open space code updates - SEPA checklist -5-8-23Department of Community Development
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003-6325
253-835-2607; Fax 253-835-2609
www.cityoffederalway.com
Bulletin #050 – October 17, 2016 Page 1 of 15 k:\Handouts\Environmental Checklist
SEPA ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
Purpose of Checklist
Governmental agencies use this checklist to help determine whether the environmental impacts of your
proposal are significant. This information is also helpful to determine if available avoidance, minimization
or compensatory mitigation measures will address the probable significant impacts or if an environmental
impact statement will be prepared to further analyze the proposal.
Instructions for Applicants
This environmental checklist asks you to describe some basic information about your proposal. Please
answer each question accurately and carefully, to the best of your knowledge. You may need to consult with
an agency specialist or private consultant for some questions. You may use “not applicable” or "does not
apply" only when you can explain why it does not apply and not when the answer is unknown. You may also
attach or incorporate by reference additional studies reports. Complete and accurate answers to these
questions often avoid delays with the SEPA process as well as later in the decision-making process.
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.
Instructions for Lead Agencies
Please adjust the format of this template as needed. Additional information may be necessary to evaluate the
existing environment, all interrelated aspects of the proposal and an analysis of adverse impacts. The
checklist is considered the first but not necessarily the only source of information needed to make an
adequate threshold determination. Once a threshold determination is made, the lead agency is responsible
for the completeness and accuracy of the checklist and other supporting documents.
Use of Checklist for Nonproject Proposals
For nonproject proposals (such as ordinances, regulations, plans and programs), complete the applicable
parts of sections A and B plus the SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET FOR NONPROJECT ACTIONS (part D). Please
completely answer all questions that apply and note that the words “project,” “applicant,” and “property or
site” should be read as “proposal,” “proponent,” and “affected geographic area,” respectively. The lead
agency may exclude (for non-projects) questions in Part B - Environmental Elements –that do not contribute
meaningfully to the analysis of the proposal.
Department of Community Development
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003-6325
253-835-2607; Fax 253-835-2609
www.cityoffederalway.com
Bulletin #050 – October 17, 2016 Page 2 of 15 k:\Handouts\Environmental Checklist
A. BACKGROUND
1. Name of proposed project, if applicable: Residential Open Space Development Regulations Text
Amendments in Federal Way Revised Code (FWRC) Title 18 (Subdivisions) and Title 19 (Zoning &
Development Code)
2. Name of applicant: City of Federal Way, Community Development Department, Planning Division
3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person: 33325 8th Ave S, Federal Way, WA 98003;
Contact: Evan Lewis, Senior Planner; evan.lewis@cityoffederalway.com or 253-835-2646.
4. Date checklist prepared: 5/8/23
5. Agency requesting checklist: City of Federal Way
6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable):
a) SEPA Environmental Determination: 5/12/23
b) Public Hearing (Planning Commission): 6/21/23
c) Land Use & Transportation Committee: 7/10/23
d) City Council 1st reading: 7/18/23
e) City Council 2nd reading/adoption: 8/15/23
7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected with
this proposal? If yes, explain. A separate comprehensive plan amendment will likely occur
regarding aspects of the residential open space code updates that require a comp plan
amendment. Those would be adopted prior to adoption of this code amendment. Further
residential open space code updates may be considered then made related to and after our
periodic comprehensive plan amendments in 2024.
8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared,
directly related to this proposal. None – further environmental review will occur with site-
specific project proposals subject to the updated residential open space code requirements.
9. Do you know whether applications are pending for governmental approvals of other proposals directly
affecting the property covered by your proposal? If yes, explain. None – and this isn’t a site-specific
code update.
10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known.
Planning commission recommendation and City Council approval.
