DETERMINATION OF NONSIGNIFICANCE (DNS) Twin Lakes Commercial District Subarea Plan (Non-Project Action) File No: SE

Transcription

1 DETERMINATION OF NONSIGNIFICANCE (DNS) Twin Lakes Commercial District Subarea Plan (Non-Project Action) File No: SE Description: Proposed adoption of subarea plan encompassing the Twin Lakes Neighborhood Business zoning district and surrounding residential areas. The plan will included goals and policies regarding urban design, economic development, transportation, and food access. Location: Neighborhood Business (BN) zoning district centered at 21 st Avenue SW and SW 336 th Street/SW Campus Drive. Residential areas within ¼ mile of the BN zone are also within the study area. Applicant: Community and Economic Development Department Planning Division Lead Agency: City of Federal Way Community and Economic Development Department Staff Contact: Associate Planner Matthew Herrera, The lead agency for this proposal has determined that it does not have a probable significant adverse impact on the environment, and an environmental impact statement (EIS) is not required under RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c). This decision was made after review of a completed environmental checklist, Federal Way Comprehensive Plan, and other municipal policies, plans, rules, and regulations designated as a basis for exercise of substantive authority under the State Environmental Policy Act pursuant to RCW 43.31C.110. This information is available to the public on request. Further information regarding this action is available to the public upon request from the Community and Economic Development Department. This DNS is issued under WAC (2); the lead agency will not act on this proposal for 14 days from the date below. Comments must be submitted or postmarked by January 3, Unless modified by the city, this determination will become final following the above comment deadline. Any person aggrieved of the city s final determination may file an appeal to the Federal Way City Clerk no later than Tuesday, January 17, The written appeal letter must state the reason for the appeal of the determination and the appellant should be prepared to make specific factual objections. Responsible Official: Patrick Doherty, Director of Community and Economic Development Address: th Avenue South, Federal Way, WA Date Issued: December 17, 2011 Signature:

2 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST Purpose of Checklist: The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), Chapter 43.21C RCW, requires all governmental agencies to consider the environmental impacts of a proposal before making decisions. An environmental impact statement (EIS) must be prepared for all proposals with probable significant adverse impacts on the quality of the environment. The purpose of this checklist is to provide information to help you and the agency identify impacts from your proposal (and to reduce or avoid impacts from the proposal, if it can be done) and to help the agency decide whether an EIS is required. Instructions for Applicants: This environmental checklist asks you to describe some basic information about your proposal. Governmental agencies use this checklist to determine whether the environmental impacts of your proposal are significant, requiring preparation of an EIS. Answer the questions briefly, with the most precise information known, or give the best description you can. You must answer each question accurately and carefully, to the best of your knowledge. In most cases, you should be able to answer the questions from your own observations or project plans without the need to hire experts. If you really do not know the answer, or if a question does not apply to your proposal, write do not know or does not apply. Complete answers to the questions now may avoid unnecessary delays later. Some questions ask about governmental regulations, such as zoning, shoreline, and landmark designations. Answer these questions if you can. If you have problems, the governmental agencies can assist you. The checklist questions apply to all parts of your proposal, even if you plan to do them over a period of time or on different parcels of land. Attach any additional information that will help describe your proposal or its environmental effects. The agency to which you submit this checklist may ask you to explain your answers or provide additional information reasonably related to determining if there may be significant adverse impact. Use of Checklist for Non-Project Proposals: Complete this checklist for non-project proposals, even though questions may be answered does not apply. In addition, complete the Supplemental Sheet for Non-Project Actions (part D). For non-project actions, the references in the checklist to the words project, applicant, and property or site should be read as proposal, proposer, and affected geographic area, respectively. Twin Lakes Commercial District Sub-Area Plan Page 2 of 32 Environmental Checklist

3 TO BE COMPLETED BY THE APPLICANT EVALUATION FOR AGENCY USE ONLY A. BACKGROUND 1. Name of the proposed project: Twin Lakes Commercial District Sub-Area Plan (Exhibit A) 2. Name of applicant: City of Federal Way 3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person: Matthew Herrera, Associate Planner City of Federal Way th Avenue South Federal Way, WA (253) Date checklist prepared: December 7, Agency requesting checklist: City of Federal Way Department of Community and Economic Development 6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable): The City of Federal Way Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing on Wednesday, January 18, At the completion of the Planning Commission public hearing, the Commission s recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council s Land Use/Transportation Committee (LUTC) for review and recommendation to the full Council. The Sub-Area Plan is anticipated to be adopted in March Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected with this proposal? If yes explain. The Sub-Area Plan will be incorporated into the Federal Way Comprehensive Plan (FWCP) during the next annual update (late 2012 or early 2013) and subsequently implemented as a result of code amendments. 8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared, directly related to this proposal. Twin Lakes Commercial District Sub-Area Plan Page 3 of 32 Environmental Checklist

