004-11 with
conditions, the PUD 2OO4-4 contained one future development tract at the SE 304th Street/l24th
Avenue SE inlersection, wlth no uses specified for the tract. Under the revised PUD modification
proposal, PUD-2004-4(R), four future development tracts ,.Tracts LLL, MMM, NNN, and OOO, take the
place of ihe single future development tract at the SE 304th Street/l24th Avenue SE intersection.
Exhibit 4; Exhibit 7; Exhibit 31. The Applicant's SEPA Environmental Checklist states that a the
Applicant recorded a final plat for The Bridges (formerly Verdana) under Kinþ County File No.
20O7L22OO00095, and that the final plat contained Future Development Tracts LLL, MMM, NNN, and
OOO. Exhibit 17. 'lhe four future development tracts within the final plat total approximately 13.21
acres; the earlier single future development tract totaled approximately 13.30 acres. Exhibit 4,
3 The property that contains the four future development tracts is identified by King County Parcel
Nos. 108562-3960, 108562-3970, 108562-3980, and 108562-399O. Exhibit 2.
a The City staff report states a revised Notice of Application for the minor revision to the major
modification request is not required. According to the staff repoft, the City mailed notice of
application for the original proposal to local, state, and federal agencies, published notice in the Kenf
Reporter, and posted notice on the subject property on January 27 , 2OO7 , On July 7 , 70Q7 , the City
Findings, Conclusians and Recommendation
Hearing Examiner for the City of Kent
The Village at Bridges - PUD Major Modification (Revised)
PUD-2004-4(R)/ RPP4-209 1934
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Page 5 of 32
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interested parties, and owners of property within 300 feet of the subject
property on February 19,2010. The City published notice of the hearing in
the Kent Reporter on FebruarY 2O,2010. Exhibit 13,4.
SEPA Determination
The City analyzed the environmental impact of the Revised Request under
the State Environmental Protection Act (SEPA), Ch. 43.21C RCW. The City
issued an Addendums to the City's October L6,2OO7 Revised Mitigation
Determination of Nonsignificance (MDNS)6 on December 31, 2009. The
Addendum analyzed whether impacts associated with the Revised Request
were evaluated under the October 16, 2007 MDNS, The Addendum
determined that Revised Request impacts are consistent with the type of
development analyzed under the October L6,2OO7 MDNS, and concluded
that adequate environmental analysis has been conducted under SEPA.
Exhibit 7, Staff Report, page 6; Exhibit 16.
City Comprehensive Plan Desionation
The proposed PUD is located within an area designated as an Urban Growth
Area under the Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA). Exhibit 1,
Staff Report, page 5. Urban growth areas are designated as areas and
densities sufficient to permit the urban growth that is projected to occur in
published a revised notice of application that identified the addition of two drive-through lanes in the
Kent Reporter, mailed notice to all parties of record, and posted notice on the subject property.
Exhlbit 1, Staff Report, page 72.
5 An "addendum" under SEPA is "an environmental document used to provide additional information or
analysis that does not substantially change the analysis of significant impacts and alternatives in the
existing environmental document. The term does not include supplemental EISs. An addendum may
be used at any time during the SEPA process," Washington Administrative Cade (WAC) 197'706.
6 The City reviewed the environmental impact of the initial proposal for a major modification of the
PUD, as required by the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), Ch.43.zLC RCW. The City found that
with four conditions, the proposal would not have a probable significant adverse impact on the
environment, and issued a Mitigated Determination of Nonsignificance (MDNS) on September 19,
2OO7. MDNS conditions concerned payment of an environmental mitigation fee for the City's South
272nd Street - South 277ü Street Corridor Project; payment of a pro-rata share of the cost of
resolving the High Accident Location (HAL) at lhe State Route (SR) 18 - SE 304th Street (west ramps)
interchange; modification of the 124th Avenue SE frontage improvements to provide a southbound
right-turn pocket at the south entrance to the proposed commercial development; and minimization of
site grading. The MDNS conditíon related to payment of an environmental mitigation fee stated that
the fee shall be equivalent to 63 percent of actual trip generation, based upon the expectation that 63
percent of site-generated traffic would pass through the Kent city limits and that the project would
generate L76 or 240 vehicle trips. The City issued a revised MDNS with four conditions on October
76,2007. The City revised the MDNS to change the MDNS condition related to environmental
mitigation fee payment. The revised MDNS states that the environmental mitigation fee shall be
equivalent to 30 percent of actual trip generation, based upon the expectation that 30 percent of site-
generated traffic would pass through the Kent city limits and the project would generate242 vehicle
trips. Exhibit 37.
Findings, Conclusions and Recommendation
Hearing Examiner for the CÌty of Kent
The Village at Bridges - PUD Maior Modification (Revised)
PU D-2004-4 ( R)/ RPP4- 209 I 9 s4
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the county or city for the succeeding 20-year period. RCW 36.70A,110(2).
Each urban growth area shall permit urban densities and shall include
greenbelt and open space areas. RCW 36.70A.110(2). Urban growth should
be located first in areas already characterized by urban growth that have
adequate existing public facility and service capacities to serve such
development, second in areas already characterized by urban growth that
will be served adequately by a combination of both existing public facilities
and services and any additional needed public facilities and services that are
provided by either public or private sources, and third in the remaining
portions of the urban growth areas. RCW 36.70A.110(3).
The City Comprehensive Land Use Plan Map designates the northern 63.22
acres of the proposed PUD site as SF-3 Single Family Residential, and the
southern 92.26 acres of the site as Urban Separator. Land adjacent to the
north of the PUD is designated Single-Family 3 units per acre by the City
Land Use Map. The Land Use Map depicts the PUD site as annexed into the
City of Kent through City Ordinance No, 2743. FDTs LLL, MMM, NNN, and
OOO are located entirely on propefty designated Urban Separator. The SF-3
comprehensive plan designation is equivalent to an SR-3 zoning
classification. The Urban Separator designation is equivalent to the SR-1
zoning classification. City Comprehensive Plan, Land Use Element (revised
May 4, 2006), page 4-9; CÌty Comprehensive PIan, Land Use Map, Figure 4.7,
page 4-53 (revised May 4, 20A6); Exhibit 7, Staff Report, page 14; ExhÌbit 7.
The City Comprehensive Plan contains Land Use Element goals and policies
relevant to the PUD major modifícation application.T Policy LU-14.8 ensures
that commercial and mixed-use developments adjacent to single-family
resídential areas are compatible in height and scale. Goal LU-24 and Policy
LU-24.L encourage land use that reduces automobile dependency, including
mixed use developments incorporating bike, pedestrian, and transit
amenities. Goal LU-31 establishes Urban Separator designations to protect
environmentally sensitive areas and to create open space corridors. Policy
LU-31.3 and Policy LU-3L.7 require subdívisions within or adjacent to Urban
Separators to provide open space linkages within or to the Urban Separator
and to encourage well-designed land use patterns to protect and enhance
urban separators. City Comprehensíve Plan, Land Use (revlsed May 4,
2006), pages 4-32 - 4-33, 4-35 - 4'36, 4-47, 4-51 - 4-52; Exhibit 7, Staff
Report, pages 14 - 15.
TThe City staff report identified Comprehensive Plan Policy LU-14.8, Goal LU-24, Policy LU-24.1, Goal
LU-31, Policy LU-31.3, Policy LU-31.7, Goal CD-4, Goal CD-5, Goal CD-6, Policy H-2.2, Policy TR-5.4,
Policy TR-7.2, Policy TR-7.3, Pollcy ED-2.4, Policy ED-3.1. Policy ED-3.4, and Policy ED-3'6 as
applicable to the proposed revised major modification to the PUD. Exhibit 7, Staff Report, pages 74 -
17.
Findings, Concluslons and Recommendation
Hearing Examiner for the City of Kent
The Village at Bridges - PUD Maior Modification (Revised)
PUD-2004-4(R)/ RPP4-209 1934
Page 7 of 32
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I The City Comprehensive Plan also contains community design, housing,
transportation, and econom¡c development goals and policies relevant to the
PUD modification application. Goals CD-4, CD-s, and CD-6 encourage
designing new commercial projects to accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists,
tranãit, ãnd automobiles; development of mixed use areas that are vital and
attractìve focal points of community activity; and ensuring that the scale,
layout, and character of commercial and mixed use development is
complimentary to the surrounding neighborhood. Housing Policy H-2.2
supports housing with appropriate amenities for individuals, families, and
children. Transportation Policies TR-5.4 t TR-7.2, and TR-7.3 encourage
pedestrian and bicycle connections and trails to connect neighborhoods when
roads are not practical. Economic Development Policy EÐ-2.4 encourages a
connective land use pattern that integrates housing with natural amenities,
employment, shopping, and recreation. Policy ED-3,4 promotes alternative
transit opportunities between commercial and residential areas. Policy ED-
3.6 promotes walking opportunities. Policy ED-3.1 allows for small-scale
commerc¡al establishments in neighborhood areas to provide services for
residents. City Comprehensive Plan, Community Design Element, pages 77,
13 - 14; City Comprehens¡ve PIan, Housing Element, page 11; City
Comprehensíve PIan, Transportat¡on Element, pages 35 - 36; City
Comprehensive PIan, Economic Development Element, pages 5 - 6; Exhibit
7, Staff Report, pages 16 - 17.
