Ord 95-248
ORDINANCE NO.
95-248
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF FEDERAL WAY, WASHINGTON, ADOPTING A
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AS REQUIRED BY THE GROWTH
MANAGEMENT ACT OF 1990, AS AMENDED, (CHAPTER
36.70A RCW); SEPARATELY ADOPTING A
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 35A.63
RCW; AND REPEALING THE INTERIM COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN AND THE ELEMENTS THEREOF
WHEREAS, the Growth Management Act of 1990, as amended,
(Chapter 36.70A RCW) requires the City of Federal Way to adopt a
comprehensi~e plan which includes a land use element, a housing
element, a capital facilities plan element, a utilities element and
a transportation element (the "Plan"); and
WHEREAS,
the Growth Management Act provides
for the
adoption of optional elements and the Plan contains the optional
elements of economic development, "City Center Plan", and natural
environment; and
WHEREAS, thè Plan must be coordinated with and consistent
with comprehensive plans adopted by King County and other cities
which have common borders with Federal Way or which share related
regional issues, pursuant to the Growth Management Act; and
WHEREAS, Federal Way has cooperated with King County and
other suburban cities in the development and adoption by King
county and adoption by the suburban cities of the county-wide
planning policies ("CWPP") and the Plan has been drafted consistent
with the CWPPs; and
WHEREAS,
the
Plan
addresses
all
of
the
goals
and
ORD # 95-248
, PAGE 1
COpy
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requirements set forth in the Growth Management Act; and
WHEREAS,
the city of Federal Way,
through its staff,
Planning
commission,
committees,
advisory
workshops
and
City
council has received,
discussed and considered the testimony,
written comments and material from the public and the Draft and
Final
Environmental
Impact
statements
for
the
Plan
prepared
pursuant to the state Environmental Policy Act; and
WHEREAS, the Plan constitutes an appropriate basis for
the exercise of substantive SEPA authority by the City of Federal
Way, pursuant to RCW 43.21C.060; and
WHEREAS,
the Plan was developed over four
(4)
years
through discussion,
debate
and
involvement with thousands
of
Federal Way citizens, which included the following elements:
a.
A September 16, 1992 open house featuring displays from
all city departments and the various special service districts.
b.
An October 26, 1992 field trip to Burnaby and Vancouver,
British Columbia to examine light rail and high density residential
neighborhoods.
c.
A November 19, 1992 open house to review and evaluate
three land use plan alternatives:
slow growth, moderate growth
focusing new growth in a redeveloped, higher density, mixed-use
downtown and higher growth with an expanded office park/business
park concept near West Campus and the 348th Street corridor.
d.
A January 11, 1992 open house in which the CityShape staff
team presented three economic development alternatives.
e.
A March 10, 1993 open house which focused on the vision
ORD # 95-248
, PAGE 2
for a City Center.
f.
A June 2,1993 short course for citizens in transportation
planning in which city staff presented five different arterial
improvement scenarios.
g.
A June 22,
1993
public forum on capital
facilities
planning with a focus on level of service options for streets and
parks.
h.
A December 9,
1993 public forum on capital facilities
planning with a focus on financing of services.
i.
Th~ publication of a draft environmental impact statement
in November, 1993, evaluating the various growth, land use, city
center, transportation, and capital facilities options.
j.
Planning Commission work sessions on various chapters of
the Comprehensive Plan including Private utilities (March 2, 1994),
Housing (March 9, 1994), Potential Annexation (March 16,
1994),
Natural Systems (April 13, 1994), Economic Development (April 27,
1994), Land Use and City Center (June 1, 1994), Capital Facilities
(August 3, 1994), and Transportation (September 7, 1994).
k.
A two day city Council retreat on the vision statement on
February 24 and 25, 1995.
1.
An April 18, 1995 public hearing on the expanded vision
statement.
WHEREAS, the Planning commission held public hearings on
the Plan on July 12, 19 and 26, 1995, August 2, 8, 9, 16, 23 and
30,
1995,
and September 6
and 13,
1995,
following which,
on
September 27, 1995, it approved and recommended adoption of the
ORD # 95-248
, PAGE 3
Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Land Use and Transportation Committee of the
Federal Way City Council conducted public hearings consisting of
special meetings of the whole City Council on the Plan on October
9 and 10,1995 following which it recommended adoption of the Plan;
and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to adopt the Plan as
required by the Growth Management Act of 1990, as amended, and also
desires to adopt such Plan as the City's
Plan required by Chapter
35A.63 RCW; ,NOW, THEREFORE,
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FEDERAL WAY, WASHINGTON,
DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
section 1.
Comprehensive Plan Adoction.
The City of
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan, a copy of which is on file with the
Office of the City Clerk, which document is hereby incorporated by
this reference as if set forth in full, is hereby adopted pursuant
to the authority granted by Chapters 36.70A and 35A.63 RCW.
section 2.
Repeal.
The interim Comprehensive Plan of
the City of Federal Way as well as its associated elements, adopted
pursuant
to Resolution No.
90-17,
is
hereby repealed
in
its
entirety.
section 3.
Pendinq Actions.
Repeal of the interim
Comprehensive Plan pursuant to section 2 of this ordinance shall
have no effect on, nor shall it invalidate, any action or pending
action taken with regard to such interim Comprehensive Plan prior
to the effective date of this ordinance.
ORD # 95-248
, PAGE 4
section
4.
Severabilitv.
The
provisions
of
this
ordinance are declared separate and severable.
The invalidity of
any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, section, or portion
of this ordinance or the invalidity of the application thereof to
any person or circumstance, shall not affect the validity of the
remainder of the ordinance, or the validity of its application to
other persons or circumstances.
section 5.
Savinqs Clause.
Resolution 90-17, which is
repealed by this ordinance, shall remain in force and effect until
the effective date of this ordinance.
section 6.
Ratification.
Any act consistent with the
authority and prior to the effective date of this ordinance is
hereby ratified and affirmed.
section 7.
Effective Date.
This ordinance shall take
effect and be in force five (5) days from and after its passage,
approval, and publication, as provided by law.
this
PASSED by the city council of the city of Federal Way
2/ day of NDV~ , 1995.
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
~~ &ftJ
MAY R, Y E. GATES
ORD # 95-248
, PAGE 5
~R"
.7//// r-~
" NDI K. LINDELL
FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK:
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL:
PUBLISHED:
EFFECTIVE DATE:
ORDINANCE NO.
K:\ORDIN\COMPLAN.JJM
1112195
ORD # 95-248
, PAGE 6
l1--{)1-95
11-21-95
11-25-95
11-30-95
95-248
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CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
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CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
COMPREHENSI VE PLAN
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Table of Contents
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
Comprehensive Plan Draft
November 1995
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Introduction
Land Use
Transportation
Economic Development
Housing
Capital Facilities
City Center
Potential Annexation Areas
Natural Environment
Private Utilities
Page
I-1
II-1
III-1
IV-1
V-1
VI-1
VII-1
VIII-1
IX-1
X-1
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List of Tables
Chapter Two - Land Use
Table II-1 Maximum Commercial and Office Capacity
Table II-2 Maximum Capacity of Residential Designations
Table II-3 Maximum Residential Capacity of
Non-Residential Designations
Table II-4 Existing and Proposed Development
Table II-5 Land Use Classifications
Chapter Three - Transportation
Table III-1
� Table III-2
Table III-3
� Table 111-4
Table III-5
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Table III-6
Table III-7
Table III-8
Table III-9
Table III-10
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Table III-11
Table III-12
Table III-13
Table III-14
Table III-15
Table III-16
Table III-17
Table III-18
Table III-19
Table III-20
Transportation Plan Chapter Subsection
Key Service Providers
Characteristics of Functional Classifications of
Streets
Typical Cross-Sections for Street Classifications
Access Classification System Chapter 468.52
WAC (7-14-94)
Level of Service and V/C Ratio
Congested Roadway Conditions (PM Peak Hour)
Major Street and Roadway Improvements
TSM Strategies Applicable to Federal Way
Intelligent Traveler Systems ITS Applications
Federal Way
Purposes of Walking and Biking Trips
Non-Motorized User Problems and Solutions
TIP Non-Motorized Improvements
TDM Strategies
Federal Way Mode Split Survey Results
METRO Improvement Plan Projects in Federal Way
Work Trips and Mode Split Estimates
TIP HOV Improvements Federal Way
Transportation Improvement Plan
Transportation Improvement Plan
Chapter Four - Economic Development
Table IV-1 Summary of Development Potential in
Southwest King County Cities
Table IV-2 Economic Development Areas and Actions
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Table IV-3 Development Zones: Description
Table IV-4 Development Zones and Land Use
Table IV-5 Development Zones and Land Use
Chapter Five - Housing
Table V-1 Annual Household Income by Household Size
Table V-2 Affordable Housing for Retail and Service
Employees
Chapter Six - Capital Facilities
Table VI-1 Summary of Existing Parks and Open Space
Table VI-2 Parks & Recreation Needs - Year 2010
Table VI-3 Parks & Recreation Financing Plan
Table VI-4 Surface Water Management - CIP
Table VI-5 Summary of Existing Facilities Capacities
Table VI-6 Federal Way School District Student Forecast
Table VI-7 School Funding Plan
Table VI-8 Lakehaven Utility District 1995-2004 Capital
Improvements Projects Summary - Water
Department
Table VI-9 Lakehaven Utility District 1995-2004 Capital
Improvements Projects Summary - Sewer
Department
Chapter Seven - City Center
Table VII-1
Existing Land Use Development
Chapter Ten - Private Utilities
Table X-1
Table X-2
Sub-station Loads and Capacity
Active Customer Count/Construction Costs
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Chapter Two - Land Use
List of Maps
� Map II-1
Map II-2
Generalized Existing Land Use
Comprehensive Plan Designations
Chapter Three - Transportation
� Map III-1
Map III-2
� Map III-3
Map III-4
Map 111-5
� Map III-6
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Map III-7
Map III-8
Map III-9
Map III-10
Map III-11
Map III-12
Map III-13
Map III-14
Map III-15
Map III-16
Map III-17
Map III-18
Travel Patterns from Residential Areas in the
Federal Way Planning Area
Existing Significant Streets & Highways
Signalized Intersections
Average Weekday Traffic (1992)
Functional Classification of Streets - Existing
Designations
Functional Classifications of Streets - Proposed
Designations
Federal Way Access Management Classification
Congested Streets If No Improvements
Congested Streets with Recommended Plan
Improvements
Recommended Major Street Improvements
Inventory of Sidewalks on Major Streets
Non-Motorized Facilities Plan
Existing Transit Service
Proposed Transit Service
Helicopter Landing Areas
Recommended Heliport Siting Areas
Through - Truck Route Plan
1996 - 2010 TIP Locations
Chapter Four - Economic Development
Map IV-1
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Southwest King County and North Pierce County
Sub-Region
Chapter Six - Capital Facilities
Map VI-1
Map VI-2
Map VI-3
Map VI-4
Map VI-5
Major Parks & Open Space
Parks Plan Planning Areas
Hylebos & Lower Puget Sound Basins
Surface Water Trunk Systems
City of Federal Way Arterial Classifications
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Map VI-7
� Map VI-8
Map VI-9
Map VI-10
� Map VI-11
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Chapter Seven - City Center
Map VII-1
Map VII-2
Map VII-3
Map VII-4
Map VII-5
Map VII-6
Map VII-7
Map VII-8
Map VII-9
Map VII-10
Map VII-11
Chapter Eight - Potential Annexation Areas
Map VIII-1
Map VIII-2
Map VIII-3
Map VIII-4
Map VIII-5
Map VIII-6
Map VIII-7
Map VIII-8
Map VIII-9
Map VIII-10
Federal Way School District #210
Lakehaven Service Area
Location of Existing Water Facilities
Lakehaven Service Area and Basins
Location of Sewer System Components
King County Fire District #39
Vicinity Map
Boundaries of City Center Area
The Concept Plan
City Center Land Use Designations
Enhanced Street Network
Principle Pedestrian and Bicycle Connections
Potential Transit Alignments and Stops
Potential Open Space and Bicycle Routes
Phasing Concept, 1995 - 2005
Phasing Concept, 2005 - 2015
Phasing Concept, 2015 - 2025
King County Fire District #39
Federal Way School District #210
Parks Plan Planning Areas
Lakehaven Utility District
Lakehaven Service Area & Basins
Hylebos & Lower Puget Sound Basins
City Federal Way Arterial Classifications
25 Foot Contours
Advisory Committee Recommendation
Potential Annexation Area Boundary
! Chapter Nine - Natural Environment
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Map IX-1
Map IX-2
Map IX-3
Map IX-4
Areas Susceptible to Ground Water Contamination
Surface Water Resources
Geologic Hazards
Priority Habitats & Species
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Chapter Ten - Public Utilities
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� Map X-1
Map X-2
Map X-3
Map X-4
� Map X-5
Map X-6
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Council Approved PAA Boundary
Washington Natural Gas Supply Mains
System Pressure on a Very Cold Day (10 Degrees
Fahrenheit)
Proposed Improvements
Existing and Proposed Improvements to the Sub-
Transmission System
Cable Service by Viacom & TCI
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Chapter Two - Land Use
Figure II-1
List of Figures
The Concept Plan
Chapter Three - Transportation
Figure III-1
Figure III-2
Figure III-3
Figure III-4
Figure III-5
Figure III-6
Figure III-7
Figure III-8
Figure III-9
Figure III-10
Figure III-11
Figure III-12
Figure III-13
Figure III-14
Chapter Five - Housing
Hi.storical Transportation Infrastructure
Current Multimodal Transportation Systems
Cross Section A
Cross Section B
Cross Section C
Cross Section D
Cross Section E
Cross Section F
Cross Section G
Cross Section H
Cross Section I
Cross Section J
Cross Section K
Land Use Intensity vs. Transit Demand
Figure V-1 Federal Way Age Distribution by Population in
1990
Figure V-2 Federal's Way Income Groups
Figure V-3 Federal Way's Housing Stock
Figure V-4 Projected Households vs. Historic Housing Growth
Chapter Seven - City Center
Figure VII-1 Aerial View of City Center
Figure VII-2 Potential Core Area Development
Figure VII-3 Potential Frame Area Development
Figure VII-4 Potential Redevelopment of Surface Parking Areas
Figure VII-5 Street Cross Sections for Completing the City
Center Road Network
Figure VII-6 Illustration of City Center, 1995 Conditions
Figure VII-7 Illustration of City Center Evolution, 2005
Figure VII-8 Illustration of City Center Evolution, 2015
Figure Vtl-9 Illustration of City Center Evolution, 2025
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1 Chapter Ten - Private Utilities
1 Figure X-1 Typical Washington Natural Gas Distribution
System
Figure X-2 Electricity Supply from Source to Customer
� Figure X-3 Cable - Source to Customer
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List of Charts
Chapter Two - Land Use
Chart II-1 Percent Gross Land Area (Based on Current
Zoning)
Chart II-2 Percent Gross Land Area (By Comp Plan Use
Designation)
Chart II-3 Population Projection
Introduction
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Introduction
1.0 INTRODUCTION
t age five, the City of Federal Way is proud to
adopt its second Comprehensive Plan. This
Plan lays out a vision for the future of Federal
Way during the coming 20 years. The Plan retains
Federal Way's commitment to maintain the residential
chazacter of a large portion of the City, focusing higher
density residential and retail growth along the Pacific
Highway South corridor.
This Comprehensive Plan also responds to the
requirements of the Growth Management Act (GMA) of
1990 and amendments of 1991. The Plan carries out
Vision 2020, the Puget Sound region's multiple urban
growth centers concept, and K1NG County's
Countywide Planning Policies, which also call for
multiple urban centers and a strong urban growth
boundary.
This chapter gives an overview of the comprehensive
planning effort, profiles Federal Way's past and present,
and concludes with a discussion of Federal Way's vision
for its future. This plan does not contain a glossary of
terms. However, as time permits, the City may provide a
glossary as an addendum to this Plan.
1.1 THE COMPREHENSIVE
PLANNING EFFORT
� Why Plan?
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Federal Way plans for people. People need a safe and
secure place to live, an economy that provides jobs, a
transportation system that allows them to get around,
schools, colleges, and recreational opportunities. It is the
city government's responsibility to provide public
services and facilities, develop policies, and adopt
regulations to guide the growth of a city that meets the
needs of its people. From incorporation to the present,
the guide for Federal Way's growth and development
has been the Comprehensive Plan.
What Is a Comprehensive Plan?
The role of the Ciry of Federal Way's Comprehensive
Plan is to state clearly our community's vision for its
future, and to articulate a plan for accomplishing this
vision over the next 20 yeazs.
The Plan seeks to answer a number of questions:
■ What areas are most suitable for development or
redevelopment?
■ What areas should be preserved in their natural
state?
■ Where should growth occur?
■ How can we manage that growth to realize our
vision for the community?
■ How should we address traffic congestion?
■ How many parks do we need, of what size, kind,
and where?
■ How can we encourage preservation of our
historic resources?
■ How can we ensure an adequate supply of
affordable housing for all income levels?
■ What utilities and public services will we need?
■ How will the community pay for all of these
things?
Each of the Plan's chapters addresses these questions
and more in the azeas of transportation, land use, historic
preservation, economic development, capital facilities,
utilities, and housing. The answers form the policies ,
which guide implementation of our community vision.
The policy statements within each chapter aze used to
guide new or revised zoning and other regulations. The
Plan also sets a clear framework for where the
community will need to spend money on capital
facilities, how much, and identifies available funding
sources. As a whole, this Comprehensive Plan offers a
flexible framework for Federal Way's future, allowing
for adaptation to real conditions over time.
Why Revise Our Plan?
This document represents the first complete
Comprehensive Plan for Federal Way. The first plan,
prepared in 1990, was an interim plan for the purposes
of incorporation. When the interim plan was produced,
the Ciry was approximately 19.9 squaze miles and had a
population of 67,554 persons. Today, the Ciry's land
area has increased to 21.2 square miles, the City's
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population has grown to an estimated 74,290. This rapid
growth and change in the chazacter of the City has
naturally provided impetus to revise and update the
Comprehensive Plan. This new Comprehensive Plan,
and the code amendments which will follow it, reflect the
unique characteristics of our community and more than
three years of public input on Federal Way's vision for
its future.
Requirements of the Growth
Management Act
The Crrowth Management Act (GMA, RCW 36.70A.
140), was passed by the Washington State Legislature in
1990, with amendments added in 1991. The Legislature
passed the GMA in recognition of the rate of growth
which was occurring throughout the State, particulazly
on the west side of the Cascades. The Legislature was
responding not only to the rate of growth, but also to the
type and location of growth. Two-thirds of the State's
population and household growth in the 1980's took
place in unincorporated areas, and produced sprawling
subdivisions, commercial strips, and urbanization of
land, which only ten years before, was rural. This rapid
growth pattern resulted in increased traffic congestion
and inadequate public services, and have threatened
forest land, agricultural land, and environmentally
sensitive areas such as wetlands. These impacts have
been felt in Federal Way, just as they have been felt in
other parts of the State.
The GMA requires that each jurisdiction produce a
comprehensive plan which contains, at a minimum,
elements pertaining to land use, transportation, capital
facilities, housing, and private utilities. These elements
must be consistent with one another. Jurisdictions also
are required to adopt policies and regulations protecting
resource lands and critical areas, such as agricultural
land, wetlands, and hillsides. Each jurisdiction must
coordinate its plan with the plans from surrounding
jurisdictions.
The Act also requires that each city designate an urban
growth boundary, or potential annexation area as they
aze called in King County. The potential annexation azea
defines the area within which the city anticipates it could
provide the full range of urban services at some time in
the future. It also represents the azea within which the
ciry will consider annexations and the boundary beyond
which it will not annex.
Federal Way Comprehensive Pian - Introduction
Perhaps what most distinguishes the GMA from
previous planning statutes is the requirement that public
services must be available or funded at some designated
level of service before development may occur. If a
jurisdiction cannot provide services to an area, then it
may not permit development in that area.
The 1991 amendments to the GMA require all counties
planning under the act to adopt countywide planning
policies. The jurisdictions in King County formed a
group called the Growth Management Planning Council
(GMPC) composed of elected officials from the King
County Council, City of Seattle, and suburban cities.
The mission of the GMPC was to draft the Countywide
Planning Policies for King Counry. These policies were
adopted in 1992 and aze binding on the jurisdictions in
the County. In 1994, amendments to the Countywide
Planning Policies were proposed by the GMPC. These
amendments were subsequently adopted by King County
and aze binding on all jurisdictions in the Counry,
although it should be noted that Federal Way voted not
to ratify.
The Federal Way Comprehensive Plan has been
prepared according to the provisions of the GMA and
the Countywide Planning Policies. However, Federal
Way's plan also contains many components which aze
not referenced in the GMA; these additional components
aze included in the plan due to their importance to the
Federal Way community. Although Federal Way's goals
and policies for growth and the provision of services are
guided by GMA requirements, and are based in part
upon State and regional goals, they primarily reflect the
vision and goals of our own citizens.
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How Was the Plan Develo ed? �
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The ideas in this Plan were developed over four years
through discussioq debate, and the creative thinking of
thousands of Federal Way citizens, working with City
staff and elected officials. Consistent with the GMA, the
City of Federal Way provided early and continuous
opportunities for citizens to participate in CityShape.
CityShape is the name given to the City's compre-
hensive planning project. CiryShape is the process that
was used to develop this Comprehensive Plan and is also
the name of the Plan itself.
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Introduction
CityShape, the process, started in the Fall of 1992 with a
series of open houses and field trips. The first open
house was held on September 16, and featured displays
from all Ciry departments and the various special service
districts. The event had two objectives. The first was to
explain to citizens how urban services are delivered, how
much those services cost, and how citizens could be
involved in the development of the Ciry's new Plan. The
second objective was to have people describe their likes
and dislikes about the City as it existed in 1992 and
shaze their thoughts about what the City ought to look
like in 20 years.
The second major CityShape event occurred on October
26, 1992. The event was a field trip to Burnaby and
Vancouver, British Columbia, to look at one possible
future for Federal Way. The Vancouver azea has a light
rail system called Sky Train and Burnaby has a high
density suburban shopping mall 20 miles southeast of
downtown Vancouver. The City took 70 members of its
various Boards and Commissions to look at how light
rail works; how land use is influenced by rail and vice
versa; what a redeveloped, mixed use, high intensity
shopping mall looks like; and how attractive higher
density residential neighborhoods can look, given
specific development guidelines.
On November 19, 1992, the City conducted a second
open house. This time the objective was to review and
evaluate three land use plan altematives. The first
altemative was a slow growth concept with a land use
pattern that was fairly similar to what currently exists in
the City. The second was a moderate growth concept
that focused the majority of new growth in a
redeveloped, higher densiry, mixed use downtown. The
third alternative was a higher growth scenario which
included the downtown concept of alterative two, but
also envisioned an expanded office pazk/business pazk
concept in the viciniry of West Campus and the 348th
Street corridor. Those present seemed to favor a hybrid
with chazacteristics of alternatives two and three.
Economic development and growth was the topic of the
third open house held January 21, 1993. The CiryShape
staff team presented three economic development
altematives with low, medium, and higher growth
concepts. Participants expressed support for a medium
to high growth scenario which diversified the economic
base in Federal Way and gave the community about as
many jobs as there are projected households in the year
2012.
The next open house was held on March 10, 1993, and
focused on the vision for a City Center. Attendees
completed two exercises. The first was to evaluate three
alternative orientations for a downtown: easdwest along
320th Street, north-south in the vicinity of 20th Avenue,
and along a diagonal from Steel Lake Park to 320th and
Highway 99. The second exercise was to use building
blocks to accommodate projected growth in the
downtown. The higher the density, the smaller the area
for downtown. The lower the density, the more spread
out the downtown. Participants concluded that a lrigher
densiry, pedestrian-friendly downtown oriented
north/south from the center of SeaTac Mall made good
sense and accommodated a lugh capacity transit system
in fine fashion.
On June 2, 1993, the City gave interested citizens a
short course in transportation planning. The presentation
identified the congested street corridors as they were in
1992 and projected how and where congestion would
increase by 2012, given the impacts of growth. Staff
also presented five different arterial improvement
alternatives which would either maintain or reduce
congestion by 2012, together with some estimate of the
effectiveness of particular arterial improvements for
resolving transportation problems in the communiry.
The participants concluded that the maximum
construction option called "super widening" was not
appropriate or even feasible. They did, however, favor a
more modest list of arterial improvements, including a
"diagonal parkway" along the BPA power line, which
generally maintained the 19921eve1 of service.
The last two public forums dealt with capital facilities
planning. The first of these was held June 22, 1993. At
this session, staff gave participants level of service
opdons for streets and parks, provided cost estimates
associated with each level of service, and asked
participants working in groups to agree on the level of
service they wanted for streets and pazks based on their
willingness to pay for service. With a high level of
consensus, participants were willing to pay for a parks
level of service of 10.5 acres per thousand population.
Given the cost for streets, the desired level of service
was to lower the standard about 60 percent from the
19931eve1.
The second capital facilities public forum was held
December 9, 1993, and focused on how to pay for
services. At this forum, each work group was given a
work sheet that described total capital costs for parks
and streets, and data describing the revenue sources
I-3
available to cities and how much revenue each source
could potentially generate. The objective was to develop
a fmancing package, including recommended taxing
levels, which would pay for the desired street and park
system. There was a lot of disagreement, but voter-
approved bond issues, impact fees, and to a lesser
extent, utiliry taxes received some support as the
prefened revenue sources. On the other hand, there was
near total agreement that there should be no business
and occupation tax in Federal Way.
In November, 1993, the Ciry published a draft
environmental impact statement that evaluated the
various growth, land use, Ciry Center, transportation,
and capital facilities options. In addition, the staff-
consulting team began writing the various chapters of
the Comprehensive Plan, consistent with the direction
which emerged from the field trips, open houses, and
public meetings. Eazly in 1994, the City's Planning
Commission began holding work sessions, to which the
public was invited, to review each of the chapters as they
were written and provide comments and feedback as
appropriate. The Commission started with the Private
Utilities chapter on Mazch 2, followed by Housing (3-9-
94), Potential Annexation (3-16-94), Natural Systems
(4-13-94), Economic Development (4-27-94), Land Use
and Ciry Center (6-1-94), Capital Facilities (8-3-94),
and ended with the Transportation Chapter on
September 7, 1994.
In Fall 1994, staff was ready to began assimilating the
individual chapters to create an integrated
Comprehensive Plan. As part of that process, staff
concluded it was again time to touch base with the City
Council to ensure the Plan was on target with their
expectations. To facilitate the discussion, staffprepazed
a two page vision statement that summarized the Plan.
The City Council reviewed the vision statement at a
retreat on February 24 and 25, 1995, and indicated it
was on target. The vision statement was subsequently
expanded to a 20 page executive summary of the Plan,
including general policy direction. On April 18, 1995,
the City Council conducted a public hearing on the
expanded vision statement and, based in part on the
testimony, proposed some amendments to it. On May 2,
the City Council formally reviewed the expanded vision
statement and directed staff to complete the
Comprehensive Plan as soon as possible.
Federal Way Comprehensive Pian - Introduction
To this point, the narrative has focused on the formal
public participation process. Concurrently, there were a
series of ineetings to which staff was invited to talk
about the future of Federal Way, vision, land use
planning in general, and the Comprehensive Plan more
specifically. There were hundreds of these meetings over
the course of two yeazs. They included slide shows,
small discussion groups, meetings with neighborhood
associations, the Chamber of Commerce's monthly
luncheon and its subcommittees, real estate brokers,
property owners, elementary and high school
classrooms, displays at the mall, civic organizations, and
many others. The result was broad based interest and
participation in the development of the City's new
Comprehensive Plan. At the time the Plan was released,
the mailing list contained over 700 names, all of whom
were notified that the Hearing Draft Comprehensive
Plan was available for public review and comment.
The Hearing Draft of the Comprehensive Plan was
completed and released for public review on July Sth,
1995.
Organization of The Plan
While we cannot predict the future, we can attempt to
shape the type of community in which we live, work and
play. The Comprehensive Plan will function as the
City's statement of how it will meet the challenges posed
by growth in the next century.
The heart of the Plan is the nine individual elements
which outline goals and policies. The Plan includes five
elements which are mandated by the Growth
Management Act: land use, transportation, capital
facilities, housing, and private utilities. It also includes
four elements which the GMA does not mandate, but
that are very appropriate. The first is an economic
development element that is not only recommended by
the Countywide Planning Policies, but also recognizes
Federal Way's position as a major employer in South
King County. The second is an annexation element as
has been discussed eazlier in this chapter. The third is a
chapter which describes the City's commitment to the
preservation of the physical environment and the policy
direction to make it happen. Finally, the Plan includes a
subarea plan for the City Center which reflects the City's
vision for the future and helps to implement the regional
vision for a hierarchy of urban centers in the Puget
Sound.
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plen - Introduction
Each of these elements has been coordinated with the
others, resulting in a Plan which is internally consistent.
Each of the goals in the Plan, while expressing a specific
policy directioq also functions as part of a coordinated
expression of the City's vision for the future. Plan
implementation is the next step and is discussed in the
final section of this chapter.
1.2 FEDERAL WAY'S
COMMUNITY PROFILE: PAST
AND PRESENT
Planning for the future requires a good understanding of
how our community has grown and changed in the past.
The following discussion provides that backdrop as a
context for subsequent chapters.
The eazliest recorded accounts of the Federal Way area
tell of Native American families who resided in the area
of the Muckleshoot Reservation on the east side of the
Green River Valley and traveled west to the shores of
Puget Sound for the plentiful fisheries resources.
Generations of Muckleshoot Indians wore a westwazd
trail across the heavily forested plateau to the area which
is now Saltwater State Pazk. The arrival of the white
man in the nineteenth century resulted in a steady decline
in the Indian population and by 1890, neazly the entire
population had disappeazed from the area.
Isolated on a triangular shaped plateau rising steeply
from the Puget Sound, the Federal Way area had little
waterfront access or roadways and accordingly, was
sparingly developed compared to Tacoma and Seattle.
As late as the turn of the century, the original settlers at
Dash Point and Dumas Bay had to row to Tacoma for
supplies and mail. Old Military Road, extending north
from Fort Steilacoom, past Staz Lake to Seattle and Fort
Lawton was the first road through the area, constructed
azound 1856.
Over time, narrow dirt roads were added to provide
east/west access and by 1900, a road was constructed
between Star Lake and Redondo. The second cross road,
the "Seattle Road," connected old Military Road and
Kent. The Seattle-Tacoma Interurban Line, completed in
1901, provided a fast and easy way to reach these urban
cities. Improved access brought many visitors to the area
and Star Lake became a popular summer recreation site.
By the 1920's, Federal Highway 99, the interstate which
linked the western states from north to south, was �
complete. At this time, Federal Way was still primarily
forest and farmland. Fred Hoyt had a cabin on Dumas
Bay and started a road to Tacoma (still called Hoyt
Road). The timber companies, which had a major
logging operation going, built an early railroad line and
were instrumental in getting Marine View Highway (now
Dash Point Road) built in the early 1920's. This roadway
spurred development along the coastline. Soon
thereafter, Peasley Canyon Road was built to connect
Military Road with the Auburn Valley. This road later
became known as South 320th Street. In these early
days, roadways set the stage for development in the area
and are the same ones that play an important role in the
Ciry today.
By the start of World Waz II, a number of small, thriving
communities made up the area that is now Federal Way.
Some communities were clustered around lakes, such as
Steel Lake, Star Lake, and Lake Geneva. Others were
sited to take advantage of the view of Puget Sound, like
Adelaide and Buenna. As each of these communities
grew, residents built small schoolhouses for their
children. By the late 1940's, King County consolidated
the many individual red schoolhouses into the Federal
Way School District, from which the City gets its name.
During this same period, a library was built along the
edge of Highway 99, and between 308th Street and
320th Street, a small "downtown" developed with a
general store, lumber yard, realty office, beauty parlor,
feed store, and gas station. By the end of the 1950's, the
ten blocks between 308th and 320th Streets became the
first roadside commercial district. One of the more
unique developments was Santa Faire, a family oriented
theme park. New shopping azeas were added azound the
pazk, helping to create a`community focus' for the
residents of the area.
As this commercial azea developed, the rest of Federal
Way was changing as well. The Boeing Company
expanded their operations in Renton and the Kent Valley
and began advertising nationally for engineers. Those
engineers in tum began roaming the wooded acreage in
Federal Way in search of housing. One of the eazliest
residential developments was Marine Hills, built in 1958
overlooking Puget Sound. Weyerhaeuser, one of the
eazly timber companies, had large land holdings in the
azea and began to develop their land into high quality
housing with amenities like golf courses.
I-5
Weyerhaeuser's development company also began
developing commercial property, creating the West
Campus business park. The plan was to integrate offices
and businesses with lush landscaping. Though initially
the corporate office market was not strong, West
Campus has grown almost to capacity, providing space
for many civic buildings such as City Hall, the police
station, the area's major health care centers, and higher
density housing.
Another major landmark in the area is Sea-Tac Mall,
built in the mid-1970's on what was farmland south of
320th Street. The Mall is one of the lazgest in South
King County and is the anchor for retail development in
the area. The Mall was a result of population growth in
the region and its location was determined by the 320th
Street intersection with Interstate 5. The Interstate
supplanted Highway 99 as the main artery for commuter
traffic in the County.
By the mid 1980s, South King County was growing
quickly. Retail growth occurred along Highway 99,
especially at the 320th Street intersection. Road and
office space were developed to accommodate the
increased growth. Residential growth was also
prominent following plans developed by King County,
with a large number of apartment homes. The changes to
the community, with increased housing and traffic,
created a movement for greater self deternunation. In
1989, the citizens of this area voted for incorporation
and the City of Federal Way was born.
Federal Way's Future Vision
Federal Way's challenge for the future is to protect what
the communiry believes is most important, while
meeting the State's growth management goals. The
following pazagraphs describe what Federal Way will
look like in the yeaz 2012, and beyond, if it balances
these growth management mandates with the needs and
desires of Federal Way citizens.
Federal Way is a great place to live, work, and play
because of its:
Government For and By the People: All governmental
entities reflect the can-ilo attitude of Federal Way
citizens and partner with them to provide quality
services, often through volunteerism. Governmental
entities reflect the community's values of diversity,
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Introduction
innovation, and participation. Together, the communiry
and its neighborhoods have built a sense of identity and
ownerslup for Federal Way and its future. Fiscally
conservative, innovative fmancial and management
(contracting model) strategies, along with economic
growth, have allowed the community to enjoy a
moderate tax rate, with bond issues approved to support
major projects. The community vision has maintained a
focus and continuity for staff and fiscai resources on the
defined vision.
Responsible Growth: The community realized that some
level of growth in all segments of the community
(economic, populadon, housing, etc.) was inevitable, and
chose to channel that growth into very specific
development goals. The overall chazacter of the
community has remained much as it was 20 years ago.
Infrastructure has been developed concurrently with
growth, preserving the community's quality of life.
Development goals have fostered the preservation of a
primarily residential community and open natural areas
with concentrated urban development in the Ciry's
Center. An increase in the number of corporate
headquarters, some annexation, and build out of
available single family sites, at competitive prices, has
accommodated modest population growth. Some new
multifamily development is concentrated in the City
Center/99 corridor azea, primarily through downtown
condominiums. This pedestrian friendly, multi-use City
Center, with multi-story and underground parking
facilities works well for many. Most Federal Way
citizens enjoy the pedestrian plazas of the City Center.
Statewide planning goal #6 states that, "Private property
shall not be taken for public use without just
compensation having been made. The property rights of
landowners shall be protected from arbitrary and
discriminatory actions." The City supports the
preservation of private property rights, however,
property rights must be balanced with the health, safety
and general welfaze of the community.
Economic Vitaliry: Strategically located in the Pac�c
Rim, between SeaTac Airport and the Port of Tacoma,
Federal Way provides jobs as an international and
regional retail and employment center. As an"edge
city," Federal Way is also home to several corporate
headquarters located in and around the Weyerhaeuser
campus. Companies choose Federal Way for its sense of
neighborhood identiry, mix of housing stock, proximiry
to natural resources (mountains, oceans, and waterways),
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Federai Way Comprehensive Plan - Introduction
and safety. The growth in the corporate headquarters
segment of the economy has netted economic spinoffs
for Federal Way's small business communiry, as small
business provides support services for the corporate
park companies. Growth in the small business economy
has generated some redevelopment of previously lazge
retail warehouse facilities to accommodate office, retail,
and light manufacturing. Qualiry jobs have boosted
disposable income, supporting expansion of Federal
Way's retail and commercial sectors. The resulting
enhancements to the community's t� base have helped
to support a high quality of community life.
Ef,�'icient Traffic System: Federal Way's transportation
system links neighborhoods with the City Center, and
Federal Way with other communities in the Puget Sound
region. Concentrated economic growth in the corporate
campus and City Center have allowed mass transit to
connect Federal Way's economic core with the economic
and leisure hubs of Puget Sound communities.
Concentrated growth has allowed the community to
maintain the infrastructure in outlying areas, focusing
new infrastructure in the City's Center. Youth have
found the transportation system easy and safe to use in
getting to school.
Safety, Infrastructure, and Utilities: This issue has been
addressed at the neighborhood level, where community-
based policing philosophies and citizen efforts to create
a sense of neighborhood with real and perceived safety
are most effective. A professional and compassionate
law enforcement force communicates clearly with the
communiry's diverse populations and business
communiry, providing a visible communiry presence, as
well as acceptable emergency call response times.
Ixnprovements in safety have been a cornerstone for the
communiry's economic and residential growth. The
utiliry and fire districts share this communiry vision and
have targeted their efforts and resources to continue to
provide effective and efficient delivery of water, sewer,
telephone, television, power, and fire services. Increased
coordination between these districts and the City, and
these districts and their regional counterparts, have
ensured adequate service expansion to make the
community's development vision a realiry.
Caring for Our Own: Governmental and social service
agencies work in concert to provide a caring and safe
environment for all Federal Way citizens. Ever-
improving educational institutions, public and private,
serve all interests and ages throughout the community.
Neighborhoods have joined with the schools in their area
to improve student achievement, school facilities, and
resources. Strong educational institutions and the
leadership of the Federal Way School District and
Highline Communiry College have contributed to the
community's economic growth, providing a trained work
force and qualiry education for the families of employers
who locate here. The Ciry has been the catalyst for
creating a one-stop shopping center for human services,
with progratns at all levels of government requiring
greater participation from clients in improving their
individual situations.
Quality Culture, Environment, and Play: Parks, trails,
sports, and cultural arts facilities cater to the active
lifestyle of Federal Way citizens. By partnering with the
Federal Way School District and other agencies, the
community has developed a long range plan for
facilities, parks, and services which is yielding more and
better facilities and joint facility utilization than any one
agency could provide alone. A performing and cultural
arts center has been built, although it will require
operating subsidies for its first eight yeazs.
The Federal Way area is blessed with a bounty of natural
beaury and scenery. This bounty includes dramatic vistas
of Mt. Rainier; numerous lakes, streams, and wetlands;
the pastoral setting in the Spring Valley area; and views
of Puget Sound and Vashon Island from the saltwater
ridge. The City is committed to preserving this vast
natural resource for the citizens and future citizens of
Federal Way.
Regional Player: Finally, Federal Way institutions and
citizens aze regional partners and participants in the
economic, political, and cultural life of Puget Sound.
This participation has yielded funding opportunities for
community facilities, including housing and human
services. Other regional efforts have safeguarded the
community against outside impacts that detract from our
community's quality of life. Regional participation has
crossed the seas with sister city relationships wluch aze
supported by Federal Way citizens. These relationships
have had significant cultural, educational, and economic
benefits for the communiry.
This vision will not be easily achieved. It will require
dif�icult choices. In order to grow gracefully, and remain
a healthy and desirable community, tomorrow's higher
densiry growth areas must be accompanied by improved
amenities for urban life. More resources will be required
to maintain the high quality of life we currently enjoy,
thanks to our pazks, streets, and other public services. A
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combined effort of the public sector, neighborhood
groups, businesses, schools, and individual citizens will
be required. The early and continuing cooperation and
collaboration of these groups in this process will ensure
this vision will be realized.
Getting to the Future from the
Present
This Plan is intended to manage growth and change in
Federal Way over the next 20 years. The future
described in the Plan cannot be achieved all at once.
Over the life of the Plan, growth will likely occur more
slowly at times, more rapidly at others, and in somewhat
different patterns and sequences than is currently
foreseen. The best a Plan can be is a well-educated guess
about how to accommodate people and conditions that
cannot be Irnown in advance. An effective Plan must be
flexible enough to succeed within a range of likely
conditions and can be adjusted as those conditions are
monitored and evaluated, while maintaining a steady aim
at its ultimate goals.
How Will The Plan Be Implemented?
Adopting a Comprehensive Plan is the first step toward
realizing the City's vision. The vision is achieved when
the Plan is implemented. Federal Way's implementation
program is comprised of a combination of short-term
and long-term actions. Some of the short-term actions
include amendment of the City's zoning code and
approval of rezones that match the Plan's land use
designations. Other actions include the annual update of
the City's six yeaz Capital Improvement Program which
describes the street, pazk, and surface water utility
projects the City intends to build. There aze also long-
term actions including subarea planning, monitoring,
evaluating, and amending the Plan as conditions change;
and developing a capital investment program that
allocates resources to projects that will spur the City's
development in the direction envisioned in the Plan.
Subarea Plans: Will follow the adoption of the Plan and
will produce amendments that tailor the Plan's citywide
perspective to individual areas, whether they aze
neighborhood retail nodes, light manufacturing areas, or
even the Ciry Center. Subazea plans are expected to
continue to aid in adjusting and fine-tuning the Plan over
time.
Federai Way Comprehensiva Plan - Introduction
Coordination with Other Jurisdictions: Is occurring
through the regional planning processes. Federal Way
representatives have participated with King Counry,
other cities, and the Puget Sound Regional Council in
numerous discussions. Some issue have been addressed
and others have been identified for additional discussion.
Undoubtably, continued regional planning fonuns will
need to be created to meet the Growth Management
Act's challenge for regional action towazd creating,
implementing, and funding a shared vision for the
greater Puget Sound region.
Regulatory Provisions: To implement the Plan will
include retaining, modifying, and/or replacing existing
regulations, and/or drafting new regulations consistent
with the policies and goals of the Plan.
A Strategic Investment Strategy: Will describe a
framework for making resource allocation decisions in
an environment where wants and needs always exceed
the finite resources available. Tradeoffs among many
possible investment choices will be made to achieve the
Plan's goals. The framework will add dimension to the
Plan's goals by enabling them to be addressed over time.
Human Services, Public Safety, and Environmental
Planning: Will continue to build upon the foundation
established by the Plan. Much of the Comprehensive
Plan, as developed to fulfill the Growth Management
Act, addresses physical development and its related
regulatory and fiscal support. Federal Way works with
other levels of govemment, non-profit providers, and
citizens groups to support an array of activities and
services that contribute to the quality of life of Federal
Way's citizens. These include public safery, health,
cultural, educational and environmental activities, and
human services. To ensure that the interrelationships of
all aspects of urban life are addressed, planning will be
undertaken by the City in a way that is supportive of and
coordinated with the Plan.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Will be done periodically
to assess progress toward achieving Comprehensive
Plan goals as well as to measure the conditions and
changes occurring within the City. Monitoring and
evaluation will help ensure consistency within and
among the Plan elements, as well as with the Growth
Management Act and County and regional growth plans.
Monitoring and evaluation will lead to both Plan
amendments and improved ability to project future
conditions.
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Introduction
Citizen participation in City processes will build upon
the dialogue between government and citizens that began
with the development and adoption of the Plan. The City
will strive to find improved means to communicate with,
and involve citizens in planning and decision-making.
The City will strive to provide information that can be
easily understood and to provide access for public
involvement. Tlus will include processes for making
amendments to and implementing the Plan.
Appiication of the Plan
The principle purpose of the Comprehensive Plan is to
provide policies that guide the development of the City
in the context of regional growth management. These
policies can be looked to by citizens and all levels of
government in planning for the future of Federal Way.
The Plan format generally presents a discussion about an
issue followed by a goal, and some policies related to
that goal. Goals describe what the City hopes to realize
over time, and are not mandates or guarantees. Policies
describe actions that will need to be taken if the City is
to realize its goals. Policies should be read as if preceded
by the words, "It is the City's general policy to..." A
policy helps guide the creation or change of specific
rules or strategies (such as development regulations,
budgets, or program area plans). City officials will
generally make decisions on specific Ciry actions by
following ordinances, resolutions, budgets, or program
area plans that themselves reflect relevant Plan policies,
rather than by referring directly to this Plan.
Implementation of most policies involves a range of City
actions over time, so one cannot simply ask whether a
specific action or project would fulfill a pazticular Plan
policy. For example, a policy that the City will "give
priority to" a particular need indicates that need will be
treated as important, not that it will take precedence in
every Ciry decision.
Some policies use the words "shall" or "should",
"ensure" or "encourage", and so forth. In general, such
words should be read to describe the relative degree of
emphasis that the policy imparts, but not necessarily to
establish specific legal duty to perform a particular act,
to undertake a program or project, or to achieve a
specific result. Whether such a result is intended must be
determined by reading the policy as a whole, and by
examining the context of other related policies in the
Plan.
Some policies may appear to conflict, particularly in the
context of a specific fact situation or viewed from the
different perspectives of persons whose interests may
conflict on a given issue. A classic example is the oft-
references "conflict" between policies calling for
"preservation of the environment" and policies that
"promote economic development." Because Plan
policies do not exist in isolation, and must be viewed in
the context of all potentially relevant policies, it is
lazgely in the application of those policies that the
interests which they embody are reconciled and balanced
by the Legislative and Executive branches of City
govemment.
Before this Plan was adopted, the City of Federal Way
had many policies in place which were approved over the
course of many yeazs, and which affect the full range of
programs and services provided by the City. To the
extent a conflict may arise between such a policy and
this Plan, the Plan will generally prevail, except that
policies that aze used in the application of existing
development regulations shall continue to be used until
those regulations are made consistent with the plan
pursuant to RCW 36.70A. 040.
Discussion is provided to explain the context in which
decisions on goals and policies have been made, the
reasons for those decisions, and how the goals and
policies are related. The discussion portions of the Plan
do not establish or modify policies, but they may help to
interpret policies.
Appendices to the Plan contain certain required maps,
inventories, and other information required by the GMA,
and in some cases further data, discussion, and analysis.
The appendices are not to be read as establishing or
modifying policies or requirements, unless specified for
such purposes in the Plan policies. For example,
descriptions of current programs in an appendix do not
require that the same program be continued, and detailed
estimates of how the City may expect to achieve certain
goals do not establish additional goals or requirements.
Acknowiedgments
The City Council and staff thank the hundreds of
citizens who have made the CityShape project a success.
We look forward to working with you over the next 20
years to make your vision Federal Way's future. �
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Faderal Way Comprshanaive Pian - Land Use
2.0 INTRODUCTION
� hrough the CiryShape and Vision process, the
community produced a general concept of what
the Ciry should look like and function like in the
, future. This general concept was used to form the basis
of the Land Use chapter. The Land Use chapter serves as
the foundation of the Comprehensive Plan by providing
, a framework for Federal Way's future development, and
by setting forth policy direction for Federal Way's
current and future land uses.
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Development of land, according to adopted policies and
land use designations discussed in this chapter, should
result in an appropriate balance of services, employ-
ment, and housing. The land use policies are supple-
mented by a land use designation map that provides a
visual illustration of the proposed physical distribution
and location of various land uses. The Land Use map
allocates a supply of land for such uses as services,
employment, parks, open space, and housing to meet
future demand.
2.1 THE LAND USE CONCEPT
, Federal Way's existing land use pattern (the physical
location of uses) exists as a result of development
administered by King County until 1990. Presently, over
, 54.91 percent of Federal Way's gross land area allows
for single family development, 8.17 percent for multiple
family development, and 16.49 percent for office, retail,
� and manufacturing uses (see Chart II-1). The Compre-
hensive Plan will not substantially modify the City's
existing land use pattem.
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What will change is how various pieces of the land use
pattem interact to achieve common land use goals.
Figure II-1 depicts the land use concept. The land use
concept should result in the following:
■ Transformation of the retail core into an intensely
developed City Center that is the focus of civic
activity which provides a sustainable balance of jobs
and housing;
■ Preservation and enhancement of existing residential
neighborhoods;
Chart //-7
PERCENT GROSS LAND AREA
BASED ON CURRENT 20NING
OTHEF
OPEN SPACE (0.8
PARKS (6.4096)
MULTI-FAMILY (8.1796)
n,_ . R�a� �s.a�%�
SINGLE FAMILY (54.91%)
MANUFA�C. (6.2096)
OFFICE (3.98%)
■ Creation of a network of parks and open space areas;
■ Diversification of the City's employment base by
creating distinct employment azeas;
■ Promotion of new opportunities for residential
development neaz transit centers;
■ Provision of community and commercial services to
residential communities;
■ To the extent practicable, preservation of
environmentally sensitive areas;
■ Promotion of convenient residentially scaled
shopping for residential neighborhoods;
■ Promotion of housing in the City's commercial azeas
close to shopping and employment;
■ Promotion of redevelopment of "strip commercial"
areas along major arterials into attractive, mixed-use
corridors served by auto and transit;
■ Promotion of the development of well designed
commercial and office developments; and
■ Accommodation of Puget Sound Regional Council
growth projections within the proposed land use plan
area.
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Concentrate new developmeet in the
Highway 99/1-5 cotridor.
Develop infnstructure to support
corridor development
Trensfortn retaii core into a new �
mixed-use C'ity Center. �
Preserve and enhance existing single-
family neighborhoods.
Create a network of parks and open
space corridors.
L
Diversify employment base by �
creating distind employment areas
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Geate new intensive residentiaf
communities supported by transi�
Provide communitv and rnmmercial
services to residential oommunities.
ive
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Figure ll-1. The Concept Plan
CITY ❑� FEDERAL WAY
C❑MPREHENSIVE PLAN
• L.I
GENE�A�IZ�I�
EXI�'I'IN� I,AI�T� USE
LAND USE ELEMENT
LE�END
—b—�—�—�—y FEDERAL WAY GITY LIMITS
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
MULTI—FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
INSTITUTIQNAL
[ �FFICE
RETAIL / SERVICE
INDUSTRIAL
PARKS / RECREATI❑N
❑PEN SPACE
VACANT
Thfs Map is intended for use as a graphical representatlon on!y
The Clty of Federal Wny rrakes no warranty as to its a�curacy
�a G
�-''=��/•�l
� GIS DIVISIt3N
SGALE� 1' = 5,Q00'
MA� II-1
DATE� DEGEMBER 1995
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2.2 RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER
LAND USE CHAPTERS
Tlie land use concept set forth in this chapter is
consistent with all Comprehensive Plan chapters.
Internal consistency among the chapters of the Compre-
hensive Plan translates into coordinated growth and an
efficient use of limited resources. Below is a brief
discussion of how the Land Use chapter relates to the
other chapters of the Comprehensive Plan.
Economic Development
Federal Way's economy is disproportionately divided;
retail and service industries comprise nearly two-thirds
of Federal Way's employment base. Dependence on
retail trade stems primarily from the City's evolution
into a regional shopping destination for South King
County and northeast Pierce Counry. Increased regional
competition from other retail areas, such as Tukwila and
the Aubum SuperMall, may impact the City's ability to
capture future retail dollars. To improve Federal Way's
economic outlook, the economic development strategy is
to promote a more diverse economy. A diversified
economy should achieve a better balance between jobs
and housing and supports the City's quality of life.
In conjunction with the Economic Development chapter,
this Land Use chapter promotes the following:
■ A City Center composed of mid-rise office buildings,
mixed-use retail, and housing.
■ Community Business and Business Park development
in the South 348th Street azea.
■ Continued development of West Campus.
■ Development of East Campus (Weyerhuaeser
Corporate and Office Pazk properties).
■ Redevelopment and development of the SR-99
corridor into an area of quality commercial and
mixed use development.
■ Establishment of design standards for commercial
areas.
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Land Use
The land use map designations support development
necessary to achieve the above. A complete discussion
of economic development is set forth in the Economic
Development chapter.
Capital Facilities
Capital facilities provided by the City include: trans-
portation and streets, parks and open space, and surface
water management.
Infrastructure and Urban Services
The amount and availabiliry of urban services and
infrastructure influences the location and pace of future
growth. The City is responsible for the construction and
maintenance of parks and recreation facilities, streets
and transportation improvements, and surface water
facilities. Providing for future growth while maintaining
existing improvements is dependent upon the
community's willingness to pay for the construction and
fmancing of new facilities and the maintenance of
existing facilities. As outlined in the Capital Facilities
Plan, new infrastructure and services may be fmanced by
voter approved bonds, impact fees, and money from the
City's general fund.
To capitalize on the City's available resources for urban
services and infrastructure, this Land Use chapter
recognizes that concentrating growth is far more cost
effective than allowing continued urban sprawl.
Concentrating growth also supports the enhancement of
future transit improvements.
Water Availability
Water availabiliry is limited by the rate of recharge of
the aquifers that underlie the Federal Way area. In recent
years, water in the aquifers has been withdrawn at a rate
faster than what can be sustained through aquifer
recharge. Therefore, the Lakehaven Utiliry District is
working on a number of water supply options including
securing water from the City of Tacoma's second supply
pipeline project which will run through the City. If an
adequate supply of water cannot be provided, future
development may be restricted if certificates of water
availabiliry, as required by State law, can no longer be
issued by the District. Concentrating growth, along with
conservation measures, should help to conserve water.
II-4
Federal Wey Comprehensive Plan - Land Use
Water Quality
Maintaining a clean source of water is vital to the health
and livability of the City. Preserving water quality
ensures a clean source of drinking water; and, continued
health of the Ciry's streams and lakes. Maintainuig
water qualiry is also important for maintaining the health
of the aquifers which rely on surface water for rechazge.
Contamination of an aquifer, by contaminated surface
water, could lead to serious health concerns. To address
this concern and impacts of new development, the City
prepared a Surface Water Management Plan. The plan
specifies actions to ensure water quality including the
development of regional detention/ retention facilities to
control rate and quality of water runoff. Furthermore,
development of a wellhead protection program with the
Lakehaven Utility District should provide guidelines to
avoid possible contamination. Policies contained in the
Natural Environment chapter provide direction for
development neaz wellheads and in aquifer recharge
areas. For a complete discussion, please refer to the
Capital Facilities chapter.
Parks & Open Space
One of the most important and valued elements of a high
qualiry living and working environment is a pazks and
open space system. Providing pazks and open spaces
contributes to a reduction in environmental impacts such
as noise and air pollution; increases the value of adjacent
properties; provides areas for passive and active
recreation; and helps preserve the natural beaury of the
City. To maximize open space opportunities, the City
will coordinate with adjacent jurisdictions to create a
region-wide open space system as contemplated in the
Countywide Planning Policies.
The proposed land use map depicts areas where existing
and/or proposed pazks and open spaces aze located. This
map is consistent with the City's Comprehensive Parks,
Recreation, and Open Space Plan. For a complete
discussion, please refer to the Comprehensive Parks,
Recreation and Open Space Plan.
Potential Annexation Area
To facilitate intergovernmental planning and policy
coordination, the King County Countywide Planning
Policies (CWPP's) require each jurisdiction to,
"... designate a potential annexation area." The City's
Potential Annexation Area lies within unincorporated
King County, generally east of the present City
boundary. The boundary has been defined through
cooperative agreements between the City and adjacent
jurisdictions. No land use designations aze currently
proposed by the City for this area. Ciry provided urban
services and utilities (to the extent the City controls such
services, either directly or by contract) may be provided
to this area when an annexation is accepted.
In the future, the amount of land and population to be
annexed into the Ciry will depend on the number of
annexation petitions received by the Ciry and the
availability of urban services. The City does not intend
to actively seek annexations. A comprehensive plan for
the potential annexation azea may be prepazed by the
City to assign land use designations and zoning. This
plan will provide guidance for all future citizen initiated
annexation proposals. A complete discussion regazding
the City's potential annexation areas can be found in the
Potential Annexation Area chapter.
Natural Environment
Federal Way's natural beaury is apparent. Lakes,
streams, wetlands, and Puget Sound provide a scenic
backdrop as well as a source for active and passive
recreation. The Land Use chapter seeks to protect
Federal Way's unique natural resources through policies
that support the preservation of these areas for future
generations. For a complete discussion please refer to
the Natural Environment chapter.
Housing
Housing is a basic need and a major factor in the qualiry
of life for individuals and families. An adequate supply
of affordable, attractive, and functional housing is
fundamental to achieving a sense of community. The
central issue related to land use is supplying enough land
to accommodate projected growth for a range of incomes
and households. Presently, housing is provided primarily
in single family subdivisions or multiple-unit complexes.
This plan devises strategies to increase housing options
and housing choices. The Land Use chapter advocates
changes to current development codes to increase
flexibility in platting land and encowage housing as part
of mixed-use developments in commercial areas. The
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latter provides an opportuniry to locate housing closer to
employment and shopping, and create affordable
housing.
The land use map depicts single family and multiple
family residential areas as staying generally in the same
geographic boundary as the original comprehensive plan
map. The proposed land use designations will provide
adequate capacity to meet projected growth. See Section
2.8 for further discussion.
A complete discussion of housing can be found in the
Housing chapter.
City Center
The proposed land use map depicts two Ciry Center land
use designations. The Ciry Center Core and Frame areas
will direct the location and extent of growth in the City
Center. The creation of an identifiable and vibrant
"downtown" is one of the primary goals identified by the
community during the CityShape planning process. The
policies of the Land Use and City Center chapters
envision a concentrated Ciry Center comprised of mixed-
use developments, pedestrian-oriented streetscapes,
livable and affordable housing, a network of public
spaces and parks, and development of superior design
and qualiry. The Ciry Center will provide a central
gathering place for the community where civic and
cultural activities and events take place. A complete
discussion of the City Center can be found in the City
Center Chapter.
2.3 POLICY BACKGROUND
Recent passage of State and Counry land use policies
provide a statutory framework for the development of
City land use policies. It is important to briefly review
State and County level policies to better understand the
historical conditions which have shaped the goals and
policies in this chapter.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT ACT
The GMA aclrnowledges that, ". .. a lack of common
� goals expressing the public's interest in conservation
and the wise use of our lands pose a threat to the
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Land Use
environment, sustainable economic development, and the
health, safety and high qualiry of life enjoyed by
residents of this state" (RCW 36.70A.010). The Act
provides a framework for content and adoption of local
comprehensive plans. The Act provides 13 goals to be,
". .. used exclusively for the purpose of guiding
development of comprehensive plans and development
regulations." A number of the State GMA goals pertain
to land use. They are as follows:
Urban Growth - Encourage development in urban areas
where adequate public facilities and services exist or can
be provided in an efficient manner.
Reduce Sprawl - Reduce the inappropriate conversion of
undeveloped land into sprawling, low-density
development.
Open Space and Recreation - Encourage the retention
of open space and development of recreational
opportunities, conserve fish and wildlife habitat,
increase access to natural resource lands and water, and
develop parks.
Environment - Protect the environment and enhance the
State's high quality of life, including air and water
quality and the availability of water.
Public Facilities and Services - Ensure that those public
facilities and services necessary to support development
shall be adequate to serve the development at the time
the development is available for occupancy and use
without decreasing current service levels below locally
established minimum standards.
Historic Preservation - Identify and encourage the
preservation of lands, sites, and structures that have
historical or archaeological significance.
Regional Policies
Vision 2020 and the CWPP's, both required by GMA,
provide a regional framework to achieve the goals of the
GMA. Vision 2020 is the long range growth
management, economic, and transportation strategy for
the central Puget Sound region encompassing King,
Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish counties. It provides
broad direction agreed to by member jurisdictions. Most
notable is Vision 2020's direction for Regional
Transportation. An important connection between
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Land Use
Vision 2020 policies and the City's land use policies is
development of an urban center, refened to as the City
Center in this Comprehensive Plan. Urban centers are to
accommodate a significant share of new growth,
services, and facilities. The idea is to, "... build an
environment in the urban centers that will ariract
residents and businesses" by concentrating residences,
shopping, and employment in close proximity to each
other and regional transit.
The Countywide Planning Policies (CWPP) aze a further
refinement of policy direction contained in the GMA and
Vision 2020 and are a result of a collaborative process
between King Counry and the suburban cities within.
Policies contained herein have been prepared to
implement the CWPP's as they apply to the City.
Countywide Planning Policies provide a framework for
both the County and its respective cities. Adherence to
these policies ensures that plans within the County are
consistent with one another. These policies address such
issues as the designation of urban growth areas, land
use, affordable housing, provision of urban services for
future development, transportation, and contiguous and
orderly development. Countywide Planning Policies have
the most direct impact on land use policies in this
chapter. By undertaking the following actions, the Land
Use chapter is consistent with CWPP's direction:
■ Promoting phased development for ef�cient use of
land and urban services;
■ Creating a City Center (urban center) as an area of
concentrated employment and housing, served by
high capacity transit, public facilities, parks, and
open space;
■ Limiting growth outside the City Center to azeas that
are already urbanized;
■ Encouraging infill development;
■ Expanding business and office pazk development to
include limited commercial; and
■ Establishing incentives to achieve desired goals.
2.4 PROJECTED GROWTH &
DEVELOPMENT CAPACITY
Projected Growth
In 1995, approximately 74,413 people called Federal
Way home. Most of the growth to date occurred during
the decades of the 1960's and 1980's in which the City's
'
population doubled. Federal Way is now the sixth '
largest city in the State and the third largest in King
County.
Future population and employment growth has been
forecasted through a cooperative effort between the
state, counties, and cities. Through the CWPPs, the
City's target ranges for household and employment
growth over the next 20 years is defined. Federal Way's
target household range is 13,425 - 16,556; and,
employment target range of 13,300 - 16,400.
Chart //-3
Population Projection
Central Puget Sound Region
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Development Capacity
Through the goals and policies of the Comprehensive
Plan and the Land Use Map, the City is required to show
that it has the capacity to accommodate projected growth
target ranges for housing and employment. To
determined the City's ability to accommodate forecasted
growth (both residential and employment) a capaciry
analysis was conducted. The results of this effort is
summarized in Tables II-1 thru II-4, and in the Capaciry
Analysis section.
Methodology
Using a methodology consistent with the
recommendations of the King County Land Capacity
Task Force, the Ciry calculated capacity for all land use
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1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Land Use
designations. In general, capacity is defined as the
number of additional dwelling units or square feet of
improved floor space (commercial and industrial uses)
that can be accommodated within a comprehensive plan
land use designation. Capacity figures for both vacant
and redevelopable land were calculated. Once the theo-
retical capacity was derived, a series of reductions were
applied. The reductions account for land consumed by
right-of-ways, building footprint, environmentally sensi-
tive azeas, and for public purpose (parks, cemeteries,
etc.). The summation of these discounts ranged from 47
to 72 percent depending on the land use designation.
Chart //-2
PERCENT GROSS LAND AREA
BY COMP PLAN LAND USE DESIGNATION
PARKS 8 OPEN SPACE
RETAII
FAMILY (54.6d%)
In addition to the reductions outlined above, a market
discount factor was applied to vacant land (10 percent)
as well as redevelopable land (17 percent). Application
of the market factor (discount) acknowledges that not all
potentially developable parcels will be available for
development and that some parcels may not be
fmancially feasible to develop or redevelop. Finally, a
cushion (discount of 25 percent) was applied to cover
any inaccuracy in the data sources used and to account
for any unforeseen circumstances which may affect the
development of a given parcel of land.
Employment figures were then derived from the final
square footage calculations for commercial and office
land use designations using commonly acceptable squaze
foot per employee ratios.
Capacity Analysis
The following tables (Table II-1 thru II-4) illustrate the
Ciry's development capaciry. In summary, the employ-
ment figure of 69,358 shows that the City has the
capacity to easily accommodate projected employment
growth (13,300 - 16,400 jobs) over the next 20 years.
As shown in Table IV, the City has the capacity to
accommodate 16,723-23,994 households, thus
surpassing. the CWPPs target range of 13,425-16,556.
Table II-1
� Net Commercial and Office Ca aci
Proposed Developable Square Footage
' Comprehensive Plan Land Use Employment
Designations Vacant Redevelopable Net # jobs
Developable
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Business Park
C ity Center Cor¢
City CenterFrame
Community Business
Corporate Park
Neighbo Business
O„QSce
MANUFAC. (2.08%)
MUITIPLE FAMILY (8.20%)
FFICE (7.63%)
3,937,414
1,441,578
733,304
1,660,330
2,203,467
594,200
6,421,102
I TOt81S I 16,991,395
, The capaciry of the city s commercial and offrce areas (Table II-1 J support the shift towar�
than remiL
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1,218,531 5,155,946 8,889
1,357,488 2,799,066 6,997
39,685 772,989.00 1,931
1,045,130 2746453 5,492
1,337,536 3,541,003 14,164
127,866 722,066 1,466
1,183,869 7,604,971 30,419
6,310,105 23,342,494 69,358
the job market by providing for future growtH rn employment sectors other
II-8
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Land Use
Table II-2
Net Ca aci of Residentiai
Ezisting Dweiling
Vacant/Redev
Comp Plan Designation Units (potential units) Total Net Units
Single Family 16,681 5,413 -12,684 22,094 - 29,365
Multiple Family 12,826 3,852 16,678
Mobile Homes 1,393 1,393
TotalS 30,900 9,265 -16,536 40,165 - 47,436
New residendal opporturNties (Tablel!-?) will be provided through the contixued bui7d-out of exisdng mulNpk jamily areas and abng with in-fil! and platting of nmaining
parcals in singk family anas Tabk II-3 ahows that appra�rimate(y S,7S9 dxvUing units ojnsw mulHpk family housing will be providsd in non-residendal designadons
Residendal mrmbsrs do not includs ac�rssory dw�sl(ing uniGx
Net Residential
Comp Plan Designation
City Center Core
City Center Frame
Neighborhood Business
Community Business
Totals
Table II-3
�pacity of Non-Residential Desig
Net Developable Residential Square
. Feet
2,290,146
772,990
361,034
1,352,731
4,776,901
ations
Potentisl Dwelling Units
3,272
773
361
1,353
5,759
Su
Comprehensive Pian Designation
Table II-4
of Dwelling Unit Ca�
Buildable Square Feet
# of Dwelting Units
CommerciaUOffice Designations that Allow 11,828,417 5,759
Residential Component
Multiple Family 3,851,621 3,852
Single Family N/A 5,413 -12,684
Accessory Dwelling Units 1,700
Total Residential Capacity 16,723 - 23,994
King County Planning Policies Household 13,425 -16,556
Target Range
Table II-0 summarizes dwelling �mit capacity. The table cleerly shows �cient capacity to accommodate anticipated growth beyond the year 2012. New household and employment
forecasts from PSRC will be evalueted against the preceding tables to ensure that there is �cient capacity to accrnnmodate future gowth. Capacity numbers pertain only w incorporated
Federal Way, does not include the City's Pota�tial Annexetion Area.
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2.5 URBAN DESIGN AND FORM
In addition to guiding development, the Land Use
chapter will also guide the qualiry and character of the
City's future development pattern through goals and
policies related to the form, functioq and appeazance of
the built environment. These goals and policies, related
to quality development, will serve as a basis from which
to develop appropriate implementation measures. Imple-
mentation of design standards will be achieved primarily
through a series of zoning amendments and design
guidelines, to be used as an integral component of the
development review process. Commercial guidelines will
support comprehensive plan policies by addressing
integration and preservation of natural features; location
and type of pedestrian amenities and public spaces;
pedestrian and vehicle circulation; building setbacks,
orientatioq form, and scale; landscaping; and mixed-use
design. Residential design guidelines, potentially as a
component of sub-area plans, will address neighborhood
character, and compatibility between residential and
mixed-use/commercial development.
Goal
LUGl Improve the appearance and funcrion of the
built envrronment.
Policies
LUPl Develop residential design performance
standazds to maintain neighborhood chazacter
and ensure compatibility with surrounding uses.
' LUP2 Use design and performance standazds to
achieve a greater range of housing options in
multiple family designations.
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LUP3 Support the establishment of design and
performance standards to create attractive and
desirable commercial and office developments.