4 None. 9. Do you know whether applications are pending for governmental approvals of other proposals directly affecting the property covered by your proposal? If yes, explain. This is a non-project proposal that, if adopted by the Council, will result in a Sub-Area Plan for the Neighborhood Business (BN) zoned area in the vicinity of 21 st Avenue SW and SW Campus Drive/SW 336 th Street (Exhibit B). Redevelopment of this sub-area may occur if the plan is adopted and the zoning regulations for this area are amended to implement the plan. 10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known. The Federal Way City Council must adopt the sub-area plan pursuant to Federal Way Revised Code (FWRC), Chapter 19.80, Council Rezones. The goals and policies of the plan will be further implemented by adoption of area-specific regulations. Thereafter, specific development proposals related to individual parcels will require future environmental review and approval of development and building permits. 11. Give brief, complete description of your proposal, including the proposed uses and the size of the project and site. There are several questions later in this checklist that ask you to describe certain aspects of your proposal. You do not need to repeat those answers on this page. The Sub-Area Plan centers on the BN zone at the intersection of 21 st Avenue SW and SW Campus Drive/SW 336 th Street (Exhibit B). Residential areas within ¼ mile of the business district are also included due to their walking distance and pedestrian/bicycle facility capital improvements needs. At approximately 46 acres, this neighborhood retail area is the largest of the comprehensive plan s 14 Neighborhood Business nodes that are intended to provide convenient goods (e.g., groceries and hardware) and services (e.g., dry cleaners, dentist, bank, etc.) at a pedestrian and neighborhood scale close to adjacent residential uses. The Sub-Area Plan includes a framework of goals and policies that will provide guidance for redevelopment and capital improvements in the sub-area and will serve as a model to be replicated in other neighborhood business districts within Federal Way. 12. Location of the proposal. Give sufficient information for a person to understand the precise location of your proposed project, including a street address, if any, and section, township, and range, if known. If a proposal would occur over a range of area, provide the range or boundaries of the site(s). Provide a legal description, site plan, vicinity map, and topographic map, if reasonably available. While you should submit any plans required by the agency, you are not required to duplicate maps or detailed plans submitted with any permit applications related to this checklist. The sub-area consists of the BN zone at the intersection of 21 st Avenue SW and SW Campus Drive/SW 336 th Street and residential areas within ¼ mile of the boundary of the business district. The ¼ mile radius was included because this is about the maximum distance that people are willing to walk for personal errands (Exhibit B). Twin Lakes Commercial District Sub-Area Plan Page 4 of 32 Environmental Checklist

5 B. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS 1. Earth a. General description of the site (circle one): Flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other. The topography of this area is flat. b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)? See response to B.1.a above c. What general types of soils are found on the site (for example, clay, sand, gravel, peat, mulch)? If you know the classification of agricultural soils, specify them and note any prime farmland. The majority of the soils in the sub-area are Alderwood Gravelly Sandy Loam. d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so, describe. Available information on geologic hazards, which include possible landslide, erosion or seismic hazards are shown on Map IX-5 Geologic Hazards of the comprehensive plan (Exhibit C), and Federal Way, Critical Areas Map (Exhibit D). Based on these maps, there are no surface indications of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity of the sub-area. Moreover, the proposed non-project actions will not affect or be affected by unstable soils in the area. Surface indications or history of unstable soils will be evaluated on a project-by-project basis. e. Describe the purpose, type, and approximate quantities of any filling or grading proposed. Indicate source of fill. Any future development resulting from the adoption of the Sub-Area Plan and subsequent amendments to the Official Zoning Map and FWRC will be subject to their own review pursuant to the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe. No clearing, construction, or new uses will result directly from this non-project action. Any clearing, construction, or new use resulting from the adoption of the Sub-Area Plan and subsequent amendments to the Official Zoning Map and FWRC will be subject to their own review for erosion impacts. g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)? Twin Lakes Commercial District Sub-Area Plan Page 5 of 32 Environmental Checklist