Department of Community Development
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003-6325
253-835-2607; Fax 253-835-2609
www.cityoffederalway.com
Bulletin #050 – October 17, 2016 Page 3 of 15 k:\Handouts\Environmental Checklist
11. Give brief, complete description of your proposal, including the proposed uses and the size of the
project and site. There are several questions later in this checklist that ask you to describe certain
aspects of your proposal. You do not need to repeat those answers on this page. (Lead agencies may
modify this form to include additional specific information on project description.)
The City of Federal Way proposes amendments to residential open space code
development regulations within Federal Way Revised Code Title 18 – Subdivisions – and
Title 19 – Zoning and Development Code. These code updates are intended to improve
consistency of open space requirements between and within Title 18 and 19 and among
zones, clarify ambiguous or unclear code language, expand flexibility for how open space
requirements may be met, and be consistent with and implement the Federal Way
Housing Action Plan. Consistent with this intent, code updates include but may not be
limited to: expanding “usable open space” definition to account for both ‘active’ and
‘passive’ open space and clarifying amenities that fall within each; definition
clarifications; changing the method for calculating required usable open space for
residential subdivisions from a percent of gross land area to sq. ft. per unit; clarifying
and/or updating certain open space design or amenity standards; establishing exemptions
from open space standards for short plats below a certain number of lots; updating the
calculation method, review, applicability and processing of fee-in-lieu of open space
requests; updating the administrative alteration provision within FWRC 18.55.060;
improving the consistency of open space code within FWRC Title 19 chapters and
sections including, but not necessarily limited to, zoning use charts; and, expansion of the
fee-in-lieu of open space option to at least the community business (BC) zone.
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.
If approved, the proposed amendments would apply to all zones and uses that have residential
open space requirements.
B. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
1. Earth
a. General description of the site:
(circle one): Flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other
The City has a variety of slopes from steep slopes on the western and eastern boundaries to more
gentler slopes located in the interior of the city.
b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)? There are slopes steeper than 40%
located within the city
Department of Community Development
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003-6325
253-835-2607; Fax 253-835-2609
www.cityoffederalway.com
Bulletin #050 – October 17, 2016 Page 4 of 15 k:\Handouts\Environmental Checklist
c. What general types of soils are found on the site (for example, clay, sand, gravel, peat, muck)? If
you know the classification of agricultural soils, specify them and note any agricultural land of
long-term commercial significance and whether the proposal results in removing any of these soils.
There are a variety of soils located in the City. According to USDA’s Web Soil survey, in
order of prevalence, Alderwood gravelly sandy loam, 8 to 15% (21.5%), followed by
Alderwood gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 8% (16.1%), followed by Everett-Alderwood
gravelly sandy loams, 6 to 15% (10.4%), followed by Arents, Alderwood material, 0 to
6% (9.1%), followed by Arents, Alderwood material 6 to 15% (5.9%), followed by
various other soil types at smaller quantities.
d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so, describe.
There is evidence of recent and historic landslides occurring within the City in steeper-
sloped areas.
e. Describe the purpose, type, total area, and approximate quantities and total affected area of any
filling, excavation, and grading proposed. Indicate source of fill.
This is a non-project action. Any excavation, fill, and grading activities would be covered
by the allowances, limitations and restrictions found in the Federal Way Revised Code.
f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe.
The proposed amendments do not alter the protection mechanisms currently in place in
the Federal Way Revised Code.
g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project construction
(for example, asphalt or buildings)?
This is a non-project action. No revision is recommended to zoning designations or limits
on impervious coverages.
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any:
This is a non-project action. Erosion control measures are currently covered by the
Federal Way Revised Code.
2. Air
a. What types of emissions to the air would result from the proposal during construction, operation,
and maintenance when the project is completed? If any, generally describe and give approximate
quantities if known.