Zone Classification and Land Use
FDTs LLL, MMM, NNN, and OOO are located within the City's SR-l Residential
Agricultural zoning district. Exhibit 7, Staff Report, page 4. The purpose of
th; SR-l zoning district is to provide for areas allowing low density single-
family residential development. According to the City zoning code, SR-1
zoning shall be applied to those areas identified in the comprehensive plan
for low density development, because of environmental constraints or lack of
urban services, KCC 15.03.010, The SR-l zoning district permits one
dwelling unit per acre, with a 34,70O square foot minimum lot area.8 KCC
15,04.I70, Overall, 92.26 acres in the southern portion of the proposed PUD
are located within the City's SR-l zoning district, and63,22 acres in the
nofthern port¡on of the proposed PUD are located within the City's SR-3
Single-Family Residential zoning district. ExhÌbit 7, Staff Report, page 4.
The purpose of the SR-3 zoning district is to stabilize and preserve single-
famiiy residential neighborhoods, as designated in the comprehensive plan,
and to provide a range of densities and minimum lot sizes to promote
diversity and recognize a variety of residential environments. KCC
15.03.014.
I The City staff report states that a residential development within the same sized area as the PUD
FDTs typically could contain 16 residences plus associated impervious surface . Exhlbit 7, Staff Report'
page 20.
Findings, Conclusions and Recommendation
Hearing Examiner for the City of Kent
The Vitlage at Bridges - PUD Maior ModÌfication (Revised)
PU D-2004-4( R)/ RPP4-209 79 s4
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11
LZ.
PUD Standards
The intent of planned unit development is to promote diversity and creativity
in site design, protect and enhance natural and community features, and
encourage unique developments which may combine a mixture of residential,
commercial, and industrial uses. The PUD process permits departures from
the conventional siting, setback, and densíty requirements of a particular
zoning district to achieve superior site development, create open space, and
encourage imaginative design by permitting design flexibility. KCC
15.08.400. PUDs are permitted in all zoning districts except the A-10
Agricultural zone, provided that PUDs in SR zones are only allowed if the site
is at least 100 acres in size, wÍth some exceptions ' KCC 15.08.400.A; KCC
15.08.400.C.
The uses principally permítted within the PUD are those that are permitted in
the underiying zoning classification for the property, except for uses
permitted by KCC 15.08.400.8.4. KCC 15.08.400.A. Commercial uses may
be permitted in residential PUDs of 100 acres or more/ but "shall be limited
to those uses permitted in the neighborhood convenience commercial (NCC)
zoning district." KCC 15.08.400.8.4. The uses permitted in the NCC district
are Class I-4, I-8, and I-C Group Homes; rebuild/accessory uses for existing
dwellings; food and convenience stores (retail); eating and drinking
establishments (but not a drive-through); miscellaneous retail stores; liquor
stores; finance, insurance, and real estate services; personal services; home
day-care; day care centers; professional services; and municipal uses and
uuítuings. xic ls.oq.020; KCC 1s,04.070; KCC 1s.04.090.e Drive-
through/drive-up commercial/retail businesses other than eating or drinking
establishments are permitted within the NCC zone with a conditional use
permit. KCC 15.04.070.
Revised Request
Kim Adams-Pratt, City Attorney, stated for the City that the Applicant has
submitted a revised application for major modification of the PUD (Revised
Request),lo and that the Revised Request contains substantial changes from
the initial appl¡cation for major modification. The Applicant submitted a
Revised PUD Major Modification Description (Revised Description), dated
September 8, 2009. City Planner Sharon Clamp testified that the Revîsed
e The purpose of the NCC zoning district is to "provide small nodal areas for retail and personal service
activitìes convenient to residential areas and to provide ready access to everyday convenience goods
for the residents of such neighborhoods. NCC districts shall be located in areas designated for
neíghborhood services in the comprehensive plan." KCC 15.0i,010.
10 The City Council denied the previous application for a major modification of the PUD without
prejudice. Exhibit 38. Kim Adams-Pratt, City Attorney, argued that the Washington Supreme Court
decision in Hilltop Terrace Homeowners Ass'n v, Island County, 126 Wn.2d 22 (1995) means the
Rpplicantt rwiseO ápplication is not barred under the res judicata doctrine, as the Applicant's revised
application is sufficiently different from its initial application. Statement of Ms. Adams'Pratt'
Findings, Conclusions and Recommendation
Hearing Examiner for the City of Kent
The Village at Bridges - PUD Major ModifÌcation (Revised)
PU D-2004-4( R)/ RPP4-209 19s4
Page 9 of 32
13.
Request is a significant revision because there are numerous changes from
the initial application, but a minor change because the overall nature of the
development proposal for the PUD future development tracts - commercial
and residential - has not changed. Exhibit 4; Testimony of Ms. Clamp;
Statement of Ms. Adams-Pratt.
Mike Murphy, Applicant Attorney, argued that the Revised Request is
materially changed from the initial application for major modification.
Michael Huey testified for the Applicant that since ínitial design, proposed
retail uses have been consolidated into the center of the proposed
commercial development, the stormwater detention pond associated with the
proposed development has been relocated for increased open space over the
initial design, and landscaping has been added to the proposed development.
Statement of Mr. Murphy; Testimony of Mr. Huey'
L4. Katherine Orni, Applicant Planner/Development Manager/Representative,
testified that the Revised Request differs from the initial proposal through
greater clustering of proposed buildings, increased open space, and
decreased impervious surface as compared to the initial proposal. Ms. Orni
testified that the detention pond has been moved to provide additional buffer
between the existing wetland and proposed development; more pedestrian
ways have been added; the proposed assisted living facility has been
relocated behind a landscaped area; the design incorporates "Notthwest
design" features, large plazas, and connecting ways; and parking spaces
have been moved to the interior of the subject property. Ms. Orni added that
landscaping would be located adjacent to parking spaces. Ms. Orni also
added t'hafproposed one-story buildings along 124th Avenue would buffer
proposed two-story buildings moved to the interior of the subject property'
Testimony of Ms. Orni,
15. The Revised Description explains that total PUD site area would still be
155.33 acres. According to the Revised Descriptíon, total future
development tract site area would decrease from 13.30 acres to 13.21 acres'
as revised; total impervious surface would decrease from 69 percent to 48
percent; and parking would decrease from 446 spaces to 398 spaces.
Proposed building footprints would be reduced from 20 percent of the site to
18 percent of the site. Proposed buildings would be decreased from nine'to
seven buildings, Within the PUD's four future development tracts, the
Revised Description proposes commercial development limited to uses
allowed within the City's Neighborhood Convenience Commercial zoning
district. According to the Revised Description, the revised proposal clusters
proposed retail buildings tighter to provide more open space than the initial
proposal. Open space within the future development tracts would increase
from 4.12 acres underthe initial PUD major modification application to 6.82
acres under the revised application. Open space within the entíre PUD would
Findings, Concluslons and Recommendation
Hearing Examiner for the City of Kent
The Village at Bridges - PUD Maior Modification (Revised)
PU D-zA o4-4( R)/ RPP4-209 19 34
Page 10 af 32
16.
Findings, Conclusions and Recommendatìon
Hearing Examiner for the City of Kent
The Village at Bridges - PUD Major Modification (Revised)
PU D-2004-4( R)/ RPP4- 289 I 934
Page 11 of 32
increase from 77.L5 acres to 83.97 acres, with 61.11 acres of pass¡ve open
space and 16.33 acres of recreational open space, compared to 59.47 acres
and 16.09 acres, respect¡vely, under the initial proposal. Exhibit 4; Exhibit
7; Exhibit 36; Exhib¡t 42.
Revised Site Plan
The Applicant's September 2L, 2OOg revised s¡te plan map depicts the
development proposal under the Revised Request. The rev¡sed site plan map
depicts seven buildings within FDTs LLL, MMM, NNN, and OOO: Building A
(76Å?8 square feet), Building C (7,520 square feet), Building D (10,975
square feet), Building E (L8,473 square feet), Building F (8,125 square feet),
Building c (13,631 square feet), and BuildingJ (16,778 square feet). None
of the proposed buildings would exceed 35 feet in height. The Olson Creek
stream course and surrounding wetland and buffer bisect the area of
proposed development within FDTs LLL, MMM, NNN, and OOO. Olson Creek
would be protected by a 40-foot wide stream buffer and a lS-foot wide
building setback from the wetland buffer. Building J, a proposed office
building, would be located on the west boundary of the FDTs, with access
from SE 304th Street. A grasscrete emergency vehicle access lane would
extend north, adjacent to the east of proposed Building J. A pedestrian
bridge would cross the grasscrete emergency access to connect a publÌc
plaza adjacent to Buildíng J to the remainder of the proposed buildings
located adjacent to the east and north, across Olson Creek and wetland
areas. Buildings E and F, proposed mixed use office and retail buildings,
would be located adjacent to the east end of the proposed bridge. Building
A, an assisted living facility, would be located adjacent to the nofth of
Building E. A proposed detention pond would be located adjacent to the
nofth of Building A. Buildings C, D, and G, proposed retail buildings, would
be located adjacent to the east of Buildings A, E, and F, separated by a
central courtyard. 124th Avenue SE would lie adjacent to the east of
Buildings C, D, and G. A pedestrian plaza would be located between
proposed Building C and 124th Avenue SE. A pedestrian trail would lead
nofth from the pedestrian plaza to open space and residential development
within the PUD, A pedestrian path would also be located adjacent to the
west of proposed Buildings F, E and A, and the proposed detention pond,
roughly parallel to the Olson Creek stream course. Internal roads would
connect proposed buildings, with parking spaces for vehicles. Overall, the
proposed development with FDTs LLL, MMM, NNN, and OOO would total
approximately 48,724 square feet of retail space; 26,778 square feet of
office space; and a 76,LZB square-foot assisted living facility. Buildings
around the perimeter of the proposed development would be one-story;
buildings in the retail core (Buildings A, E, and F) would be two-story
buildings. Exhibit 7.