2.6 DEVELOPMENT REVIEW
PROCESS
The Land Use chapter provides the policy foundation for
implementing zoning and development regulations. In
developing policy concerning future land use
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Land Use
regulations, or revisions to existing regulations, every
effort was made to instill certainty and efficiency in the
development process. Recent State legislation has
focused on developing streamlined and timely permit
processing. Prior to this legislation, the City conducted
Developer Forums to solicit input regarding the Ciry's
permit processing system. Comments received during
the Forums provided invaluable information to evaluate
the City's perinit system. Through the following
policies, the Ciry continues to strive to provide an
efficient and timely review system.
Goal
LUG2 Develop an efficient and timely development
review process based on a public/private
parrnership.
Policies
LUP4 Maximize efficiency of the development review
process.
LUPS Assist developers with proposals by continuing
to offer pre-application meetings in order to
produce projects that will be reviewed
efficiently.
LUP6 Conduct regular reviews of development
regulations to deternune how to improve upon
the permit review process.
LUP7 Integrate and coordinate construction of public
infrastructure with private development to
minimize costs wherever possible.
LUP8 Increase efficiency in the permit process by
responding to State legislation concerning
development review processes.
2.7 CITYWIDE POLICIES
Citywide policies apply to all Comprehensive Plan
designations. These general policies are intended to
maintain the quality of the living and working
environment and ensure that the interests, economy, and
welfare of the community are considered.
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Federal Way Comprehe�sive Plan - Lend Use
Policies
LUP9 Designate and zone land to provide for Federal
Way's share of regionally-adopted demand
forecasts for residential, commercial, and
industrial uses for the next 20 yeazs.
LUP10 Support a diverse community comprised of
neighborhoods which provide a range of
housing options; a vibrant City Center; well
designed and functioning commercial areas; and
distinctive neighborhood retail azeas.
LUPl l Support the continuation of a strong residential
community.
LUP12 Evaluate household and employment forecasts
on a periodic basis to ensure that land use
policies based on previous assumptions are
current.
LUP13 Distribute pazk and recreational opportunities
equitably throughout the Ciry.
2.8 LAND USE DESIGNATIONS
The land use designations in the Comprehensive Plan
recognize the relationships between broad patterns of
land uses. The designations set forth locational criteria
for each specific class of uses consistent with the long
term objectives of the Plan. These designations provide
the purpose and intent for specific zoning districts. The
location of comprehensive plan land use designations are
shown on the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map.
Residential Areas
Single Family
Federal Way is lrnown for its quality single family
neighborhoods. This section contains goals and policies
that will shape future development and protect or
improve the character and livability of established
neighborhoods.
The demand for and development of single family
housing is expected to continue for the foreseeable
future. Single family development will occur as in-fill
development of vacant lots scattered throughout existing
neighborhoods and as subdivisions on vacant tracts of
land. To address future housing needs, the Land Use
chapter encourages new techniques for developing single
family subdivisions. Such techniques include clustering,
planned unit developments, lot size averaging, and zero
lot line development. New to single family neighbor-
hoods is the introduction of accessory dwelling units and
special needs housing as required by State law and Ciry
ordinance. Furthermore, future residential code revisions
will address the compatibiliry and design of in-fill
development and special needs housing.
Single Family Low Density
The Single Family Low Densiry designation retains
lazger urban lots in order to avoid development pressure
on or near environmentally sensitive azeas and to retain
azeas that have unique azea-wide circumstance. There
aze two notable locations: Spring Valley, located in the
southern portion of the City; and along Puget Sound
near Dumas Bay in the viciniry of Camp Kilworth and
the Palisades Retreat property.
The Single Family Low Densiry designation continues
the historic application of low density zoning in areas
that lack urban services and infrastructure. Moreover,
the application of large urban lot zoning is appropriate
to avoid excessive development pressures on or near
environmentally sensitive areas as well as to serve as a
buffer between ad�jacent land use designations of higher
densities.
The Single Family Low Densiry designation in the
Spring Valley and Dumas Bay azeas have numerous
environmentally sensitive features including, but not
limited to: wetlands, flooding potential, geologically
hazazdous azeas, streams (including salmonid habitat),
and wildlife habitat, and groundwater infiltration
potential. Due to the sensitive nature of this azea, the
Draft Hylebos Creek and Lower Puget Sound Plan
recommends zoning of one lot per five acres.
Single Family Medium Density
The Single Family Medium Densiry designation creates
urban lots with a density range of 1 to 3 dwelling units
per acre to avoid developing on or near environmentally
sensitive azeas. The Single Family Medium Density
designation can be found along the Puget Sound
shoreline and south of South 356th Street, both east and
west of SR 99. Lot sizes of 35,000 and 15,000 square
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CITY ❑F F�EDERAL WAY
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
C �1VIP�EI��NS�VE PLAN
DESIGNA'�I�NS
LAND USE ELEMENT
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-�-�-�-�-�-�- FEDERAL WAY CITY LIMITS
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� City Cente� Gore
_ City Center Frame
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t�ffice
Q Business Park
_ Neighborhood Business
C om.mercial/Recreatian
Q Community Business
-��-� Parks and Open Space
Muiti—Family
Single Family
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� Medium Densit,y
0 Low Density
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�D MAP II - �
GIS DNISION
SCALE� 1." = 5,000' DECEMBER 1995
� Federai Way Comprehensive Plan - Le�d Use
1 feet provide for a transition in density between land
designated as Single Family High and designated as
Single Family Low. Some areas designated as Single
, Family Medium still lack urban services and
infrastructure.
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The relatively lazge lot sizes along the Puget Sound
shoreline areas are appropriate due to geological features
including steep slopes and landslide hazards commonly
associated with marine bluffs. As with the Single
Family Low designation, the Single Family Medium
designations south of South 356th is located in the West
Branch Hylebos Creek Sub-Basin. As noted in the
Single Family Low Densiry description, this sub-basin
contains a number of environmentally sensitive areas.
Single Family High Density
A majority of the single family residential land in the
City is designated as Single Family High Densiry. Urban
densities of 9600, 7200 and 5000 squaze feet provide
for a range of housing densities. Single Family High
Density residential designations aze located within close
and convenient proximity to neighborhood business
centers, areas of existing or future employment, transit
and existing urban infrastructure and services. Future
Single Family High Density development should provide
good access to collector and arterial streets.
Goai
LUG3 Preserve and protect Federal Way's single
family neighborhoods.
Policies
LUP14 Maintain and protect the chazacter of existing
and future single family neighborhoods through
strict enforcement of the City's land use
regulations.
LUP15 Protect residential areas from impacts of
adjacent non-residential uses.
LUP16 Revise existing land use regulations to provide
for innovation and flexibility in the design of
new single family developments and in-fill.
LUP17 Encourage the development of transportation
routes and facilities to serve single family
neighborhoods. Special attention should be
given to pedestrian circulation.
LUP18 Encourage the development of parks and the
dedication of open space in and adjacent to
residential areas to preserve the natural setting
of Federal Way.
LUP19 Consider special development techniques (e.g.,
� accessory dwelling units, zero lot lines, lot size
averaging, and planned unit developments) in
single family areas provided they result in
residential development consistent with the
qualiry and character of existing neighborhoods.
LUP20 Preserve site characteristics that enhance
residential development (trees, watercourses,
vistas, and similaz features) using site planning
techniques such as clustering, planned unit
developments, and lot size averaging.
Multiple Family
The multiple family residential land use designation
represents an opportuniry to provide a range of housing
types to accommodate anticipated residential growth.
Increasing population, the decline in average family size,
and increasing cost of single family homes have created
heavy demand for new housing types. The Land Use
chapter encourages the development of new housing
types, such as duplexes, townhouses, and condominiums
in existing multiple family areas and within mixed-use
development in commercial areas.
During the 1980's, the Ciry's landscape changed as a
number of large apartment complexes were constructed.
These apartments, often built without regazd to scale or
amenities, created a general dissatisfaction with the
appearance of multiple family development. Future code
revisions should address issues regazding appeazance,
scale, location, and type of dwelling units. Incentives for
creating desired development such as duplexes and
townhouses should be considered.
Multiple Family
Multiple Family designations in lazge part are in azeas
currently zoned for multiple family development.
Densities of 3600, 2400, and 1800 square feet per
dwelling unit will continue to be used. Opportunities for
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new development will occur through redevelopment and
build-out of remaining parcels. To address the design
and appearance of multiple family development,
residential code revisions aze expected to be developed
in the neaz future. The primary goal of these code
revisions is to develop multiple family housing that is
reflective of the community's character and appeazance.
Goal
LUG4 Provide a wide range of housing types and
densities commensurate with the community's
needs and preferences.
Policies
LUP21 Allow and encourage a variety of multiple
family housing types in designated commercial
areas, especially in the City Center and City
Center Frame azeas.
LUP22 Develop design and performance standards for
multiple family developments to achieve
integration in commercial developments.
Performance standards should focus on scale,
appeazance, and compatibiliry.
LUP23 Support multiple family development with
transportation and capital facilities
improvements.
LUP24 Multiple family residential development should
be designed to provide privacy and common
open space. Variations in facades and roof lines
should be used to add character and interest to
multiple family developments.
LUP25 Encourage the establishment of street pattems
and amenities that encourage walking, bicycling,
and transit use.
Commercial Designations
Existing commercial areas are auto-oriented and
chazacterized by one story low intensity development. In
the future, these areas will become more intense and
pedestrian oriented, and in some designations, accom-
modate housing. Transfornvng existing areas into places
where people want to live, shop, and work requires
changes. Commercial azeas should contain street
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Land Use
fumiture, trees, pedestrian shelters, well marked cross-
walks, and buildings oriented to and along the street to
provide interest and allow easy pedestrian access.
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General Policies for Commercial, Oftice, and '
Business Park
The following general policies apply to all commercial,
office, and business park designations. Specific goals
and policies related to each land use designation follow
the discussion of each, except for Corporate Park and
Commercial Recreation. These two designations, and the
uses allowed in them, are defined by pre-annexation
agreements with the City.
Policies
LUP26 Provide employxnent and business opportunities
in Federal Way by allocating adequate land for
commercial, office, and business park
development.
LUP27 Encourage development of regional uses in the
Ciry Center.
LUP28 Develop regulatory incentives to promote
common open space, public art, and plazas in
commercial and of�ice developments.
LUP29 Provide for a mix of commercial and residential
uses in commercial areas, except Business and
Office Pazk.
LUP30 Ensure compatibiliry between mixed-use
developments and residential areas by
regulating height, scale, setbacks, and buffers.
LUP31 Encourage quality design and pedestrian and
vehicle circulation in office, commercial, and
business park developments.
LUP32 Encourage commercial development to locate
along the street edge (where deemed
appropriate) to provide pedestrian street access
Provide pedestrian access between
developments and to transit stations.
LUP33 Identify and designate streets where on-street
parking can be safely provided without unduly
slowing traffic flow or jeopardizing tr�c
safety.
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Land Use
LUP34 Provide developer incentives for inclusion of
housing in commercial projects.
Business Park
The Business Park designation is a new designation that
substantially encompasses the uses found in the former
Manufacturing Park zoning designation where large
undeveloped and underdeveloped parcels, having
convenient access to Interstate 5 and Highway 18,
provide a natural location for business park develop-
ment. The advent of the Business Park designation is
intended to capture the growing demand for higher
quality, mixed-use business pazks which permit a
mixture of light manufacturing, wazehouse/ distribution,
office, and limited retail uses to serve the immediate
needs in the area. Revisions to design and performance
standazds will address site development, lot size,
setbacks, and modulation.
Goal
LUGS Develop a quality business park area that
supports surrounding commercial areas.
Policies
LUP35 Encourage quality, mixed development for
office, manufacturing, and distribution centers.
LUP36 Develop business parks which fit into their
surroundings by grouping similar industries in
order to reduce or eliminate land use conflicts,
allow sharing of public facilities and services,
and improve traffic flow and safety.
LUP37 Develop a South 348th Street Sub-azea Plan to
address development of a street grid, open
space, storm drainage, utilities, and building
locations.
LUP38 Limit retail uses to those that serve the needs of
people employed in the area.
City Center Core
The intent of establishing the City Center Core is to
create a higher densiry, mixed-use designation where
office, retail, and government uses are concentrated.
Other uses such as culturaUcivic facilities, community
services, and housing will be highly encouraged.
City Center Frame
The City Center Frame designation provides a zone of
less dense, mixed use development physically
surrounding a portion of the Ciry Center Core. The
Frame azea will have similar look and feel of the Core,
but, the emphasis will on providing residential develop-
ment with accessory retail and office uses. Together,
they are meant to compliment each other to create a
`downtown' area. A more detailed description, along
with goals and policies regarding the City Center Core
and Frame, can be found in the City Center chapter.
Community Business
The Community Business designation encompasses two
major retail azeas of the Ciry: It covers the "strip" retail
areas along SR 99; and, the large "bulk" retail area
found near the South 348th Street area, approximately
between SR-99 and I-5. Community Business allows a
large range of uses and is the City's largest retail
designation in terms of area. The Communiry Business
designation generally runs along both sides of SR-99
from South 272nd to South 348th. A wide range of
development types, appearance, ages, function, and scale
can be found along SR 99. Older, single story
developments provide excellent opportunities for
redevelopment.
Due in part to convenient access and available land, the
South 348th Street area has become a prefened location
for large bulk retailers such as Eagle Hardware, Home
Depot, and Costco. Due to the size of these facilities, the
challenge will be to develop these uses into well
functioning, aesthetically pleasing retail environments.
To create retail areas that are aesthetically and
functionally attractive, revised development standazds,
applied through Community Business zoning, should
address design quality, mixed-use, and the integration of
auto, pedestrian, and transit circulation. Site design,
modulation, and setback requirements should also
addressed. The size and scale of hotels, motels, and
institutional uses should be limited in scale so as not to
compete with the Ciry Center.
Goal
LUG6 Transform Community Business areas into
vital, attractive, mixed-use areas that appeal
to pedestrians and motorists and enhance the
community's image.
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Federai Way Comprehensive Pian - Land Use �
Policies
GOaI
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LUP39 Encourage the transformation of the Pacific
Highway (SR-99) Community Business corridor
into a quality mixed-use retail azea. Retail
development along the corridor, exclusive of the
City Center, should be designed to integrate
auto, pedestrian, and transit circulation.
Integration of public amenities and open space
into retail and ot�ice development should also be
encouraged.
LUP40 Encourage auto-oriented large bulk retailers to
locate in the South 348th Street Community
Business azea.
Neighborhood Business.
There aze neazly a dozen various sized nodes of
Neighborhood Business located throughout the City.
These nodes aze areas that have historically provided
retail and/or services to adjacent residential areas. This
Plan recognizes the importance of firnily fixed
boundaries to prevent commercial intrusion into adjacent
neighborhoods. An economic analysis done as part of
the comprehensive planning process determined that
every new resident can support 15 squaze feet of new
commercial use. Based on this multiplier and forecasted
population growth, existing sites provide sufficient
capacity to accommodate existing and future demand for
Neighborhood Business space.
Neighborhood Business azeas aze intended to provide
convenient goods (e.g., groceries and hardware) and
services (e.g., dry cleaners, dentist, bank) at a pedestrian
and neighborhood scale close to adjacent residential
uses. Developments combining residential and
commercial uses provide a convenient living
environment within these nodes. In the future, attention
should be given to design features that enhance their
appearance or function of these areas. Improvements
may include sidewalks, open space and street trees, and
parking either on street or oriented away from the street
edge. The function of neighborhood business areas can
also be enhanced by safe pedestrian, bicycle, and transit
connections to surrounding neighborhoods.
The need to address expansion or intensification may
occur in the future depending on population gowth.
Future neighborhood business locations should be
cazefully chosen and sized to meet the needs of adjacent
residential azeas.
LUG7 Provide neighborhood and community scale
retail centers for the City s neighborhoods.
Policies
LUP41 Integrate retail developments into surrounding
neighborhoods through attention to quality
design and function.
LUP42 Encourage pedestrian and bicycle access to
neighborhood shopping and services.
LUP43 Encourage neighborhood retail and personal
services to locate at appropriate locations where
local economic demand and design solutions
demonstrate compatibility with the
neighborhood.
LUP44 Retail and personal services should be
encouraged to group together within planned
centers to allow for ease of pedestrian
movement.
LUP45 Neighborhood Business centers should consist
of neighborhood scale retail and personal
services.
LUP46 Encourage mixed residential and commercial
development in Neighborhood Business
designations where compatibiliry with neazby
uses can be demonstrated.
LUP47 Neighborhood Business areas should be served
by transit.
LUP48 The City shall limit new commercial
development to existing commercial areas to
protect residential areas.
Commercial Recreation
The Commercial Recreation designation acknowledges
the unique recreational opportuniry associated with the
Enchanted Park property. Enchanted Park is an
indoor/outdoor amusement faciliry most noted for its
water park. Annexation of the Park will provide the Ciry
with an unique recreational asset. The Pazk is located in
the City's potential annexation area in a location where
urban services can be adequately provided. The City has
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - land Use
received and accepted a ten percent petition for
annexation. Upon annexation, a concomitant annexation
agreement will establish the comprehensive plan
designation and zoning (Of�ice Park-4) particulaz to
Enchanted Park.
Office Designations
Federal Way is well known for its quality office parks.
Developments within the West Campus area embody
good design and are representative of desired future
office pazk development. Complementing of�ice park
development is the addition, through annexation of
Weyerhaeuser Corporate Headquarters property, of land
for corporate pazk development. Together, office and
corporate pazk development will provide new job
opportunities within the community.
Office Park
The Office Park designation emphasizes high qualiry
office development that allows for a mix of office and
compatible manufacturing type activities. Changes to the
Office Pazk classification will pernut a limited amount
of retail support services, along with the current mix of
office and light manufacturing uses.
Goat
LUG8 Create ofjSce and corporate park development
� that is known regionally for its design and
function.
� Policy
LUP49 Continue to encourage quality office
development in West and East Campus Office
and Corporate Pazk designations.
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Corporate Park
The Corporate Pazk designation applies to Weyer-
haeuser property generally located east of Interstate
Highway 5. The properiy is a unique site, both in terms
of its development capacity and natural features.
The Corporate Park (CP-1) land use designation applies
only to the Weyerhaeuser Corporate Campus. The
Corporate Park designation is surrounded by Office Park
designations of OP-1,2,& 3. The corresponding Office
Pazk zones aze anticipated to develop as corporate
headquarters, offices and as ancillary uses. These types
of developments are characterized by lazge contiguous
sites containing landscaping, open space, and buildings
of superior qualiry. The Office Pazk zones are for the
development of other corporate headquarters and office
parks that serve to compliment Weyerhaeuser Corporate
headquarters. Development standards and conditions for
these two zones are unique to Weyerhaeuser's property
and are outlined in a Concomitant Pre-Annexation
Zoning Agreement entered into by the City and
Weyerhauser Corporation.
2.9 ESSENTIAL PUBLIC
FACILITIES
Pursuant to the GMA, no comprehensive plan can
preclude the siting of essential public facilities. The City
is responsible for defining essential public facilities and
providing a land use process for siting them. Essential
public facilities include those facilities that are typically
difficult to site, such as airports, state or regional
transportation systems, correctional facilities, and
mental health facilities.
The Growth Management Planning Council, or its
successor, is responsible for establishing a process by
which all jurisdictions shall cooperatively site public
facilities of a countywide or statewide nature. Based on
these future policies, the City will develop policy and
siting criteria to address the siting of public facilities
including assurance that essential public facilities will
meet existing state laws and regulations requiring
specific siting and permitting requirements.
Policy
LUP50 Amend the City Code to include a list of locally
defined essential public facilities and an
appropriate land use review process.
2.10 PHASING
Phasing focuses growth to those azeas where public
investments for services are targeted. By doing so, these
areas become more attractive for development.
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Consistent with CWPP's, Federal Way proposes to use a
tiered system for accommodating future growth. The
primary purpose of this technique is to assure a logical
sequence of growth outward from developed areas.
Future growth will be directed to the City Center and
other areas with existing infrastructure and urban
services. This will be followed by focusing growth to
areas where in-fill potential exists. Lastly, growth will be
directed towazd areas of undeveloped land or to the
City's potential annexation azea. For those areas of the
City that are lacking services, these lands should be
retained or reserved until build out has occurred in
developed azeas.
Based on phased growth concept outlined above, The
City should develop criteria for a phasing plan over the
next 10 and 20 yeazs. Phased growth will promote
efficient use of land by:
■ Reducing taxpayers costs by locating new
development nearest to existing urban services;
■ Adding predictability to service and facility
planning;
■ Reducing commuter miles and protecting air quality
by locating housing and jobs near each other;
■ Encouraging in-fill and redevelopment where
environmental impacts have already occurred; and
■ Reserving land for future parks and open space.
Policies
LUP51 Establish priority areas for public facility and
service improvements, especially for
transportation. These priority azeas should be
located where public facility and service
improvements would effectively advance
Federal Way's growth vision. Priority areas will
shift over time as improvements are installed
and an acceptable level of service is attained.
LUP52 When and where service deficiencies are
identified, the City, along with service
providers, will develop capital improvements
programs to remedy identified deficiencies in a
timely fashion or will phase growth until such
programs can be completed.
LUP53 Work with King County through the develop-
ment of an interlocal agreement to assign
phasing to the City's potential annexation area.
Federal Way Comprehensive Ptan - Land Use
LUP54 The City should limit spending on capital
facilities in those areas of the City and potential
annexation area that are not designated as
prioriry azeas for capital projects.
2.11 INCENTIVES
In certain designations, incentives allowing more
development than otherwise pemutted should be used to
encourage features which provide a public benefit and/or
contribute to the mitigation of growth impacts. For
example, development in the City Center that provides
common open space or affordable housing units, may
gain additional floors or a reduction in the number of
parking stalls. Incentives can play an important role in
the development of the City Center and must be
substantial enough to influence market conditions by
making them ariractive to use the development
community.
Policies
LUP55 Develop incentives to encourage desired
development in commercial areas, especially in
the City Center Core and Frame.
LUP56 Consider incentives for desired multiple family
residential development (townhouses, duplexes,
etc.).
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2.12 HISTORIC RESOURCES
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Historic preservation involves the identification,
maintenance, renovation, and reuse of buildings and
sites important to a community's history. Buildings or
sites may be associated with a particulaz style or period
in the community's past, or with historic or significant
historic events or persons. Historic preservation to date
has largely been undertaken by the Historical Society of
Federal Way. Historic preservation is listed as the
thirteenth goal in the GMA which encourages
jurisdictions to "Identify and encourage the preservation
of lands, sites, and structures, that have historical or
archaeological significance."
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Faderal Way Comprehensive Plan - Land Use
Goal
LUG9 Use historic resources as an important
element in the overall design of the Ciry.
Policies
LUP57 Identify vista points and landmazks such as
major trees, buildings, and land forms for
preservation.
LUP58 Develop a process to designate historic
landmazk sites and structures. Use developer
incentives or other mechanisms to ensure that
these sites and structures will continue to be a
part of the community.
LUP59 Recognize the heritage of the community by
naming (or renaming) parks, streets, and other
public places after major figures and/or events.
LUP60 Zoning should be compatible with and
conducive to continued preservation of historic
neighborhoods and properties.
LUP61 Safeguazd and manifest Federal Way's heritage
by preserving those sites, buildings, structures,
and objects which reflect significant elements of
the City's history.
LUP62 Catalog historic sites using the City's
geographic information system.
LUP63 Undertake an effort to publicly commemorate
historic sites.
LUP64 The City shall continue to work with the
Historical Society of Federal Way towards
�, attainment of historic resource policies.
` 2.13 IMPLEMENTATION
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The following actions aze recommended to implement
the policy direction outlined in this chapter.
Implementation will occur over time and is dependent
on resources available to the City and community. The
following items are not listed in order of importance or
preference.
Amend Shoreline Master Program for Consistency
with the Comprehensive Plan
Upon incorporation, the City adopted the King County
Shorelines Master Program for its own Master Program.
Undertaking the preparation of the City's own shoreline
master program will enable the Ciry to develop a
shoreline master plan that is better integrated with its
Comprehensive Plan and associated development
regulations. Integration will ensure that unique shoreline
resowces aze protected, or in certain instances
developed, consistent with the community's land use
vision. In addition, recent State law considers shoreline
master plans as an element of each jurisdiction's
comprehensive plan. As such, it must be consistent with
all elements of the plan.
Establish Comprehensive Planning and Zoning for
Potential Annezation Area
Comprehensive planning and the assignment of zoning
designations should be completed for the City's
potential annexation azea. This will provide the City
with needed direction relating to future annexations and
growth. Planning for this area pursuant to WAC 365-
195 requires a considerable planning effort and policy
development. An interlocal agreement between King
County and the City regarding planning actions should
be prepazed.
Residential Code Revisions for Single and Multiple
Family
Residential code revisions should be adopted to
implement design and infill standazds for single and
multiple fainily residential development.
Subdivision Code Revisions
Amendments to the subdivision code should be adopted
to bring the code into compliance with State law and
recent State legislation. Revisions to the subdivision
code will provide a range of platting options for single
family development, such as clustering and planned unit
development. Zero lot line and lot size averaging should
also be considered as part of these amendments.
Area-Wide Rezone
Upon adoption of this Comprehensive Plan, a new
zoning map should be prepared and adopted to support
the comprehensive plan designations.
� 11-19
The Land Use Plan and The Zoning Code
Implementation of policies and goals of the Land Use
chapter is done in large part through the zoning code.
Upon adoption of this Comprehensive Plan, the City will
consider revisions to the zoning code, consistent with
Comprehensive Plan direction. The zoning conversion
chart, Table II-S, shows the connection between the
various zoning designations and the Comprehensive
Plan designations.
Phasing Plan
A phasing plan shall be prepared to prioritize areas of
new growth based on available and proposed
infrastructure improvements.
Siting of Essential Public Facilities
Based on policies generated by the Crrowth Management
Planning Council, the Ciry should develop its own
criteria for siting public facilities in the community.
Project Environmental Impact Statement for City
Center
To facilitate growth in the City Center and Frame, the
City should complete a environmental impact statement
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Land Use
(EIS). By doing so, development consistent with the
direction outlined in the EIS will not have to go through
prolonged environmental review. This can be a powerful
incentive for private development in the City Center.
Subarea Plans
Over the past five years, citizens from various azeas of
the City have come forth to testify before the Planning
Commission and Ciry Council regazding their
neighborhood or business area. Development of subarea
plans can lead to area specific visions and policies. This
type of specific planning, developed with citizen input
and direction, can lead to improved confidence and
ownership in the communiry. Areas where subarea
planning should be considered include: SR-99 Corridor,
South 348th Street area, and Twin Lakes neighborhood.
Incentives
Develop an incentives program, for both residential and
commercial development. Incentives should be
substantial enough to attract development and should be
used to create affordable and desired types of housing
and to encourage development within the Ciry Center. `�
Table II-S
Land Use Classifications
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Transportation
3.0 INTRODUCTION
he Transportation chapter of the Comprehensive
Plan establishes the framework for providing a
transportation system (facilities and services)
and focuses on actions needed to create and manage the
transportation infrastructure and services. The GMA,
(RCW336.70A.020[3]) "encourages ef�icient multi
modal transportation systems that are based on regional
priorities and coordinated with county and ciry
comprehensive plans." In addition, the act outlines
guidelines for the prepazation of the transportation plan,
which is a mandatory element of the plan. Spec�cally,
these guidelines (RCW 36. 70A.070[6]) include:
■ The land use assumptions used in the plan;
■ Facility and service needs, including:
■ An inventory of existing facilities,
■ Level of service standards for all facilities and
services,
■ An action plan for bringing system deficits up to
standard,
■ Forecasts of future traf�ic growth, and
■ Identification of system expansion and
transportation system management needs.
■ A fmancing plan which includes:
■ A comparison of funding needs vs available
resources,
■ A six-year financing strategy, and
■ An assessment of how funding deficits will be
managed.
■ Intergovernmental coordination efforts;
■ A demand management strategy; and
■ A concurrence management strategy.
This transportation plan is consistent with GMA
requirements in terms of the general policy direction and
that it includes all components required in a GMA
compliant plan.
This plan is also consistent with the direction provided
by the Metropolitan Transportation Plan as outlined in
Vision 2020 and the Land Use chapter in this compre-
hensive plan. As discussed in Vision 2020, this plan
proposes a more diverse, multi modal transportation
system by encouraging viable alternatives to the single
occupant vehicle, including car and van pooling, non-
motorized vehicles, and improved public transit which
allows integration for a possible future High Capacity
Transit system. This comprehensive plan also includes a
land use chapter which is supportive of this vision and
the region's transportation future. It encourages densities
and intensities in locations that support a more diverse,
multi modal transportation system.
Finally, this transportation plan conforms with the
Countywide Planning Policies for King County as
adopted in 1992 and amended in 1994. These policies
include Framework policies FW18-20 and
Transportation Polices T1-T23. In essence, these
Policies encourage development of a High Capaciry
Transit System, Public Transit, High Occupancy
Vehicles, Transportation Demand Management and
Systems Management options, Non-Motorized Travel,
and regional coordination and cooperation. The policies
also discuss the importance of level of service standards
as they relate to financing and concurrence management
strategies.
Background
The process of providing a transportation system
involves numerous agencies at the local, state, and
national levels. The cycle of providing a system involves
planning, change approval, funding, implementing,
operating, monitoring, and administering the elements of
the system. Some components are provided by other
agencies, such as METRO and WSDOT; the City can
only influence their efforts and system components.
The Transportation chapter, including the administrative
procedures developed from it, guides the provision of
facilities. Until recently, the cycle of planning and
providing facilities could be summarized as shown in
Figure 111-1.
Through a combination of national and state legislation,
as well as regional planning efforts, the process has been
changing in recent years. Physical and economic
limitations of continued expansion of the tughway
system and other factors such as environmental issues
have been key factors in the shift. Figure III-2 reflects
the process as it might be viewed today.
iu-i
HISTORICAL
TRANSPORTION INFRASTRUCTURE
THE PLANNING - IMPLEMENTATION CYCLE
Land Use Plan
Transportation Plan
Transportation
Improvement Program
Regional, State 8� Federal
Funding Application Process
Funding
Implementation Process
Design '
Rig ht-of-Way
Bidding
Construction
Operation
Figure III-1
CURRENT
MULTIMODAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
PLANNING, IMPLEMENTATION & MANAGEMENT
.-�----�---------�------. -------------------��---.
; Land Use vsion Federal Legislation :
: Existing Conditions State Legislation �
� LOS Standards Regional Policies ;
Transportation Plan
Facilities Services Region/State
Local Transportation
Improvement Program
Regional Systems,
Policies, Agreements, Etc.
Transportation
System Management
Funding
IMPLEMENTATION
Local Regional
.......-�-�� ---------�
: Streets 8 Roads Transit System ;
; Transit Amenities ; Highways/HOV System ;
: TDM Programs TDM Programs :
� Non-Motorized Non-Motorized �
OPERATION
MONITORING
Figure III-2
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Transportation �
Table Ili-I
Trans ortation Plan Cha ter Subsection
Section Facility/Service E:smple Activities by City
3.0 Introduction N/A
3.1 Streets and Roadways Provision, maintcnance, and better use of sheets.
3.2 Transportation System Management Geometric and signalization improvements, controls and restric6ons,
capacity enhancements.
3.3 Non-Motoriud Transporta6on Sidewalks, bike trails, transit access, ways between/within neighborhoods.
3.4 Transportation Demand Management Altemate modes (carpool, vanpool, transit), parking policies, CTR
legislation.
3.5 Local and Regional Transit Buses, provision for stops, etc. in design standards, land uses, corridors,
transit centets.
3.6 HOV Facilities HOV lanes, transit signal priority, park 8c ride lots/transit centers.
3.7 Aviation Design guidelines for heliports; Influence regional sirport efforts.
3.8 Freight and Goods Develop local standards and truck routes; SR 167-99 planning.
3.9 Marine Plan and accommodate ancillary needs of Port of Tacoma
3.10 Lnplementation Strategies Financing (improvement districts, impact fees, grants). �nplementation
(prioritization and programming). Monitoring (traf�ic counts accident
records, plan comparison).
Areas of Required Action
Existing Conditions
The City has direct influence over certain aspects of the The following sections provide a summary of the
transportation system and indirect influence over others. ercisting transportation characteristics for Federal Way.
Table III-1 provides a structure for understanding these This information was developed during the prepazation
areas of responsibility. It also reflects the organization of of the Community Profile report, published in 1993.
the remainder of the chapter for the Transportation Plan.
The Growth Management Act requires that the Puget
Sound Regional Council certify the transportation
chapters of local comprehensive plans. Certification will
be based upon confornuty with state legislation
concerning transportation chapters and consistency of
the Ciry's plan with the Metropolitan Transportation
Plan, which has become known as Vision 2020.
Conformity focuses on five requirements for the
Transportation chapter:
■ Consistency with the Land Use chapter.
■ Identification of facility and service needs.
■ A fmancial plan to support the transportation plan.
■ An intergovernmental coordination plan.
■ Development of Transportation Demand
Management strategies.
Who Travels Where and Why?
Travel patterns in the Federal Way planning area are
shown on Map Ill-1.
■ About 57 percent of person trips originating each day
in Federal Way are completed within the City and the
immediate area.
■ One in three trips originating in the Ciry are destined
to points along the Seattle/Tacoma high capacity
transit corridor.
■ Nearly 75 percent of Federal Way travel is focused
on the residence, either as the point of origin or
destination.
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Federal Way Compreheneive Plan - Trensportation
How Do People Travel?
■ As in much of suburban King Counry, the Single
Occupant Vehicle (S0� is the dominant mode of
long distance travel. Neazly 8 out of 10 work trips
occur by this mode.
Are There Ezisting Street Deficiencies?
■ Congested intersections aze predominately in the city
core area and along Highway 99. East-west routes
which experience high levels of demand include
South 320th Street and South 348th Street.
■ Between 15 and 20 percent of all work trips are made
by HOV's (High Occupancy Vehicles). Of these, less
than three percent aze by transit.
■ The average occupancy of vehicles is similaz to the
suburban Seattle average at 1.2 people per vehicle.
Raising the average occupancy would reduce
congestion.
■ Most area employers (68 percent of those responding
to a Ciry survey) reported that bus service exists
within one block of their workplace.
■ Biking and walking modes aze used for about seven
percent of all trips. The value is somewhat lower for
work trips.
What Role Do Park & Ride Lots Play?
■ Pazk and ride facilities are in high demand in Federal
Way, as throughout the region. Of today's three lots,
with a total of 1,900 spaces, nearly all are filled on
the average weekday. Adding a lot at 21st SW at SW
344th (NE corner) will increase area capacity by
about 650 stalls. However, Metro studies have
identified the need to double the present supply by
2010.
■ Utilization of the existing park & ride lots (at South
272nd, South 320th, and South 348th) is a mix of
regional traffic. Federal Way users range from a low
of 44 percent in the South 272nd Street lot to a high
of 60 percent in the South 348th Street facility.
Are There Areas Needing Increased Transit
Service?
■ Areas outside Federal Way which generate or attract
ciry trips and which are not heavily serviced by
transit include:
■ The Kent Valley (Renton, Kent, Aubum, and
Puyallup).
■ Tacoma.
■ Rainier Valley - Duwamish South.
■ Tr�c accidents cost travelers in the city over $14
million per yeaz. Most accidents aze in the viciniry of
intersections.
Federal Way's Subarea Roles
In establishing a future direction for the Ciry's trans-
portation system, it is vital not only to understand
existing characteristics of travel, but also to understand
the nature of land uses which generate travel. Following
is a summary of the present characteristics in the
subareas of the City.
As land use varies across the City, so do transportation
requirements. For example, truck delivery capabilities
are higher in the vicinity of the City Center, while the
presence of trucks in the western residential azeas would
likely evoke a negative public response. Subareas of the
City aze readily identifiable. They range from mixed use
centers along the I-5 corridor to residential areas which
developed with widely varied land use patterns.
Western Residential Area
Three general areas of the Ciry can be defined for
comparison of land use as well as transportation
patterns. The Western Residential Area consists
primarily of suburban type dwelling units. Over half of
all residential dwellings in the study area aze in this area.
While transit is provided to the azea, the development
patterns have been designed to accommodate the auto
and not transit.
The steady progression of residential development in the
westem areas of the City has resulted in a mix of middle
and upper income residences. Dwelling unit density is
azound three to five units per acre. This density dces not
readily support transit service, nor does the existing
street pattern (cul-de-sacs and few through roads). For
example, the Twin Lakes area was designed with
serpentine, discontinuous streets and cul-de-sacs which
make it difficult for transit penetration and violates
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Transportation
many of the precepts of Neotraditional neighborhood
design and the provision of a network of through streets,
which are found to best reduce congestion and improve
circulation. In general, there aze too few arterial streets;
the arterial streets aze used for nearly all traf�ic
circulation, and there is a strong need for more easdwest
corridors.
The present street pattern focuses easdwest trips from
the Western Residential Area into the business core.
This, combined with the north-south commute pattems,
(predominantly to work centers along the I-5 and SR-99
corridors) and business district generated commercial
and retail trips, results in high congestion in the business
district, especially during the evening commutes.
Commercial Core Area
The primary commercial areas lie west of I-5 and east of
about l lth Avenue South. This includes SeaTac Mall
retail, SR 99 corridor, and office uses in the West
Campus area. About 11,000 job opportunities attract
Federal Way and regional trips to this area.
Consumers and clients of core azea businesses also
contribute to the travel patterns of the azea. While the
Western Residential Area contains the highest
concentration of housing, the Core Area witnesses the
greatest traffic demand. Today's 77,000 evening peak
hour trips to and from the area are expected to increase
to nearly 103,000 trips by 2010. Compounding the
problems associated with the attractiveness of the area,
trips beginning and ending in the Westem Residential
Area are funneled through this area by the limited
system of east-west arterial streets, principally South
320th and South 348th. It would be beneficial to not
have these trips pass through the core area, make the
passage through the core area easier, or intercept the
trips before they reach the core area by using buses,
carpools, and park and ride lots west of SR 99.
There is, a need for improved circulation, fewer
commute trips to help reduce peak period congestion,
improved transit and access to transit, and a means to
improve goods and services circulation both internally
and to the regional transportation networks.
East of I-5 Area
The lowest level of development in and about the Ciry
falls east of I-5. This presents the possibility of lazge
increases in travel demand in the future. As this
development occurs, it will be imperative to the success
of the overall vision that supportive development and
transportation patterns be encouraged. In other words,
there is a need for a sufficient grid of more
interconnecting streets.
Regional Perspective
Vision 2020, developed in the early 1990s, is presently
being updated by the Puget Sound Regional Council
(PSRC) as its Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP).
The objective is to assure compliance with federal and
state legislation which has been enacted since the
original adoption of the metropolitan plan. Key
strategies of Vision 2020 include:
■ Creation of a regional system of central places
framed by open space.
■ Ir►vestment in a variety of mobility and demand
management options to support the central places.
■ Maintaining economic opportunity while managing
growth.
■ Conservation of environmental resources.
■ Eazly mitigation of adverse effects of concentrating
development.
■ Monitoring and updating of Vision 2020.
The Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) is the
product of the current planning efforts. It is coordinated
and managed by PSRC and:
■ Identifies the transportation system of regional
significance.
■ Determines modal performance expectations.
■ Documents needed improvements under Vision 2020,
incorporating local level growth management plans,
fmancial needs, and a regional congestion
management system.
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Transportation
A structure for monitoring progress towazds the
achievement of the plan and improvement to mobility
issues is being designed. The City's role in this process
has already been established through the involvement of
key staff and elected officials at the regional and state
levels. Coordination and planning with PSRC, WSDOT,
METRO, King County, and the RTA principally is an
on-going local effort.
Summary of Major Needs
In summary, Federal Way has defined its role through
the end of the 20th Century and into the 21st Century as
one supporting the regional direction; becoming an
urban center and developing the appropriate
combination of transportation services and facilities to
support the inherent development pattern of the
proposed land use plan.
Service Providers
Key service providers in the region, with which the Ciry
maintains contracts through the planning process (and
their primary functions), aze presented in Table Ill-2.
Pertinent information on the impacts of their programs
are noted in the text of the plan.
The Ciry needs to capitalize on its close proximity to the
Ports of Tacoma and Seattle, and the SeaTac airport.
This means assuring good access and supporting the
viability of these international transportation facilities.
The following major needs or improvements are related
to transportation in Federal Way:
■ Assure Port and SeaTac Airport access.
■ Take steps to assure free moving intra- and interstate
highways. This provides free moving people, freight,
and goods to maintain economic viability of the
region.
■ Provide a transportation system that supports the
City's Land Use Plan.
■ Provide for additional arterial streets and inter-
connecting streets in both business and residential
azeas to reduce congestion and reliance on the few
existing arterials.
Table III-2
Ke Service Providers
Service Providers Primary Functions
The State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Major roadways, Park 8c Ride lots, HOV Ianes
METRO Transit, Park & Ride, CTR coordination
Regional Transit Authority (RTA) Rail
Pierce Transit Transit, Park & Ride, CTR coordination
City of Tacoma Roadways & Interconnections
Pierce County Roadways 8c Interconnections
King County Roads, Interconnec6ons, Signal Msintenance, & Police Services
Private U61i6es Puget Power, WA Nstural Gas, US West, and Viacom for U6lities on ROW
Lakehaven Utility District U6lities Within Right of Way
Fire District Fire Hydrants in Right of Way
Neighboring Cities Tacoma, Des Moines, Kent, Aubnrn, Pacific, Algona, Milton, and Fife for
Traft'ic and Land Use Change Impacts
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Transportation
■ Provide additional easdwest arterials or other ways to
relieve easdwest travel congestion.
� ■ Improve pedestrian and bicycle facilities with better
access between cul-de-sacs, between neighborhoods,
to transit corridors and centers, and within business
i� areas.
■ Give priority to transit over automobiles and give
improved priority to trucks so as to move more
people, goods and serv-ices with less congestion
while respecting the qualiry of life.
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■ Provide altematives to SOV's to reduce their use,
relieve congestion on streets (especially in peak
hours), and provide more rapid movement of people,
goods, and services on streets. This may include
helicopter, rail, increased transit, pazk and ride lots,
car and van pools, telecommuting, and information
highway products.
■ Provide a variety of transportation system options
and choices with mobility for all.
■ Provide transportation system management
� techniques to improve mobility. This may include
impact fees to build better transportation facilities,
parking fees to reduce SOV use, subsidies for bus
� passes, caz and vanpools use, free business area
shuttle buses, and land use regulations that support
the transportation system improvements.
■ Provide a transportation system that protects and
enhances the environment and qualiry of life.
■ Provide the funding needed to both maintain this
existing infrastructure and implement the needed
transportation system improvements.
■ Provide cooperative transportation solutions that are
interjurisdictionally coordinated to meet local and
regional needs.
Transportation Goals & Policies
Goal
!' TGl Maintain mobility for residents and businesses
through a balanced, integrated system of
� transportation alternatives that:
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a. Meet local and regional needs through
interjurisdictionally coordinated and
integrated systems.
b. Reduce auto dependency, especially single
occupancy vehicle (SOV) use.
Support the land use vision and plan.
Protect and enhance the environment and
the qualiry of life.
e. Provide acceptable levels ofservice for
each alternative that are also commen-
surate with their planned levels of funding.
Policies
TPl Integrate land use and transportation vision and
plan decisions to assure integrated transportation
systems that support the land use vision and plan.
TP2 Implement Federal, State, and Countywide
planning policies.
TP3 Provide integrated, intemodal multiple travel
options to residents and workers, especially those
with disabilities, that are also effective
altematives to the single-occupant vehicle.
TP4 Give priority to transit and supportive needs.
TPS Protect neighborhoods from traf�ic impacts.
TP6 Give priority to transportation alternatives that
improve mobility in terms of people and goods
moved for the least-cost.
TP7 Establish mobility levels of service appropriate for
the alternatives and location.
TP8 Provide funding necessary for transportation
needs at the appropriate levels of service.
3.1 STREETS AND ROADWAYS
In Federal Way, the predominant mode of travel will
likely remain the private automobile. It is cleaz that
major expansion of the highway system with the intent
III-9
of expanding capacity for the single occupant auto will
less frequently meet federal, state, and regional policies.
Modifications to the transportation system which are
likely to receive funding aze those which will promote
the increased movement of people and goods as opposed
to vehicles.
Alternatives which move people rapidly to their
destinations must be provided as congestion grows and
driving time increases for users of single-occupant
vehicles. The future transportation system will be
reprioritized to promote high occupancy vehicles, trains,
buses, carpools, and vanpools along existing rights-of-
way, and to incorporate high capacity transit if it
becomes available to Federal Way.
Several actions relating to streets and roadways are
necessary for the City to adopt its transportation plan.
The City must establish and adopt the following
standards:
■ Functional Classification of Streets.
■ Access Management Classification.
■ Street Standards.
■ Level of Service (LOS) Standards.
■ Prioritized list of street and roadway improvements
that supports the Land Use Plan.
■ Currency Management Plan.
Existing Conditions
An extensive inventory of the existing roadway system
in Federal Way was reported in the Ciry's 1993 Com-
munityProfile. The following excerpts on existing
conditions aze taken from that document.
Street and Highway System
Federal Way is served by a network of publicly main-
tained streets and highways connecting local com-
munities and urban centers in the Puget Sound region, as
shown inMap Ill-2. There are two major freeways in the
Federal Way planning area:
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Transportation
■ Interstate S(I-S) is four lanes in each direction, with
a posted speed limit of 55 mph. This freeway serves
as the main north-south freeway for regional travel
in western Washington.
■ SR 18 is two to three lanes in each direction, with a
posted speed limit of 50 to 55 mph. This freeway
acts as a north-south alternative to I-5, connecting to
I-90 east of Issaquah and serving the communities
of Auburn, eastern Kent, Covington, and Maple
Valley.
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Primary roadways in the Federal Way planning area �
include:
■ Pacific Highway South (SR 99)
■ Military Road
■ South 272nd Street
■ South 320th Street/Peasley Canyon Rd
■ South 348th StreedCampus Drive SW
■ SR 509 (Dash Point Rd)
■ Enchanted Parkway (SR 161)
These roadways serve major activity centers within
Federal Way, including commercial activities in the
South 320th Street corridor between Pacific Highway
South (SR 99) and Interstate 5(the City's Central
Business District [CBD]), commercial developments
along Pacific Highway South, and several smaller
commercial centers located within various residential
areas. The roadway system also serves concentrations of
office uses located within the CBD, West Campus, and
the Weyerhauser Headquarters/East Campus area. The
roadway system within the ciry connects to the
surrounding regional transportation network, which
provides access to other major activity centers including
Seattle, SeaTac Airport, Tacoma, the Port of Tacoma,
Kent, and Auburn. The functional classification of
streets is described later in this section.
Traffic Signal Locations
Map III-3 shows the locations of signalized intersections
within the Federal Way planning area. Currently, signals
are maintained and operated by WSDOT and the City
under a contract with King County. The ability to
coordinate signals along congested minor and principal
arterials is important to achieve the maximum capacity
of a given facility. South 320th Street currently has 13
signalized intersections that are not evenly spaced and,
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Existing Significant
Streets and Highways
LEGEND
— — — — City Limits
� � � � Potential
Annexation
Area
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Signalized Intersections
LEGEND
• Signalized Intersection
� Fire Department Signal
O Signal Planned for 1995
■ Flasher
♦ Pedestrian Signal
cmoF G
�� �E�� Map III-3
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Average Weekday Traffic
(1992)
LEGEND
7900 Average Weekday Traffic
anoF G
�� mEJZAt— Map III-4
in some cases, spaced too close to each other.
Coordination of the signal system was implemented in
1993, from I-5 to lst Way South, together with the
coordination of signals on SR 99 from South 308th to
South 324th Street. In addition, coordination of the
signal system along SR 99 from South 336th Street to
South 356th 5treet and along South 348th Street from I-
5 to lst Avenue South will be implemented in 1995.
Existing Traffic Volumes
Existing (1992) average weekday traffic volumes on
selected arterials are shown in Map Ill-4. The roadway
with the highest daily traffic volume is I-S. This facility
carried nearly 158,000 vehicles on an average weekday
in 1992 (WSDOT, 1992). Historical growth on I-5 has
fluctuated in recent yeazs in the Federal Way vicinity.
Between 1985 and 1990, the average daily traffic
increased at an average annual rate of 5.3 percent.
However, from 1990 to 1992, the average daily traffic
decreased at an average annual rate "of four percent.
Federal Way's busiest arterial, South 320th Street
between I-5 and SR 99, carries approximately 55,000
vehicles per day. On South 320th Street, average
weekday traffic has grown at an annual rate of 5.8
percent since 1985. Other arterial roadways with
significant daily traffic are portions of Pacific Highway
South and South 348th Street, carrying 40,600 and
53,500 vehicles per day, respectively.
Forecasts of Future Travel
Travel can be described in terms of the purpose of the
trip and the trip beginning and end points. Federal Way
e�ibits a wide variety of travel purposes. Trips range
from children walking to school to adults commuting.
Not all of these trips are typically analyzed in trans-
portation planning, although emphasis is increasing for
non-motorized trips and transportation management
systems.
To assist in categorizing trips, the area of interest was
divided into Transportation Analysis Zones, or TAZ's.
This structure allows a link between travel data and land
use data. Estimates of households and employees were
made for each TAZ. These land use estimates were then
translated into traffic demand on major arterials using a
computer modeling process. The model was used to
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Transportation
estimate existing and future traffic volumes within the
Federal Way planning area. The model can be used to
estimate demands for various modes of travel, including
auto, carpool, and transit.
There is a fairly consistent relationship between the
number of trips produced each day and the densiry of
residential dwelling units. Depending on the density of
the azea and other factors, it is possible to forecast the
total number of trips produced in an area. In a similaz
fashion, employment densities can be used to forecast
person-trips attracted to an azea. Each pazcel of land
�enerates traf�ic based on its type of use and intensity of
development. The evening peak hour is a modeling
standazd, since it usually is when the highest demand
occurs.
Future Travel Demand
Once the model was able to simulate existing conditions,
it was used to predict the future travel patterns based on
land use development forecast information. The com-
muniry visioning process explored a series of future
(2010) land use intensities and configurations. Concepts
of future development which would accomplish regional
and City goals were explored. The concepts were then
turned into estimates of travel demand and the necessary
transportation improvements were identified. Through
the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process, a
recommended alternative was identified, which includes
significant improvements to the existing street system,
along with other transportation demand management and
transit actions. In general, between 1990 and the 2010
an increase in total person trips of approximately 40
percent is predicted.
City Action Areas for Transportation
Plan Adoption
Functional Classification of Streets
Public streets are classified according to their functions
related to mobiliry and land access. These functional
classifications help facilitate planning for access and
circulation, standardization of road designs, and
provision of a hierazchy for roadway funding. The
classification system is typically shown in a map form
which can be used following adoption by planners and
developers alike to determine improvements and
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Transportation
program needs. The types of functional classifications
for Federal Way are described below.
Freeway - A multi-lane, high speed, high capacity road-
way intended exclusively for motorized traffic with all
access controlled by interchanges and road crossings
separated by bridges.
Principal Arterial - A roadway connecting major
community centers and facilities, o8en constructed with
partial limitations on access and minimum direct access
to abutting land uses.
Minor Arterial - A roadway connecting centers and
facilities within the community and serving some
through traffic while providing greater access to abutting
properties.
Collector Street - A roadway connecting two or more
neighborhoods or commercial areas, while also
providing a high degree of properry access within a
localized area. Collector Streets have been separated
into principal and minor designations according to the
degree of travel between areas and the expected traffic
volumes.
Local Street - All other roadways not otherwise
classified, providing direct access to abutting land uses
and serving as feeders to facilities with higher functional
classifications.
Designation of roadway functional class�cation is an
integral part of managing street use and land develop-
ment. In Washington, as in most states, classification of
streets is necessary for receipt of state and federal high-
way funds. Inconsistent or misdesignation of functional
class (usually in the form of under-classification) can
lead to poor relations with residents and the traveling
public. Studies have shown that traffic volumes in
excess of about 1500 vehicles per day on residential
streets produce markedly increased objection on the part
of local residents. Misdesignation of a street segment to
a lower classification when the amount of expected
traf�ic warrants a higher class can also result in under-
design of facilities producing long term capacity
problems.
Table III-3 summarizes the typical characteristics of
each functional classification. The lasting functional
classifications of roadways in the Federal Way planning
area are shown in Map III-S and the proposed functional
classification in Map III-6.
Table III-4 illustrates typical cross sections for street
classifications. The exact cross-sections and standazds
for a particulaz street within the community will be
established through the Ciry's design process, which is
ongoing. Illustrative examples of cross-sections A
through K are shown in Figure III-3 to Figure Ill-13
respectively, for the street system within Federal Way.
Access Management Classification
Access is one of the major factors influencing functional
classification. Generally, higher classifications (inter-
states or freeways) serve a limited access functioq while
lower classifications (local roads, cul-de-sac streets)
serve a local access function. The State of Washington
approved legislation requiring that access onto state
facilities be granted by permit and that such access
conform to an Access Management classification system
(RCW 47.50). The WSDOT put into place two adminis-
trative codes. The first, identifies the administrative
process (including permit fees for issuing access permits
on state facilities), and second, defines the Access classi-
fication system (WAC 468.51 and 468.52, respectively).
A summary of the access classifications from WAC
468.52 is provided in Table III-S. The criteria used to
define the classification system included functional
classification, adjacent land use (existing and proposed),
speeds, setting (urban or rural), and traf�ic volumes. The
classification system was developed with assistance
from the cities by the WSDOT Northwest Region
planning office.
The authoriry to permit access to state facilities lies with
the state in unincorporated areas and with the cities in
incorporated azeas. WAC 268.51 requires that cities
with permit authoriry adopt a classification system equal
to or more restrictive than that proposed by WSDOT.
The WSDOT requires the City to establish an appro-
priate access classification system by mid 1996. All
state routes with the City also need to be classified, with
the exception of SR 18 and I-5, which are limited access
facilities and not subject to the access classification
system. Map Ill-7 indicates the recommended access
classifications within the City.
111-15
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Transportation
Table III-3
Characteristics of Functional Classifications of Streets
�nt or way w;ath
Number Ezpected Daily
Road Classification of Lanes Ezisting Code Recommended Posted Speed Traffic
Interstate/Freeways 4+ (varies) Varies Varies 50-SSmph 30,000+
Principal Arterial 4 to 7 80' to 100' 100' to 140' 35�Smph 20,000+
MinorArterial 2 to 5 70'to 80' 60'to 100' 35�Smph 8,000-20,000
Collector Sheet - Principal 2 to 4 60' to 70' 60' to 100' 30mph 2,500-8,000
Collector Strcet - Minor 2 to 3 60' 60' to 90' 30mph 1,200-3,500
Local Street 2 50' S0' to 60' 25mph up to 1,500
VDl44l l.V/M(QIY
■ Limited access, state Jiuisdictlon.
■ Connects su�onal ac[ivity centers and communitia.
■ Provides major movcnrnt capecity, collecting neighborhood and business tra8'ic to
higher level arterials.
■ Connectiorm betwem neighborhood or coromercial areas. Desipp consideration for
tcudcs.
■ Channels local traffic W principal collectors or arterials. Design fa buses per
METRO standards.
■ Primary function ia �s to abuuing residential use. Through haffic can be
disco�uaged by use of traffic control devixs.
■ The exact cross-aections and standards for a particulaz atrxt within the community
will be eatablished throug}1 the Cit�s design.
Table III-4
T ical Cross-Sections for Street Classifications
Cross-Sections A through K(Refer to Figures �-9 thrnugh III-19)
Functional Ftg Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig
Classification �-3 III-4 III-5 ID-6 III-7 III-8 III-9 III-10 III-11 III-12 III-13
s I.aoa s t,aoe. s[.ane., sLaoas, bL.w., b btfoe,+ �L,�.+ y L,�,+
+HOV, +HOV, Plwted Zw�p Plaohd Laosst, ParktoQ parWog parWng
Plaohd 3 wq Msdlaa IeR turn }Laoes mei�u Blke, w Ow Slds LLaws Yoth dda YW6 ddn
Medla4 Isft tura turn medl�o
turolaoes laoes
Principal Arterials:
SR99, S 320th, (99- ✓ ✓
I-5), S 348th St (99-
I-5) ✓ ✓
All others
Minor Arterials ✓ ✓ ✓
Principal Collector:
Streets ✓ ✓
Existing ✓ ✓ ✓
New/Reconstruc6on ✓ ✓ ✓
Business Park d
CBD
Minor Collector:
Streets ✓ ✓
Existing ✓ ✓ ✓
New/Reconstruction ✓ ✓ ✓
Business Park �
CBD
Local Street ✓
Note: ✓= Applicable Cross-Section Bike Lanes included as Variations
III-16
� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
Functional Classification
of Streets.
Existing Designations
LEGEND
� .� �..� � Freeway
� Principal Arterial
•••••••••••• Minor Arterial
Collector
arvoF G
�� �EJ'Z�L Map III-5
Functional Classification
of Streets.
Proposed Designations
LEGEND
sr
� �. .� � Freeway
� Principal Arterial
•••••••••••• Minor Arterial
Principal Collector
Minor Collector
cmoF G
�� ��L- Map III-6
� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
CROSS SECTION A
5 LANES + HOV
PLANTED MEDIAN
WITH TURN LANES
8' � 6' � 5'� 11'
r s�e— F �—
Sidewalk Planter Bike HOV + RT
Lane O
�
�2' _ y �o' _L �z' _L
�r `�-�
Mcd /� r-�
128'
Recommendcd ROW 132'
Existing Cocle ROW 80'-1�'
With On-Street
8ike Lane
12'
118'-126'
zecommenAecl �eow i22'-1
ExtaUng CoAe ROW 80'-100'
Without On-5treet
Bike Lane
if' 11' 5' L 6' �
� ��—�
HOV + RT Bike Planter
O Lane
8' { 2'
Figure III-3
�i
8'-12' 6' 11' 11' 12' 10' 12' 12' 11' 11' 6' 8'-12' 2'
rn
Sidewalk Planter HOV + RT Lefti Turn HOV + RT Planter 5idewalk
O Mc�d /� r� O
2' 8' �_ 6' _ �_ 5'_ �_ 11'
Ain IE'—•'i'F�E
5iclewalk Planter Bike HOV + RT
Lane O
2' 8'-12' 6' 11'
rlin �--��
SiAewalk Planter HOV + RT
d Bike O
� � � �
�r �` �r �� �2� �! m _ I _ �r
�
GenterLane
116'
Recommended ROW 120'
ExisUng Code ROW 80'-100'
With On-Street
Bike Lane
•-�.- t -:� - w �-�
�
106'-114'
Recommended ROW 110'-118'
ExieUng Cock ROW 80'-100'
Without On-Street
Bike Lane
CROSS SECTION B
5 LANES + HOV
TWO-WAY LEFT TURN
LANE OR MEDIAN
11' � 5� � 6� _ I 8
s�E rfF--s
HOV + RT Bike Planter Sidewalk
O Lane
11' �6'� 8'
HOV + RT Planter SiAewalk
O d� Bike
Figure III-4
�i
�1 � � � i � � � � � � � � � � � � ! �
+�r�r �r �.• �• �r � .�r +�rs �r r� �r � ar r +�r� � �• �r �
CROSS SECTION C
5 LANES PLANTED
MEDIAN WITH TURN
LANES
��
Sidewalk Planter Bike
Lane
,r i �z�
12'
to� �2�
Left Turn
Mcd !� r�
Recommended ROW 110
Existing Code ROW 80'-100'
With On-5treet
Bike Lane
2' 8'-12' 6'
Ain
Sidewalk Planter
6 Bike
�
,2� � ,o_� ,2� ��
Left 7urn
M�d !� r�
96'
Recommended ROW f00'-108'
Exfsting Code ROW 80'-f00'
Without On-Street
8ike Lane
�r _ �_ 5� _ �` 6 � 8
---��---���—���—�
Bike Planter Sidewalk
I�ne
il' � 6' � 8'-12'
E�— E—!
Planter 5ldewalk
d Bike
Figure III-5
2' 8' 6' 5'
�fin H
5idewalk Plarrter Bike
Lane
2' 8'-12' 6'
�lin
Sidewalk Planter
6 Bike
�r i �r
�y
12'
��
CenterLane
ii' 11' �� 6 � 8 '
Planter Siclewalk
Raommended ROW 98'
Existtng Code ROW BD'-fOd
With On-Street
Bike Lane
�� �2� � ,o � ,? �
5 lanes with Raised f0' Median
� � � �
11' � 11' � �Z' � �p
's
Centerlane
84'
RecommenAeA ROW B8'-96'
Existing Code ROW 80'-100'
Without On-5treet
Bike Lane
11' 6' 8'-12' Z'
in
Planter Stdcwalk
3 8lke
Figure III-6
��
CROSS SECTION D
5 LANES TWO-WAY
LEFT TURN
OR MEDIAN
� � � � � � � � I� � � i � � � i � � �
� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
CROSS SECTION E
�,�•
,� 6'-8' 6' 5' 11'
5idewalk Planter Bike
12'
;--�
CenterLane
11' _ 5' _ � 6' 6'-8' ?,,
e--�
Bike Planter 5idewalk
Lane _
Recommended KOW 72'-76'
Existing Code ROW 60'-BO'
With On-Street
Bike Lane
�,�
2'
8'-12'
Sidewalk
& Bike
6' � 12' � 12' � 12'
F--
anter CenterLane
64'-72'
Recommended ROW 6B'-76'
Existfng Code ROW 6d-80'
Without On-5treet
8ike Lane
_ 6'_ � 8'-12' 2
F�
Planter 5idewalk
& Bike
3 LANES,
2-WAY LEFI' TURN
CENTER LANE
Figure III-7
CROSS SECTION F
2 LANES,
PLANTED MEDIAN
0
8' 6' 6'
F---�
Sidewalk Planter Bike
Lane
14' � 8' �
—��---�r
2 Lanes w 14'
with 8' Medlan
14' 6� _' � 6' � 8'
—��--�—�F----�
Bike Planter Sidewalk
Lane
Exfsting Gack ROW 60'-80'
With On-5treet
8ike Lane
Figure III-8
r � �r � r■ir �r � +rs rs +� �w �s �r �r r � � � �
� � � � �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
CROSS�SECTIOI`d G
2 LANES,
NO MEDIAIV
m�
5'
H
81ke
Lane
Ezisting Gal6 RON/ 6P-�
With Curb
12' I 12'
2 Lanes � 12'
56'
Raommeru�e R O w6 o'
Exiating Coda ROW 60'-BO'
No-Curb CaSe
5'
�—
8lke
Lane
C�iQi
Figure III-9
CROSS SECTION H
2 LANES,
NO MEDIAN,
WITH PARKING
6' 6' 8' �
H
5idewalk Planter Parked
Car
12'-14' 12'-14'
--�
2 LaneS @ 12'-14'
Recommended ROW 60'-64'
Without On-Street
Bike Lane
6' 6� ' � 8'
E_��.�.
Sidewalk Planter Parked
Car
11.5' ( 11.5'
—��—
2 Lanes � 11.5'
Recommencled ROW 64
Exieting CoAe ROW 60'-70'
One-5ide Bike
Lane Only
Figure III-10
6' 6'
Planter 5idew;
5' 6' 6'
H
8(ke Planter 5idew
Lane
�r � � � �r � �r a� r � � �r� � � r r � � �
� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
CROSS SECTION I
2 LANES,
NO MEDIAN
Figure III-11
Local �cce55 �treet ExiSting
Exisuny coae Row so'
Local �cce55 5treet New
CROSS SECTION J
3 LANES,
WITH PARKING
�y
12'-18' � 8' �� 12' � 12'� 12' 8' 12'-18' �
Ped/Bike i'arking 3 LaneS � 12' Parking Ped/Bike
76'-88'
Recommcnded ROW 80'-92'
ExisUng Code ROW 60'-70'
Without On-Street Bike Lane
Figure III-12
�� r� �� rr r a� r �r +�w �rs r� �w rr r ar ��
6rieting Lode ROW 60'-70'
With On-Street Bike Lane
� �r � �r � r w� �r � � � i■r +� r � r � � �
CROSS SECTION K
2 LANES,
WITH PARKING
Z ! 12'-18' � 12' � 12' � 12' �� 12_� 12'-18'
MJn
�
5idewalk Parking & 2 LaneS C� 12' Parking & 5idewalk
Bike Bike
rz�-ea��
Recommencled ROW 76'-B8'
ExisUng CoAe ROW 60'
� With On-5treet Bike Lane
2� 12'-18' 8' 12' 12' � 8' � I� 12'-18'
din � - s�r��E
Ped/Bike Parking 2 Lanes C� 12' ' Parking � Ped/Bike
64'-76'
Recommended ROW 68'-8CJ'
Exigting Code ROW 60'
Without On-5treet Bike Lane
Figure III-13
�
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Transportation
Street Standards
As the transportation system evolves, changes to the
subdivision code and street standards will be needed.
These provisions convey the vision of the plan in greater
detail. Similaz to the classification map, they guide the
development process activities. For example,
components of the subdivision code can require certain
types of street standards (e.g. widths, parking, etc.) to
support designated transit compatible development.
Street design standards show preferred cross sections for
each arterial and street segment in the City. Changes to
the code and standards would take place after plan
adoption.
Level of Service (LOS) Standards
Level of Service (LOS) on a street or roadway is a
qualitative description of traffic flow conditions during a
specific time period. This measure considers travel
conditions as perceived by motorists and passengers in
terms of travel speed, travel time, freedom to maneuver,
traffic interruptions, delays, comfort, and convenience.
Levels of service have traditionally been given letter
designations from A through F, with LOS A repre-
senting the best operating conditions, and LOS F repre-
senting the worst conditions.
Level of service is quantified differently for roadway
segments as opposed to intersections. For example, on
roadway segments the LOS can be defined by the
general spacing of cars traveling on the street and their
level of interference with one another. At intersections,
however, the LOS can be defined by the length of delay
a driver experiences in passing through the intersection
or waiting to turn into or out of a side street. The
definitions for each level of service and methodologies
for calculating LOS are contained in Transportation
Research Board Special Report 209, Highway
CapacityManual (1985, updated 1995).
Level of service is used by the Ciry of Federal Way for
two primary purposes: (1) to calculate the amount of
transportation facilities the Ciry needs in the future, and
(2) to measure the adequacy of the public services which
serve existing and proposed development. The first use
of LOS is addressed in this section, in which alternative
improvement scenarios are evaluated against these levels
of service. The second use of LOS relates to the
"concurrency" requirement of GMA, as described in
Section 3.10. The two uses of LOS utilize the same
basic standards and methodology, such that consistency
is maintained.
Table III-S
Access Classification S stem Cha ter 468.52 WAC 7-14-94
Minimum
Posted Typical Planned Planned Prtvate
Speed Medtan Treatment Intersection Connection
Class Functional Characteristics (MPI� Spacing" Spacing"
1 High speed/vohane, laig trips aerving: intastate, interregional, SO to SS Restrictive, where multi- 1.0 mi 1320 feet. One per
intercity havel. Savice W abutting laod subordic�ete W suvice lane is wartanted parcel
of major trafl'ic mwemenu.
2 Medium W high speeds/volumes, medium W long trips ucving: Urban: Restrictive. wherc multi- 0.5 mi. 660 feet One per
intertegional, intercity, intracity travet. Service W abutting land 35 W 50 Ime is wurmted. percel
subordinate W service of �c mwemmc Rural:
45 to 55
3 Moderau speeds/volumes, shott trips serving: intercity. intra- Urban: Ratrictive where multi- Rival: 0.5 mi 330 fcet
city, intercommunity travel. Balance betwem land access and 30 W 40 lane is wacranted Two- Ucban:
mobility. Uud where land uu is less than maxim�un bwldout, Rural: way le8-t�an lane may be 0.5 mi/less with signal
but development potential is high 4S w 55 utilined progFession analysis.
4 Moderate speeds/volumes, short trips serving: intercity. intra- Urbm: Non-restrictive Rural: 0.5 mi 250 feet
city, intercommuniry travel. Balance between land access and 30 W 35 Urban:
mobiliry. Used wfiere level of development is morc intensive R�ual: 0.5 mi/leaa with si�al
and tnejor land uae change.+ less likdy than class 3. 35 to 45 progression analysis.