This is a non-project action and there are no project specific actions proposed at this time. Dust
control and construction vehicle maintenance and servicing will be required during
construction activities. New construction will be similar in terms of size and density to other
urban uses currently allowed in each zone.
b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so, generally
describe. Airborne emissions occur primarily from roadways and from exhaust from
Department of Community Development
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003-6325
253-835-2607; Fax 253-835-2609
www.cityoffederalway.com
Bulletin #050 – October 17, 2016 Page 5 of 15 k:\Handouts\Environmental Checklist
existing structures. These will be assessed with site-specific project proposals, as
applicable.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any:
No measures are proposed in conjunction with this proposed code amendment. 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.
3. Water
a. Surface Water:
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.
The city of Federal Way has approximately 6.4 miles of Puget Sound shoreline. In addition,
there are a number of lakes, streams and wetlands located in the city.
2) Will the project require any work over, in, or adjacent to (within 200 feet) the described waters? If
yes, please describe and attach available plans.
This is a non-project proposal. No construction will be directly related to this proposal.
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 at this time. This is a non-project action.
4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general description, purpose,
and approximate quantities if known.
Not applicable at this time. This is a non-project action.
5) Does the proposal lie within a 100-year floodplain? If so, note location on the site plan.
Not applicable at this time. This is a non-project action.
6) Does the proposal involve any discharges of waste materials to surface waters? If so, describe the
type of waste and anticipated volume of discharge.
Not applicable at this time. This is a non-project action.
b. Ground Water:
1) Will groundwater be withdrawn from a well for drinking water or other purposes? If so, give a
general description of the well, proposed uses and approximate quantities withdrawn from the well.
Department of Community Development
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003-6325
253-835-2607; Fax 253-835-2609
www.cityoffederalway.com
Bulletin #050 – October 17, 2016 Page 6 of 15 k:\Handouts\Environmental Checklist
Will water be discharged to groundwater? Give general description, purpose, and approximate
quantities if known.
This is a non-project action and includes proposed code amendments only. Nothing in the
proposed amendments would influence where water is obtained.
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 at this time. This is a non-project action. Waste material as described will be
assessed, as applicable, related to future site specific proposals subject to these updated
residential open space code requirements.
c. Water runoff (including stormwater):
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.
This is a non-project action and there are no site-specific proposals being considered at
this time. The City of Federal Way has adopted the 2016 King County, Washington
Surface Water Design Manual (KCSWDM), the 2016 Federal Way Addendum to the
King County, Washington Surface Water Design Manual, the King County Stormwater
Pollution Prevention Manual, and the latest edition of the LID Technical Guidance
Manual for Puget Sound. All runoff from projects stemming from or subject to these
proposed code amendments will be required to comply with these adopted standards.
2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe.
This is a non-project action proposing amendments to the city code. The proposed amendments
will not increase the potential or risk for waste materials entering ground or surface waters.
3) Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of the site? If so, describe.
No – not applicable as this is not a site specific proposal.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water, and drainage pattern
impacts, if any:
None are proposed - non-project action.
Department of Community Development
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003-6325
253-835-2607; Fax 253-835-2609
www.cityoffederalway.com
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4. Plants
a. Check the types of vegetation found on the site: citywide:
x deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other
x evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other
x shrubs
x grass
pasture
crop or grain
x Orchards, vineyards or other permanent crops.
x wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bullrush, skunk cabbage, other
x water plants: water lily, eelgrass, milfoil, other
x other types of vegetation
b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered?
This is a non-project action proposing amendments to the city code. The amount of clearing and
vegetation removal is controlled by the Federal Way Revised Code.
c. List threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site.
The City is unaware of any threatened or endangered plant species found within the City. This
will be assessed further related to site specific proposals subject to this code update, as
applicable.
d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance vegetation on
the site, if any:
This is a non-project action. Landscape requirements are identified in Title 19 of the Federal
Way Revised Code. This will be assessed further related to site specific proposals subject to this
code update, as applicable.
e. List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site.
Noxious and invasive weeds are found throughout the City. The City complies with the State of
Washington’s and King County Noxious Weed Board’s rules and recommendations for the
control and eradication of listed noxious weeds.
