2514 RAINIER AVE 2022-03-01 - Laserfiche WebLink

Staff Response: The proposed school replacement would not adversely impact traffic or increase student capacity. On -site parking will be moved further west from residentially zoned properties. Bus traffic will be separated from staff and parent drop-off/pick-up. The relocation of the staff and parent pick-up/drop-off from public streets increases pedestrian and public safety. The traffic study submitted, dated August 2017, concludes that the site is expected to have sufficient parking and queuing space with limiting impacts to 26th Street. Existing sidewalks will be retained and new pedestrian connections between parking and access areas added. Additionally, a ten -foot landscape buffer around the parking lot and separating the bus access along Rainier Avenue will help buffer traffic from pedestrian walkways. 4. The provision of adequate off-street parking, on -site circulation, and site access. Staff Response: The proposal includes an increase of seven parking stalls, from 146 to 153. The new parking lot will be accessed from 26' Street exiting onto 25th Street towards Broadway. School bus load/unload area will be located off of Rainier Avenue and a pull- out along the north side of 26th Street for special education buses. Congestion during peak times is possible, however the proposed layout is intended to improve conditions of this existing and expected occurrence. 5. Compatibility of proposed structures and improvements with surrounding properties, including the size, height, location, setback and arrangement of all proposed buildings and facilities, especially as they relate to light and shadow impacts on more sensitive land uses and less intensive zones. Staff Response: The proposed new structures will be set back approximately 38 feet from the east side property line parallel to Rainier Avenue. The proposed building height of 32 feet is below the 45-foot height limit for the R-3 zone. A mechanical penthouse above the north portion of the academic wing will reach a height of 43 feet. A screening combination of masonry, metal panels, and painted cement fiber board will be used. Light trespass from site lighting will be compliant under IES `full cutoff requirements. Fixture placement will target areas for visibility illumination and minimize trespass to areas off -site. 6. The number, size and location of signs, especially as they relate to more sensitive land uses. Staff Response: A new monument sign and separate reader board sign are proposed. Signs will be assessed under a separate permit and is not included with this decision. 7. The landscaping, buffering and screening of buildings, parking, loading and storage areas, especially as they relate to more sensitive land uses. Staff Response: Landscaping and street trees, 1 per 30 feet, will be provided along property lines fronting on 24th Street, Rainier Avenue, and 26th Street. Additional landscaping will be provided within a 10 foot landscape strip along the west property lines and parking area. Parking should not be visible to residential uses along Rainier Avenue due to the location behind line of sight of the proposed structures. SPU 17-008 age 2 of 16'