5 Low w moderate speeds, moderate W Itigh vol�a, pnrtmnly 25-35 Non-restridive 0.25 125 feet
shoct trips in intracity and inVacommunity travel. Seevice of mi/leas with si�al
land access dominant function. progrossion analysis
Note: Thrs table u for aummary purposes only and is not rncluded in the WAC Sourct (WSD07)
•Ses text ojths WAC for RaccepHons
�
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�
'
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C-1
�
�
�
r
�
C J
III-30 �
--
�w � a� w�r � � r � w +�r r� �r �w �r � � � � � ��
Federal Way Access
Management Classifications
LEGEND
� Limited Access
- � - - Class 3
Interstate Facilities aze not subject
to access management classification
Note: All City-owned arterials will have
Class 4 access restrictions except the segment
of S. 320th shown, which will be Class 3.
arvoF G
�� ��L Map III-7
Los Standard - The City's goal is to maintain or
itnprove upon a PM peak hour roadway Level of Service
so that it is at least as good as conditions e�usting today.
The plan expects some change in the present patterns of
travel behavior through increased use of modes, such as
walking, bicycling, transit, car pooling, and vanpooling.
Some worsening of peak period roadway congestion is
still likely.
Los Methodology - Within urbanized areas, most of the
roadway congestion occurs at signalized intersections.
However, it is not always practical to measure tr�c
flows at every inter-section, and this type of detailed
analysis does not provide a full perspective on how well
the overall road-way network is performing. Due to the
complex nature of traf�c flows and the abiliry of
motorists to take altemative routes for similar trips, the
City of Federal Way has selected a LOS methodology
which is an expansion of the traditional LOS
measurements presented in the Highway Capacity
Manual. The Ciry uses the following two criteria for
measuring LOS.
Corridor and Roadway Segment Volume/Capacity
(i�/C) Ratio - The traditional volume%apaciry (v/c) ratio
directly compazes the volume on a roadway segment
with the capacity of that segment to carry tr�c
volumes. The ratio, expressed in a range as shown in
Table III-6, can then be approximately equated to the A
through F LOS indicators described above. The capaciry
of the roadway segment reflects the condition of the road
(e.g. width of lanes, amount of driveway disturbances,
whether there exists a left tuming lane, etc.) and the type
of traffic control along its length (e.g. frequent traffic
signals reduce capacity). This LOS methodology is used
to evaluate individual roadway corridors, intersections,
and to set priorities for roadway improvements. The City
chooses this methodology to determine development
impacts and mitigations. The LOS standazd within the
City's corridors and intersection is established not to
exceed v/c = 0.9 or E.
Table III-6
Level of Service and V/C Ratio
Level of Service Volume/Capacity Ratio
A-D Less than 0.75
E 0.75 to 0.90
F Over 0.90
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Transportation
Citywide Congested VehicleMiles ofTravel - In
analyzing alternative measures of LOS, the City chose a
level of service methodology for planning purposes
based on Congested Vehicle Miles of Travel during the
evening peak hours as the most appropriate indicator of
cirywide traf�ic conditions. Vehicle Miles of Travel
(VMT) is the product of the number of vehicles on the
road times the distance traveled by the vehicles. Using
the City's traffic model, the amount of VMT was
calculated for several levels of traffic congestion. In this
analysis, congestion was defined by each arterial which
had a volume/capacity ratio exceeding 0.90 (refer to
Table Ill-�. In 1990 (used as a baseline for existing
conditions) approximately 24 percent of the arterial lane
miles operated during the PM peak hour at LOS F.
CurrentLos Deficiencies -Map III-8 illustrates the
current PM peak hour level of service deficiencies on
Federal Way's arterials. This figure indicates that South
320th Street, Pacific Highway South (SR 99), Dash
Point Road, Enchanted Pazkway, Military Road, South
356th Street, and portions of South 348th Street are
among the most congested corridors in Federal Way.
These are the primary routes that carry commuters,
shoppers, business trips, freight and goods, and other
vehicles throughout the day and especially during peak
periods.
Future Los Deficiencies - Map III-8 also illustrates the
expected 2010 PM peak hour level of service
deficiencies for the "current trends."Map III-9 depicts
congested streets with "recommended plan"
improvements. The current trends condition assumes
that limited roadway improvements would be made on
the existing street system, while the recommended plan
includes significant improvements to several major and
minor arterial routes. Without improvements, South
320th Street, Pacific Highway South (SR 99), Dash
Point Road, Enchanted Pazkway, Military Road, South
356th Street, and portions of South 348th Street would
remain the most congested corridors in Federal Way.
The recommended plan would improve conditions along
SR 99, South 356th, South 320th (west of SR 99),
Military Road, and portions of South 348th.
L__i
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''I
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� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
Congested Streets
If No Improvements
LEGEND
Existing Deficient Streets
- - - - - - - - - Additional Deficient
Streets in 2010 With
No Further
Improvements
NOTE: Congestion is V/C>0.90
in PM peak hour
anoF G
�� �E�zA� Map III-8
Congested Streets
With Recommended
Plat� Improvements
LEGEND
2010 Congested
Street Segments
* NOTE: Congested V/C > 9
�oF G
�� � EJZAL Map III-9
� � � � � � � � � � ! � � � � � � � �
� Federat Way Comprehensive Plan - Transportation
,
� Year
1990
, 2010
2010
'
,
�
�
'
�
,
'
'
�
'
Alternative
Existing Conditions
Current Trends
Recommended Plan
Table III-7
v Conditions (PM Peak
Congested Lane-
Miles
31.9
52.3
38.2
System Level of Service Analysis - A brief summary of
the Congested VMT levels generated during the analysis
are shown in Table Ill-7.
With limited roadway improvements in the 2010 Current
Trends Alternative, the number of lane-miles of
congested arterial roadways in Federal Way will increase
from 31.9 to 52.3, an increase of 64 percent from 1990.
Also, the total amount of vehicle miles of travel showing
congestion will increase significantly during the PM
peak hour, while the percent of VMT which is congested
rises from 24 to 33 percent.
The 2010 Recommended Plan will also show an increase
in overall Vehicle Miles of Travel (up 26 percent), but
the percentage of overall VMT showing congestion
would actually go down, in comparison to existing
conditions. This generalized analysis indicates that the
Recommended Plan would provide a Level of Service
which is comparable to existing conditions, while ac-
counting for a significant growth in overall travel
demand within the city over the next 15 years.
Los on State Facilities - In the 2010 Current Trends
Alternative, the entire portion of I-5 in the Federal Way
planning area will experience severe peak-direction
congestion (v/c>0.90) in the PM peak hour. Most of SR
99 and SR 161, as well as major portions of SR 18 and
SR 509, will also be congested. The "Recommended"
Alternative shows similar conditions, although traffic
congestion along SR 99 and SR 161 would be somewhat
reduced.
� These state facilities form the backbone of Federal
Way's transportation network. Therefore, the City will
continue to coordinate with the WSDOT and PSRC
' regarding acceptable LOS standazds and plans for
improvements to state facilities.
L'
�
Congested Vehicle Miles I Percent Congested VMT
of Travel (VMT)
25,992 � 24%
47,492 � 33%
32,871 � 21%
Street and Roadway Improvement Plan
Table Ill-8lists major street and roadway projects which
are included in the 2010 recommended transportation
plan. The locations of these projects are shown inMap
III-10. These projects will have the most significant
impact on reducing corridor and system congestion
within the City. A full listing of recommended street and
roadway improvements is provided in the Transportation
Improvement Program, described in the "Implemen-
tation Strategies" section.
The WSDOT has jurisdiction over the state lughways in
the city. These include not only I-5 but SR 18, SR 99,
SR 161, and SR 509 (Dash Point Road). However, since
many residents depend on these and other state facilities
in the region, it is important to the City's plan that the
Ciry consider the policies and efforts of the DOT. The
City is responsible for the maintenance of State routes
(except I-5 and SR 18 east of 16th Ave South) within
the City limits and for the issue of right-of-way use
permits subject to WSDOT review.
The State has enacted several policies to relieve the
various problems facing travelers. These policies
include:
■ Improvement of personal mobility (emphasizuig
movement of people and goods, over vehicles).
■ Enhance transportation to support economic
opportunities.
■ Coordination of (and with) regional transportation
planning and implementation.
■ Improved energy and environmental efficiency.
■ Promotion of public-private and public-public
partnerships.
' i�1-35
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Trensportation �
Table III-8
Ma'or Street and Roadwa Im rovements
# Facility From To DescripNon of Improvements -
1 Military Rd S S 272nd S 288th Widen to five lanes - provisions for bicycles, sidewalks, illumination,
landscaping, property acquisition.
2 Military Rd S S 288th 31 st S Widen to three lanes - provisions for bicycles, sidewalks, illumination,
landscaping, property acquisition (incl. S 304th to 28th S).
3 S 356th lst S SR 161 Widen to five lanes - provisions for bicyeles, sidewalks, signal modification,
illumination, Iandscaping, property acquisition, coordina6on with rogional
storm detention.
4 S 312th 28th S Military Rd S Construct overerossing of I-5, construct new (#) lane roadway, provisions for
bicycles, sidewalks, illumination, landscaping, property acquisition.
5 S 312th Military Rd S 51 st S Construct new (#) Iane roadway, provisions for bicycles, sidewalks,
illumination, landscaping, property acquisition.
6 SR 99 S 272nd Dash Pt Rd Construct Arterial HOV lanes, both directions.
7 SR 99 Dash Pt Rd S 312th Construct Arterial HOV lanes, both directions.
8 SR 99 S 312th S 320th Construet Arterial HOV lanes, both directions.
9 SR 99 S 320th S 340th Construct Arterial HOV lanes, both direc6ons.
10 Dash Pt Rd SR 99 1 st S Widen to three/four lanes.
11 S 316th W Valley Hwy Extension.
12 I-5 SR 18 SR-161 Construct collector/distributor roads beside I-5 to extend the SR-18 interchange
south to SR-161.
13 SR-161 SR 18 Military Widen to five lanes, eurb, gutter, and sidewalk illumination.
■ Improvement of freight and goods mobility.
■ Enhancement of transportation to support tourism.
■ Promotion of land use patterns to improve mobility.
■ Improvement of public transportation.
■ Enhancement of transportation system efficiency
(i.e., management).
■ �nproved air quality.
The City's plan has been developed in awareness of
these policies and the supporting programs. As a result,
the City's plan is in compliance with the WSDOT's
direction and vision. The transportation plan for Federal
Way will rely on the State in the following action areas:
■ HOV system completion on I-5 and other freeways.
■ Implementation of the State System Plan. This plan
identifies, in priority order, the need for maintenance,
preservation, safery, economic initiatives, environ-
mental retrofit, and mobility (capacity) improve-
ments. The latter are not likely to be fully funded and
may therefore affect the implementation of the
following WSDOT projects:
■ HOV access improvements, primarily IS medians.
■ Interchange improvements for I-5 from SR 18 to
SR 161.
■ Overpass/underpass improvements for I-5 at
South 312th.
■ Arterial HOV and other enhancements on SR 99
north from South 272nd to South 348th.
■ Improvements to SR 509 (Dash Point Road)
between SR 99 and 21st SW.
■ SR 509 extension from Burien along the western
and southem sections of SeaTac Airport south to
I-S with the most southerly alternative connecting
at South 272nd Street.
III-36
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Recommended Major
Street Improvements
LEGEND
�- Street section with
Major improvements
recommended
� Listing # in Table II-6
(Not a Priority ranking)
arvoF G
�� �EI'zFaL Map III-10
The SR 509 extension north from Tacoma to the
new SR 167 connection on I-5 at Fife. This
extension will likely occur in the 2010 planning
horizon. To have I-5 and 509 coincident along I-5
from Fife to South 272nd would be consistent with
this plan. An option which would place added SOV
and truck tr�c on SR 99 would not be consistent
with this plan.
■ Continued improvements to monitoring, with
possible provision of information systems regarding
travel conditions.
■ Right-of-way acquisition for rail and the above
improvements before construction.
■ The addition of pazk and ride lots and added
capaciry for existing ones. This includes the planned
lot on 21st SW at SW 344th.
■ SR 18 improvements east of SR 99.
■ Advanced vehicle identification (AVI) on SR 99 to
provide transit priority.
I-S HOYLanes - As noted in the section on transit and
HOV's, the major improvement along I-5 anticipated by
the State is completion of the core HOV improvements
south to the Pierce County line. These changes are con-
sistent with the assumptions included by the City in its
analysis efforts, and support the concepts envisioned in
the plan.
On a more long-range basis, WSDOT has embarked on
an effort to plan the next generation of improvements to
the HOV system on I-5 (and other regional facilities).
This effort will identify ways to improve HOV and
transit access to the freeway (predominately along the
medians of these highways). Such concepts are, again,
consistent with this plan.
SR 509 - Two projects will affect this facility; both out-
side the City of Federal Way. To the north, there is on-
going planning for extension of SR 509 from Burien
along the westem and southem sections of SeaTac Air-
port to I-5. Four altematives are being investigated
through an EIS process. The most southern of these four
I-5 connections is at South 272nd at the northern edge of
the City. A new interchange with I-5, and improved park
and ride options, would be features of this alternative.
Overall, it is seen as consistent with the concepts em-
bodied in this plan. City staff is involved in review of the
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Tra�sportation
EIS, which is anticipated to be complete in mid-1995
The second modification to SR 509 will be south of
Federal Way. SR 167's connection to Tacoma from
Puyallup will be improved during the planning horizon.
As part of this effort, the connection with SR 509 in
Tacoma will be modified. The State has not resolved the
issues of modifying this connection. Analyses will look
into the best methods to accomplish this connectioq and
will likely examine how best to connect to an improved
SR 509 to the north (see preceding paragraph). An
option to have I-5 and 509 coincident along I-5 would be
consistent with this plan. An option which would place
added SOV and truck traffic on SR 99 would not be
consistent with this plan.
Other Action Areas
The Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is reviewing a
high capacity transit system alternative for a second vote
in early 1996. The City plan identifies stations/transit
centers on or neaz the SR-99 corridor at South 272nd
Street, South 316th Street, South 336th Street, and
South 348th Street. If the vote fails, the transit centers
would be for bus transit only. The integration of the road
system for vehicles and buses with high capacity transit
is incorporated into this plan.
METRO and Pierce Transit provide bus and park & ride
facilities to Federal Way. These are also identified and
integrated into the Ciry's plan. King County, Pierce
County, Tacoma, Kent, Auburn, Algona, Pacific, Milton,
and Des Moines presently border Federal Way. An
integrated street system with these adjoining
jurisdictions is incorporated into this plan. The RTA's
preliminary alternatives include regional bus service to
connect transit centers. These could connect Federal
Way to the south with Tacoma, Auburn, and Puyallup/
Fort Lewis.
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Transportation Goals & Policies ,
It is proposed that the City adopt the following goals and
policies with respect to transportation facility improve-
ments which allow it to maintain options into the future;
especially with respect to transit enhancements. This
may result in a conservative approach to highway
improvements which might slow the rate of progress in
the azea of non-SOV mode use.
111-38
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Transportation
Goal
TG2 Provide a safe, efficient, convenient, and
' economic street system with su,f, j`'icient capacity
to move people, goods, and services at an
appropriate level of service.
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The City shall develop and adopt policies for
the construction, reconstruction, maintenance,
and preservadon ofnew and existing facilydes,
such as gravel and substandard streets.
Policies
Policies which affect streets and roadways aze divided
into five categories: General, Functional, Safety, Multi-
modal, and Community/Aesthetic.
General
TP15 Specify an appropriate arterial LOS which
balances the economic, ecological, accessibiliry,
and livability needs of city residents, consumers,
employers, and employees.
TP16 Establish a LOS standard based on a planning
methodology using VMT congested to measure
the LOS citywide, and an operation methodology
for development impact, mitigation corridors,
and intersections based on LOS E= v/c < 0.9
TP17 Expand arterial capacity by constructing
channelization improvements at intersections
when they are an alternative to creating new lanes
along the entire roadway.
TP18 Deternune street classifications by balancing
travel needs with changing right-of-way uses and
neighborhood character.
TP9 Identify and implement changes to the trans- TP19 Limit single-occupant vehicle capacity increases
portation system which reduce reliance on the to those required to maintain the existing LOS,
single occupant vehicle. Support state, regional, either by providing new streets or by widening
and local visions and policies. existing streets. Maintain existing and preserve
future street connections vital to system integrity.
TP10 Protect existing and acquire future right-of-way
consistent with functional classification cross
section (transit, rail, bike, and pedestrian) needs.
Require developments to dedicate full right-of-
way as needed with subdivision development, or
with over 50 percent redevelopment.
TP20 Take advantage of opportunities to open new
road connections to create route altematives,
especially in areas with few access choices.
TP21 Enhance traf�ic circulation and access with closer
spacing of through streets as follows:
TPl l Coordinate street and roadway improvement
programs with appropriate state, regional, and
local agencies.
TP12 Maintain the transportation forecasting model for
use in impact analysis, capital facilities planning,
and monitoring of the plan.
TP13 The maintenance and preservation of existing
streets, roadways and related infrastructure shall
take precedence over major street improvement
projects that enhance system capacity.
Functional
TP14 Provide access between major development areas
identified in the recommended alternative, while
improving business access and protecting city
neighborhoods.
a. Arterial streets at least every 1,200 feet in
single family zones and every 600 feet in
non-single family zones
b. Collector streets every 600 feet in single
family zones and every 600 feet in non-
single family zones.
Safety
c. For street spacing in the City Center, see the
City Center chapter.
TP22 Minimize the number of curb cuts on arterials to
improve pedestrian and vehicle safety.
TP23 Minimize through tr�c on residential streets by
maximizing through travel opporiunities on
arterial and collector access streets.
III-39
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Transportation
TP24 Consider safety first in the design of intersection
improvements.
TP25 Allow improvements to traffic flow only where
they contribute to traf�'ic and pedestrian safety,
high capacity transit and HOV system
enhancements, and reduce air pollution.
TP33 Acquire rights-of-way for high capacity transit
whenever possible in advance of their need, and
make accornmodadons for any improvements,
_ whether public or private, to provide for future
high capaciry transit needs without major
redevelopment (e.g., locate structures so they
would not need to be altered to accommodate
future high capacity transit facilities).
TP26 Employ traf�ic calming measures in
neighborhoods (where feasible) where traffic Communiry/Aesthetic
volumes and speeds on local streets consistently
exceed reasonable levels. TP34 Design arterials to fit with the planned character
of the area they pass through.
TP27 Prohibit parking on arterial and collector streets
except on low volume business district streets in TP35 Minimize visual distraction to drivers on
City Center when neither safety nor transit arterials.
operations would be compromised.
TP28 Improve safety on residential streets by:
TP36 Make arterial travel a pleasing visual experience.
TP37 Keep through tr�c to state routes and arterials.
a. Reducing street widths while maintaining on- Discourage the use of local or neighborhood
street parking streets for through movements (unless part of an
overall process of creating a street grid).
b. Increasing separation between sidewalks and
streets.
Multimodal
TP29 Reduce reliance on the single occupant auto by
prioritizing and implementing supportive local
level transit, HOV, and non-motorized
improvements.
TP30 Identify and plan for multi modal freeway,
arterial, and collector street improvements which
ensure more efficient use of existing roads and
enhancement of HOV, transit, and related non-
motorized operations.
TP31 Integrate the traffic circulation network with high
capacity transit, HOV, bicycle, and pedestrian
networks with consideration to regional system
needs, including air and port facilities.
TP32 Structure the Ciry's improvement program to
strategically place increments of public and
private investment that complement the multi
modal vision of the plan. This should include
"matching" improvements to supplement the
efforts by other agencies to provide HOV and
transit facilities.
TP38 Include sufficient area in rights-of-way for bike
trails, sidewalks, and landscaped medians to pro-
vide separation from motorized tr�c as funds
allow. Use landscaped medians to separate
opposing traffic when safety and aesthetic pur-
poses dictate the need.
3.2 TRANSPORTATION
SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT (TSM)
Transportation Systems Management (TSM) focuses on
maximizing use of the existing systems travel capacity.
The concept was first originated in the mid-1970s by the
U.S. Department of Transportation. Since that time, it
has been applied in a host of different ways in cities and
metropolitan areas azound the country. More recently,
the 1991 Federal Transportation Act (ISTEA) expanded
the vision of TSM introducing the term Congestion
Management Systems (CMS). The terms CMS and TSM
are synonymous in this document.
Again, the focus of TSM is to identify ways to manage
the transportation system (usually streets and highways,
from a local agency perspective) to maximize the
carrying capacity of existing facilities. TSM activities
III-40
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Transportation
can include new construction, but they typically modify
an existing faciliry. TSM options can be grouped into
the following categories:
■ Geometric Improvements
■ Controls and Restrictions
■ Signalization Improvements
■ Capacity Enhancements
Such improvements are under the City's control. While
there are national and state level guidelines, the City's
adopted design standazds guide the design of these
improvements. Sometimes called Spot Improvements,
their low cost and net increase in efficiency make them
particularly popular.
These groupings cover a host of alternative actions. Not
all are appropriate for a city to undertake. The more
populaz and successful ones are listed in Table III-9,
TSMStrategies Applicable to Federal Way.
Geometric Improvements
The term Geometric Improvements refers to projects
intended to "re-shape" the physical layout of roads..
Through reported problems and periodic monitoring (see
section on Monitoring which follows), isolated
improvements can be defined which will improve the
operation of traffic and increase safety.
Signalization Improvements
Signalization improvements include trat�ic signal
installation or removal, and operational strategies.
Historically, the Ciry has relied on other agencies to
service its tr�c signals. The County has maintained
some signals under contract to the City, while the State
has operated those on certain state routes. This has
produced a fragmented approach to traffic control.
Recognizing this, the City recently initiated a program to
create a central computer system to control key
intersections in the Ciry Center (Core) azea. This
program will consolidate all signals under King County-
contracted maintenance and operation.
Table III-9
TSM Strate ies A licable to Federat Wa
Strategy Low or None High
Geometric Improvements
-Channelization ✓
-Bus Tumouts ✓
-Exclusive Turn Lanes ✓
-Intersection Widening ✓
Signalization Improve»�ents
New Signals ✓
-Signal Removal ✓
-Coordination ✓
-Timing/Phasing Optimiza6on ✓
-Monitoring ✓
Controls/Restridions
-Tum Prohibitions ✓
Access Management ✓
-Driveway Restrictions/Removal ✓
-Signing ✓
Capacity Enhancements
Arterial Frontage Roads ✓
Railroad Over-crossings ✓
-Intcrsection Grade Separation ✓
III-41
Traffic along South 320th Street, South 348th Street,
and SR 99 will benefit from coordination and
improvement to signal timing and phasing. A decrease in
delay of about 25 percent was forecast in an earlier
study. The cost of such improvements has been shown to
be rapidly recovered by this reduction in delay to drivers.
Air quality is also enhanced with fewer unnecessary
stops. In additioq transit reliability will increase.
Coordinated signal systems require periodic attention to
maintain their efficiency because traffic conditions
change over time. In contracting its signal operations
work, the City recognizes this. While Federal Way is not
directly operating the signal systems, it has focused on
hiring traffic personnel in the Public Works department
who have experience in this area and can manage the
contracted work.
Monitoring of the system is another activity which the
City controls directly. Whether or not the Ciry operates
the signals, a monitoring and reporting program should
be set up. This would include the gathering of traffic
information, its processing, and the reporting of the
results in a systematic fashion. Changes in operating
conditions should be reported to responsible officials on
a regulaz basis and should be used as part of the
prioritization process in making local improvements (see
section on Implementation Strategies).
Controls and Restrictions
Traf�ic controls and restriction aze another means to
manage traffic flow efficiency. They can be instituted by
the City on its facilities. Further, the State Department of
Transportation encourages the City to manage access to
state routes in the Ciry, often by use of controls and
restrictions. (See the Roads and Streets section for
access management category designations.) Controls and
restrictions are of�en placed where recurrent safety
problems have been noted.
Signing, which is a form of traffic control, is important
to the motoring public. One component often overlooked
is directional or informational signing. Another reminds
travelers of regulations. Since a number of jurisdictions
operate roads in and about Federal Way, a compre-
hensive effort to coordinate signing would be useful in
placing street improvements. Such a system would route
motorists and other travelers to the most appropriate
route (see section on Intelligent Traveler Systems).
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Tranaportation
Capacity Enhancements
Capacity enhancements typically include road widening.
They are construction oriented (as opposed to oper-
ational), and are often placed to assure an existing road
segment operates as ef�iciently as nearby segments. For
example, traffic monitoring might indicate a section of
freeway carries more local, short trips than long
distance, through trips. By adding a parallel frontage
road, the freeway might operate more efficiently.
Another example might consist of two heavily used
streets being grade separated at their intersection point
to accommodate flow. Intersections such as South 320th
Street at SR 99, South 348th Street at SR 161, and
South 348th Street at SR 99 may be considered for such
improvements in future planning cycles.
Capacity enhancements typically are higher in cost than
other TSM strategies. Funding from outside sources is
limited. Therefore, such projects must be carefully
justified.
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Advanced Technolo and TSM '
9Y
Applications of new technology can also be categorized
as TSM measures. Originally called Intelligent Vehicle
Highway Systems and now known as Intelligent Traveler
Systems, they are being rapidly developed for all modes
of travel. Key to many of them is improved traveler
information. As described further below, their
application holds great merit for managing congestion,
improving safery, and informing travelers of multiple
travel options.
An Intelligent Traveler Systems Plan was recently
prepazed for the State of Washington. Directed by
WSDOT, it established a framework for implementation
of a variety of ITS options. Table Ill-1 D lists the main
categories of ITS application, their relative applicabiliry
in Federal Way, and the degree of impact each might
have on the Ciry's vision and plan.
TSM Projects
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The following projects have been identified under the ,
City's TSM program.
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Table III-10
Intelli ent Traveler S stems TTS A lications Federal Wa
Degree of City Impact to Vision
IVHS Category Ezample Application Area Control
Public Trsnsit Monitoring of Transit Operations s► s►
Automatic Fare Payment i� s►
Dynamic Ridesharing s► s►
✓ HOV Lanes & Parking �' �'
Priority Treatment
✓ HOV-Signal Priority �' �'
HOV-Automated Highways s► s►
✓ Employcr-Based TDM itti6atives �► �'
Vehicle Guidance & Control +�, }►
Road Use Pricing H }►
Ferry Management N/A N/A
Traveler Information Traveler Information Databases s► �"
Trip Planning (Pre-trip) +s� �'
Trip Guidance En Route +s� s+
Vehicle Monitoring & Warning Systems +� +y
Traftic Management Incident Detection & Management s► :►
✓ Traf�ic Network Monitoring �' �'
Communica6on Systems :► :►
✓ Trat�ic Control Systems �' �"
Construction Management s► s►
Freight & Fleet Management Route Planning & Scheduling +�, }►
Vehicle & Cargo Monitoring +� +s�
Regul ry Support �' }►
Internodal Port Transfers N/A N/A
Other Services Emergency Service System Mgt. �" �►
Enforcement Services �' s►
Traveler Safety/Security ?► H
Air Quality Monitoring & Pricing +L i►
- High/Positive - Somewhat/Possibly - Low/Quesdonable ✓- Pura�u
III-43
Traffic Signal Coordination
TSMl Signal Coordination on SR 99 - South 288th
to South 356th. Complete signal coordination
along major arterial sections.
TSM2 Signal Coordination on South 348th - I-S to
1 st South. Complete signal coordination along
major arterial sections.
Traffic Signalization
TSM3 South 312th @ 8th Avenue South. Place traf�'ic
signal to manage changing traffic conditions.
TSM4 21 st Avenue SW @ SW 325th. Place traffic
signal to manage changing tr�c conditions.
TSMS SWDash PointRoad @ 4th Avenue South, or
8th Avenue SW. Install left turn lane and
traffic signal.
TSM6 SW Dash Point Road @ 21 st Avenue SW.
Install right turn lane, tr�c signal, illuminate
intersection
TSM7 SW 340th Street @ 3Sth Avenue SW.
Signalization and school crossing illumination.
TSM8 South 336th Street Right Turn Lane @ SR 99.
150' Right Turn lane.
TSM9 South 356th Street Right Turn Lane @ SR 99.
150' Right Tum lane.
Intersection Improvements (Channelization,
Geometrics, etc.)
TSM10 ContinuingMinor Tra, f,JSc Improvements.
Place signal revisions and other traffic controls
at various locations to manage the dynamics�f
short term changes in traffic conditions.
TSMI l SW Campus Drive @ 6th Avenue SW. Install
new traffic signal and left turn storage lanes.
TSM12 South 320th @ SR 99. Redesign intersection to
accommodate changing traffic patterns.
TSM13 SW 340th @ Hoyt Road SW. Modify left turn
lanes and signalize.
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Transportation
TSM14 South 336th @ 20th Avenue South. Add left
turn lanes to accommodate changing traffic
demand.
TSM15 South 288th @ 20th South. Add left tum
lanes to accommodate changing tcaffic
demand.
Transportation Goals & Policies
Goal
TG3 Extend the functional life of the existing trans-
portation system and increase its safe, e�j`'icient
operation through application ofTSM
strategies.
Policies
TP38 The City will continue to implement traffic
signal coordination projects as the primary
component of its TSM program. As funds
permit, monitoring of tr�c operations will be
carried out to assure efficient timing of traffic
signals.
TP39 TheManual of Uniform Tra,fJSc Control
Devices, developed at the federal level, will be
employed in the design and placement of traffc
controls.
TP40 Public comments and requests will supplement
routine traffic monitoring to identify and conect
tr�c control needs, as well as other noted
system deficiencies.
TP41 Arterial HOV improvements will be constructed
along key comdors to improve flow and
encourage use of these more efficient modes.
TP42 Minor capital projects, placing spot (localized)
traffic improvements, will be cazried out to
extend the capacity of system components.
TP43 Capacity enhancements will be made where
other, lower cost improvements will not conect
deficiencies. They will be cazefully justified to
compete for limited funds.
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Transportation
TP44 Employers will be encouraged to institute
complementing TSM actions to those under-
taken by the Ciry. This will create consistency
and understanding, thereby improving travel
conditions.
TP45 Intelligent Traveler System options will be
monitored by City Traffic Staff, who will
periodically recommend additional ITS-TSM
options.
TP46 Access Management, placing restrictions
limiting left turns across major arterial streets,
will be used to reduce accidents and extend
capaciry of major arterials.
TP47 As technology pernuts, and the ciry HOV
system is implemented, opporninities will be
sought to modify the signal coordination
strategies to provide priority to HOV's.
3.3 NON-MOTORIZED MODES
The two most popular modes of non-motorized trans-
portation are walking and bicycling. Wallcing constitutes
the greatest percentage of personal travel. Unfortunately,
short trips (under one mile) are usually not counted in
urban travel statistics. We make at least as many short
trips as longer trips by motorized vehicles. When travel
by younger generations is considered, the importance
and magnitude of short trips can be better appreciated.
As pointed out in a recent State Department of Com-
munity, Trade, and Economic Development report, the
popularity of bicycling has increased in the U.S. since
the 1970s, especially in Washington. A 1991 survey
found that 1.67 percent of Americans and 2.9 percent of
people in the Western states commuted to work by bike
in October 1990. This compares well to Federal Way.
The Census Work Trip data for Federal Way reported
slightly less than one percent bicycle use and about two
percent walking for work trips in 1990.' Table III-11
summarizes the trip purposes reported in 1990 as part of
the National Personal Transportation Study.
' Your Community's Tronsportation System, Department of
Community Development, State af Washinpton, Olympie, WA, April
1993.
Table III-ll
Pur oses of Walkin and Bikin Tri s
Purpose Walk Bike
Work 11% 10%
Shopping 18% 10%
SchooUChurch 20% 14%
SociaURecreational 34% 55%
Other 17% 11%
It is cleaz from this information that U. S. citizens have
not discovered the bicycle as a commute vehicle, and
that opportunities for walking to work are limited. It is
possible that the location of jobs relative to homes and
the lack of connections between major travel points
contribute to this dilemma. Can this change? One needs
only look to other nations to fmd examples of bicycle
use, especially to access other modes of transportation.
In Germany, for example 43 percent of arrivals at rail
stations aze by bike. A 15 percent figure is common in
Japan.
Nationally, 54 percent of the population lives within five
miles of their work place. There is a tremendous
opportwuty for people to walk or bike if we provide
safe, direct pedestrian, and bicycle facilities.
Safery is another area of concern for pedestrians and
cyclists. The WSDOT reports that the vast majority of
pedestrians killed or injured aze struck while crossing the
roadway, most often at intersections. Intersections aze
also a contributing factor in bicycle accidents. Nearly
half of all bicycle/automobile accident occur at inter-
sections. The state is monitoring pedestrian and bicycle
accidents as performance measures of the service
objectives.
Funding is no less an issue with non-motorized facilides
than road and transit services. The ability of the City of
Federal Way to provide non•motorized facilities is
limited by funding sources and competing program
needs. The extent of this constraint becomes apparent
when the estimated $300,000 cost to provide needed
wheelchair ramps for transportation disadvantaged
persons in Federal Way is compared to the recent annual
budget amount of $30,000.
In summary, walking and biking do not appear to play a
major role in satisfying urban travel needs at present.
III-45
Federei Way Comprehensive Plan - Transportation
This will not occur until we provide a safe network of
pedestrian and bicycle ways and development patterns
that aze oriented towards pedestrians and bicyclists.
Wallcing and bicycle ways are a potential means of
providing increased accessibility for the full range of
citizens; including young, old, and transportation
disadvantaged. A safe network of non-motorized
facilities will provide the opportuniry for recreational
and commuter users to reduce their dependence on
automobiles.
■ Identifying performance based strategies;
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■ Developing criteria for identifying regionally
significant projects; , �
■ Establishing funding levels and financially
constrained plans;
■ Developing better standards;
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■ Ensuring consistency in planning among local �
jurisdictions;
State & Regional Coordination Issues
On the federal and state level, coordinatioq planning
and implementation of non-motorized facilities has
gained significant sup-port as an alternative mode of
transportation. The 1990 Internodal Surface Trans-
portation Ef�iciency Act (ISTEA) emphasizes the
benefits of non-motorized modes of travel and provides
a revenue resource for funding planning and implemen-
tation activities. The State of Washington has developed
service objectives for bicycle and pedestrian trans-
portation systems primarily to increase use and improve
safety. The State has also defined the non-motorized
systems in terms of state-owned and state-interest. The
state-owned system refers to state highways, interstates,
ferries, and Amtrak. "State-interest facilities are local,
regional, or statewide facilities that are vital to the
statewide economy and the mobility ofpeople and
goods. " On a regional level, the Metropolitan Trans-
portation Plan (PSRC 1995, MTP-3), identifies major
issues to be addressed by the plan including:
■ Establishing priorities for funding; and,
■ Involving the public involvement and providing
coordination. �
To provide regional guidance and coordinatioq the MTP
calls for a significant increase in facilities that support
pedestrian and bicycle travel. The three components of
the MTP strategy include development of a regional net-
work of non-motorized transportation facilities, develop-
ment of local networks for non-motorized travel, and
development of a transit network that is fully accessible
to pedestrians and bicyclists. These strategies aze
consistent with and incorporated into the non-motorized
chapter of Federal Way's Comprehensive Plan.
To develop a faciliry plan and strategies for non-
motorized modes of travel, attention to the perceived
needs of regional and local users will help create a viable
system. Table Il1-121ists the most common problems
encountered and options for improvement.
Table III-12
Non-Motorized User Problems and Solutions
Problem Solution Alternatives
Lack of Facilities, Route -Complete system elements and gaps.
DiscontinuiGes -Review and condi6on new development.
Trip Too Long -Interconnect developments and cul-de-sacs with trails.
-Create closcr opportuni6es (jobs housing balance).
Bike Security Add storage facilities at destination and on transit.
Clothing/Cleanliness -Add showers, changing areas, and restrooms.
Personal Security -Assure lighting, wider facilities, motorist compliance with laws.
-Re-time signals. Where appropriate, separate from vehicles.
Unaware of System -Designate (sign) routes.
-Public education, advertising, provide maps.
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Transportation
Pedestrian System
Background
Walking supports many trip purposes. Significant foot
traffic occurs in areas with concentrations of children
and high population densities, such as downtown and
retail centers. Also, as the American population ages,
higher numbers of elderly, who no longer can drive or
who choose walking for exercise, are using walkways
(sidewalks, paths, and trails).
Planning for walkways requires an understanding of the
pattems of foot tr�c and a decision on which tzips can
be appropriately supported through investment by the
public sector. For example, a communiry such as Federal
Way, much of which has been built with neighborhood
streets, may find it can only afford to place sidewallcs
along major streets. For fmancial reasons, it may be
necessary to accommodate foot and bicycle traffic on
residential streets within the neighborhood, but provide
pedestrian sepazation from traffic on busier streets
through the placement of sidewalks. In 1992, pedestrian
facilities were inventoried and are shown inMap Ill-11.
This inventory has recently been revised. As noted in the
figure, several arterial streets do not have sidewallcs or
have sidewalks that are substandard. In 1993, the ciry
adopted a policy that makes the city responsible for
maintaining sidewallcs. A program to construct missing
segments of sidewalk, or to construct sidewallcs only
within certain arterial classification, may not be
economically feasible.
Pedestrian Improvement Options
Facilities for pedestrians consist of more than sidewalks.
Street lighting, hand/guazdrails, directional signing,
wheelchair ramps, and traffic signal crossing indications
are some of the amenities which need to accompany
system considerations. Many existing facilities in
Federal Way do not have these amenities and inhibit safe
pedestrian improvement and access to transit. The actual
provision of these amenities is usually assured through
the adoption of design and construction standards, which
aze applied to new or significantly reconstructed
facilities, such as streets, subdivisions, public, and
commercial buildings.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) calls for
designs which provide access for the transportation
disadvantaged, and aze required for all facilities
affording public access. This act also requires the
retrofitting of buildings and their access for the disabled.
This applies to the need to place ramps at all crosswalks
and intersections on City streets. There are also many
older areas of Federal Way that have no sidewalks and
pedestrian amenities, the lack of which tend to impair
safe pedestrian movement. An assessment of needed
pedestrian amenities and the condition of existing
sidewalks needs to be camed out so that they can be
prioritized, funded, and constructed.
As the American public grows older, it will be
increasingly necessary to consider their needs. A recent
study by the Center for Applied Research reports that 20
to 40 percent of the elderly who do not drive depend
upon walking for their travel needs. The report also
points to the fact that traffic signals may fail to take the
slow walking speed of these individuals into
consideration. The Federal Highway Administration is
presently considering the study's findings. While there is
no immediate action required by the City, it is likely that
municipalities such as Federal Way will be prornpted to
give more explicit consideration of walking needs of the
elderly in the future.
A strategic objective for Federal Way's pedestrian
system should be as follows:
■ Short Term Strategy. Initial improvements should
aim at safety and complementing the transit system,
making it more accessible. First, it is necessary to
attend to the safety needs of pedestrians, correcting
locations having high accident problems, and making
ADA required ramp improvements. Then connections
to the transit system can be made to provide a
missing link in what could be a"seamless" public
transit system. In extending the pedestrian system to
provide access to the transit system, transit amenities
such as bus shelters should also be provided.
■ Mid Term Strategy. Provide extensions to the
walkway system. Logical, safe, and convenient
connections to parks, schools, neighborhoods, retail
areas, transit, and other points of attraction should be
considered. The major interim extension of the
network should provide connections to and within
neighborhood and business centers. This will support
the neighborhood area and concepts imbedded in the
plan vision. The network of wallc-ways and trails on
roadways needs to be integrated with the Pazks
Comprehensive Plan and its trail system to provide
for the needs of both recreation and the commuter.
III-47
Inventory of Sidewalks
on Major Streets
(1992)
LEGEND
No Sidewalk
•'•"'••••••••••••� Substandard Width
Sft. or Greater
NOTE:
Sidewalk indications refer to
both sides of street unless
two line types are shown
together.
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Federal Wey Comprehensive Plan - Transportation
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■ Long Term Strategy. This should focus public and
private investment in the core area of the city. At
present the pedestrian system does not contribute to
the identiry of the downtown. The future system
must link comtnercial establishments, public open
space, and public buildings with transportation
facilities.
Pedestrian faciliry development must be supported by
zoning regulations and development review to make sure
pedestrian access is accounted for and is consistent with
this plan. Through a collective vision for the denser core
area, this can become an attractive feature for Federal
Way. Without it, the resulting pedestrian environment
will remain cold and forbidding.
BICYCLE SYSTEM
Background
The Federal Way Bicycle Advisory Committee
(FWBAC), Federal Way's citizen advocacy group of
bicycling enthusiasts, wishes to see Federal Way become
one of the best cities for non-motorized modes of travel.
Their goals are to make available to the citizens an
interconnected network of bike trails for commute,
utilitarian, and recreational users. Attached by this
reference to the Federal Way Comprehensive Plan is the
"Ciry of Federal Way Bicycle Plan," May 1994, which is
intended to act as a guide for policy makers when
making or planning for needed bicycle improvements in
the greater Federal Way azea. The following summarizes
key recommendations and gives some examples of
possible programs:
■
■
Staffing. PSRC's MTP aclrnowledges that com-
munities with dedicated bicycle planners are more
likely to have extensive programs for pedestrians
and bicyclists, a well developed facility plan, and
design standards for bicycle facilities. A Bike
Planner is recommended to facilitate and implement
non-motorized programs. This planner could also
implement other components of the transportation
plan such at TDM, grants, and the TIP.
Education and Training. The public needs to be
made aware of alternatives to the single occupancy
vehicle (SOV) and that bicycles have equal rights to
cazs on the road. Volunteers and FWBAC members
could assist with education programs promoting
safety. Programs for grade school children would be
beneficial. Users could learn from "Bicycle Buddies."
Programs such as "Safety Town" and bicycle rodeos
teach children tr�c and bicycle safety.
■ Promotion. Bicycles need to be promoted as an
altemative means of transportation for commuting
and for recreation. Publications could have bike
riding tips. Maps of bike routes need to be published.
Nationally, 54 percent of all people work within five
miles of work, an easy bike ride on safe trails or
routes.
■ Enforcement. Cars and bicyclists that disobey the
rules of the road make the roads less safe for
everyone. Greater enforcement would be beneficial.
■ Plan. The adoption of a Non-Motorized Facilities
Plan developed with the Comprehensive Trans-
portation Plan will provide a classification of the
types and locations of bike trails and routes to
provide an interconnected network of trails to meet
the needs of Federal Way.
■ Standards. The adoption of design standards for
bicycle facilities will ensure that the safety and
quality standards of the community are met. This
includes trail widths, pavement markings, signs, bike
racks, and lighting for both public and private
facilities. Safery can be enhanced by identifying how
intersections and driveways are designed and what
kinds of catch basin lids and pavement markings are
to be used. WSDOT and AASHTO have developed
design standards for bicycle facilities.
■ Facilities. The TIP provides a prioritized listing of
non-motorized improvements. These aze shown in
Table Ill-13. A small Capitallmprovements category
should be identified for improvements to non-
motorized modes of travel, such as replacing catch
basin grates that are not bike safe, to construct small
improvements such as minor discontinuities of bike
trails and to install signs and pavement markings.
Major capital improvements for streets should
incorporate non-motorized facilities. Additionally,
prioritized projects just for bicyclists will also help
provide a continuity for the principal bike trails
shown on the Non-Motorized Facilities Plan and
provide a basis to compete for available funding
sources.
� III-49
Federel Wey Comprehensive Plan - Transportation �
Table III-13
TIP Non-Motorized Im rovements
Location Improvement Cost Year
BPA Trail Phase II 1 st Ave S to SW Campus Dr Trail Development 50.631 Million 1995
Military Road I-5 North to I-5 South 51.176 Mi(lion 1997
S 320th St Hoyt Road to I-5 50.010 Million 1995
S 312th St Dash Pt Rd to SR 99 50.308 Million 1999
SR 99 S 283rd St to S 373rd St 50.071 Million 1995
Dash Point Road SR99 to 21st Ave SW �3.933 Million 1995
Weyerhauser Wy S 320th St to S 349th St $0.652 Million 2000+
21st Ave SW Dash Pt Rd to SW 349th St 54.140 Mi1Gon 1995
BPA Trail Phase III SW Campus Dr to SW 356th St Trail Development Unknown 2000+
Building owners and employers need to be
encouraged to provide bicycle pazking, bicycle
security, showers, and lockers. Transit agencies also
need to be encouraged to provide bicycle parking,
security, and a means of transporting bicycles so
they can be used at trip destinations.
■
Funding. Reliable on-going funding is needed to
accommodate the state, regional, and local goals in
providing and supporting non-motorized modes of
transportation. Grants are one source to pursue. The
following is a list of national grant sources which
indicates the level of interest in bicycling as
transportation.
■ National Highway System
■ Surface Transportation Program (ISTEA)
■ Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ)
Improvement Program
■ Federal Lands
■ Scenic Byways Program
■ National Recreational Trails
■ Federal Transit Title III
Bicycle Improvement Options
In competing for limited funding sources, it is essential
that the bicycle system's chapters, like the pedestrian/
wallcway system, be programmed for implementation in
a logical fashion. The following are the criteria proposed
for establishing the prioritized order of improvements.
They are listed in their recommended order of
precedence.
1. Maintenance and operations.
Maintenance of trails, signs, etc.
Regular sweeping of trails.
Safery Improvements:
■ Replace catch basin grates that are not bicycle
safe.
■ Remove hazazds and minor discontinuities of
trails.
■ Striping and pavement mazkings for bike trail
delineation.
■ Signs.
2. Public and private development or redevelopment.
Off-road developments.
Schools.
Parks.
Subdivisions.
3. Roadway construction or reconstruction.
Include bike trails as a part of all projects.
4. Trail construction projects which provide access to:
■ Transit.
■ Parks.
■ Neighborhood centers.
■ Libraries.
■ Work sites.
■ Churches.
■ Schools.
5. Completion of sections of the regional trail system
(when identified by PSRC).
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Transportation
6. Creation of a commuter biking system.
7. Creation of a recreational biking system.
Non-Motorized Facilities Plan
To assist the City in identifying important facilities for
non-motorized modes of travel, as well as provide
guidance for the location of improvements in the non-
motorized plan, a facility plan has been developed.
Consistency and coordination with regional and other
adjacent agency plans and projects will ensure a
seamless system of pedestrian and bicycle facilities.
Pierce County, Tacoma, and King County have to some
degree identified important facilities. The Pierce County
and Tacoma plan identify important bicycle connections
at SW Hoyt Road, SW Dash Point Road and SW 356th
Street. These connections are also continued on the
Federal Way Plan. The closest regionally significant
non-motorized facility to Federal Way is the Interurban
Trail. Access east-west to the Interurban Trail from
Federal Way is provided on shazed facilities on South
320th Street, South 288th Street, and South 272nd
Street. The Federal Way Non-Motorized Facility Plan is
shown inMap III-12.
The State, Region (PSRC) and King County have
identified improvements to non-motorized facilities to
enhance non-motorized transportation. The FWBAC
also identified improvements needed to accommodate
non-motorized facilities. Improvements identified by
FWBAC will be considered for submission to the
Federal Way and Regional Transportation Improvement
Programs.
This plan illustrates the proposed system of designated
bicycle facilities for the City. The complete system will
be composed of three types of non-motorized facilities,
classified as follows:
Class 1 facilities aze separate trails, operating
in their own rights of way.
Class 2 facilities aze signed bike routes which
operate jointly with roadways.
Class 3 facilities are shazed road facilities.
Under this plan, the most common element will be
shared road facilities. Where there is sufficient right-of-
way, cyclists can be allowed to share the road with
motorized vehicles. No signing or striping will be placed
on these facilities.
The next most common element of the bicycle system
will be a network of bike routes and bike lanes. Routes
will be established where there is suf'ficient on street
width to accommodate cyclists in traffic. To maintain
continuity and guide travelers, the system will be signed
with distinctive markers, possibly designed in a citywide
competition. Where the needs of the cyclist and the
demand warrant, Class 2 bike lanes can be installed
using approved pavement marking techniques and
signing.
A limited number of Class 1 bike trails separated from
vehicles will be provided through the plan. Key among
these facilities will be a cross town trail along the BPA
Power Line right-of-way, between l lth Avenue South at
South 348th Street and SW 356th Street at about 19th
Avenue SW. This facility will provide a non-motorized
link between residential neighborhoods, the Aquatics
Center, Panther Lake, and commerciaUretail areas that
include Seatac Mall.
Transportation Goais & Policies
Non-motorized transportation facilities will be
increasingly important to the City in meeting the travel
needs of its residents and workers and to reduce our
dependence on automobiles. The pedestrian and bicycle
systems can be
implemented through a prioritized series of
improvements to complement the transit, and HOV
systems as well as create a key link to business, cultural,
recreational, and residential elements that are a part of
the CityShape Vision.
Goal
TG4 Enhance community livability and trans-
portation by providing a connected system of
pedestrian and bicycle ways that is also
integrated into a coordinated regional
network.
Policies
TP48 Provide sidewalks on both sides of all arterial
streets as funding allows.
111-51
Non-Motorized
Facilities Plan
LEGEND
•••••••••• Classl
(Separate Trail)
Class 2
(Joint Use
With Roadway)
Note: All other streets in
Federal Way, including
those not shown, are Class 3.
arvoc G
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Transportation
TP49 Incorporate bicycle routes either designated,
signed, or marked onto all arterial streets.
TP50 Incorporate pedestrian and bicycle features as
design elements in the City Center as reflected in
the CityShape Vision.
TP51 Ensure that City facilities and amenities are ADA
compatible.
TP52 Work to extend the existing system of sidewalks,
bikeways, and equestrian ways in the city to
provide safe access to public transit,
neighborhood and business centers, pazks,
schools, public facilities, and other recreational
attractions.
TP53 Work with other agencies, particularly relating to
regionally significant facilities, to pursue funding
for pedestrian and bicycle amenities.
TP54 Inform and educate the public on safery and use
of non-motorized facilities.
TP55 Ensure non-motorized facilities are safe and well
maintained.
Actions
1. Work with high capacity transit agencies to ensure
such non-motorized travel amenities as shelters,
benches, bicycle racks, lighting, and information
kiosks aze incorporated in the design and
improvement of transit facilities.
2. Establish a funding program which prioritizes the
most critical non-motorized improvements first,
while realizing opportunities for property owners,
neighborhoods, or business groups to create
portions of the system through public-private
partnerships.
3. Establish and operate a system of safe school
walking routes.
4. Emphasize the enforcement of laws that reduce
pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicle conflict.
5. Improve public awareness of the laws that protect
pedestrians and cyclists and of non-motorized
facility locations.
6. Include maintenance of non-motorized facilities in
the City's on-going transportation services
program.
7. Acquire access easements between e�usting
developments, cul-de-sacs, public facilities,
business areas, and transit followed by trail
construction to improve non-motorized circulation.
Require the same for all new developments or
redevelopments.
3.4 TRANSPORTATION
DEMAND MANAGEMENT (TDM)
Several pieces of recent legislation have led the ciry into
the realm of Transportation Demand Management
(TDM). These include the State GMA, Commute Trip
Reduction Act (CTRA), and federal level requirements
under both the ISTEA and the Clean Air Act
Amendments as reflected in the State Implementation
Plan.
The GMA cites the need for a variety of "management
actions;" including the requirement that the
transportation chapter of each plan shall include an
identification of system expansion needs and
transportation system management (TSIVn needs to meet
current and future demands. The act gces on to note:
After adoption of the Comprehensive Plan
...local jurisdictions must adopt and enforce
ordinances which prohibit development
approval if the development causes the level of
service on a transportation facility to decline
below the standards adopted in the
transportation element of the comprehensive
plan, unless transportation improvements or
sfrategies to accommodate the impacts of
development are made concurrent with the
development. These strategies may include
...demand management and other
transportation systems management strategies
(emphasis added).
The purpose of the following section is to provide
recommendations on the appropriate approach to TDM
for a suburban city such as Federal Way. 5ince the
preponderance of employment is currently outside the
Ciry, there can only be limited influence on traffic
III-53
congestion within Federal Way by travel management
through TDM. Options must be selected accordingly.
Table III-14 stratifies various TDM alternatives by their
functional grouping and the degree of control the City
can exercise over that strategy, and its expected cost
effectiveness. Fortunately, several of the more effective
options are within the purview of the City. The Puget
Sound Regional Council's (PSRC) Vision 2020
identified five basic strategies that overlap with those
presented in Table Ill-14. These strategies are:
■ Telecommuting
■ Pazking Pricing and Subsidy Removal
■ Compressed Work Week
■ Employer-Based Management
■ Pazking Supply Strategies
The PSRC also recognizes that the following issues
must be addressed to support successful TDM
implementation in the region:
■ Lack of data on effectiveness.
■ Emerging technological and social shifts.
■ Lack of regional coordination.
■ Need for TDM strategies to address non-commute
trips.
■ Lack of funding fleJCibility to finance TDM
investments.
■ Lack of alternatives to single occupant vehicle (SOV)
travel.
■ Lack of public support.
While TDM actions aze aimed at reducing travel demand
or, at least, shifting it to more opportune travel times,
several focus on consolidating person trips to fewer
vehicles. The City views High-Occupancy Vehicle
(HO� and transit use as key to reducing travel demand.
As discussed in later sections, provision of on-street and
off-street HOV facilities and controls will support this
strategy. For example, arterial HOV lanes will
complement the regional system. Similarly, traffic signal
priority and preferential parking, access, and egress for
HOV will further bolster the program.
Effectiveness of TDM Alternatives
Recently, Apogee Research conducted a study of the
effectiveness of alternative TDM strategies. This work
was camed out for the National Association of Regional
Federal Way Comprehensiva Plan - Transportation
Councils and provides interesting conclusions. Apogee's
efforts looked into both the cost of TDM strategies and
the relative reduction in the amount of travel (and air
pollution) resulting from the efforts. Interestingly, this
work identifies the least and the most effective
strategies, wluch are suxnmarized in Table Ill-14. The
researchers noted that land use planning and related
strategies aze also potentially highly cost-effective but
could not be quantified under the study.
Commute Trip Reduction Act
The Commute Trip Reduction Act was passed by the
State Legislature in 1991. It is also a part of the State
Clean Air Act. The intention of the law is to improve air
quality, reduce traffic congestioq and decease fuel
consumption. It focuses attention on larger employers
with the intent of reaching concentrations of workers
who might use shared-ride and non motorized modes to
travel to and from work. Working from 1992 as the base
year, employers are encouraged to reduce SOV use and
vehicle miles of travel (VMT) by 35 percent in 1999. In
1992 the baseline characteristics were established for
South King County (including Federal Way) at an 85
percent share to SOVs and an average trip length of 9.3
miles. In meeting the 1999 goal, SOV use would need to
drop to SS percent and average VMT to six miles.
In 1993, Federal Way adopted an ordinance consistent
with the CTR guidelines. In adopting the ordinance, the
City agreed to file an annual report on the program and
to accept advice from METRO on altemative strategies
which local employers might be encouraged to use in
meeting the goals. The Ciry also agreed to conduct a
review of its parking requirements as part of the process
and to play an active role in the regional process. It is the
City's intent to also set an example for other employers
through the establishment of CTR programs among its
employees.
Based on recent (March 1995) surveys of Federal Way
Employers, the 1995 SOV goal of 72.25 percent was not
met. The actual SOV percent was 87.4 percent. Also, the
1995 Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) goal of 7.91 miles
was not met. The average work site trip length was
estimated as 12.9 miles and the average zone trip length
was 9.07 miles. The overall mode split results from the
survey are shown in Table III-1 S. Similar to the issues
stated in the MTP; reasons for driving alone included
convenience and a lack of alternatives.
III-54
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Table III-l4
TDM Strate ies
Degree of Control Cos Effectiveness
Grnup/Strategy None/Low Medium/High Low High
HOV/ALTERNATIVE MODES
Employer Trip Reduction ✓
Areawide Ridesharing � ✓
Transit Lnprovements ✓ ✓
Transit Service �/
Subsidies d
HOV Lanes/System Enhanccments ✓ ✓
Bicycle & Pedestrian Facili6es �/ ✓
PARIQNNG
Preferred Parking (HO� ✓
Reduced Requirements �/
Maximum Limits �/
Shared Parking Options �/
Neighborhood/Area Programs ✓
PRICIlVG
Parking Pricing ✓ ✓
Congestion Pricing �/ ✓
Smog/VMT Tax ✓
Purchase of Older Vehicies �/
LAND USE
Increased Densities �/
Friendly Design ✓
Incentives ✓
PEAK SPREADING
Staggered Work Hours ✓
Flexible Work Hours �/
Compressed Work Weeks ✓
TRIP ELIMINATION
Telecommu6ng ✓
III-55
Table III-1 S
Federal Wa Mode S lit Surve Results
Mode Mode Split
SOV (Single Occupant Vehicle) 86%
2+ Carpool 04%
6+ Carpool Ol%
Bus/Transit Ol%
w� io°io
Telecommute Ol%
Did Not Work 02%
Unknown 03%
Recommendations
Based upon the above, the following recommendations
are made:
Encourage voluntary expansion of the CTR
Program to employers of less than 100 employees.
The encouragement by employers may be as
diverse as subsidized bus passes, carpool space
prioriry, bike racks, shower facilities, van pools, caz
pool information access, telecommuting, variable
work hours, etc.
2. Encourage the formation and expansion of area-
wide ride-sharing programs. Such programs
operate with little direct cost to the City and are
highly cost-effective.
3. Facilitate the creation of Park and Ride facilities
and transit centers to supplement the regional
system, either directly through acquisition of
properiy or indirectly through development
conditions where employer vans are required to
shuttle employees to Pazk and Ride facilities or
transit centers.
4. Facilitate enhancements to the HOV System. This
may include the acquisition of properiy for HOV
lanes, construction of arterial HOV lanes on City
arterials and State highways, priority controls for
buses at traffic lights, and through traf�ic develop-
ment conditions. At the very least, opportunities to
support improved access to the State system of
HOV lanes should be identified and supported.
Federai Way Comprehensive Plan - Transportation
5. Increase density of land uses, coupled with
appropriate planning of a mix of uses near bus
routes, pazk and ride lots, and transit centers through
the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan and its
supporking zoning. This policy is vital to the
creation of a regional bus and rail system and will
also be an effective way to reduce traf�c congestion
and air pollution.
6. Encourage mini transit centers in the City Center,
neighborhood shopping areas, and multifamily
nodes, together with enhanced pedestrian and
bicycle access and security.
Improve pedestrian and bicycle access to bus routes
and transit centers. This can be a requirement of
subdivision, development, and redevelopment. The
City may need to acquire easements and construct
trail connections. Development incentives could be
granted for providing such amenities that aze
pedestrian, bike, and transit friendly.
8. While bicycle, pedestrian and bus transit services
and facilities may be desirable for other reasons,
they should not be looked on as highly cost-effective
strategies to the exclusion of those actions listed
above.
Transportation Goals & Policies
Through Transportation Management options, the City
can maximize the effectiveness of the public investment
dollar. Many jurisdictions aze fmding non-construction,
or management actions, critical to the overall
achievement of congestion management and protection
of neighborhoods. As such, the Transportation
Management goals for Federal Way can be expressed as
follows.
Goal
TGS-
a. Employ and promote the application of non-
construction, and transit/HOYconstruction
actions to preserve and enhance mobility and
assist in achievement of the land use vision.
b. Develop methods to successfully measure and
achieve the following HOV & Transit mode split
levels by the year 2010:
III-56
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Federal Way Comprahensive Plan - Transportation
� 1 S percent of all daily trips over one mile in
length;
� 30 percent of all work trips; and
� � 40 percent of trips between major activity
centers.
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c.
�
e.
Assist all qualifying and voluntary employers in
the Federal Way planning area achieve the Com-
mute Trip Reduction Act travel reduction goals by
the January 1, 1999, objective year and encourage
other employees to also meet the goals.
Ensure that all members of the community,
including those with transportation disadvantages,
have viable travel options or alternatives to travel.
Use transportation management to help achieve an
appropriate arterial level of service which
balances the economic, ecological, accessibiliry,
and livability needs of the City's residents,
consumers, employers, and employees.
Policies
TP56
TP57
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TP58
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Support the achievement of Ciry and regional
mode split goals through encouragement of
local and regional work at home and
transportation coordination programs such as
ride matching services and van pools.
Support "other" transportation management
programs that can be shown cost-effective in
achieving plan goals, while allowing residents
and employers discretion to choose the methods
they wish to employ.
Develop an arterial street HOV system and
related enhancement, which complements the
regional freeway HOV system, through the
following actions:
Place emphasis on the development of HOV and
transit prioriry improvements; especially those
requiring minimal cost or construction. These
improvements should pace the extension of the
regional system and minimize the gap between
traveler needs and system capacity.
Establish an urban traffic control system that
gives priority to busses and HOV's.
TP59 Provide improved operational ef�ciency to the
City's transportation system and support regional
monitoring programs through regular, structured
reporting, monitoring, and performance
evaluation.
TP60 Modify the development review process by:
■ Incorporating revised impact analysis pra
cedures wluch comply with State GMA
Concurrency and other requirements. The
revisions need to include revised Level of
Service standards.
■ Streamlining it to the extent possible to
minimize private development costs. Where
developments are consistent with this plan,
they should be allowed to proceed by
mitigating site impacts; developing
appropriate components of the HOV, transit,
non-motorized and motorized chapters; and
participating in an equitable citywide
improvement funding or mitigation payment
program.
■ Incorporating requirements of the Americans
with Disabilities Act.
■ Requiruig explicit consideration of
pedestrian and bicycle circulatioq as well as
parking and general circulation needs.
TP61 Adopt a flexible level of service standard wluch
employs a measurement factor that accom-
modates demand management to help balance
likely levels of growth, with opportunities to
create a multimodal transportation system.
TP62 Encourage non-motorized improvements which
minimize the need for residents to use motorized
modes by providing: 1) access to activity centers,
2) linkage to transit, pazk & ride lots, and school
bus networks, 3) completion of planned
pedestrian/ jogging or bicycle trails, 4)
designating a network of streets which can safely
and efficiently accommodate bicycles.
TP63 Enhance a non-motorized system by the
following actions:
■ In instances where the citywide system of
bike lanes, trails, and sidewallcs crosses or
abuts new development or redevelopment,
consider requir-ing the developer to mitigate
the impact of the development on the City's
ill-57
transportation system by constructing bike
lanes, trails, and sidewalks that interface with
the existing system.
■ Coordinate development of the non-motorized
system with surrounding jurisdictions and
regional system e�ensions.
■ Incorporate on-street or in right-of-way bike
lanes on all new major collector and arterial
road projects.
■ Extend the existing system of City sidewalks to
all streets.
TP64 Recognize that TDM requires coordination, and
work with the region and other adjacent
communities to develop coordinated TDM
strategies.
3.5 LOCAL AND REGIONAL
TRANSIT
Public transit service is provided to azea residents by a
combination of fixed-route, express, dial-a-ride, and
subscription bus services. METRO serves the Ciry
directly, while Pierce Transit buses serve the Park and
Ride lot on I-5 at South 320th. Amenities supporting
transit patronage include Park and Ride lots and waiting-
azea shelters. The Federal Way School District and King
County's Multi-Service Center also provide special,
local area bus services.
Locally and nationally, public transit services, ranging
from local buses to regional rail, are witnessing
increased attention. Despite declining transit ridership in
the late 1980s and early 90s, these services are being
viewed at the regional, state, and federal levels as
essential to meet public travel needs. Many people with
low incomes or special mobility needs depend on transit.
The City of Federal Way supports the provision of
viable transit services as a component in a multi-modal
transportation system.
Coupled with carpooling and vanpooling, improved
transit service is viewed by the Ciry of Federal Way as
essential to providing area residents with mobiliry
options in the future. Unlike road services, however, the
City is constrained in its ability to provide these
alternatives.
Federa� Way Comprehensive Plan - Transportation
The City's involvement with the provision of transit
services is indirect—through such efforts as supportive
land use planning (to generate sufficient transit
patronage) and roadway design features (to accom-
modate transit and other high occupancy vehicles). The
Ciry's planning process has focused on development of a
transit-supportive environment, including improved
pedestrian and bicycle access to transit. Public works
projects anticipate enhanced regular route, local bus
service, and the possible implementation of a rail
system.
Expansion of regional transit and HOV systems is
critical to the achievement of Vision 2020, which guides
the regional Metropolitan Transportation Plan. Federal
Way's vision, which includes a City Center with
surrounding commercial and residential land uses, is
enhanced by both an improved regional bus system and
a rail system. Local circulation routes will also be
essential. The Federal Way plan has been structured with
primary emphasis on locations which can become transit
centers. In the interim, transit centers will be focused at
Park and Ride lots.
Existing Conditions
An extensive inventory of existing transit services in and
about Federal Way was reported in the City's 1993
Community Profile. The following excerpts on existing
conditions are taken from that document.
Map III-13 indicates Federal Way's existing regulaz,
express, and Dial-A-Ride route locations, as well as its
pazk and ride lot locations and planned bus routes. There
are 24 regular and express service routes which provide
nearly 250 bus trips to, within, and through Federal Way
each day. In total, about 3,000 to 3,500 person trips are
made by regulaz, express and Dial-A-Ride service each
day. About one percent of all daily (and three percent of
peak hour) Federal Way trips are made by bransit, which
is comparable to other suburban azeas.
The majority of service is provided to Park and Ride
facilities where more than half of Federal Way's transit
riders access transit. Routes into the neighborhoods of
the City aze oriented to the higher density areas were
there is lower auto ownership and greater reliance on
transit.
III-58
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Existing Transit Service
LEGEND
Bus Route
• Park-and-Ride Lot
� Dia1-A-Ride
NOTE: * Route 176 Clockwise for
Buses
Counter-clockwise for Vans
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Under a demonstration project, METRO instituted Dial-
A-Ride Transit (DART) service to portions of the City
in 1992. Today, DART service follows a semi-fixed
routing with service provided to patrons who do not live
or work on fixed routes.
Is transit service available today? In a 1991 survey by
Federal Way, the answer seemed to be a resounding
"No." Distributed to approximately 30,000 residents,
nearly 2,000 responded, many of whom (87 percent)
were auto drivers.
When asked for reasons why they did not use transit, the
following responses were received:
■ Auto required for work or personal errands - 47%.
■ Buses do not go to destination - 33%.
■ Auto saves time - 30%.
■ Bus schedules are not convenient - 29%.
■ Bus stops too far away - 23%.
■ Pazking is free/low cost at work - 23%.
■ Transfers are inconvenient - 20%.
However, in another survey, among 75 employers of
varying size, nearly 75 percent indicated that service is
available within one block of their establishment.
Local Transit Service Development
Most transit service to and from Federal Way is oriented
toward downtown Seattle. Historic, radial expansion of
the system from the downtown is one reason for this.
More significant, is that congestion and parking costs
have kept transit competitive in the downtown Seattle
mazket. It was not prudent for METRO to expand
service for the growing suburban market where there
was little congestion and parking was abundantly avail-
able. However, suburban-to-suburban travel demand and
local congestion have increased the need to revaluate and
begin planning for cross-town service. The potential for
improvement was conoborated by comparing auto and
transit travel times. The new METRO Six Year Plan,
which is nearing adoption, has accommodated these
changes in customer needs by setting policies which
would shift layout of the system to multiple Hubs and
Spokes focused on transit centers with rapid service
between centers. This would provide radial local service
to take customers to a city center. Thus citizens would
be able to catch express service to such destinations as
Auburn, Puyallup, Tacoma, and Seattle.
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Transportation
Other Factors Affecting Transit Use
While routes extend into Federal Way neighborhoods,
the existing street layout, with its many cul-de-sacs and
dead-end streets, is not always conducive to transit use.
Buses cannot run along every residential street. They
usually operate on collector and arterial streets, thus
residents often have to walk several blocks to reach a
route. Research has shown that when potential patrons
have to wallc over'/. mile, many will refuse to do so.
Because of the distance to residential bus stops and
frequent express-type service to Park and Ride lots,
many transit users travel to the three Federal Way lots.
However, these lots are nearly always at capacity.
Efforts to expand their capacity by both METRO and
WSDOT have been hampered by the relatively high cost
of land to provide for expansion. Despite high land costs
WSDOT, plans to construct a new 650 space Park and
Ride lot at 21st SW at SW 344th Street in 1996 if funds
are available.
In considering future land use and transportation
altematives for the City, a balance must be sought
between creating transit compatible land uses and
providing system access from park and ride facilities and
stations.