5. Animals
a. List any birds and other animals which have been observed on or near the site or are known to be on
or near the site. Examples include:
birds: hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds, other:
mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other:
fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other:
Department of Community Development
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003-6325
253-835-2607; Fax 253-835-2609
www.cityoffederalway.com
Bulletin #050 – October 17, 2016 Page 8 of 15 k:\Handouts\Environmental Checklist
According to King County, 221 breeding and non-breeding bird species are common,
uncommon, or usually seen on an annual basis in King County and there are approximately 70
mammals found in King County. The city is also home to fish bearing streams. No specific
inventories were conducted for this Checklist preparation.
b. List any threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site.
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. This will be assessed further related to site specific
proposals subject to this code update, as applicable.
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:
There are no provisions in the proposed code amendments to preserve or enhance wildlife.
e. List any invasive animal species known to be on or near the site.
Invasive species may be present in the City. If existing, the City would comply with all State and
County regulations for the control of such species.
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.
This is a non-project action. All construction will be subject to the Washington State Energy
Code. Energy conservation measures would be incorporated into construction activities.
b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties? If so, generally
describe.
The proposed code amendments do not include revising building heights or property setbacks.
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:
The proposed code amendments do not propose any additional conservation features from
those uses currently allowed in each zone.
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 any known or possible contamination at the site from present or past uses. This is a non-
Department of Community Development
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003-6325
253-835-2607; Fax 253-835-2609
www.cityoffederalway.com
Bulletin #050 – October 17, 2016 Page 9 of 15 k:\Handouts\Environmental Checklist
project action and no site-specific proposals exists. However, a portion of the city has been
impacted as being potentially impacted from the Tacoma Smelter Plume.
2) Describe existing hazardous chemicals/conditions that might affect project development and
design. This includes underground hazardous liquid and gas transmission pipelines located
within the project area and in the vicinity.
This is a non-project action and no site-specific proposals exist.
3) Describe any toxic or hazardous chemicals that might be stored, used, or produced during the
project's development or construction, or at any time during the operating life of the project.
This is a non-project action and no site-specific proposals exist.
4) Describe special emergency services that might be required.
No special emergency services are anticipated.
5) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any:
No mitigation measures are proposed with these proposed code amendments.
b. Noise
1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example: traffic,
equipment, operation, other)?
The zones that would be affected by the adoption of these proposed amendments are located
in the city where noise is generated by traffic, over-head airplane travel, construction and
heavy equipment and other occupied land uses.
2) What types and levels of noise would be created by or associated with the project on a short-
term or a long-term basis (for example: traffic, construction, operation, other)? Indicate what
hours noise would come from the site.
This is a non-project action and no site-specific proposals exist.
3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any:
Chapter 7.10 of the Federal Way Revised Code applies to all uses within the city. No other
mitigation measures are proposed.
8. Land and Shoreline Use
a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties? Will the proposal affect
current land uses on nearby or adjacent properties? If so, describe. This is a non-
project action and there is no site-specific project proposed.
Department of Community Development
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003-6325
253-835-2607; Fax 253-835-2609
www.cityoffederalway.com
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b. Has the project site been used as working farmlands or working forest lands? If so,
describe. How much agricultural or forest land of long-term commercial significance will
be converted to other uses as a result of the proposal, if any? If resource lands have not
been designated, how many acres in farmland or forest land tax status will be converted
to nonfarm or nonforest use? The City does not have any agricultural or forest land
of long-term commercial significance.
1) Will the proposal affect or be affected by surrounding working farm or forest land
normal business operations, such as oversize equipment access, the application of
pesticides, tilling, and harvesting? If so, how:
Not Applicable
c. Describe any structures on the site. This is a non-project action and there is no site-specific project.
d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what? This is a non-project action and there is no site-specific
project proposed. It is possible that adoption of these code amendments will result in the demolition
of structures as part of development proposals subject to these code updates; such as demolition in
order to accommodate certain open space requirements.
e. What is the current zoning classification of the site? This is a non-project action that pertains to
residential uses in all residential and mixed use zones subject to residential open space
requirements – RS, SE, RM, BC, BN, CE, CC-F, and CC-C zones.
f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site?
