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22-103516-SEPA 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 and/or 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: 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 nonprojects) questions in Part B (Environmental Elements) that do not contribute meaningfully to the analysis of the proposal. Background Name of proposed project, if applicable: Sign Code revision: adding changes to FWRC 19.05.190 (Definitions) and adding a new Section 19.40.135 Iconic Signs. Name of applicant: City of Federal Way Address and phone number of applicant and contact person: 33325 - 8th Avenue South Federal Way, WA 98003-6325 Contact: Keith Niven, Planning Manager Phone: 253/835-2643 Date checklist prepared: 26 July 2022 Agency requesting checklist: City of Federal Way Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable): Council adoption of Code revisions in November 2022 Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected with this proposal? If yes, explain. No List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared, directly related to this proposal. None 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 List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known. Planning Commission recommendation and City Council approval. 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 proposed code amendments would create an allowance for Iconic Signs within the City Center of Federal Way. The iconic sign provision is intended to create a process whereby a proposed sign that does not meet the dimensional or other standards of the sign code, but, through design and artistic expression unrelated to its message, is culturally significant to the community or region, and is expected to serve a placemaking function either upon completion or with the passage of time. The proposed amendments are attached as Attachment 1 to this Checklist. 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 proposed amendments, if approved, would apply to the Federal Way City Center (see Figure 1). / Environmental Elements Earth General description of the site (underline/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. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)? There are slopes steeper than 40% located within the city 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Air 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. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so, generally describe. This is a non-project action. Airborne emissions occur primarily from roadways and from exhaust from existing structures. Airborne emissions will not affect signs as they are non-occupied structures. 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. Water Surface Water 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. 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. 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 a non-project action. Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. Not applicable. This is a non-project action. Does the proposal lie within a 100-year floodplain? If so, note the location on the site plan. Not applicable. 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. This is a non-project action. Ground Water 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. 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 is the proposed amendments would influence where water is obtained. 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. This is a non-project action and includes code amendments only. Nothing in the proposed code amendments would allow connection to septic systems and none of the uses allowed from the proposed amendments would include chemical or agricultural discharges. Water runoff (including stormwater): Describe the source of runoff (including stormwater) 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 these proposed code amendments will be required to comply with these adopted standards. 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. Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of the site? If so, describe. No. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water, and drainage pattern impacts, if any: None are proposed. Plants Check the types of vegetation found on the site: ____deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other ____evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other ____shrubs ____grass ____pasture ____crop or grain ____orchards, vineyards, or other permanent crops ____wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bullrush, skunk cabbage, other ____water plants: water lily, eelgrass, milfoil, other ____other types of vegetation 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. 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. 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. No revisions to those requirements are proposed. 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. Animals 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 ________ 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. List any threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. Not applicable. This is a non-project action. However, there are no known threatened or endangered species known to be on or near these sites. 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. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any. There are no provisions in the proposed code amendments to preserve or enhance wildlife. 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. Energy and Natural Resources 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. 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. 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. Environmental Health 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. Describe any known or possible contamination at the site from present or past uses. This is a non-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 (see map below). / 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. 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. Describe special emergency services that might be required. No special emergency services are anticipated. Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any. No mitigation measures are proposed with these proposed code amendments. Noise 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 with the adoption of this proposed amendment are located in the city where noise is generated by traffic, over-head airplane travel, construction and heavy equipment and other occupied land uses. 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. 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. Land and Shoreline Use 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. 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 non-forest use? The City does not have any agricultural or forest land of long-term commercial significance. 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 Describe any structures on the site. This is a non-project action and there is no site-specific project. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what? It is possible that adoption of these code amendments will result in the demolition of structures (existing signs) as part of a subsequent project action. What is the current zoning classification of the site? The area where this proposed code would be applied is the City Center Core (CC-C) and City Center Frame (CC-F) zones. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site? City Center Core and City Center Frame. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site? The proposed amendments would apply to a portion of the City that is not covered by the Shoreline program. 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 multiple zones in the city. Revisions to critical area protections are not part of this proposed amendment. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project? The project applies to the sign code only and would not affect the number of people in the City. 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. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any. This is a non-project action, applicable only to the sign code, and no mitigation measures are proposed. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land uses and plans, if any. The proposed amendments include approval criteria that would ensure compatibility. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with nearby agricultural and forest lands of long-term commercial significance, if any. Not Applicable as there are no nearby agricultural or forest lands within the city. Housing Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income housing. This amendment is to the sign code only, there will be no new residential units created with this code amendment. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income housing. The proposed code amendments will not result in the removal of any housing units. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any. None are proposed. Aesthetics 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. The approval criteria indicated that the iconic sign would need to be in scale with the building. No maximum height has been proposed. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed? This is a non-project action. Impacts to views would be assessed with individual permit applications. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any. The proposed approval criteria is intended to allow iconic signs but offer 13 criteria to limit the approval of these types of signs. Light and Glare What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly occur? Light impacts would be evaluated on a permit basis. The approval criteria includes a provision for safety and one related to lighting specifically. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views? The proposed code includes approval criteria associated with safety. The impact on views will be addressed on a permit-by-permit basis. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal? Off-site light sources could include I-5 and other major streets and existing developed properties in the City Center area. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any. The proposed code amendment includes the following approval criteria: “Blinking or chasing lights are prohibited, fluorescent lighting must be baffled, and LED lighting will be used in lieu of neon;”. No other mitigation measures are necessary. Recreation What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity? The City of Federal Way Parks Department manages 23 neighborhood parks and six major facilities. The city also maintains 23 undeveloped open spaces and three trail systems for use by its residents, employees and visitors, defining a park system that exceeds 1,000 acres. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe. The proposed code amendments will not displace any existing recreational uses. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any. No mitigation measures are warranted. Historic and cultural preservation 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 located on or near the site? If so, specifically describe. The proposed code amendments represent a non-project action and there are no specific development proposals pending at this time. There are no known structures within the City Center that are 45+ years old. 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. There is no evidence of Indian or historic occupation of the City Center area. 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 proposed code amendments are a non-project action. 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). No changes are proposed to the city’s oversight of historic structures or properties. In addition, all non-exempt development projects are reviewed for SEPA compliance. Those reviews are shared with the tribes before permits are issued. 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. No additional measures are necessary. Transportation 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. See Figure 1. The proposed sing code amendments will not alter access within the City Center area. 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? 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. 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. The only proposed amendment that affects parking is the proposed amendment to remove the parking requirement for ADUs that are within ¼ mile of a major transit stop. This amendment is proposed to make the FWRC consistent with state law. It is unknown how many parking spaces this proposed amendment would remove. 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). The proposed code amendments are a non-project action. The need for mobility improvements will be assessed with each project during application review. 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 no site-specific proposals are being considered at this time. How many vehicular 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 non-passenger vehicles). What data or transportation models were used to make these estimates? This is a non-project action. Any project stemming from the adoption of the proposed code amendments will be required to have their traffic impacts reviewed and mitigated as part of the permitting process. 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. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any. No mitigation measures are proposed. Public services 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. The proposed code amendments do not add or remove allowed land uses from current zones in the city, except for the proposed increase in zones that would allow convalescent centers. This use is currently allowed in the city. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any. Increasing the zones that allow convalescent centers will not result in a dramatic increase in these facilities in the city. It will not affect the school population, but may have an influence on the health care industry. No additional mitigation is warranted. Utilities Underline/circle utilities currently available at the site: electricity, natural gas, water, refuse service, telephone, sanitary sewer, septic system, other ___________ The City of Federal Way is served by Puget Sound Energy, Lakehaven Water & Sewer District, Tacoma Public Utilities, Comcast, CenturyLink, and numerous wireless carriers. 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. 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. 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: ___________________________________________________ Printed Name of Signee: ____Keith Niven, AICP, CEcD___________________________________ Position and Agency/Organization: _Planning Manager, Community Development ____________ Date Submitted: ____ 22 August 2021_________ Supplemental Sheet For Non-project 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. 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. The only development regulation change that is part of these proposed code amendments is the proposed allowance of electrified fencing for certain limited uses in the Commercial Enterprise (CE) zone; and, increasing the zones that allow for convalescent centers. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce such increases are: Noise emanating from any uses from the adoption of these proposed code amendments would be subject to the provisions of Federal Way Revised Code Chapter 7.10 (Noise). The proposed electrified fence standards would not contribute to the release of any hazardous substances or noise. No mitigation measures are necessary. 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. How would the proposal be likely to deplete energy or natural resources? No changes are proposed to property or critical area setbacks or allowed uses. 