Dial-a-Ride Transit (DART)
As noted above, this service was introduced by METRO
in 1992 and is being evaluated for its potential as a
component of future transit service in suburban com-
munities such as Federal Way. Dial-A-Ride service is
demand activated by the users. Users originally phoned
in and van service was provided within two hours.
Unlike regular route service, only the area being served
was defined, not the routes. The service has since been
modified to operate with semi-fixed routes.
Under the updated METRO Suc Year Plan, DART
service could be expanded to provide local level service
connections to transit centers. Designated as one of
METRO's Community Service Areas, Federal Way
would work with METRO in identifying its investment
of about seven percent of its total service.
Paratransit Service
In addition to the service program for general purpose
travel, METRO has embazked on a significant program
to improve services for persons who cannot use regular
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Transportation
route bus service. This program has been developed to
meet the requirements of the Americans With
Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. It provides lugh quality
public transportation service to eligible customers.
Improvements in this program will continue in order to
meet the deadlines imposed by the Act by 1997.
People with limited resources who aze either 65 or older
or who have disabilities may qualify for Pazatransit.
Called ACCESS Transportation, the Paratransit services
currently provides door-to-door transportation Monday
through Friday for 25 cents. Monthly and annual pass
stickers aze available as well.
Key elements to METRO's Paratransit Plan are the
provision of
■ Supplemental service in Western King County
within'/, to 1%2 miles on either side of regular
route service;
■ Next-day reservations up to 14 days in advance,
with trips scheduled seven days a week;
■ Fares held to the same level as one-zone regulaz
bus fares; and
■ Scheduled service to be the same as the near-by,
regulaz routes.
Federal Way will be within a METRO service area from
5 a.rn: to 2 a.m.
Regional Transit Improvements
The METRO Six Year Plan is consistent with the
regional public transportation concepts embodied in the
Regional Transit Authority's plan for longer range rail
and bus improvements. It provides a first step towazd
building an integrated system of expanded services and
capital facilities. Should a regional transportation system
be approved by voters, Federal Way's land use and
transportation plans accommodate its impacts and
implications.
The City Role
Supporting activities by the City, either under the shorter
range METRO Plan or the Regional Transit Plan (RTP),
would include preferential traffic signal treatment for
regional (express) buses, and cooperation with WSDOT
in improving access to the state highways in the area.
With major employers or business centers, it may be
possible to provide exclusive access. None have been
identified at this time, however.
The Land Use plan will support both the regional and
local transit systems through its configuration of land
uses and their allowable densities. Historically most of
Federal Way was developed at five units to the acre or
less. The land use chapter of the Comprehensive Plan
includes higher densities in the City Center and along the
SR-99 corridor. A threshold in transit planning seeks 15
to 20 dwelling units per acre to support HCT systems.
The results of such intensification aze shown in Figure
III-14, which depicts the ability of differing development
densities to generate higher transit mode splits.
The primary area supporting HCT will be concentrated
along Highway 99 north and south of South 320th. The
City Center will be located northeast of the intersection
of these two arterial roadways. Higher density residential
areas will be located in the City Center core and frame,
increasing in intensity in areas surrounding transit
centers or major transfer points such as Park and Ride
lots.
Improvement Priorities
Metro (King Counry Metropolitan Services) has
identified transit service improvements in south King
County in their draft six-year plan. These improvements
aze depicted in Table III-16.
To support expanded regional transit, a more extensive
feeder bus system will be needed. METRO and Pierce
Transit have worked with the City in developing
concepts for improved transit service in and about the
City in the future to support the CiryShape land use
vision. Key features include:
Expanded Bus Route Coverage - Potential new bus
routes are depicted inMap III-14.
Improved Regular Route Bus Service - Buses would run
every 15-30 minutes, linking neighborhoods, Green
River Community College, Valley employers, and other
south county cities. Transfers to Pierce County buses
would also be made easier.
m-si
DAILY RANGE OF
TRANSIT USE
LOW - HIGH
Land Use Intensity
vs. Transit Demand
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3% -
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16%
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LEGEND
* Note: This level of transit use
only attainable with High
Capacity Transit Station in place
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Figure III-14
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Zone Density
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Table III-16
METRO Im rovement Plan Pro'ects in Federal Wa
Target Service Level
Category Route/Descrip6on Peak/Midday/Evening
Transit Service 174 Local service along Hwy 99, connecting Federal Way, Des Moines, SeaTac, 15/15/30
Duwamish Industrial Area, and Seattle CBD. SaUSun 30/30
176 Neighborhood service between Federal Way Hub and SW Federal Way, 30/30/60
extended into NW Tacoma in cooperation with Pierce Transit. SaUSun 30/60
179 Peak direction express service - Federal Way Hub to Seattle CBD. 36 trips/day
181 East-west local service between the Federal Way, Aubum, and Green River
Community College Hubs; continuing through Kent East Hill to Lake Meridian 30l30/60
P&R and Kent Hub. SaUSun 30/60
194 Two way express service connecting Federal Way Hub, SeaTac Hub, and
Seattle CBD, includes stops at Star Lake and Kent-Des Moines P&R's. 30/30/30
197 Peak direction express service connec6ng future West Federal Way P&R, South Sabsun 30/30
Federal Way P&R, and Federal Way Hub with Univ of Washington; stops at 14 trips/day
Star Lake and Kent-Des Moines P&R's.
905 Flexible Federal Way local serviee.
Transit Hub Park Federal Way transit hub with passenger and bus leyover facilities; METRO is contributing to a third Federal Way
& Ride PBcR, a 600-stall lot currently in finat design by WSDOT; Expand Star Lake P&R by approximatcly 500 stalls, either
on the surface to the north of the existing lot, or by the construction of a parking structuro on the eatisting site.
Speed & Currer►t speed and reliability study underway on SR 99 from Boeing Access Road to South Federal Way P&R.
Reliability
Non-motorized Collaborate with local jurisdictions in the planning and design of bicycle and pedestrian access improvements (e.g.,
Access bike lanes, curb cuts, gutters, sidewalks, and rail crossing improvements).
Dial A Ride Service - This on-call service would be
modified as needed to provide a complement to regular
route service. New technology would help provide a
more flexible set of services, penetrating neighborhoods
where regular buses are prohibited. Pazatransit services
would also expand door-to-door service for people with
disabilities.
TransitMain Streets - Selected travel corridors would
be designed to combine frequent bus service with neigh-
borhoods and City Center shops or services. Comfort,
safety, as well as bicycle and pedestrian access would be
emphasized along these corridors.
TransitPrioriry - As with regional express routes,
special lanes and signals could allow local buses, as well
as vanpools and carpools, to by-pass congestion. Areas
under consideration, through regionally funded studies,
include SR 99, South 348th, and South 320th Streets.
Diamond lanes for HOV's, including buses, would be
completed along SR 99, and South 348th Street.
Traveler Information Systems - Through the
application of high- tech communications systems,
METRO has already begun installing devices to track
the location of vehicles and to provide the traveling
public with real-time information on system options.
These systems will be enhanced under a comprehensive
system of transit, HCT, HOV, and freeway monitoring.
As described later in the plan, it is anticipated that a
vastly improved traveler information system will make
both the local and regional transit system more attractive
to local residents.
These concepts will be further prioritized in working
with METRO to implement its Suc Year Plan.
The Result of Transit Expansion
The net result expected from placement of improved
transit locally and in the region is meaningful
improvement to mode split (the percentage use of each
mode). The predicted (and present) values are as shown
in Table III-17. While not lazge in magnitude, with only
a 13 percent share of trips by transit and other HOV's in
2010, one must view the impacts during peak periods
and along congested travel corridors in assessing the
implications. It is possible, after the turn of the century,
that:
� III-63
Proposed Transit Service
LEGEND
All-Day Fixed Routes
� � � � Peak-Only Fixed Routes
0 Flexible Route Service Area
• • • - • • • • • Potential Annexation Area
•Park & Ride
oTransit Center
Note: Routes shown are in addition
to existing transit service level.
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Table III-17
Work Tri s and Mode S lit Estimates
Current 2010
Federal Way Region Federal Way Region
Mode
Work Trips Daily Trips Daily Trips Work Trips Daily Trips Daily Trips
Drive Alone 79% 86% 72% 70-74% 81-85% 62-68%
CsrNan Pool 14% 8% 15% 18-20% 8-10% 16-18%
Trsnsit 3% 1% 6% 4-5% 2-3% 8-10%
Other 4% 5% 7% 4-5% 5-6% 8-10%
■ One in every four Federal Way Work trips will be
� by HOV and transit modes;
■ One in every three Regional Daily trips will be by
these modes; and,
■ Over 50 percent of all work trips to urban centers
� such as Federal Way will be by HCT and HOV'.
Guiding the Process
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To strategically position itself in the regional transit
funding process, Federal Way's plan has been prepared
to integrate with the Metropolitan Transportation Plan,
METRO's Six Year Plan and the RTP. Road
improvements which have been identified will focus
service to the transit centers or Park and Ride lots and
support access to the regional system or provide an
increment of capacity which would relieve congestion
and air pollution.
To foster achievement of the transit vision, a series of
supportive actions aze necessary. The land use
distributions should take advantage of opportunities to
increase densities in a transit friendly fashion. In the
core area, street planning would, in many cases, provide
exclusive access routes to transit centers as the area
increases in density.
A staged implementation of service in the City Center
� will be required. This can be accomplished by creating
incentives for developers and through investment of
public dollars to protect options and provide logical
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increments of service. The provision of transit corridors,
improved traffic cuculation, and improved non-
motorized access to transit will also be necessary.
Key interim and long term improvements must continue
to focus on transit service to transit centers and Park and
Ride lots. As the City moves toward 2010, strategically
located lots, with bus, bike, and pedestrian access will be
necessary. Complementing this, the City can look to the
land use development process and the rising interest of
employers to provide "self-managed" travel options. The
City's development review process will encourage
transit-oriented land use patterns, especially along inten-
sified corridors. The State's Commute Trip Reduction
(CTR) legislation will also guide these efforts.
Transit extension into many of the City's neighborhoods
will not be possible due to the configuration of the
existing street network. However, opportunities do exist
to connect neighborhood collector streets, perhaps
limiting passage to HCT, buses, and HOV's. Such
extensions into neighborhoods will require strengthening
of roads or their structural failure will be rapid. Most
routes will remain on major streets where tr�c flow
improvements can be made to expedite service.
Enhancements to transit (HCT and HO� flow will
become increasingly populaz as signal pre-emption
techniques are perfected. Several of these systems aze
being tested at present. The likely sequence of the longer
term development and travel events is as follows:
III-65
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Transportation
Increased Development Densities
as the City Grows
services which maximize accessibility to
regional jobs and maintains Federal Way as a
regional activity center.
Completion of the Regional HOV System
(and a Rise in its Popularity)
Increased Use of HOV's
and Transit
Practicaf Availabiliry of Real-Time Inforr
on Transit Service & HOV Status
Eventual Congestion on the Regional HOV
System, Resulting in Retraints on its Use
Increased Reliance on (BUS) Transit
With Improved Transit Priority
on Surtace Streets
Continued Growth and Increased Congestia
Followed by Extension of the Rail System
Transportation Goals & Policies
Goal
TG6-
a. Prepare and provide for an enhanced, high
capacity transit system, maintaining area
residents' mobility and travel options.
b. Foster phased improvements which expand transit
services in time to meet the demand for these
services.
Policies
TP65 Promote the creation and use of a regional
transit system which provides a cost-effective
alternative mode of travel to the single occupant
auto, and assists the region in attaining air
quality standards. This system should be
extended to the City on a timely basis and be
preceded by phased implementation of increased
levels of local and regional bus and HOV
TP66 Identify and promote the development of a local
level transit system which complements the
regional system while meeting the travel needs
of City residents, consumers, employers, and
employees. This system should provide
convenient connections from city neighborhood
activity centers to the regional transportation
system.
TP67 The target levels of mode split (share) to transit,
and HOV's for planning purposes should be:
■ 15 percent of all daily person trips;
■ 30 percent of all daily work trips; and
■ 40 percent of all work trips between major
activity centers.
TP68 The regional and local transit systems should be
designed to meet the requirements of the elderly
and disabled (as prescribed by the Americans
with Disabilities Act) and should take advantage
of technological advances in transportation
reflected in Advanced Public Transit Systems
(e.g., traveler information, system monitoring,
performance monitoring, etc.).
TP69 The City will continue to cooperate with
regional and local transit providers to develop
facilities that make transit a more attractive
option (e.g., bus shelters, rapid intermodal
connections, frequent all day service, safe and
attractive facilities).
TP70 The development of attractive transit commuter
options (e.g., subscription buses, special
commuter services, local shuttles) should be
supported by the City.
TP71 Through sub-azea planning, with the
cooperation of transit service providers, it will
be an objective to make transit part of each
neighborhood through appropriate design,
service types, and public involvement.
TP72 Enhance the viability of regional and local
transit service by establishing selected transit,
pedestrian, and cyclist only streets in the city
center.
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Transportation
TP73 Preserve right-of-way for transit facilities as
development proceeds.
TP74 Create an incentive program which rewards
development planning that establishes densities
supportive of the adopted regional transit plan.
TP75 Encourage the use of incentives to stimulate
transit, caz, and vanpool use.
3.6 HIGH-OCCUPANCY
VEHICLE FACILITIES
A Regional Freeway High-Occupancy Vehicle (HO�
System Plan, or core HOV system, has been designated
for all planned freeway HOV lanes. The HOV system
includes using the middle lanes of I-5 south from Seattle
through Federal Way to Tacoma, including possible
direct access to the South 272nd and South 320th Street
transit centers beside I-5.
HOV facilities are viewed at the regional, state, and
federal levels as essential to meet public service needs.
Also, HOV facilities may provide vital accessibility to
developing urban centers in the Puget Sound Region.
This core HOV system is currently under study (WSDOT
Puget Sound Region Pre-Design Studies) to identify
direct access locations which will enhance the HOV
system and improve transit and non-transit HOV travel
times.
HOV System
The legislature has, in the past, committed to completing
the WSDOT core freeway HOV lane system. The Puget
Sound Regional Council's (PSRC's) vision 2020 (the
MetropoYitan Transportation Plan) includes completion
of the Core HOV system as the cornerstone to
promoting HOV travel in the region. Features will
include ramp meters and queue bypass lanes, as well as
integration of Intelligent Vehicle and Highway System
(IVHS) features such as electronic signing, radio
information, and advanced vehicle detection). Emphasis
will be placed on providing improved access routes from
lazge employers and where congestion exists today.
Generally, HOV lanes will be added to existing
facilities, but where there is sufficient capacity to allow
conversion of general purpose lanes, this will afford a
cost effective altemative.
At the regional level, the HOV system will be available
to differing mixes of vehicles. The occupancy level will
be varied to maintain at least an average peak hour
operating speed of 45 mph. As demand increases and
speed is lowered below this threshold, the level may be
varied, for example, from two or more people per vehicle
to three or more. Recognizing that the HOV system will
play a key role in expanding the transit system, the
WSDOT established the Office of Urban Mobility.
Among its projects will be the evaluation of alternative
HOV treatments to provide the most effective
combination of facilities to maximize speeds and
reliability of bus service.
Regional planning has applied HOV planning on a local
scale. The King County Arterial HOV plan, August
1993, identifies I-5, SR 99 (Pacific Highway), South/
SW 320th Street and South 348th Street as potential
corridors for implementation of HOV and transit priority
treatments. The plan specifically identifies:
■ Proposed (median) HOV lanes on I-5 extended from
SR 516 to Pierce County.
■ Freeway Access study on SR 18.
■ HOV Corridor and Access Study at South 272nd
Street.
■ HOV lanes on South 348th and access improvements
to I-5.
■ HOV Corridor Studies on South/SW 320th Street
and SR 99.
■ Intersection Improvements on South/SW 320th at lst
Avenue SW and 21st Avenue South.
■ New or improved park and rides and a iransit center
within the ciry.
WSDOT is studying potential direct access HOV
connections at South 272nd Street, South/SW 320th
Street and South 348th Street. The most recent study
identifies South 272nd Street and South 320th Street as
high priority locations. It should be noted that the SR
509 Extension Study being completed by CH2M-HII,L
identifies extension of SR 509 to four locations, one of
which would be South 272nd Street. The study is
examining potential limitations of access to HOV and
transit in addition to south access to the airport. The
WSDOT also agrees to the need of HOV lanes with
automatic vehicle identification (AVn to provide priority
to transit vehicles on SR 99 north of South 348th Street
and includes them in their system plan.
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Transportation
The. Future HOV System
Transportation Goals & Policies
HOV enhancements within the Federal Way planning
area will consist of signal priority treatments, exclusive
lanes, increased park and ride opportunities, and other
improvements to be identified as demand increases.
These latter improvements can include sepazate
(preferential) access lanes or roadways. This means
utilizing HOV lanes on highways and arterial streets
wherever practical, if transit and carpool movexnents can
be enhanced, and considering the use of a higher
occupancy (three or more persons) initially with later
conversion to two or more persons if travel rates decline.
TIP IMPROVEMENTS
Improvements in the City's Transportation Improvement
Program (TIP) to support the HOV system aze identified
in Table Ill-18. Many of these HOV facility needs will
need to be provided by outside agencies, including the
WSDOT and METRO. Federal Way is working closely
with these agencies to implement these improvements
over the next several yeazs.
Goals
TG7-
a. Place high priority on development ofHOV and
transit priority lanes.
b. Develop arterial HOV lanes on bus routes with
priority for transit at tra,�Sc lights.
c. Work with the transit agencies, A'SDOT and King
County, in applying for funding for HOv
improvements that complement transit and non-
transit HOV facilities and park and rides within
Federal Way.
d. Work with A'SDOT to complete the Core HOV
system on I-S as planned.
Table III-18
TIP HOV Im rovements Federal Wa
Location Imprnvement Cost Year
S 348th I-5 to lst S HOV Signal Coordination 56.9 Million 1995
Regional CIP
SR 99/SW 336th Transit Center Unknown 2000+
City Center, S 316th @ 20th S Transit Center 56.1 Million 2000+
SR 99/S Z72nd Transit Center Park & Ride 512.7 Million 2000+
SR 161/S 356th Transit Center Park & Ride 513.1 Million 2000+
21st and SW 344th Park & Ride 58.8 Million 1996
SR 99, S 272nd to Dash Pt HOV 520.2 Million 1998
SR 99, Dash Pt to 312th HOV 513.9 Ivfillion 1999
SR 99, S 312th to S 320th HOV 57.2 Million 2000+
SR 99, S 320th to S 340th HOV 524.0 Million 2000+
SR 99, S 340th to S 348th HOV 518.6 Million 2000+
S 272nd Direct HOV Access Unknown 2000+
S 320th Direct HOV Access Unknown 2000+
S 348th Direct HOV Access Unknown 2000+
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3.7 AVIATION
Another vital link in the fabric of area transportation is
the aviation system. As pointed out in the Community
Profile, this extends beyond regional aviation to local
issues surrounding flights over portions of the Ciry
("overflights") and local helicopter activity.
At the regional level, there has been recurrent debate
over the issue of maintaining SeaTac as the regional
facility or establishing a new airport. The City
recognizes the economic benefits of its proximity to the
airport, as well as the liability to Federal Way's qualiry
of life which air traffic can produce. The City will
continue to insist upon maintaining the quality of life
expected by area residents.
Local Level Opportunities
Federal Way experiences a relatively high level of
helicopter overflights today, due in part to its proximity
to Boeing Field and also to the routine use of I-5 as a
flight corridor in order to minimize noise. Map Ill-1 S
shows twelve landing areas in Federal Way currently
used by helicopters. The City is the base for 12
helicopter operators. Together, these operators field a
combined fleet of 38 rotor craft. This fleet serves the
following types of purposes: 1) Business Operations,
associated with corporate activity and air taxi services;
2) Emergency Services, including activity associated
with St. Francis Hospital, the Federal Way Fire District,
and King County Police; 3) Law Enforcement (primarily
King County Police); 4) Government Flights, which are
primarily military helicopters from Fort Lewis south of
Tacoma; and 5) Disaster Mitigation.
The planning and siting of helicopter facilities has been
divided into emergency and commercial uses and
facilities. Potential roles of heliports and a process for
selecting prospective sites in Federal Way have been
identified. Given potential roles and siting
considerations, the discussion of possible courses of
action can be pursued within the community.
� Potential roles for heliports in Federal Way would add
disaster mitigation to business, emergency service, and
law enforcement activities. Planning efforts are currently
� underway between Seattle and King County to incor-
porate helicopters and designated landing facilities into
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the region's emergency preparedness planning. Public
heliports in Federal Way would be a key link in a
regional disaster mitigation system. Potential improve-
ments to e�cisting heliport operations were identified in
the heliport planning process. They include improved
safety, better utilization of emergency response
resources, and increased reliability of helicopter
operations. Safety can be improved: on the ground
(through improved, properly designed surfaces and
fencing of the landing area), and in the air (through
proper identification and illumination). Reliability would
be increased through placement of modem equipment
which would improve the safery of poor weather
operations. The practice of providing stand-by fire
protection support, which now occurs for transfer of St.
Francis Hospital patients, could be eliminated.
The Heliport Master Plan (HMP) of June 1994, by
Ketchum and Company, is used as a guide for goals and
policies which decision makers may use in the
implementation of heliport facilities in the Ciry of
Federal Way's Transportation Comprehensive Plan.
This plan identifies key elements which should be
considered as part of the next phase and the public
discussion on options to pursue. It advocates that the
following questions be evaluated in making the decision:
Economic - When will the development for emergency
and commercial uses of heliports be justified?
Environmental - What will the noise ef�ects be and will
mitigation measures be sufficient to meet community
interests?
Operatronal - Does the faciliry work in terms of air
operations and routine maintenance? And, does the area
accommodate the physical needs of such flights?
Finally, in selecting candidate sites, a sequential process
of narrowing alternatives would be employed. Fifteen
large zones would be evaluated, initially using general
criteria. Then, the "short listed" zones would further
screened for specific sites capable of supporting a
heliport facility. The Heliport Master Plan provides an in
depth site selection matrix and is provided for use in this
decision making. The results of a preliminary evaluation
in the HMP is shown inMap III-16.
III-69
Helicopter Landing Areas
LEGEND
1. Fly Wright Company Landing Area
2. Fly Wright Company Landing Area
3. 336th St. Medical Transfer Point
4. Fire Station #8 (Emergency)
5. 272nd St. Pazk & Ride (Emergency)
6. Thomas Jefferson High School (Emergency)
7. Twin Lalces Golf Course (Emergency)
8. Federal Way High School (Emergency)
9. Woodmont Elementary School (Emergency)
10. Weyerhauser Corporate Landing Area
11. Green Gables Elementary School (Emergency)
12. Fire Station #3 (Emergency)
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Recommended Heliport
Siting Areas
LEGEND
— — — — City Limits
� � � � Most Compatible Region
With Heliport Development
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The Heliport Master Plan recommends the following:
■ The Ciry appoint a representative to the Puget
Sound Heliport System Plan (PSHSP) Adyisory
Committee, which is investigating a system of
heliports.
■ St. Francis Hospital consider an emergency heliport
on its properry for a trial period.
■ The Federal Way Fire District eliminate its policy of
attending each ambulance/helicopter transfer at
Weyerhaeuser.
■ Appropriate agencies establish an EMS-only
heliport.
■ Identify primary medical helicopter transfer points
by a Global Positioning System (GPS) points and on
Airlift Northwest helicopter navigational computers.
■ The Ciry develop a heliport ordinance/code section
consistent with the PSMSP and Puget Sound
Helicopter Emergency Lifesaver Plan (PS/HELP).
■ The City of Federal Way participate in the
PS/HELP.
Transportation Goais & Policies
Goal
TG8-
a. Support the area's economy by assuring residents
and area employers access to a full range of travel
modes, including intercity airport facilities, while
matntaining the quality of life reflected in the plan
vision.
b. Provide guided opportunities for the improvement
ofheliportfacilities and services in and around
the Ciry.
Poticies
TP76 Continue to represent the community in
matters pertaining to the regional airport(s).
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Transportation
TP77 Promote extension of fixed guide way facilities
to the regional airport as an ef�ective means of
resolving congestion problems that affect City
residents and businesses.
TP78 Finalize and adopt guidelines for short range,
local area rotor craft faciliry installation and
use. These will be designed to minimize noise
and safery risks and recognizing the
jurisdiction of the Federal Aviation
Administration.
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3.8 FREIGHT AND GOODS �
Transportation related decisions can have a significant
impact on freight and goods movement, affecting the
economic competitiveness of local and regional
businesses. When freight and goods movement was
confined mostly to rail on sepazate right-of-way, there
was not a great need to include freight and goods in
urban planning processes. That situation has changed.
Today, even at the local level, our dependence on trucks
for deliveries has been heightened. Industry's adoption
of "just-in-time" inventory systems and increasingly
populaz over-night small pazcel services, as limited
examples, have increased demand for limited roadway
space. Combined with increased urban (commuter)
congestioq trucks are not able to perform their role in
the economy as efficiently as they did a decade ago.
The general approach to transportation planning has
failed to systematically consider freight and goods
movement needs. Recent state and national legislation,
encouraging such an approach, recognizes that local
government has long played a role in managing this
component of our transportation system.
At the local level, development standards assure the
provision of adequate on-site facilities such as loading
docks; the width, frequency, and location of driveways;
the turning radius at intersections for curbs; and
pavement standazds to carry trucks and bus loads. Other
government actions include restriction of oversized
vehicles on roads and bridges that cannot support their
weight or size, and the designation of truck routes.
Similar activities can be found at the regional and state
levels.
111-72
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Transportation
Local Level Needs/Opportunities
Federal Way displays a unique set of circumstances with
respect to freight and goods movement. An under-
standing of its history, as well as current issues and
projects, can contribute to adoption of appropriate long
term policies and action strategies.
While extensive truck and rail oriented development has
not taken place in Federal Way, freight and goods
movement, primarily by trucks passing through the Ciry,
has obviously had its impacts, Situated between the
major urban centers of Tacoma and Seattle, the Federal
Way planning azea has been influenced by four major
arterials. Military Road, the original arterial through the
area, still displays the benefits of a design aimed at
accommodating heavier freight and goods vehicles. Its
concrete road sections no longer carry large numbers of
pass-through truck traffic. It now provides local access
for truck deliveries to established neighborhoods.
Until the national freeway system was developed in the
1960s and 70s, Highway 99 was the next arterial to
serve as the truck route through the azea. Today SR 99
provides a distribution function, mostly for delivery
purposes, but also affording access to such regional
facilities as the US Postal facility just west of Pacific
Highway near South 336th. Along its southem sections,
crossing into Pierce County, truck drivers fmd an
alternate route to a congested I•5.
Today, the major roadways for freight and goods
movement into and through the area are provided by I-5
and, to a lesser extent, SR 18. As the regional economy
has grown, the volume of truck traffic along these
arterials has increased. Today, the highest concentration
of regional truck traffic passes through Federal Way's
section of the I-5 corridor. As pointed out in the
following sections, the volume of this traffic influences
congestion as well as economic competitiveness. Map
III-17 depicts the City's truck route plan, including
existing and proposed truck routes.
Regionai Activities
Trucking centers in Federal Way include the Evergreen
Center which has SR 99, SR 18, and SR 161 on three of
its sides and Ernie's Center on SR 99 at South 330th.
These facilities cater to this important segment of our
economy, the movement of freight and goods.
Looking toward the future, several regional road projects
may affect freight and goods movement through the
area. Improvements along I-5, which will make truck
traffic more efficient, include truck climbing lanes in the
South Center area. At present, there are major points of
delay for peak hour traffic. Trucks arriving on I-5 and on
SR 18 just east of I-S from I-405 have problems, since
they are not able to approach the hill climb at posted
speed and delay other travelers, many of whom are
headed to Federal Way. Perhaps one of the most
significant improvements proposed in the region's
Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), is the
improved connection of SR 167 with I-S at Fife and into
the Port of Tacoma. The current industrial development
in the area of the Port masks the growing importance of
the Green River Valley, both as a transportation corridor
and as a generator of freight and goods movement.
Increasing accessibility to the SR 167 corridor will
provide an alternate route for truck based freight and
goods movement. Hill climbs from the valley floor,
either along I-5 or SR 18, might be avoided, relieving
capacity problems along these facilities. It is unfortunate
that complemented improvements at the north end of SR
167 at its interchange with I-405 are not anticipated at
this time.
SR 509 is being studied for consideration of an
extension, possibly tying back to I-5 at South 272nd
Street. This route will open an alternate route to the Port
of Seattle's international freight facilities, as well as to
provide access to the airport industrial complex. To the
extent that this new route's design considers impacts to
I-5, SR 99, and local street system in Federal Way, it
provides great benefit to Federal Way.
Other long range actions which will af�ect freight and
goods movement in this north-south corridor include
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS}—with
improved (truck) vehicle identification, and commuter
rail service in the Crreen River Valley. ITS features
(described in greater detail under Demand Management)
will be incorporated into the "high tech," I-5 corridor
being designed under the state DOT's Venture Program.
Advanced communication systems will allow better
detection of slow-downs, accidents, and even hazardous
vehicles moving through Federal Way, which certainly
affect the City's local residents traveling these regional
facilities.
To the extent that Commuter Rail service in the Valley
can avoid impacting freight and goods movement, it is
viewed as a positive step in the direction of providing
III-73
Through T� Route Plan
LEGEND
E�usting Truck Route
� Proposed Additional
Truck Route
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Transportation
high capaciry transit to the south end of the region. Care
must be taken to avoid forcing a shift in cargo carrying
capacity from rail to truck in the south county corridor.
Highway commuter needs warrant keeping this "traffic"
on rails.
Consistent with the requirements set at the federal level,
PSRC and WSDOT are focusing increased efforts
towards understanding freight and goods movement and
identifying solutions to problems faced by local,
regional, state, and international shippers. Using studies
by the Port of Seattle and WSDOT, PSRC and the
Economic Development Council have established a
Freight Mobility Roundtable. The Roundtable will
convene key carriers, producers, and consumers, as well
as nationally recognized consultants on the topic. This
effort is seen as setting the pace for other areas azound
the country. The Roundtable efforts will be linked with a
series of other efforts by the Regional Council,
including:
■ Building a commodities flow database;
■ Identifying current and future problem azeas that
inhibit or restrict the effective movement of freight
and goods;
■ Recommending road, intermodal, and other system
� improvements to address these problems, while
meeting federal and state Clean Air Act strictures;
and
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■ Developing planning guidelines for use at the local
level.
The benefits of supporting these regional activities will
be maintenance of accessibility for City residents and
businesses.
Local Needs
Within the City, continued growth of local truck traffic
can be anticipated. Densification of the urban core, along
SR 99 and South 320th, as well as the South 348th
corridor, will lead to increased numbers of trucks along
primary arterials.
Street design standards and road classifications adopted
under this plan will assure that new and rehabilitated
facilities aze built to appropriate standards. Where
pavement, bridge, and neighborhood traffic management
systems, or planned land uses indicate that roadways
cannot handle truck traffic, designated truck routes will
be adopted to protect eausting investments and assure
continued quality of life.
With the enhancement of neighborhood centers, truck
deliveries may increase as consumer activiry shifts to
these azeas. While localized neighborhood intrusion is
unlikely, isolated cases can be managed using traaf�c
calmixig techniques.
To accomplish effecdve planning and management of
freight and goods movement in the area, trat�c
monitoring (volume counts) will include vehicle
classification, allowing the
patterns of use to be better understood. Another
technique which can be employed to assure adequate
consideration of truck needs is the involvement of those
industries and businesses generating the traffic in
roundtable discussions, such as the regional activities
described above.
Goals and Objectives
Freight and goods movement is recognized as a vital link
in the chain of local and regional economies. Yet, the
characteristics of larger vehicles (trucks in the case of
Federal Way) can produce significant impacts to area
mobiliry, livability, and infrastructure. With these
factors in mind, the Ciry adopts the following goals and
strategies.
Goal
TG9 To improve movement offreight and goods
throughout the region and within the City,
while maintaining qualiry oflife, realizing the
vision of our comprehensive plan, and
minimizing undue impacts to City
infrastructure.
Objectives and Strategies
■ Cooperate with state and regional agencies in
identifying freight and goods movement needs of azea
employers.
� ill-75
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Transportation �
■ Provide or encourage improvements which enhance
the movement of goods and services to businesses in
the greater Federal Way area.
■ Encourage interests to view Federal Way as a viable
resource area for ancillary freight and goods activity,
drawing upon its excellent location along the I-S
Comdor, other State Routes, and proximity to air
and port facilities.
■ Establish revised code requirements and a
designated truck route system that accommodates
the needs of both the private sector and residents.
■ Discourage the use of road facilities by vehicles
carrying Hazardous Materials and those with
weight, size, or other characteristics that would be
injurious to people and property in the City.
■ Adopt revised code provisions which aclrnowledge
the characteristics of modern trucks and provide a
balance between movement needs and quality of life.
■ Support regional transportation projects which are
appropriately designed and will preserve the
capacity of I-5 and State Routes.
■ Involve major generators of area &eight and goods
movement in discussions to identify their needs and
priorities as part of improvement programming.
Objectives
■ Encourage the planning and construction of improved
regional highway, rail, and marine facilities in the
azea of the Port of Tacoma.
■ Coordinate with local business organizations, and
provide feedback on intemational and regional
transportation issues and on transport needs and
opportunities related to all modes of transportation.
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3.9 MARINE
The City of Federal Way has no marine facilities to be
addressed in the plan. However, its proximity to the Port
of Tacoma and the support role it can provide to its
facilities is recognized and the following goals and
objectives are proposed.
Goais and Objectives
Goal
TG10 To foster the development of the local
economy for Federal Way residents and
employers as may be possible through access
to regional marine facrlities.
■ Encourage international relationships, such as our
sister-ciry relationship with Hatchinohe, to foster
marine related trade.
3.10 IMPLEMENTATION
STRATEGIES
Provision of transportation facilities and services
requires the timing of new projects to meet the needs of
the community. At the same time, e�sting facilities must
be maintained and the public's investment protected,
maximizing the life of the infrastructure. The purpose of
this section is to describe various strategies available to
the City to implement the preferred transportation and
land use plan .
The Preferred Plan proposes a balanced investment
among modes of travel, increasing the commitment to
travel by transit, ridesharing, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
This strategy may create somewhat higher levels of
roadway congestion near transit centers, but will provide
more travel options for those who choose to use other
modes of travel. Growth management requires an
implementation program which earmarks suf�cient
financial resources, while putting into place a
Concurrency Management System to regulate the pace
and scale of new growth within the communiry.
The implementation plan for Federal Way focusses on
the next six-year time period within which to forecast
needs and to identify reliable options for transportation
funding. In reality, the City's implementation program
began in 1990 at incorporation. During the past five
years, several major transportation improvements have
been completed or will soon be operational. While these
improvements have occurred, the actual City growth rate
has been lower than projected, thus creating fewer im-
pacts on the transportation system. Since the City also
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Federal Way Comprehensive Pla� - Transportation
has modest growth expectations over the next six years,
the proposed transportation improvement program for
1996-2001 is expected to maintain reasonable levels of
service on the arterial highway system.
At present, the Ciry's system is provided by a variety of
agencies. The Ciry operates, improves, and maintains
most of the streets and roadways, although the State
operates the freeway (I-5) and selected State arterials
within City limits. Private development may construct
various local street improvements, which then become
the properly of the public and must be maintained by the
City. The City is also responsible for the management of
the transportation system, which includes the setting of
standards for design, maintenance and operations, and
review and approval of modifications.
Transportation Improvement Program
The Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) counts
on strong coordination with other agencies to help
fmance needed improvements on the state highway
system, facilities in adjacent jurisdictions, along with
expanded transit services provided by Metro.
Map III-18 shows, and Table III-191ists, the Ciry's TIP
for 1996 to 2010, as of June 1995. Most of the projects
listed in the table have been identified throughout the
planning process and reflect differing degrees of
evaluation. They provide a usable estimate of trans-
portation needs for matching broad estimates of forecast
revenues. For programming purposes, these projects
have been prioritized using the methodology below.
Project Prioritization
Prioritization is part of the process associated with
implementing projects in the order most needed. It is a
tactical effort to detemune the sequence of events to
meet strategic goals, as summarized in the Trans-
portation Improvement Plan (TIP). To determine the
sequence of improvements in the City's TIP, several
factors had to be balanced. These included consideration
as to when improvements would be needed, the City's
ability to compete for funds, as well as providing
improvements across motorized and non-motorized
projects. Nine factors used to rank projects are shown as
follows.
Factors Used in Prioritization of Improvements
Transportation Effectiveness
1. Citywide reduction in congested VMT.
2. Corridor Congestion relief (volume%apacity).
3. Enhanced Safery.
Alternative Modes
4. Transit HOV Supportive.
5. Non-Motorized Supportive.
Environmental
6. Air quality improvement.
Implementation
7. Cost Effectiveness.
8. Ease of Implementation.
9. Community Supportive.
A project was given a rating for each factor on a scale of
0 to 4. The ratings were then summed across all of the
factors to produce a total "score" for each project.
Projects were prioritized in order of highest to lowest
score.
Plan Highlights
The projects and programs listed in Table III-19
represent a broad range of multi-modal transportation
improvements. Key system investment features include
the following:
■ Transportation System Management improvements
along key arterials, including installation of new
traffic signals at needed locations.
■ Several miles of roadway improvements.
■ New arterial extensions on new alignments.
■ Regional HOV lanes along I-5 and SR 99.
■ Transit centers at the Ciry Center (South 316th and
205th), and on SR-99 at South 336th, South 272nd,
and South 356th Street.
■ Expansion of local transit service, according to
Metro's six-year plan.
■ Non-motorized investments for pedestrians and
bicycles along major corridors.
■ Substantial funding for ongoing road maintenance
and annual programs, including overlays, bridge
replacements, minor capital improvements, and
neighborhood safety.
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TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PLAN (TIP) - 1996 TO 2010
STREETlfRAFFIC COMPONENT
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S 316th & 20th S- SR 99 to S 320th - Widen to 5 lanes
"" 14th Ave S- S 312th St to S 316th St Rin R- Access for
S 372th St - 23rd Ave S to 28th Ave S- Widen to 3 lanes
SW 320th St at 47th Ave SW - Si nalize
1st Ave S- S 348th St to S 356th St - Widen to 5 lanes
S 288th St at 20th Ave S- Left tum lane
S 336th St at We erhauser Wa S- Safe /Re-ali n intersecl
1st Ave S Extension to SR 99 - Road Extension
'" S 308th Street Connection - 8th Ave S to Sth PI S
S 312th St at 8th Ave S- Si nalization
S 336th St at 20th Ave S- Left tum lane
S 312th St - 28th Ave S to Milita Road I-5 ove ass
SW 340th St at Hovt Rd SW - Left tum lanes. sianalize
NON-MOTORIZED CIP PRIORITY PROJECT LIST
*" BPA Trail Phase II - 1st Ave S to SW Cam us Dr
'" BPA Treil Phase III - SW Cam us Dr to SW 356th St
Milita Rd S I-5 N to I-5 S C' Limits
S 312th St - Dash Pt Rd to SR 99
SR 99 - S 283rd St to S 373rd St
Weyerhauser Way S- S 320th St to S 349th St
361,770 1,164
417,698
71
743,729
7,659,015 7,
1.253.063 1,
1
1 3,185,871
i6 8,910,177
2 13,935,099
9 14,780,188
4 17,847,595
8 18,321,453
9 19,065,182
5 26,724,197
3 27,977,260
8 28,197,718
0 28,451,118
2 42,142,320
0 42,649,120
5
0
0 umulative Tota
0 594,000
0 2.507.000
0
TOTAL CITY EXPENDITURES 7,485,892 6,560,108 10,656,471 8,111,726 ' 11,108,203 13,342,573 7,460,779 137,421,136 202,146,888
0
REGIONAL CIP PRIORITY PROJECT LIST 0 umulative Tota
SR 99 HOV - S 272nd St to S Dash Point Rd - Construct HO 4,016,330 4,750,745 11,432,074 20,199,149 20,199,149
SR 99 HOV - S Dash Pt Rd to S 312th St - Construct HOV la 2,375,372 3,196,063 8,397,043 13,968,478 34,167,627
SR 99 HOV - S 312th St to S 320th St - Construct HOV lane 1,352,180 1,908,418 3,950,427 7,211,025 41,378,652
SR 99 Hov - S 320th St to S 340th St - Construct HOV lane 4,580,200 18,226,000 22,806,200 64,184,852
SR 99 HOV - S 340th St to S 348th St -Construd HOV lane 17,104,500 17,104,500 81,289,352
SR161-interchan e I-5 with Collect. Dist. for SR18 & wide 3,105,000 10,712,250 26,609,229 40,426,479 121,715,831
"" Trensit Center - C' Center SR 99-5 316th 5,068,000 5,068,000 126,783,831
*' SW 336th Transit Center SW 336thSR 99 3,801,000 3,801,000 130,584,831
"" Park 8 Ride - 21st Ave SW at SW 344th St 2,475,770 6,350,221 8,825,991 139,410,822
"' Park & Ride and Trensit Center - SR 99 vicin S 272nd St 10,136,000 10,136,000 149,546,822
"" Park & Ride and Transk Center - SR 161 vicin' S 356th St 10,136,000 10,136,000 159,682,822
SR 18 Westbound Truck Climb Lane 0 0 159,682,822
Dash Pt Rd - SR 99 to 1st Ave S- Widen to 3/5 lanes • 2,534,000 2,534,000 162,216,822
S 316th St Extension to West Valle H 635,500 635,500 t62,852,322
S 321 St at Peasle Can on - Add left tum lane 3,167,500 3,167,500 166,019,822
Dash Pt Rd -1st Ave S to 21st Ave S- Widen to 3 lanes 2,534,000 2,534,000 168,553,822
S 272nd St at Star Lake Road - Left tum lane 1,013,600 1,013,600 169,567,422
S 320th St at We erhauser Wa - Add IeR tum lane 946,449 946,449 170,513,871
Milka Rd S- S 320th St thru Peasle Can on Wa - Widen 3,167,500 3,167,500 173,681,371
S 320th St at Milita Rd S- Add tum lanes 743,729 743,729 174,425,100
S 312th St - Milka Road to 51st Ave S- Bikelanes, Sidewal 3,167,500 3,167,500 177,592,600
Milka Rd S- 31st Ave S thru S 320th St - Widen to 3 lanes • 3,167,500 3,167,500 180,760,100
S Peasle Can on Rd at Peasle Can on Wa S- Safe 341,460 341,460 181,101,560
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SW Dash Point Rd at 47th Ave SW - Signalize 508.067 508.067 181.609.627
0
=GIONAL NON-MOTORIZED PRIORITY PROJECT LIST 0 umul
Ifta Rd - S 260th St to I-5 481,460 481,460
lita Rd - 31 st Ave S to SR 161 3,674,OU0 3,674,000 4
320th St - I-5 to West Vallev HwY 190.000 190.000 4
GRAND TOTAL ="`"•`•":'• 17,272,358 39,741,470 18,478,277 18,234,320 29,322,890 22,346,440 232,115,328
" Note: Projects identfied in the 1995 Bond Issue. These projects were selected to address safety and congestion in various areas of the City for a total of $7.5 million.
"` Delete hom the TIP to derive Arterial Street improvement Plan (ASIP)
Note: 1) Projects which are pianned to be compieted between 2002 to 2010 and beyond are estimated in 2002 dollars.
2) Annual programs are inflated at 3% per year.
0
I August 30,1995 (TIP952.WQ1)
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Transportation
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Maintenance and Operations Funa�ng strategy �
Planned expenditures of $7,710,407 for the proposed
transportation inveshnent program will be for
maintenance, operations, and annual programs within
the Ciry. Maintenance of the existing system is critical to
the success of the Comprehensive Plan and the abiliry of
the Ciry to accommodate increases in jobs and housing.
The maintenance of the existing network, along with
low-cost traffic management actions, will improve the
system's ability to move people and goods without
making significant changes to the overall travel patterns
or physical dimension of the streets. While several
roadway capacity expansions aze being proposed, most
of the Ciry's future street network is already in place. It
will carry much higher volumes of traffic, which will
contribute to increasing maintenance requirements,
which are included in the above total maintenance and
operation costs.
Financing
The purpose of a transportation fmancing strategy is to
develop an adequate and equitable funding program to
implement transportation improvements in a timely
manner. Without adequate funding the transportation
plan cannot be implemented in an efficient and cost-
effective manner. Furthermore, the inability to fund
transportation projects could result in unacceptable
levels of congestion. The fmancing program recognizes
various user groups, including tr�c from existing and
future Ciry of Federal Way development, and regional or
sub-regional traffic.
Funding sources are not fixed and require annual review
and re-programming. Where non-city funds are sought,
the City's projects may be competing for limited funds.
Without attention to financing requirements, the
operation, maintenance, and expansion of the trans-
portation system will not occur in a timely fashion.
Funding Needs
Given that the City has only been incorporated since
1990, there is not a long history of fmancial expenditure
which can be reviewed. The needs forecast through the
planning process call for $319,262,923 in total funding
needs, as listed in Table III-19.
Already implemented in Federal Way is a portion of its
funding of long term transportation improvements under
this Comprehensive Transportation Plan. The following
improvements, begun in 1990, have been or will be
completed by/in 1996:
■ South 348th Street, SR 161 to SR 99.
■ SR 161, South 348th to I-5 Overpass.
■ 16th Avenue South, SR 99 to South 348th Street.
■ South 356th Street, 21st Avenue SW to lst Avenue
South.
■ South 320th Street Corridor Signal Interconnect, I-
5 to lst Avenue.
■ SR 99 Comdor Signal Interconnect, 272nd to
356th.
■ South 348th Corridor Signal Interconnect, SR 18 to
lst Avenue South.
■ BPA Trail Phase 1& 2, South l lth Street to
Campus Drive South.
■ Numerous traffic signal installations and upgrades.
In addition the Ciry just passed a$7.5 Street/Tr�c
Bond to improve 10 major projects (see TIP list, Table
III-20, for projects).
These projects, when combined with the Ciry's
commitments over the next six yeazs, will help maintain
an acceptable level of transportation mobiliry for
residents and businesses.
Table III-20 summarizes the Ciry's current fmancial
plan through the Yeaz 2010. Annual revenues and
expenditures aze estimated for each of the first s� years
of the plan, while the latter ten years are aggregated.
Since the City's existing resources aze limited, there will
be a significant reliance upon new City resources, grants,
and other agency grants to balance the transportation
program needs over the planning period.
Funding Sources
Funding sources for operation and expansion of the
City's transportation system fall into several categories.
Some sources consist of reliable annual funds, others are
periodic, such as grants, and some are available options.
The use, availabiliry, and applicability of these various
sources is not always at the discretion of the City. Most
sources have limitations imposed by either the enabling
legislation or City policy.
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June 23, 1995 (tiprev.wql)
Table III-20
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PUBLIC WORKS STREET/TRAFFIC COMPONENT
REVENUE/EXPENDITURE SUMMARY
1995 1998 1997 1998 t999 2000 2001 20002-2010 Total
GRAND TOTAL 10,778,213 17,322,541 �,354,240 18,885,507 18,234,320 28,322,890 22,348,440 234,935,870 �0,358,821
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The following two categories of funds are available to
fund TIP:
1. ExistingAnnual Sources_ The Ciry has control over
the establishment and programming of a variety of
funding sources which have been enabled by State
legislation. Currently the Ciry utilizes the following
options:
City General Funds: The general fund was
� established to provide services typically offered
by local governments, and derives its funding
primarily from local tax sources. The general
� fund provided $960,814 to the street fund in
1995.
� State Motor Fuel Tax: The Street Fund was
established to account for the receipt and
disbursement of state levied un-restricted motor
� vehicle fuel taxes which must be accounted for in
a sepazate fund: $1,114,805 was budgeted in
1995.
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Restricted State Fuel Tax: The Arterial Street
Fund was established by state law to account for
the use of state shared fuel tax revenues
dedicated for this purpose: $536,550 was budged
in 1995.
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax (MVETI: Motor
vehicle excise tax is collected on motor vehicles
at the time owners purchase their vehicles
licenses. Cities are allocated 8.83 percent of the
total amount collected by the State, which is
distributed on a per capita basis. The 1995
budgeted amount was $1,309,035.
Vehicle Registration Fee: A vehicle registration
fee was approved in 1993 by the State
Legislature to address transportation needs
within growing communities. The 1995 budgeted
amount was $611,906.
Transportation Development Charges (SEPA
Miti ation : The City is assessing traffic impact
mitigations for new development as a part of
SEPA review. The mitigation amount is based
upon the percentage of traffic, directly
attributable to the new development, that uses the
facility which is the subject of each needed City
improvement project. That percentage is then
multiplied by the cost of that improvement
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Transportation
project. The resulting amount is the portion of the
cost of each improvement that is to be paid by the
owner of the new development. Over the last four
years, the City has averaged $19,000 per year.
Other Minor Services: These include Committee
Trip Reduction (CTR), revenues, and street use
pernut fees.
2. OtherPeriodic orAvailable Sources: Additional
funding will be generated through other sources.
Some are currently utilized, others may be used in
the future. Funding also is derived from outside
sources (State, Federal, County, Metro) and often
requires application.
Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiencv Act
STEA : This is a federal program designed to
improve transportation system that helps air qualiry
and relief congestion.
The City has averaged about $400,000 per year
over the last four years.
State Transportation Im�rovement Board (TIB)
Fund: Another State wide transportation fund
available to local agencies for roadway
improvements. Over the past four yeazs the City
has averaged about $650,000 per year
Street Utility Tax: The City may levy a street utility
to fund up to 50 percent of the City's budget for
street maintenance, operation and preservation.
These charts aze based on the number of
households and employment (FTES) within Federal
Way. The maximum rate that can be charted an
owner or occupant of a residential household is two
dollazs per month. This is expected to generate
over $1.3 million dollars in 1996 if approved.
Bond Issue: A written promise to pay a specified
sum of money at a specified future date. Bonds are
typically used for long term debts and to pay for
specific capital expenditures.
Traffic Impact Fees: A traffic impact fee ordinance
can be established to provide regulatory mitigation.
The fee could take into account such elements as
the benefits or impacts of developments in various
sub-areas of the City, impacts at key locations,
changes in congested VMT in sub-azeas, projects
that promote alternative transportation, buses, car,
� Ill-84
Federel Way Comprehensive Plan - Transportation
and van pools, etc., and development incentives
for increased public facilities investments,
especially in azeas such as the City Center.
Traffic impact fees would be based upon actual
direct impact of new development on the
transportation system.
acceptable transportation system performance
conditions, and the community's long vision for
land use and transportation. The City has identified
probable financial capabilities, anticipated system
performance conditions (level-of-service), and has
proposed a roster of transportation investments and
programs that implement the Comprehensive Plan.
Concurrency
The transportation chapter of the Growth Management
Act (RCW 36.70A) requires each city and county
planning under GMA requirements to incorporate a
Concurrency Management System (CMS) into their
comprehensive plan. A CMS is a policy to determine
whether adequate public facilities are available to serve
new developments. In this manner, concurrency balances
the transportation investment program with land use
changes envisioned by the City over the next several
years.
Legislative Requirement
The transportation element section of the Washington
State GMA reads: `Zocal jurisdictions must adopt and
enforce ordinances which prohibit development
approval if the development causes the level of service
on a transportation facility to decline below standards
adopted in the transportation element of the compre-
hensive plan, unless transportadon improvements or
strategies to accommodate the impacts of development
are made concurrent with development (RCW
36 70A.070). "
The phrase "concurrent with development" means that
public infrastructure improvements and strategies
required to service land development be in place, or
fmancially planned for, within six-years of development.
In Washington State, the transportation CMS's must
include all arterials and transit routes; but may include
other transportation services and facilities.
Concurrency Management
The Plan presents an allocation of estimated available
transportation resources matched to planned
improvements which are scheduled over the planning
period. With the general estimates of costs, revenues,
and timing for construction, as required by the Growth
Management Act, the Plan predicts the acceptance of
development permits that are consistent with its policies.
The GMA requires that a contingency plan be outlined
in case the City should fail to obtain the resources
anticipated to make the necessary transportation
improvements to maintain the adopted LOS standards.
This analysis is sometimes termed "plan-level
concurrency." Strategies for maintaining or rectifying
adopted LOS standards in the event of a budget shortfall
include the following:
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■ Increase the level of funding commitments in �
subsequent years;
■ Review and adjust the City's overall land use �
vision to lower the overall transportation demand;
■ Reprioritize improvements to address system �
capacity needs as the highest priority; and
■ Modify (i.e., lower) the LOS standard to match
available resources. �
Regulaz updating of the Comprehensive Plan and
Transportation chapter will afford opportunities for the
City to modify the LOS standard or to secure other
funding sources necessary to implement the capital
improvements needed to maintain the adopted level of
service standazd.
Concurrency Testing
The application of concurrency for transportation «„
assures that improvements and programs for accom- state law requires that a concunency test be applied to
modating planned growkh are provided as development all development proposals as a condition of granting a
development permit. A concurrency test compares a
permits aze issued. The concurrency strategy balances proposed development's need for public facilities and
three primary factors: available fmancial resources,
III-85
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services to the "capacity" of the facilities and services
that aze available to meet demand. Other questions that
need to be addressed are at what point in the
development process does concurrency apply, what
types of development pemuts are subject to the
concurrency test, and if fees should be chazged for
concurrency testing to cover staff and administrative
costs associated with the testing.
Federal Way's approach is to implement transportation
improvements and programs that it can afford to fmance.
These improvements and programs are based upon the
Comprehensive Plan, which includes a level-of-service
standard for the transportation system. The primary
purpose of the Concurrency Management Program is to
allocate available resources based on the timing and
location of development, and to assess mitigation fees
based upon each new development's share of the
improvements that aze planned in the sub-area within
which it is located. Level-of-service measures the out-
come of and progress toward the planned growth rate.
Concurrency Management and SEPA
While Concurrency requirements are similar in many
ways to the requirements of the State Environmental
Protection Act (SEPA), there are some important
differences, as follows:
■ Concurrency requirements are more demanding; if
con-currency is not met, denial of the project is
mandated.
■ Concurrency is based on a Level-of Service (LOS)
standard; SEPA has no specific standazd as its
basis.
■ Concurrency requirements only apply to capacity
issues; SEPA requirements apply to all
envuonmental impacts of a project.
■ Concurrency has timing rights related to
development; SEPA does not.
Therefore, concurrency does not replace SEPA, but
rather becomes an integral part of a comprehensive
program that relates private and public commitments to
improving the entire transportation system. SEPA will
focus primarily on site impacts that could result in
additional transportation requirements in specific
Federal Way Comprehensive P�an - Transportation
instances (particularly access to the site or impacts in the
immediate vicinity that could not have been anticipated
in the overall transportation investment strategy for the
system). Concurrency conclusions in this
Comprehensive Plan do not excuse projects from SEPA
review. However, they do address major system
infrastructure issues that must be properly administered
under both SEPA and the Growth Management Act.
Monitoring
The cycle of managing transportation facilities and
services has recently been expanded. Emphasis is now
being placed on monitoring the transportation system to
assure that the communiry's vision, as reflected in the
Comprehensive Plan, is being met.
In addition, all projects that are complex in nature or
involve significant capital expenditures have a value
engineering study performed in order to select the most
cost effect altemative. As a part of the project
implementation phase, all projects are required to be
reviews and approved by the City Council at the 30
percent, 85 percent, and 100 percent design phases.
In the past, transportation planning merely forecasted
expected growth in demand and sought ways to provide
the needed capacity. Today, Federal and State level
legislation place requirements (and authority) on the
Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) to monitor
aspects of the transportation land use process. For
example, Federal congestion management systems
require a regional performance monitoring system. The
PSRC is currently developing such a monitoring system
which is expected to provide key information on the
achievement of plan goals and objectives. Within this
context, Federal Way may be called upon to monitor
local actions including:
■ Project Implementation (versus planned
improvement program).
■ Program Status and Implementation (e.g., CTR
programs).
■ Policy Adoption (versus those called for in the plan).
■ Motorized and Non-motorized Traffic Volumes and
Vehicle Occupancy on local facilities (versus that
forecast by the Ciry plan).
m-ss
Faderal Way Comprehensive P�an - Transportation
■ Land Use Development Approvals or Density
Pattems (vs. plan-anticipated growth).
■ Parking data such as pricing, policies, and
management.
Concurrency management requires the City to monitor
the progress of transportation improvements against the
impacts of growth occurring within the community. This
test will be crucial in measuring the ongoing perfor-
mance of the Comprehensive Plan over the coming
years.
Summary of Implementation Goals
and Policies for Transportation
Cazeful management is recognized as the key to fruition
of the Comprehensive Plan's vision. The transportation
system has multiple users and multiple funding sources.
The implementation plan for Federal Way focusses on
the next six yeazs within which to forecast needs and to
identify reliable options for transportation funding. The
actions needed during this period take into account
transportation investments the City has undertaken since
incorporation, combined with realistic expectations of
growth. The City currently conducts value engineering
on large construction projects and should continue to do
so. All construction projects will be presented before the
City Council at increments of 30 percent, 85 percent,
and 100 percent for review and approval.
In emphasizing multiple modes of travel, it is recognized
that resources will have to be spread and balanced
among modes. In achieving this goal, the City should
undertake various strategies to implement its
transportation plan by 2010. The near term efforts
should focus on projects to: 1) mitigate safety problems;
2) preserve and protect the existing infrastructure; 3)
expand multiple modes of travel and assure access for
the transportation disadvantaged; 4) mitigate localized
traffic congestion problems; and 5) expand the system
for new growth. These actions are expected to maintain
reasonable levels of service on the arterial highway
system during this period. All major projects will be
presented before Ciry Council at increments of 30
percent, 85 percent, and 100 percent for review and
approval.
Investment Focus
■ Emphasize eazly investment in lower cost
Transportation Systems Management actions aimed
at improving the performance of the existing street
system. Actions will include intersection spot
improvements, new and coordinated traffic signals,
and neighborhood traffic management.
■ Identify and preserve necessary rights-of-way at the
earliest opportuniry.
■ Work with transit providers to promote expanded
local and regional bus services and to encourage a
transit supported land use pattern.
■ Expand current park and ride facilities and develop
support programs to encourage use by Federal Way
residents.
■ Create a core street network in the Ciry Center with
a by-pass circulation route for through traffic and
express transit.
■ Develop and apply cleaz development standards to
obtain necessary infrastructure changes as property
develops.
■ Improve the pedestrian environment Citywide, with
special focus along SR 99 and the Ciry Center.
Focus on safe and efficient pedestrian facilities and
improve the abiliry of pedestrians to safely travel
throughout the community.
Implementation Process
■ Work closely with adjacent local agencies and
preferably, prepare interlocal agreements (especially
WSDOT and Metro) to formally establish
commitments for coordinated transportation
planning and implementation.
■ Develop a comprehensive Transportation
Investment Strategy using a two-stage approach.
The first stage should be an updated six-year
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), the
second stage being a long-range comparison of
transportation needs and revenues through 2010 and
beyond.
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■ Work towards obtainu�g new funding sources that:
have the greatest local control for utilization on the
most pressing local transportation needs; have the
least strings attached; minimizes staff time for
obtaining and reporting on the use of the funds; are
received on a regulaz (such as monthly) basis; are
predictable; inflation adjusted; and can be counted
on for long term fmancial project planning.
■ Formally establish a process for prioritizing,
designing, financing, and monitoring the completion
of transportation system projects and programs.
Identify clear departmental roles and
responsibilities.
■ Monitor the status of the transportation system so
� that progress towards the Plan's vision can be
assured and improvements are in place in time to
meet forecast demands.
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■ Develop a Concurrency Management Strategy for
the City that facilitates the full integration of the
programming and administration of transportation
improvements, services, and programs with the
Comprehensive Plan.
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Transportation
■ Assure that transportation system improvements are
programmed to be available for use within six years
of development pennit approval if level of service is
forecast to be excceded within the subazea of the
permi�
■ Monitor and make adjustments as needed to
transportation level-of-service standards� and
approach based on growth rates, comprehensive
plan amendments, and fmancing for projects.
■ Integrate a transportation impact program within the
development mitigation structure.
■ Work with the regional bus providers to promote a
transit-supported land use pattem.
■ Program projects to: 1) mitigate safety problems; 2)
preserve and protect the existing infrastructure; 3)
expand multiple modes of travel and assure access
for the transportation disadvantaged; 4) mitigate
localized tr�c congestion problems; and 5) expand
the system for new growth. �
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Economic oeveiopmern
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Federal Way Comprehensive Ptan - Economic Development
4.0 INTRODUCTION
he Growth Management Act (GMA) includes
economic development as one of its basic goals
and it is a theme that runs throughout the Act. It
considers the need to stimulate economic development
throughout the State, but requires that these activities be
balanced with the need to protect the physical
environment. It encourages the efficient use of land, the
availability of urban services, and the fmancing
strategies necessary to pay for infrastructure. Finally, the
Act mandates that communities do their planning and
then provide the zoning and regulatory environment so
that appropriate development can occur. It recognizes
that while the public sector can shape and influence
development, it is the private sector that generates
community growth.
The Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC), has also
adopted region-wide goals and objectives to guide
multiyurisdictional transportation and land use policies
that will be implemented through local comprehensive
plans. Economic development is implicit in many of the
goals and objectives of VISION 2020. The VISION
2020 strategy emphasizes that continued economic
stability and diversity is dependent upon public and
private sector collaboration to identify needs, such as
infrastructure and land, and to invest in services that will
promote economic activity. VISION 2020 also
emphasizes that the stability of the regional economy
increases when it develops and diversifies through the
retention and strengthening of existing businesses and
the creation of new business.
King Counry, through its growth management planning
policies and process, re-emphasizes the economic
development implications of growth management. The
Countywide Planning Policies promote the creation of a
healthy and diverse economic climate. The Policies
describe the need to strengthen, expand, and diversify
the economy. They encourage protection of our natural
resources and enhancement of our human resources
through education and job training. The Countywide
policies also speak to the need to make an adequate
supply of land available for economic development by
providing necessary infrastructure and a reasonable
permitting process.
Within this policy framework, Federal Way has outlined
a vision of its economic development future. Its vision is
to transform itself from a suburb of Seattle into a
diversified and self contained city (Map IV 1). However,
in doing so, it is important to realize that Federal Way is
part of the larger Puget Sound economy, and therefore
this transformadon will depend on the market forces at
work within the larger region. To achieve ttus vision, the
City must diversify its employment base by adding
professional and managerial jobs, and by improving the
balance between jobs and households in the City. The
potential is there. Federal Way's unique location
between the two regional centers of Seattle and Tacoma,
both with large concentrations of population and large,
successful ports, and its relationship within the Central
Puget Sound region represent significant opporiunities.
The City is also home to Weyerhaeuser's Corporate
Headquarters and West Campus Office Park, one of the
premier office park azeas in the region.
The City's economic development vision is based on: 1)
economic and demographic analysis completed as part of
the comprehensive planning process; 2) market analysis
of long-term real estate development in Federal Way; 3)
interviews with realtors and properiy owners; 4)
synthesis of real estate and development trends in the
Central Puget Sound area; and 5) review and comment
from the Planning Corrunission.
4.1 THE ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT VISION FOR
FEDERAL WAY
The vision for economic development in Federal Way is
a focused economic development strategy intended to
build a diverse economy and to achieve a better jobs and
housing balance. The strategy encourages or speeds up
the trends and transformations that aze already occurring
in this community. The major objectives of the strategy
include the following:
■ Provide a better balance between housing and jobs.
■ Diversify the economic base by encouraging higher
paying white collar and technical jobs while
preserving and enhancing the strong retail base.
■ Create horizontal mixed use employment sector
growth in the South 348th Street area in the near term
(1990-2000).
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Economic Development
■ Create Corporate and Office Park employment sector
growth in East and West Campus in the mid-term
(1995-2010).
■ Redevelop and improve the quality of the mixed use
development along Pacific Highway South from
South 272nd Street to South 356th Street (1995-
2010).
■ Add more businesses relative to the number of new
housing units.
■ Take advantage of its location with respect to the
Ports of Tacoma and Seattle, as well as the SeaTac
Intemational Airport.
■ Public and private sectors in the Federal Way area act
cooperatively and aggressively to attract firms.
■ Create mid-rise, mixed use employment sector
growth in the City Center in the long term (2005-
2020).
■ Encourage qualiry development throughout the City
to attract desirable economic development in Federal
Way.
■ Maintain and improve the qualiry and character of the
existing residential neighborhoods.
■ Promote high quality, higher density residential
neighborhoods in the Highway 99 corridor in close
proximity to jobs and good public transportation.
Future Regional Role for Federal Way
■ Encourage economic development diversity by
aggressive pursuit of regional economic activity
■ Maintain its share of local resident-serving retail and
services, and increase its shaze of regional, national,
and international oriented business firms.
■ Increase its capture of region-serving office
development.
■ Emphasize redevelopment and land assembly through
the I-5/SR-99 corridor, especially in the City Center,
as well as the 348th and 336th areas.
■ Transform the City Center into the focal point for
commercial and community activities, as well as a
major transit hub.
■ Diversify the local economy to provide quality office
and business park space.
■ Generate more demand for hotel room-nights through
growth in business park and office space.
■ Actively pursue relationships with cities in other
parts of the Pacific Rim region for trade, commerce,
and cultural advantage.
Retail Areas
■ SeaTac Mall and other regional retailers within the
City expand to meet the demand and become more
competitive with other regional retailers.
■ High-cube, high•volume retail in Federal Way
increases faster than population. Costco, Home
Depot, and Eagle Hardware are typical examples of
this recent retail trend.
■ Growth in resident-serving retail occurs in existing
commercial nodes and in redevelopment areas along
SR-99.
■ Neighborhood scale retail development keeps pace
with population growth.
■ Pedestrian-oriented retail development emerges
gradually in the redeveloped City Center.
■ Small amounts of retail use occurs on the ground
floor of offices and residential buildings, as well as in
business parks.
■ Neighborhood scale retail development emerges in
response to growth in multi-family concentrations in
the I-5/SR-99 corridor and new single family
development on the east side of I-5.
■ Old, outdated strip centers along the SR-99 corridor
redevelop as a mix of retail, office, and dense
residential uses.
iv-2
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
SOUTHWEST KING COUNTY
AND
N�RTH PIERCE COUNTY
SUB-REGION
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
LEGEND
FEDERAL WAY C]TY LIM]TS
P❑LITICAL/STATE BOUNDARY
STATE HIGHWAY
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The City of Federal G/ay makes no warranty as to its accuracy.
pN� ��
GI5 DIVISION
MAP IV -1
SCALE� l" = 30,000'
DATE� DECEMBER 1995
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Office Development
■ West Campus area builds out by 50 percent from
current levels.
■ Offices of regional, national, and/or international
fuYns locate in West Campus, and East Campus ad-
jacent to the Weyerhaeuser Corporate Headquarters.
■ Ciry Center becomes an aclrnowledged oflice area.
■ Garden, high-rise and mid-rise office space, and
modem industrial buildings increase rapidly in areas
with land assembled for business parks and in
redeveloped retail azeas.
■ Office development is integrated with retail,
residential, and business pazks.
■ Federal Way attracts corporate headquarters.
■ Scattered, old offices are replaced with newer uses.
Business Parks
■ High-amenity, high quality business parks accelerate
capture of the Southwest King County real estate
market as an altemative to the Green River Valley.
■ West Campus builds out 33 percent more business
pazk space.
■ Business park land is assembled and able to capture
and redevelop a net 75 percent increase in space,
primarily in the SR-99/I-5 corridor around 344th and
SR 18/SR-99 to 356th.
■ Business pazks contain a mix of uses in and among
buildings as dictated by the market for high quality
space.
■ One-owner, integrated, campus-like high amenity
areas aze encouraged for corporate headquarters and
modem research/development of high technology
uses east of I-5.
■ The City of Federal Way works with other agencies
to provide services for education and training, as well
as social services and other remedial programs for the
underemployed and the unemployed.
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Economic �evelopment
■ Development of technical and research space
increases in East Campus.
Residential Areas
■ High quality residential areas are important for
attracting and retaining businesses.
■ Federal Way will evolve by increasing local
employment relative to residential units.
■ A range of housing types, densities, and prices allow
the broad spectrum of employees to live near their
work and recreation.
■ The City of Federal Way encourages integration of
high- density housing with retail and other uses,
especially along SR-99 and in the City Center.