This is a non-project action and there is no site-specific project proposed. However, as this code
update pertains to residential uses primarily in residential zones, such zones are mostly found
in areas within the Single family (low, medium and high density, multi-family, neighborhood
commercial, commercial enterprise, community business, city center frame and city center core
comprehensive plan land use designations., found here: ComprehensivePlan.pdf
(cityoffederalway.com).
g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site? Not applicable, this
is a non-project action and there is no site-specific project proposed. There are several areas
with shoreline designation in the city but its unknown at this time if future site specific
proposals subject to these code updates will be in those areas.,
h. Has any part of the site been classified as a critical area by the city or county? If so, specify.
This is a non-project action applicable to the Single-Family zones in the city. Revisions to critical
area protections are not part of this proposed amendment.
i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project? This is a non-project
action applicable to the Single-Family zones in the city. There is no site-specific project
proposed at this time.
Department of Community Development
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003-6325
253-835-2607; Fax 253-835-2609
www.cityoffederalway.com
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j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace? This is a non-project action
and there are no direct displacements to consider with this action.
k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any:
This is a non-project action and there is no site-specific project proposed at this time. The open
space code updates would, taken as a whole, likely reduce and/or provide more flexibility
around meeting residential open space requirements which should help accommodate more
housing in Federal Way consistent with the housing action plan.
l. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land
uses and plans, if any:
This is a non-project action and there is no site-specific project proposed at this time. No
amendments to the design criteria are proposed, compatibility with existing and projected land
uses is retained.
m. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts to agricultural and forest lands of long-term
commercial significance, if any:
Not applicable for this site-specific action. However, since the code amendments in would
reduce open space requirements for some development proposals, it also reduces the likelihood
that an applicant would remove forest land for the purpose of meeting open space
requirements.
9. Housing
a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-
income housing. This is a non-project action and there is no site-specific project proposed
at this time. However, in part, the code amendment helps implement and is consistent with
the Federal Way Housing Action Plan.
b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high-, middle-, or
low-income housing. This is a non-project action and there is no site-specific project
proposed at this time. However, in part, the code amendment helps implement and is
consistent with the Federal Way Housing Action Plan.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any: This is a non-project action and
there is no site-specific project proposed at this time. However, in part, the code amendment
helps implement and is consistent with the Federal Way Housing Action Plan.
10. Aesthetics
a. What is the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including antennas; what is the principal
exterior building material(s) proposed? This is a non-project action and there is no site-specific
project proposed at this time.
b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed? This is a non-project action and
there is no site-specific project proposed at this time.
Department of Community Development
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003-6325
253-835-2607; Fax 253-835-2609
www.cityoffederalway.com
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c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any: This is a non-project action and
there is no site-specific project proposed at this time.
11. Light and Glare
a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly occur?
This is a non-project action and there is no site-specific project proposed at this time.
b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views?
This is a non-project action and there is no site-specific project proposed at this time.
c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal?
This is a non-project action and there is no site-specific project proposed at this time.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any:
This is a non-project action and there is no site-specific project proposed at this time.
12. Recreation
a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity?
This is a non-project action and there is no site-specific project proposed at this time.
However, in part the code updates are more specific and consistent about recreational amenities
for residential open space requirements which should lead to improved recreational amenities
for some site-specific project proposals.
b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe. This is a non-
project action and there is no site-specific project proposed at this time. The proposed code
amendments will not displace any existing recreational uses.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation opportunities to
be provided by the project or applicant, if any: This is a non-project action and there is no site-
specific project proposed at this time. No mitigation measures are warranted.
13. Historic and Cultural Preservation
a. Are there any buildings, structures, or sites, located on or near the site that are over 45 years old listed
in or eligible for listing in national, state, or local preservation registers ? If so, specifically describe.