6 2. Air h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any. No development is proposed in conjunction with these non-project actions. Future project specific actions will be subject to environmental review as required by the SEPA Rules, and will be evaluated in accordance with all plans, policies, rules, and regulations adopted as a basis for the exercise of substantive authority under SEPA to approve, condition, or deny proposed actions. In addition, when future projects are submitted, any erosion-related impacts created during clearing and construction activities will be mitigated in compliance with the 2009 King County Surface Water Manual (KCSWM), as amended by the city. This requires any erosion-related impacts created during clearing and construction activities to be addressed according to a Temporary Erosion Sedimentation Control Plan (TESC), which is a standard part of engineering review and approval. a. What types of emissions to the air would result from the proposal (i.e., dust, automobile, odors, industrial wood smoke) during construction and when the project is completed? If any, generally describe and give approximate quantities if known. None. This is a non-project action. b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so, generally describe. No. This is a non-project action. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any. 3. Water No measures are proposed in conjunction with this non-project action. Future project specific actions will be subject to environmental review as required by the SEPA Rules, and will be evaluated in accordance with all plans, policies, rules, and regulations adopted as a basis for the exercise of substantive authority under SEPA to approve, condition, or deny proposed actions. a. Surface. 1) Is there any surface water body on or in the immediate vicinity of the site (including year-round and seasonal streams, saltwater, lakes, ponds, wetlands)? If yes, describe type and provide names. If appropriate, state what stream or river it flows into. Based on Federal Way, Critical Areas Map (Exhibit D), there are four small wetlands located in the sub-area. There are two small Class III Wetlands on the AmeriCorps site; one small Class II wetland south of Fred Meyer; and one small Class III wetland just north Twin Lakes Commercial District Sub-Area Plan Page 6 of 32 Environmental Checklist

7 of the junction of SW 344 th Street and 8 th Avenue SW, further to the south. Known locations of existing streams, lakes, and wetlands are also shown on Map IX-4 Surface Water Resources of the FWCP (Exhibit E).There does not appear to be any streams or lakes in the sub-area. 2) Will the project require any work over, in, or adjacent to (within 200 feet) of the described waters? If yes, please describe and attach available plans. Not applicable. This is non-project action. Impacts to surface water resources will be evaluated on a project-by-project basis for future development or redevelopment. 3) Estimate the amount of fill and dredge material that would be placed in or removed from surface water or wetlands and indicate the area of the site that would be affected. Indicate the source of fill material. Not applicable. This is non-project action. 4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. Not applicable. This is non-project action. 5) Does the proposal lie within a 100-year flood plain? If so, note location on the site plan. This is non-project action. However, there are no 100-year flood plains in the sub-area. 6) Does the proposal involve any discharges of waste materials to surface waters? If so, describe the type of waste and anticipated volume of discharge. b. Ground. Not applicable. This is non-project action. 1) Will ground water be withdrawn, or will water be discharged to groundwater? Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. Not applicable. This is non-project action. 2) Describe waste material that will be discharged into the ground from septic tanks or other sources, if any (for example: Domestic sewage; industrial, containing the following chemicals...; agricultural; etc.). Describe the general size of the system, the number of such systems, the number of houses to be served (if applicable), or the number of animals or humans the system(s) are expected to serve. Not applicable. This is non-project action. c. Water runoff (including storm water). Twin Lakes Commercial District Sub-Area Plan Page 7 of 32 Environmental Checklist

8 1) Describe the source of runoff (including storm water) and method of collection and disposal, if any (include quantities, if known). Where will this water flow? Will this water flow into other waters? If so, describe. Not applicable. This is non-project action. 2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe. No. This is non-project action. However, any future development would be required to comply with all applicable city codes and regulations. d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water impacts, if any. 4. Plants Development is not proposed in conjunction with this non-project action. Future project specific actions will be subject to environmental review as required by the SEPA Rules, and will be evaluated in accordance with all plans, policies, rules, and regulations adopted as a basis for the exercise of substantive authority under SEPA to approve, condition, or deny proposed actions. In addition, when future projects are submitted, any water-related impacts will be mitigated in compliance with the City-adopted 2009 King County Surface Water Manual (KCSWM), as amended by the city. a. Check or circle types of vegetation found on the site. _X deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other _X evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other _X shrubs _X_ grass pasture crop or grain _X_wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bulrush, skunk cabbage, other water plant: water lily, eelgrass, milfoil, other _X_ other types of vegetation The sub-area is developed and there are both native and ornamental vegetation in the area. b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered? Not applicable. This is non-project action. In the future, when a specific application is submitted, the kind and amount of vegetation to be removed or altered will depend on City requirements, which would be reflected in an approved clearing and grading plan or development permit. c. List threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site. Twin Lakes Commercial District Sub-Area Plan Page 8 of 32 Environmental Checklist