4.2 SUMMARY OF EXISTING
CONDITIONS AND TRENDS
Income
Federal Way's demographic characteristics are typical of
new suburban communities. However, compazed with
other communities in South King County, Federal Way's
residents are more affluent, with higher than average
incomes and education achievement. In 1990, for
example, Federal Way's median family income
($38,311) was neazly 20 percent higher than any other
Southwest King County community. Thirty-two percent
of all families in Federal Way earned more than $50,000
annually. In other Southwest King County communities,
this figure ranged from 18 to 26 percent. Conversely,
only about 25 percent of all families in Federal Way
eamed less than $25,000 per year. In other South
County communities, this figure can be 33 percent or
more.
Economic Base
Federal Way functions as an established and expanding
"snb-regional center" for both housing and economic
activities. Its current economic base is composed of
retail trade, which is 34 percent of total employment,
i►.Q�
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Economic Development
and service industries, which are 31.8 percent of total
employment. The remaining 34 percent of employment
is from manufacturing industries. This contrasts with the
Southwest King County region in which 43 percent of
employment is in manufacturing, most of which is with
or related to operations of the Boeing Company or is in
wazehouse/distribution.
Federal Way is primarily a bedroom community. It has
more households than jobs and as a result, provides
more workers to the region than it attracts. The City's
employment base grew rapidly during the 1980's,
increasing by 61 percent. During that same period, its
residential population gew by 94 percent.
Federal Way's retail base is diverse and attracts
customers from outside the City limits. Its market share,
however, is relatively low compazed to other Southwest
King County communities. Although SeaTac Mall
captures a good deal of the Southwest King Counry
region's general merchandise trade, a high percentage of
the local populace goes elsewhere to shop for
automobiles, building materials, and furniture. The ratio
of retail sales to the City's population and income is
relatively low, but it still attracts more in retail sales than
goes to other areas. Federal Way's shaze of Southwest
King County service business (2.9 percent) is well below
any of its neighboring cities, except Des Moines.
Housing
One of Federal Way's strengths is the range and quality
of its housing stock. The qualiry, quantity, and range of
options for housing are major factors in business siting
decisions. In the 1990 census, Federal Way's housing
was valued slightly higher than other Southwest King
Counry communities, but lower than the average of all
King County housing. Median value of owner- occupied
homes in Federal Way was $118,800 in 1990. This
contrasts with median values in neighboring Southwest
King County cities of $91,500 to $107,100 and
$140,100 for all King County.
Compared with the cost of owner occupied housing,
rental housing is somewhat more expensive. While
single family houses remain Federal Way's dominant
housing type, the majoriry of housing starts in the late
1980's were multi Multi units as a
percentage of all housing units increased from less than
10 percent in 1970 to nearly 40 percent in 1990. During
the late 1980's, there were twice as many multi-family
housing units constructed in Federal Way than single
family housing units. From 1990 to 1992, pernutting of
multi-family construction stopped, and single-family
construction slowed to about one-third of late 1980
levels. As a result, rental housing costs are higher in
Federal Way than both the Southwest King Counry and
the Countywide average. The 1990 median monthly
rental rate for Federal Way was $476, while the median
monthly rental rate for King County communities varied
between $398 and $458.
Federal Way's Regional Role
Federal Way's position in a regional context includes
several contradictory characteristics. On the one hand,
Federal Way is an emerging sub-regional center; on the
other, it still has some chazacteristics associated with an
outlying suburban or even rural azea. Federal Way is
characterized by:
■ High-quality single and multi-family residential
azeas.
■ A range of housing that includes very modest tract
homes, manufactured dwellings, and large luxury
water&ont homes.
■ Auto-oriented, suburban scale regional, and
community shopping centers and strip centers.
■ Corporate headquarters.
■ A single high-quality business and office park—West
Campus.
■ Little developed space for quality business, flex-tech,
and of�ce pazks.
■ Semi-rural areas, wildlife areas, truck stops,
recreation- amusement pazks, areas without utilities,
and much vacant open space.
■ A waterfront primarily occupied by high-quality
homes, but not particularly accessible to the public.
■ Many marginal commercial areas with redevelopment
potential along SR-99 which aze vestiges of a prior
era.
The non-residential areas of Federal Way reflect a
community that has the ability to absorb higher density
(more compact) uses and greater development as growth
in the Central Puget Sound region continues. And even
though Federal Way is a new City in a suburban azea,
much of its future will be tied to redevelopment and
transformation.
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Industrial and business park space available to rent in
Federal Way is a minuscule shaze of the Southend-Green
River-Seattle market area (0.5 percent). The South King
County industrial area (including industrial pazks,
business parks, and flex-tech hybrid business/office
pazks) is currently the strongest real estate market in
Westem Washington.
According to several major real estate research
publications, the industrial areas of Seattle, Crreen River
Valley, Eastside, Everett and Fife/Tacoma comprise one
of the strongest and fastest growing azeas in the U.S.
The Ciry of Federal Way is in a major strategic position
to capitalize on this trend. Federal Way is located at the
intersection of I-5 and SR-18 with easy access to the
Port of Tacoma, Port of Seattle, and SeaTac
Intemational Airport.
In addition, issues in the Green River Valley (the
existence of wetlands, lack of developable land, rising
land prices, poor access to I-5, and contaminated sites in
older industrial areas) are to Federal Way's advantage.
Federal Way should be able to attract a broader mix of
land uses and economic activity to its redevelopment
areas, especially those neaz the intersection of I-5, SR-99
and SR-18.
West Campus - This development sets a standard in the
region and is one of the best examples of a true
mixed-use master-planned community in the Pacific
Northwest. The qualiry of development in this area is
decidedly different than elsewhere in Federal Way and
Southwest King County.
Office Development - The relatively small amounts of
qualiry office space available for rent in Federal Way
comprises 11.2 percent of that available in the South
King County market area. The South King County office
market has been dominated by Boeing's space needs.
That feature is slowly changing. Only a small amount of
the South King County of�ice mazket is in buildings that
would be classed as mid-rise buildings, most of which
are located in SeaTac, Renton, and Tukwila.
The Rest - The remaining industrial, commercial, and
retail space in Federal Way is typically a jumble of
isolated and lower to average quality development
scattered along Highway 99. Such development masks
the quality of West Campus and the Weyerhaeuser
headquarters complex and could also slow the
transformation of Federal Way from a suburb into a
major sub-regional city.
Federal Way Comprehensive Plen - Economic Development
In sununary, Federal Way's position in both Central
Puget Sound and Southwest King County is the result of
its past and its strong current retail and residential role.
Much of the pre- and post- World War II highway-
related space that developed in the 1970's and 80's in
response to rapid population growth is now ready for
redevelopment. The West Campus and East Campus
areas will serve as a model for the quality of modern
commercial, off'ice, and business pazk space Federal
Way will need in order to attract its share of future
regional growth. Urban design and infrastructure in
other areas of Federal Way must be brought up to these
standards. In addition, the existence of lazge parcels of
land ownership in the 344/356th area and 312/324th
azea of the core corridor will give Federal Way a
development advantage.
Federal Way's Competitive Position
in Southwest King County Subregion
While many of the development pattems are set in the
Southwest King County sub-region, six cities are poised
for significant change. These six cities aze Auburn,
Federal Way, Kent, Renton, SeaTac, and Tukwila. There
aze several sources of uncertainty for each of these cities
related to strength of current major developments,
available vacant and redevelopable land, routing of
regional transit facilities, as well as community and
political support. Table IY-1 summarizes the major cur-
rent positions and pattems of challenge and opportunity.
In addition to these siac cities in Southwest King County,
Tacoma is an important competitor to Federal Way.
Tacoma is an older city that has been trying to improve
its downtown and image for more than a quarter century.
It has continually devoted its own funds, as well as State
and Federal grants, to stimulate economic development.
Tacoma has a strategic location on the highway system
and a strong port with much unrealized potendal. In
additioq both the City and suburbs have vacant and
redevelopable land, as well as relatively cheap accessible
land for residential development.
The Tacoma area faces challenges similaz to those
confronting the six cities of Southwest King County. In
addition to its port and relationship to international
commerce, Tacoma has the largest concentration of
office space south of Seattle and is second only to
Bellevue for office space outside of Seattle in
Washington State.
iv-s
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Economic Development
Table IV-1
Summa of Develo ment Potential in Southwest Kin Coun Cities
Curreot Niche -Induttrial area4 Regionai mall -Industrial land -Businaa parks -Airport niated Regional retail
-Vacant land -Weat Campus -Boeiog -Mid-rix offia -Redevelopable land -Boeiog
Regi�al mall -Haat Campua -Business parks -Mid-rise offix -Redevelopable lig6t
-WryerhaeuurHdq. -Vacantland industrial
-Vacant land � red- •Mid-riae offix
evelopeble land
Opportuoitka Pre�eooe ofBoeing -Weyuhseuser Bxiag facilitiea -Boeing & -Adjaxnt W SeaTac -Strnng retail ideMify
-Commuter nil -Wed Campus -Commuter rail PACCAR's mfg. & Airpac � cancm4ation
_Bs�blishea offia, Essc campus Es,.blishea offia. offia �mp�ex. I,.�JC ar►amcrty. xedev�i�c
business padcs & -Large oonoeotratioa busiMas parks � -Mid-riu buildingn -Major HCT'. Stetian pota�tial.
industrial aroas. of rdail industrial areas. Potential planned -Frxavay acceas
-Crou-va11eY highw'aY -Land assembled for -CYaas-vallry hwy. redevel�t areas. -0ne large strategic location at vas-ioads
C�ned� planned redevelopmenc Cormector planned paroel assembled I1i05Q-5.
-Sub-crnhal location -fuuae hwy. Cross- -Boeing officdmfg
between Pats of roads (I-S & SR509) complexes.
Tacoma & Seattle. from Seattle will open -Proximity W SesTac
-I-S/SR I8 crosuoads. acros f� office and Airport � w Port of
-HC'T stations businas parks. Seatile.
-Caarunuta rail
imenticipNed.
-Urb�n «nhr ia
anticipated W be �
Hig�t Capacity Transit
line.•
-Prnnit procas
reco�ized fa apeed
of dunaco�md.
Challeoga -Distance from I-5 & Distance to Pat of -L�nhial image. -Limited retail -Adjacent to SeaTac -Licnited vscant land
maj� aonomic Seaule -No prosped for HCT atVadi�s. Aiepo�t. f� b�uiness & office
concentiatians. -dispased -OH'-crnur ►ocatiai -Limited land for -Mauive parlcs.
-Low-scale developtnent paGem on SR 167 businas � office redevelopment Freeway eccma not
development -Not on mmmukr -Small land holdings puks• required. easy or obvious.
-0ffcmta location. rail. in CBD. -Senall land holdings -I.and assembly -Limited vacant land
-Wetlanda -Little market-quality -Wetlands in CBD. required. -No obviau centa w
busin�ss office parlc -Not mticipsted to be -Not on commuter focal point within
apaa outaide of West m High-Capaciry rail. Tu�wila
Campus. Tcansit line.
-Off-centec croas-
roads (I�305 & SR
16�
'NOTE: Ths Ciry ofTukwila has notyst besn designated to be on the High Capacity Transit lrne as eurrenUy npnssnted in t1�s ngronal transportatlon plan
In summary, any program of economic development for
Federal Way must monitor conditions and trends in
Tacoma and Southwest King County, and act decisively
and aggressively to increase the City's strategic position.
4.3 FORECAST OF ECONOMIC
GROWTH IN FEDERAL WAY
The growth forecasts used in the other chapters of this
plan are based on the PSRC regional forecasting model.
The PSRC uses an economic model to project regional
growth and then downloads growth projections to the
jurisdictions in the region. By contrast, the economic
forecasts prepared for this chapter used specific market
segments for retail, office, and business park develop-
ment to extrapolate future land and redevelopment
space needs. The process used for Federal Way was
based on an analysis of economic and real estate trends
in the region. In addition, the Federal Way forecasts
were based on assumptions consistent with the Vision
for Federal Way which is the basic concept for the plan.
The forecasts that evolved out of the technical analysis
of existing land use and economic conditions combine
both extrapolations of the future and assumptions about
Federal Way's vision. The forecast indicated moderate
growth in retail space consistent with Federal Way and
Southwest King County's population growth in the face
of more competition in the sub-region. Office and
business pazk space is expected to grow relative to the
region and sub-region. Federal Way is expected to
increase its capture of office space as well as tenants of
business pazk space. This forecast also assumes
aggressive planning and investment in infrastructure in
order to transform the communiry at an accelerated rate.
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Like all forecasts, these should be periodically monitored
relative to the real estate market conditions in South
King County and Central Puget Sound, and economic
conditions in Federal Way. In addition, the economic
development policies and underlying assumptions
related to local and regional decisions concerning
infrastructure, transportation systems, and land use
regulation should be carefully monitored. Federal Way's
forecast to the year 2015 is based on several key
assumptions which should be reanalyzed at least every
five years, along with trends and conditions in local
economic and real estate activity. The key assumptions
are:
■ Regional trends in population and employment are
at least as robust as the Puget Sound Regional
Council current estimates which are derived from
State and national long-term forecasts.
■ The Regional Transit Authority implements some
type of High Capacity Transit Plan including:
� ■ Improved bus service.
■ Traffic control measures.
■ Highway improvements.
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■ The Aubum Mall is moderately successful.
■ Local public and private sectors jointly fmance
adequate infrastructure.
■ The City adopts plans and policies that provide
appropriate development incentives and reasonable
processes to guide implementation of this
vision by the private sector.
■ The business and residential community supports
the vision with indirect political support for
necessary and timely infrastructure.
4.4 IMPLEMENTATION
Attributes of Successful Economic
Development Programs
Successful economic development programs typically
have the following attributes. First, they receive material
support and leadership from the mayor, City Council
and senior City staff. Second, the municipal leadership is
Faderal Way Comprehensive Plan - Economic Devalopment
willing to work creatively and cooperatively with private
sector leaders and businesses to accomplish economic
development goals. They have the ability and find the
resources to target infrastructure projects and programs
to encourage development or redevelopment of spec�c
areas. To do this, they work aggressively to secure State
and Federal funds for local public and private assistance.
Likewise, City staff are empathetic toward economic
development goals and Irnowledgeable about working
within City legal constraints, budget constraints, and
community tolerances to assist businesses and the real
estate development process. The staff also have the
ability to react and make decisions quickly and
consistently to provide assistance for private sector
dealings with the public planning and regulatory
processes. The staff's abiliry to link several programs,
team up with other departments, and leverage limited
funds allow them to take meaningful and effective
action. In addition, innovative techniques such as
Transfer of Development Rights, Planned Unit
Developments, and Concomitant Agreements to attract
and retain businesses, and streamlined permittixig
processes should be utilized to help improve economic
development.
The City's Role in the Economic Life
of a Community
In the State of Washington, the direct actions that cities
can take to impact economic development are severely
limited by the State Constitution and its interpretation.
Direct fmancial assistance through loans, grants, and tax
rebates aze severely limited or forbidden. Courts have
consistently ruled that the use of public funds and
actions to assist specific businesses, individuals, and
developments is unconstitutional in the State of
Washington. In addition, voters have reinforced this
position when they have had the opportuniry to authorize
tax increment financing. Occasionally, communities
have used this constitutional conservation to stunt
creativity with respect to local community economic
improvement.
Despite these constraints, there are a number of things a
ciry government can do with respect to economic
development activities. One of the most significant
direct actions a city can take is provide the necessary
infrastructure. This includes: 1) developing long term
facilities expansion plans; 2) designing the specific
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Economic Development
systems and projects; 3) raising or borrowing local funds
to finance the projects or act as a conduit for state,
federal, and intergovernmental funds; and, 4) fornung
public-private partnerships to jointly construct projects.
Second, a ciry can deliver high qualiry and cost effective
urban services. These necessary services include police
and fue protection, pazks, recreation and cultural
services, social services and job training, and a well run
land use planning and regulatory process. In addition, a
ciry can actively participate in public/private groups
designed to help businesses and the development
communiry as they work their way through the state and
federal regulatory processes.
Third, a city can directly impact economic development
by doing market research or by being a land owner and
developer. For example, a city could develop, maintain,
and disseminate data and analysis on local development
conditions and trends, as well as monitor important
trends and assumptions upon which plans, programs,
and strategies aze based. In additioq a city can buy land,
aggregate parcels, and make necessary improvement so
that it is ready for new development or redevelopment.
This also allows a city to joint venture with a private
sector partner if that is appropriate.
In terms of indirect roles, a city can act as a facilitator to
convene public and private entities to work on issues of
local importance and reach consensus. Prepazation of a
comprehensive plan is an example of this important
indirect action. A city can act as a representative of local
residents and businesses interests in resolving regional
and Countywide problems such as traffic congestion,
housing, and human service issues. A city can also
mobilize local community support for important projects
and problem-solving; and work to improve the overall
image of the community and in doing so, make the
community more attractive for economic development
General Approaches to an Economic
Development Strategy
There are basically three local economic development
strategies which impact the level of private business
growth in a community.
expansion and retention of businesses that are
already located in the communiry. A city's role in
this strategy is to help businesses resolve problems
so that they can expand locally rather than move to
another community. Problem resolution includes
helping a business find a lazger more suitable site,
work through a land use or zoning regulation
problem, or access necessary infrastructure. This
strategy typically has low to moderate cost
implicarions and a high probability of success.
■ Second, the relocation of firms from other parts of
the country or new plant locations are rare and do
not account for a significant share of local
employment growth relative to overall employment
growth in the United States. Typically, local govern-
ment attracts new business to their community with
direct fmancial incentives. This strategy has high
risk for the number of successes and has a high cost.
■ Third, new businesses that are the result of new
business start-ups, spin-offs from existing local
firms, and new business ideas and technologies are
another effective way that communides increase
employment and businesses withixi a local area.
Local government encourages new business
formation usually through indirect methods. This
strategy has moderate-to-high costs depending on
actions and low-to-moderate degree of success.
Federal Way is an important communiry within the
region. Its economic importance has historically been
associated with the size of its population and strategic
location. Federal Way has the same package of economic
assets and liabilities that attracts firms to the Pacific
Northwest. Most "footloose" firms searching for a new
location will select a region or state, then select a
specific location. Federal Way can most affect this site
selection and community growth process through its
influence on the supply of real estate. The "supply side"
approach is consistent with State law, traditional
community tolerance for assisting business in
Washington State, and the range of fmancial demands on
most local jurisdictions.
Human Resource Programs
■ First, studies of employment growth experience in � addition to the economic development strategies
local communities in the United States show that the �scussed in the previous section, human resource
lazge majority, of new jobs are generated by programs are another general way whereby cities can be
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effective at economic development. These programs are
often not included as part of an economic development
program because they focus on assisting people rather
than businesses. However, improving and remediating
human resources is an important long run approach. The
previous three general approaches to economic
development strategies try to raise revenues, reduce
costs, or reduce risks for business location, facility
investment decisions, and operating decisions of
businesses.
Human resource programs make a community attractive
to new and existing businesses by improving the local
labor force. Components of a human resources program
include: 1) providing temporary support for
underemployed workers, unemployed workers, and their
families; 2) providing job trairung and retrauung to
improve an individual's abiliry to enter or remain in the
work force; 3) creating refenal and other programs that
allow labor resources to become more mobile and to
respond to information about job openings; and, 4) by
providing social service programs that meet the needs of
community residents who are temporarily not able to
participate in the economy. Federal Way could use its
existing Human Services program working with local
social service agencies and educational institutions to
deliver these programs, with a focus on helping residents
who aze underemployed and unemployed.
Economic Development Strategy For
Federal Way
As with many cities, Federal Way will have limited
funds with which to pursue its economic development
goals. The City will have to use its resources in a
focused and prioritized manner to have a positive impact
on the local economic base. Table IY-2 summarizes how
Federal Way will implement an appropriate economic
development strategy.
Since it is difficult for a local community with limited
fmancial resources to stimulate "demand-side" factors
for its land and locatioq the actions required to
implement the recommended policies use "supply-side"
oriented methods to stimulate industrial and commercial
development. Implementation of a supply side strategy
should increase the City's opportunities to capture a
larger shaze of regional real estate market activity,
resulting in a stronger, more diverse economy, tax base,
and quality of life in Federal Way. There aze several
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Economic Development
"supply side" tools that local govemments control. They
can use these tools to prepare the supply of available
developable land and infrastructure for economic
growth. These actions include:
■ Assembling land for redevelopment.
■ Reducing or balancing the supply of land by
enacting zoning that reduces the supply of marginal
or ill-located lands.
■ Enacting favorable land use regulations.
■ Minimizing uncertainty in local regulatory
processes.
■ Offering assistance in state and federal permitting.
■ Streamlining the pennitting process.
■ Mobilizing community support by working with the
private sector to actively encourage the retention and
expansion of existing businesses as well as bringing
in new development, businesses and jobs to the
communiry.
■ Seeking opportunities to promote the community by
working with the private sector to build consensus
on community opportunities and goals.
■ Funding the City portion of public/private groups to
allow them to do an effective job in marketing the
community.
■ Providing leadership to motivate and convene local
human and financial resources.
■ Using the local tax base and debt capacity to finance
public infrastructure that could accommodate or
stimulate private development.
■ Sponsoring projects, and acting as responsible party
to receive any available funds that may be provided
by State and Federal agencies.
The economic development strategy for Federal Way
will use these "supply-side" oriented methods to
stimulate industrial and commercial development. Most
studies of economic development have shown that 60 to
80 percent of new employment growth in a communiry is
derived from businesses that are already operating in the
community. These studies also attribute a significant
amount of local employment growth to the formation of
new businesses that are spin-offs from existing lazger
firms. These new fums may be started by employees
who have new ideas, new processes, or technologies that
are not appropriate for or valued by the parent firm.
iv-�o
Federal Way Comprehensive Pian - Economic Development
Table IY-Z
Economic Development Areas and Actions
Sub Area of Who Initlates Whst Land Uses Are How Are They
Federal Way Action Encouraged Encoura=ed Reasons Ti�nin=
PRIMARY ECONOMIC AREAS
City Center Public w/ Mid/high-rise office. RTA Station. To increase caphue of Emphasis 5-10
private wppoit MF residential. In-fill infi�astructure. rogional gowfh. (20) yeara.
Civic%ultural. Urban design regulations &
Pedestrisn-orirnted retail. incentives.
Public atnenities.
344tkt to Public w/ Mix of low rise office 8c light
356t1�/SR99 private support. industry.
••Big boa�' retail.
Regulalions that encourage
high-quatity design.
Aggessive in&asWdure
investrnent
Sub-area EIS 8c CIP.
Captun the current Emphasis 0-S
markd strength in bu- (10) Years•
siness 8c indus4iat psrk
uses in Southwest King
�Y•
Wat Campus Cutrent land Buildout & maintain quality. Facilitate buildout. Wat Campus, one ofthe Ongoiog in
owners. Assist maintenance of highest quslity master responae W
. public areas. planned developments in market
the Pacific NoithwesL
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East Campus Weyerhaeuser High�uality coiporate & office Cooperative city planning Large land owim with In response to
Cotp. parks. & in6as4udure policies. visioq resources, & track roarket & '
rawrd. cwiporate actions.
Grneratc demand for
CBD & business parks.
336th linkage: Public w/ High density MF.
four primary private supporL Low rise office.
economic dvpt Supportive retail.
areas. Public amenities.
Old Hwy 99 Pub6c w/ High capacity 8c business related.
outside of main private suppo�t. High de�uity MF residential.
economic areas. Low rise office.
Auto-oriented retail.
Neighborhood commercial.
Economic Development Goals
The Ciry of Federal Way will not wait for mazket forces
to create the future, but will act to shape and accelerate
the evolving mazket trends in the direction of its vision.
The City will pursue the following goals to implement
economic development.
Goals
EDGl The City will emphasize redevelopment which
transforms the City from a suburban to an
urban area.
EDG2 The Ciry will encourage concentration of non-
residential development into four primary
areas:
I.and use & capital
improvemrnts for gadual
redevelopmenUin-fil l.
Traffic development
Land use 8c capital
improvements fa gadual
redevelopment & in-fill.
Development &om traffic.
Provide a range of ho-
using 8c support services
dt retail for a;onomic &
residential areas.
Mixed-use development in the azea around
348th and SR-99
High-quality business pazk development,
including corporate headquarters, continued
in and around West Campus.
�Iigh-quality corporate headquarters in a
pazk-like campus setfing east of I-5.
EDG3 The City will help facilitate redevelopment of
existing neighborhood commercial centers in
the SR-99 corridor and the 336th area between
West and East Campus.
Economic Development Policies
Provide housing & su-
ppod services for
eoonomic areas.
As appropriate �
for market
As appropnate �
for market
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■ Mixed-use development in the City Center
(312th and 320th, SR-99 to I-5).
Transfomvng the City Center and business park areas
will require the implementation of the following policies:
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EDPS The City will complete designs for public
' infrastructure to be jointly funded by the City
and private land owners.
� EDP6 The City will work actively to formulate ways
for joint public-private funding of
infrastructure.
EDPl The City Center and business park areas will
receive special attention in the Comprehensive
Plan.
EDP2 The Ciry will initiate a process to master-plan
these sub-azeas jointly funded by public and
private entities.
EDP3 The Ciry will initiate a process to develop
high-quality urban design and infrastructure
standards for these areas.
EDP4 The Ciry will complete environmental impact
statements for these two sub-areas so that EDP15 The City will develop an aggressive public
specific projects that aze consistent with the safery program designed to protect residents and
sub-area plan may only require an businesses.
environmental checklist.
Federal Way Comprehensive Pla� - Economic Development
EDP12 The City will fund its portion of the
public/private groups to allow them to do an
effective job in marketing the community.
EDP13 The City will adopt design guidelines to enhance
the urban environment to retain and attract
businesses and residents.
EDP14 The City will adopt streamlined pernutting
processes consistent with State and Federal
regulations to reduce the up-front costs of
locating businesses in the City.
EDP16 The City will encourage strong public and
private leadership to solicit community support
for internal and external funding assistance.
EDP17 The City will periodically monitor local and
regional trends to be able to adjust plans,
policies, and programs.
� EDP18 The City will actively work with representative
EDP7 The City will develop zoning and fmancing graups of business and property owners,
incentives that encourage prioritized including the Chamber and other local business
' development consistent with comprehensive and associations, to enhance citywide and sub-area
sub-area plans and orderly, phased growth. improvements and planning.
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EDP8 The Ciry will utilize innovative planning
techniques such as Transfer of Development
Rights, Planned Unit Developments, and
Concomitant Agreements.
EDP19 The City in conjunction with the local business
communiry will actively pursue ties to Pacific
Rim nations.
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EDP9 The City will utilize innovative financing
techniques such as Local Improvement
Districts, and Industrial Revenue Bonds.
EDP10 The City will mobilize communiry support by
� working with the private sector to actively
encourage the retention and expansion of
existing businesses as well as bringing in new
, development, businesses and jobs to the
communiry.
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EDPl l The City will promote the communiry by
working with the private sector to build
consensus on community opportunities and
goals.
EDP20 The City will work with appropriate local and
regional human resource and social service
agencies to provide programs for
underemployed and unemployed persons in the
community.
EDP21 The City recognizes the importance of cultural
and recreational activity to its economy and
through the Arts Commission and Parks
Department will pursue joint ventures with
private groups and individuals in developing
cultural and recreational opportunities.
EDP22 The City will encourage the expansion of
existing and development of new multi-purpose
facilities to host cultural and recreational
activities.
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Economic Development
The foregoing policies will assist the City of Federal
Way to pursue an accelerated transformation toward the
community's vision of its future.
Table IY-3 describes the four major employment,
economic activiry azeas of the Ciry that will receive the
bulk of future commercial and industrial development.
The table summarizes the chazacteristics, location, and
planning process required as well as the major
transformation required. The major public and private
actions required for each area are listed.
The Land Use and City Center chapters of the
Comprehensive Plan describe these four azeas in more
detail. Table IV-3 describes the current ownership
pattern and major activities where the City will act
affirmatively to transform these areas so that an
increased share of regional growth will be attracted to
the Ciry. In the azeas of multiple ownership, control and
implementation of the community's vision will require
more explicit ef�ort and resources from the Ciry
government. Both West and East Campus have, or will
develop, their own high standards for qualiry of the new
development.
The type of development expected to occur in each of
the four major economic zones important to Federal
Way's vision is related in Table IY-4. Also related in the
table aze who the main competitors will be for each of
these four areas. The land use policies and regulations
for each area should accommodate and encourage these
activities. These policies and regulations are discussed in
the Land Use, City Center, and Transportation chapters
of the Comprehensive Plan. �
Table IY-3
Develo ment Zones: Descri tion
Vertical Mized City Master-Planned Master Planned Horizontal Mized-
Area 312th/320th West Campus East of I-5 344thl356th
Ownership Divecse Diverse Single Diverse
Planning Joint Public/Private Private cmphasis Private Emphasis Joint Public/Privatc
Major Transformation Retail to office emphasis & Infill and continuc Vacant to high quality Scattered industrial
Activity includes hotels. Vend since 1974. corporate headquarters & retail to quality
high tech. mixed used.
Major Public Actions ,
Comprehensive Plans C C C C
Subarea Plans C Private Private C
Design Standards C Privatc Private C
Environmental Impact Analysis C C C C
Infrastructure Planning C C C C
Infrastructure Design C Private Private C
Financing Joint Private Private Joint
Eaamples Seattle CBD West Campus Redmond Willows Road High Tech Corridor
Denny Regrade High Tech Corridor Harbor Pointe Renton
Bumaby BC Tukwila
Bellewe Kent
Tacoma Aubum
Portland L wood
c=City initiates and leads aceion
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Economic Development
Table IV-4
Develo ment Zones and Land Use
Market CY�rrent Vertical Master- Master- Horizontal
Se�ment Characteristics Competitive M1zed Planned Planned Mi=ed-Uee
E:amples City Mued Corporate Basinas
Center Campas Parlc Parlcs
RET'AIL
High Cube Freeway access Moderate amenities 348th & SR18 V
High Volume Cheap Iand/space
Festival High density population & employment Pike Place V
Regional draw Market
Retail & rastaurants Bellewe Square
Mall stores Westlake Center
Edmonds
LaComer
Employment & High suto or pedestrian Uaffic Southcenter V V V V
Resident Tacoma Mall
Supporting Aubum
Mall Rapidly growing population Southcenter V
Mall-like Freeway access Tacoma Mall
Hotel Serves employment centers SeaTac Only at
Provides meeting space Tukwila &eeway
Tacoma i�section
OFF7CE
Garden •Heavy landscaping Older Bellewe V V
•Low pedestrian levels Redmond
•Low/mode[ate in/out V�c
•Small business/professional & business Renton &
se�vices, FIRES Tukwila along
•Serves local & mgional business aRerials
•Auto oriented
•Residetrtial ateas close
Mid-rise •Larger tenants, sub-regional8c regionat Bellewe V V V Occasionally if
•Moderate landscape Tukwila park of Masfer
•Moderate in & out Renton Plan
•SmalUmedium business services, Lynnwood
mediaUdental FIRES Queen Anne
•Branch offices Lake Union
•Surface parking or on deck Elliott Way
•Some Vansit Factoria
Freeway
interchanges
High •Pedestiian Vaffic •High amenities Seattle V V
Rise/Higher •Public transit •Larga businesses Bellewe
•Moderate traffic •Professional services SeaTac
•Headquarters, branch officxs RenWn
•Regional serving F.I.RE.S.
•Underground or deck parking
BUSINESSPARKS
•Auto/truck oriented •Warehouse/retail High Tech V V
•Cheap land •Govemmerrt offices Corridor
•Employment density Eastside
•Manufacturing assembly Renton
•Office IocaUregional Tukwila
•Professional & business service Krnt
•Distribution & service L wood
IPQiC!
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Housing
5.0 INTRODUCTION
his chapter was prepared in conjunction with the
Land Use chapter of this Comprehensive Plan.
Together they provide a holistic view of how
housing stock may be expanded and improved to meet the
City's housing needs over the next 20 years. The
emphasis of tlus chapter is on preserving the high quality
of e7cisting residential neighborhoods while improving
housing opportunities for low income families and
persons with special housing needs. These housing needs
were identified in a Housing Needs Assessment which the
Ciry completed in the Fall of 1993, and are summarized
in this chapter.
The Growth Management Act (GMA) requires that
housing issues be addressed in both the Land Use and
Housing chapters. To gain a full picture of how new
housing will be provided in Federal Way, both chapters
should be read. As a general rule, the Land Use chapter
describes what densities will be pernutted in the various
neighborhoods of the Ciry and makes recommendations
for how new residential neighborhoods should be
designed so that they aze a positive addition to the
community. The Housing chapter focuses on the demand
for new housing, the availability of a range of housing
types and sryles, and on the housing needs of low and
moderate income families, special needs populations, and
the homeless.
5.1 LEGAL CONTEXT
Washington State Growth
Management Act
In preparing its comprehensive plan, GMA requires cities
to, "...encourage the availability of affordable housing to
all economic segments of the population and to promote a
variety of residential densities and housing types." It also
encourages "preservation of existing housing stock." The
Act discourages conversion of undeveloped land, "...into
sprawling, low-density developments." (RCW
36.70A.020, 1990 Supp.)
GMA requires that the Housing chapter include:
■ An inventory and analysis of existing and projected
housing needs.
■ A statement of goals and policies for housing
preservation, improvement, and development.
■ Identification of sufficient land area for the number
of needed housing units, including government
assisted housing, housing for low income families,
mobile/manufactured housing, multifamily housing,
and special needs housing. This defines the amount
of land that the City must designate for housing in
the Land Use chapter.
■ A strategy and policy for meeting the housing needs
of all economic segments of the community.
■ Encouragement for innovative land use management
techniques to enhance affordable housing
opportunities, including densiry bonuses, cluster
housing, planned unit developments, and transfer of
development rights.
Affordable Housing Inventory
A 19931egislative amendment requires that all cities and
public agencies develop an inventory of public properties
no longer needed for use and which may be available for
affordable housing. The inventory is to identify individual
properiy locations, size, and current zoning category.
Public agencies include all school districts and the State
departments of Natural Resources, Transportation, Social
and Health Services, Corrections, and General
Administration. The inventory is provided to the
Washington Department of Community, Trade and
Economic Development (CTED) and is to be updated
annually by November 1. The inventory is available from
CTED upon written request (RCW 35.21.687).
Accessory Dwelling Units
The City is required by the State Housing Act of 1993 to
include provisions for accessory housing. To allow local
flexibility, the provisions are subject to such regulations,
conditions and limitations as determined by the City
Council (RCW A.63.230). Consistent with the adoption
of this Comprehensive Plan, the City prepared and
adopted accessory dwelling unit provisions consistent
with the State's mandate.
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Multi-County Policies
In response to GMA, the Puget Sound Regional Council
(PSRC) adopted regional housing policies. These policies
promote fair housing access to all persons regazdless of
race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age,
national origin, family status, source of income, or
disability. Policies seek to strengthen interjurisdictional
efforts for fair distribution of low and moderate income
and special needs housing.
PSRC policies seek to provide a diversiry of housing
types to meet needs of all economic segments of the
population. Jurisdictions should promote cooperative
efforts to ensure that an adequate supply of housing is
available throughout the region. Each jurisdiction should
work at preserving existing affordable housing stock and
providing access to public transit for the residents in such
housing. Policies promote development of institutional
and fmancial mechanisms to provide housing neaz
communiry centers. They also encourage consideration of
the economic impact of regulations and development of
regulations which do not burden the cost of housing
development and maintenance.
Countywide Policies
In 1994, King County adopted Counrywide Policies for
affordable housing that promote a"rational and
equitable" distribution of affordable housing. The
policies establish numerical housing targets which each
city should accommodate and specific targets for housing
affordable to households earning less than 80 percent of
the County's median family income. Local actions to
encourage development of affordable housing may
include, but are not limited to, providing suf�icient land
zoned for higher housing densities, revision of
development standards and permitting procedures,
reviewing codes for redundancies and inconsistencies,
and providing opportunities for a range of housing types.
Additionally, all jurisdictions should participate in a
cooperative, Countywide effort to address current low
income housing needs. Initially, this effort will include
identifying a Counrywide funding source and Countywide
programs to address housing needs that cross
jurisdictional boundaries and benefit from Countywide
application.
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Housing
Other Countywide housing policies require jurisdictions
to evaluate existing subsidized and low cost housing
resources, and identify such housing that may be lost due
to redevelopment, deteriorating housing conditions, or
public policies or actions. Jurisdictions should develop
strategies to preserve existing low income housing and
provide relocation assistance to households that may be
displaced due to public action. For jurisdictions such as
Federal Way, which have elected to have an urban center,
the Countywide planning policies provide that the center
be planned to accommodate a minimum of 15 dwelling
units per acre.
All jurisdictions should monitor and report on various
aspects of residential development within their
communities. They should define annual targets for
housing development and preservation, and track
progress in achieving Countywide and local goals for
housing all economic segments of the population. The
County's Growth Management Planning Council
(GMPC) is charged with determining whether
development of housing for all economic segments of the
population is satisfying housing needs. If new housing
falls short of ineeting the Countywide need for housing,
and particularly affordable housing, the GMPC may
recommend additional actions.
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Implications for the Housing Chapter �
In summary, based upon the foregoing laws and policies,
Federal Way's Housing chapter should include an
inventory of existing housing stock; identify housing
needs and set minimum housing tazgets for each
economic segment of the population; provide for
sufficient, appropriately zoned land to meet these needs;
and identify appropriate goals, policies, and strategies for
achieving these housing targets. Tools for achieving these
goals may include amendments to the zoning code to
encourage a more diversified housing stock, promote
imaginative design, and encourage development of
affordable housing. Strategies may also include
provisions for interjurisdictional efforts to provide and
fmance affordable housing. The primary objective should
be to create residential neighborhoods which are of high
quality, provide social and community support and meet
the needs of all segments of society.
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Federel Way Comprehensive Plan - Housing
5.2 HOUSING NEEDS
ASSESSMENT
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Existing Conditions
� Introduction
.�
Federal Way has grown rapidly over the last 13 years.
The area doubled in population during the 1960's and
again in the 1980's. Since its incorporation in 1990, the
� Ciry has grown by seven percent. Based on PSRC
forecasts, moderate growth will continue through the tum
of the century when the inventory of vacant land is
� consumed and will then slow down considerably. By the
yeaz 2020, Federal Way's population is predicted to be
approximately 50 percent greater than it is today.
� Households are more affluent in Federal Way than in
nearby communities. This is reflected in higher home
prices. Both home prices and rents have increased faster
� than income over the past 20 years. By 1990, Federal
Way had the highest housing costs among Southwest
King County communities for both owner occupied
� houses and rental units. The down side was that 18
percent of homeowners and 31 percent of renters in the
City were paying more than 30 percent of their household
� income for housing. Home ownership has become more
affordable in recent yeazs due to declining interest rates.
Rents are currently rising faster in Federal Way than in
� nearby communities, probably due to the lack of new
apartment construction in Federal Way over the past
three yeazs.
� Population
� The population of Federal Way is currently younger than
� other South King County communities, creating a
demand for family housing, recreational facilities, and
support services. However, by the tum of the century,
� Federal Way's population will contain a much higher
proportion of senior citizens. Senior citizens require such
services as in-home caze, congregate and nursing care
� facilities, and transportation. Figure V-1 describes the
current distribution of Federal Way's population.
Household Income
Figrre V-1
Fedsial May Age Disbibutioa by Pop�lation ix 1990
30,000
25,000
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
0
so�.�.: �990 �.�:�.
Very Low Income: 0 to 30% of county median income.
Low Income: 31-50% of county median income.
Moderate Income: 51-80% of county median income.
Middle Income: 81-120% of county median income.
Upper Income: 121% or more of county median
income.
King Counry's 1990 median income for all households
was $36,179. A breakdown of Federal Way's income
groups are shown in Figure Y-2.
Figu�e i� 2
Federal Way's Income Groups
Incane 46.4%
Very Low kwome 5.6%
�\�2�S�:�t�2'=��
Mode�ate Incane 14.9%
Understanding the distribution of Federal Way's
� household income is also critical in planning for future
housing needs. GMA defines income groups as follows: s°°^`°: �990 ce„a�a
� V-3
Under 1 B 19-29 30-54 55-64 65-74 Over 75
Federa� Way Comprehensive Plan - Housing
More specifically, the 1993 Housing and Urban
Development (HLJD) guidelines for King County's
various income groups are shown by household size in
Table Y-1.
While Federal Way households are generally more
af�luent than elsewhere in the County, appro�umately 30
percent of the population in the City is part of a
household that earns less than 80 percent of the King
Counry median family income. About 1,000 households
in the City of Federal Way aze currently receiving
housing assistance from King County Housing Authority
or living in subsidized private housing.
3
�43,200
534,550
521,600
S 14,400
Annual incomes and affordable housing costs have been
Employment computed for the average pay rates in each job. The
annual income column demonstrates that these jobs may
During the 1980's, Federal Way's employment base grew provide an inadequate income to support a family.
faster than any other suburban azea of King County. This Similazly, the affordable rent and home price columns
growth was primarily in retail and service jobs and by show a gap between these pay scales and current housing
1994, more than'h of Federal Way's employment base costs if this is the sole income for a family. The average
was in retail sales, followed closely by service Federal Way home (approximately $152,000 in 1995)
Table Y-1
Annual Household Income bv Household Size
Median
Moderste 80%
Low 50%
Very Low 30%
Source: HUD, S/18/93
1
a33,600
526,900
S 16,800
510,100
2
538,400
530,700
S 19,200
$11,500
Affordable
employment. These industries typically pay low wages
and as a result, these workers have difficulty finding
housing they can afford despite working full time jobs.
Accordingly, there may be an imbalance between jobs
available in Federal Way and the eamings needed to
afford local housing. Ironically, this may result in
employees working in the Ciry commuting from other
communities where cheaper housing is available and
higher wage earners who live in Federal Way commuting
to other cities for higher paying jobs.
To illustrate some of these points, Table V-2 provides
four representative jobs from small retail or service firms.
4
548,000
538,400
525,900
515,550
5
551,850
541,450
525,900
S 15,550
Table V-2
for Retail and Service Em
6
555,700
544,550
527,850
516,700
7
559,500
547,600
529,750
517,850
8
563,350
550,700
�31,700
519,000
Average Average Annual Monthly Mortgage Mortgage
Hourly Hours/Week Income Rent & Payment� Principal
Pay Utilities
Waiter S4.97 28 S7,236 S181 S181
Cashier S6.56 33 S11,257 5281 5281
Sales Clerk 57.94 36 514,864 5371 5371
Truck Driver 59.19 40 S19,115 5478 5478
'Bonowo is qualified at 30!G ojgrosr inrnme jor housing to income ratio.
'30-year rnortgage payab4 at 7. S!G fixed interaT rate with 18� ojmonthly payment jor taxes, inntrance, and maintenance
'Home price based on S:G down payment
Sourca• Washington State Employment Searity; 1996 Arta A'age Survey jor Xing Q� Snohomisk Counfies, Decembw 199a.
Home
Price'
S19,Z61 S20,275
S32,490 534,200
540,366 542,491
S52,076 554,817
V-4
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Housing
remains generally unaf�ordable to employees in retail and
service jobs. In the more extreme cases, the individuals
and families may need some type of government subsidy
to access even rental housing. If these employment trends
continue, the City may be under increased pressure to
provide housing assistance to those employed locally in
low wage jobs.
Housing Inventory
For the most part, the housing stock in Federal Way is in
good condition. A majoriry of existing housing was built
after 1960 and over 70 percent after 1970. The City has
very little concentration of substandard housing typically
found in older urban azeas. Houses in poor condition do
exist in isolated cases around the Ciry and in small
pockets. These include Westway; (located north of 308th
and west of lst Avenue) and an azea south of 356th and
east of 21st Avenue Southwest.
As depicted in Figure V-3, 58 percent of Federal Way's
housing stock is constructed as single family homes. The
remaining supply is comprised of 37 percent multiple
family units, five percent mobile homes, and
approaumately %z percent of other types of housing.
In 1993, there was an inventory of 714 assisted housing
units located within Federal Way. Of these, 428 units, or
60 percent, are owned by King County Housing
Authority and the remaining are privately owned and
receiving some kind of subsidy. In addition to these
assisted housing units, the Housing Authority reports that
342 families living in Federal Way postal zip codes are
receiving HUD Section 8 housing assistance certificates
and vouchers. In total, approximately 1,000 households
within Federal Way currently receive housing assistance.
There are presently seven organizations that offer
emergency shelter and transitional housing to residents of
Federal Way. Altogether, they provide appro�mately
250 emergency shelter beds and 46 transitional housing
units in South King County.
None of these organizations, by themselves, have the
capacity to adequately meet the demand for service. Even
with close cooperation and coordination, they have had
difficulry meeting the demand for services and providing
case management for clients.
Another important way to provide affordable housing is
to prevent the existing affordable housing stock from
being redeveloped or deteriorating to the point that it is
Figure V-3
Soures 1990 Caiars
no longer useable. Although the City can generate maps
of properiy with high redevelopment potential, there is no
data which specifically describes how much property is
actually redeveloped and how many affordable housing
units aze actually lost. To address these situations, the
Countywide policies promote development of strategies
to preserve existing low income housing. Toward that
end, Federal Way currently allocates approximately
$200,000 per year in CDBG funds to housing
rehabilitation programs subject to funds availability.
These services are provided by contract with the King
County Housing Authority.
Future Housing Needs
The GMPC adopted PSRC housing projections which
estimate that there may be between 13,425 and 16,566
new households in Federal Way by the year 2012. Figure
v 4 depicts the historic growth rate of the total number of
housing units constructed within Federal Way by decade,
in relationship to the number of new households
projected within Federal Way by the end of this planning
period. The distinction is that housing units are actual
constructed habitable structures, whereas households
reflect occupied housing units. The number of housing
units always exceeds the number of households, and is
dependent on vacancy rates.
V-5
Federal Way's Housing Stock
Figure V-4
Projected Households vs
Historic Housing Unit Growth
5uuu
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a
z
1000
-�- Actual Housing Units � Projected Households
Source: 1. 1992 Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy.
2. 1995 Office of Financial Management Housing Unit Estimate.
3. King County Countywide Planning Policy Household Target,
t 994 to 2012.
These forecasts also attempt to predict the demand for
housing by income groups. Specifically, the Countywide
planning policies suggest that Federal Way plan for an
additiona13,222 to 3,976 units that are affordable to low
and very low income families (24 percent of projected net
household growth) and 2,282 to 2,816 housing units that
are affordable to moderate income families (17 percent of
projected net growth) by the year 2010. The remauung
7,921 to 9,774 units should be affordable to middle
income families (22 percent of projected net household
growth) and upper income families (37 percent of
projected new household growth).
Housing is considered affordable when a family is
spending not more than 30 percent of their monthly
income, or two and a half times their annual income, for
housing. For a three person very low income family in
Federal Way (see Table V-1), it means that the monthly
rent plus utilities must be less than $360, or if they are
buying a home, it must cost less than $36,000 at 1993
prices. Cleazly, it will require some creativity to provide
mazket rate two bedroom rental units for less than $360
per month. To build homes that aze available for $36,000
would require some significant public subsidy.
Federal Way Comprehensive Pian - Housi�g
PSRC housing forecasts also indicate that the Ciry may
add appro7cimately 3,500 new multiple family units by
the tum of the century, and 10,000 multiple family units
by the year 2020. Multiple family housing might rise
from 37 percent of Federal Way's total housing stock at
present, to 40 percent in 2000 and 45 percent by 2020.
These numbers represent forecasted growth of particulaz
housing types, but are not considered mandatory
requirements for the Ciry. However, the Comprehensive
Plan does contain sufficient capaciry to meet forecasted
multiple family growth in the event it occurs. To ensure
that these projected new housing units, if built, are a
positive addition to the community, the Ciry will need to
review and revise its multiple family residential code to
encourage more variety in the types of units available,
more innovative and aesthetically pleasing design, and
require more aggressive management of buildings and
facilities.
Requests for help by Federal Way residents for homeless
shelters, transitional housing, and special needs housing
exceed supply. Highlights of a recent review of
supportive housing for residents of Federal Way with
special needs indicates that:
■ The number of individuals and families turned away
from each shelter ranges from none to six times the
number admitted.
■ The domestic abuse shelter turned away nearly five
times as mairy as it served in 1993.
■ There is a need for more supported living units
(apartments and shared single-family homes) for the
mentally ill.
■ There are between approximately 150 and 175
homeless children in kindergarten through sixth
grade in the Federal Way School District.
■ There may be a need for 96 units of housing for
persons with AIDS in southwest King County by the
year 2000.
Federal Way may wish to cooperate with the King
County Consortium and neighboring cities to adopt
effective housing goals and policies to meet future
housing needs. A comprehensive strategy will ensure that
safe and suitable housing is available to residents of all
income levels and special needs, as required by GMA.
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Housing
Housing Capacity
As is described in the Land Use chapter, this
Comprehensive Plan provides more than enough capacity
to accommodate a range from 13,425 to 16,566 new
housing units, which are forecast for Federal Way by the
year 2012. The land use plan will accommodate between
approximately 16,723 and 23,994 new residential units,
including between 5,413 and 12,684 detached single
family homes, approximately 1,700 accessory dwelling
units, and up to 9,610 multiple family units.
In general terms, the primary component of the Ciry's
housing strategy is to promote in-fill while protecting the
character and quality of its existing single family
residential neighborhoods. New detached units will be
constructed on vacant lots in existing neighborhoods but
they will be compatible with the existing homes. Planned
Unit Developments and other special development
techniques may be added to the zoning code to encourage
compatible development on difficult sites and near
environmentally sensitive areas. However, in-fill
development will not be permitted at the expense of the
quality of life in existing neighborhoods.
A secondary component of the housing strategy is to
encourage higher density residential uses in the I-
5/Highway 99 corridor, including the City Center. Row
houses, townhouses, condominiums, and mid-rise
apartment buildings may be appropriate in this area
subject to the availability of utilities and other
infrastructure, access to public transportation, jobs,
shopping, entertainment, and social and human services.
This plan anticipates that during the next 20 years, the
Ciry Center and the Highway 99 corridor will redevelop
and accommodate the majority of the new housing units,
particulazly multi-family housing units, added to the
City's inventory. The azea will gradually become a more
dense, mixed use, pedestrian friendly, high amenity, high
quality, vital part of Federal Way.
The third part of the strategy is to ensure that there is
sufficient land available for other housing needs such as
government assisted housing, manufactured housing,
group homes, and foster care facilities. The Land Use
chapter and zoning code provide support for this type of
housing. The City may also wish to eliminate barriers to
siting special needs housing within residential zones to
ensure the opportunity for adequate provision of these
services.
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Together, the Housing chapter and the associated
development regulations provide sufficient capaciry to
accommodate projected housing growth for all economic
segments of the population. It is important that the City
implement a housing program that will assist private
developers and private non-profit organizations in
meeting the identified housing needs. Such action is not
only required by GMA, but it is also prudent public
policy and will ensure a safe and supportive housing
environment for future generations.
5.3 KEY HOUSING ISSUES
Preserving Neighborhood Character
As the population of the azea in and azound Federal Way
doubled during the 1980's, residents feared that existing
neighborhood character and values were threatened.
Approximately 7,000 new multifamily units were built in
Federal Way between 1980 and 1990. Many of these
units were not well designed and were haphazardly sited
across the entire Ciry. This resulted in substantial
changes to the character of neighborhoods, or created
whole new neighborhoods along major arterial streets.
Preservation of existing neighborhoods has been cited as
an important community value in Federal Way. This
value played a large role in the communiry's decision to
incorporate.
This Comprehensive Plan recognizes that neighborhoods
aze special places and aze valuable and important to the
quality of life for many citizens. New development in
established neighborhoods must be sensitively designed
and constructed. New development within existing single
family neighborhoods should be limited to small scale,
well designed in•fill and accessory housing. Likewise,
new multiple family or mixed use development located
along arterials running through or adjacent to existing
residential neighborhoods should be designed to
minimize adverse impacts and with sufficient buffers.
Development Review
There are several actions the Ciry may take to make
housing more affordable. Time is money to a housing
developer. Thus, whatever the City can do to reduce
permit processing time will make housing more
affordable. Accordingly, one of the first priorities for the
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City should be to revise the zoning code so that more land
use decisions are administrative decisions thereby
avoiding time consuming public hearings.
Second, the Ciry should consult with the developer at an
early stage in the review process to ensure that the
applicant understands the meaning of City development
regulations. Such early meetings allow the City and
housing developer to agree on the best method to achieve
a code compliant and mutually beneficial site plan prior
to having spent significant sums on costly design and
engineering work.
A significant portion of the cost of building housing is
the cost of providing the necessary infrastructure. If the
City is interested in providing housing that is affordable
to very low income citizens, it could, to the extent
economically practicable, provide the necessary
infrastructure, or possibly subsidize the cost of providing
public facilities such as streets, parks, utilities, transit
facilities, public amenities, and social services. CDBG
funds and other grants are available for this purpose and
should be used where appropriate.
Citizen Participation
Citizens of the community should be actively involved in
the preparation of this Comprehensive Plan, zoning
regulations, and review of proposed development
projects. The resuit of this participation should be
policies and regulations which are clear, precise, and easy
to implement, and new development that is an asset to the
community. Moderate scale housing development that is
consistent with City policy and regulations should be
reviewed and approved through a prescribed, efficient,
and consistent administrative process which minimizes
review time and the subsequent increases in project costs.
Larger scale development plans, or those which will have
significant impacts on surrounding neighborhoods,
should have full public review as defined in the Federal
Way City Code. The public and the developer should
have a clear understanding of process, the types of issues
which are open to discussion, and the time frame for
completion of the review process.
Housing Design and Innovation
The City's e�cisting Comprehensive Plan and zoning code
do not encourage new and diverse housing forms. The
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Housing
challenge in this new plan and subsequent code revision
work is to be fle�cible when presented with creative and
high quality design proposals. Of course, this flexibility
must be balanced with the need to provide a degree of
certainty to the developer and to give clear guidance to
policy makers, staff, and public. The following
paragraphs describe several regulatory mechaxusms
which the City could include in its zoning code that would
encourage superior design, a greater variety of housing
types, and reduce costs.
Incentives For Good Practice - Many jurisdictions
include incentives in their zoning code which encourage
developers to build projects in a way that produces some
identified public benefits. The public benefits might
include creative designs that aze sensitive to community
and neighborhood values, dedication of land or right-of-
way for public use, and construction of urban amenities,
community facilities, and other public spaces. The
incentives might include density bonuses, extra
development potential, or expedited pemut processing.
Inclusionary Zoning - In certain zones, development
might be required to meet certain Ciry goals, such as
providing affordable housing, as set out in the zoning
code. It is becoming more commonplace for jurisdictions
to require major developers to provide a portion of low
income housing in developments over a certain scale.
Planned Unit Development - A Planned Unit
Development (PUD) ordinance allows developers
fle�bility to achieve design, layout, or density that is
suited to a specific site. As an example, a PUD allows
clustering of housing density in more developable
portions of a site while protecting important open space
and environmentally sensitive areas. A PUD ordinance
gives the City and the development communiry flexibiliry
to provide a variety of housing types and costs in new
residential areas or smaller, older, mixed use
neighborhoods.
Transfer ofDevelopmentRights - This technique allows
a developer to transfer permitted density from one part of
a site to another, or from one site to another. It is a useful
technique for protecting parts of sites that are
environmentally sensitive without loss of land value. It
also allows for more dense forms of housing
development, thereby reducing housing costs.
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Housing
Diversifying Housing Choice
The majority of the housing available in Federal Way
today is fairly homogenous. Housing primarily consists
of single family detached units, constructed in the sixties
and eighties, laid out in isolated subdivisions discon-
nected from the urban fabric. There are some mobile
home parks and a few duplexes located in the City. The
rest of the housing stock tends to be low density, two and
three story apartment buildings. This provides only a
narrow range of choices and does not fully reflect the
range of housing options that could be built.
It creates a situation where an increasing number of
families find it difficult to obtain suitable housing in the
communiry. This includes senior citizens who have
owned and lived in their homes for many years and either
cannot afford, or are no longer able to maintain, their
homes. It affects empty nesters and couples who have
raised their families who, for lifestyle reasons, no longer
need or want a lazge single family house and the
associated maintenance. Young adults, students, young
married couples, and low income workers would like to
live in the community where they grew up or currently
work, but cannot find a house that fits their housing
needs or cannot afford the available housing.
New housing should be more diverse, contributing to
communiry character and relating better to the
neighborhood environment. It should reassure residents
that they will be able to afford to live close to their jobs,
friends, and families. It will also help preserve and
maintain neighborhoods that include a healthy mix of
ages and incomes.
Housing Affordability and
Special Needs Housing
Federal Way has one of the highest housing costs (for
both owned and rental housing) among Southwest King
Counry communities. The population of Federal Way
also tends to be younger than other communities, creating
a strong demand for moderately priced housing. There are
approximately 8,000 low income households currently in
Federal Way which aze in need of housing assistance in
order to afford housing. Some of these are part of a
growing number of senior citizens who are likely to need
both housing assistance and related services within the
next decade. PSRC also projects a strong demand for
affordable multiple family units through the year 2000 to
serve low and moderate income families who work in
Federal Way.
GMA and the Countywide Planning Policies require that
municipal jurisdictions adopt strategies for providing a
"fair share" of identified regional housing needs. The
Countywide policies set a target of 5,500 to 6,790 new
affordable housing units in the City by the yeaz 2020. Of
that number, 3,200 to 3,900 must be affordable to low
and very low income citizens. These are ambitious goals
for a young City still trying to establish itself and its
vision for the future.
The need for homeless shelters, transitional housing, and
special needs housing exceeds the available supply.
County policies as well as GMA require provisions for
special needs housing. Special needs housing, also called
`supportive housing,' brings together housing and
support services for community residents who need
special services in order to live independently or with
minimum assistance. This includes community wide
services for those who live in their own homes, as well as
services in housing operated by public and private
agencies.
Although the proportion of elderly is smaller in Federal
Way than in neighboring South County cides, the City's
seniors (65 and over) were sti116.2 percent of the
population in 1990, with another 6.5 percent between the
ages of 55 and 64. Average life expectancy continues to
climb, and we should expect an increasing percentage of
Federal Way's population will be 65 and over in the neart
10 to 20 years. Because women tend to live longer than
men, this population will be predominantly female.
Elderly people, are often reluctant to give up the comfort
and security provided by their own homes. With this in
mind, federal and state policy has shifted from one of
providing institutionalized care for seniors to a more
home based or "aging in place" policy. Many seniors, and
most of those over 75, need some in home services. As
elderly people become more frail, their supportive service
needs increase. They may be better served in congregate
care facilities, or eventually, nursing homes. Federal Way
should begin planning for a continuum of care that
minimizes family stress and public costs. In home
services should be available Citywide, wlule congregate
care facilities and nursing homes should be located near
to community services and shopping areas, and away
from busy traffic corridors.
V-9
The 1994 King Counry Comprehensive Housing
Affordability 5tudy, estimates that there are 7,500
chronically mentally ill and 67,000 seriously disturbed
persons living in King Counry. Safe and affordable
housing, a key element in a long-term therapy program
for these people, is not available for a majority of the
low-income mentally ill in King County or Federal Way.
Northwest Mental Health manages housing and services
in Federal Way and believes that there is a need for 121
more units of supported apartments and shared single-
family homes in South King County. A number of these
may be located in Federal Way.
Federal Way is currently served by two programs for
victims of domestic violence. ,The Domestic Abuse
Women's Network (DAVVN) in Kent provides 10 shelter
beds, as well as crisis intervention and support services.
Statistics show that DAWN turns away nearly five times
as many as they are able to shelter during each year. The
South King County Branch of the YWCA also serves
Federal Way azea residents. They recently opened 14
units of transitional housing for victims of domestic
abuse in South King County. There is clearly a large
unmet need for emergency housing in South King Counry
for victims of domestic abuse.
King County jurisdictions receive Housing Opportunities
for Persons with AIDS rental assistance funding from
HUD. Federal Way participates in the oversight of this
program with Seattle acting as the lead authority. A
recent Five Year AIDS Housing Plan estimates a need for
852 units of AIDS housing in King Counry by the year
2000. Of these, 96 will be needed in Southwest King
Counry based on the historic proportion of persons living
in this azea at the time of their diagnosis.
Several organizations in South King County offer
emergency shelter and transitional housing to residents of
the City of Federal Way. Existing data concludes that
current facilities are inadequate when compared to
requests for help. The number of individuals and families
turned away from shelters ranges up to six times the
number admitted.
There aze many reasons that people and families end up
homeless. Families and individuals sought shelter in King
County during 1991 for the following reasons:
employment and income related problems (19 percent of
those seeking shelter); eviction and displacement (18
percent); domestic violence (16 percent); family crisis
(16 percent); mental illness, alcohol, and substance abuse
(7 percent); and other, including runaways, new arrivals,
Federal Way Comprehensive Plen - Housing
and medical problems (23 percent). According to
established service providers, suburban homelessness is
also increasing. Data from the South King Counry Multi
Service Center indicates that the proportion of women,
children, and families seeking shelter is growing rapidly
in this community.
It is dif�icult to estimate the number of homeless children
there actually are in Federal Way, but the Federal Way
School District reports that in their District alone, there
are between 150 and 175 homeless children in
kindergarten through sixth grade. Federal Way Youth and
Family Services reports that many homeless children
come from abusive homes or suffer from emotional
neglect. Homelessness and domestic instability may
cause deep emotional scars which impacts a child's
ability to focus his or her full attention on education.
There is also a need for transitional housing for homeless
individuals and families. State and Federal rules restrict
the length of stay in emergency shelters to 60 days. So,
after many families have exhausted their time in an
emergency shelter, they need access to longer term
transitional housing, where they can live for one or two
years, obtain necessary support services, and stabilize
their lives.
Data is scarce so it is very difficult to estimate the
number of beds that aze needed to house the special needs
population. However, there is unmet need in this service
area. The City is committed to fostering programs and
supporting service providers to assist in meeting this
need subject to economic limitations, Ciry revenues, and
the need to balance housing against all other public
needs.
Policy Coordination and
Regional Participation
The GMA and good planning practice require that each
chapter of the Comprehensive Plan be coordinated and
consistent with goals and policies set forth in the other
Plan chapters. This is especially true of the Housing
chapter, particularly as it relates to the Land Use and
Transportation chapters.
The GMA also requires that City policies for affordable
housing be consistent with Countywide Planning Policies.
PSRC, King Counry, and Federal Way have jointly
adopted regional planning goals that estimate fair share
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Federel Way Comprehensive Plan - Housing
housing tazgets, including low and moderate income
housing targets which promote an equitable distribution
of low income housing. This type of housing is most
appropriate in urban centers which contain jobs and good
public transit access.
Consistent with these requirements, the City's Land Use
chapter proposes multiple family housing and mixed use
development in the Ciry Center, along the SR 99 and I-5
corridor, and to a limited extend in the neighborhood
retail centers. All of these locations aze or will be well
served by public transit. The Ciry has also determined
that housing, and in particular, multiple family housing,
will be designed so that it provides a quality place to live
and is an asset to the community. In additioq the City is
committed to fair housing access to all persons without
discrimination.
This Housing chapter must also be coordinated and
consistent with the Counry's and the Ciry's funding
programs for housing. This is particularly true for
programs such as the Communiry Development Block
Crrant, Home, and other Countywide funding initiatives
as recommended by the GMPC's Housing Finance Task
Force.
The City also recognizes that most of the housing issues
found in Federal Way aze common to the County, Seattle,
and the other suburban jurisdictions. In order to insure
quality in the City's provision of housing services, and to
help eliminate duplications of effort, the City should
coordinate with the King County Consortium and other
South King County cities when designing and
implementing housing and housing related services.
5.4 HOUSING CHAPTER GOALS
AND POLICIES
The following section provides goals and policies for
providing, preserving, and improving housing conditions
in Federal Way. These goals and policies provide a
framework from which to develop implementing
strategies and work programs for the community. The
purpose of these goals and policies is to provide housing
opportunities to all segments of the population.
Consistent with GMA, these goals and policies should
promote a variety of densities and housing types, and
encourage preservation of the Ciry's existing housing
stock.
Overall Goal
Preserve and proted Federal Way's existing high
quality residential neighborhoods and promote a
variety of opportunities to meet housing needs of all
residents oJthe community and region.
Preserving Neighborhood Character
Goal
HGl Preserve and protect the quality of existing
residential neighborhoods and require new
development to be of a scale and design that is
compadble with existing neighborhood character.
Policies
HPl High density housing projects will not be permitted
in existing single family residential neighborhoods.
HP2 Design guidelines should be adopted potentially in
subazea plans that will specify in detail neigh-
borhood character and require that new housing be
consistent with these design guidelines.
HP3 Amend development regulations to accommodate a
diverse range of housing forms that are compatible
with neighborhood character and create an effective
transition between the Ciry Center, business areas,
and residential neighborhoods.
HP4 Allow accessory housing units within single family
neighborhoods that protect residential character,
ensure proper access, maintain specific design
standazds, and comply with all applicable laws.
HPS Maintain a strong code enforcement program to
protect residential areas from illegal land use
activities.
HP6 Conduct periodic surveys of housing conditions
and create programs, including housing rehabili-
tation, to ensure that older neighborhoods are not
allowed to deteriorate, subject to availability of
funding for such surveys and programs.
HP7 If allowed by applicable law, development inside
and outside the City should be required to provide
their fair share of onsite and offsite improvements.
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Housing
Community Involvement And
Development Review
Goal
housing development and maintenance, and
diversify the range ofhousing types available in
the City.
Policies
HG2 Involve the community in the development of HP13
new housing to a degree that is consistent with
the scale of impact on the surrounding
neighborhoods.
Policies
HP8 Encourage public input into development of
planning and regulatory documents through a
formal public process characterized by broad, HP14
thorough, and timely public notice of pending
action..
HP9 Consider the economic impact of all
development regulations on the cost of housing.
HP10 Maximize efficiency in the Ciry's development
review process and ensure that unnecessary time
delays and expenses aze eliminated. Provide
streamlined pemutting processes for
development that is consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan and Federal Way City Code
and that has no adverse impacts.
HPll Encourage community input, where appropriate,
into the development permit process by
providing thorough and timely information to the
public.
HP12 Assist developers with housing proposals at the
eazliest possible opportunity, including
preapplication meetings to produce projects that
can be reviewed quickly and maximize their
ability to receive pemuts.
Diversifying Housing Choice
And Design
Goal
HG3 Develop a Comprehensive Plan and zoning code
that provide�lexibiliry to produce innovative
housing solutions, do not burden the cost of
The Ciry's development regulations and Land Use
chapter of the Comprehensive Plan will be
coordinated to allow low income and special
needs housing azound the City Center and other
areas providing proximity to low wage
employment, safe and convenient access to
transportation and human services, and adequate
infrashucture to support housing development.
Amend development regulations to encourage
superior design and greater diversiry of housing
types and costs through such techniques as
incentives, inclusionary zoning, planned unit
developments, density bonuses and transfer of
development rights.
HP15 Consider zero lot line standards within planned
unit developments to create higher density single
family neighborhoods with large open space
areas.
HP16 Consider reducing minimum lot sizes to allow
construction of smaller, detached single family
houses on smaller lots.
HP17 Continue to permit mixed use
residentiaUcommercial development in designated
commercial azeas throughout the City. Include
developer incentives and design standazds.
HP18 Establish administrative procedures to permit
innovative housing designs, provided they are of
high standard and consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan.
HP19 Establish incentives, such as densiry bonuses, for
providing a portion of affordable housing in new
developments.
HP20 Periodically review and update development
regulations to incorporate opporlunities for new
housing types.
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Housing
Housing Affordability
HP28
Explore Federal, State, and local resources to
assist in fmancing affordable housing. Encourage
expansion of home ownership options through
such means as first time home buyer programs,
housing cooperatives, lease-purchase ownership,
and other housing models.
Goal
HG4 Develop a range of affordable housing
opportunities for low income groups consistent
with Countywide Planning Policies and the
needs of the community. HP29
Policies
HP21 Promote fair housing access to all persons without
discrimination.
HP22 As estimated by Countywide Planning Policies,
maintain suf�cient land supply within the Ciry to
accommodate 17 percent of the City's projected
net household growth for those making 50 to 80
percent of King Counry's median income and 24
percent making less than 50 percent of inedian
income.