L7. Photo schematics show that after development proposed under the Revised
Request, a person standing at the SE 304th/124th Avenue SE intersection
roundabout lookíng north along 124th Avenue SE would see trees planted
along the west side of the road. A parking lot and pedestrian trails would be
located adjacent to the west of the trees,..and the proposed commercial
development would be located along 124th Avenue NE adjacent to the north
of the trees. The parking lot would serve the proposed commercial
development; both the lot and the development would be surrounded by
landscaping, including trees. Exhibit 42'
18. Vehicles would access the proposed assisted living center through a driveway
from 124th Avenue SE to the assisted living facility. A driveway to the south
of the assisted living facility driveway would provide access to proposed retail
development. Another driveway would access proposed Building J from SE
304th Street, Exhibit 7,
19. Type I solid screen landscaping would be installed between proposed Building
J and the Crystal Meadows subdivisîon, including large evergreen and
deciduous trees, for a solid screen of vegetation between proposed
development and the subdivision. Type Ii visual screen landscaping would
be installed throughout proposed development within the FDTs, including
large and small deciduous and evergreen trees. Type II landscaping would
screen parking areas located along 124th Avenue SE and along SE 304'n
Street from the street. Proposed development within the FDTs would also
include ornamental planting areas consisting of shrubs, groundcover,
perennials, and lawn. Exhìbit 7, Staff Report, pages 20 and 24; Exhibit 7.
Proposed Uses
The Applicant's Revised Description states that as proposed, anticipated uses
within the future development tracts of the PUD could include, consistent
with KCC 15.08.400(8)(4): retail food and convenience stores; eating and
drinking establishments, with no drive-through eating and drinking
establishments; drive-through/up businesses; miscellaneous retail; liquor
store; finance, insurance, and real estate services, personal services; home
day-care or day-care centers; professional services; utility and transportation
facilities; public facilities; wireless telecommunications facilities, with a
conditional use permit; group homes; drive-in churches; and welfare
facilities, such as retirement homes, convalescent homes, or facilities for
rehabilitation or correction with a conditional use permit. ExhibÌt 4.
20
2L
Current Status, Construction Phasino and Occupancy
Michael Huey, Applicant Representative, testified that the final plat for
subdivision SU 2004-11 has been recorded, and that some improvements
within the subdivision have already been bonded.l1 Mr. Huey testified that
11 The Applicant recorded the final plat under AFN 20071220000095. Exhiblt 4.
Findings, Conclusìons and Recommendation
Hearing Examìner for the City of Kent
The Village at Brìdges - PUD Maior Modification (Revised)
PU D-2004-4(R)/ RPP4-209 1934
Page 72 of 32
22.
development under the Revised Request would be tied into the subdivision,
including pedestrian access and open space elements. Some civil
construction work for the residential portion of the PUD has already been
completed. The completed work includes detention ponds, roadways, and
lots. Portions of the PUD FDTs are currently used as a stockpile site for
topsoil and m¡neral dirt from the residential development, to be used for fill
as necessary to construct the proposed commercial development. Exhibit 7,
Staff Report, page 7; Exhibit 37; TestÌmony of Mr. Huey.
According to the Applicant's Revised PUD Major Modification Schedule of
Development (Schedule), the Applicant would submit detailed construction
and building plans if the PUD modification is approved. Construction of the
proposed PUD modification would begin in late 2010 or in 2011, followed by
first occupancy in ZOIZ, The Schedule states that building construction may
be phased based on market conditions. Exhibit 3.
The Applicant's Schedule states that the Applicant anticipates the assisted
living facility would be owned and operated separately from proposed retail
and office buildings. Retail and oftice buildings may have separate owners
managing and leasing floor space. The Applicant would prepare design
covenants to meet architectural, lighting, open space and landscaping
requirements of the City's Mixed-Use Design Review process. A homeowners
association has been formed for the overall Bridges subdivision and PUD, and
the City of Kent has reviewed and approved Conditions, Covenants, and
Restrictions (CC&Rs) for the overall subdivision and PUD. The Applicant
would prepare similar covenants addressing continued maintenance of the
open space, parking lot, buildings, storm facilities, and other common areas
associated with the revised request for major modification of the PUD.
Exhibít 3.
23.
Commercial PUD Criteria
24. KCC 15.08.400.I provides that "the criteria for approval of a request for a
major modification shall be those criteria covering original approval of the
permit which is the subject of the proposed modification." KCC 15.08.400.1.
25. Pursuant to 15.08.400(CX5Xa) KCC, a minimum of 35 percent of the total
PUD site area (or in mixed use PUDs, 35 percent of the area containing
residential uses) is required to be provided as common open space. As
proposed under the Revised Request, 83.97 acres or 54,06 percent of the
total PUD site area would be set aside as open space. ExhibÌt 7, Staff Report,
pages 11 - 12; Exhibít 4.
Findings, Conclusions and Recommendation
Hearing Examiner for the City of Kent
The Vitlage at Bridges - PUD Maior Modification (Revised)
PU D -2004-4( R)/ RPP4-209 19 s4
Page 73 of 32
26
27.
28
29
30.
Urban Separator Development
Residential areas within the PUD would be located to the west and north of
FDTs LLL, MMM, NNN, and OOO. Pedestrian trails would extend between the
areas of the PUD to connect residential neighborhoods. A trail would extend
nofthwest and another trail would extend noÉh from the FDT area to connect
to residential neighborhoods within the PUD. Exhibit 24.
For areas within urban separators, 50 percent of the unconstrained area
must be retained in perpetuity as common open space. KCC 12.04.778.C.8.
Of the 4A.28 acres of unconstrained Urban Separator area, 20.L4 acres must
be retained as common open space, under the City code. Of the 20.14
acres, L6,42 acres Were recorded as open space with the urban separator
designation on the final plat. The Applicant would set aside another
addi[ional 3.72 acres of common open space in other future development
tracts within the PUD. Exhibit 7, Staff Report, page 12; Exhibit 4.
Wetlands
Raedeke Associates, Inc. delineated six wetlands upon the PUD propefty
covering approximately 50 acres and repofted their results in a September
20,2OO4 Wetland Assessment. Raedeke determined that two of the
wetlands (Wetlands 1 and 2) satisfy the City criteria for a Cdtegory 2
wetland, and that four of the wetlands (Wetlands 3, 4, 5, and 6) satisfy the
City's cúter¡a for a Category 3 wetland.12 Wetland 1, the largest wetland, is
located adjacent to the future development tract. Wetland 1 would be
protected within a Native Growth Protection Area. Exhibit 7; ExhibÌt 24;
Exhibit 28; Exhíbit 31.
According to the Hearing Examiner's February 15, 2006 decision, the City's
consultant reviewed the Raedeke delineation. The City's consultant
requested that Raedeke perform additional hydrologic monitoring. Based on
hydrologic monitoring results, Raedeke revised the wetland delineation to
incorporate additional area into Wetland 1. The City approved the revised
delineation on July 7, 2005. After reviewing the record, the Hearing
Examiner concluded that "the wetland boundaríes were determined after a
stringent review process that involved the expertise of multiple wetland
professionals," and that "environmentally sensitive areas would be protected
in accordance with the regulations in place at the time of complete
application." ExhÌbit 31.
The western arm of Wetland 1 contains Olson Creek, which flows north
through a culvert beneath SE 304th Street into the western portion of the
12 Raedeke delineated wetlands according to the 1993 City code. The City's critical areas code was
amended in 2006, following the City's receipt of a complete PUD application on October L3,2004'
Exhibit 28; Exhibit 31.
Findings, Conclusions and Recommendation
Hearing Examiner for the CÌty of Kent
The Village at Bridges - PUD Maior Modification (Revised)
PU D-2004-4( R)/ RPP4-209 1 I s 4
Page 14 of 32
31.
32.
wetland. Olson Creek then flows off-síte to the nofthwest into the Green
River. According to the Raedeke Wetland Assessment, Olson Creek is
classified as a Class 2 stream without salmonids under the City critical areas
code.13 The Staff Report characterizes the on-site portion of Olson Creek as
non-salmonid. Exhibit 7, Staff Reporí page 7; Exhíbit 28; Exhibit 31.