9 We are unaware of any threatened or endangered species in the sub-area. d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance vegetation on the site, if any. 5. Animals a. Circle any birds and animals which have been observed on or near the site or are known to be on or near the site. Birds: hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds, other: Mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other: Fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other: A variety of birds, mammals, and fish native to the Pacific Northwest are found within the City of Federal Way. In addition, Federal Way is located within the Pacific Flyway migration route utilized by waterfowl migrating north into Alaska and northern Canada. However, this area is already developed. Consequently, only songbirds and common household pets may frequent the sub-area. b. List any threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site. However, there are no known threatened or endangered species known to be within or near the sub-area. c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain. Federal Way is located within the Pacific Flyway migration route utilized by waterfowl migrating north into Alaska and northern Canada. d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any. None. This is a non-project action. 6. Energy and Natural Resources a. What kinds of energy (electric, natural gas, oil, wood stove, solar) will be used to meet the completed project s energy needs? Describe whether it will be used for heating, manufacturing, etc. b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties? If so, generally describe. Twin Lakes Commercial District Sub-Area Plan Page 9 of 32 Environmental Checklist

10 c. What kinds of energy conservation features are included in the plans of this proposal? List other proposed measures to reduce or control energy impacts, if any. 7. Environmental Health a. Are there any environmental health hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, risk of fire and explosion, spill, or hazardous waste that could occur as a result of this proposal? If so, describe. 1) Describe special emergency services that might be required. 2) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any. b. Noise. 1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example: traffic, equipment operation, other)? 2) What types and levels of noise would be created by or associated with the project on a short-term or long-term basis (for example: traffic, construction operation, other)? Indicate what hours noise would come from the site. 3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any. 8. Land and Shoreline Use a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties? Twin Lakes Commercial District Sub-Area Plan Page 10 of 32 Environmental Checklist

11 There is a mix of commercial uses such as grocery stores, banks, and restaurants in the BN zoned area itself. Within the sub-area, but outside of the BN zoned area, are public and institutional uses such as a post office, park and ride, fire station, schools, public parks, and churches. There is also multi-family and single family development. The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) Trail is located just south of the sub-area boundaries (Exhibit F). b. Has the site been used for agriculture? If so, describe. It is unknown if any part of the sub-area has been used for agriculture in the past. c. Describe any structures on the site. Structures within the sub-area include the Fred Meyer and Safeway grocery stores, a vacant Albertsons grocery store, the Twin Lakes Post Office, Twin Lakes Park and Ride, Fire Station No. 63, the AmeriCorps building, Saghalie Middle School, Saghalie Park, Evergreen Bible Chapel, fast food restaurants, laundromat, liquor store, banks, auto parts sales, daycare, numerous apartment complexes, and single family development. The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) Trail is also located just south of the sub-area boundaries (Exhibit F). d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what? There are no plans to demolish any of the existing structures as part of the non-project action to adopt a Sub-Area Plan. e. What is the current zoning classification of the site? The commercial portion of the sub-area is zoned Neighborhood Business (BN). Surrounding areas are a mix of Multi-Family (RM 2400 one unit per 2,400 square feet), Single Family (RS 5.0 one unit per 5,000 square feet), and Single Family (RS 7.2 one unit per 7,200 square feet) (Exhibit G). f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site? The commercial portion of the sub-area is designated Neighborhood Business. Surrounding areas are designated Multi-Family, Single Family, and Parks and Open Space (Exhibit H). g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site? The area within the Sub-Area Plan is not located within areas governed by the Shoreline Master Plan. h. Has any part of the site been classified as an "environmentally sensitive Area? If so, specify. Pursuant to RCW 36.70A.060 and WAC , the following areas of the environment are designated as environmentally sensitive areas: aquifer recharge areas; fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas; frequently flooded areas; geologically hazardous areas; wetlands Twin Lakes Commercial District Sub-Area Plan Page 11 of 32 Environmental Checklist

12 and streams. In addition, the City of Federal Way regulates wellheads and certain lakes as environmentally sensitive areas. Except for wetlands, the City has not conducted an area-wide inventory of environmentally sensitive areas. Based on Federal Way, Critical Areas Map (Exhibit D), there are four small wetlands located in the sub-area. Known locations of existing streams, lakes, and wetlands are also shown on Map IX-4 Surface Water Resources of the FWCP (Exhibit E).There does not appear to be any streams or lakes in the sub-area. i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project? This is a non-project action, so there should be no change in the number of people who reside or work in the sub-area. j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace? k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any. Not applicable. This is a non-project action, and therefore, no measures are proposed. l. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal are compatible with surrounding land uses and plans, if any. 9. Housing This is a non-project action. Any future development resulting from adoption of the Sub-Area Plan, and subsequent changes to the zoning regulations will be subject to review for compliance with all codes, including the Community Design Guidelines. a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income housing. Please refer to response under B.8(i), above. b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income housing. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any. 10. Aesthetics This is a non-project action. Therefore, no measures to reduce or control housing impacts are proposed. Any future development resulting from adoption of the Sub-Area Plan, and subsequent changes to the zoning regulations, will be subject to future review for compliance with all codes, including environmental review as required by the SEPA Rules. Twin Lakes Commercial District Sub-Area Plan Page 12 of 32 Environmental Checklist