HP23 Require a portion of new housing on sites of
significant size to be affordable to low income
households. Ensure that affordable housing is not
concentrated in particulaz neighborhoods by
setting a percentage limit to the number of
affordable housing units that can be included in
new housing developments.
HP24 Ensure that any new affordable housing remains
affordable.
Consider delaying, deferring, or exempting
affordable housing from development fees,
concurrency requirements, payment of impact
fees, offsite mitigation, and other development
expenses that do not compromise environmental
protection or public health, safety, and welfare or
constitute a nuisance.
HP30 Support tax law amendments that provide relief to
affordable and special needs housing.
HP31 Identify low income housing resources that may
be lost due to redevelopment or deteriorating
housing conditions. Develop strategies that seek
to preserve existing low income housing, and that
seek.to provide relocation assistance to
households that are displaced as a result of such
activities.
HP32 Annually monitor residential development to
determine the total number of new and
redeveloped units receiving permits and units
constructed, housing types, developed densities,
and remaining capacity for residential growth for
all income levels and needs.
HP25 Allow and encourage use of manufactured HP33 Integrate and coordinate construction of public
housing in residential zones, provided it conforms �'astructure with private development to
to all applicable Federal, State, and local ��� housing costs wherever possible or
requirements and is compatible with the character practicable.
of the surrounding neighborhood.
IiP26 In order to maintain earisting affordable housing,
the City should continue to allow manufactured
home parks in existing locations. However, new
manufactured home parks will not be permitted,
nor will expansion of e�cisting parks be allowed.
HP27 Encourage new residential development to achieve
maximum allowable densiry based on net building
area.
Special Needs Housing
Goal
HG5 Develop a range of housing opportunities that
meet the requirements ofpeople with special
housing needs, including the elderly, mentally
ill, victims of domestic abuse and persons with
debilitative conditions, or injuries.
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Federal Way Comprehensiva Plan - Housing
�
Policies Regional Participation �
HP34 Remove existing regulatory bamers to siting
special needs housing to avoid concentration and
to ensure uniform distribution throughout all
residential and mixed use zones, subject to
performance standards that protect residential
amenity, ensure proper access, and maintain
design standazds.
HP35 Review permit applications for special needs
housing in close coordination with service
providers and the City's Human Services
program.
HP36 Assist local service organizations and self help
groups to obtain funding and support.
HP37 Ensure that access to special needs housing is
provided without discrimination.
Goal
HG6 Develop emergency shelter and transitional
housing facilities for the homeless.
Policies
HP38 Foster and support services that are not
concentrated in particular neighborhoods by
setting a percentage limit to the number of
affordable housing units that can be included in
new housing developments.
HP39 Coordinate City actions related to homelessness
with the City's Human Services Program and
other shelter providers.
HP40 Continue to pernut emergency and transitional
homeless facilities within the City.
HP41 Emergency shelters and transitional housing
should be regulated to avoid concentration of
facilities, mitigate impact on surrounding uses,
ensure that such housing is properly managed, and
avoid significant impacts on existing residential
neighborhoods.
Goal
HG8 Coordinate and integrate the City's program
with other area housing and service providers.
Policies
HP42 Policies and regulations related to af�ordable
housing should be consistent with Countywide
and multi-counry policies.
HP43 Establish effective links with King County and
other azea cities to assess need and create
housing opportunities for low income and
special needs households, and develop a
housing program that addresses issues
common throughout the entire region.
HP44 Subject to availabiliry of funds, participate in
the production and periodic update of a
housing needs assessment for the City and
region to ensure that policy is based upon a
rational evaluation of housing needs and
priorities.
HP45 Ensure equitable and rational distribution of
low income and affordable housing throughout
the region that is compatible with land use,
transportation, and employment locations.
5.5 IMPLEMENTATION
ACTIONS
Implementation of policies contained in the chapter will
occur over a number of yeazs and is dependent on
resources available to the Ciry and the community. The
following implementation strategy lists actions that the
City may take in the next five yeazs.
Develop an inventory of public properties no longer
needed for use and which may be available for
affordable housing. Evaluate use of such property
for affordable housing against all other competing
public uses.
V-14
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Housing
2. Inventory and report on the estimated number of ■ Diversify housing forms and encourage superior
units for each income segment following adoption of design through techniques such as incentives,
the Comprehensive Plan, for purposes of Countywide planned unit developments, density bonuses, and
monitoring of capacity for housing development. transfer of development rights.
3. Annually monitor residential development and
determine the total number of new and redeveloped
units receiving pernuts, units constructed, housing
types, developed densities, and remaining capacity
for residential growth based on income categories.
4. Conduct periodic surveys of housing conditions to
direct the housing rehabilitation programs.
■ Create effective transitions between the City
Center, businesses, and residential areas.
■ Maximize efficiency of development processes.
■ Sizeamline processes for development consistent
with the Comprehensive Plan, zoning code, and
having no significant adverse impacts.
5. Develop strategies for protecting low income housing
that may be lost due to redevelopment or
deteriorating housing conditions.
6. Develop guidelines, potentially as subarea plans, that
� require consistency with specified neighborhood
character and design requirements.
� 7. Assign a Ciry representative to participate with other
agencies to create a comprehensive housing program
that addresses issues common throughout the entire
� region, and to seek and develop funding
opportunities and strategies.
Prepare and periodically update a housing needs
assessment.
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9. The following is a menu of potential development
regulation amendments which should be considered:
■ Encourage low income and special needs housing
around the City Center.
■ Zero lot line standazds.
■ Reducing minimum residential lot sizes.
■ Establish administrative procedures for innovative
design.
■ Establish maximum and minimum requirements
for low income housing on sites of significant
size.
■ Eliminate barriers to unifonnly siting special
needs housing throughout all residential areas.
■ Preclude concentration of homeless facilities. '�
V-15
Capital Facilities
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Cepital Facilities Plan
6.0 INTRODUCTION
he City of Federal Way is expected to grow
between 13,425 and 16,566 housing units and
13,300 and 16,400 jobs over the next 20 yeazs.
This growth will stimulate the local economy and
maintain a diverse and vibrant communiry.
Unfortunately, it will also generate a corresponding
demand for new public services and facilities, such as
schools, parks, and streets. These new facilities, and the
financial implications they will have for Federal Way
and its citizens, are the subject of this chapter.
The Growth Management Act
The GMA refers to capital facilities planning in two of
the 13 statewide planning goals. The two relevant goals
aze:
� 1. Urban growth. Encourage development in urban
areas where adequate public facilities and services
exist or can be provided in an efficient manner.
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12. Public facilities and services. Ensure that those
public facilities and services necessary to support .
development shall be adequate to serve the
development at the time the development is
available for occupancy and use without decreasing
current service levels below locally established
minimum standards.
More specifically, the GMA mandates that the City
� prepaze a capital facilities plan which contains the
following components:
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■ An inventory of existing facilities owned by public
entities, showing the locations and capacities of the
facilities.
■ A forecast of the future needs for such facilities.
■ The proposed locations and capacities of expanded
or new facilities.
■ At least a six-yeaz fmancing plan that will fmance
such facilities and clearly identify sources of public
money for such purposes.
■ A requirement to reassess the Land Use chapter if
probable funding falls short.
In the pages that follow, this chapter complies with the
GMA requirements for a capital facilities plan.
Level of Service
To prepare a Capital Facilities chapter, one of the first
decisions a jurisdiction must make involves the level of
service (LOS) standard. The level of service standard
refers to the amount and quality of services and facilities
that a community wants for itself. For example, the LOS
for a parks system is usually described in terms of the
number of acres of park land per 1,000 population. If a
community has a strong desire for a good pazks system,
it will establish a high LOS standard for itself maybe
something on the order of 20 acres of pazk per 1,000
residents. On the other hand, 20 acres of developed pazk
land is expensive to acquire, develop, operate, and
maintain. As a result, the community may be forced, for
financial reasons, to accept a lower LOS standard along
the order of five acres per 1,000 population. In any
event, the City must adopt LOS standards for all the
services and facilities it provides so that it can: 1)
evaluate how well it is serving its existing residents, and
2) determine how many new facilities will have to be
constructed to service new growth and development. The
significance of this decision, and the associated cost
implications, will become obvious in the following
discussion.
Concurrence
In addition to mandating that a Capital Facilities chapter
be included in the Comprehensive Plan, the GMA also
introduced the concept of concurrence. In general terms,
concurrence describes the situation where adequate and
necessary public services and facilities are available
"concurrent" with the impacts of new development, or
within a specified time thereafter.
Concurrence has two levels of applicability. The first is
at the planning level and refers to all services and
facilities, over the long term, and at the citywide scale.
Planning level concurrence is what this chapter is all
about. It inventories all existing facilities and services,
establishes a LOS standard for each, estimates new
faciliry require to accommodate projected growth,
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and develops a fmancing plan which identifies the
revenues necessary to pay for the all the new facilities. If
the necessary revenues aze not available, then the
jurisdiction fails the planning level concurrence test and
must take appropriate action. Those actions include
lowering the LOS standard, raising taxes, restricting
growth, or a combination of these actions. This chapter
satisfies the planning level concurrence requirement as
outlined in the GMA.
The second level of concurrence analysis is project
specific and only required for transportation facilities.
Specifically, the GMA (RCW 36.70A. 070[6e]) states
"...local jurisdictions must adopt and enforce
ordinances which prohibit development approval if
the development causes the level of service on a-
transportation facility to decline below the standazds
adopted in the transportation element of the compre-
hensive plan, unless transportation improvements or
strategies to accommodate the impacts of develop-
ment are made concurrent with the development."
That same section gces on say that "concurrent with the
development" shall mean that improvements or
strategies are in place at the time of development, or that
a fmancial commitment is in place to complete the
improvements or strategies within six years. To satisfy
the project level concurrence requirement, the last
section of the Transportation chapter, chapter three,
contains a concurrency management discussion.
As mentioned previously, project level concurrence is
only required for transportation system facilities.
However, the procedural criteria for adopting
comprehensive plans (WAC 365-195-060[3]) states
that, "...concurrence should be sought with respect to
public facilities in addition to transportation facilities.
The list of such additional facilities should be locally
defined." This section goes on to say that the City could
enact ordinances that require a project level concurrence
test for other services and facilities if it chooses to. At
this point, the City of Federal Way is not proposing any
additional concurrence requirements. It is, however, a
goal the City may want to consider in the future.
Impact Fees
The GMA allows local jurisdictions to assess impact
fees for parks, transportation, and schools. It was clearly
Federal Way Comprehensiva Plan - Cepital Facilities Plan
the intent of the legislature to have new growth pay its
shaze of the impact on public facilities.
Impact fees must be based on an adopted capital
facilities plan. In addition, the collected fees must be
used for projects that benefit the development paying the
fees. The fees must also be used within five years of the
date they were collected or returned to the pay�.
Furthermore, impact fees can only be used to mitigate
the impact of new development. They cannot be used to
make-up existing system deficiencies as is the case when
a jurisdiction is actually providing a lower LOS than its
adopted LOS standazd. To impose an impact fee
program, the City must have a plan in place to make-up
any e�cisting system deficiencies.
Countywide Planning Policies
The Countywide planning goals originally adopted in
1992 and amended in 1994 contain a number of goals
and policies regazding capital facilities and the provision
of urban services. Those relevant Countywide policies
aze the following:
COl Jurisdictions shall identify the full range of urban
services and how they plan to provide them.
CO2 Jurisdictions and other urban service providers
shall provide services and manage natural
resowces ef�iciently, through regional
coordination, conjunctive use of resources, and
sharing of facilities. Interjurisdictional planning
efforts shall evaluate approaches to shaze and
conserve resources.
CO3 Service provision shall be coordinated to ensure
the protection and preservation of resowces in
both nual areas and in azeas that are developing,
while addressing service needs within areas
currendy identified for growth.
C04 All jurisdictions acknowledge the need to develop
a regional surface water management system
which crosses jurisdictional boundaries and
identifies and prioritizes program elements and
capital improvements necessary to accommodate
growth and protect the natural and build
environment. The GMPC shall develop and
recommend a fmancing and implementation
strategy to meet this need.
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� COS Water supply shall be regionally coordinated to
provide a reliable economic source of water and
to provide mutual aid to and between all agencies
� and purveyors. The region should work toward a
mechanism to address long-term regional water
demand needs of agencies and water purveyors.
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C07 Water reuse and reclamation shall be encouraged,
especially for lazge commercial and residential
developments and for high water users such as
parks, schools, golf courses, and locks.
CO10 In the urban azea identified for growth within the
next ten yeazs, urban water and sewer systems
are preferred for new construction on existing
lots and shall be required for new subdivisions.
However, earisting septic systems, private wells,
and/or small water systems may continue to serve
the developments so long as densities and
physical conditions are appropriate, the systems
are allowed by the relevant jurisdictions, and
management keeps the systems operating
properly and safely.
C013 Urban sewer system extensions in
unincorporated King County shall be permitted
consistent with the provisions of the King Counry
Sewerage General Plan, Countywide Planning
Policies, and the policies of the jurisdiction in
whose potential annexation area the extension is
proposed.
FW13 Cities are the appropriate provider of local urban
services to urban areas, either directly or by
contract. Counties are the appropriate provider of
most countywide services. Urban services shall
not be extended through the use of special
purpose districts without approval of the city in
whose potential annexation area the extension is
proposed. Within the urban azea, as time and
conditions warrant, cities should assume local
urban services provided by special purpose
districts.
FW32 Public capital facilities of a Counrywide or
Statewide nature shall be sited to support the
Countywide land use pattern, support economic
activities, mitigate environmental impacts,
provide amenities or incentives, and minimize
public costs. Amenities or incentives shall be
provided to neighborhoods/jurisdictions in which
facilities are sited. Facilities must be prioritized,
coordinated, planned, and sited through an
interjurisdictional process established by the
GMPC, or its successor.
LU29 All jurisdictions shall develop growth phasing
plans consistent with applicable capital facilities
plans to maintain an urban area served with
adequate public facilities and services to
maintain an urban area to meet at least the six
yeaz intemiediate household and employment
target ranges consistent with LU67 and LU68.
These growth phasing plans shall be based on
locally adopted defuutions, service levels, and
financing commitments, consistent with State
GMA requirements. The phasing for cities shall
not extend beyond their potential annexation
areas. Interlocal agreements shall be developed
that specify the applicable minimum zoning,
development standards, impact mitigation, and
future annexation for the potential annexation
areas.
LU30 Where urban services cannot be provided within
the next 10 years, jurisdictions should develop
policies and regulations to:
■ Phase and limit development such that
planning, siting, densities, and infrastructure
decisions will support future urban
development when urban services become
available.
■ Establish a process for converting land to
urban densities and uses once services are
available.
Funding/Financing
Typically, cities and the residents they service would like
to have higher LOS standazds than they can afford.
Federal Way has worked hard to provide the highest
LOS possible without raising taxes. It is a difficult
balance to maintain and the Ciry is currently at a point
where it may have to consider raising additional
revenues to pay for capital facilities and the associated
maintenance and operations costs.
If the City decides to generate additional revenues, there
aze several sources available. Some of these revenues are
"on-going" in the sense that the Ciry levies the tax and
� VI-3
the revenues are added to the Ciry's general fund on an
annual basis. On-going revenues include property taxes,
sales taxes, utility taxes, impact fees, and business and
occupation taxes. The other category of funds aze called
"one time" funds because the City cannot count on
having these funds available on an annual basis. These
funds include bond sales and grants such as ISTEA,
IAC, and Urban Arterial Fund money. On-going funds
can be used for either capital facilities or maintenance
and operations. However, it is prudent fmancial
management and adopted City policy that one time
funds be used only for capital improvements. As is
discussed later in this chapter, the Ciry proposed two
bond issues to finance capital facilities in the Fall of
1995. As part of that bond issue, voters were asked to
approve a permanent utility tax to pay for the
maintenance and operations costs associated with the
new capital facilities.
6.1 PARKS AND RECREATION
Inventory of Existing Facilities
The City of Federal Way adopted the Comprehensive
Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plan in December of
1991. The City updated the Plan in 1995 (which is
adopted by reference in this plan). The Parks Plan cover
not only the City of Federal Way proper, but also
includes the area east of Interstate 5.
The original 1991 Parks Plan identified 39 pazks and
open spaces in the planning area which covers some 998
acres. The 1995 Plan updated the inventory to include
of
CITY PARK/RECREATION AREAS
COUNTY PARK/RECREATION AREAS
STATE PARK/RECREATION AREAS
SCHOOL DISTRICT AREAS
PRIVATE PARKS/RECREATION AREAS
TOTAL PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
Federei Way Comprehensive Pian - Capital Facilities Plan
new parks added to the Gity's system. The Plan also
lists school district facilities, State, and County facilities
as well as private recreation facilities. Map VI-1
describes the location of major pazks and open space
withixi the Federal Way planning azea. Table YI-1
summarizes this inventory.
When the City incorporated in 1990, there were
appro�nately eight acres of park land available per
1,000 residents in Federal Way. Since that time, the City
has purchased additional properiy and developed new
facilities. These include the Lake Klahanee Community
Senior Center, Visitation Retreat Center, Celebration
Park, and Steel Lake Annex facilides. These facilities
aze described in greater detail in the Ciry's Pazk
Compre-hensive Plan. The result is that the City is now
providing 10.9 acres of pazks per 1,000 residents. This
represents a fairly dramatic increase in the LOS being
provided to local residents.
In addition to acquiring and developing new facilities,
the Ciry has taken administrative actions to take
advantage of other available public recreational
facilities. The City enacted interlocal agreements with
the School District to jointly operate and maintain school
recreational facilities. As a result, the City now jointly
operates and maintains a major community park in
conjunction with Saghalie Junior High School. Also, the
City has agreements to provide recreational programs
and schedule play fields at several elementary schools.
These facilities are now formally available nights and
weekends, year around for use by local residents.
When one considers all of the pazks and recreation
facilities which are now available through interlocal
agreements, City residents now have access to
approximately 17 acres of parks and open space per
Table VI-1
ting Parks and
799.11
23.65
295
134.68
184.13
1436.57
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VI-4 �
MAJOR PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
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Federal Wey Comprehensiva Plan - Capital Facilities Plan
1,000 residents. This inventory includes all City,
County, State, and School District facilities. This is a
substantial increase in the LOS over the past five years.
However, for the purposes of pazks planning, the LOS
standard adopted in the City's Parks Plan and this
Capital Facilities chapter is 10.9 acres of park land per
1,000 population. This LOS standard is consistent with
the LOS that the Ciry is presently providing.
Forecast of Future Needs
Based on population estimates included in this Plan, and
the adopted LOS standazd for parks and open space, the
City estimates that it will need to acquire and develop
104 acres of new parks and an additional 177 acres of
open space between now and the year 2010 in the Plan.
These estimates aze summarized in Table YI-2.
In addition, the City completed a cultural arts survey in
1994. The surv e y evaluated several alternatives for a
performing arts center and concluded that at some time
in the near future, the City would need'such a faciliry
with a capacity of about 800 seats.
Locations & Capacities of Future
Facilities
Map VI-2 indicates the location of the parks, recreation
facilities, and open space subazeas the City will need to
maintain the adopted LOS. The Pazks Plan breaks the
planning azea into subareas and addresses future
facilities at the subazea level. For more details about the
type, size, and cost of these new facilities, please refer to
the 1995 Pazks and Recreation Plan.
Finance Plan
Table VI-3 describes the proposed parks projects that
will be needed between now and the year 2010, together
with cost estimates programed by year. It identifies
approximately $38.8 million in projects. Table VI-3 also
identifies the revenues that will be available during the
next six years to fmance these new facilities. The only
revenue sources identified aze those that have be�n
secwed for fiscal yeaz 1995 and a$7.5 million bond
issue turned down by the voters in November, 1995. If
the bond issue had been approved, the City would
complete Phase I unprovements to Celebration Park.
These improvements would add six play fields and four
baseball fields to the City's inventory of facilities and
help to maintain the LOS for parks over the next six
years. Given the bond issue was not approved, pazk's
LOS will most likely decline given the prospect of new
growth and development over the next six years. The
City may place the Parks bond issue on a ballot in 1996
for reconsideration by the voters.
The City annually updates its Pazks & Recreation capital
improvements program. These updates reflect new
project priorities, eliminate projects that have been
completed, and add new projects to the program.
Table VI-Z
Parkc & Recreation Needs - Year 2010
A 24.0 80.0
B 45.0 0
C 25.0 25.0
D 3.0 0
E 5.0 42.0
F (OUTSIDE CTTl� N/A N/A
G(50% OUTSIDE CTTI� 2.5 30.0
H (OUTSIDE CTT� N/A N/A
VI-6
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Capital Facilities Plan
Table VI-3
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PARKS PLAN
PLANNING AREAS
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Capital Facilities Plan
6.2 SURFACE WATER
Inventory of Existing Facilities
Natural Systems
The Federal Way area consists of two major drainage
basins, the Hylebos Creek and Lower Puget Sound. The
Hylebos Creek Basin consists of the West Branch
Hylebos Creek, East Branch Hylebos Creek, and the
Lower Hylebos Creek Sub-Basins. The Lower Puget
Sound Basin consists of the North Lower, Central
Lower, and South Lower Puget Sound Sub-Basins. Map
VI-3 describes the planning area boundary, basin, and
sub-basin boundaries. Map VI-4 shows the major
features of the natural system. The natural systems have
been reviewed on a sub-basin level. This sub-basin
information is contained in the Ciry's Comprehensive
Surface Water Faciliry Plan.
Man-Made System
As part of its 1994 Surface Water Facilities Plan, the
Ciry completed an inventory of the storm water drainage
trunk system. There are ten major trunk lines in the
system, and one can find more details about their
capacity and location in the Surface Water Plan.
The Ciry has made a significant number of improve-
ments to the man-made system since incorporation in
1990. One of the more significant of these projects is the
Panther Lake retention/detention system. The Panther
Lake project will accommodate storm water flows from
the 100 year storm, includes an aquifer recharge
component, and provides a recreational trail around the
facility. Most of the projects completed to date corrected
existing localized flooding problems. As a result of
resolving these "spot" problems, the Ciry and its surface
water utility have significantly improved the LOS on a
system-wide basis.
System Capacity
As another part of the Surface Water Facilities Plan, the
City developed a model of its surface water facilities
including the natural part of the system, the various
lakes, streams, and wetlands. This model uses the
following design or LOS standards:
■ 10 yr storm conveyance capacity on lateral systems;
■ 25 yr storm conveyance capacity on major trunk
systems;
■ 25 yr storm storage capaciry in local
retention/detention facilities; and
■ 100 yr storm storage capabiliry in regional retention/
detention facilities.
Based on these LOS standards and the data on existing
facilities, the model helps utility engineers identify
deficiencies in the existing system and the most cost
effective way to resolve them. The model also allows
engineers to describe the new facilities that will be
needed in the future to accommodate new growth and
development as outlined in the Land Use chapter.
Forecast of Future Needs
Based on model results, utility engineers prepared a
detailed 20 year capital facilities plan. The plan
identifies projects, priorities them, estimates the cost,
and re-examines the utility rate structure to ensure that
there is sufficient funding available over the next 20
yeazs to construct these projects.
Locations and Capacities of
Future Facilities
Table VI-4 includes the surface water facilities project
list. For a more complete discussion of this list, and
maps describing project locations, please refer to
Chapter N of the City's Comprehensive Surface Water
Plan. As noted eazlier, these projects address existing
system deficiencies as well as the new facilities that will
be needed in the future to accommodate projected
growth.
Finance Plan
The City has created a surface water utility to manage
storm water drainage, prevent flooding, and improve
water qualiry. The City chazges each household business
for each employee, an annual surface water fee. These
fees, along with any outside grant monies and low
interest loans, provide the revenues that pay for capital
facilities projects and operate and maintain the surface
water system.
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Capital Facilities Plan
TABLE VI-4
SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT - CIP
WM SOURCES
arry Forward 53,377,155 ;;:;;:;;���`�;1$:�
ser Fees (w/growth) 52,736,264 52,772,920 52,809,576 �2,846,232 52,882,888 52,919,544 52,956,367 528,258,158 :::;�:`::�;;::;����$�;;��.
terest Eamings 538,034 538,544 539,053 539,563 �40,072 �40,582 541,094 5392,788 ::::�;:;:;:::��":`:;:::;�.�.!�;;��:
ransfer-In (streets) 5205,794 5207,852 5209,931 5212,030 5214,150 �216,292 5218,455 �1,985,751 :::`:': ;;:;:;;:����E�C#��
WTF - Loan S 1,322,214 ::::;':::::::;�;�':;�.��:;
::::���`���'�33�':;s:�3 ::>`::::;;:':�::�:�.:>'''�`''''.`''::::::::<:>::`::»::::::::::::::::::::.>:::'•``�::>;::;::<:::>:::::::.;:::;:..»:::.;:.;::;:::;«:::�.?..;...:..::�:::�.<::>.::::.:;::::;:<;:> :: :.
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'�,�:�:�:�:f��`:::::::;<':::>�:>:: <>::':><:?'::::�?�� `:�': ��:: <::::<?:>::�":3'#����..'�� .��i ::::::::;..�: : . . .... .. . . .? . ..... � ��?' � �.�! .�� �'����8 .......�� .�� t� .......:.��"3�lS €9� .:;:.... �5�`+�
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wM usEs
apital Project List
36th/Kits Regional Detention
acility �2,276,000 ':``':;�;:;:���'1�:'• •::� •:
ross Road Culvert Upgrade 5315,675 :::::`:::::;��:��::
56th Detention Facility 51,274,233 51,200,690 :::;;:;:::;:����')`.$;�._
ea-Tac Mall Detention �497,835 5910,541 51,705,208 51,032,770 5288,607 ::::::::::::�`#t?�i��:..
36th Detention Facility 516,068 5133,046 ;:;:;:�':��:�4�;:�;�;
56th Drainage Study �623,535 ::::::;':::$��'��
Hylebos Channel Stabitization 5314,736 �429,000 ;:�•.`•.::�<;���;?�..
40th Detention Facility �261,129 5476,558 5395,042 :;::;:::;;;:;:::::;��:x���"���.
reystone Apts Detention Pond 5111,960 ::„::#:��;�:�;;'4�..:
kota Creek Channel 5351,149 ::<:;:::.:�5�'•.;���..
tabilization
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psize Trunk �292,624
st Way Culvert 5304,074 �';;;:��;��;,#��';
VI-10
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Capital Facilities Plan
R 99 36" Stromdrain Activation
S 12,420 ��:::>::>:::::�.����:.�..:
psize Trunk S91,058 5753,779 ':z::::::�:::::;'::;':>�:�`��sa{;�;
20th Trunk Crossing
eplacement 5417,428 �::;':'':::::;;�;::;:::::;��#�'i;�l�;
72nd Trunk up-size 5819,556 ::::::;:::::;;:::;;;;;;;���;�:�.::
Lakota Creek Stabilization 52,001,550 :;:::::::::�:;;'::;::$�;�tQ�;S�
rifice Replacement, Channel
ehab S 154,066 <:::s�`:::`::;>'":`:�:::<�:� ��..:;;..:
20th Trunk Replacement 5107,978 :::::�:::::::::::;::::::::::�:��3:�y��.
torm Drain Up-size 5397,675 ::::'::::;::��;:::>�:::�:;:��`#�67
tar Lk Rd Trunk Replacement
5765,065 �?:::':::<r:':::�::>:'�:�7�i5;;�'
... .. ........ .
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nchanted Pkwy Trunk Upsize
5279,163 :::>:::::::::;:::':::>::::::��;:1:�i:
................................
................................
............ ................ ..
nchanted Pkwy Pipe
eplacement 575,057 :::::>::::::::::`::'••::::r<:`.::'.;�...���. �:`•
::::>::'.:;<>:;r>::>::::>�::>::>::::;::::»::»:
olf Course Flood Wall 5302,865 `:`:::;:'r:::":::::":: ;����'. ,;;:
ake .Jeane Outlet Control
tructure 5933,616 <:::::::::::<:>:��«::::�.'.$..9
.ake Lorene Out(et Control
tructure 5217,273 >:<:::: ::::::::::::::::::��:�:'•.���:.:::.>:<
60th St Regional Detention �1,250,968 :::::::::::::::;:;>;�;�';��;�..
derbrook Detendon
nlargement 569,790 :: '•;{:�::::r:;::'``•:'•::.'...��..'.�;i?�:�,:.'
red Meyers Detention Purchase
5409,527 < <�:3;�`
25th Culvert/Tronk Replacemen
S 154,172 ::
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Capital Facilities Plan
VI-12
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PUGET SOUND BASINS
SURFACE WATER
TRUNK SYSTEMS
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Capital Facilities Plan
As outlined in Table YI-4, projects are scheduled based
on anticipated revenues. The capital facilities spread-
sheet indicates project scheduling based on available
funding and priority ranking. The Ciry annually updates
the capital facilities plan for surface water. The Compre-
hensive Surface Water Plan, which includes the capital
facilities plan, is adopted by reference in this plan,
including changes made during the Ciry's annual update.
6.3 TRANSPORTATION
The GMA requires that local jurisdictions prepare a
transportation chapter as part of the Comprehensive
Plan. The GMA also authorizes jurisdictions to assess
impact fees for transportation system improvements that
aze necessary to accommodate the tr�c created by the
new development. In order to assess impact fees, the
capital facilities plan must include the list of
transportation improvements and associated costs that
necessitate the impact fees.
The Transportation chapter contains the City's Trans-
portation Improvement Plan (TIP). Table III-19 contains
the TIP for Federal Way covering the years 1995 - 2010.
Inventory of Existing Facilities
Chapter three of this document is the City's
transportation plan and it describes the complete
inventory of the City's transportation facilities. Map VI-
S indicates the City's street arterial classifications.
One of the motivations for incorporation in 1990 was
that the City had grown significantly over the past
decade without benefit of necessary transportation
system improvements. In short, residents were
dissatisfied with the declining LOS in transportation. In
response, the City acted quickly to make road
improvements. The City added capacity to the system by
widening and improving South 356th Street, 16th
Avenue South, and 348th Street. It also coordinated the
traffic signals along South 320th Street to improve
traffic flows and lobbied for the Dial-A-Ride Transit
service in Federal Way. The result is that the LOS for
transportation services in the City has been stabilized
and improved. With this in mind, the City Council has
adopted the 1995 LOS as the standard for service
delivery into the future.
Forecast of Future Needs
Based on the adopted LOS standard for transportation,
the City used the EMME2 computer transportation
modeling program to evaluate future transportation
system needs. Please review chapter three for details
associated with this analysis. The conclusion is the Ciry
will have to construct the projects identified in the 1995
transportation improvement program (refer to the
Transportation chapter) in order to maintain the existing
LOS betwcen now and the year 2010.
Locations and Capacities of
Future Facilities
The Transportation Improvement Program is a
prioritized list of capital projects that have been
identified for the period 1995 through 2010. The
projects have been identified by location, with the
project costs indicated by anticipated year of expenditure
(for multi-yeaz projects).
The transportation project list includes the 10 proposed
projects, a map of the project location, and estimated
cost of the projects to be funded by the 1995 bond issue.
For the most part, these ten projects will not add
capaciry to the transportation system. Rather, they will
permit the system to function more ef�iciently as
discussed in the Transportation Systems Management
section of the transportation plan. Specific project
information is also included in the plan.
Financing Plan
The transportation projects proposed in the City's TIP
are based on funding available through a$7.5 million
dollar bond issue passed by the voters in the fall of
1995. All projects shown aze dependent on this bond
measure. All other identified projects are scheduled to
take place beyond the initial six year time frame of this
plan.
The Transportation chapter describes the Ciry's 1995
TIP, including the revenue sources and project costs.
VI-15
6.4 POLICE SERVICES
Since incorporation in 1990, the City has contracted
with King County to provide police services. The City
uses a"Patrol Unit Cost" model to determine annual
cost of police services from the County. This rate covers
the direct cost of the officer plus a pro-rata shaze of the
cost of administrative and support personnel and special
services such as SWAT, Major Crime Investigation,
VICE, Dive team, helicopter, K-9, and special emphasis
traffic unit.
In 1992, the cost per unit of service was $117,030 and
the total cost for 53 patrol officers was $6,326,511. In
1993, the unit cost increased by 14.34 percent and in
1994 it increased an additional 12.94 percent. The 1994
cost for police service was over $82 million. Due in
lazge part to these cost increases, which were
significantly higher than local cost of living increases,
the City started discussing the possibility of starting its
own police department. These discussions also identified
a local interest in a"communiiy based" policing model
for Federal Way.
Based on this history and these discussions, the City
Council voted unanimously in May of 1995 to terminate
the police contract with King County effective December
1996, and form its own City police department.
At tlus time, the City is just in the beginning stages of
setting up a police department and most of the major
decisions associated with this new direction have not yet
been made. However, the City has decided that it wants
to maintain the existing LOS for police services. This
means that the City will be hiring approximately 11
CAPACITY
Elementary School Capacity
Junior High Capacity
Senior High Capacity
I� Total Capac
•NOTE: These capacities are
1994 Actual
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10,527
5,001
4,206
19,734
lo not include ooi
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Capital Facilities Plan
2 new employees to staffthe new department. The
existing City Hall is at capacity and cannot
accommodate the new department. As a result, the City
anticipates that it will have to buy or lease a building to
house the new department. This decision will have
obvious long term capital facility impacts which will be
described in the 1996 version of this Capital Facilities
chapter.
6.5 SCHOOL FACILITIES
This section summarizes information in the Federal Way
School District No. 210, 1994/95 Capital Facilities Plan
(School Plan) and adopts the School Plan by reference.
This Plan covers the entire Federal Way School District
which includes the City of Federal Way and
unincorporated azeas to the east of Interstate 5. The
District provides educational programs to all students
who live in the School District service area, whether they
live in Federal Way, Kent, or unincorporated King
County. A school outside the Federal Way City limits
may provide service to students who live within the City
limits and vice versa.
Inventory of Existing Facilities
Map VI-6 shows the location of every school in the
District. Table VI-S summarizes the District's student
capacity. At this time, the District has sufficient capacity
in the existing schools to house all of the students in the
District.
Table VI-5
of Ezisting Facilities
1995 1996
11,034 11,034
5,001 5,001
1997 1998
11,034 11,034
5,001 5,001
1999
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5,001
2000
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11,034
5,001
4,206
4,206 4,206 4,206 4,206 4,206
20,241 20,241 20,241 20,241 20,24 ]
srooms. These capacities aze based on the ma�amum use of the buildin¢s.
VI-16
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CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
ARTERIAL
CLASSIFICATIONS
FEDERAL WAY
SCHOOL DISTRICT
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Capital Facilities Pla�
Program Capacity
The School District has established a LOS for itself
which it calls "program capacity." The District's
program capacity is based on: 1) the number of students
per classroom, 2) the number of classrooms per school,
3) the number of classes that can be held in each
classroom per day, and 4) other operational conditions.
"Program Capaciry" assumes that the average class will
serve the following numbers of students:
Grades 1- 3 24 Students per classroom
Grades 4-12 27 Students per classroom
GATE 25 Students per classroom
Special Education 12 Students per classroom
Portables 25 Students per classroom
The School District uses portables at many school sites
as an interim measure to house new students until
permanent facilities can be built.
There are other administrative measures that the School
District could use to increase school capaciry. These
measures include double shifting, modified school
calendar, and yeaz-round schooling. These measures
have been used in the District on an experimental basis,
but not District wide.
ENROLLMENT
Elementary
Junior High
Senior High
TOTAL
Forecast of Future Needs -
Student Forecasts
The School District has a relatively sophisticated
methodology for forecasting student population
increases. The methodology has historically projected
student population increases with a 98 percent rate of
accuracy based on the following variables:
■ Number of housing units in the District.
■ Students moving from one grade to another.
■ Students transferring in from other schools.
■ Students remaining in their current grade.
Table YI-6 describes increased enrollment through the
yeaz 2000. It shows that the School District's student
population will grow steadily every year with the highest
growth in elementary schools.
The District has compared their e�cisting school capaciry
with their growth forecasts and concluded that they will
be operating at a deficit at all school levels by the year
2001. The District will need to use portables to
accommodate the anticipated "unhoused" student
population. The District may also be required to build
new schools as well.
Table VI-6
Federal Way School District Student Forecast
ACI'UAL
10,505 10,553 10,637 10,799 10,955
11,077 � 11,224
4,677 � 4,713 � 4,813 � 4,818 � 4,842 � 4,878 � 4,975
4,032 4,022 4,025 4,135 4,183 4,255 4,393
19,214 19288 19,475 19,752 19,980 20,210 20,59:
VI-19
Federat Way Comprehensive Plan - Capital Facilities Plan
Location and Capacity of New and
Improved Schooi Facilities
No new schools, and only a few school expansions, are
planned for the District over the next six years. These
limited school facilities improvements are listed below,
along with their addresses and program capacities. Of
the schools listed below, only Meredith Hill Elementary
is still under construction and is scheduled to open in
September of 1995. Because of its opening date,
Meredith Hill is listed as eacisting capaciry in 1995. The
budget listed for the other schools is to fuush schools
that aze akeady open and operating.
■ Green Gables Elementary (Elementary #21)
32607 - 47th Avenue Southwest
■ Enterprise Elementary (Elementary #22)
35101- Sth Avenue Southwest
■ Meredith Hill Elementary (Elementary #23)
5830 South 300th Street
accompanying six year finance plan will be updated
annually by the School District. This will bring the plan
into full compliance with GMA requirements.
6.7 WATER SYSTEMS
This section summarizes the Lakehaven Utility District's
Comprehensive Water System Plan. Map VI-7 shows the
District's water service area boundary. Other purveyors
provide water to portions of the District. The City of
Tacoma, for example, serves an area on the west side of
the District. Highline Water District serves a small
portion of the District on the north side. The Town of
Milton serves a small area on the south side of the
District that is within the Town of Milton limits. Areas
on the east side of I-5 within the City limits of Auburn
and Pacific receive water from the District by agreement
with the cities. These areas are at a higher elevation than
the valley cities can cost effectively serve.
■ Saghalie Jr. High (Jr. High #6)
33914 - 19th Avenue Southwest
■ Mark Twain Elementary
2450 South Star Lake Road
■ Kilo Jr. High
4400 South 308th Street
These schools aze all identified inMap VI-6 which
shows both ercisting and proposed new schools.
Finance Plan
Table VI-7 describes the School District's six yeaz
fmance plan to support the school construction. The
table identifies $26,215,517 available from secure
funding sources and an additional $38,999,265
anticipated from other funding sources between 1995
and 2000. These funds will more than cover
$26,215,517 in planned project costs to the year 2000.
Inventory of Existing Facilities
The District's wells, storage, and major components of
the distribution system are located onMap VI-8. Other
facilities are described in the following sections.
Interties
Interties connect Lakehaven's system with adjouung
water districts. Interties allow the District to buy or sell
water with adjoining districts and are an essential
back-up which provide enhanced system reliability.
Interties have been installed at six different locations
with three of the adj acent water purveyors. The water
mains for the other purveyors on the east and south are
located a significant distance away from the District's
mains. In addition, there is a large difference in elevation
which makes it possible to flow only in the direction
away from the District, and would require installation of
control valves to control the pressure. Not all interties
allow two-way flow. Details of these interties aze shoum
below:
The School Plan states that State matching funds and ■��tertie is installed on Southwest 325th Street
impact mitigation fees, if realized, will be used to near 35th Avenue Southwest between the District
decrease the need for future bonds or used on additional and the City of Tacoma system and serves as an
capital fund projects. The School Plan currently covers emergency supply to Tacoma.
the years 1995-2000. The School Plan and
vi-2o
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Table YI-7
School Fundin Plan
SECURED FiTNDING 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 TOTAL
1991 Bond & Intetest 56,512,179 S6
Impact Fees (1) 524,000 524,000
City L►tcrlocal Funds 5929,338 5929,338
Lend Sale Funds (2) 5250,000 � 150,000 5400,000
State Match Funds (3) 59,775,000 a8,575,000 518,350,000
TOTAL $17,490,517 $8,725,000 526,215,517
UNSECURED FUNDING
SOURCES
State Match Funds (6) 52,822,019 52,822,019
Bond or I.evy Funds (4) �31,000,000 531,000,000
Mitigation Fees (5) �1,065,984 51,065,984
TOTAL 534,888,003 534,888,003
Green Gables (Etementary #21) 5209,689 5209,689
Enterprise (Elementary #22) 5818,693 �818,693
Meredith Hill (Elementary #23) 55,213,134 $5,213,134
Saghalie (Jr. High #6) $929,338 �929,338
MODERNIZATION5
Mark Twain Elementary 550,523 550,523
Kilo Jr. High �229 5229
TEMPORARY FACILITIES
Portables 5178,415 5178,415
OTHER
Sports Fields - Lakota/Memorial �1,265,496 51,265,496
ReserveFacilityImprovements 58,575,000 $8,575,000 517,150,000
Facilities Department $250,000 5150,000 5400,000
TOTAL 517,490,517 �8,725,000 526,215,517
Notes: 1) Thae fees have been collected in calrndar vear 1995 W date. 2) These funds come from vario�u sales of land and are aet atide for atimated expenditures. 3) Guaranteed State
match nimb�usements. 4) These funds, if secured, will be used for modemi�tion of schools. 5) Calculations on impect fee estunates are coMaurod m the 1994/ I9v5 scnoo� autr►a p�an.
6) These funds aro tentatively allotted state matching funds.
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An intertie has been installed on Southwest 349th
Street near 30th Avenue Southwest between the
District and the City of Tacoma system. This
intertie was enhanced in 1991 by the construction of
a control valve station to allow full-time supply by
Tacoma to a one squaze mile segment of the
District's system, including Tank No. 3 in the
southwest comer of the District.
A third intertie with the City of Tacoma is being
added at 15th Avenue SW and SW 356th Street to
provide a redundant source to the one square mile
area served fiill time by Tacoma. This intertie will
also allow for possible expansion of the area now
served by Tacoma water.
■ One intertie, located on Pacific Highway South at
South 276th Street extended, has been installed
between Lakehaven and Highline Water District.
This intertie can provide emergency water to the
Highline District.
■ An intertie between Highline Water District and the
Lakehaven system is installed at Pacific Highway
South at about South 274th Street. This intertie
could operate in either direction since the systems
on both sides of the intertie operate at a 490 foot
system head.
■ An intertie is installed on Marine View Drive near
the boundary between Highline Water District and
the Lakehaven system. This intertie can serve in
both directions since both systems operate at or near
a 334 foot system head.
■ An intertie has also been constructed with the Town
of Milton's water system, but due to the significant
differences in head between the two systems (450
feet, LUD vs. 330 feet, Milton), water is only
provided to Milton on an emergency basis.
Forecast of Future Needs
The Water System Plan estimates future need by
analyzing existing water consumption pattems on a
daily, seasonal, and yeazly basis. The District converts
gross water consumption numbers into per capita
consumption in gallons per day. Average per capita
water consumption in the District is appro�cimately 114
gallons per day. This figure multiplied times projected
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Capital Fecilities Plan
population growth, provides a rough estimate of the
future demand for water. Recently, these numbers have
been reduced slightly to account for the reduction in
water consumption associated with the District's water
conservation program. In additioq the growth rate in the
District has slowed significantly. In 1990, the District
was assuming a three percent annual growth rate through
1995 and a two percent rate through 2000. In 1994, the
District experienced a 1.64 percent increase in the
number of water meters installed.
Despite their relatively successful conservation program
and lower than anticipated growth, the Lakehaven Utiliry
District has a t►igher demand for water than it has in
available supply. Each year, the District pumps more
water out of its aquifers than is replenished by natural
aquifer recharge. As a consequence, the water levels in
some of the District's aquifers aze going down.
If the District is unable to secure additional water
resources in the near future, it may be forced to stop
issuing certificates of water availability. That action
would have significant impacts on the local economy and
economic development efforts.
Location of Expanded And
Improved Facilities
The District has programmed a number of system
improvements to eliminate existing system deficiencies,
conserve water, develop water sources, drill wells, add
storage, and expand distribution. These improvements
are summarized below.
Second Supply Pipeline
The District is currently involved in developing other
sources of water. The most significant effort is the
Second Supply Pipeline (formerly called Pipeline 5).
This project is absolutely critical to the long term water
needs in Federal Way and to stabilize the water level in
the aquifers. Based on the 1994 pipeline construction
schedule, the District would access the pipeline at two
locations. One connection facility is proposed in vicinity
of Military Road and the Bonneville Administration
Power Line. This facility would add from 4.62 or 5.87
million gallons per day (mgd) to the District, depending
on the fmal contracted allocation. The second connection
facility would be located at the Well No. 19 site. These
facilities would add from 4.62 to 5.87 mgd to the
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LAKEHAVEN
SERVICE
AREA
MAP
EXISTING WATER FACILITIES
' Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Capitel Facilities Plen
' District's supply depending on the final contracted
allocation. It should be noted however, water available
from the Second Supply Pipeline is conditioned upon
� adequate in stream flows and may not be appropriate as
a primary water source.
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The City should cazefully monitor progress on all of
these projects, and particularly on the second supply
pipeline project, to ensure that the City has water
available to meet future needs.
Wells
The District currently has sufficient well capacity to
accommodate future growth. For example, the District
has Well No. 26 at the Tank No. 3 site which has not yet
been developed, but is available for future development.
This well has the potential capaciry of about 600 G.P.M.
The aquifer has not been positively identified. This well
would not actually add any more supply to the water
system due to limited aquifer capacity, but could be used
for replacement of another well in the event that one of
the existing wells should fail.
The answer to future water demand is not merely
through drilling more wells. Additional wells are needed
to meet summer peak demands. It is well documented,
however, that the existing wells have the pumping
capacity to produce more water than is available from
local aquifers. Therefore, the District is planning several
projects to increase supplies from outside the District,
thereby allowing local aquifers to rechazge and increase
recovery during the peak summer season. The problem is
declining levels in the aquifer and the current inability
for the aquifer to keep pace with the demand for water.
Source Treatment
The Water System Plan identifies a potential need for a
water treatment plant in the near future. The decision to
build the treatment plant will depend to some extent on
legal interpretation of Federal and State drinking water
laws.
A more important concern relates to adding chlorine to
the drinking water. The addition of chlorine to the
existing well water will precipitate iron/manganese from
the water and cause staining of fixtures and clothes if the
iron/manganese concentration is not reduced before
chlorination.
Storage Improvements
According to the District, storage is adequate at this
time. Calculations show that the 538 pressure zone will
likely require additional storage in the ne�rt few yeazs to
meet future demand. The District's updated water
systems plan will deternune when and where this new
storage should be located.
Water Conservation Measures
The District is committed to implementing aggressive
water conservation measures to reduce per capita water
consumption. These include programs such as public
information campaigns, rate adjustments to reduce
summer and peak day consumption, and every third-day
lawn watering calendars. At present, the conservation
program is voluntary, but it may become mandatory in
the future if conditions warrant such measures.
The District will also work with the Ciry to introduce
water conservation measures by amending the zoning
and building codes. These measures could include a
requirement for low flow showerheads and toilets,
landscaping with reduced irrigation needs, and use of
reclaimed water for irrigation.
Finance Plan
The District has identified several si�cant capital
improvement projects in its water systems plan. The
general description and scheduling of these projects is
included in the Lakehaven Utility District's Capital
Improvement Program for the years 1995-2004 (Table
YI-8). The schedule and project costs will be updated
annually through the District's budget and capital
improvement program process.
6.8 SEWER SYSTEMS
The existing Sewer Comprehensive Plan was originally
adopted in 1983. Since being adopted, the Plan has been
updated on numerous occasions. The last amendment
was approved by King County early in 1988. The Lake-
haven Utility District has indicated that the compre-
hensive plan will go through a major update in Fall
1995, and into 1996. That Plan, and any future amend-
ments, are incorporated into this Plan by reference.
' VI-25
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Capital Facilities Plan
Table VI-8
Lakehaven Utility District
1995-2004 Ca ital Im rovements Pro'ects Summa — Water De artment
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 TotalProject
Project Title
We1129/29A Production Drilling 21 S 215
Phase II
RepaidRehab Reserve 300 800 900 1,000 1,100 1,200 1,200 1,300 1,400 1,500 10,700
Pipeline 5 Connection 260 800 1060
Aubum Intertie 100 100 10 600 1870
Well 18 Electrica( Upgrade 145 145
Well 29/29A Site Development Phase 300 550 850
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Oversizing Payments 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 500
WD 56 tJLID 3 Replacement 705 80 785
S 348th St. Relocation 20 20
S 356th St. Relocation - Phase II 45 465 510
S 312th St. Relocation 50 235 285
SW 336th St. Rclocation 60 400 460
Redondo Beach Road Relocation 20 130 150
SR161/348th to 360th Relocation 50 350 400
Office Site Improvements ('/:) 5 20 50 75
Enhanced Natural Aquifer Recharge 50 300 200 200 200 200 1150
334th & 18th Tie 30 30
SeaTac Mall Tie 85 85
295th/12th SW Water Main Replace 90 90
35th & 334th Tie/Replacement 75 75
VI-26
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� � � w� � � � �r �■r � � � �w r■� r � � � r
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Capital Facilities Plan
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 TotalProject
Project Title
Redondo WWTP WaterMain 40 40
Replace
S 344th/345th St. Replacement 320 320
18th PI. S Replacement 80 80
1995 Distribution Lnprovements 90 345 435
Welt 15/1 SA Electrical Upgrade 245 245
WaterReuse 100 1,000 2,000 500 500 500 500 500 5600
16th SW/SW 304th Transmission Ext 220 22�
Pump Station/Well Upgrades 300 100 200 125 150 350 500 300 250 2275
Future LUD Complan Updates 155 100 120 120 495
23rd Avenue S Relocation 40 200 240
Campus Drive Relocation 400 400
S 304th Street Relocation 100 1�
Future Relocations/Roads 200 550 600 650 700 750 800 850 900 6000
Disfibution Improvements 800 900 1,000 1,100 1,200 1,300 1,400 1,500 9200
7.0 MG Storage Tank 185 2,500 2625 5310
Coaosion Control Feasibility Study 155 155
Arti6ciat A uifer Rechar e(S 200 800 1000
VI-27
The Lakehaven Utility District serves an area that
includes the unincorporated areas east and north of the
existing City limits of Federal Way. Map VI-9 describes
the District's sewer service area as well as the local
service areas within the District.
Inventory of Existing Facilities
The sanitary sewer system is comprised of three major
components. The trunk collection system, the pump
station system, and the treatment plants. The trunk
system collects sewage from the local service areas and
conveys it to the treatment plant using gravity flow. In
areas where using gravity flow is not possible, pump
stations and force mains are used to pump the sewage to
a location where graviry flow can be used. Map VI-10
describes the location of these components of the
sanitary sewer system.
The District currently has the capaciry in all the major
components of the system to accommodate the existing
demand for service.
Forecast of Future Needs
The District estimates that during the non-urigation
months (typically November through March), domestic
sewage flows are normally equal to about 90 percent of
the domestic water demand. On a household basis, the
unit rate has been estimated at 225 gallons per day. It is
estimated that commercial land use generates
approximately 700 gallons per day per acre of land.
When these sewer system use rates are applied to
estimates of future commercial land and household
counts, the District can calculate the size and location of
additions and expansions to the sewer system.
Wastewater generation or flow is directly related to
ultimate land use. The District dces not anticipate any
enlargement of the eausting treatment plants until well
after the yeaz 2001. This assumption is based on the
built-out nature of the azea served by the Redondo plant
and the fact that the Lakota plant is currently operating
at less than 40 percent of its designed capacity.
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Capital Facilities Plan
Location and Capacities of Future
FBCI�It1@S
The District develops a capital improvement projects
(CIP) summary as a part of the annual district budget
process. This CIP lists individual capital projects for the
succeeding 10 year time frame. The CIP prioritizes the
projects according to the system needs. Also included in
this list of projects aze the ones that are continued from
previous years. A list of these capital projects can be
found in the District's Capital Improvement Program
1995-2004 (Table YI-9).
Finance Plan
The District updates its capital improvement program
annually as part of the District's budget process. For
specific information on the Finance Plan, please refer to
the District's most recent capital improvements program
for revenue and cost information related to the District's
proposed capital projects
6.9 FIRE FACILITIES
This section summarizes the King County Fire
Protection District No. 39, Long Range Plan (The Fire
Plan). The Fire District provides service to the entire
City and surrounding unincorporated area. Services
include fire suppression, fire prevention (building
inspection and public information), emergency medical,
and communications center for 911 emergency calls. The
Fire Plan identifies and programs improvements that are
necessary to maintain existing service standards and to
meet the needs of future residents and businesses. The
District's Fire Plan, and future updates, are adopted by
reference in this Plan.
The Fire District provides fire suppression service to the
entire City. In order to do this, the District has adopted
the following LOS standards:
■ An average emergency response time of five
minutes.
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LAKEHAVEN
SERVICE AREA
AND BASINS
MAP
SEWER SYSTEM COMPONENTS
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Capital Facilities Plan
Table VI-9
Lakehaven Utility District
1995-2004 Ca ital Im rovements Pro'ects Summa — Sewer De artment
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 Z001 2002 2003 2004 TotalPrnject
Project Title
Pierce/Tacoma Capacity Agreement 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 300
Pump Station Fuel Tank Replacement 140 140
RepaidRehab Reserve 250 800 900 1,000 1,100 1,200 1,200 1,300 1,400 1,500 10,650
Oversizing Payments 200 200 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 800
iTLID 59 (SW 312th/8th Avenue SV� 1,340 1,340
iJLID 60 (S 306thY52nd Avenue S) 1,020 1,020
ULID 61 (West Lake Kil(amey) ? �
Sewer Station 31 Upgrade 200 200
Auburn/Redondo Siphon Inlet Upgrade 35 35
Grinder Pump Installation 15 15 15 15 15 75
Redondo Beach Road Relocation 20 30 50
Meredith 1 Siphon Upgrade 50 50
Of�ice Site Improvements ('h) 5 20 50 75
UI Rehabilitation 10 50 50 50 160
SW District Sewage Transfer 100 650 750
BiosolidsManagemenUComposting 500 2,000 1,500 100 ]00 100 4,300
Lakota WWTP Difiuser 200 300 S00
Sewet Station 6 Upgrade 500 500
Pump Station upgrades (General) 400 500 500 200 200 300 300 400 2,800
S 363rd Strcet Replacement 80 80
Lakota Creek Observation Platform 30 30
VI-31
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Capital Facilities Plan
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 TotalProject
Project Title
Redondo WWTP Outfall Repair 400 400
Siphon Upgrades 450 365 470 200 1,485
Future ULID's 500 500 500 500 2000
Lakota WWTP Outfall 500 500 1,000 2000
Lakota WWTPAdvanced Treatment 200 2,500 3,200 10,000 15,900
Lakota WWTP Expansion 1,000 5,000 10,000 16,000
Earthquake Improvements 100 300 100 500
Future LUD Com Plan U ates 150 150
VI-32
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' Federel Way Comprehensive Plan - Capital Facilities Plen
' ■ Each emergency response should include a
minimum of one fire fighting vehicle and three
fully-equipped and fully- trained crew members.
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■ The Fire District provides a full building inspection
service for fire code compliance.
The District is currently providing service which is
generally consistent with its adopted LOS standards.
The Fire District also depends on having adequate water
pressure available in fire hydrants to extinguish fires.
The District works with the Lakehaven Utility District to
ensure that adequate fire flow is always available. The
Water System Plan� analyzes "fire flow" and programs
improvements to the water system to ensure that
sufficient water is available for fire suppres�ion.
Inventory and Capacity of
Existing Facilities
The District has two major types of capital facilities.
One is fire stations and the other is capital investment in
equipment and, in particulaz, fire engines. The District's
fire stations are shown onMap VI-11.
Forecast of Future Needs
From 1986 through 1991, emergency responses
increased at an average of over nine percent. In 1990,
public education efforts included 911 use/abuse training.
The increases in call volume during 1992-1994 leveled
off, although it is unknown how much, if any, effect the
911 public education effort had on actual call volumes.
Fire related incidents decreased during the 1990's, while
calls for emergency medical services have increased. The
challenge for the Fire Disbrict will be to manage fixed-
cost investments, such as new stations, and to be flexible
in its ability to meet fluctuating call volumes. �
Location and Capacity of Expanded
or New Facilities
During 1994 and 1995, Fire District #39 participated in
a study to consider the feasibility of consolidating with
the four fire districts to the north, toward SeaTac and
Burien. Based on the results of that study, District #39
and the two districts in the viciniry of Burien and SeaTac
decided to begin working on a consolidation program
that would have them merge administratively in the near
term and operationally over the ne�rt few years.
This consolidation effort is significant for a variety of
reasons, not the least of which is the location of the
District's fire stations. Based on how the consolidation
proceeds, the District may decide to maintain the
existing north end stations. Alternatively, they may
decide its best to decommission one or both of them in
favor of a more central location in the District.
Second, the District may have need for an additional
station in the south end of the City in the vicinity of
356th and Pacific Highway. If this area continues to
experience significant commercial growth, the District
anticipates that the calls for service will also continue to
grow. In this eventuality, an additional station may be
needed to maintain acceptable response times. The
District is acquiring property in this area to assure future
availability of a station site.
Any new station should be able to accommodate an on-
duty crew of three fire fighters, with appropriate living
and sleeping quarters. In addition, the structure should
be able to house two engines and an aid car, with room
for growth dictated by LOS demands. The cost of these
facilities is appro�mately $1,000,000, plus land costs.
Equipment would be in the range of $500,000.
Funding Plan
The Fire District has established a capital reserve fund
for the systematic replacement of all capital equipment.
These reserves are funded from the annual revenues of
the District. The District also has established a goal of a
minimum of three paid fire fighters on each fire
appazatus. Additional staff that aze hired in support of
that goal will be funded from new construction levies.
The District has not established any funds for purchase
of new stations or associated equipment. These
purchases would require voter approved bonds.
In the District's annually adopted budget, capital
projects are identified. This capital projects list is
updated based on completed projects and changing
priorities. This plan adopts by reference the District's
Fire Master Plan as well as the annual capital
improvements program update.
' VI-33
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Capital Facilities Plan
6.10 GOALS AND POLICIES
CFP6 Protect investments in existing facilities
through an appropriate level of maintenance
and operation funding.
The goals and policies in this section implement the
State's Growth Management Act requirements and the
King County Countywide Planning Policies. The Ciry of
Federal Way takes responsibility for implementing only
those goals and policies for services provided by the
City.
Special service districts, such as the school, utility , and
fire districts, must implement goals and policies which
are consistent with their respective plans. The City dces
intend, however, to closely coordinate the City's plan
with these service districts so that the citizens of Federal
Way receive the highest level of service possible.
Goal
CFGl Annually update the Capital Facilities Plan to
implement the Federal Way Comprehensive
Plan by coordinating urban services, land use
decisions, level of service standards, and
financial resources with a fully funded
schedule of capital improvements.
CFP7 Maximize the use of existing public facilities
and promote orderly compact urban growth.
Goal
CFG2 To meet current needs for capital facilities in
Federal Way, correct deficiencies in existing
systems, and replace or improve obsolete
facilities.
Balancing existing capital facilities needs with the need
to provide additional facilities to serve growth is a major
challenge�'or Federal Way. It is important to maintain
our prior investments as well as serve new growth.
Clearly, tough priority decisions are facing Federal Way
policy-makers.
Policies
CFPS Give priority consideration to projects
mandated by law, and those by State and
Federal agencies.
Policies
CFP9 Give priority consideration to subsequent
CFPl Provide needed public facilities and services to Phases of phased projects when phase one is
implement the City's Comprehensive Plan. fiilly funded and under construction.
CFP2 Support and encourage joint development and �10 Give prioriry consideration to projects that
use of communiry facilities with other govern- renovate existing facilities and preserve the
mental or community organizations in areas of community's prior investment or reduce
mutual concern and benefit. maintenance and operating costs.
CFP3 Emphasize capital improvement projects which �11 Give priority consideration to projects that
promote the conservation, preservation, correct existing capital facilities deficiencies,
redevelopment, or revitalization of commercial, encourage full utilization of existing facilities,
industrial, and residential azeas in Federal Way. or replace worn out or obsolete facilities.
CFP4 Adopt by reference all facilities plans and
future amendments prepazed by other special
districts which provide services within the City.
These plans must be consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan.
CFP12 Give priority to projects where leveraged
monies such as grants and low interest loans
can be used.
Goal
CFPS Adopt by reference the annual update of the �P Provide capital facilities to serve and direct
Federal Way Capital Improvement Program for ,future growth within Federal Way and its
pazks/recreation, surface water management, Potential Annezation Area as these areas
and the Transportation Improvement Program. urbanize.
VI-34
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Capital Facilities Plan
It is crucial to identify, in advance of development, sites
for schools, parks, fire and police stations, major storm
water facilities, greenbelts, open space, and road
connections. Acquisition of sites for these facilities must
occur in a timely manner and as eazly as possible in the
overall development of the azea. Otherwise, acquisition
opporiunities will be missed, with long term functional
or financial implications.
Policies
The GMA requires that the Land Use chapter be
reassessed if funding for capital facilities falls short of
needs. The intent is to ensure that necessary capital
facilities are available prior to, or concurrently with new
growth and development. Capital facilities plans must
show a balance between costs and revenues. There are
essentially five options available for balancing the
capital facilities budget: increase revenues, decrease
level of service standazds, decrease the cost of the
facilities, decrease the demand for the public service, and
reduce the rate of growth and new development.
CFP13 Provide the capital facilities needed to serve the
future growth anticipated by the Compre- Policies
hensive Plan.
CFP14 Give priority consideration to projects needed
to meet concurrence requirements for growth
management.
CFP15 Plan and coordinate the location of public
facilities and utilities in advance of need.
CFP16 Implement a concurrence management system
for transportation which permits project
approval only after a finding is made that there
is capacity available in the transportation
system sufficient to maintain the adopted level
of service standard.
CFP17 The provision of urban services shall be
coordinated to ensure that areas identified for
urban expansion are accompanied with the
maximum possible use of existing facilities and
cost effective service provisions and extensions
while ensuring the protection and preservation
of resources.
CFP18 Coordinate future economic activity with
planning for public facilities and services.
CFP20 Manage the City of Federal Way's fiscal
resources to support providing needed capital
improvements. Enswe a balanced approach to
allocating fmancial resources between: (1)
major maintenance of etcisting facilities; (2)
eliminating existing capital facility deficiencies;
and (3) providing new or expanding existing
facilities to serve new growth.
CFP21 Use the Capital Facilities Plan to integrate all of
the community's capital project resources
including grants, bonds, general funds,
donations, impact fees, and any other available
funding.
CFP22 Ensure that long term capital fmancing
strategies and policies are consistent all the
other Comprehensive Plan elements.
CFP23 Pursue funding strategies that require new
growth and development to pay its fair shaze of
the cost of facilities that are required to
maintain adopted level of service standards.
One such strategy that should be implemented
in the near term is an impact fee program for
parks, transportation, and schools.
CFP19 Purchase property in the Potential Annexation
Area and keep it in reserve for future City parks CFP24 Promote a more efficient of all public facilities
and surface water facilities. by enacting interlocal agreements which
facilitate joint maintenance and operations of
Goal those facilities.
CFPG4 Provide adequate funding for capital facilities CFP25 Use the following available contingency
in Federal Way to ensure the Comprehensive strategies should the City be faced with capital
Plan vision and goals are implemented. facility funding shortfalls:
VI-36
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Capital Facilities Plan
■ Increase revenues by selling general
obligation bonds, enacting utility taxes,
imposing impact fees, and raising property
tax levy rates.
■ Decrease level of service standazds to a
level that is more affordable.
■ Decrease the cost of the facility by changing
or modifying the scope of the project.
Poticies
CFP28 Monitor the progress of the Capital Facilities
Plan on an ongoing basis, including the
completion of major maintenance projects, the
expansion of existing facilides, and the addition
of new facilities. Evaluate this progress with
respect to trends in the rate and disiribution of
growth, impacts upon service quality, and
Comprehensive Plan direction.
■ Decrease the demand for the service or CFP29 Review, update, and amend the Capital
facilities by establishing a moratorium on Facilities Plan annually. Respond to changes in
development, focus development into areas the rates of growth, new development trends,
where facility capacity is available, or and changing City priorities, budget, and
changing project timing and/or phasing. financial considerations.
CFP26 Aggressively pursue grants or private funds
when available to fmance capital faciliry
projects.
CFP27 Maximize the usefulness of bond funds by
using these monies to the greatest extent
possible as matching funds for grants.
Goal
CFPGS Ensure that the Federal Way Capital
Facilities Plan is current and responsive to
the community vision and goals.
Make provisions to reassess the Comprehensive
Plan periodically in light of the evolving Capital
Facilities Plan. Take appropriate action to
ensure internal consistency of the chapters in
the plan.
CFP30 Continue to coordinate with other capital
facility and service providers to ensure that all
necessary services and facilities are provided
prior to or concurrent with new growth and
development. �
The role of monitoring and evaluation is vital to the
effectiveness of any planning program and particularly
for the Capital Facilities chapter. The City's revenues
and expenditures are subject to economic fluctuations
and aze used to predict fiscal trends in order to maintain
the City's adopted level of service for public facilities.
This Capital Facilities Plan will be annually reviewed
and amended to verify that fiscal resources are available
to provide public facilities needed to support adopted
LOS standards.
VI-37
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - City Center
7.0 INTRODUCTION
ederal Way's Ciry Center Plan presents concepts
and strategies for creating a defmable and vibrant
"City Center" for Federal Way and an"urban
center" for Southwest King County. The plan integrates
the community's vision for a Ciry Center with the Puget
Sound Regional Council's (PSRC) adopted VISION
2020 plan, and King County's countywide strategy for
developing a network of centers.
In this Plan, the term "urban center" is used consistent
with the VISION 2020/King County definition, or to
refer to the general characteristics of a sub-regional
center. The term "Ciry Center" applies spec�cally to
Federal Way's proposed center which includes a City
Center core area. The City Center core area is intended
to meet the requirements of an urban center.
Purposes
The principle purposes of the Federal Way Ciry Center
Plan are to: "
■ Create an ident�able downtown that is the social
and economic focus of the City;
■ Strengthen the City as a whole by providing for
long-term growth in employment and housing;
■ Promote housing opportunities close to
employment;
■ Support development of an extensive regional
transportation system;
■ Reduce dependency on automobiles;
■ Consume less land with urban development;
■ Maximize the benefit of public investment in
infrastructure and services;
■ Reduce costs of, and time required for permitting;
■ Provide a central gathering place for the community;
and
■ Improve the qualiry of urban design for all
developments.
Background
The VISION 2020 Plan (1995 update), Regional Goal 1
states: "Locate development in urban growth areas to
conserve natural resources and enable efficient provision
of services and facilities. Within urban growth areas,
focus growth in compact communities and centers in a
manner that uses land efficiently, provides parks and
recreation azeas, is pedestrian-oriented, and helps
strengthen communities. Connect and serve urban
communities with an efficient, transit oriented, multi-
modal transportation system." Countywide Planning
Policies (CWPP) support this goal by encouraging:
■ Establishment of an urban center that is a vibrant,
unique, and attractive place to live and work;
■ Efficient public services including transit; and
■ Responding to local needs and mazkets for jobs and
housing.
The CWPP define urban centers as concentrated, mixed-
use azeas, a maximum size of 1'/Z square miles (960
acres), and oriented around a high capacity lransit
station. At buildout, the policies envision that the center
would contain a minimum of 15,000 jobs within'/s mile
of the transit center, or 50 employees per gross acre, and
an average of 15 households per acre. The urban center
policies also call for:
■ Adopting regulations which encourage transit use and
discourage the use of single-occupant vehicles;
■ Emphasizing the pedestrian features and promoting
superior urban design;
■ Providing sufficient public open spaces and
recreational opportunities; and
■ Uses that provide daytime and nighttime activities.
CWPP recognize that with this growth will come an
increased need for infrastructure. The policies, therefore,
indicate that priority will be given to ensure the
development of additional transportation and other
infrastructure improvements necessary to support new,
concentrated growth in urban centers.