The western arm of Wetland I containing Olson Creek and required buffers
bisects development proposed under the Revised Request. Proposed Building
J, parking, and landscaping would be located adjacent to the west of the
western arm of Wetland 1 and Olson Creek. The remainder of development
proposed under the Revised Request, including buildings, parking, and
.
iandscaping, would be located east of the western arm of Wetland 1 and
Olson Creek. The portion of proposed development on the west of the
wetland would be connected to the remainder of the commercial
development to the east by a pedestrian foot bridge over the wetland.
Wetland 1 extends to the west and north adjacent to development proposed
under the Revised Request. Residential housing would be located adjacent to
the west and north of the wetland. Exhibit 7; Exhibit 42.
Development proposed under the Revised Request would impact 0.44 acre of
wetland buffer, requiring buffer averaging under Chapter 11.06 KCC. The
City approved a May 4,2007 conceptual wetland buffer averaging plan on
:uly tt, 2007. A wetland buffer would also separate the wetland and Olson
Creek from adjacent retail and office building development. Accordíng to the
preliminary Wetland Buffer AveraEing Plan map, all enlarged buffer areas
under the conceptual averaging plan (buffer'give' areas) will be enhanced
with native wetland transitional plantings in the plant list on the preliminary
landscape plant legend, Sheet Ll.01. Under the Revised Request, the 2007
approved buffer line would change slightly in the nor[heast corner of the
proposed Building J site, resulting in approximately 122.37 square feet of
reduced buffer and approximately 677.33 square feet of added buffer, for a
total surplus buffer of approximately 5,104.96 square feet. The City staff
report states that a final wetland bufier averaging and restoration plan must
be approved under Chapter 11.06 KCC prior to issue of any development
permits. Remaining wetland, stream, and wetland ?rff"t would be protected
within a Native Growth Protection Area (NGPA). Exhibit 7, Staff Report, page
B; ExhibÌt 7; Exhibit 30.
Topography
The Staff Report describes topographical conditions on the proposed
development site. The southwest pottion of the site contains a 30- to 55-
33.
13 Raedeke delineated streams according to the 1996 City code. The City's critical areas code was
amended in 2006, following the City's receipt of a complete PUD application on October L3,2004'
Exhîbit 28; Exhibit 31.
Findlngs, ConclusÌons and Recommendatíon
Hearlng Examiner for the CiS of Kent
The Vlltage at Bridges ' PUD Major Modification (Revised)
PU D-2004-4( R)/ RPP4-209 1 9 34
Page 15 of 32
foot high slope ranging from 13 to 33 percent grade, with the toe of the
slope located in Wetland 1. The east-central portion of the site contains a
slope as high as44 feet, ranging from 20to 33 percentgrade, Thetop of
the slope liès along 124th Avenue SE; thetoe of the slope lies in Wetland 1.
The north portion of the site slopes to Wetland 1 at approxímately 12 percent
grade. The staff report states erosion potential exists on the east and west
sides of the site and further ínvestigation should be undertaken if
development is planned on an area with a risk of liquefaction generally
adjacent to Wetland 1. Accordíng to the staff report, the City and Applicant
will address liquefactíon and erosion issues during development review.
Exhibit 7, Staff Report, Page 6.
Stormwater Facilities
34. The Applicant submitted an Amended Technical Information Report (TIR),
dated July 2009. The Amended TIR addresses the Revised Request,
According to the Amended TIR, the Revised Request proposes minor changes
to the PUD drainage basin boundary and decreases the amount of impervious
surface over the initial PUD modificätion request. Under the Revised
Request, the proposed detention pond would be relocated to the north
portion of the future development tracts. The pond would provide detention
and water quality treatment for all proposed development within the future
development tracts. Exhibit 5.
35. Development within the future development tracts would use a pipe and
catch basin system to collect surtace water runoff and route it to the
proposed detention pond. Stormwater runoff from the development pad
proposed for the west portion of the future development tracts would be
conveyed to the detention pond through a pipe under the pedestrian bridge.
Stormwater would be treated and discharged from the detention pond to the
onsite wetland, eventually flowing to Olson Creek. Stormwater would be
released from the west side of the detention pond at pre-development rates
to maintain wetland hydrology and water to Olson Creek, The detention
pond would be landscaped to blend with surrounding green spaces, with a
trail corridor along the top of the pond berm. The stormwater conveyance
system would be designed to meet 2002 City Stormwater.Ðesign Manual and
f'SSe fing County Stormwater Design Manual standards.t4 Exhibit 4; Exhíbit
5.
Access and Traffic
36. The driveway to access ttre propoiea retail buildings and parking along 124th
Avenue SE would be located' approximately 415 feet north of the SE 304th
Street/l24'h Avenue SE intersection. The driveway to access the proposed
assisted living facility would be located north of the retail access driveway on
124th Avenue SE, approximately 400 feet north of the driveway to access
14 The Revised Request is vested to these standards. Exhibit 5.
Findings, Conclusions and Recommendation
Hearing Examiner for the City of Kent
The Village at Bridges - PUD Maior Modification (Revised)
PU D -2 o 0 4-4( R)/ RPP4- 209 79 34
Page 16 of 32
proposed reta¡l buildings. A driveway to access proposed Building J would be
iocated along SE 304th Street, approximately 350 feet west of the SE 304th
SlreetlL? th Avenue SE intersection. The Cíty stafl report states that SE
304th Street and 124th Avenue SE are both under City of Auburn jurisdiction
following annexation on January 1, 2008. Exhibit 7, Staff Report, page B;
Exhibit 7.
37. The Applicant submitted a Revised Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA), prepared by
the Transpo Group in May 2007, to evaluate traffic impacts of the initial PUD
modification proposal and to respond to comments from King County, the
City of Auburn, and the City of Kent. The study. analyzed existing traffic
volumes for the following intersections: SE 284ú Street/L24th Avenue SE; SE
293'd Way /L24th Avenue SE; SE 296th Wayll}4th Avenue SE; and SE 304th
Street/l24th Avenue SE. According to the Transpo Group, King County will
replace the existing traffic signal at the SE 304th Street/l24th Avenue SE
intersection with a roundabout, with construction scheduled for 2007. Due to
ongoing construction, the Transpo Group dÍd not collect existing traffic
volumel at the SE 3o4th/124th Avenue SE and SE 284thl124th Avenue SE
intersections. Instead, the Transpo Group estimated peak hour traffic
volumes at the SE 304th/124th Avenue SE intersection by increasing May
2004 volumes by five percent per year for three years. The Transpo Group
estimated existing AM peak hour traffic volumes at the SEZB4th/t24th
Avenue SE intersection by increasing August 2OO4 volumes by five percent
per year for three years, then increasing August 2OO4 volumes by a factor of
20 percent to reflect non-summer conditions. The Transpo Group estimated
existing PM peak hour traffic volume at the SE 304th/124th Avenue 5E
intersection by increasing August 2006 volumes by 10 percent, because
schools generally generate fewer trips during the weekday PM peak hour
than the AM peak hour. Exhibit 26.
38 The Revised TIA estimated potential traffic impacts of proposed commercial
development based on the average trip rates for the "Shopping Cen_ter,"
"Assisted Living," and "Medica/Dental Office" ITE Land Use Codes.ls
However, the Revised TIA stated that actual project trips generated would be
less than the trips associated with the ITE Land Use Codes, as the Revised
TIA assumed lesser linked trips between the different uses within the
commercial development than assumed under the ITE Codes, The Revised
TIA concluded that the proposed commercial development would generate
approximately L22 new weekday AM peak hour trips and 262 new weekday
t5 The Transpo Group used average trip rates published in the ITE Trip Generat¡on manual, 7th Edition
(2003). The Transpo Group estimated the traffic impact of the proposed commercial development
based on the following project description: commercial retail space totaling up to 55,000 square feet
gross leasable area, medical/dental office space totaling up to 25,000 square feet gross floor area, and
a 150-bed assisted living facility. The TIA states that the project would be completed and generate
traffic by 20o9, Exhiblt 26.
Findings, Conclusions and Recommendatìon
Hearing Examiner for the City of Kent
The Village at Bridges - PUD Maior Modification (Revised)
PU D -2004-4( R)/ RPP4-209 1934
Page 17 of 32
39
40 The Revised TIA determined that traffic at the northern driveway proposed
along 124th Avenue SE would experience a LOS C in the AM and PM peak
hour!. Traffic at the southern driveway proposed along 124th Avenue SE
would experience a LOS D in the AM peak hour and a LOS E in the PM peak
hour. Traffic at the proposed driveway to access the proposed development
along SE 304th Street would experience a LOS C in the AM and PM peak hour.
Exhibit 26.