13 a. What is the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including antennae; what is the principal exterior building material(s) proposed? b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed? c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any. None. This is a non-project action. 11. Light and Glare a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly occur? None. This is a non-project action. b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views? No. This is a non-project action. c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal? None. This is a non-project action. d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any. No mitigation is proposed in conjunction with this non-project action. Future development or redevelopment will be subject to environmental review as required by the SEPA Rules, and will be evaluated in accordance with all plans, policies, rules, and regulations adopted as a basis for the exercise of substantive authority under SEPA to approve, condition, or deny proposed actions. 12. Recreation a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity? However, Saghalie Park is located within the subarea and there is a walking and biking trail in the BPA right-of-way to the south of the sub-area. b. Would the proposed displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe. Twin Lakes Commercial District Sub-Area Plan Page 13 of 32 Environmental Checklist

14 c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any. No mitigation is proposed in conjunction with this non-project action. Future project specific actions will be subject to environmental review as required by the SEPA Rules, and will be evaluated in accordance with all plans, policies, rules, and regulations adopted as a basis for the exercise of substantive authority under SEPA to approve, condition, or deny proposed actions. 13. Historic and Cultural Preservation a. Are there any places or objects listed on, or proposed for, nation, state, or local preservation registers known to be on or next to the site? If so, generally describe. b. Generally describe any landmarks or evidence of historic, archaeological, scientific, or cultural importance known to be on or next to the site. There are no known landmarks or evidence of historic, archaeological, scientific, or cultural importance known to be on or next to the site. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts, if any. No mitigation is proposed in conjunction with this non-project action. 14. Transportation a. Identify public streets and highways serving the site, and describe proposed access to the existing street system. Show on site plans, if any. Classification of existing and planned streets and highways serving the City of Federal Way are shown on Map III-5 Functional Classification of Existing and Planned Streets and Highways of the FWCP (Exhibit I). b. Is the site currently served by public transit? If not, what is the approximate distance to the nearest transit stop? The greater Federal Way area is served by transit. This includes several bus routes, dial-a-ridetransit (DART) service, as well as park and ride facilities and the Sound Transit Station. All Day Transit Service and Peak Hour Transit Service are shown on Map III-20 (Exhibit J) and Map III- 21 (Exhibit K) of the FWCP. c. How many parking spaces would the completed project have? How many would the project eliminate? Twin Lakes Commercial District Sub-Area Plan Page 14 of 32 Environmental Checklist

15 d. Will the proposal require any new roads or streets, or improvements to existing roads or streets, not including driveways? If so, generally describe (indicate whether public or private). e. Will the project use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air transportation? If so, generally describe. f. How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the completed project? If known, indicate when peak volumes would occur. Any development or redevelopment that may result from adoption of the Sub-Area Plan, and subsequent code amendments, will be subject to future review for compliance with all codes. g. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any. Future development or redevelopment in the subarea will be subject to review as required by city regulations. At the time that an application for a development permit is submitted, the Traffic Division will conduct a Concurrency Analysis, which will analyze peak hour impacts of the project to assure that there is adequate capacity to accommodate the proposed development. Supplemental mitigation may be required if the proposed project creates an impact not anticipated in the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP). The applicant has the option to have an independent traffic engineer licensed in the State of Washington prepare the concurrency analysis consistent with city procedures. In addition, as of July 1, 2010, development proposals will be subject to a traffic impact fee to address system impacts. Site-specific analysis may also be required to address impacts outside of the evening peak hour or safety issues. 15. Public Services a. Would the project result in an increased need for public services (for example: fire protection, police protection, health care, schools, other)? If so, generally describe. Any increased need for services that may result from adoption of a Sub-Area Plan, and subsequent amendments to the development regulations affecting this area, will be subject to future review for compliance with all codes. b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any. None proposed. This is a non-project action. See response under 15.a, above. Twin Lakes Commercial District Sub-Area Plan Page 15 of 32 Environmental Checklist