During a series of community workshops, which aze
described in chapter one, participants helped to develop
a"vision" for Federal Way's future. This vision includes
the creation of a City Center. With the support of the
residential and business community, Federal Way
nominated itself to contain an urban center. Nominations
were reviewed by the Growth Management Planning
Council (GMPC), which confirmed the Federal Way
Ciry Center core area as an urban center in 1994. The
urban center designation will help Federal Way gain
access to County funds needed to provide infrastructure
as the Ciry Center grows.
vu-i
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - City Center
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The Role of the City Center in 7.1 VISION STATEMENT �
Federai Way's Future
There are several reasons why a definable, vital Ciry
Center is an important part of Federal Way's future.
These include:
Communiry Support - The Federal Way communiry has
made the City Center a significant part of its vision.
Participants in communiry workshops helped to develop
a"vision" for Federal Way's future. A keystone of that
plan is an attractive, multi-faceted City Center providing
the setting for civic features and commercial activities.
Economic Development - Federal Way's economic
development strategy relies on a strong urban center. As
discussed in the Economic Development chapter, Federal
V�ay has the opportunity to transform itself from an
essentially residential and retail based economy to an
emerging, sub-regional economic center with an
expanded, more diversified employment base.
In the year 2010, the Federal Way Ciry Center has
evolved into the cultural, social, and economic center of
the Ciry and has fulfilled its role as one of Puget Sound's
regional network of urban centers. Tlus role is reinforced
by pedestrian-oriented streetscapes; an efficient multi-
modal transportation system; liveable and affordable
housing; increased retail, service, and office
development in a compact azea; a network of public
spaces and parks; superior urban design; and a safe,
essential, and vibrant street life.
The Ciry Center is responsive to the needs of its
residents. In addition to general services which draw
people from outside the region, such as retail, office, and
hotel uses, the City Center is the primary commercial
area providing local goods and services to the
surrounding neighborhoods, and to residents and
employees within the center area.
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Natural Evolution - The development of a more
intensive, multi-use urban center is a natural step in
Federal Way's evolution. Most new centers start out as
bedroom communities. Retail businesses develop fust;
office and industrial activities next begin to locate at key
transportation crossroads, adding jobs and strengthening
the employment base. Federal Way has experienced all
evolutionary phases, with the exception of one. The final
step is achieving a sufficient critical mass in the City
Center to produce lively street activity; support specialty
business, culturaV entertainment facilities and a high
quality hotel; justify the investment for public pazks,
amenities, and improved transportation systems; and
create the interactive "synergy" of a true urban center.
Federal Way's economic development strategy will add
this fmal essential step in this evolution.
Growth Management - Developing a City Center is part
of a regional strategy to address western Washington's
growth management problems. Public policy makers
have focused increased attention on issues affecting our
quality of life, including urban sprawl and the
accompanying reduction of open space, declining
housing affordability, and increasing traf�'ic congestion.
As stated previously, concentrating future growth within
the four county region into a number of centers (rather
than a continued pattern of dispersion), linked by an
efficient high capacity transit system, is one of the
principle goals to manage this growth.
Private development and City initiated actions have
resulted in a balanced transportation network which
accommodates automobiles, public transportation, high
occupancy vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, and
integrated parking. Pedestrian and bicycle circulation is
emphasized along with other travel modes. The
downtown urban fabric includes smaller blocks, lending
itself to efficient and pleasant travel. Concentrated
development allows a significant number of jobs and
residences to be located within close proximiry to transit
and a High Capaciry Transit Station (HCT), thus,
reducing dependency on the automobile and improving
pedestrian mobiliry. Direct access to a regional transit
system links the City Center to Seattle, Everett, Tacoma,
Bellewe, Sea-Tac International Airport, and other
regional and local destinations.
The diversity of housing opportunities has also increased
and now includes townhomes, condominiums, and
medium-high rise apartment buildings which help to
meet a significant portion of the community's housing
needs. Residents walk or take transit to shop, work, and
recreate. Community facilities and services, public
spaces, pazks, and trails compliment the variery of
housing and provide places for residents to come
together as a community.
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� Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - City Center
� A central gathering place for the community, the City
Center is where the whole communiry can congregate
and celebrate. Civic and cultural facilities, in addition to
� a pazk and open-space system, meet the needs of
residents, employees, and visitors. These amenities
connect to the Cirywide and regional system of open
� spaces, parks, and trails. Public and private projects
contain such design elements as fountains, sculptures,
and unique landscaping.
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The quality of urban design for all developments,
including streets, buildings, and landscaping, is high and
contributes to an improved quality of life. Public
buildings and spaces also set a high standazd for design
and compatibility with adjoining uses.
Goals for the City Center Plan
The goals and policies of the City Center Plan are
derived from those of the Citywide Comprehensive Plan.
The Comprehensive Plan addresses in greater detail the
framework of regional plans and legislation which direct
planning in Federal Way. It also discusses the basic
policies addressing housing, parks, recreatioq and
commercial development. This plan builds on these
policies, and provides specific recommendations and
actions necessary to facilitate the development of the
City Center.
The following goals provide overall direction to policy
makers and community members when making choices
about �owth and development within Federal Way's
Ciry Center. Additional goals and policies aze located
throughout this chapter, providing specific direction on
other matters discussed. No set of goals or policies can
address all potential issues that may arise in the course
of implementing this Plan. Therefore, while these are
fundamental to the Plan, they aze not sacred and may
need to be revised as situations warrant.
Goals
CCGl Create an identifiable City Center that serves
as the social and economic focus of the City.
Define a Ciry Center with distinct boundaries,
unique building types, and special features.
base, and establishes Federal Way s Ciry
Center as an economic leader in the South
King County region.
CCG3 Connect the Ciry Center to a convenient
regional transit system. Provide service
between centers and nearby areas by an
ef'ficient, transit-oriented, and multi-modal
transportation system.
CCG4 Create distinct districts withrn the City
Center, defining the roles and characteristics
of each such district.
CCGS Encourage a mix of compatible uses to
maintain a lively, attractive, and safe place to
live, work, and visit.
CCG6 Focus on improving the existing character
and image of the City Center.
CCG7 Encourage housing opportunities in mixed
residential/commercial settings. Promote
housing opportunities close to employment.
CCG8 Develop land use patterns which will
encourage less dependency on the single
occupant automobile.
CCG9 Create an environment oriented to
pedestrians and bicyclists.
CCG10 Create an environment that attracts high
quality housing, commercial, and office uses.
Develop requirements for buildings,
streetscape, and srte design.
CCGll Create policies and regulations to reduce the
amount ofparking that is required.
CCG12 Protect and enhance natural features of the
area.
7.2 EXISTING CONDITIONS
City Center Planning Area
CCG2 Attract a regional market for high quality The Ciry Center planning area is approximately 414
office and retail uses which increases employ- acres in size and is bounded by South 312th Street,
ment opportunities, adds to the Ciry's tax South 324th Street, Interstate 5, and l lth Place and 13th
VII-3
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Fedaral Way Comprehensive Plsn - City Center �
Avenue South, seeMaps Yll-1 and YII-2. The Ciry
Center Core and Frame areas are 209 and 205 acres,
respectively.
General Image
The Ciry Center is not currently an identifiable
downtown or urban center. The existing commercial
developmart within the study area is typical of suburban
strip retail and mall development. The dominance of
mass retailing has largely shaped the commercial core.
The SeaTac Mall and spinoffretail centers are a regional
destination and generate tremendous amounts of
physical and economic activity. However, as is the case
with most older suburban mall areas, the existing City
Center area could be anyplace. It is similar to hundreds
of other commercial centers across the country. The
businesses do not connect to each other, nor to public
and private spaces, residential neighborhoods, or civic
uses, except by automobile. Developments essentially
reflect one pattem: a single story of "light" constructioq
surrounded by an apron of asphalt. Buildings feature
concrete, or concrete block walls, creating austere and
"generic" images.
Another prevalent image of the area is the vast amount
of surface parking. The availability of parking is
essential to the cwrent type of retail found in Federal
Way. City Center businesses serve regional as well as
local mazkets, and are heavily oriented to access by
automobile. Actual building footprints relative to total
parcel azeas are quite small; the majority of most pazcels
are used to provide surface parking. This parking is
often underutilized, e�ccept during the peak holiday
season.
The current network of collectors and arterials, and the
disjointed over-sized block grids within the existing
commercial area, contributes to significant traf�ic
congestion. The character of the street environment is
also unfriendly to pedestrians. Signs proliferate the
South 320th Street and State Route 99 (SR-99/Pacific
Highway South) comdors. Some signs are as prominent
as the buildings they purport to call attention to. The
number and size of signs produce a negative effect on
the visual image of the City.
The City Center does not contain a significant residential
population. A pocket of residential housing exists
between South 312th and 316th Streets, and SR-99 and
23rd Avenue South.
Figure VII-1 depicts an aerial view of the City Center
azea looking south from the northwest comer of the City
Center boundaries.
Current Physical Conditions
Land Use
Most of the study area is currently developed and
consequently, most new development in this area will
displace existing low intensiry uses. Buildings are
dispersed throughout the area and lack pedestrian con-
nections to each other and public rights-of-way. Current
land use patterns favor auto-oriented commercial
activity. The primary use in the City Center area is retail,
followed by office, manufacturing, then residential. Sea-
Tac Mall is the `signature' development in the area.
VII-4
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Vicinity Map
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Figure VII-1
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Federal Way Comprehensive Pian - City Center
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Table VII-1
Egisting Land Use Development
AREA RetaiUOlTice (1,000 Manu. Civic Single Family Multi-Family
sq. ft) (1,000 sq. ft) (1,000 sq. [t) (# Units) (# Units)
City Center 3,152 0 14 0 352
VII-6
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - City Center
Table Vll-1 lists the amourit of current land use
development within the Ciry Center planning area.
Public and civic uses are scazce, with only four publicly
owned non-park sites (the bus barn site north of 1 lth
Place South and South 320th Street; Truman High
School, northwest of South 317 Street and 28th Avenue
South; King County Library, 848 South 320th Street;
and Federal Way School District Administrative Offices,
31405 Pacific Highway South).
Parks, Open Space, and Natural Systems
There aze no public spaces within the City Center.
Private green spaces, plazas and meeting spaces are few.
Steel Lake Park to the northeast and the proposed
Celebration Park to the southwest are on the perimeter
of the Ciry Center. Even though these parks are within
wallcing distance of the City Center, they also serve, or
will serve, as regional facilities in addition to serving
local needs. The only other open space areas where
natural systems are evident include the wooded edge of
Interstate 5 on the eastern edge of the City Center.
Civic Buildings and Municipal Facilities
The City Center contains one civic or municipal faciliry
i.e., the Public Library. The next closest facility is the
City of Federal Way Pazks Department Steel Lake
Annex and Maintenance Facility neaz South 312th Street
and 28th Avenue South. Klahanee Senior/Community
Center and City Hall are located a few miles southwest
of the City Center at 33901 9th Avenue South and
33530 lst Way South, respectively.
Circulation
Roadways - A key element defining mobility within the
Ciry Center planning area is the enormous size of its
blocks. Most U.S. downtowns have blocks ranging from
250 to 500 feet on a side; block lengths in Federal Way
are several times that. Because of the "superblock"
configuration, motorists drive between and within
parking areas serving Ciry Center developments to
avoid congestion along City streets.
Access to the area is provided by two principle arterial
routes: South 320th Street (which runs east/west and
connects to I-5), and SR 99 (which runs north/south).
An inefficient hierazchy of streets feed these arterial
roadways. The area lacks a system of minor arterial and
smaller connector streets which could diffuse traffic
efficiently away from these two principle arterials. The
irregular spacing of traffic signals also adds to
congestion. As such, the accessibiliry provided by the
juncture of these routes, initially attractive to area
residents, has been lost due to growth in traffic.
Transit Service - A minimum of ten transit and dial-a-
ride routes radiate from the City Center. However,
service to the entire Ciry Center is not the primary focus,
especially during the peak periods of the day. A regional
pazk and ride lot, located southwest of I-5 and South
320th Street, generates most of the azea's transit
ridership during peak periods of the day. Both METRO
and Pierce Transit serve this site.
Congestion on I-5, South 320th Street, and SR-99
demonstrates the need for an enhanced transit system.
However, the existing low intensiry and dispersed land
use patterns will not support significant increases in
transit service. The area also lacks transit facilities such
as bus pullouts and waiting areas, and a pedestrian
network to safe and direct access from transit stops.
Pedestrian Environment and Bicycle Facilities - A
1992 inventory of existing sidewalks within the City
(see page V-22 of the Community Profile, Feb, 1993)
revealed a deficiency of pedestrian facilities Citywide.
The central core was highlighted as one of the areas
which lacks an adequate pedestrian network. For
example, most of SR 99 and portions of South 312th
and 324th Streets and 23rd Avenue South lack
sidewalks. A majoriry of walking that does take place in
the study area occurs within malls and along storefronts
of shopping center strips. Sidewalks connecting
storefronts to public walkways are lacking. The few
sidewalks that do exist aze narrow, devoid of trees, and
interrupted by numerous curb cuts. Crossing wide, busy
streets such as South 320th Street and SR-99 can also be
intimidating to some people.
There are few places to sit and enjoy pleasant weather,
meet friends or have lunch outside. The current
pedestrian environment is unfriendly and unappealing.
The division which exists between pedestrians and auto
areas is not conducive to establishing the active street
life desired in a Ciry Center.
Bicyclists have even fewer facilities to choose from. Ciry
streets lack striping or signage for bike riders who must
share the road with heavy volumes of traffic. Once
bicyclists reach the area, they become frustrated by the
lack of safe storage facilities for their vehicles.
l9lbl
Residential
The City Center contains approximately 352 units of
housing, located primarily in the azea east of SR-99,
south of South 312th Street, north of South 316th Street,
and west of 28th Avenue South. Other residential
neighborhoods surround the City Center area. West and
south of South 320th Street and South l lth Place are
pockets of multi-family housing. There are also single
family neighborhoods west of Highway 99 and north of
the South 312th Street corridor. While these
neighborhoods are not located immediately within the
proposed City Center, they aze located conveniently
within wallcing, bicycling, or vehiculaz distance. They
differ greatly in character and type.
Infrastructure
Most of the existing facilities and infrastructure were
inherited from King County. Since the incorporation in
1990, the City has not yet been able to significantly
improve infrastructure or increase the number of
facilities in the City Center. However, as the City grows
and implements the policies contained in its Capital
Facility Plan, it will be able to direct investment to meet
its growth objectives.
7.3 THE LAND USE AND
TRANSPORTATION CONCEPT
FOR THE CITY CENTER
The Concept Pian
The concept is to redevelop the City Center and create a
compact urban community and vibrant center of activiry.
The crux of the strategy is to promote a compact urban
center with connections between where we live, work,
and recreate, and create an urban environment that is
amenable to walking, bicycling, and transit. The concept,
a result of the citizen participation process called
CityShape, implements the communiry's goals outlined
in Section 7.1. In summary, the concept is to:
■ Establish a City Center to support high capacity
transit (HCT) by locating residents and workers
within convenient walking distance of HCT.
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - City Center
■ Make efficient use of existing capital improvements
by concentrating higher intensity land uses in the City
Center.
■ Encourage a mix of compatible uses where housing
ccexists adjacent to, above, or near commercial
developments.
■ Create a dense residential community within walking
and bicycling distance of the core.
■ Improve auto circulation in the City Center by
completing the street grid, creating smaller blocks
and directing through traffic around the core, thus
minimizing the impact of future growth on Citywide
traffic patterns and congestion.
■ Reduce the impact of parking by encouraging
structured parking, reducing pazking requirements,
and implementing guidelines that enhance its
appeazance.
■ Create pedestrian and bicycle connections throughout
the City Center and to surrounding neighborhoods.
Provide a safe and inviting environment for
pedestrians and bicyclists with direct connections
between activities and transit facilities. Develop
and/or reconstruct streets to include sidewalks, street
trees, benches, garbage receptacles, screening of
pazking areas, etc.
■ Create a high amenity pedestrian boulevard through
the core, linked to a transit center and providing an
attractive civic focus to SeaTac Mall.
■ Provide a civic focus to create a sense of identity for
all residents. Develop municipal and cultural facilities
within the City Center core area.
■ Develop public spaces in the City Center, particulazly
the core azea. Enhance the Ciry Center with a
network of public spaces and parks connected to the
Citywide and regional system of open spaces, parks,
and trails. Encourage gathering spaces in private
development.
Map Vll-3 applies the principles described above. The
Plan depicts the City Center core area between SR-99
and I-5 and South 316th/317th and South 320th and
324th Streets. The City Center core azea contains a
concentration of higher-densiry, mixed-use development.
The Ciry Center frame area surrounds the core along the
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The Concept Plan
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VII-9
west and north edges and provides higher density, mixed
use neighborhoods (primarily residential) to support the
core. It also provides a transition to surrounding single
family neighborhoods. High capacity transit nu�s
through the middle of the City Center, and pedestrian
pathways connect the HCT station with residential areas,
future civic spaces, and the SeaTac Mall.
Proposed Land Use Designations
This section expands on the land use concepts described
previously. The City Center plan proposes two different
land use designations, each with its own distinctive
characteristics, to guide evolution of the City Center, see
Map Vll-4. The City Center core and frame area
designations give form to the concepts summarized in
section 7.3. These land use designations direct the
location and extent of growth, will reshape the nature of
development, and transform the area into a compact,
vibrant City Center.
City Center Core Area
For the last 20 yeazs or so, lower density shopping mall
areas at the edge of the nation's larger cities have
gradually been redeveloped and transformed into more
dense urban centers, emulating the development patterns
and sense of place of more traditional downtowns. This
transformation, to an azea with a unique character and
improved image, is proposed for the core area.
The intent of the core area land use designation is to
create a higher-density mixed use "center" for Federal
Way, and become an urban center as envisioned in
VISION 2020 and the King Countywide Policies. The
CiryShape vision calls for concentrating growth
requiring a higher demand for infrastructure in an azea
where sufficient infrastructure capaciry exists, or where
such capaciry can be provided efficiently. The
infrastructure within the City Center, specifically the
core azea, is designed to handle the highest levels of
demand within Federal Way. By orienting new growth
azound this investment, the existing capacity can be
utilized to its fullest extent. The core area designation
also encourages the concentration of new development to
help reduce development pressure in other areas of
Federal Way.
Federal Way Comprehensive Pian - City Center
The core azea land use designation encourages a greater
diversity of uses within mixed-use types of development.
Traditional City Centers are places where diverse office,
retail, and government uses are concentrated, as well as
cultural and civic facilities, communiry services, and
housing. Many cities are advocating mixed-use
development for a number of reasons. These include:
■ Providing new housing and cutting down on
automobile dependency by bringing workplaces and
residences into close proximiry;
■ Providing retail and service needs in close proximity
to residential and employment areas; and
■ Improving the feasibility of a development project.
The proximity of urban services makes housing
projects more desirable and a nearby source of
consumers help make a commercial project more
profitable.
Concentrating growth in a specific area also supports
future investment in transit, including a regional HCT
system. Existing low density development does not
generate sufficient levels of demand to justify HCT
service. Promoting higher densiry uses within walking
distance of transit facilities will improve the viability of
this infrastructure.
Additionally, concentrating the highest density of
development in the core, where a significant number of
jobs and residences will be within walking distance of a
transit station, helps reduce dependency on the
automobile and improve pedestrian mobiliry. The core
area emphasizes pedestrian, bicycle, and transit mobility.
The core azea will be less auto-oriented than the frame
area, but it will not be unfriendly to the use of
automobiles.
The City Center core azea will also be the central
gathering place for the community—a place where the
whole community can congregate and celebrate.
Accordingly, the core should include an outdoor square,
pazk, or commons, with public amenities such as
fountains, sculptures, and unique landscaping. Other
civic amenities or buildings, including a Ciry Hall and/or
a performing arts center, could be grouped azound this
City Center squaze.
VII-10
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - City Center
Figure Vli-4
Center Land Use Designations
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Goals & Policies Which Promote the Concentration
of New Development in the City Center Core Area
Goal
CCG13 Focus new growth with higher demands for
infrastructure and transportation in the City
Center, specifically the core area. Allow for
higher intensity uses for e,�j"icient use of land.
Policies
CCPl Support the concentration of uses within the core
area to create a fmancial, retail, and business hub
of Federal Way.
CCP2 Develop an attractive Ciry Center which will
ariract qualiry development.
CCP3 Revise land use regulations, as necessary, to
• allow the higher intensity development expected
over the nea-t 15 to 30 years.
vu-> >
CCP4 Create a City Center that is the primary
commercial area providing local goods and
services to the surrounding neighborhoods, and
to residents and employees withixi the center.
CCPS Provide streamlined permit review in the Ciry
Center to accelerate changes to the core area.
CCP6 Work with urban service providers to ensure
suf�icient capacity is available for development.
CCP7 Allow for a variety of uses and mixed use
development within buildings, or complexes.
Ensure that mixed-use d�velopment
complements and enhances the character of the
surrounding residential and commercial areas.
CCP8 Establish guidelines that list compatible uses.
CCP9 Provide incentives to encourage residential
development in City Center, core/frame azeas.
City Center Frame Area
Residents choose to live in higher density housing for a
variety of reasons. First, higher density is frequently less
expensive than single family housing. Second, the
convenience and proximity to work, needed services, and
cultural activities is very desirable for many people.
Finally, many people fmd that they do not need a large,
single family detached house. Given their lifestyle, they
appreciate the low maintenance and security of higher
density living.
There is a mutually supportive relationship between
higher density residential uses and commercial activities.
Establishing a City Center frame area provides a zone
for dense mixed-use development that surrounds and
supports the core. It also provides a transition between
high-activiry areas in the core area and less dense
neighborhoods outside of the frame. The presence of
housing also activates downtown streets, day and night.
The frame area allows uses that are similar to those in
the core azea, but aze of lower density and intensity.
While the emphasis of the core area is to develop
commercial and office uses with accessory residential,
the emphasis of the frame area is residential
development with accessory retail and office use.
Together, the core and frame areas are complementary.
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - City Canter
Figure VII-Z
Potentiat Core Area De
Encouraging multi-unit housing mixed with business and
commercial use will help Federal Way meet regional
land use goals. This is accomplished by encouraging the
development of housing close to employment and
transportation centers. To help transform the character
of this land use designation, density bonuses should be
allowed in exchange for amenities which contribute to a
more pedestrian oriented environment.
Goals & Policies Encouraging The Location of
Higher Density Residential Uses Around Core Area
Goal
CCG14 Increase housing opportunities and diversiry
ofhousing types within the City Center,
specifically the Frame area.
Policies
CCP10 Revise land use regulations to allow the frame
area to accommodate higher density residential
uses accompanied by residentially oriented
retail and service uses.
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - City Center
CCPl l Provide amenities such as communiry services,
parks, and public spaces to meet residential
needs.
CCP12 Develop guidelines that ensure effective
transitions between different land uses and
higher and lower densities.
Figure Yli-3
Circulation
Federal Way's City Center plan is designed in
accordance with VISION 2020 and CWPP related to
mobiliry. Although regional travel trends continue to
show more cazs on the road, more trips per person, and
increases in the number of people driving alone, the
emphasis of this Plan is to promote a variery of travel
options. The City will focus both on transportation
improvements as well as influencing individual travel
choices by increasing the attractiveness of alternatives to
the automobile. Encouraging growth in a compact, well
defined Ciry Center will help promote bicycling,
walking, and transit use. The City Center will be
connected to other regional urban centers and areas of
the City by a multi-modal transportation system,
including a fast and convenient regional transit system.
In order to function efficiently, mobility in the City
Center must be enhanced by adding transportation
improvements. The City should focus transportation
investments in the City Center to support transit and
pedestrian-oriented land use patterns. These
improvements should include: a smaller street grid,
bicycle routes, public sidewalks and pedestrian
pathways, and cleaz and identifiable transit routes. These
transportation improvements will also help meet Ciry
Center mobility needs in the event a High Capacity
Transit (HCT) system is not developed.
Goal to Improve Overall Circulation
Goal
CCG15 Provide a balanced transportation network
which accommodates public transportation,
high occupancy vehicles, pedestrians,
bicyclists, automobiles, and integrated
parking.
Automobile Circulation
The current network of collector roads and arterials, the
disjointed grid, and large block sizes contribute to
significant traffic congestion within the City Center.
The solution is not to construct wider roads. Streets
become less efficient as the numbers of lanes increases.
Building new streets with fewer lanes versus widening
existing streets is more cost effective, yields greater
capaciry, and will have less impact on the City Center.
Automobiles are likely to continue as a dominant mode
of transportation. A comprehensive network of collector
arterials and other streets must be developed to
distribute this tr�c and create more driving choices. To
the extent feasible, the Ciry should connect streets to
form a tighter grid within the City Center, especially in
the core, by negotiating new public rights-of-way and
building new streets. This "interconnectivity" serves to
shorten and disperse trips, and consequently reduce
travel on existing congested arterials. Map Vll-S
indicates the proposed street network changes.
Additionally, alternatives to auto travel such as van and
car pools, transit, pedestrian comdors, and bicycle paths
should also be emphasized.
VII-13
Potential Frame Area Develoament
Federal Way Comprehensivs Plen - City Center �
Map VII-S
Enhanced Street Network
VII-14
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - City Center
Goals and Policies to Improve Automobile
Circulation and Reduce Usage
Goal
CCG16 Improve the flow ofvehicular traffic through
the City Center and minimize increases in
congestion.
Policies
CCP14 Improve traffic flow azound and through the
City Center by extending the street network,
creating smaller block,s and completing the
ring road along the west edge of the City
Center.
CCP15 Reduce congestion by supporting the Commute
Trip Reduction Act. Develop commuting
alternatives to single occupancy vehicles,
including transit, walking, and bicycling.
CCP16 Establish lower LOS tazgets in the City Center
than are typical in other areas of the City to
prevent roads from being over-designed and
incompatible with pedestrian circulation.
CCP17 Discourage cul-de-sacs within the City Center.
Pedestrian/Bicycle Connections
Pedestrian and bicycle mobility is a vital part of the
future City Center circulation system. Improvements for
pedestrians and bicyclists should support increases in
transit services and promote the development of the City
Center.
This Plan addresses the lack of pedestrian amenities and
pathways by recommending changes to the development
pattems and transforming the character of the
streetscape. As the street system is redeveloped to better
accommodate the needs of pedestrians and bicyclists, a
network of facilities for people on foot and bikes will be
established such as already exists for people in cars.
Reducing the size of the street grid, as proposed to
improve auto circulation, and creating pedestrian
easements and paths through larger parcels is critical to
establishing walking patterns which reduce dependency
on the automobile. As individual sites are designed and
developed to be more pedestrian friendly, and as the City
provides improved pedestrian linkages, the pedestrian
system will handle an increasing share of trips. As such,
all streets should include some pedestrian amenities,
such as public sidewalks, street trees, benches, adequate
lighting, dedicated bicycle paths, trash receptacles, and
improved signage. Streets and pedestrian/bicycle
accessways must be developed to provide for easy, safe,
and fast pedestrian/bicycle access.
In addition to adding public sidewallcs and creating mid-
block easements and pathways, Map Vll-6 depicts three
principle pedestrian connections to improve pedestrian
circulation. The first is developing connections between
the High Capacity Transit station, adjoining bus transfer
facilities and other uses. The pedestrian and bicycle
system is essential to other travel modes, particularly
transit. Virtually all transit trips begin and end as
pedestrian trips on public rights-of-way. All buildings
within proximity to these areas should be required to
facilitate pedestrian and bicycle movement.
The second is to establish pedestrian and bicycle
connections to SeaTac Mall, the region's lazgest
generator of vehiculaz and pedestrian traffia Linkages
between the proposed transit station and the SeaTac
Mall are important. Unfortunately, South 320th Street is
wide, congested, and presents a significant barrier to this
connection. Providing an at-grade pedestrian and bicycle
crossing could increase congestion and vehiculaz and
pedestrian/bicycle conflicts. To facilitate this
connection, and encourage redevelopment of existing
parking areas, this Plan proposes a pedesirian bridge
spanning South 320th Street. This connection would be
enhanced by the presence of an elevated rail structure
and a two-story addition extending from SeaTac Mall
toward South 320th Street. The pedestrian overpass
would create a major connection between two areas in
the City Center which have a high potential for new
development and redevelopment.
The third is to connect the City Center to nearby
neighborhoods and parks. Residential neighborhoods of
varying densities surround the City Center. Steel Lake
and the proposed Celebration Park aze located to the
northeast and southwest of the City Center, respectively.
Both pedestrian and bicycle trails should extend to these
residential neighborhoods and pazks. Roads extending to
these areas should emphasize the pedestrian connection
by including additional pedestrian amenities.
VII-15
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - City Center �
Map VII-6
iple Pedestrian and Bicvcle Connections
VII-16 � I
� E7QSTING ARTERIALS � �� 1�1 PR�OSED STREETS � POTENTIAL PEDESTRIAN � POTENTIAL
•/SIDEVALKS C��ECT1diS t HICYCLE ROUTES CROSSVALICS
� POTENTUIL LOCATI�IS O�ILY
NOTE� SIDEVALKS ARE ALSO PROPO.TED FOR EXISTING STREETS �ACKING SIDEVALKS
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - City Center
Policies to Improve Pedestrian Connections
Goal
CCG17 Promote and facilitate the effective use of
non-motorized transportation. Create a safe,
efficient and enjoyable pedestrian and bicycle
system.
Policies
CCP18 Emphasize pedestrian and bicycle circulation
to the same extent as other travel modes in all
aspects of developing the City Center
transportation system. Include public
sidewalks, street trees, and other pedestrian
amenities for streets.
CCP19 Revise local zoning codes, site planning
requirements, and street design standards, as
necessary, to establish a more pedestrian and
bicycle friendly environment.
CCP20 Encourage new development to include active
ground floor uses such as shops, communiry
services, office, and housing units. Connect
adjacent buildings where possible to provide
for streetscape continuity.
CCP21 Develop clear and safe pedestrian paths
through lazge parcels to enhance the pedestrian
network.
CCP22 Site and screen pazking lots to muumize
impact on the pedestrian environment.
CCP23 Connect the main entry of buildings to public
sidewalks by a cleaz, identifiable walkway.
CCP24 Encourage transit use by improving pedestrian
and bicycle linkages to the existing and future
transit system, and by improving the security
and utility of park-and-ride lots and bus stops.
CCP25 Establish cleaz and well mazked pedestrian
crossings to reach transit facilities and other
uses at a maximum spacing of 600 feet.
Signals at intersections and other crossings
may be timed to allow pedestrians to cross.
CCP26 Connect Celebration Pazk and Steel Lake Park,
via a pedestrian/bicycle pathway, bisecting the
City Center: orient buildings, urban open
spaces, plazas, etc., to the pathway where
feasible.
CCP27 Develop special development standards to
improve the appearance of, and
pedestrian/bicycle circulation along, South
320th Street and Pacific Highway South.
Transit
Efficient, convenient, and reliable transit is important to
this Plan's emphasis to reduce auto dependency tluough
the creation of viable travel options. Transit will play an
important role in the development of the City Center and
the region as a whole. A multi-modal system which
includes transit will bring commuters and shoppers to
and from other areas of Federal Way and adjacent
communities. A high capaciry transit system with a
principle stop in the core area will distribute people
regionally and connect to other bus based transit
systems. Transit stops throughout the center will help
shoppers, employees, and residents to circulate around
the Ciry Center without the need to get into their cazs.
Encouraging a mix of land uses and densities at major
transit access points will help meet passenger needs and
reduce vehicle trips.
High Capacity Transit
The Regional Transit Authority is working with Puget
Sound citizens and Ciry representatives to develop a
HCT network linking Everett, Tacoma, Seattle,
Bellewe, and communities between them. Four HCT
stations are proposed in Federal Way, including one in
the City Center core area.
Map YII-7 depicts the proposed approximate HCT
alignment and location of the City Center station. The
system will generally run north/south along SR-99,
jogging east to connect to the transit station before
heading south again along SR-99. The actual site for the
station has not been determined, but, a station located
between South 316th and 320th Streets will be critical
for development of the core. A number of vacant or
underutilized pazcels exist along this alignment that will
allow for developing facilities and public spaces required
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Fede�al Way Comprehensivs Plan - City Center �
Map VII-7
Potential Transit Alignments and
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - City Center
for this type of development. This Plan does not depend
on the development of a HCT system. The proposed
system is one of several transportation options. While
HCT will help regional and local transportation needs,
other modes will continue to play a vital role. Many of
the characteristics that are desired withir► the City
Center, and support HCT, also support other modes
such as van/car pooling, bussing, bicycling, and walking.
To encourage transit use, the high capacity transit
station should provide an inviting environment with
comfortable pedestrian facilities, including shelter for
waiting areas, convenient passenger drop-of�zones, safe
lighting, and street fiuniture. Conveniences like
telephones, automatic teller machines, secure bicycle
storage areas, and outdoor seating areas are also
important elements of the station design. Provisions for
vendors, small cafes, and carts will make outdoor spaces
more lively. Stores adjoining the station can take
advantage of the concentrations of people by
specializing in goods and services needed by commuters
such as dry cleaning, videos, news kiosks, and day care.
Federal Way's City Center station will be oriented
principally to pedestrians and those arriving by other
forms of transit. Providing or pedestrian/bicycle
accessibiliry between surrounding properties, street
network, general vicinity, park & ride lots, and the HCT
is essential.
Policies to Guide Transit Planning and Establish a
High Capacity Transit Station
Goal
CCG18 Work with the transit providers to develop a
detailed transit plan for the City Center.
Identify facilities, services, and
implementation measures needed to make
transit a viable and attracrive travel mode.
Tailor the plan to meet local needs, through
rapid transit, express buses, community
service, and/or demand-responsive service.
Policies
CCP28 Focus transportation investments to support
� transit and pedestrian/bicycle-oriented land use
patterns, specifically in the core area.
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CCP29 Participate actively in regional efforts to
develop a high capaciry transit system to serve
the City Center. Identify and preserve necessary
right-of-way for high capacity transit
alignments and station locations at every
opportunity. "Land banlc" parcels which will be
used for the HCT system in the future,
including land for the ROW and the station.
CCP30 Create a compact zone around the HCT station
for the highest intensities of land use.
CCP31 Establish the most intensive levels of transit
service to the City Center area.
CCP32 Integrate any elevated transit system with new
road right-of-way. Design the elevated structure
to be compatible with new development in the
area.
CCP33 Develop a bus transfer facility, on or off the
street, which will connect the City Center with
other communities in the City. The HCT and
bus transfer stations will set a high standard for
design and compatibiliry with adjoining uses.
CCP34 Integrate the high capacity transit system with
other transportation modes serving Federal
Way and the region.
CCP35 Integrate bicycle and pedestrian facilities with
and connect to high capacity transit facilities
during right-of-way acquisition, facility design,
and optional phases.
Civic Buildings and Open Spaces
Public buildings including communiry centers, libraries,
Ciry Hall, perfornung arts theaters, conference centers,
and schools provide places for the communiry to meet,
exchange ideas, and socialize. The City should take
advantage of every opportuniry to locate a variety of
civic buildings in and around the City Center. This will
occur over time, but it is necessary to establish a clear
direction through public policy.
A network of outdoor spaces for recreation, strolling,
gathering, and dining will make the Ciry Center a lively
and attractive place to live, shop, and conduct business.
Each type of space should serve a range of users and
►�it6�:�
activities. Outdoor spaces should range from a major
urban park which is the focal point for downtown, to
pocket urban plazas for lunch time gathering by
residents, visitors, and workers. Some spaces will be
publicly built and maintained, others will be constructed
along with private development. Privately developed
gathering space is a major component of all City
Centers: small parks and plazas are opportunities to
enhance the urbanscape and image of the Ciry Center.
Cowtyazds, mews, and forecourts are ways to efficiently
integrate open space to enhance a project. Visitors,
shoppers, and employees often perceive these private
spaces as public.
The City should commit to assist in or provide
incentives for, the development of plazas and pazks that
aze open to the public. Map Vll-8 proposes a central
outdoor gathering place withixi the core area, such as a
park, plaza, or square, which will become the focus of
community activities in the core. Uses around the edges
of this plaza, such as transit facilities and cafes, should
be sited to generate activiry throughout the day. The
edges of the plaza should be well defined and landscaped
to soften the hazd surfaces of adjacent buildings and
streets. This space should be physically and visually
linked to the central pedestrian spine and transit center.
Policies to Promote the Development of Civic
Buildings and Urban Spaces
Goal
CCG19 Develop civic and cultural facilities in
addition to a public space and park system
within the Ciry Center to meet the needs of
residents, employees, and visitors. These
facilities and spaces should connect to the
Citywide and regional system ofpublic
spaces, parks, and trails.
Policies
CCP36 Promote a diversily of public and privately
funded recreational and cultural facilities
throughout the Ciry Center. Promote
partnerships between the City and other
agencies, private organizations, and
individuals to develop and meet the needs of
City Center and the general community for
these types of facilities.
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - City Center
CCP37 Emphasize locating civic and cultural facilities
within the core. Planned public facilities could
include a City Hall, library, or performing arts
complex.
CCP38 Acquire land necessary to provide a broad range
of recreational opportunities throughout the City
Center. "Land bank" pazcels in the core area for
future municipal facilities.
CCP39 Public buildings shall set a high standazd for
design and compatibility with adjoining uses. In
the core, parking for municipal uses should be
structured.
CCP40 Development of public spaces within the Ciry
Center will focus on linking these to existing
recreational components of the Citywide parks
system.
Parking
The continued use of expansive surface pazking conflicts
with the goal of redeveloping the City Center as a higher
density mixed use azea which supports the use of public
transportation. In order to promote higher intensity land
uses, which is pedestrian friendly and supportive of
HCT, it is necessary to reduce the need for pazking and
encourage the provision of structured pazking within
these azeas.
Moreover, pazking lots have high redevelopment
potential. There are numerous examples of communities
similaz to Federal Way where former pazking lots now
contain multi-story developments. Parking will be
needed for many yeazs to come. However, as
development pressures and land values increase, surface
parking becomes expensive and property owners will be
able to afford the conversion from surface parking to
structured pazking. In the interim, the City should
encourage site layouts which facilitate future
redevelopment of pazking areas. Private and public
partnerships should examine the feasibility of
constructing a parking structure in the dowtown
commercial core azea. Figure VII-4 is a conceptual
illustration of the redevelopment of surface pazking
azound a mall.
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Space and Bicycle Routes
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Potential
Figure VII-4
pment of Surface Parking Areas
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Or�cr ti»u, parking garnges, loa�rr parking �equi�ements and sha�ed pa�king can
aAow jnr more intensivr d�uelopment of land.
Goals and Policies to Develop Alternatives to
Eaisting Parking Development
Goal
CCG20 Reduce demand for parking in the City
Center. �
Policies
CCP41 Reduce requirements for the number of parking
stalls required for City Center development in
comparison to other areas of the City to encourage
more intensive development and reflect the
improvements in local and regionallransit service.
Increases above the required number of pazking
stalls may be allowed, on a case by case basis, when
structured or underground parking is provided.
CCP42 Encourage public and private pazking structures
(below or above ground) in the core azea.
Consider a public private partnership to develop
structured pazking in the dowtown commercial
core area.
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - City Center
CCP43 The City will encourage the provision of
structured parking through the use of bonuses
and incentives.
CCP44 Buffer parking azeas to increase compatibility
between surrounding uses. For larger lots,
provide substantial landscaping, special
lighting, and pedestrian walkways.
CCP45 Site and orient buildings and parking to allow
redevelopment of surface parking.
CCP46 Allow on-street parking to create a buffer
between pedestrians and traffic depending on
street characteristics and role within the City
Center. On-street parking should be viewed as a
component of the pazking supply for the area.
CCP47 Encourage shared pazking between uses to
� maximize the use of available parking within
the Ciry Center.
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Streetscape
To improve livabiliry within the City Center area, the
City must complete the street network and change its
street standards. The street grid must be well
interconnected to make travel from one place to another
as efficient as possible. The key to achieving this is to
redefine streets as a network that will serve pedestrians,
bicycles, and transit, in addition to automobiles. In azeas
where increased density is proposed, e�sting streets
must be retrofitted with sidewalks, street trees, street
furniture, and other amenities. Allowing on-street
parking also creates a buffer between pedestrians and
vehicles. It also allows shoppers and visitors to park
easily for short amounts of time. On street parking
should be permitted on City Center streets (where
feasible) except during the moming and evening
commuting hours when the extra lanes are needed to
accommodate the extra high volumes of traffic.
Figure Vll-5 highlights two street standards developed
specifically for the City Center area. These streets will
connect to other proposed and e�cisting streets to
complete a street grid. Street standards for other existing
and proposed streets within the City Center can be found
in the second section of the Transportation chapter.
Policies to Improve the Street Network and
Streetscape Character
Goal
CCG21 Create street designations which reinforce
the unique characteristics of the City Center.
Policies
CCP48 Acquire right-of-way, to complete and enhance
the street network.
CCP49 Design streets as public spaces, with
appropriate pedestrian amenities, trees,
sidewalks, bicycle paths, transit services, street
furniture, and trash receptacles.
CCP50 Construct streetscape improvements as an
integral component of any roadway
improvement.
CCP51 Encourage buildings to front public rights-of-
way, providing clear paths from the sidewalk
to all entries.
CCP52 Only SR-99 and South 320th Street shall be
wider than five lanes.
7.4 IMPLEMENTATION
Developing a City Center will require collaboration
between government entities, citizens, and developers.
Phasing and development of certain elements, such as
high capacity transit, are outside the Ciry's control.
Therefore, an implementation program must be fletcible.
It must also be tied to general goals, policies, and
strategies rather than a detailed, step-by-step list of
actions. The implementation section consists of:
■ A set of strategies to guide implementing actions;
■ An illustration of how these strategies can be
realized over time;
■ A 15 yeaz action plan.
VII-23
Fsderel Way Comprehensive Plan - City Center
Figure VII-S
Street Cross Sections for Completing the
Center Road Network
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VII-24
Without On-5treet Bike Lane
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - City Center
Impiementation Strategies
Specific strategies must be pursued in order to coor-
dinate various elements and actions that are dependent
upon one another. For example, private development
depends upon adequate infrastructure and amenities.
Effective transit service depends upon supporting land
use development to provide sufficient ridership.
Residential communities require adequate transportation
and services, a pedestrian friendly environment, open
spaces, and jobs to foster a sense of communiry. In
addition, much of the City Center's development is
dependent upon mazket demands and development that
is not projected until about 2005. A regional high
capacity transit corridor may not be implemented before
2015. However, regulatory and infrastructure actions
must be taken in the interim to prepaze for these
developments. The following strategies form the basis to
achieve desired City Center development.
■ Establish regulations to shape and influence new
development (0-1 years).
Discourage low intensiry auto oriented
development in the core. Provide regulations and
incentives to achieve a high intensity, mixed-use,
pedestrian friendly development.
Encourage mixed density residential development
in the City Center frame area.
Allow short term investment in the frame area
that will support long term core development.
■ Develop specific plans to construct needed street
and infrastructure improvements (1-5 yeazs).
Develop plans to acquire street rights-of-way for
completing the street grid and constructing
transit facilities:
Construct arterial improvements with associated
landscaping and pedestrian amenities (timing set
by capital facilities program).
Prepare a pedestrian and bicycle plan and
construct sidewalks, pedestrian paths, mid-block
connectors, and bicycle connections to all areas
of the City Center and particulazly to a transit
center (ongoing effort).
■ Develop and manage structured parking facilities as
needed to support more intensive development and
gradually convert the core into less auto dependent
area.
■ Develop parking standards for the City Center Area.
■ Improve both local and regional transit service.
Begin new transit service configuration by adding a
center bus stop and route busses to it (begin
immediately).
Upgrade central bus stop to a transit center/station
and enhance regional and local transit services to it
(2-7 yeazs).
Develop a regional HCT station at transit center
(15-20 years).
■ Construct civic features, public spaces, parks, and
other urban elements to create a true urban center
and promote civic identity (5-15 years).
Develop major civic facilities in the Ciry Center
such as, a Ciry Hall, performing arts center, and
recreation center, to generate social and economic
activity (5-15 years).
Add amenities to residential areas to build new
neighborhoods @egin immediately as an
incremental program).
Include landscaping and pedestrian improvements
in all street construction (incremental program tied
to actual improvements).
Phasing
Transfornung the existing dowtown commercial core
area into the proposed City Center is an ambitious task.
It requires a significant transformation from a low
density, automobile oriented, lazgely retail azea to a
higher intensity, more pedestrian oriented mixed use
area. It requires a change in housing patterns, lifestyle
preferences, and transportation modes. The Ciry Center
plan acknowledges that the core will take some time to
develop. The Ciry can facilitate these changes if a series
of small steps are taken over time. This is especially true
if the steps are consistent with the emerging economic,
social, and demographic trends. As is the intent of this
plan, the phasing scenario presented here accounts for
the timing of mazket projections and future actions.
As noted above, the implementation strategy is keyed to
projected trends and regional planning goals. Its form
and character, as envisioned in the Plan, are dramatically
different from anything that now eacists in the center. It
will take some time for the development community to
VII-25
redirect its energy and investments to produce buildings
that respond to the direction of the Plan. The demand
for more intense development opportunities in the City
Center is not projected for neazly a decade. In the
meantime, there may be some deferred maintenance,
short-term, high-turnover tenancies, and even vacancies,
as the development community begins to assemble
property for future'redevelopment. The City should not
encourage continued low-scale investment in this area,
since it will need to be amortized over a decade or two
and will delay accomplishment of preferred
development. As regulations aze applied to modest
renovations, it should be possible to secure some basic
improvements. However, the Ciry should not expect full
implementation of the vision for the City Center until
owners are ready to install long-term, major
development projects.
Figures YII-6 through Vll-9 and Maps Vll-9 through
Vll-11 illustrate key steps in the evolution of Federal
Way's City Center from 1995 through 2025, in ten year
increments. The illustrations are taken from a viewpoint
just north of South 316th Street between 20th Avenue
South and SR-99. The drawings do not necessarily
indicate recommendations for specific sites. The
locations of the elements and the time frames may well
vary. For example, the high-capacity transit line may
follow a slightly different alignment and the City Hall
could be located on a different site. The drawings do
illustrate how a viable City Center can evolve through
several coordinated, incremental steps taken over time.
The approximate dates are based on current market
demand and funding projections. However, new trends,
funding priorities, and development opportunities may
emerge, changing the timing. An illustration of 1995
conditions is included for reference.
1995 - 2005 Actions
■ Institute zoning and design guidelines for the core
area that encourages a high intensiry pedestrian-
oriented mixed-use City Center.
■ Institute zoning and design guidelines for the frame
area that encourage higher density residential with
accessory commercial uses to support the core.
■ Develop a pedestrian/bicycle plan that outlines a
connected, safety-oriented system of routes and
facilities. This Plan shall be used in programming
capital projects, reviewing development proposals,
and encouraging other agencies to integrate bicycle
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - City Center
improvements and linkages into Federal Way
projects. The plan should emphasize linkages
between transportation facilities, Celebration and
Steel Lake pazks, SeaTac Mall, and surrounding
communities.
■ Work with the transit providers to develop a detailed
transit plan for the City Center. Identify facilities,
services, acquisition strategies, and implementation
measures needed to make transit a viable and
attractive travel mode. Tailor the plan to meet local
needs, through rapid transit, express buses,
community service, and/or demand-responsive
service.
■ Develop a parks and public spaces plan for the City
Center. Begin negotiations for acquisition of land for
a City Center park, plaza, or squaze.
■ Improve the South 320th streetscape.
■ Widen 312th and improve the streetscape.
■ Improve SR-99 and establish mid-block crossings.
■ Complete the Ring Road (14th Avenue).
■ Complete the BPA bike trail.
■ Negotiate and acquire rights-of-way to augment the
City Center street grid. During permit review, ensure
that new development is compatible with street grid.
■ Reroute transit through the City Center and provide a
centralized transfer point.
■ Prepare an economic development program to assist
with financing and construction of projects which
support City Center development.
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■ Begin negotiations to form a public private
partnership to provide structured pazking neaz �
SeaTac Mall. Construct the parking structure.
■ Construct street grid enhancements. �
■ Negotiate for the HCT corridor properties.
■ Construct the pedestrian overpass across 320th and
build phase one of the City Center pedestrian mall.
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Fedaral Way Comprehensiva Plan - City Center
■ Begin negotiations and acquire properiy for a Ciry
Hall and a City Center pazk.
■ Hold competition to design City Hall. Construct
City Hall.
2005 - 2015 Actions
■ Construct City Center park.
■ Continue building public-private parking gazages.
■ Develop a transit center and consider replacing the
park-and-ride lot. Focus transit activities in the City
Center core.
■ Improve community-wide transit service and
implement a "spokes-of-a-wheel" service delivery
pattern with City Center as the hub.
■ Continue constructing streetscape and pedestrian
improvements.
■ Enhance educational and recreational opporhxnities in
City Center. - __ _.
■ Construct a performing arts center.
■ Establish ribbons of green parks along the City
Center pedestrian mall.
2015 - 2025 Actions
■ Construct the HCT line.
■ Construct roads under the transit facility. �
vu-2�
Fedsral Way Comprehsnsive Plan - City Center
Figure Vli-6
Illustration of City Center, 1995 Conditions
• • • • • • S. 320th Street • • • • • • 20th Avenue S.
Pacific Highway S. � • • • • :
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Figure Vll-7
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S. 320th Street Improvements • • • • • •
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VII-30
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F�deral Way Comprohensive Plan - City Csnter
Figure VII-8
Dlustration of City Center Evolution, 2015
•••••• Phase I Expansion of Sea-Tac Mall ;••••• Pedestrian Bridge over S. 320th
VII-32
•��• • Alignment of Pedestrian Spine •••• Phase I Residential � •••• New Bus Transit Center
Development
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Potential Annexation Areas
8.0 INTRODUCTION
he Growth Management Act (RCW 36.70A.110)
(GMA) requires each city to identify an Urban
Growth Area (UGA) for itself. A city's UGA is,
within certain counties, the unincorporated azea
surrounding it which is characterized by wban
development and can accommodate additional urban
growth with services being provided by the subject city.
In King County, the Countywide Planning Policies refer
to a ciry's UGA as a Potential Annexation Area (PAA)
so that it will not be confused with the Countywide UGA.
This chapter includes state, regional and local planning
policies that relate to PAA's, summarizes the process and
reasoning associated with designating of Federal Way's
PAA, and provides policy guidance for future actions
within the City's PAA in the future.
The City's proposed PAA includes an island of
unincorporated King Counry situated between several
south King County cities. While this area is not needed to
accommodate Federal Way's anticipated 10 to 20 yeazs
of growth, it is an area characterized by urban type
growth and is located in an azea where urban services
(including water, sewer, police, fire, general govemment,
transportation, pazks & recreation, etc.), can be most
efficiently provided by the City of Federal Way or other
special service districts.
8.1 STATEWIDE PLANNING
GOALS
Three of the 13 Statewide planning goals contained in the
GMA relate directly to urban growth areas and PAA's.
The three relevant goals are:
■ Urban growth. Encourage development in urban areas
where adequate public facilities and services exist, or
can be provided in an efficient manner.
■ Reduce sprawl. Reduce the inappropriate conversion
of undeveloped land into sprawling, low-densiry
development.
■ Public facilities and services. Ensure that those public
facilities and services necessary to support develop-
ment shall be adequate to serve the development at the
time the development is available for occupancy and
use, without decreasing current service levels below
locally established minimum standazds.
8.2 COUNTYWIDE PLANNING
POLICIES
In King County, the Countywide Planning Policies
(CWPP's) that were enacted pursuant to the GMA also
provide guidance with regard to multi jurisdictional joint
planning, annexation, and the phasing of urban
development. The most applicable policies aze:
LU28 Within the Urban Crrowth Area, growth should be
directed as follows: a) first, to centers and
urbanized areas with existing infrastructure
capacity; b) second, to areas which are already
urbanized such that infrastructure improvements
can be easily extended; and c) last, to areas
requiring major infrastructure improvements.
LU29 All jurisdictions shall develop growth phasing
plans consistent with applicable capital facilities
plans to maintain an urban area served with
adequate public facilities and services to maintain
an urban area to meet at least the six year
intermediate household and employment target
ranges consistent with LU67 and LU68. These
growth phasing plans shall be based on locally
adopted definitions, service levels, and fmancing -
commitments, consistent with State GMA
requirements. The phasing for cities shall not
extend beyond their Potential Annexation Areas.
Interlocal agreements shall be developed that
specify the applicable minnnum zoning,
development standards, impact mitigation, and
future annexation for the Potential Annexation
Areas.
LU30 Where urban services cannot be provided within
the next 10 years, jurisdictions should develop
policies and regulations to:
■ Phase and limit development such that
planning, siting, densities, and infrastructure
decisions will support future urban
development when urban services become
available.
vw-i
■ Establish a process for converting land to
urban densities and uses once services are
available.
FW13 Cities are the appropriate provider of local urban
services to urban areas, either directly or by
contract. Counties are the appropriate provider of
most countywide services. Urban services shall
not be extended through the use of special
purpose districts without the approval of the ciry
in whose potential annexation area the extension
is proposed. Within wban azea, as time and con-
ditions warrant, cities should assume local urban
services provided by special purpose districts.
LU31 In collaboration with adjacent counties, cities, and
King Counry, and in consultation with residential
groups in affected areas, each ciry shall designate
a Potential Annexation Area. Each Potentiai
Annexation Area shall be specific to each city.
Potential Annexation areas shall not overlap.
Within the Potential Annexation Area, the city
shall adopt criteria for annexation, including
conformance with Countywide Planning Policies,
and a schedule for providing urban services and
facilities within the potential annexation area.
This process shall ensure that unincorporated
urban islands of King County are not created
between cities and strive to eliminate existing
islands between cities.
LU32 A city may annex temtory only within its desig-
nated potential annexation area. All cities shall
phase annexations to coincide with the ability for
the city to coordinate the provision of a full range
of urban services to areas to be annexed.
LU33 Land within a city's potential annexation area
shall be developed according to that city's and
King County's growth phasing plans.
Undeveloped lands adjacent to that city should be
annexed at the time development is proposed to
receive a full range of urban services. Subsequent
to establishing a potential annexation area, infill
lands within the potential annexation area which
aze not adjacent, or not practical to annex, shall be
developed pursuant to interlocal agreements
between the County and the affected city. The
interlocal agreement shall establish the type of
development allowed in the potential annexation
area and standards for that development so that
the area is developed in a manner consistent with
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Potential Annexation Areas
its future annexation potential. The interlocal
agreement shall specify, at a minimum, the
applicable zoning, development standards, impact
mitigation, and future annexation within the
potential annexation area.
LU34 Several unincorporated areas are currently
considering local govemance options. Unincor-
porated urban azeas that are already urbanized and
are within a city's potential annexation area are
encouraged to annex to that city in order to
receive wban services. Where annexation is
inappropriate, incorporation may be considered.
As is demonstrated in the remaining sections of this
chapter, the process Federal Way used in developing its
PAA and the product itself, is consistent with the
applicable Statewide and Countywide Planning Policies.
8.3 CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
ANALYSIS
Federal Way began its formal evaluation of a PAA with
the publication of an issue paper dated July 1991. This
paper examined the requirements of GMA as they relate
to UGA's, and included a discussion of how urban
services were being provided. The paper also described
special purpose district boundaries, the transportation
system, pazks and recreation facilities, and physical fea-
tures that potentially affect urban service delivery. This
information is summarized in the following paragraphs.
As noted eazlier in this chapter, the GMA requires that
urban growth be planned to occur only in azeas that have
adequate public services and urban government services
to accommodate development. The GMA defines such
services as fire, law enforcement, public health,
education, recreation, sanitary and storm sewers, and
domestic water supplies. With this in mind, this section
reviews how and where urban services are provided in the
unincorporated area surrounding Federal Way.
Fire Protection
King County Fire Protection District #39 provides service
to the City of Federal Way and most of the surrounding
unincorporated area. The District was formed in 1980
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Potential Annexation Areas
from a series of inergers which united several smaller fire
districts in the area, some of which had been in existence
since 1946. The resulting boundary encompasses some
36.6 squaze miles and has an estimated population of
over 100,000. As of this writing, the consolidation trend
continues. District #39 is part of an administrative merge
with the District that serves Sea Tac and the North
Highline District to form a larger more cost effective
organization. This latest effort should allow District #39
to continue providing high quality fire protection to the
Ciry and its PAA into the foreseeable future.
The City has worked closely with District #39 in
reviewing a recently completed Fire District Master Plan
which complies with the GMA. Fire District #39
currently has three stations within the City limits and four
facilities in unincorporated King County (refer to Map
Vlll-1 for locations). The District's Master Plan
identifies the new facilities the District will need to
continue providing service as its service azea grows. The
City included the District's new facilities requirements
and cost and revenue estimates in the Ciry's Capital
Facilities chapter. This should help to ensure that the
District has access to the most up to date information
about population and employment growth, and is doing
its long range facilities planning consistent with the
City's Land Use and Economic Development plans.
Law Enforcement
At the time of incorporation, the City began contracting
with the King County Sheriff's Department for police
services. There is a King County Sherif�s precinct office
located in the Ciry, out of which the City's contract police
officers provide service. The office also houses non-
contract deputies who provide police protection to the
unincorporated area surrounding the City. This
arrangement suggests that the City is a logical location
for police services that would serve the lazger Federal
Way community planning area. In Spring 1995, the City
decided to ternunate its contract relationship with King
County and form its own police departrnent. The
agreement with the County states that the City will begin
providing service on or before January 1997. Federal
Way's police deparlment could be expanded at some time
in the future so that it could effectively provide services
to the PAA.
Education
Probably more than any other special district, a school
district provides an area with a sense of community. The
Federal Way School District #210 (as outlined onMap
Vlll-2), extends from the county line south to South
252nd west of I-5 and South 232nd Street, east of I-S to
the north, and for the most part along the edge of the
plateau to the east. A school district provides a common
thread, be it through school activities such as organized
sports, or through voting during school bond elections.
City staff ineet regularly with School District adminis-
trators to discuss growth management and school
development issues. The District administration has
indicated in these meetings that they would prefer to work
with one jurisdiction as the District attempts to anticipate
growth and develop plans for new school facilities.
Parks and Recreation
The City of Federal Way Pazks & Recreation Department
has developed a Comprehensive Parks & Recreation Plan
for the City. The plan is based on the boundary of the
Federal Way School District (Map i�lll-2). The plan
divides the area into subareas (Map Vlll-3) for purposes
of long range planning. Areas within the existing City
limits are contained within subareas A through D, and
azeas in unincorporated King Counry are in E through H.
The City has already committed funds to developing pazk
lands outside the City limits. For example, Federal Way
has purchased approximately 14.9 acres of properly
adjacent to King County's 14 acre Camelot Park. This is
to remain a passive open space pazk with development
being limited to parking and trail development within the
park. The acquisition also provides much needed public
access to the area that is virtually nonexistent for those
that do not live next to the existing park.
In addition, the City has begun to offer recreation and
leisure programs at a variery of school sites, some of
which are on the east side of Interstate 5, in the proposed
UGA. Interest in these programs is high and they are
attracting large numbers of citizens from both within and
outside the existing City limits. In August of 1993, the
City opened a new Community/Senior Center that serves
the greater Federal Way area. The center offers programs
to residents of the Ciry and those in the surrounding
unincorporated areas.
VIII-3
Water and Sewer
The Lakehaven Utility District provides water and sewer
service to properties within the Ciry and to most of the
unincorporated azea surrounding the City. As indicated
onMap Vlll-4, the current District boundary is bordered
on the south by the Pierce/King County line, on the east
by the Green River Valley, and on the west by Puget
Sound. The northern boundary of the District is about
South 280th Street with a narrow strip extending along
Puget Sound to South 252nd Street.
The water service area boundary differs from the District
boundary most noticeably on the west, where the
boundary is along 30th & 35th Avenue SW, and does not
include the area in Milton along the King County line to
the south. The entire boundary of the District is contig-
uous with other neighboring water systems. Maps con-
tained in the District's water system comprehensive plan
describe an extensive system of wells, storage tanks, and
distribution mains. The water distribution infrastructure
is sufficient to provide water to virtually all the District.
Sewer service is available in several areas outside the
City limits including the CamelodStar Lake area, north of
Lake Dolloff, Redondo, Woodmont, a small area east of
I-5 and south of Kitts Corner Road, and Portions of the
Weyerhaeuser Corporate campus east of I-S.
The sewer collection system is a combination of gravity
flow lines and foree mains. Map I�lll-S indicates the
sewer service area and drainage basin boundaries. This
boundary was modified in 1987 to extend a small portion
of the service area further north adjacent to Puget Sound,
and to include azeas south to Pierce County. The map
from the sewer comprehensive plan is used for illustrative
purposes. Lakehaven Utility District has the treatment
system capacity to extend sewer service to the majority of
the City's PAA.
Surface Water
The City of Federal Way operates a surface water
management utility which provides service to properties
within the City. The majority of the land area within the
Ciry is contained within the Hylebos Creek and Lower
Puget Sound Drainage Basins. Map VIII-6 describes the
boundaries of the major drainage basins and sub-basins
in this azea. East of I-5, surface water generally flows
east into the Green River Valley basin. King County
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Potential Annexation Areas
currently provides surface water management services to
the unincorporated azea. If and when annexations to
Federal Way occur, the Ciry's surface water utiliry could
be expanded to provide service. However, because the
majority of the PAA is in different drainage basins, it
may make more sense and be more cost effective to con-
tract with the Counry utility or the valley cities to provide
surface water facilities to the properties in the PAA.
Transportation
In terms of a street system, the azea east of Interstate 5 is
well connected to the City. There are no less than six
major arterials and three minor arterials that provide
access across I-5. These arterials include: 1) SR 161, 2)
SR 18 at South 348th Street, 3) South 320th Street, 4)
Military Road at two locations, 5) South 272nd Street, 6)
South 336th Street, 7) South 288th Street, and 8) South
375th Street. This degree of arterial access allows quick
response times for emergency service vehicles such as
police, fire, and aid units.
Due in large part to the steep slopes along the eastern
edge of the plateau, the access east to communities in the
Green River Valley is not parkiculazly good. Map Vlll-7
describes the street classifications for the Federal Way
Community Planning azea developed by King Counry.
The only easdwest links from the plateau to the valley in
the southern half of the planning area aze: 1) State Route
18, a limited access roadway; or 2) the Peasley Canyon
Road, a narrow, winding road that eventually turns into
320th Street on the plateau.
In the northem portion of the planning area, the major
easdwest connection from the plateau to the valley is
272nd Street, which is a four-lane roadway that can be
hazardous during the winter months. The north/south
transportation system along the plateau, between the Ciry
of Federal Way and Kent and Des Moines to the north, is
more developed. Pacific Highway (99) and Military Road
provide the major north/south arterial links, with I-5 pro-
viding regional linkages north and south from the area.
The high level of accessibility from Federal Way to the
east plateau promotes urban service delivery and
underscores the sensibility of including the entire plateau
in the City's UGA. The lack of easdwest transportation
comdors would appear to impede the ability of cities on
the floor of the Green River Valley to provide adequate
levels of urban services to the azea on the plateau.
VIII-4
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KING COUNTY
FIRE DISTRICT
FEDERAL WAY SCHOOL DISTRICT 210
PARKS PLAN
PLANNING AREAS
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CITY �F FEDERAL WAY
C�MPREHENSIVE PLAN
LAI�EI�AVEN
UTILITY �ISTRICT
P�TENTIAL ANNEXATION AREA ELEMENT
LE GEND
— • — • — • — FEDERAL WAY CITY LIMITS
— — P❑TENTIAL ANNEXATI�N AREA
LAKEHAVEN WATER/SEWER
DISTRICT
Source� Lakehaven Utility District i
This map �s intended for use as a graphicat representation only. I '!
The C�ty oF Federnt 4/ny roakes no warranty as to �ts accuracy. I �
°^ °r G
'�'� D'� N MAP VII I- 4
SCALE; 1" = 5,000' DATE: DECEMBER 1995
LEGEND
LEGEND
ARTERIAL CLASSIFICATIONS
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Topography
A final point addressed in the 1991 issue paper concerns
buffers and open space. The GMA (RCW 36.70A.160)
requires that cities, "... shall identify open space
corridors within and between UGA's." The City and the
surrounding unincorporated azea sits on a plateau which
has an average elevation of 300 to 400 feet above sea
level (Map VIII-8). At the east edge of the plateau, steep
slopes drop off to the Green River Valley below. These
slopes aze heavily forested, and because of the 40
percent slope, are generally undevelopable. These slopes
provide natural separation or open space corridors
between the Ciry's UGAs and those of the Ciry of
Auburn, as required under the GMA.
8.4 UNINCORPORATED SW
KING COUNTY CITIZEN
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Concurrent with the Ciry of Federal Way's PAA
evaluation process, King County initiated an information
gathering process in the unincorporated areas
surrounding the City. The King County Council formed
a citizen's advisory committee (CAC) from the
unincorporated areas surrounding the City to look at the
PAA issue. The group was officially known as the
Unincorporated Southwest King County Citizen
Advisory Committee. Their mission was to advise the
County Council where the PAA boundaries ought to be
drawn in areas of the County. The CAC identified
neighborhoods in the unincorporated area and the
committee included residents from each of these
geographic areas of the planning area.
The CAC, working with King Counry planning staff,
developed a public outreach program to inform the
citizens in the unincorporated areas of the work being
done by the CAC. They commissioned a random sample
telephone survey and a mailed questionnaire to gather
information from areas residents about annexation,
urban service delivery, and their affuuty toward the
surrounding cities. Survey results were presented on a
sub-area or neighborhood breakdown to assist the CAC
in making PAA boundary decisions. Based on these
results, the CAC forwarded recommendations to the
King County Council as described onMap Vlll-9.
Federai Way Comprehensive Plan - Potential Annexation Areas
8.5 CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
ADOPTION PROCESS
As discussed earlier in this chapter, the analysis that was
included in the 1991 issue paper provided the basis for a
proposed PAA area for the City. Staff presented the
issue paper and proposed Urban Growth Boundary to
the Federal Way Planning Commission. The Com-
mission reviewed the proposal and held a public hearing.
Most of the testimony received by the Commission was
supportive of the proposed urban growth boundary. The
Commission recommended that the City Council adopt
the proposed PAA boundary.
The Ciry Council accepted the recommendation, but did
not adopt it. Rather, the Council directed staff to begin
negotiations with the neighboring cities of Auburn,
Milton, Algona, Pacific, Des Moines, and Kent, all of
whom had developed urban growth boundaries that
overlapped with Federal Way's proposal. The Ciry
negotiated with each of its municipal neighbors for the
better part of a year. By the Fall of 1993, staff presented
a revised PAA boundary to the Ciry Council. The
Council reviewed the proposal and adopted the PAA
boundary on December 21, 1993. That boundary was
amended in 1994. The City is currently enacting
interlocal agreements based on the boundary described
on Map VIII-10.
8.6 POLICY/IMPLEMENTATION
Implementation of the PAA element of the Compre-
hensive Plan will involve surrounding cities and King
County. Policy direction for PAA's has been established
by the CWPP's. The following aze the City's goals,
policies, and action items that relate to PAA's and
establish a framework for reviewing future requests.
Goal
PAAGl Establish a Potential Annexation Area
Boundary for the City ofFederal Way.
Policies
PAAPI Using technical information provided, infor-
mation from neighboring jurisdictions, and
affected citizens, define and implement a PAA.
vm-i 2
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Potential Annexation Areas
PAAP2 Create and execute interlocal agreements on
mutually agreeable PAA boundaries with the PAAPI l Where appropriate, the City should allow
following King County cities: Des Moines, concomitant agreements in the PAA's.
Kent, Auburn, Algona, Pacific, and Milton.
PAAP3 Enter into an interlocal agreement with King
County establishing the PAA for the Ciry of
Federal Way.
PAAP4 Establish land use control, development plan
review, and impact mitigation in the PAA
through an interlocal agreement with King
County.
Goal
PAAG2 Provide a framework for processing
annexation requests.
Policies
PAAPS Process annexations of appropriate size.
Appropriate size means an azea that warrants
the staff time and expense involved in
processing annexation requests and complies
with the goals of the GMA and the CWPP's.
PAAP6 Annexations generally should not have or
create abnormally irregular boundaries.
PAAP7 The annexation must, to the greatest extent
possible, preserve natural neighborhoods and
communities.
PAAP8 The annexation, where appropriate, should
adjust any impractical or irregular boundaries
created in the past.
PAAP9 Proposed annexations should use the 60
percent petition method whenever possible.
PAAP10
Simultaneous adoption of proposed zoning
regulations should be required of all
annexations.