4L.The Applicant states in its Revised Description that the May 2AO7 Revised TIA
conservatively estimates traffic impacts based on uses allowed in the NCC
16 The Transpo Group assumed that the retail porÈion of the proposed commercial development would
attract some "by-pass trips", or trips already en route to another destination. Based on the average
by-pass rate foi a shopping center published in the ITE Trip Generation Handbook (znd Ed¡t¡on, 2001),
the Transpo Group approximately 34 percent of all retail trips would be by-passing the proposed
commercial development, Thus, of 57 total new trips generated by the Shopping Center land use
code, Transpo Group concluded only 39 new trips would actually be generated by the proposed
commercial development. Exhibit 26,
Findíngs, Conclusions and Recommendation
Hearing Examiner for the City of Kent
The Village at Bridges * PUD Major Modification (Revised)
PU Ð-20 04-4( R)/ RPP4-209 I I s4
PM peak hour trips.16 The Revised TIA also divided total trips per
intersection. In the AM peak hour, the Revised TIA concluded the proposed
development would contr¡bute 36 vehicle trips to the SE 294th/t24th Avenue
SE intersection, 36 trips to the SE 293'd/L24th Avenue SE intersection, 42
trips to the SE 296th/t24th Avenue SE intersection, and 64 trips to the SE
3}4thlL24th Avenue SE intersection. In the PM peak hour, the Revised TIA
concluded the proposed development would contribute 80 vehicle trips to the
sE 2}4thlL24th'Avenue SE, 80 trips to the SE 293'd/L24th Avenue SE
intersection, 93 tríps to the SE 296th/L24th Avenue SE intersection, and LZ7
trips to the SE 3}4th/L24th Avenue SE intersection. Exhibit 26.
The Revised TIA determined that ex¡st¡ng traffic at the SE 304th/124th Avenue
SE intersect¡on currently experiences Level of Service (LOS) B in the AM peak
hour and LOS A in the PM peak hour. Traffic at the SE z84thl124th Avenue SE
intersection currently experiences LOS B in the AM and PM peak hour.
Without the proposed commercial development, the Revised TIA estimated
that traffic at the SE 304th/124th Avenue SE intersection in 2009 would
experience LOS A in the AM and PM peak hour. Traffic at the SE 284thlL24h
Avenue SE intersection in 2009 would experience a LOS B in the AM peak
hour and LOS C in the PM peak hour. With the development, the Revised TIA
estîmated that traffic at the SE 304th/124th Avenue SE intersection in 2009
would experience LOS A ín the AM and PM peak hour. With the development,
traffic at the SE ZB4th/L24th Avenue SE intersection in 2009 would experience
a LOS B in the AM peak hour and a LOS D in the PM peak hour. Traffic at the
sÊ,293'd/L24th Avenue SE and SE 296th/124s Avenue SE íntersections in
2009 would experience LOS D with or without the proposed development.
Based on King County intersection standards, LOS E or better is considered
acceptable intersection operation. Exhibit 26.
Page 18 of 32
42.
43
44
zon¡ng district. The Revised Description states the Assisted Living'
Medical/Dental Office Buildíng, and Shopping Center land use categories
reflect proposed uses on the site but would have generally higher trip
generation rates than what is proposed by the Applicant. In a letter dated
December L8,20A7, the City of Auburn determined that the May 2007
Revised TIA adequately addressed its concerns on trip generation and LOS
roadway impacts. Exhibit 4; Exhibit 9.8.
The City staff report states the driveway that would access the proposed
assisted living facility was relocated to the north in the Révised Request to
respond to City of Auburn comments about traffic using.,the driveway instead
of waiting ¡n vêhicle queues at the SE 304th Street/ L24th Avehue SE
intersection. An email message from Elizabeth Chamberlain, City of Auburn
Principal Planner, stated that the proposed traffic channelization plan was
accepiable to the City of Auburn, and the proposed north driveway on 124th
Avenue SE is acceptable in relation to the main entrance of the proposed
assisted living facility. Mike Murphy stated for the Applicant that traffic
studies submitted to date address City of Auburn concerns. Exhibit 7, Staff
Report, page.9; Exhibit 9.A; Statement of Mr. Murphy.
A February 9, 2010 letter from Elizabeth Chamberlain, City of Auburn
Principal Planner, requested a redesigned bike lane and sidewalk, and
resulting shifts in bike and road lane widths. The City staff report states
improvements would be constructed under the Revised Request, with review
of proposed improvements by the City in conjunction with civil construction
permit application submittal. Exhibit 7, Staff Report, page 10.
Kevín Jones, transpoftation engineer for the Applicant, testified that he
prepared an updated traftic review with actual traffic counts at the
roundabout intersection, analyzing traffic impact of development proposed
under the Revised Request. In an email message dated July 6, 2009, Mr.
Jones wrote that he reviewed traffic data collected on each leg of the SE
304th Street/Lz{th Avenue SE intersection, and calculated a three-day traflic
average, total entering volumes, AM peak hour approach volumes, and PM
peak hour approach volumes. Mr. Jones compared the actual data with the
May 2OO7 Revised TIA and with 2015 PM peak hour traffic volume forecasts
generated by a traffic model developed by the City. Mr. Jones found that at
the SE 304th Street/Ll{th Avenue SE intersection, existing AM peak hour
traffic volumes (total entering) are very similar to PM peak hour traffic
volumes; existing AM peak hour traffic volumes (total entering) are much
less than initial 2009 without-project forecasts; and the City's 2015 PM peak
hour traftic volumes (total entering) are less than 2009 without-project
forecasts by 50 vehicle trips. Mr. Jones concluded in his email message that
based on these observations, without-project traffic volume forecasts more
reasonably reflect 2015 conditions than 2009 conditions, and thus the
Findings, Conclusions and Recommendation
Hearing Examiner for the City of Kent
The Vittage at Bridges - PUD Major Modification (Revised)
PU D-2004-4( R)/ RPP4-2oe le 3 4
Page 19 of 32
45
46
47.
analysis presented in the May 2AO7 Revised TIA addresses potential traflic
impacts of development proposed under the Revised Request, with build out
two or three yearE beyond 2009, as was initially forecast. Exhibit 44;
Testimony of Mr. Jones.
Public Comment
Virginia Haugen testified to her concern that the proposed development
would have significant environmental impacts, including impacts on wetlands
and tree removal, and that there would not be sufficient water to support the
proposed development. Aft Weichbrodt, resident of the Crystal Meadows
community, testified to his concern that the proposed development would
result in an increase in emergency traffic, and that the proposed structure to
be built on the west side of the proposed commercial development would
interfere with views of Mt. Rainier. Mr. Weichbrodt testified to his
recollection of communication with City staff that the subject propefty would
not be developed. Mr. Weichbrodt added that his concerns might be
addressed in part by landscaping that would be required as part of a
proposed condition of approval.LT Testimony of Ms. Haugen; Testimony of
Mr. Weichbrodt.
Debbie Pratum, resident of 304th Street, testified to her concern that that
proposed commercial development is not needed by the residents of the
property surrounding the proposed development, as the residents already
have gas, food, and a Fred Meyer store in the area. Ms. Pratum added that
condominiums within a major development in the vicinity of the subject
property are not currently occupied. Ms. Pratum also testified to her concern
about traffic that would be generated by the prbposed development,
including emergency vehicles, and her concern about sight distance límited
by hills along 304th Street. Testímony of Ms. Pratum.
Mike Pratum testifíed to express his concern that there not be any
development on the subject property, especially not commercial, including a
prohibition on any alcohol sales. Mr. Pratum testifíed that the proposed
development would not benefit the surrounding community. Mr. Pratum
added ihat commercial development already exists on 312th Street, 132nd
Street, and Kent-Kangley Road, and some of this development is currently
without tenants. Mr. Pratum also testified that the subject propefty is not
cr"irrently served by sidewalks and only one bus serves the area through a
north-south route. Mr. Pratum added that construction of a roundabout in
t7 Mr. Weichbrodt referred to condition No.9 proposed by City staff, As proposed, condition No. 9
reads "Type I solid screen landscaping shall be installed between the westerly office building and
Crystal Meadows Subdivision, and Type II visual screen landscaping shall be installed throughout the
remainder of the site. Foundation landscaping shall be installed around the perimeter of all buildings."
Exhibit 1, Staff Report, page 33; Testimony of Mr. Weichbrodt.
Findings, Conclusions and Recommendation
Hearing Examiner for the City of Kent
The Village at Bridges - PUD Maior Modification (Revised)
PU D-2004-4( R)/ RPP4-209 1934
Page 20 of 32
48
49
50.
51
the vicinity of the subject property since the initial PUD major modifícation
proposal would create a lack of openings in traffic flow, resulting in a lack of
opportunities to enter and exit the driveways of the proposed development.
Testimony of Mr. Pratum.
Corey Forsberg testified in favor of allowing the City of Auburn to annex the
subject property, expressing a concern that the City of Kent has no
constituents in the vicinity of the subject property. Mr. Forsberg testified to
his concern about traffic that would be generated by the proposed
development, that surrounding neighborhoods includíng Vintage Hills, Lea
Hill, and Crystal Meadows would not benefit from the proposed development,
and that the subject area should remain residential. Testimony of Mr.
Forsberg.
Eric Pfaff testified in favor of the proposed assisted living facility, saying that
the area could use child care services, medical services, or a police statíon,
for example, but the area does not need affordable housing, tattoo parlors,
or pay-day loan services. Mr. Pfaff testified in favor of the architectural
drawings for the proposed development and in favor of incorporating
underground parking in the development. Mr. Pfaff also testified in favor of
working with the Applicant for a development responsive to community
concerns. Testimony of Mr. Pfaff.