16 16. Utilities a. Circle utilities currently available at the site: electricity, natural gas, water, refuse service, telephone, sanitary sewer, septic system, other. In general, all public utilities are available to property within the city, including this sub-area, or will become available through extension of services as development occurs. b. Describe the utilities that are proposed for the project, the utility providing the service, and the general construction activities on the site or in the immediate vicinity, which might be needed. C. SIGNATURE The above answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. Signature: Date submitted: December 7, 2011 Twin Lakes Commercial District Sub-Area Plan Page 16 of 32 Environmental Checklist

17 D. SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET FOR NON-PROJECT ACTIONS Because these questions are very general, it may be helpful to read them in conjunction with the list of the elements of the environment. When answering these questions, be aware of the proposal, of the types of activities likely to result from the proposal, which would affect the item at a greater intensity or at a faster rate than if the proposal were not implemented. Respond briefly and in general terms. 1. How would the proposal be likely to increase discharge to water; emissions to air; production, storage or release of toxic of hazardous substances; or production of noise? Future development of the area could produce short term noise and emission impacts due to typical construction activities. The existing area is zoned for commercial and multi-family uses. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce such increases are: Existing state and local emissions/noise regulations will provide adequate mitigation to short term impacts. FWRC and are local regulations relating to such impacts. 2. How would the proposal be likely to affect plants, animals, fish, or marine life? Redevelopment of the BN zoned properties may cause the removal of mature vegetation to make available space for new structures and/or impervious surfaces. Nesting birds may find fewer habitats due to the vegetation reduction. Proposed measures to protect or conserve plants, animals, fish, or marine life are: Existing tree regulations set forth in FWRC require a minimum 20 tree units per acre. This standard must be met via retention and/or replacement and should provide adequate mitigation. The city also encourages Low Impact Development treatments that include vegetated rain gardens that would increase planted areas in and around impervious surfaces. 3. How would the proposal be likely to deplete energy or natural resources? Existing land use polices of commercial retail and housing will remain. No energy or natural resource depletion is anticipated. Proposed measures to protect or conserve energy and natural resources are: None. Twin Lakes Commercial District Sub-Area Plan Page 17 of 32 Environmental Checklist

18 4. How would the proposal be likely to use or affect environmentally sensitive areas or areas designated (or eligible or under study) for governmental protection; such as parks, wilderness, wild and scenic rivers, threatened or endangered species habitat, historic or cultural sites, wetlands, floodplains, or prime farmlands? No sensitive areas are currently located in the BN zoned area. The critical areas inventory does show several isolated wetlands and streams in the residential zoned areas surrounding the commercial core. These were identified, but not verified or delineated, as a part of a citywide study completed in As many of the proposed policies are for the commercial area, no impacts are anticipated. Capital improvements such as pedestrian and bicycling improvements around the residential areas are not anticipated to impact the isolated wetlands or streams. Proposed measures to protect such resources or to avoid or reduce impacts are: Any proposed development or capital facilities improvements within 200 feet of a suspected wetland, or 100 feet of a suspected stream, will have a sensitive area reconnaissance completed. Any impacts are mitigated or avoided using guidance from the city s Critical Areas Ordinance. 5. How would the proposal be likely to affect land and shoreline use, including whether it would allow or encourage land or shoreline uses incompatible with existing plans. The BN zone allows a mix of commercial and multi-family uses. Those policies will be augmented to encourage redevelopment of the commercial properties consistent with overall goals and policies of the Neighborhood Business area. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce shoreline and land use impacts are: Adoption of the subarea plan will require amendments to the Zoning and Development Code for consistency. 6. How would the proposal be likely to increase demands on transportation or public service and utilities? Expect increased traffic due to new retail and housing. Additional residents in the area will use Lakehaven Water and Sewer facilities. Proposed measures to reduce of respond to such demands are: Capital improvement policies in the document include upgrades to pedestrian and bicycling facilities. Safe vehicle alternative facilities could reduce the amount of vehicle trips from residents within a ½ mile radius. Mixed use development provides the ability for workers on the ground level to live upstairs, further reducing vehicle trips related to employment. Further, any new Twin Lakes Commercial District Sub-Area Plan Page 18 of 32 Environmental Checklist

19 development will be required to comply with the city s existing concurrency standards and traffic impact fee requirements. 7. Identify, if possible, whether the proposal may conflict with local, state, or federal laws or requirements for the protection of the environment. Future project specific development actions will be subject to City of Federal Way environmental review and code requirements at the time of application. This proposal does not conflict with any local, state, or federal laws relating to the protection of the environment. LIST OF EXHIBITS Exhibit A Exhibit B Exhibit C Exhibit D Exhibit E Exhibit F Exhibit G Exhibit H Exhibit I Exhibit J Exhibit K Twin Lakes Commercial District Sub-Area Plan Goals & Policies Twin Lakes Commercial District Sub-Area Plan Draft Boundaries Map IX-5 Geologic Hazards Existing Critical Areas Map IX-4 Surface Water Resources Existing Land Use Existing Zoning Designations Existing Comprehensive Plan Designations Map III-5 Functional Classification of Existing and Planned Streets and Highways Map III-20 All Day Transit service Map III-21 Peak Hour Transit Service Twin Lakes Commercial District Sub-Area Plan Page 19 of 32 Environmental Checklist

