20-104021_00 Cover Letter_10-15-2020-V1
October 15, 2020
Ms. Becky Chapin
Senior Planner
City of Federal Way Community Development Department
Federal Way, WA 98003
Christine Fong
MCG Architecture
Land Use Process III with SEPA
The Commons at Federal Way - Pads
MCG Project No. 20382
Dear Ms. Chapin:
On behalf of The Commons at Federal Way and Merlone Geier Partners, MCG Architecture and
ESM Consulting Engineers, LLC is pleased to submit a Process III Land Use Application with
SEPA to the City of Federal Way for review and processing. Merlone Geier Partners is seeking
land use approval to provide 15,999 square feet (SF) of new tenant space located at 1701 S.
Commons, in the City of Federal Way. This new development will occupy two locations: the
existing paved parking lot east of Chase Bank where approximately 178 parking stalls currently
exist and the existing paved parking lot south of Chase Bank adjacent to the first existing entry
drive along Pacific Hwy S/Hwy 99 where approximately 165 parking stalls currently exist.
There will be three (3) new buildings located on new Pads F, H and I. Pad F will provide 7,500
SF, Pad H will provide 4,299 SF and Pad I will provide 4,200 SF of building area. The proposed
uses will be restaurant and retail, although specific tenants have not been identified. Onsite
parking will be provided between the three buildings totaling 214 parking stalls. No changes to
site access are proposed. Vehicles approaching Pad F will enter the site from S. 320th Street on
the existing entry drive near Applebee’s Restaurant or from the internal private circulation
road that encompasses the Commons Mall. Vehicles approaching Pads H and I will enter the
site from Pacific Hwy S/Hwy 99 on the existing entry drive near Chase Bank or from the
internal private circulation road that encompasses the Commons Mall.
Cover Letter
Land Use Process III with SEPA
The Commons at Federal Way - Pads
October 15, 2020
Page 2
A separate community design narrative is included with the Process III land use submittal,
which will provide a detailed overview of the building locations and exteriors. Building
elevations are also included with the plan set.
Pursuant to the Process III/IV Submittal Checklist provided by the City, the following
application materials are included with this submittal:
1. This Cover Letter (digital);
2. Completed Master Land Use Application (digital);
3. Traffic Concurrency Application (digital);
4. Pre-Application Summary Letter (digital);
5. Title Report (digital);
6. Letters of Water and Sewer Availability (digital);
7. Site Photographs (digital);
8. Signed and Completed SEPA Checklist (digital);
9. Civil Process III Plan Set (digital);
10. Architectural Process III Plan Set (digital);
11. Preliminary Technical Information Report w/ Level 1 Analysis (digital);
12. Geotechnical Report (digital);
13. CPTED Checklist (digital);
14. Community Design Guideline Written Narrative (digital);
15. Self-Addressed Envelopes with Stamps (not included per City direction);
16. Mailing Address List (not included per City direction);
17. Assessor’s Map (not included per City direction);
18. Fees (Check for $14,091.00).
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (949) 536-8125 or
design@mcgarchitecture.com.
Sincerely,
MCG ARCHITECTURE
CHRISTINE FONG
Glenn Goodman, Merlone Geier Partners