In a letter dated March 2,ãOLO, Ron Novak wrote to recommend denial of
the Revised Request, based on City Code, the history of zoning on the
subject property, and informatíon available at the time of initial PUD
approval, The letter expressed concern that the City Comprehensive Plan
does not designate the subject property as suitable for a NCC district, and
that physical characteristics and expected uses of the NCC district are not
compatible with the Urban Separator designation, citing KCC 15.02.531. The
letter cited KCC 15,03.010 in reference to the City's Comprehensive Plan
designation for the subject property, and expressed concern that the City
Council did not intend NCC-type development in the Urban Separator
designation on the subject property in adopting Ordinance No. 3685, The
letter expressed concern that density transfer from the future development
tracts to residential areas of the PUD were approved on the basis that the
property designated Urban Separator would include active recreation area
and open space. Exhibit 39.
The letter from Mr. Novak also expressed concern that the subject propefty is
located far from the main area of the City of Kent, and would be de-annexed
by the City of Kent and annexed to the City of Auburn. The letter noted
ongoing commercial development approximately one-half mile south of the
development proposed under the Revised Request, within the Lea Hill
neighborhood of the City of Auburn. According to the letter, development
Findings, Conclusions and Recommendation
Hearing Examiner for the City of Kent
The VÌltage at Bridges - PUD Maior Modification (Revised)
PU D-2004-4( R)/ RPP4-zoe I e s4
Page 27 of 32
52,
proposed under the Revised Request is not compatible with surrounding
residential development. The letter urged a limit to flexibility of PUD
regulations. ExhibÌt 39.
In a letter dated March 2,2010, Kay L. Everson wrote to recommend denial
of the Revised Request. The letter asserted that the area upon which the
PUD would be developed is unique, in that it contains environmentally
sensitive systems, including wetlands and wildlife habitat. The letter
expressed concern that existing systems be protected and that commercial
development not be allowed within PUD future development tracts. Exhibit
40.
53 An article titled "Olson Creek Marsh: the Jewel in Kent's Crown", dated April
6,2A04 and submitted by Mary Robefts, describes Olson Creek Marsh as an
area of "ecoregional" significance, with the following principle functions and
values, including groundwater discharge and recharge; diverse wildlife
habitat; storm and floodwater control for the entire watershed; aesthetic
values; and education and passive recreation opportunities. The article
states Olson Creek Marsh is hydrologically connected to groundwater, and
increased devefopment may alter base groundwater to modify systems
dependent on wetland hydrology. Exhibit 43.
54. A letter from residents of the Crystal Meadows Homeowners Association,
dated November LL,2009, expressed opposition to any development of
commercial property on the subject property. The letter assefted the subject
property is projected to be annexed by the City of Auburn in the future; that
the proposed development is not needed as the commercial buildings
standing vacant in the City should be filled first; and that the proposed use
would have a negative impact on traffic and pedestrians. Exhíbit 10.8.
55.
Applicant Response
Mr. Murphy stated for the Applicant that the revised proposal for a major
modification of the PUD was crafted over the past two years to meet
concerns of the City and the public. Mr. Murphy noted that the City of
Auburn will not annex the subject propefty, because the City of Kent does
not intend to de-annex the property. Michael Huey testified for the Applicant
that landscaping surrounding proposed Building J, the building within the
proposed commercial development that would be closest to residential
development, would be surrounded by landscaping that would obscure the
buildings but still allow views of Mt. Rainíer. Statement of Mr. Murphy;
Testimony af Mr. Huey.
Mr. Jones testified for the Applicant that the Applicant traffic study evaluated
both a signalized intersection and the existing roundabout, and found that
both types of intersection permit entry onto 124th Avenue SE from the
56
Findings, Conclusions and Recommendation
Hearing Examíner for the City of Kent
The Village at Bridges - PUD Maior Modification (Revised)
PU D-20 o4-4( R)/ RPP4-2oe 1 9 34
Page 22 of 32
proposed development. Mr. Jones testified that driveways to the
development proposed under the revised major modification would be
located approximately 350 to 450 feet from the roundabout, and traffic
queues at the roundabout would not block driveways. Mr. Jones added that
he calculated necessary sight distance along SE 304th Street using a
conservat¡ve estimate - a speed ten miles per hour faster than the posted
speed along SE 304rh Street - and that sight distance meets American
Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (ASHTO) standards,
adopted by the City of Auburn. Mr. Jones testified that in his professional
opinion as a traffic engineer, the proposed revised major modification of the
PUD would not unduly burden the traffic system in the viciníty of the
proposed development, and sight distance standards would be met along SE
304th Street. Testimony of Mr. Jones.
57. Ms. Orni testified for the Applicant that a criterion for review of a PUD major
modification proposal requires that the proposed PUD project have a
beneficial effect which would not normally be achieved by traditional lot-by-
lot development, as well as shall not be detrimental to present or potential
surrounding land uses as defined by the Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Orni
testified that the criterion focuses on benefits of proposed development as
well as detriments, and that benefits of the proposed development would
include less use of gas and greater convenience (as proposed uses would be
located closer to residential uses than existing commercial and retail uses)
and greater opportunities for exercise within the proposed development (with
availability of the proposed pedestrian trail). Ms. Orni also testified that the
proposed revised PUD major modification would not be detrimental to
existing land uses, and that personal objection to the proposal does not
mean the proposal is a detriment to existing land uses. Testimony of Ms.
Orni.
58. The Applicant's Revised Description interprets KCC 15.08.400(BX4) to mean
that residential development of 100 acres or more generates suffícient need
for conveniently located commercial services, so that residents could walk
and not need to depend upon cars to access services. The Revised
Description asseds that the closest retail development to the PUD - one-half
míle away - consists of predominantly very small retail spaces insufficient to
serve the large Lea Hill residential development. The Revised Description
also asseÉs that providing landscape tracts adjacent to the wetland and
buffer at the interior of the Urban Separator area within the PUD effectively
increases buffer size and provides more area to the wildlife corridor.
According to the Revised Description, approximately 52 percent of the
revised site plan is located in critical areas and their buffers, common open
spaces, and landscape buffers. Exhibít 4.
Findings, Conclusions and Recommendation
Hearing Examiner for the City of Kent
The Village at Brldges - PUD Maior Modifícation (Revised)
PU D-2004-4( R)/ RPP4-209 19 34
Page 23 of 32
59.
60
61.
62
Design Review
City Planning Services reviewed the revised PUD modification proposal under
the City's mixed use design review process for mixed use development with a
residential component. The Applicant submitted schematic drawÍngs dated
December 23,2008, but did not submit floor plans for the proposed assisted
living facility at the time of design review. According to the revised proposal,
the facility would include indoor recreation facilities and two landscaped
courtyards for private outdoor areas for residents. The Applicant's
application narrative states that all proposed buildings would share
architectural expression elements, with the theme incorporating elements of
Northwest influence and using a variety of materials. Proposed buildings
would use a variety of materials including brick, stucco, and wood siding.
Buildings would be constructed at a human scale and emphasize the
pedestrian scale of the surroundings. Varying roofline heights would provide
visual interest. Common signage would be used throughout the proposed
development. The assisted living facility would include residential design
elements such as wood wrapped windows, bay windows, gable roofs, and
trellises. According to the design review document, the revised landscape
plan and revised site plan give the appearance of structures situated around
green spaces rather than green spaces being added between structures.
Exhibit 15.
The Planning Manager for the City Community Development Department
issued a Mixed Use Design Review Decision on January 7,ZO|O, approving
the mixed design review for the PUD modificatíon with 16 conditions of
approval. Conditions call for strong pedestrian connections between
buildings; pedestrian corridors connecting high activity areas; landscaping;
expressing common design elements throughout the proposed development;
compliance with retail and office building design review criteria; compliance
with assisted living facility design review criteria; compliance with Village
sign standards; a detailed lighting plan; a detailed landscaping plan;
pedestrian plazas; and compliance with pedestrian pathways design review
standards. Exhibit 15.
Utilities
Puget Sound Energy would provide electric and gas service to the PUD. The
City of Kent would provide water service, and sewer servíce would be
provided by the City of Auburn under a sewer extension agreement. Since
initial PUD approval, the Applicant revised the design and capacity of the new
sewer lift station to reflect addítional flows from the proposed commercial
and assisted living development. Exhibit 7, Staff Report, page 10; Exhibit 4.
City Staff Recom mendation
Ms. Clamp testified that the City of Kent has no current plan to de-annex the
subject property. Ms. Clamp added that the subject property is not very far
Findings, Conclusions and Recommendation
Hearing Examiner for the City of Kent
The Village at Bridges - PUD Major Modification (Revlsed)
PU D-2004-4( R)/ RPP4-209 19 34
Page 24 of 32
63.
64.
from a main boundary of the City of Kent, located at 282nd Street. Ms.
Clamp also added that the maximum residential densíty for the entire PUD
has already been achieved, so no additional homes can be constructed within
the PUD. Testimony of Ms. ClamP.