20 Draft Building [and Site?] Character Purpose o The design and character of the built environment, including buildings and their immediate surrounding environment, can have a significant impact on the choices people make regarding transportation, buying decisions, and how they spend their time. It is important for the residents of the Twin Lakes neighborhood subarea to have a commercial center as a safe and desirable place to visit, regardless of their choice of transportation mode. Goals o Articulate a strategy for creating an environment that is conducive to increasing foot traffic, supporting diversified economic development, and providing a safe and visually interesting experience for visitors and residents of the subarea o Ensure that the subarea plan vision is complementary to and does not compete with the overall vision for the City of Federal Way. o Focus on incentivizing improvements, fostering community support and resources, and increasing the economic, environmental, and social well-being of the subarea to accomplish goals related to building and site character. o Ensure that the regulatory environment (e.g., zoning regulations) continues to encourage a diversified mix of land uses, so as to create complementary activities and services in the subarea that meet the needs of residents and business owners as well as contribute to overall community well-being. Policies o Promote building design that encourages opportunity and choice for a range of complementary business sizes and types Utilize and implement tools with a special focus on encouraging the feasibility of mixed use commercial space for small businesses combined with housing uses, such as live/work units or flexible work spaces in mixed-use zones. These tools could include creating incentives for developers to develop buildings using a target FAR ratio. Encourage new infill development in the existing commercial center by allowing building heights that could make new housing, retail, and work space types feasible in the area around the intersection of SW 336 th St and 21 st Ave SW Twin Lakes Commercial District Sub-Area Plan Page 20 of 32 Environmental Checklist

21 Consider a focused economic study on the feasibility of providing a limited amount of lower-cost space for business start-ups, artist space, or community organizations o Promote flexibility in new development (including building heights) to advance community design priorities Leverage zoning incentives to encourage developers and property owners to create amenities in exchange for flexibility on certain zoning requirements Develop a table of prioritized Bonus Features and Incentives highlighting community design guidelines for the Neighborhood Business zone to guide developers and encourage adoption of community priorities o Create guidelines for appealing building design based on local preferences Conduct a community design charrette to engage interested stakeholders and create a specific vision based on existing community design guidelines for the BN zone. Such a charrette could yield clear neighborhood-specific urban design guidelines with clear illustrations of design concepts that emphasize healthy community development Neighborhood retail businesses should be designed to provide human scale and interaction with pedestrians on the public right-of-way Identify and incorporate different textures, colors, materials and distinctive architectural features that add visual interest o Encourage development of sustainable buildings and infrastructure Develop incentives to create opportunities for site improvements or amenities, such as pocket parks, community gardens or sustainability measures that utilize existing best practice standards, such as Sustainable Sites, Built Green, or LEED Prioritize the establishment of a sustainable design strategy for the subarea business core. Such a strategy could come in the form of a sustainable design district overlay for the subarea business core. Highlight green buildings and infrastructure in this area with signage and educational kiosks Encourage, and consider providing incentives for, green infrastructure improvements as part of new development or redevelopment, including natural drainage strategies, green-roofs, and rooftop gardens. Such improvements can also improve the look and feel of the pedestrian environment and encourage more physical activity. Encourage building and site design for new developments that integrates lowimpact development strategies into existing green infrastructure, such as the BPA trail, wetlands, riparian areas, or on-site stormwater management facilities (including natural drainage facilities) Twin Lakes Commercial District Sub-Area Plan Page 21 of 32 Environmental Checklist

