2.24.22 Tech Comment Letter
February 24, 2022
Nathan Coombs
Petersen-Staggs Architects, LLP
5200 West State Street
Boise, ID 83703
nate_c@psarch.com
Re: Files #21-103294-UPV, 21-103295-UPIII, & 21-103298-SE; TECHNICAL COMMENT LETTER
WinCo Foods Expansion & Amendment to Concomitant Zoning Agreement & SEPA
160 SW Campus Drive Unit A, Federal Way
Dear Nathan Coombs:
The Community Development Department is in receipt of your August 10, 2021, Process V and
Process III Master Land Use applications and Environmental Checklist. The proposal is for an
amendment to the Concomitant Zoning Agreement (CZA), along with expansion of an existing
grocery store, and site improvements.
TECHNICAL COMMENTS
The following comments provided by staff reviewing your project must be addressed prior to land
use approval or as otherwise noted. Please direct questions regarding any of the technical comments
to the appropriate staff representative.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT – PLANNING DIVISION
Chaney Skadsen, 253-569-1772, chaney.skadsen@cityoffederalway.com
Use Process III
1. The City of Federal Way’s critical areas map identifies a stream on the subject property.
Pursuant to Federal Way Revised Code (FWRC) 19.145.080(1):
“…an applicant proposing activities where impacts or alteration of a critical area or its
associated buffer and/or setback shall submit a critical areas report that adequately evaluates
the proposal and probable impacts.”
The Director may waive the critical are report requirement if there will be no alteration of the critical
area or buffer per FWRC 19.145.080(4)(b).
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way WA 98003
253-835-2607; Fax 253-835-2609
www.cityoffederalway.com
Considering that this is a developed site with improvements that appear to cover the location of the
possible stream, a critical areas report may not be required.
Submit documentation from a qualified professional regarding the location and status of the stream
indicated on the city’s critical areas map and disclose if the proposal will have any impacts on the
stream per FWRC 19.145.080.
SEPA
2. Additional information is need on the SEPA Checklist. The Use Process V application for
the proposed CZA amendment is a non-project action. Therefore, Section D of the SEPA
Checklist must be completed and address the amendment to the CZA. An updated SEPA
Checklist is required prior to issuing a decision for the Use Process V and III applications.
PUBLIC WORKS – DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DIVISION
Cole Elliott, 253-835-2730, cole.elliott@cityoffederalway.com
The following are technical comments for the Use Process III application:
General Information
1. The stormwater plan sheets must include a summary table for the impervious surface
area.
2. The City’s critical areas maps indicates a stream flowing through the site; please clarify.
Stormwater Control and Treatment
3. The proposed detention/retention system does not meet the sizing requirements. When
asked, the City stated the modeling requirement was to model the site for Level 1 and
Level 3, not Level 1 and Level 2 as submitted. The detention facility proposed is severely
undersized.
4. All properties outside of the City Center Core are required to design above ground
facilities. The applicant must apply for a Administrative Determination (AD) to allow an
underground facility.
5. No cross sections have been provided for the proposed vault.
6. Solid waste has not been addressed as part of the land use permit packet.
Technical Information Report (TIR)
7. Section 1 Project Overview – The City has adopted the 2021 KCSWDM, therefore the
entire TIR should be revised to reflect these requirements.
8. 1.1 On-Site Information – The Geotechnical report in Appendix 2 was signed by an
engineer who is no longer active. The license expired in 1999.
9. Page 13 of 24, #3 Flow Control Facilities – Original modeling was Level 1 of the 1996
KCSWDM standards which does not correspond with Level 1 of the 2016 (2021)
KCSWDM.
10. Section 3.1.1 Paragraph 3 – The last statement is a broad assumption because it assumes
that WinCo is the only development to use the downstream conveyance system in the
last 24 years.
11. Section 3.1.1 Task 2 – The City of Federal Way maintains a drainage complaint database
for the system within the City limits. Use of the King County system is an erroneous
approach.
12. Section 3.1.1 Task 3 – The site inspection was conducted during the 2021 drought
therefore there was no “known” drainage problems.