Ms. Clamp testified that City staff recommends approval of the proposed
major modification to the PUD, with conditions. The City staff repoft states
that with conditions, the proposed PUD is consistent with PUD development
standards set forth in KCC 15.08.400(C) and PUD review criteria in KCC
15.08.400(GX2). Conditions of approval concern compliance with terms and
conditíons of Mixed Use Design Review MUDR-2007-3(R), issued January 7,
2010, and the revised Mitigated Determination of Nonsignificance, dated
October L6,2OO7¡ Low Impact Development techniques; landscaping; uses
allowed within the PUD; retail stores not permitted within the PUD; roadway
and utility improvements; sight distance at proposed new driveways; buffer
landscaping; wetland, stream, and buffer mitigation; wildlife passable fences;
and street, street lighting, water, sewer, and stormwater management
facilities. The City staft report states staff proposed a condition of approval
prohibiting liquor stores and auto-oriented retail stores normally associated
with gas stations due to strong public opposition to allowing these uses
within the development and to strengthen the intent to provide ready access
to everyday convenience goods and encourage alternatives to an auto-
oriented mode of transportation. Exhibit 7, Staff Report, pages 79, 27, and
32 - 33; Testimony of Ms. Clamp.
City staft recommended a revision to proposed condition of approval A-2'
The proposed condition A-2 in the staff repoft states:
Where determined feasible by the Kent Public Works Department, the
applicant shall utilize Low Impact Development Techniques in construction of
the project, including but not limited to rainwater collection systems, porous
paving on sidewalks and trails, grass-lined open swales for stormwater
conveyance and water quality treatment.
As revised, A-2 would state:
The applicant shall utilize the following Low Impact Development Techniques
in construction of the project as described on page 11 of the applicant's
Revísed PUD Major Modification Description dated 9/OB/092 a grasscrete fire
access road,18 open lawn areas planted with eco-lawn, pedestrian trails
constructed with porous pavement and where feasible grass-lined open
swales for stormwater conveyance and water quality treatment. The
18 In an email message dated September !7,2OO9, Kent Fire Prevention Serv¡ces found that
grasscrete as shown on the Applicant's September 11, 2009 plans are acceptable to Fire Prevention
Exhibit 11.
Fíndings, Conclusions and Recommendation
Hearing ExamÌner for the Clty of Kent
The Village at Brìdges - PUD Major Modification (Revised)
PU D-2004-4(R)/ RPP4-209 1934
Page 25 of 32
appl¡cant may use additional Low Impact Development Techniques where
determined feasible by the Kent Public Works Department.
Exhibit 41.
CONCLUSTONS
The Hearing Examiner has jurirdi.t¡o##m hearing on an application for maior
modification to Planned Unit Development (PUD) plans. Chapter 2.32 Kent City
Code (KCC); KCC 15.08.400.F.7; KCC 15.08.4A0.L2. For PUDs that propose a use
not typically permitted in the underlying zoning district as provided in KCC
15.08.400.8.4," the Hearing Examiner shall forward a recommendation to the City
Council, which shall have the final authority to approve or deny the proposed PUD.
KCC 15.08.400,F,7.
The Hearing Examiner's recommendation shall contain findings of fact and
conclusions based on those facts drawn from the record of the hearing prepared by
the Hearing Examiner. KCC 2,32.090.C.
Criteria for Review
Kent City Code (KCC) 15.08.400.G.2 sets forth the criteria the Hearing Examiner
must use to evaluate an application for a non-residential planned unit development
(PUD). The PUD request shall only be granted if:
a. The proposed project shall have a beneficial effect which would not
normally be achieved by traditional lot-by-lot development and not be
detrimental to present or potential surrounding land uses as defined by
the comprehensive plan.
b. Unusual and sensitive environmental features of the site shall be
preserved, maíntained, and incorporated into the design to benefit the
development and the community.
c. The proposed project shall provide areas of openness by the clustering of
buíldíngs, and by the use of well-designed landscaping and open spaces.
Landscaping shall promote a coordinated appearance and break up
continuous expanses of building and pavement.
d. The proposed project shall promote variety and innovation in site and
building design. It shall encourage the incorporation of special design
features such as visitor entrances, plazas, outdoor employee lunch and
recreation areas, architectural focal points, and accent lighting.
e. Building design shall be based on a unifÍed design concept, particularly
when construction will be in phases.
KCC 15.08.400.G.2.
1e t<Cc ts.09.400.8,4 permits commercial uses in residential PUÐs of one hundred acres or more located in SR zoning
districts, as long as such commercial uses are limited to those uses permitted in the Neighborhood Convenience
Commercial (NCC) zoning district. KCC 15.08.400.8.4.
Findlngs, Conclusíons and Recommendation
Hearing Examiner for the Clty of Kent
The Village at Bridges - PUD Major Modification (Revised)
PU D-2004-4 ( R)/ RPP4-2A9 19 34
Page 26 of 32
A.
Findings, Concluslons and Recommendation
Hearing Examiner for the CiW of Kent
The Vittage at Bridges' PUD Major Modification (Revised)
PU D-20 04-4(R)/ RPP4-2oe 79 34
Page 27 of 32
Conclusions Based on Findings
W¡th conditions, the proposed project would have a beneficial effect
which would not normally be ach¡eved by traditional ¡ot-by-lot
development and would not be detrimental to present or potential
surrounding land uses as defined by the comprehens¡ve plan. Under
the SR-1 zon¡ng ctassification for the subject property, which legislatively
implements the Urban Separator Comprehensive Plan designat¡on for the
pròperty, traditional lot-by-lot development on the subject property would
mean development of single-family residential dwellings on lots at least
34,70A square feet in size, A planned unit development (PUD) is allowed in
SR zoning districts on sites at least 100 acres in size, to promote diversity
and creat¡vity in site design, protect and enhance natural and community
features, and encourage unique developments which may combine a mixture
of residential, commercial, and industrial uses. KCC 15.08.400; KCC
15.08.400.A; KCC 15.08.400.C. The Hearing Examiner approved PUD-2004-
4 with conditions on February 16, 2006.
The revised request for major modification of PUD-2 OO4-4, PUD-2004-4(R)
(Revised Request) would result in a mixture of residential and commercial
uses within the PUD, while protecting wetlands and streams through required
buffers and setbacks and creating open space within the proposed
development. Commercial uses may be permitted in residential PUDs of 100
acres or more, but "shall be limited to those uses permitted in the
neighborhood convenience commercial (NCC) zon¡ng district." KCC
15.b8.400,8.4. Neighborhood convenience commercial uses proposed under
the Revised Request would be located wíthin future development tracts
(FDTs) of PUD-20 O4-4, adjacent to the south and west of 379 residential
units that will also be developed under the approved PUD. Conditions of
approval are necessary to ensure the proposed development is limited to
uses permitted in the NCC zoning district, and fufther limited to respond to
citizen concerns.
The proposed development would be accessible by pedestrian trails
connecting the FDTs to residential neighborhoods within the PUD, thus
reducing the need for automobile use to access services. Comprehensíve
Plan Goál LU-24 and Policy LV-24.1 encourage land use that reduces
automobile dependency, including mixed use developments incorporating
bike, pedestrian, and transit amenities. While there is testimony in the
record that existing residents in surrounding communities are already well
served by existing commercial development in the area, there is also
testimony in the record that proposed development can benefit new and
future residents of the PUD, Neighborhood convenience commercial uses
would provide beneficial services for residents of the PUD and may be used
by residents of surrounding neighborhoods.
The Revised Request has changed significantly from the initial request for
major modification of PUD-2OO4-4. Under the Revised Request, total
impervious surface would decrease within the FDTs; proposed building
footprints would be reduced; more open space would be created, including
passive and recreatíonal open space; two-story buildings and parking would
be clustered in the interior thereby reducing visual impact on surrounding
properties; and solid screen landscaping would be installed, further reducing
visual impact on surrounding properties. Conditions of approval are
necessary to ensure development under the Revised Request is not
detrimental to present or potential surrounding land uses as defined by the
Comprehensive Plan.
Conditions of approval are necessary to ensure the Revised Request would
not be detrimental to present or potentíal surrounding land uses as defined
by the Comprehensive Plan. Comprehensive Plan Policy LU-14.8 ensures
that commercial and mixed-use developments adjacent to single-family
residential areas are compatible in height and scale, and Comprehensive Plan
Goals CÐ-4, CD-5, and CD-6 encourage designing new commercial projects
to accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists, transit, and automobiles; developing
mixed use areas that are vital and attractive focal points of community
activity; and ensuring that the scale, layout, and character of commercial
and mixed use devefopment is complimentary to the surrounding
neighborhood. Conditions of approval requiring compliance with City mixed
design review MUDR-2007-3(R) are necessary to ensure the scale, layout,
and character of the proposed development is complimentary to the
residential scale, layout, and character of adjacent PUD area and surrounding
area.
Comprehensive Plan Goal LU-31 establishes Urban Separator designations to
protect environmentally sensitive areas and to create open space corridors.