This is a non-project action and there is no site-specific project proposed at this time.
Department of Community Development
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003-6325
253-835-2607; Fax 253-835-2609
www.cityoffederalway.com
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b. Are there any landmarks, features, or other evidence of Indian or historic use or occupation? This
may include human burials or old cemeteries. Are there any material evidence, artifacts, or areas of
cultural importance on or near the site? Please list any professional studies conducted at the site to
identify such resources. This is a non-project action and there is no site-specific project
proposed at this time.
c. Describe the methods used to assess the potential impacts to cultural and historic resources on or
near the project site. Examples include consultation with tribes and the department of archeology
and historic preservation, archaeological surveys, historic maps, GIS data, etc.
The City currently has an interlocal agreement with King County and the King County
Landmarks and Heritage Commission to provide historic preservation services for the city
and the procedures are provided in Federal Way Revised Code 19.285 (Protection and
Preservation of Landmarks). This is a non-project action and there is no site-specific
project proposed at this time. No changes are proposed to the city’s oversight of historic
structures or properties.
d. Proposed measures to avoid, minimize, or compensate for loss, changes to, and disturbance to
resources. Please include plans for the above and any permits that may be required. This is a
non-project action and there is no site-specific project proposed at this time.
14. Transportation
a. Identify public streets and highways serving the site or affected geographic area and describe
proposed access to the existing street system. Show on site plans, if any. This is a non-
project action and there is no site-specific project proposed at this time.
b. Is the site or affected geographic area currently served by public transit? If so, generally describe. If
not, what is the approximate distance to the nearest transit stop? This is a non-project action and
there is no site-specific project proposed at this time. The city of Federal Way is served by
public transit. Currently bus service is provided by King County Metro, Sound Transit
and Pierce Transit. Light rail is expected to serve the city beginning in 2024. Distance to
transit stops varies in the city.
c. How many additional parking spaces would the completed project or non-project proposal have?
How many would the project or proposal eliminate? This is a non-project action and there is
no site-specific project proposed at this time. No changes to the provisions regarding the
number of parking spaces requirements.
d. Will the proposal require any new or improvements to existing roads, streets, pedestrian, bicycle or
state transportation facilities, not including driveways? If so, generally describe (indicate whether
public or private). This is a non-project action and there is no site-specific project proposed
at this time.
Department of Community Development
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003-6325
253-835-2607; Fax 253-835-2609
www.cityoffederalway.com
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e. Will the project or proposal use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air transportation?
If so, generally describe. This is a non-project action and there is no site-specific project
proposed at this time.
f. How many vehular trips per day would be generated by the completed project or proposal? If
known, indicate when peak volumes would occur and what percentage of the volume would be
trucks (such as commercial and nonpassenger vehicles). What data or transportation models were
used to make these estimates? This is a non-project action and there is no site-specific
project proposed at this time.
g. Will the proposal interfere with, affect or be affected by the movement of agricultural and forest
products on roads or streets in the area? If so, generally describe. Not applicable. Federal
Way is part of the Urban Growth Area of King County. There are no managed forests
or agricultural areas in the city
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any: This is a non-project action and
there is no site-specific project proposed at this time. No mitigation measures are proposed.
15. Public Services
a. Would the project result in an increased need for public services (for example: fire protection, police
protection, public transit, health care, schools, other)? If so, generally describe. This is a non-
project action and there is no site-specific project proposed at this time.
b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any. This is a non-project
action and there is no site-specific project proposed at this time.
16. Utilities
a. Circle utilities currently available at the site:
electricity, natural gas, water, refuse service, telephone, sanitary sewer, septic system,
other
This is a non-project action and there is no site-specific project proposed at this time. The City
of Federal Way is served by Puget Sound Energy, Lakehaven Water & Sewer District, Tacoma
Public Utilities, Comcast, CenturyLink, and numerous wireless carriers.