13. Section 4.1.2 – Again a Level 1 Flow Control (FC) model under the 1996 KCSWDM
does not compare to a Level 1 FC in the 2016 (2021) KCSWDM. It is an erroneous
assumption to use the Level 1 from 1996 and then the Level 2 from 2016 (2021).
14. Section 4.2.1 – FCs must be based upon a current geotechnical report not one signed 24
years ago by a now inactive engineer.
15. Section 4.2.2 – Correct the flow control levels throughout to match the existing City
requirements. Recalculate the required detention volume.
16. Appendix 2 Geotechnical Report – The engineer of record (James Finley Jr.) has an
expired license, therefore the report cannot be accepted.
17. Appendix 5 modeling is incorrect. The assumption that Level 1 flow control from the
1996 KCSWDM is the same Level 1 Flow Control of the 2016 (2021) KCSWDM is
erroneous. The modeled levels are to be Level 1 and Level 3 for Flow Control. Remodel
the site and detention requirements and make size adjustments accordingly.
Plan Set
18. Sheet 12 of 29 – The point of connection for the proposed detention vault is the by-pass
main for the site rather than the existing collection system. Why?
19. Sheet 14 of 29 – Actual vault size to be determined after modeling has been corrected to
reflect the minimum requirements of the City.
PUBLIC WORKS – DEVELOPMENT TRAFFIC DIVISION
Sarady Long, 253-835-2743, sarady.long@cityoffederalway.com
Use Process III
The following technical review items must be address prior to Public Works Traffic Division
approval.
Plans Comments:
1. The civil plans must depict frontage improvements and right-of-way dedication on SW
Campus Drive. A Street Improvement Modification/Waiver may be submitted to the
Public Works Director for consideration.
2. Show frontage improvements along parcel #415920-0725 on 1st Ave S, which is
considered subject property. Provide conceptual design for the new 5’ bike lane
approaching the intersection.
3. Show right-of-way dedication on the plan.
4. Coordinate the bus stop relocation and improvement with the appropriate transit agency.
5. Coordinate the school flasher and photo camera relocation with the Public Safety
Department.
6. Street lighting along 1st Ave S will need to be replaced and relocated to be within the 6’
planter strip. Street lighting design should be included with street improvements.
7. Improve the ramp at the SW corner of 1st Ave S./WinCo driveway to meet current
standard.
8. Show all applicable roadway sections.
9. Sheet XS-01 – Minimum pavement section on 1st Ave S shall be per Dwg No. 3-2C
(Type C street section).
10. Taper and transitions beyond the project frontage may be required as deemed necessary
for safety purposes. The taper rate shall be WS2/60 or as directed by the Public Works
Director.
SEPA Checklist - Transportation
11. Transportation 14(b) – Revise this section to include King County Metro (DART 903) bus
stop on site on SW Campus Drive and 1st Ave S.
12. Transportation 14(d) – Add half-street frontage improvements and right-of-way dedication
on SW Campus Drive. (Please note – this requirement may be waived or modified by the
PW Director with a Street Modification request).
13. Transportation 14(f) – Update this section to include 40 PM peak hour trip generation
14. Transportation 14(d) – Revise this section to include transportation impact fee payment.
CLOSING
Please be aware that this review does not preclude the city from requesting additional information
related to any of the topics discussed above. Please submit the revised application materials as
appropriate, by electronic submittal (Document Upload Link or
https://www.cityoffederalway.com/node/4588), a letter explaining how these comments have been
addressed, and the completed “Resubmittal Information Form” (enclosed).
Please note, the original plan review fee collected at submittal of your permit covers the initial
review and one resubmittal. Commencing September 1, 2021, the city has begun charging applicants
for any additional staff time necessary to complete each review following the first resubmittal.
Any questions concerning your applications may be directed to me at 253-835-2644 or
chaney.skadsen@cityoffederalway.com.
Sincerely,
Chaney Skadsen
Senior Planner
c: Greg Kirk, Plans Examiner
Cole Elliott, Development Services Manager
Sarady Long, Senior Transportation Planning Engineer
Brian Asbury, Lakehaven Water & Sewer District
Sean Nichols, South King Fire & Rescue
Ronald Schrieber, ronald.schrieber@wincofoods.com
enc: Resubmittal Form
SEPA Checklist