22 o Improve safety and access of buildings and surrounding site area Use existing CPTED principles in zoning code to specifically identify / address safety issues in the subarea Place a special emphasis on building entries as well as rear/service areas of buildings being kept well lit by external lighting, in accordance with existing design guidelines set forth by the City. Access points and driveways for neighborhood retail, including grocery stores, should prioritize the safe and efficient movement of pedestrians and bicycles throughout parking areas and the site area in general (refer to Community Design Guidelines, (2) and (4)) Prioritize visual access to the street from ground floor retail uses to pedestrian entrances and pedestrian-level display windows in order to promote eyes on the street and implementation of CPTED principles o Promote the Development of gathering spaces, especially outdoors Promote outdoor patios or plazas parallel to pedestrian right-of-ways in new development or redevelopment; work actively with property owners to encourage implementation of community design guidelines that focus on such improvements (reference Community Design Guidelines Building and Pedestrian Orientation). Promote gathering areas / site improvement / placemaking projects that can actively utilize community resources to create these spaces. For example: benches, pocket parks/plazas integrated into the landscape and built environment, bus shelters, or community-based intersection repair projects. Identify areas of opportunity for outdoor patios and other similar types of spaces that could be complementary to new or existing businesses for example, restaurants, cafes, or grocery stores and enhance the public realm. Draft Economic Development Purpose o Economic development and healthy community-building are complementary goals a healthy community can be fostered through economic development. Economic development not only helps to pay for improvements to a neighborhood (such as infrastructure and public spaces), it can also help to foster a sense of vitality by facilitating interaction between people. The business center is often the heart of a neighborhood. It is where community members interact through exchanges and gathering in spaces such as grocery stores, coffee shops, parks and outdoor eating areas. Twin Lakes Commercial District Sub-Area Plan Page 22 of 32 Environmental Checklist

23 Goals o Ensure that future economic development plays a leading role in fostering a healthy, active community o Create demonstrated economic benefits from providing safe opportunities for multiple modes of transportation to access local businesses o Provide a friendly and secure environment a place where residents are comfortable, especially when walking and bicycling, at all hours of the day o Create strategies for developing new businesses using existing assets, and promote land use strategies that provide opportunities for entrepreneurship and focus on retaining local businesses Policies o Promote and support community based, small-scale businesses Leverage the South Sound Regional Business Incubator (SSRBI) to create a business model for local food processing, preparation and distribution. Examine the feasibility of implementing Washington State s new Cottage Food Law (SB 5748). This allows for the processing of certain food items in residents homes and selling these food items directly to the consumer. Work with local property owners to find a low-cost space for home businesses to sell their products. That space could be a weekly farmers market or it could be in the form of a food mall that is also linked to the business incubator Organize a subarea economic development task force to set priorities for desired businesses and market sectors (for example, hospitality, food retail, sports/fitness) and to coordinate with city of Federal Way s economic development team Create a Community Development Corporation, local business association, or Business Improvement District to help advance community economic development goals. Work with the local Americorps office to help organize and build upon community volunteer assets. Organize and facilitate a charette with local business owners to better understand their current needs and future visions. Develop a list of resources to assist business owners with adopting best possible practices Partner with SSRBI on outreach to local businesses. Assist in tailoring business development/retention workshops to meet the community s needs Ensure future development that includes retail space is appropriately scaled for small businesses to promote more affordable space for start-up businesses. Twin Lakes Commercial District Sub-Area Plan Page 23 of 32 Environmental Checklist

24 Develop a Retail Retention Zone to encourage independent, locally owned businesses [Reference / Provide detail] o Create a sense of place through branding an identity, creating a gateway and integrating art into the landscape Public art should be encouraged throughout the subarea. Where possible, art should serve a function that relates to a public health benefit. Examples of appropriate public art could include streetscape improvement, such as benches or sidewalk treatment that improve the usability and attractiveness of the public realm. Art can be incorporated into many aspects of the built environment, including seating, lighting, paving, wayfinding and signage. Coordinate with local community gardens to grow appropriate plants for hanging baskets Street and pedestrian lighting should be of similar character throughout the business center Identify one or two arterial roads to establish a gateway into the subarea. The approach from the east along SW Campus Drive could serve this purpose Develop a neighborhood website, possibly as part of Engage Federal Way, that features a local business directory and profiles locally owned businesses o Coordinate with the city to develop wayfinding specifically targeted towards multiple modes of travel. Highlight community assets such as the aquatic center, farmers market, community gardens and Saghalie Park / Saghalie Middle School, for example. o Utilize zoning and other regulatory tools to allow for more creativity and local input on building and site design, and to promote healthy, active living. Convene stakeholders such as builders, developers, and real estate professionals to help determine appropriate goals for incentives Use form-based code as a tool to help explicitly illustrate how building and site design can improve the built environment Provide development incentives that encourage improvements with a clear link to public health benefits. Such incentives would allow the property owner to provide more the zoning limits in exchange for providing something that is in the community's interest or promotes a public goal, such as dedicated public open space, sidewalk improvements, street lighting, or community meeting facilities. o Encourage land use strategies that promote access to affordable housing, convenient access to retail, and opportunities for employment/self-employment for residents of the Subarea. Twin Lakes Commercial District Sub-Area Plan Page 24 of 32 Environmental Checklist