Department of Community Development
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003-6325
253-835-2607; Fax 253-835-2609
www.cityoffederalway.com
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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.
This is a non-project action and there is no site-specific project proposed at this time. Each
development project resulting from the adoption of these proposed code amendments will
propose utility improvements to serve their project. Requirements will vary by size and location
of each project.
C. SIGNATURE
The above answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand
that the lead agency is relying on them to make its decision.
Signature:
Name of Signee: Evan Lewis
Position and Agency/Organization: Senior Planner
Date Submitted: May 8, 2023
Department of Community Development
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003-6325
253-835-2607; Fax 253-835-2609
www.cityoffederalway.com
Bulletin #050 – October 17, 2016 Page 16 of 15 k:\Handouts\Environmental Checklist
D. SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET FOR NONPROJECT ACTIONS
(IT IS NOT NECESSARY to use this sheet for 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 extent the proposal, or the
types of activities likely to result from the proposal, would affect the item at a greater intensity or at a faster
rate than if the proposal were not implemented. Respond briefly and in general terms.
1. How would the proposal be likely to increase discharge to water; emissions to air; production, storage,
or release of toxic or hazardous substances; or production of noise? The proposed code amendments
do not add or remove any currently-allowed land uses.
Proposed measures to avoid or reduce such increases are: Noise emanating from any uses resulting
from or subject to the adoption of these proposed code amendments would be subject to the
provisions of Federal Way Revised Code Chapter 7.10 (Noise).
2. How would the proposal be likely to affect plants, animals, fish, or marine life? No changes are proposed
to property or critical area setbacks or allowed uses. No changes are proposed to building heights,
stormwater regulations, and vegetation retention and requirements.
Proposed measures to protect or conserve plants, animals, fish, or marine life are: No additional
mitigation measures are necessary. If anything the proposed amendments would likely increase
conservation of these natural assets as the code updates provide more flexibility for meeting
providing on-site usable open space; reducing the likelihood that applicants propose the removal of
natural areas in order to provide ‘usable’ open space for recreation (which may be green spaces but
not necessarily natural spaces).
3. How would the proposal be likely to deplete energy or natural resources? No changes are proposed that
would deplete energy and natural resources.
Proposed measures to protect or conserve energy and natural resources are: All new construction would
be required to meet current energy codes. No other mitigation is warranted.
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?
Unlikely. If anything the proposed amendments would likely increase conservation of these natural
assets as the code updates provide more flexibility for meeting providing on-site usable open space;
reducing the likelihood that applicants propose the removal of natural areas in order to provide
‘usable’ open space for recreation (which may be green spaces but not necessarily natural spaces).
Proposed measures to protect such resources or to avoid or reduce impacts are:
No new mitigation measures are necessary.
Department of Community Development
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003-6325
253-835-2607; Fax 253-835-2609
www.cityoffederalway.com
Bulletin #050 – October 17, 2016 Page 17 of 15 k:\Handouts\Environmental Checklist
4. How would the proposal be likely to affect land and shoreline use, including whether it would allow or
encourage land or shoreline uses incompatible with existing plans? The proposed amendments do
not affect the critical area or shoreline regulations for the City. None of the proposed code
amendments are expected to impact shoreline protections or use and this would be assessed
further for site-specific proposals.
Proposed measures to avoid or reduce shoreline and land use impacts are: No new mitigation measures
are necessary.
5. How would the proposal be likely to increase demands on transportation or public services and utilities?
Unlikely to increase demands on transportation or public services. This would be assessed
further related to site specific development proposals subject to these code updates and future
projects would have to meet the city’s requirements pertaining to transportation or public
services and utilities.
Proposed measures to reduce or respond to such demand(s) are: No monitoring or additional measures
are warranted.
6. Identify, if possible, whether the proposal may conflict with local, state, or federal laws or requirements
for the protection of the environment. There are no known conflicts in the proposed code
amendments with state or federal regulations for environmental protection.