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? No changes are proposed to property or critical area setbacks or allowed uses. Protections for critical areas are found in Federal Way Revised Code Title 14 (Environmental Policy) and Title 19 Chapter 19.145 (Environmentally Critical Areas). Proposed measures to protect such resources or to avoid or reduce impacts are: No new provisions are necessary. 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. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce shoreline and land use impacts are: No mitigation measures are proposed. How would the proposal be likely to increase demands on transportation or public services and utilities? The proposed code amendments do not change the zones found within the city nor do they add or subtract from the land uses allowed in each zone. Removing the requirement for parking for ADUs within ¼ mile of a major transit stop may increase demand on public transit. Adopting increased SEPA flexible thresholds and the exemption for infill development may result in increased development activity. Allowing electrified fences for some uses within the CE zone may interest some businesses that otherwise might be looking at locating in other communities. Proposed measures to reduce or respond to such demand(s) are: Should the City see an increase in development activity as a result of these proposed code amendments, the City can accommodate increased development activity with existing zoning since it did not reach its growth targets for housing or employment over the last Planning cycle and has adequate capacity for growth to reach its proposed growth targets for 2044. As far as any mitigation needed for removing the ADU parking requirement for some ADUs, the city has not seen a dramatic construction of ADUs and no mitigation is necessary. Identify, if possible, whether the proposal may conflict with local, state, or federal laws or requirements for the protection of the environment. A majority of the proposed amendments are intended solely to clarify existing code language and to improve the processing efficiency of permit applications. Three changes are intended to bring the existing code into compliance with state law. Specifically, the revision to 18.40.050(4) is intended to make this section consistent with SHB 1074 (2013). The proposed revisions to 19.200.180 are intended to make this section consistent with ESSB 6617 (2020). And, the proposed revision to 19.05.060 is intended to make Title 19 consistent with ESSB 5235 (2021). Two proposed revisions are intended to take advantage of provisions passed by the legislature intended to streamline the permitting process. First, the proposed revisions to 18.40.050 are intended to take advantage of the allowances granted by SB 5674 (2017) allowing Final Plats to be approved administratively. Second, the proposed revision to 14.15.030 would allow the city to increase its SEPA flexible thresholds including exemptions for infill development consistent with SHB 2673 (2020). Two of the proposed revisions not falling under the umbrella of revisions for consistency with state law would change development regulations. The first is the proposal to increase the zones that allow convalescent homes to include RM2400 and RM3600. The other is to allow electrified fencing for certain uses in the Commercial Enterprise (CE) zone. 19.05.190 S definitions./ “Sign” means any communication device, structure, fixture, or placard that uses colors, words, letters, numbers, symbols, graphics, graphic designs, figures, logos, trademarks, and/or written copy for the purpose of: (1) Providing information or directions; or (2) Promoting, identifying, or advertising any place, building, use, business, event, establishment, product, good, or service, and includes all supports, braces, guys, and anchors associated with such sign. Painted wall designs or patterns which do not represent a product, service, or registered trademark, and which do not identify the user, are not considered signs. If a painted wall design or pattern is combined with a sign, only that part of the design or pattern which cannot be distinguished from the sign will be considered as part of the sign. The following types of signs are included in the definition of “signs”: (21) “Iconic sign” means any proposed sign that, through design and artistic expression unrelated to its message, is culturally significant to the region or community, and is expected to serve a placemaking function either upon completion or with the passage of time. 19.140.135 Iconic signs./ (1) Scope. This section establishes the procedure and criteria the city will use in deciding upon an application for an iconic sign. (2) Required review process. An iconic sign shall be reviewed and approved in accordance with FWRC 19.140, except that the substantive criteria for approval or denial shall be limited to those set forth in this section. Unless otherwise expressly stated, any permit for an iconic sign granted pursuant to this Section shall run with the land and shall not automatically terminate upon sale or transfer of the property. (3) Intent. The iconic sign provision is intended to create a process whereby a proposed sign that does not meet the dimensional or other standards of the sign code, but, through design and artistic expression unrelated to its message, is culturally significant to the community or region, and is expected to serve a placemaking function either upon completion or with the passage of time. This provision is not intended to be a tool to vary one or more of the standards of this Chapter simply to allow for a larger sign than otherwise could be obtained. (4) Criteria. The city may grant the iconic sign only if it finds all of the following: (a) The proposed iconic sign or signs is for a non-residential use; (b) The proposed iconic sign or signs is representative of a business that has been found in the City and/or region a minimum of 20 years; (c) The proposed iconic sign or signs will be located in the City Center; (d) The proposed iconic sign or signs is consistent with Goals and/or Policies of the Comprehensive Plan; (e) The proposed iconic sign or signs, through design and artistic expression unrelated to its message, is significant to the community or region; (f) The proposed materials and/or design is representative of a particular period of construction and/or demonstrates extraordinary aesthetic quality, creativity, or innovation; (g) The proposed iconic sign or signs is expected to serve a placemaking function either upon completion or with the passage of time. A sign serves a placemaking function when it serves a wayfinding function for the community; (h) The proposed iconic sign or signs exhibit characteristics that enhance the streetscape or identity of the City Center; and, it clearly provides a recognizable architectural style and appearance; (i) Approval of the proposed iconic sign or signs will not arbitrarily or unreasonably result in favoritism of the proposed sign over another sign that is similarly situated in all relevant respects but for which a sign permit has been denied by the city; (j) Proposed sign(s) must be appropriately scaled with the building; (k) Blinking or chasing lights are prohibited, fluorescent lighting must be baffled, and LED lighting will be used in lieu of neon; (l) The proposed iconic sign or signs will not compromise community safety; and, (m) The proposed iconic sign or signs is not an off-premise sign. (5) Conditions and restrictions. As part of any approval of a request under this section, the city may impose any conditions, limitations or restrictions it considers appropriate under the circumstances. The city may also require a performance bond under FWRC 19.140.110 to insure compliance with any such condition or restriction.