Under the Revised Request, Olson Creek, surrounding wetlands, and wetland
buffers would be protected within a NGPA. Subject to City approval, the
Applicant would employ bufler averaging resulting in a surplus of wetland
buffer to mitigate for impacts to 0.44 acre of wetland buffer. Stormwater
runoff would be treated for water quality then released in surrounding
wetland to mimic and support natural hydrology. Significant changes made
from the initial PUD modification proposal would result in more open space
within the PUD, and greater screening of the PUD from surrounding
development. Proposed pedestrian trails provide open space linkages within
or to the Urban Separator, consistent with Comprehensive Plan Policy LU-
31.3 and Policy LU-31.7, Development under the Revised Request would be
tied into the subdivision, including pedestrian access and open space
elements. With the relocation of the driveway access to the assisted living
facility, concerns about increased traffic adjacent to the assisted living facility
are allevlated. With updated traffic studies associated with the Revised
Findings, Conclusions and Recommendation
Hearing Examlner for the City of Kent
The Village at Bridges - PUD Maior Modification (Revised)
PUD-2004-4(R)/ RPP4-209 1934
Page 28 of 32
B.
c.
D,
Request, City of Auburn concerns over traffic on SE 304th Street and L24th
Avenue SE have been addressed. Conditions of approval are necessary to
ensure that MDNS and City mixed design review MUDR-2007-3(R) conditions
apply to the proposal; Low Impact Development techniques are used;
landscaped buffers are established; only NCC zoníng district uses are allowed
and liquor and gas station convenience stores are not allowed; roadway
improvements are constructed; and wetlands, streams, and buffers are
protected. Thus, the Hearing Examiner recommends that Revised Request
be approved with conditions, as the proposed project would have a beneficial
effect which would not normally be achieved by traditional development and
would not be detrimental to present or potential land uses as defined by the
Comprehensive Plan. Findings 7, 2,4 - 27, 23, 25 - 32, 34 - 60, 62 - 64.
W¡th conditions, unusual environmental features of the site would be
preserved, maintained, and incorporated into the PUD design. The
stream, wetland, and required buffers would be preserved in a NGPA and
incorporated into PUD design, as proposed development under the Revised
Request would be located west and east of the NGPA, with a pedestrian
footbridge connecting the west and east portions of the development.
Conditions of approval are necessary to ensure City review and approval of
the Applicant's wetland buffer averaging plan prior to development permit
issue, that the Applicant installs stormwater facilities for water quality,
detention, and release into the wetland according to City-approved plans,
and that the Applicant use low impact development techniques within the
proposed development. Findíngs 7, 2, 72 - 76, 28 - 32, 63 - 64.
W¡th conditions, the PUD woutd provide areas of openness through
use of well-designed open space and landscaping. The proposed
commercial development would lie adjacent to a Native Growth Protection
Area (NGPA), proposed as paft of the initial PUD that would contain the
proposed development, The Applicant has submitted preliminary landscape
plans for the proposed commercial development, including areas of openness
provided through landscaped pedestrian plazas. Greater clustering of
buildings and eliminating two of nine initially proposed buildings will create
greater open space within the proposed development than under the initial
þroposal.' As proposed, development under the Revised Request would meet
PUD open space requirements and common open space requírements for
areas within urban separators. Conditions of approval are necessary to
ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of Mixed Use Design
Review, including conditions for open space, and that Type I and Type Ii
screening landscaping is installed throughout the subject property. Findings
7,2, 72 - 76, 79,23 - 32, 55, 58 - 60,62 - 63,
With conditions, the PUD would promote variety and innovation in
site and building design, and would contain features that promote
Findings, Conclusions and Recommendation
Hearing Examiner for the City of Kent
The Village at Bridges - PUD Maior Modification (Revised)
PU D-2004-4( R )/ RPP4-209 I 934
Page 29 of 32
E
community interaction, According to the revised proposal, the assisted
living facilíty would include indoor recreation facilities and two landscaped
couftyards for private outdoor areas for resídents. The Applicant's
application narrative states that all proposed buildings would share
architectural expression elements, with the theme incorporating elements of
NoÉhwest influence and using a variety of materials. Proposed buildings
would use a variety of materials including brick, stucco, and wood siding.
Buildings would be constructed at a human scale and emphasize the
pedestrian scale of the surroundings. Varying roofline heights would provide
visual interest. Common signage would be used throughout the proposed
development. The assisted living facility would include residential design
elements such as wood wrapped windows, bay windows, gable roofs, and
trellises. According to the design review document, the revised landscape
plan and revised site plan give the appearance of structures situated around
green spaces rather than green spaces being added between structures.
Conditions of approval are necessary to ensure strong pedestr¡an connections
between buildings; pedestrian corridors connecting high activity areas;
landscaping; expressing common design elements throughout the proposed
development; compliance with retail and office building design review
criteria; compliance with assisted living facility design review criteria;
compliance with Village sign standards; a detailed lighting plan; a detailed
landscaping plan; pedestrian plazas; and compliance with pedestrian
pathways design review standards. Findings 59 - 60, 63'
W¡th conditions, the PUD would provide a unified design concept.
Conditions of mixed use design review for the proposed commercial
development require common design elements throughout the proposed
development. Findings 59 - 60, 63,
RECOMMENDATION
Based on the preceding Findings and Conclusions, the Hearing Examiner
recommends that the City Council APPROVE the revised request for major
modification of a previously-approved Planned Unit Development, PUD-2004-4, to
include an assisted living facility and retail, commercial, and office uses within
future development tracls of pÚO-2004-4,rwith the following conditions:20
A.CONDITTONS OF APPROVAL1. The terms and condítions of Mixed Use Design Review MUDR-2007-
3(R), issued January 7, ãOLO and the revised M.itigated Determination
of Nonsignificance dated October L6,2OO7 shall apply to this proposal.
20 This recommendation includes conditions required to meet City Code standards as well as conditions
required to reduce unique project impacts,
Findings, Conclusions and Recommendation
Hearing Examiner for the City of Kent
The Village at Bridges - PUD Maior ModifÌcation (Revised)
PU D- 2oo4-4( R)/ RPP4-209 I 934
Page 30 of 32
The applicant shall utilize the following Low Impact Development
Techniques in construction of the project as described on page 11 of
the applicant's Revised PUD Major Modification Description dated
9/OB|O9: a grasscrete fire access road,zl open lawn areas planted with
eco-lawn, pedestrian trails constructed with porous pavement and
where feasible grass-lined open swales for stormwater conveyance and
water quality treatment. The applicant may use additional Low Impact
Development Techniques where determined feasible by the Kent Public
Works Department.
Drive-through lanes shall include Type II landscaping in order to buffer
visual and auditory impacts to surrounding areas.
Uses allowed within the PUD shall be limited to those uses that are
principally permitted in the NCC zone and shall .not include
conditionally permitted uses or special permit uses (i.e. churches and
gas stations) other than the proposed assisted living facility and two
drive-through lanes that are accessory to principally permitted uses
and public uses such as schools and parks.
Convenience stores, such as Seven-Eleven, Círcle K, Quick Stop, and
The Pantry or similar types of auto-oriented retail stores typically
associated with a gas station are not permitted.
Liquor stores are not permitted.
Roadway improvement plans to be submitted with the civil
construction permit application shall meet the design requirements
related to lane width and sidewalk tapering contaíned in City of
Auburn's letter dated February 9, 2010.
Engineering plans must demonstrate adequate entering sight distance
in both directions at all proposed new driveways.
Type I solid screen landscaping shall be installed between the westerly
office building and Crystal Meadows Subdivision, and Type II visual
screen landscaping shall be installed throughout the remainder of the
site. Foundation landscaping shall be installed around the perimeter of
all buildings.
21 In an email message dated September L7,2009, Kent Fire Prevention Services found thatgrasscrete as shown on
the Applicant's September 11, 2009 plans are acceptable to Fire Prevention. tuhibit 11.
Findings, Conclusions and Recommendatlon
Hearing Examiner for the City of Kent
The Village at Bridges - PUD Major Modification (Revised)
PU D-20 04-4( R)/ RPP4- 2A9 ß s4
Page 31 of 32
2
3
4
5
6
7
8.
9.
B PRIOR TO THE ISSUANCE OF A COMMERCIAL CERTTFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
THE APPLICANT SHALL:
1 Construct road and utility improvements adjacent to or serving the
commercial development within the future development tracts as
required through the February 15, 2006 Verdana PUD approval and
the Revised MDNS issued October L6, 2Q07, including any mitigation
(EMA or EMF) charges.
z.Construct all wetland, stream and buffer mitigation and install all
required wildlife passable fences unless otherwise approved by the
Environmental Engineering Section of the Kent Public Works
Department.
Receive approval of the required As-Built Drawings for Street, Street
Lighting, Water, Sewer, and Storm water Management Facilities as
deemed appropriate by the Kent Department of Public Works.
3
. .-_1.-
DATED th¡s \ö day of March 2010.
THEODORE PAUL HUNTER
Hearing Examiner
Sound Law Center
Findings, Conclusions and RecommendatÌon
Hearing Examlner for the City of Kent
The Village at Bridges - PUD Major Modificatlon (Revised)
PU D-2004-4( R)/ RPP4-209 19 34
Page 32 of 32