12115 19TH AVE SE 2016-01-01 MF Import

18. As withall development, the increased noise, lot coverage, and activity on the site will eliminate much of this wildlife activity. However, the preservation of the two northernmost wetlands and the 25 foot buffer surrounding these areas will provide some habitat value, including areas for nesting. 19. Ted Muller of the Department of Wildlife stated that, in his site visit, he did not see any unique or critically limited wildlife habitat. Andy McMillan of the Department of Ecology stated that the two wetlands on the south side of the property do not appear to be providing habitat for wildlife. 20. The third issue appealed is the impact of increased noise on the neighbors' quality of life and the wildlife. 21. Tom Lux contends that the addition of almost 200 units will considerably increase the ambient noise level. He stated that the addition of tall foliage and the widening of the buffer zone is the minimum to help alleviate this distraction and nuisance. He stated that the City's SEPA policies on noise are incongruous with this development. The neighborhood feels that before any permits are granted, proper and full studies should be completed and necessary adjustments be made to the proposed development. 22. There will be increase, noise on the site generated both during and after construction. The site has been zoned R -.3(A) since annexation in 1984 and the noise levels will increase commensurate with the development allowed in the R -3(A) zone. Noise levels should not be greater than permitted in the City's Noise Ordinance No. 534-78. 23. The fourth item appealed by the Silver Lake Action Committee is the contradiction between the DNS requiring that lights be adjusted to eliminate glare and the Police Department recommendation that a minimum of one to two foot candles of lighting be provided in parking areas. 24. Tom Lux stated that there will be considerable outside lighting and window glare. He stated that the requirements placed by the Planning Department including a 15 foot buffer area and directing the lights downward onto the site are not adequate to mitigate the impacts. Mr. Lux contends that in order to preserve minimal privacy and normal residential lighting, a greater buffer zone is needed. . 25. Condition 9, page 3, of the DNS required that: All exterior lights must be located a minimum of 15 feet from the north, south, and east property lines. The lights must be directed downward onto the site and away from adjacent single family areas. (SEPA Light and Glare Policies) Staff contends that this condition was placed to minimize the impact of the lights on adjacent properties and to eliminate direct lighting onto adjacent properties. -6-