PAAP12 The Ciry will require owners of land annexing
into Federal Way to assume their proportion of
existing City bonded indebtedness.
PAAP13 The City will make a reasonable ef�ort to
ensure a smooth transition from King County
to Ciry of Federal Way administration.
PAAP14 The City should establish departmental service
needs prior to major annexations through a
fiscal impact analysis. As revenues from each
annexation azea are collected, increase Ciry
services to maintain current Citywide levels of
service.
PAAP15 Provide newly-annexed azeas with the same
level of service enjoyed by areas inside Federal
Way, while at the same time maintaining
current Citywide service levels.
Goal
PAAG3 Develop a Comprehensive Plan map and
proposed zoning for the unincorporated
areas of the Federal Way Potential
Annexation Area.
Policies
PAAP16 Identify land uses in the Comprehensive Plan
for the unincorporated areas and include
proposed zoning for these areas.
PAAP17 Include policy direction in the Comprehensive
Plan for the areas within the PAA boundary
relating to land use, transportatioq capital
facilities, housing, and utilities. `�
VIII-13
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MAP
FOOT CONTOURS
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
RECOMMENDATION
POTENTIAL ANNEXATION
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Natural Environment
9.0 INTRODUCTION
aintaining and improving the quality of the
natural environment in Federal Way is central
to the City's vision of the future. The qualiry
of the City's hydrologic features, forested azeas, and
scenic vistas is one of the primary reasons that many
families have chosen to live in Federal Way. Business
people also make locational decisions based, in some
measure, on qualiry of life factors and one might argue
that the quality of the natural environment is important
to the economic vitaliry of the Ciry. Finally, maintaining
the viability of the natural environment is prudent and
cost effective public policy. If, for example, the Ciry
maintains or improves, the natural drainage system and
how it functions, it will save tax dollars by not having to
build and maintain costly storm drainage facilities. The
intent of this chapter, and the goals and policies it
contains, is to guide future actions such that the quality
of the natural environment is maintained or improved.
The State Growth Management Act
And Countywide Planning Policies
The Growth Management Act (GMA) defines critical
areas as wetlands, aquifer rechazge azeas, fish and
wildlife habitat, frequently flooded azeas, and
geologically hazazdous areas. Pursuant to the GMA
(RCW 36.70A.060), the City amended its critical azea
regulations in 1993 to regulate development in
environmentally sensitive areas. These amended
regulations aze contained in Article XIV, of the Federal
Way Ciry Code, titled Environmentally Sensitive Areas.
The City refers to "critical azeas" as "sensitive azeas" in
its ordinances and the two terms are used
interchangeably in the Comprehensive Plan.
GMA also requires the protection of resource lands.
Resource lands are defined as land related to resource-
based industries, including productive timber,
agriculture, fisheries, and mineral extraction. Since
Federal Way does not have land used by resource-based
industries, policies regazding these types of lands are
intentionally absent from this chapter.
Development of this chapter is based on the same
premise adopted in the King County Countywide
Planning Policies (CWPP) pertaining to the Natural
Environment. Countywide Planning Policy FW-4 states
in part, "Land use and development shall be regulated
in a manner which respects fish and wildlife habitat in
conjunction with natural features and� f'unctions,
including air and water quality. Natural resources and
the built environment shall be managed to protect,
improve and sustain environmental quality while
minimizing public and private costs. "
9.1 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
GOALS AND POLICIES
Environmental Stewardship
Federal Way recognizes that the natural environment is
an intrinsic part of the urban fabric for the following
important reasons:
■ It provides opportunities for recreation;
■ It provides habitat for wildlife and plant life;
■ It is part of the City's surface water management
system and water supply;
■ It creates a positive visual image and open space;
■ It supports economic development goals; and
■ It is cost effective public policy.
The merits and costs of environmental actions must be
weighed and balanced against other important demands,
such as public safety and recreation, housing, public
infrastructure, and economic development.
Goal
NEGI To preserve the City's natural systems in order
to protect public health, safety, and welfare,
and to maintain the integrity of the natural
environment.
Policies
The City's natural environment is composed of a wide
variety of land forms, soils, water courses, and vege-
tation. The City's tenain ranges from steep hills and
ridge lines to plateaus and lakes. Soil types vary from
loam in the lowlands to sand, gravel, and till in the
uplands. Land use and development practices need to be
compatible with this variety of environmental condi-
tions. As a general rule, the Ciry intends to protect the
natural environment rather than try to overcome its
limitations for development.
ix-i
NEPl Protect and restore environmental quality
through land use plans, surface water
management plans and programs, compre-
hensive park plans, and development review.
NEP2 Preserve and restore ecological functions, and
enhance natural beaury, by encouraging
communiry development patterns and site
planning that maintains and complements
natural land fonns.
NEP3 To the maximum extent practical, the City's
future actions will be consistent with the goals
and policies of this chapter of the
Comprehensive Plan.
NEP4 The City should work in concert with state and
regional agencies, as well as with neighboring
jurisdictions and tribes, to protect sensitive
areas and the City's natural environment.
NEPS To assist in evaluating eaUSting and proposed
environmental policy, the City should prepare
inventories for each type of sensitive area to
augment data received from other information
sources.
NEP6 The City encourages private donations of land
or conservation easements for sensitive areas
and their associated but�ers.
NEP7 The City may continue to require completion of
environmental studies by qualified professionals
to assess the impact of proposed development
on sensitive azeas.
9.2 WATER RESOURCES
Water resources include: streams, lakes, frequently
flooded areas, wetlands, aquifer recharge azeas, and
shorelines. The aquifers and aquifer recharge azeas aze
the primary source for the community's drinking water
The streams and wetlands are an essential part of the
Ciry's storm water drainage system that provide
necessary flood and erosion control. The lakes and
shorelines provide fish and wildlife habitat and valued
places for recreation.
Federal Way Comprehansive Plan - Natural Environment
To protect the value and function of each individual part,
water resources must be managed as an integrated
system. Use and modification of water resources and the
surrounding terrestrial environment affects how the
hydrologic cycle functions. The inappropriate alteration
of water resources can cause detrimental impacts such as
flooding, erosion, degradation of water quality, reduction
in groundwater, and habitat loss. In order to minimize
adverse impacts to water resources and to ensure their
continued viability, the City promotes responsible land
and water resource planning and use.
The City will permit development in a manner that
protects water quality and ensures continued ecological
and hydrologic functioning of water resources.
Protection should include maintenance of stream base
flows, allowance of natural water level fluctuations in
wetlands, aquifer rechazge, and stream corridor habitat
preservation. Due to the limited capacity of the
underlying aquifers and increased water demand, the
City also encourages groundwater conservation
measures.
Aquifer Recharge Areas
(Groundwater)
Federal Way is dependent on groundwater as a primary
source of drinking water. Although the Lakehaven
Utility District dces procure water from other
purveyors, its main source is from the Redondo-Milton
Channel aquifer that underlies the City. At present, the
City has a general map of the aquifer recharge areas
within the City. However, the District notes that the
precise extent of aquifer recharge azeas is uncertain, and
these maps are being continually updated as studies are
completed and new information is made available.
Typical activities associated with land development,
such as clearing and grading, affects the natural
hydrologic cycle. Historically, stormwater was managed
in a way that conveyed it to natural water bodies as
expediently as possible. All of these activities decrease
the land's ability to absorb and retain water and
increases the possibility of contamination. In addition to
affecting aquifer recharge potential, increased runof� rate
and volume has a deleterious effect on stream channels,
water quality, and in-stream habitat. The following
CWPP's address aquifer rechazge areas and are
consistent with the City's policies.
ix-2
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Fede►al Way Comprehensive Plan - Natural Environment
Countywide Planning Policies
NEP8 All jurisdictions shall adopt policies to protect
the quality and quantity of groundwater.
NEP9 Land use actions shall take into account impacts
on aquifers detemvned to serve as water
supplies. The depletion and degradation of
aquifers needed for potable water supplies
should be avoided or mitigated.
Map IX-I, Areas Susceptible to Ground Water
Contamination, is a map produced by the King County
Department of Development and Environmental
Services and Seattle-King County Health Department as
a result of the study entitle Mapping Aquifer Suscepti-
bility to Contamination in King County. This study
looked at three criteria, soils, surface geology, and depth
to groundwater. Based on these criteria, azeas were
mapped as low, medium, or high susceptibiliry to
contamination from activities occurring in the area. This
information is the best available at this time and will be
used along with other information on streams, wetlands,
and wildlife habitat to determine appropriate zoning.
Goal
NEG2 To protect aquifer recharge areas.
Policies
NEP10 The Ciry, in cooperation with Lakehaven Utility
District, should continue to identify and map
aquifer recharge azeas within the City and its
annexation azea. Such areas shall be subject to
regulations to protect the integrity of identified
aquifer recharge areas.
NEPl l The Ciry should encourage the retention of
surface water runoff in wetlands in regional
retention facilities, and in detention ponds, or
use other similar storm water management
techniques to promote aquifer recharge.
NEP12 The City should establish land use and building
controls to use stormwater infiltration wherever
feasible, and to minimize the amount of
impervious surface created by development.
NEP13 The City recognizes that septic tank and drain
field systems have a potentially adverse impact
on groundwater aquifers. If adequate engineering
solutions are available, the City may require con-
nection to sanitary sewer service where poor soil
conditions persist and/or sewer service is available.
Wellhead Protection Areas
Because the City relies on groundwater for its drinking
water, it must take preventative measures to avoid con-
tamination in areas surrounding well sites. In addition,
the Ciry and Lakehaven Urility District should work
cooperatively to implement the State's Wellhead
Protection Program and Section 1428 of the 1986
Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, which generally
requires mapping wellhead protection zones and
establishing an interagency wellhead protection plan.
The following Countywide Planning Policies and City
policies will address wellhead protection.
Countywide Planning Policies
CAS(c)(2) Develop a process by which land use
jurisdictions will 'implement, as appra
priate, purveyor Wellhead Protection
Programs required by the Federal Safe
Drinking Water Act'.
CAS(c)(3) Detemune which portions of mapped
rechazge areas and Wellhead Protection
Areas should be designated as critical.
Goal
NEG3 Implement a local wellhead protection
program to ensure a safe source of drinking
water and to avoid the large financial impact
of contaminated wells.
Poticies
NEP14 The City will work in conjunction with local
water purveyors to delineate Wellhead
Protection Areas for each well and wellfield as
required and outlined by the State's Wellhead
Protection program.
NEP15 The City will work with water purveyors to
model and map Wellhead Protection Areas, as
funds are budgeted for such modeling and
mappmg.
IX-3
NEP16 The City will work with water purveyors to
conduct an inventory of all potential sources of
ground water contamination within the
Wellhead Protection Areas and assess the
potential for contamination.
NEP17 The City should establish an interagency
Wellhead Protection Committee to coordinate
and implement a Wellhead Protection Plan.
NEP18 The Ciry will work with water purveyors to
develop a contingency plan for the provisions of
altemate drinking water supplies in the event of
well or wellfield contarnixiatioq as funds are
budgeted for such purpose.
NEP19 The City should establish buffer zones of
sufficient size to protect wellhead areas.
Streams And Lakes (Surface Water)
The City of Federal Way is located within the Hylebos
Creek, Lower Puget Sound and Mill Creek drainage
basins. These basins contain an integrated system of
lakes and streams that provide a natural drainage system
for over 36 squaze miles of southwest King County and
northeast Pierce County.
Due to rapid urbanization, this natural system has been
altered and in many azeas no longer provides its original
function or habitat. The primary focus of the policies
below aze to restore the natural functions that the City's
lakes and streams once provided. Moreover, the
CWPP's and the City's policies below aclrnowledge that
it is more cost effective to restore the natural system
than it is to construct a man-made equivalent.
Countywide Planning Policy
CA15 All jurisdictions shall implement the Puget
Sound Water Quality Management Plan to
restore and protect the biological health and
diversiry of the Puget Sound Basin.
Goal
NEG4 Protect, restore, and enhance the City s lakes
and streams.
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Naturel Environment
Policies
NEP20 The City will seek to work cooperatively with
King and Pierce County Surface Water Manage-
ment Divisions, the Puget Sound Water Quality
Authority, Washington Department of Ecology,
and other affected jurisdictions and tribes to
implement water qualiry management strategies
and to comply withMunicipal National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
regulations to address non-point pollution.
NEP21 Surface water management facilities which use
natural streams and lakes for storage should
ensure that those natural features are not
adversely impacted by their inclusion in the
surface water system.
NEP22 The City may regulate private development and
public actions to protect water quality and to
ensure adequate in-stream flow to protect
fisheries, wildlife habitat, and recreation
resources.
NEP23 The Ciry will seek to retain native vegetation
within riparian corridors. New planting of
vegetation with the approval from the City may
be required where such revegetation will
enhance the corridor's function. Consideration
should be given to the removal of non-native
invasive species.
NEP24 Lakes should be protected and enhanced by
proper management of watersheds and
shorelines, by improvements in water quality,
by removal of invasive plant species, and by
restoration of fish and wildlife habitat.
NEP25 The City should adopt stream defuutions that
are reflective of stream function and habitat.
The definitions should make a distinction
between manmade conveyance systems and
natural streams.
NEP26 The City should continue to restrict stream
relocation projects, the placing of streams in
culverts, and the crossing of streams for both
public and private projects. Where applicable in
stream corridors, the Ciry should give consid-
eration to structures which are designed to
promote fish migration and the propagation of
wildlife habitat.
IX-4
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CITY ❑F FEDERAL WAY
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
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AREAS SUSCEPTIBLE
TO GROUND WATER
CONTAMINATION
NATURAL ENVIR�NMENT ELEMENT
LEGEND
-•-•-•-•-•-•-•- FEDERAL WAY CITY LIM[TS
— — — — — P❑TENT[AL ANNEXATION AREA
_ �_ � -- = LAKEHAVEN DISTR[CT BDUNDARY
WATER SERVICE AREA BOUNDARY
� AREAS OF HIGH SUSCEPTABILITY TO
GROUNDWATER CQNTAMINATION
� AREAS OF MEDIUM SUSCEPTABILITY TO
GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION
� AREAS OF LOW SUSCEPTABILITY T�
GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION
N❑TES
Th�s Map cor�p�les ex�st�ng geotog�c, so�ls, and depth to
ground water �nfornat�on to est�nate the locat�on of
areas where contaM�nat�on May readily enter ground
water, Its purpose �s to cor�r�un�cate the
approx�rnate locat�on and area extent oF geolog�c
cond�t�ons �n the greater Federo.l Way area favoro.ble
to the mtroduct�on of contaminants to ground water.
Th�s mnp does not dep�ct aqu�fer recharge areas.
This r�ap is intended for plo,nning purposes only and is
not guaranteed to exhibit accurate �nformation. Land
use deGS�ons should be based upon s�te-spec�f�c data.
Source� Searttle/K�ng County Health Departr�ent,
King County Dept. of Developr�ent and Environr�ental
Serv�ces, Ground Water Mano.ger�ent Area Techn�cal
Reports.
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GIS DIVISI�N MAP IX-1
SCALE: 1" = 5,000' DATE; DECEMBER 1995
SURFACE WATER
RESOURCES
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NEP27 Erosion control measures shall be used for any
work in or adjacent to stream or lake buffers.
NEP28 Appropriate mitigation for detrimental impacts
may be required for construction work within
the buffer area associated with a stream channel
or a lake. Furthermore, the City should work in
cooperation with the Depariment of Fish and
Wildlife through the Hydraulic Project Approval
permit process for all development proposals
which involve streams.
NEP29 Essential public facilities and utilities may cross
lakes or streams where no other feasible
alternative exists. The amount of intrusion shall
be the minimum necessary to complete the
project.
Frequently Flooded Areas
Frequently flooded areas aze defined as, "...azeas in the
floodplain subject to a one percent or greater chance of
flooding in any given yeaz including but not limited to,
such azeas as streams, lakes, and wetlands."
Development in floodplains reduces the storage capacity
and increases the amount of runoff. Increased runoff
overtaxes both natural and man-made conveyance
systems and leads to damage of public and private
property.
Currently, there are no frequently flooded areas
recognized by the Federal Emergency Management Act
(FEMA} within the City of Federal Way. However, there
aze areas which meet the City's definition of frequently
flooded azeas. The policies below have been adopted to
address those areas.
Countywide Planning Policy
� CAl2(b) Each jurisdictions policies, regulations, and
programs should effectively prevent new
development and other actions from causing
significant adverse impacts on major river
� flooding, erosion, and natural resources
outside their jurisdiction.
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Goal
NEGS To prevent the loss of life and properry in
frequently flooded areas.
Policies
NEP30 The City should restrict the rate and quantiry of
surface water runoff to pre-development levels
for all new development and redevelopment.
NEP31 Where feasible, the City shall protect and
enhance natural flood storage and conveyance
function of streams, lakes, and wedands.
Wetlands
Wetlands aze valuable natural resources. There are
several types of wetlands in the City and each plays a
valuable role in the hydrological system. Wedands types
include mazshes, bogs, ponds, forested, and scrub-shrub
wetlands. By storing flood waters, wetlands reduce
flooding and down stream erosion; trap and absorb
sediments; and help protect water quality. Furthermore,
wetlands discharge water to aquifers and streams and
help serve to replenish groundwater and maintain base
flows of surface water systems. In short, wetlands are
productive biological systems providing rich habitat for
fish and wildlife, and important storage capacity for the
hydrologic system.
Federal Way has several regionally significant wetland
azeas. The lazgest can be found in and adjacent to the
West Hylebos State Park, Dash Point State Park, Dumas
Bay, and throughout Spring Valley. Other smaller
wetlands also dot the landscape. While many of the
Ciry's wetlands have been identified both by private
property owners and the City, undoubtably there are
other wetlands which have not yet been precisely located
and mapped.
The following CWPP's and City policies address the
protection of wetlands.
Countywide Planning Policies
CA1 All jurisdictions shall use as minimum standards
the 1989 Federal Manual for ldentifying and
Delineating Jurisdictional Wetlands and
reference the 1989 manual in their wetlands
protection ordinance.
CA2 In the long term, all jurisdictions shall work to
establish a single countywide classification
system for wetlands.
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Natural Environment
CA3 Within each basin, jurisdictions shall formulate
their regulations and other non-regulatory
methods to accomplish the following: protection
of wetlands, assure no net-loss of wetland
functions; and an increase of the quantity and
qualiry of the wetlands. The top class wetland
should be untouched.
CA4 Implementation of wetland mitigation should be
flexible enough to allow for protection of
systems or corridors of connected wetlands. A
tradeoff of small, isolated wetlands in exchange
for a lazger connected wetland system can
achieve greater resource protection and reduce
isolation and fragmentation of wetland habitat.
Goal
NEG6 Protect and enhance the functions and values
of the City's wetlands.
Policies
NEP32 The City will protect its wetlands with an
objective of no overall net-loss of functions or
values.
NEP33 The City shall, as a minimum standard, use the
1987 Federal Manual for ldentifying and
Delineating Wetlands, as now existing or
hereafter adopted or amended. (Note: This
policy intentionally differs from Countywide
Planning Policy CA-lwhich suggests use of the
1989 Manual. Use of the 1987 Manual is
consistent with the Department of Ecology,
Environmental Protection Agency, and the
Corps of Engineers].
NEP34 The City will work with other jurisdictions,
tribes, and citizen groups to establish wetland
policies and a classification system for wetlands
that allows for the designation of both
regionally and locally unique wetlands.
At present, all wetlands in the City are afforded a 100
foot uniform buffer regazdless of wetland size or type.
While this allows for predictability, it dces not provide
for fle�bility nor does it reflect the varying degrees of
wetland functions, values, and quality. The result may be
in either excessive or insuf�cient wetland buffering. To
improve the sophistication of Federal Way's wetland
buffer requirements, the following policies call for a
review of the present buffering requirements.
Goal
NEG7 Develop a wetland buffer system reflective of
the variety of wetlands found in the City.
Policies
NEP36 The City should consider implementing a tiered
wetland classification system based on wetland
functions and values. The wetland classification
system would set forth the appropriate wetland
buffer widths. Furthermore, any new wetland
classification system should also contain
provisions for allowing buffer width averaging.
As a reference point, the City should consider
the classification system and protection
measures contained in the Department of
Ecology's Model Wetlands Ordinance.
1VEP37 Required wetiand buffers shall be comprised of
native vegetation typically associated with the
type of wetland in question. Intrusion into the
wetland buffer may be restricted, except for the
location of essential public facilities and utilities
where no other feasible alternative exists.
No complete inventory of Federal Ways wetlands has
been done to date. The Ciry has identified the need for an
inventory to assist with wetland protection. A complete
wetland inventory will help the City create policy that
reflects local as well as regional conditions. In addition,
the public will be able to better identify existing
wetlands.
NEP35 The City will work with the Lakehaven Utiliry
District to evaluate pumping rates within the
Hylebos Creek and Lower Puget Sound drainage
basin to establish the effect of groundwater
withdrawal on streams, lakes, and wetlands.
Goal
NEG8 Conduct a wetland inventory and map the
wetlands using the Ctty's geographic
information system.
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Policy
NEP38 As sufficient funds are budgeted, the City will
complete an inventory of its wetlands to better
understand the wetland system, and to refine the
policies and regulations that protect the
resource. Inventoried wetlands should be
ranked, delineated, and mapped on the Ciry's
Geographic Information System.
The City may permit urban development to cause the
destruction of wetlands determined to be replaceable
based on a variery of factors. In these situations,
compensatory wetland mitigation, such as wetland
creation, restoration, or enhancement, must be provided.
The City recognizes that the elimination of certain
wetlands in exchange for appropriate mitigation can
contribute to the overall wetland system, and may in fact
achieve better resource protection.
Goal
NEG9 Explore ways of mitigating wetland loss
Policies
NEP39 The City should develop a wetland mitigation
banking program. The plan will address
restoration, creation, enhancement, monitoring,
and contingency planning for the replacement or
enhancement of wetlands.
NEP40 Mitigation sites should replace or augment the
wetland values to be lost as a result of a
development proposal. Sites should be chosen
that will contribute to an eaListing wetland
system or, if feasible, restore an area that was
historically a wetland.
NEP41 All wetland functions should be considered in
evaluating wetland mitigation proposals,
including fish and wildlife habitat, flood
storage, water qualiry, recreation, educational
opportunities, and aesthetics.
NEP42 The City will protect wetlands by maximizing
infiltration opportunities and promoting the
conservation of forest cover and native
vegetation.
NEP43 Wetlands created as a result of a surface or
stormwater detention facility should not be
considered wetlands for regulatory purpases.
Special regulations conceming these facilities
should be developed.
Shorelines
The Ciry of Federal Way adopted the King County
Shoreline Management Program (Program) shortly af�er
the City's incorporation. King County's program is a
functional plan and was developed in compliance with
the State Shorelines Management Act. However, a new
program needs to be developed for the City that better
reflects the values of the community; is consistent with
Environmentally Sensitive Areas regulations; and,
supports the land use policy in the Land Use chapter of
the Comprehensive Plan.
Goal
NEG10 Create a new shoreline master program that
is consistent with community values, land
use, and environmental protection.
Policies
NEP44 The City should create a new Shoreline Master
Program that is consistent with State law, and
the policy direction of the Natural Environment
and Land Use Chapters of this Plan.
NEP45 The Shoreline Master Program should recognize
the unique recreational and natural habitat of the
Ciry's shorelines.
9.3 GEOLOGIC HAZARDOUS
AREAS
Geologically hazardous areas include: steep slope
hazard, landslide and erosion hazard, and seismic hazard
(liquefaction-prone) areas. WAC 365-195-200(9)
defines geographically hazazdous areas as, "... areas that
because of their susceptibility to erosion, sliding,
earthquake, or other geological events, aze not suited to
siting of commercial, residential, or industrial
development consistent with public health or safery
concerns."
IX-9
In Federal Way, geologically hazardous areas have been
mapped along much of the Puget Sound shoreline and in
more limited azeas north of Steel Lake, and west and
south of Hylebos State Pazk.
Landslide Prone Areas represent a potential hazazd to
people and property. Inappropriate development
activities may disturb the natural stability of soils,
surficial geology, slopes, and hydrology to the point that
mass wasting, erosion, high run off, and stream siltation
may occur. There are many areas in Federal Way,
particulazly the high bluffs along Puget Sound, that have
high potential for landslide. These areas typically have
slopes greater than 15 percent, springs or groundwater
seepage, and highly permeable sand and gravel soils
overlaying relatively impermeable silt and clay soils.
Sersmrc Haaard Areas are characterized by low density
cohesionless soils in association with a shallow
groundwater table. During an earthquake, these soils
become highly unstable and are unable to adequately
support structures. With appropriate construction
techniques, such as soil compaction or pile construction,
building owners can minimize the potential for damage
to some extent. To identify seismically hazardous sites
and recommend appropriate construction techniques
typically requires the services of a qualified geotechnical
engineer.
Soil Erosion problems are typical in all areas of Federal
Way. Generally, these problems aze the result of
improper or inappropriate grading and construction
practices. However, there are small areas of the City
where the soils are so erosion sensitive that urban
development is not appropriate because of the sensitivity
of these soils to disturbance.
Steep Slope Areas are typically found along the western
portion of Federal Way, as the land ends in high bank
above the Puget Sound shoreline. In addition, there are
other isolated azeas throughout the Ciry. These hillsides
are either naturally unstable, or susceptible to instabiliry
when disturbed.
The following CWPP's and the City policies address
protection of geologically hazardous areas.
Countywide Planning Policy
CA13 All jurisdictions shall regulate development on
certain lands to protect public health, property,
important ecological and hydrogeologic
Federal Way Comprehensive Pian - Natural Environment
functions, and environmental qualiry, and to
reduce public costs. The natural features of
these lands include: a) Slopes with a grade
greater than 40 percent; b) Severe landslide
hazazd areas; c) Erosion hazard areas; d)
Mine hazard areas; and e) Seismic hazards.
Regulations shall include, at a minimum,
provisions for vegetation retention, seasonal
clearing and grading limits, setbacks, and
drainage and erosion controls.
Goal
NEGl l To adopt standards to ensure against the
loss of both public and private property in
geologically hazardous areas.
Policies
NEP46 Land uses on steep slopes should be designed to
prevent property damage and environmental
degradation, and to enhance open space and
wildlife habitat.
NEP47 As slope increases, development intensity, site
coverage, and vegetation removal should
decrease and there-by minimize drainage
problems, soil erosion, siltatioq and landslides.
Slopes of 40 percent or more should be retained
in a natural state, free of structures and other
land surface modifications.
NEP48 Landslide hazazd areas should be free of
development, unless the risks and adverse
impacts associated with such development can
be reduced to a negligible level.
NEP49 In areas with severe seismic hazards, special
building design and construction measures
should be used to minimize the risk of
structural damage, fire and injury to occupants,
and to prevent post-seismic collapse.
NEP50 Prior to development in severe seismic hazard
areas, the City may require special studies to
evaluate seismic risks and to identify
appropriate measures to reduce these risks.
NEP51 The City should develop special regulations that
address construction on or near marine bluffs of
Puget Sound. Regulations should take into
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consideration landslide potential, drainage, and
vegetation removal.
NEP52 Proposals for development on or near marine
bluffs should substantiate, either through design
or adherence to special development regulations,
that the development has less than a 25 percent
chance of failing by collapsing, or becoming
dangerous and/or uninhabitable due to slope
movement within a 50 year time period.
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Natural Environment
Countywide Planning Policies
Through the following goals Federal Way sets out to
conserve, protect, restore, and enhance fish and wildlife
habitat azeas.
CA8
NEP53 Development along marine bluffs should take
into consideration the unique habitat these azeas
provide by leaving as much native vegetation as CA9
possible, especially snags.
9.4 FISH AND WILDLIFE
HABITAT AREAS
Fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas are
considered critical areas and are necessary for either
resident animal species, or seasonal migratory animal
species. These habitats are extremely important and, if
altered, may reduce the likelihood that a given species
will survive. Habitat conservation azeas may include
areas of species richness, breeding habitat, winter range,
and migration corridors. These also include habitats that
are of limited availability or high vulnerability to
alteration, such as cliffs, talus, and wetlands.
All jurisdictions shall identify critical fish and
wildlife habitats and species and develop
regulations that: a) Promote their protection and
proper management; and b) Integrate native plant
communities and wildlife with other land uses
when possible. .
Natural drainage systems including associated
riparian and shoreline habitat shall be maintained
and enhanced to protect water quality, reduce
public costs, protect fish and wildlife habitat, and
prevent environmental degradation. Jurisdictions
within shared basins shall coordinate regulations
to manage basin and natural drainage systems
which include provisions to: a) Protect the natural
hydraulic and ecological functions of drainage
systems to maintain and enhance fish and wildlife
habitat, and restore and maintain those natural
functions; b) Control peak runoff rate and
quantity of dischazges from new development to
approximate pre-development rates; and c)
Preserve and protect resources and beneficial
functions and values through maintenance of
stable channels, adequate low flows, and reduction
of future storm flows, erosion, and sedimentation.
CA10 Jurisdictions shall maintain or enhance water
This chapter also recommends that the City complete the quality through control of runof� and best
necessary studies to identify and map habitat management practices to maintain natural
conservation area so that they can be protected. aquatic communities and beneficial uses.
Significant habitat also exists in aquatic, wetland, and
� riparian areas and on steep slopes that are privately
owned, but protected by development regulations.
Linking public and private natural areas can provide
� food, shelter, and migration comdors for a healthy and
sustainable population of salmon, songbirds, and other
species.
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Urban landscaping, pazks, and open space are valuable
supplements to natural areas in terms of providing
habitat for a wide variery of wildlife. The loss of natural
wildlife habitat to urban development can be partially
offset by landscaping that includes a variery of native
plants which provide food and shelter for wildlife.
CAl l Jurisdictions shall coordinate land use planning
and management of fish and wildlife resources
with affected state agencies and the federally
recognized Tribes.
Goal
NEG12 Preserve, protect, and enhance fish and
wildlife habitat.
Policies
NEP54 As feasible, the City will conduct studies needed
to identify and map critical fish and wildlife
, ix-� 2
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Natural Environment
habitat conservation areas and may re-evaluate
existing regulations for the protection of these
azeas.
NEP55 The City should manage aquatic and riparian
(stream side) habitat in a way that minimizes its
alteration in order to preserve and enhance its
ability to sustain fish and wildlife.
NEP56 The City should preserve and enhance native
vegetation in riparian habitat and wherever
possible.
growing air pollution problem, it must develop a more
efficient and less auto-oriented transportation system.
The following CWPP's and City policies are adopted to
protect air quality.
Countywide Planning Policy
CA14
NEP57 The City should encourage residents and
businesses to use native plants in residential and
commercial landscaping. Goal
NEP58 The City will protect wildlife corridors in the
City owned open space where appropriate.
These azeas should use native plants that
support native species of birds and animals
where appropriate.
NEP59 As feasible, the Ciry will adopt and implement
fish habitat conservation plans for the salmon
nu�s in the Hylebos drainage, Lakota Creek, and
any other identified salmon streams. These
plans will include recommendations for
improvements to the riparian comdor and
provisions for adequate buffers adjacent to all
proposed development.
NEP60 The City should encourage informational and
educational programs and activities dealing with
the protection of wildlife. An example of such a
program is the Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary
program established by the State Department of
Fish and Wildlife.
9.5 AIR QUALITY
Air quality, once a problem for other regions of the
United States, is now a major problem in the Pacific
Northwest. The preservation of clean air is essential to
maintaining the quality of life enjoyed in this region. Air
pollution in the Puget Sound Region is the result of
increased vehicle emissions primarily from cars and
trucks. Therefore, if this region is going to resolve its
All jurisdictions, in coordination with the Puget
Sound Air Pollution Control Agency and the
Puget Sound Regional Council, shall adopt
policies, methodologies, and standards that
promote regional air quality, consistent with
the Countywide Policy Plan.
NEG13 To protect air quality.
Policies
NEP61 Support State and Federal air quality standards
and the regulation of activities that emit air
pollutants.
NEP62 Encourage transportation demand management
and alternatives to the single occupancy vehicle
in order to reduce energy consumption, air and
water pollution.
9.6 NOISE
Noise pollution can be harmful to the general public's
health and welfaze and has adversely affected the
livabiliry and comfort of neighborhoods within the Ciry
of Federal Way. Noise is primarily generated by: air
traffic from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-
Tac); vehicle traffic; and construction activities. The
Ciry will need to continue its efforts at the regional and
state level to mitigate the impacts associated with the
Sea-Tac Airport.
Goal
NEG14 Develop programs andlor regulations to
address noise pollution in all areas of the
Clly.
IX-13
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aPRIORITY
HABITATS & SPECIES
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' Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Natural Environme�t
� Policies
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Countywide Planning Policies
NEP63 The City should develop and adopt construction CC7 All jurisdictions shall work cooperatively to
standazds to mitigate noise generated by Sea- identify and protect open space corridors of
Tac Airport and Interstate 5, as well as other regional significance.
major arterials.
CC8 Jurisdictions shall work to protect visual access
NEP64 The Ciry will evaluate potential noise impacts to water bodies an drivers, and provide for
associated with non-residential uses located in physical access where appropriate.
residential areas as part of the site plan review
process. The City may adopt noise level CC13 All jurisdictions shall develop coordinated
standazds for all non-residential uses. level of service standazds for the provision of
pazks and open space.
NEP65 The Ciry will continue to work with the Port of
Seattle to mitigate noise impacts within the 65
ldn contour. In this effort, the City will work
with the Port to field verify the results generated
by the Integrated Noise Model.
Goal
NEG15 Develop an open space nehvork throughout
the City and with adjacentjurisdictions.
NEP66 The City will continue to work in concert with
the Puget Sound Regional Council, Regional
Commission on Airport Affairs, and the Airport
Communities Coalition, or their successors or
other entities, to resolve problems associated
with the proposed expansion of Sea-Tac
Airport.
NEP67 In developing new roadway systems, the City
� will evaluate the noise impact on residential
neighborhoods as appropriate in, or through,
residential areas.
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9.7 OPEN SPACE
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Trails and open space corridors form linkages between
and within neighborhoods, commercial areas, and
neighboring jurisdictions. Open space corridors also
provide wildlife habitat, recreation areas, as well as
visual and physical sepazation between land uses. In
order to achieve an affective open space system, the City
will work cooperatively with surrounding jurisdictions to
construct a network of open space. Open space can
include: environmentally sensitive areas, forests, pasture
land, lakes, and waterways. Areas identified as open
space in the Comprehensive Parks Plan may be
purchased or otherwise protected from development by
the City.
Policies
NEP68 Open space is as important as wildlife habitat
and should be linked with open space identified
in the King County Open Space Plan.
NEP69 The City should identify an open space plan
and develop a program to acquire or accept
donations of these areas for preservation.
NEP70 The City should consider innovative ways of
acquiring properly for open space such as
transfer of development rights and
development incentives for set asides.
9.8 IMPLEMENTATION
The implementation of the policies contained in this
chapter will occur over a number of yeazs and is
dependent on resources available to the City and the
community. The following implementation strategy lists
six actions that the City may take in the next five years.
1. Revise the City's wetland buffering requirement;
2. Develop a new Shorelines Master Program to be
consistent with the policies of this chapter and the
Land Use chapter, community values, and State law;
� IX-15
Federai Way Comprehensive Plan - Natural Environment
3. Adopt a new definition of stream to distinguish
between man-made conveyance systems and natural
streains, requiring a definition change to the
Environmentally Sensitive Areas Ordinance;
4. Map wellhead protection zones;
5. Inventory wetlands; and
6. Update aquifer recharge area maps. �
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Federal Way Comprehensiva Plan - Private Utilities
10.0 INTRODUCTION
his chapter satisfies a Growth Management Act
(GMA) requirement that cities prepare a Private
Utilities chapter. This chapter describes the
location of existing utilities and the proposed location of
new utilities, as well as the capacity of existing and pro-
posed utilities. The GMA requires the Comprehensive
Plan to have internal consistency. This means that the
Private Utilities chapter must be fully coordinated with
other chapters of the Comprehensive Plan. This is
particulazly important for Federal Way's City Center
and in the I-5/99 corridor where new development and
other land use change is anticipated in the near future.
In accordance with WAC 365-195-320(2)(c), this
Private Utilities chapter includes plans for natural gas,
electriciry, and telecommunications for the City and its
planning area (Map X-I - Planning Area). Each utility
plan will describe and analyze existing and proposed
utility systems within Federal Way and improvements
necessary to meet growing consumer demand. In most
cases, maps aze provided to illustrate the e�cisting system
and proposed improvements. Plans for water supply and
sewer are found in the Capital Facilities chapter of the
Comprehensive Plan.
The City sees the GMA's requirement to prepare a
Private Utilities chapter as an opportunity to identify
ways of improving the quality of services provided
within the City. The Ciry will use this Private Utilities
chapter to identify goals and develop policies to ensure
that provision of utilities is properly coordinated with
land use.
The City aclrnowledges that it would not have been
1 possible to prepare this chapter without the assistance of
Puget Power, Washington Natural Gas, Viacom, TCI,
US West, and AT & T Wireless.
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10.1 ORGANIZATIONAL AND
LEGAL CONTEXT
Privately owned elecri natural gas, and line
telephone utilities are regulated by the Washington
Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC).
Cellular telephone communication companies are
licensed by the Federal Communications Commission
(FCC). Private utilities, with the exception of cellular
communication and line telephone, must have a
franchise agreement to place utilities in the public right-
of-way. Franchise agreements give each utiliry the
nonexclusive right to provide its category of service
within the City. At the time of writing, the City has a
franchise agreement with Washington Natural Gas and
Viacom Cable TV, and is in the process of negotiating
with Puget Power and TCI Cable TV which are
presently covered by franchises made with King Counry.
As each of these franchise agreements expire over the
coming yeazs, the Ciry will negotiate its own francluse
agreements with the utilities.
10.2 COUNTYWIDE LAND USE
POLICIES FOR UTILITIES
The King County Crrowth Management Planning
Council (GMPC) drafted the following Countywide
policy which is relevant to private utilities:
C06 Aggressive conservation efforts shall be
implemented to address the need for adequate
supply for electrical energy and water resources,
protect natural resources, and achieve improved
air quality. Efforts shall include, but not be limited
to, public education, water reuse and reclamation,
landscaping which uses native and drought-
resistant plants and other strategies to reduce
water consumption, small lot size, low-flow
showerheads, conservation credits, and energy
efficiency incentives in new and existing
buildings.
This Private Utilities chapter is consistent witt► the
aforementioned Countywide Planning Policy.
10.3 NATURAL GAS PLAN
Washington Natural Gas (WNG) provides natural gas to
the Ciry and its planning area as part of a service area
that also includes the cities of Tacoma and Auburn. The
components and hierarchy of Washington Natural Gas's
supply system is illustrated in Figure X-1. Natural gas is
supplied to the entire Puget Sound Region from the
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Dlstrict repulatas lurnlsh pas P�essures ave�age 35 psl.
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C NORTHWEST PIPELINE (IP) disltibutlon system.
The interstate plpeilne servinp WNG I5 NW Pipeline, whiCh ConSlsts ot 2
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C pounds per square Inch (psq. The natural qas ;!ppiy orlpfnates prlmarlly
trom Canada and the southwest United Siates.
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Northwest Pipeline. The "gate station" on the Northwest
Pipeline that provides most of the natural gas to Federal
Way is located in Derringer (near Auburn).
Federal Way's e�usting natural gas supply system is
shown on Maps X-2 and X-3. Map X-2 shows the supply
mains within Federal Way and Map X-3 shows the
existing pressure on a very cold (10 degree Fahrenheit)
day.
System Analysis
Washington Natural Gas Company records show that its
customer base in Federal Way increased by 76 percent
between March 1982 and March 1995. There were
16,039 customers within the City of Federal Way on
March 1, 1995, compared with 9,117 customers on
March 1, 1982. Current demand in Federal Way is for an
average of 1,058,191 cubic feet per hour (at 250 psig).
Currently, most Federal Way neighborhoods have access
to natural gas with the exception of small isolated
multi-family developments, and some areas east of I-5.
As shown onMap X-3, Federal Way's natural gas
supply system meets existing demand. This map shows
that on a 10 degree Fahrenheit day, when demand for
natural gas is at its greatest, the lowest gas pressure in
the system is in the western portion of the City. In this
azea, gas pressure drops to between 20 and 30 psig,
which is more than adequate to meet domestic demand
which requires supply at approximately 2-3 psig.
Proposed New & Improved Facilities
Map X-4 shows proposed system improvements,
� specifically the proposed location and size of pipes.
Future projects shown on Map X-4 include:
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■ Installing a new valve in Pacific Highway South and
shut to redirect and increase flow to neighborhoods
between South 248th and South 288th Streets, west
of Pacific Highway South (to be completed by
September 30, 1995).
■ Installing a four inch distribution main in Redondo
Way between 13th Avenue South and Marine View
Drive (to be completed by September 30, 1996).
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Private Utilities
■ Installing a four inch distribution main in 16th
Avenue SW and SW Dash Point Road (to be
completed by September 30, 1996).
■ Building a six inch main along lst Way South.
Washington Natural Gas has a policy of expanding its
supply system to serve additional natural gas customers
upon demand. Therefore, the locatioq capaciry, and time
line for improvements will depend on population growth.
The maximum capacity of the existing distribution
system is continually being evaluated and expanded to
increase supply pressures, expand supply capacity, and
reinforce existing systems. Proposed improvements
shown on Map X-4 are based on laiown demand and
projected population growth. The specific location for
construction of new distribution lines will depend on
right-of-way permitting, environmental impacts, and
opportunities to install pipelines with new development,
highway improvements, or installation of other utilities.
10.4 ELECTRICITY PLAN
Existing Regional System
Puget Sound Power and Light Company (Puget Power),
a private investor-owned utility, supplies electricity to
almost the entire City except for some small pockets
neaz the Pierce County line, which are served by Tacoma
City Light. As of April 1995, Puget Power delivered
service to approximately 820,000 metered customers in
its nine county service area.
The quality of service within Federal Way is dependent
on the local delivery system operated by Puget Power,
the bulk transmission system operated by the Bonneville
Power Administration (BPA), and power generation by a
number of agencies including Puget Power.
In 1991, Puget Power met 96 percent of total energy
needs from its own resources. Energy purchases from
other sources supplied the residual demand. Because
electricity cannot easily be stored for future use,
northwestern utilities exchange power with utility
companies outside the region. This process of moving
electricity into a common transmission grid and
distributing it where needed is called "wheeling."
X-4
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Private Utilities
Bulk Transmission System
The Bonneville Power Administration operates a
regionwide, interconnecting, transmission system that
supplies electric power to utilities from Federal hydro-
electric projects east and west of the Cascades. The
primary service BPA provides to Puget Power is
wheeling energy around the region.
System Analysis - During the severe cold spell in
February 1989, the region's heavily loaded system
experienced power flow problems. Although no major
loss of power occurred during that period, the BPA
power system and local utilities hit a record peak
demand of neazly 11,000 megawatts— twice its average
power use. The crisis created an awareness among
energy companies of a power problem in the Puget
Sound azea. BPA initiated a public process in 1990 to
review the problem and identify potential solutions. The
following four goals were identified by the Puget Sound
Reliability Study, produced by BPA:
■ Increase conservation activities.
■ Implement comprehensive load management
programs.
■ Expand the transmission system.
■ Build new generation facilities west of the Cascade
mountains.
These measures are now being implemented jointly by
BPA and local utilities including Puget Power. In
addition, at the local level, Puget Power is pursuing an
energy conservation program by offering grants,
technical advice, and assistance to its industrial and
commercial clients. There is also an active conservation
education program to raise consumer consciousness.
Both BPA and Puget Power are working hazd to manage
demand. The aim is to reduce demand at peak times, and
spread demand more evenly over the diurnal and
seasonal cycle. This can be achieved by encouraging
commercial customers to carry out high energy-
consumption processes when supply is plentiful in
off-peak periods. Another policy currently being
explored is to charge less for power in off-peak periods
to encourage customers to use power when greater
supply is available.
Transmission System
Schematically, Figure X-2 describes how electriciry is
transmitted from a generation source to customers.
Map X-S describes that portion of Puget Power's trans-
mission system which covers the City. It is a grid which
provides a link between BPA's Bulk Transmission
System and the local distribution system which connects
with customers. All of the transmission lines supplying
Federal Way aze energized at 115kV. These lines supply
power into the Federal Way distribution system and
provide connections to Tacoma City Light, King, and
Pierce County. Power is transfened from the trans-
mission system to Federal Way's local distribution sys-
tem at six distribution sub-stations shown on Map X-S.
A list of these substations, their capacities, and loading
levels are shown in Table X-L Power also comes into the
City from substations situated in Pierce County and
unincorporated King County.
System Analysis - Puget Power has prepared a 30 year
South King/Pierce County Draft GMA Electrical
Facilities Plan, 1992, which analyzes and proposes
improvements for the transmission system for the sub-
area which includes Federal Way. This Plan uses Puget
Sound Regional Council (PSRC) population and
employment forecasts to project growth in electrical load
over a 30-year period. The Plan concludes that the
facilities which supply power to the Federal Way area
are currently working below their capacity. However,
there is a need to maintain this spare capaciry for
back-up purposes.
Table X-I shows that while 94.4 percent of the system's
rated capacity is utilized at peak winter load, there is
adequate supply of electricity for the existing City pop-
ulation. However, the system will need to be upgraded in
the near future as it is presently neaz capaciry. Based on
PSRC population and employment forecasts, Puget
Power predicts that the required load for the greater
Federal Way area will grow by 103.9 MVA between
1990 and 2020.
Table X-1
Substation Loads and Capacitv.
nictrihuHnn Rgting Wintnr i.n9d
Substations (MVA) 1?./Z1�90(MVA)
La(cota 25 23.5
Kitts Comer 25 32.3
Belmore I 25 21.7
Belmore II 25 18.0
Marine View
Stanwood
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SUPPLY MAINS
SYSTEM PRESSURE
ON A VERY COLD DAY
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS
LEGEND
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Proposed Improvements - The South King/Pierce
County Draft GMA Electrical Facilities Plan for the
Christopher- Fredrickson subarea sets out a range of
proposed improvements to deal with the transmission
system issues. The Plan works to a standazd that ensures
that if one element of the system breaks down, power
can still be provided from another source without
exceeding system capacity. The Plan also makes
contingency for a double system failure under certain
circumstances. There are also several improvements in
progress which are not in the City but will improve
service within the subarea. These include a new
switching station east of Puyallup South Hill (Alderton),
a Bceing-Puyallup substatioq and a new substation at
Dupont.
Future Transmission Lines and
Sub-Stations
Map X-S shows proposed transmission lines and
substations necessary to increase service reliabiliry
and/or capacity in Federal Way to meet projected load
growth over the next 30 yeazs. The additional
substations needed to serve the forecasted load growth
include:
■ Enchanted ■ Killarney
■ Dolloff ■ Steel
■ Five Mile Lake ■ Twin Lakes
■ Federal Way
Puget Power forecasts that these improvements, along
with others elsewhere in the subarea, will produce a
system that will be operating at 72.5 percent of capaciry
by the year 2020.
In order to serve additional substations planned across
the subarea, several transmission projects are planned. A
new 115 kV transmission switching station, Freeman, is
proposed southeast of Milton. This new switching
station would allow 115kV lines to be connected with
Starwood, White River, and the proposed Alderton
station.
Additional transmission line and transformer capacity
may be necessary on the Puget Power-Tacoma City
Light (TCL) intertie at Stazwood. Proposed cogeneration
facilities in TCL's tideflats area could potentially
expand the existing system. The timing of any
improvement would depend on the design and capacity
of the cogeneration facility.
10.5 TELECOMMUNICATIONS
PLAN
The telecommunications section focuses on line
telephone, cellulaz communicatioq and cable TV.
Telecommunications is not only important for voice
transmission but also provides the infrastructure for the
transmission of images and electronic data such as faxes
and electronic mail. In the City, telecommur►ications
service providers include US West (New Vector), which
operates both land-based and cellular telephone systems,
AT 8c T Wireless which provides cellular telephone
service, and Viacom and TCI which provide Cable TV
service.
The line and cellular telephone portions of the
telecommunications industry are extremely competitive
and for this reason, the Ciry had difficulty obtaining
detailed information about operations and plans. As a
result, this section of the plan addressing telephone
service: (i) reflects the Ciry's commitment to providing
reasonable telephone services; (ii) provides a general
description of how the etcisting system works; and, (ui)
describes the process for improving delivery.
Telephone System
Existing Facilities and Operations - US West Com-
munication, Inc. delivers telecommunication service to
the Federal Way planning area as regulated by WUTC.
A local exchange area is served by a Central Office
(CO), which contains various kinds of switching
equipment. From a CO, there are typically four main
cable routes extending relatively north, south, east, and
west. From each main cable route there aze branch
distribution routes. These facilities may be aerial or
buried, copper or fiber. Extending from the branch
distribution routes are local lines which can be used for
voice or data transmission by subscribers.
Proposed Improvements - US West is required by law
to provide adequate telecommunications services on
demand. Accordingly, US West will provide facilities to
accommodate whatever growth pattern occurs within the
City. Due to advances in technology, additional capaciry
is easily and quickly added to the system.
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Cellular Networks
Existing Systems - The Ciry of Federal Way is currently
served with cellular service by AT & T Wireless and U5
West Cellulaz (New Vector). Cellular communication is
becoming increasingly important in the telecommuni-
cations world. It is a combination of a portion of the
radio frequency spectrum with switching technology,
making it possible to provide mobile or portable tele-
phone service to virtually any number of subscribers
within a given area. Transmission quality is comparable
to that provided by conventional wireline telephones,
and the same dialing capabilities and features available
to wireline users aze available to cellular users. The
wireless/cellular communications sector of the economy
is growing at between 30 to 40 percent per year.
The number of wireless service providers (cellular
phone, paging, two-way radio, etc.) aze increasing,
therefore, it will be important to address design
standards and land use review procedures for siting
facilities associated with these services. All of these
technologies use a line-of sight radio signal transmitted
and received by antennas. Therefore it is not possible to
underground the antennas or structures on which the
antennas aze mounted. The FCC regulates the cellular
telephone industry by controlling where carriers can
operate and what frequencies can be utilized in their
operation. This ensures that their operation does not
interfere with AM/FM radio and cable television
transmissions. If interference does occur, the cellular
tower operator is required by the FCC to eliminate any
noise or interference which impacts local citizens. For
example, if a television set or radio experiences
interference from the tower, the operator must either
correct the problem or disable the cellular site.
Wireless service transmits and receives low power high
frequency radio signals. The basic technology is as
follows:
l. The service originates from a cellulaz phone, pager,
computer, dispatch service, or personal
communications service.
2. The signal is transmitted to the nearest cellular
communications faciliry, known as a cell site which
processes numerous cellulaz phone calls and routes
them to the nearest hub cellular switching office.
3. At the cellular switching office, also known as a
Mobile Telephone Switching Office, the call is
further processed and the call is routed to the party
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Private Utilities
being called. The call may be routed via traditional
land line or via a cellular network depending on the
nature of the receiving device.
System Capacity - Capacity is a function of frequency of
use, the number of cell sites in a geographic area, and the
number of customers. Both AT 8c T Wireless and US
West Cellulaz consider the number of calls handled,
number of customers, and cell site capacity to be
proprietary information.
Improvements to the Cellular System - Like the non-
cellulaz telephone companies, AT 8t T Wireless and US
West Cellular expand services in response to growth.
For this reason, both companies closely analyze market
demand to detemune expansions into new service areas.
The cellular network is expanded by dividing a lazger
cell into several smaller cells to increase the number of
available channels. The location of future cell sites is
considered proprietary information by the cellulaz
companies. More recently, cellulaz call capacity has been
expanded through technological advances in digital
equipment.
Cable TV Plan
Cable television service is the third private utility
discussed under the Telecommunications Plan.
Figure X-3 is a general description of the components of
the cable TV (CATV) system and shows supply from
source to customer. One of the primary components of a
cable system is the headend site—an electronic control
center where the information signal is processed for
distribution through the cable system. The signal can be
received either off a hazd line (cable), a satellite dish,
microwave antennae, and/or a TV antenna.
Existing Conditions
The City is served with cable TV by both Viacom and
TCI. Map X-6 shows the Viacom and TCI service azeas
covering the City. The majority of the Ciry is served by
Viacom. A small area in the northem part of Federal
Way and parts of the area to the east of I-5 are served
by TCI.
The Viacom system serving Federal Way is supplied by
a headend taking in transmissions.l`his facility is sited
north of South 312th and between 20th Avenue South
and 22nd Avenue South. The system has been designed
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Federal Wey Comprehensive Plan - Private Utilities
and built at a capaciry of 450 MHZ. Viacom has 17,726
existing customers within the Ciry.
The TCI system is served from a headend at 206 SW
112th Street. The TCI azea in the northem part of the
Ciry is fed directly by coaxial cable from this site while
the area to the east of I-S is fed by AML Microwave
from the 112th Street headend to the Federal Way water
tower site. From there service is delivered by coaxial
cable. TCI has 1,380 existing customers within the City.
System Analysis
The regional system, fed from both Viacom's Tacoma
headend and TCI's headend at the Federal Way Water
Tower site, have been designed at 450 MHZ. The
Viacom system has also recently been upgraded to 450
MHZ. There are no limits to the number of customers
who can be served by extension of these systems.
Proposed Improvements
Cable television installations are made to new
subscribers (either to new dwelling units or, to a much
smaller degree, to residences who have not opted for
cable before) at published rates, provided that they are
less than 150 feet from a distribution or feeder line.
Connections requiring longer runs are charged on a time
and material basis. Most public work considerations,
such as tree trimrning, work in the right-of-way,
restoration of property, and so on, are covered in the
City of Federal Way Master Cable Television Ordinance
and Franchise Agreement.
Viacom and TCI work closely with utiliry companies and
the City to stay informed on proposed developments so
that cable can be a part of a development's plans. Each
year, engineers assigned to the Federal Way azea assess
the need for system expansion based on telephone
inquiries, pemutting data from the City and County, and
technological advances in distribution equipment. The
total mileage of cable plant within the City is
appro�umately 280 miles. Of this, Viacom has 263 miles
and TCI just over 17 miles. Both cable eompanies will
shortly begin replacing their existing copper cable trunk
lines with fiber optia
10.6 GOALS AND POLICIES
FOR CITY ACTION
The Utilities Element provides an opportuniry for the
Ciry to assist utility companies in delivering efficient
service to customers, and to seek to reduce potential
negative impacts on the natural and built environments.
This section builds upon system descriptions to identify
issues and sets forth policies to coordinate the provision
of utilities with Ciry planning.
The Growth Management Act requires that the utilities
element include the general location, proposed location,
and capacity of all e�usting and proposed utilities. This
has resulted in cities and counties becoming more
actively involved in the way in which utilities aze sited
and provided.
In order to protect both citizens and utiliry customers,
the City will work in accordance with the following
goals and policies:
Goals
PUGI Work with private utility companies to allow
them to provide full and timely service which
meets the needs of the City's residents and
businesses, both present and future.
PUG2 Work with private utility companies to allow
them to provide service in a way that balances
cost-effectiveness with environmental
protection, aesthetic impact, public safery, and
public health.
PUG3 Process permits for private utility facilities in an
ef�icient and timely manner, in accordance with
franchise agreements, development regulations,
the Comprehensive Plan, and adopted codes.
PUG4 Ensure that development regulations aze
consistent with public service obligations
imposed upon private utilities by Federal and
State law.
Policy and Issue Statements
Issue Statement: Provision of Timely and Economic
Services to the Citizens and Businesses of Federal Way.
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Partnership with private and public service providers is a
continual theme of this Comprehensive Plan. The City
plays a critical role in the provision of private utilities.
The City approves pemuts that allow utilities to build
transmission towers, lay distribution lines and connect
customers. If the Ciry responds quickly and
appropriately, it helps the utility companies respond to
customer needs quickly and efficiently. However, the
City must balance these considerations with its other
responsibilities, including bringing them into compliance
with due process, ensuring consistency with this
Comprehensive Plan, addressing aesthetic impacts, and
protecting the natural environment. Therefore, the City
must continue to communicate with utilities and
periodically review their needs as well as the policies in
this plan and its permit processing to ensure that the
results are in the best interest of Federal Way residents
and businesses.
The City must also be mindful of the need to provide a
choice of energy sources to Federal Way's residents and
businesses. Choice of energy source is important
because it creates competition in the marketplace which
helps to keep costs down. Providing alternative energy
sources is also important because if one energy source
fails, the other may be available.
Policies
PUPI The City's right-of-way permitting process
should not unnecessarily delay the expansion or
improvement of the utiliry network.
PUP2 The City will, if possible, coordinate with other
jurisdictions on proposed utility improvements
that impact a multi jurisdictional area.
PUP3 The City should work to encourage, to the extent
possible, the supply of both electriciry and gas to
existing and new homes, offices, industrial, and
commercial buildings.
Issue Statement: Coordination Between Utilities,
Capital Facilities, City, and Private Developers.
The costs of pipe, cable, or conduit installation can add
significantly to the cost of providing service. Installing
utility lines, which follow existing right-of-ways and
easements, can also create disruptions to traffic and
cause damage to pavement and landscaping. These costs
and disruptions can be reduced if utilities share the same
trench and perform work simultaneously.
Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Private Utilities
Consequently, the City encourages utilities to continue
exchanging information about plans for expansion,
maintenance, and upgrading of facilities. The Ciry
presently provides information to all utilities about its
public works projects, such as highway improvements,
which may provide opportunities for installing new
systems.
Policies
PUP4 The Ciry encourages the joint use of trenches,
conduits, or poles, so that utilities may
coordinate expansioq maintenance, and
upgrading facilities with the least amount of
right-of-way disruption.
PUPS The City encourages utilities to inform one
another of plans to expand or improve utiliry
services.
PUP6 The Ciry will endeavor to infoim utilities of
upcoming improvements or expansions wluch
may provide opportunities for joint use.
PUP7 The City will endeavor to notify utilities of
proposed plans to make highway or right-of-way
improvements.
PUPB The City hereby incorporates by reference Puget
Power's GMA Electrical Facilities Plan into this
private utilities element as now existing or
hereafter amended or adopted.
Issue Statement: Energy Conservation.
State and Federal law requires energy conservation in
building design. State and Federal statues also require
that power providers implement energy conservation
policies. In accordance with these mandates, Puget
Power offers grants, loans, and consulting to their
customers to improve energy efficiency.
State law requires that the City's building code conforms
to the Washington Energy Code (WAC 51-11).
However, the energy code sets out only minimUm
standards for energy conservation. Therefore, cities have
developed conservation conscious design codes which go
beyond the min�mum requirements of the energy code.
Policies
PUP9 The City shall, at minimum, ensure that its
buildings comply with State and Federal
standards for energy conservation.
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Private Utilities
PUP10 The City will endeavor to work with utility
comparues to promote and educate the public
about strategies for conserving energy.
Issue Statement: Importance of Telecommunications
and the Information Superhighway.
Society is in the midst of a revolution in information and
communication that has the potential to change the way
that people interact with each other. For example, in the
near future, most of the transactions and
communications that make up the majoriry of our day
will be possible from a single work station. This
revolution is being fueled by recent advances in
computing and telecommunication technology.
There are two basic technological innovations that will
stimulate these changes in our lifestyles: fiber optic
cables and the "Integrated Services Digital Network"
(ISDl�. Fiber optic cables and ISDN will combine to
expand the capacity of the telecommunications network.
This expansion will allow the provision of a diverse
range of services on one system including,
telecommunications, cable TV and radio, business
services, shopping, and professional services. It will also
be possible for institutions such as schools, universities,
govemment, and emergency services to broadcast on this
single system.
Technology is also being developed to expand
capabilities for transmitting information. At the present
time, one can transmit voice by telephone, texVgraphics
by facsimile, and data by modem. In the future, it will be
possible to transmit video images, and potentially to
broadcast to a mass audience over the fiber optic cable
network.
These advances in technology are forcing
telecommunication companies to re-evaluate their
business strategies and will lead to profound corporate
restructuring in the telecommunication sector.
Technological change has made it possible for all
services to be provided on one cable, and companies are
jockeying for position to create that system.
These advances have great potential to alter the way we
do business in Federal Way. For economic development
reasons, the City must ensure that the fiber optic
network is developed in Federal Way at the earliest
opportunity and that there is adequate capacity to meet
the community's growing needs.
It is critical for people and businesses to have access to
the information superhighway if they are to enjoy a fully
active role in society and the economy. In this sense, the
information superlughway is analogous to the road
network, where all citizens have a"right-of-way." For
this reasoq govemment has an essential role in ensuring
that the right of citizens to both receive and transmit
information is protected. This right of access issue is
central to most ethical debates about the growing
information-based society. It is possible that the Federal
and/or State government will choose to protect
right-of-access through regulation. If this dces not
happeq it may be left to cities to protect equal access
through their franchise agreements with the utility
providers.
Policies
PUPl l The Ciry will encourage and work with
telecommunication and cable companies to
develop fiber optic cable networks and to
increase interconnectivity between different
networks.
PUP12 The Ciry will endeavor to work with utility
companies and other public institutions, such as
the School District, to develop a full range of
community information services, available to
citizens and businesses through the
telecommunication network.
Issue Statement: Health Impact of Electro-Magnetic
Fields (EMFs) and Microwaves.
There is much public and scientific interest about the
health effects of Electro-Magnetic Fields (EMF's)
created by the electricity supply system. This interest has
resulted primarily from studies that suggest a possible
link between EMF's and certain forms of cancer.
However, this statistical link dces not necessarily
indicate cause-and-effect relationships. Considerable
reseazch is underway, supported in large part by the $65
million funding provision in the National Energy Policy
Act of 1992. Puget Power has taken an active role in this
debate and has recently worked with the City of
Bellewe's Citizens Advisory Committee to investigate
the health impacts of EMF's. However, there are, as yet,
no agreed upon safety thresholds or tolerance levels for
human exposure to EMF's.
Electro-Magnetic Fields are found wherever electricity
exists. EMF's aze generated by high-voltage
transmission lines, low-voltage lines, and sub-stations,
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as well as electrical appliances and devices found in
homes and businesses. The strength of an EMF depends
on the amount of current flow, not on voltage, and
current is a function of energy consumption. Research is
clear that EMF's are not blocked, reduced, or altered by
most solid objects. This means they are not blocked by
vegetation, nor by any form of screening, or covering by
earth. It is, however important to note that EMF's
diminish rapidly with distance from source.
Research on both EMF's and microwaves has been
contradictory and generally inconclusive. However they
are issues that must continue to be monitored. Policy
responses to this issue must be adopted as more
information becomes available.
Policies
PUP13 The City shall continue to monitor research into
the health effects of Electro-Magnetic Fields
(EMF's) and microwaves. The City will take
appropriate action once defuutive conclusions
about health implications are reached.
Issue Statement: Environmental and Aesthetic Impacts.
Utility systems have a broad range of associated
environmental and visual impacts. Much of Federal
Way's electrical, telecommunications, and cable system
is mounted on overhead poles. Pole-mounted systems
not only reduce the aesthetic appeal of streetscapes but
also contribute to system failures and power outages
caused by falling trees and branches. Undergrounding
utilities is a potential solution to both problems, but
must be balanced against the cost associated with such
undergrounding.
As with other types of development, the impacts of
utilities on environmentally sensitive azeas need to be
evaluated. These impacts are addressed in the context of
broad environmental protection policies in the Natural
Environment chapter of this Plan and through measures
for protecting critical areas in the zoning code. On the
other hand, there is also a need to provide for the
location and continuing maintenance of essential public
and private utilities in environmentally sensitive areas, if
no feasible alternative location exists. The existing
Federal Way zoning code makes provisions for this in
the environmentally sensitive area provisions.
Existing City code sets out some requirements for
undergrounding utilities in new subdivisions and in
existing right-of-way in accordance with the WUTC.
Federal Way Comprehensiva Plan - Private Utilities
These exemptions include the undergrounding of
transmission lines 115 kV and greater.
The Ciry should continue to work in partnership with the
utility companies to further address aesthetic impacts.
Requiring undergrounding across the entire Federal Way
area is prohibitively expensive. However, there are key
areas, such as the City Center and along Highway 99,
where undergrounding of utilities is important to
improving the visual image of the azea in order to
stimulate economic development. The City should work
with the utilities and also support Statewide efforts by
WUTC to devise a method of paying for such
improvements.
The City has a right-of-way vegetation ordinance which
allows removal or pruning of vegetation wit.hin rights-
of-way without a permit only when there is imminent
danger to the health, safery, or welfare of residents. This
process could be further improved if the City and utility
companies prepared a right-of-way vegetation plan
meeting utility needs and addressing environmental and
streetscape improvements to be made by the City. This
approach to streetscape is particulazly important in the
newly-developing City Center.
Poticies
PUP14 To the maximum extent possible and based
upon applicable regulations, the City should
require the undergrounding of utility
distribution lines in new subdivisions, new
construction, and significantly reconstructed
facilities consistent with all applicable laws.
PUP15 To the maximum extent possible and based
upon applicable regulations, the Ciry should
work with the utilities in preparing a plan for
undergrounding utilities in areas where their
visual impact is critical to improving the
appearance of the Ciry, such as the City Center
and along Highway 99.
PUP16 The City should, to the extent practical, work
with utility providers in preparing a right-of-
way vegetation plan which ensures that the
needs of landscaping and screening aze balanced
with the need to prevent power outages.
PUP17 The City should require that site-specific utility
facilities such as antennae and sub-stations are
reasonably and appropriately sited and screened
to mitigate adverse aesthetic impacts.
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Federal Way Comprehensive Plan - Private Utilities
PUP18 The City should work with the.utilities and also
support Statewide efforts by WLJ'TC to devise a
method of paying for improvements associated
with environmental and aesthetic impacts.
PUP19 The City should modify the zoning regulations
to address the siting, screening, and design
standazds for wireless/cellular facilities, sub-
stations, and antennae facilities in such a manner
as to allow for reasonable and predictable review
while minimizing potential land use and visual
unpacts on adjacent property.
Issue Statement: Planning to Meet the City's Future
Needs.
The plans for system improvements and extensions
described in the Private Utilities chapter aze based on the
population and growth forecasts provided by the
utilities. The Land Use chapter will provide utiliry
providers with information on where and when new
growth will occur in the City. This will allow utility
companies to plan for expansion of their systems to meet
future needs. The City may assist the utilities by
continuing to provide them with future plans and by
soliciting input for future planning projects.
Policies
PUP20 The City should provide utiliry companies with
plans, forecasts, and supporting data to assist in
the proper planning for utilities. The City should
integrate communication with the utility
companies into its Management Information
System to allow for fast and ef�icient
communication.
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PUP21 The City should encourage utility providers to '
base extension and sizuig of systems on the
Land Use Plan in order to adequately serve
anticipated growth. �
PUP22 The City should encourage utilities to provide
them with their utility service plans to allow �
better integration with other utilities and City
plans.
PUP23 The City and utilities should be encouraged to
develop an integrated Geographical Information
System (GIS) to better serve mutual needs and
those of the public. �iF
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CITY OF
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Par�, Recreation and Cultural services Department
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City of Federal Way
Planning Team
crrY courrcII..
Mary Gates, Mayor
7ack Dovey Hope Elder
Ron Gintz Mahlon "Skip" Priest
Michael Park Phil Watkins
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
'� � James Baker, Chairperson
Laird Chambers Karl Grosch
David Kaplan Bob Kellogg, Sr.
� Dean McColgan Margaret Nelson
Bobby Roach Jack Suchy
ARTS COMIVIISSION
� Joan Tabrum, Chairperson
Jeanne Burbidge Betty Huff
Nancy Ise Joy Melgard
, 7oann Piquette Robert Ratcliff
Toska Rodriguez Bette Simpson
Donna Welch Jane Yambe
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YOUTH COMNIISSION
Carrie Scott, Chairperson
Mohana Kumar, Co-Chairperson
Jason Buckner Fiona Otway
Cindy Chun Jenny Rafanelli
Natalie Cruz Jason Recek
Phuong-Thao Hong Naazneen Siddiqui
Naria Kim Kelly-Elizabeth Thayer
Naila McKenzie Kim Vu
Catherine Nam
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� PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT
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Jennifer Schroder, Director
David Wilbrecht, Deputy Director
Brent Mason, Manager - Recreation & Specialized Services
Mary Faber, Manager - Recreation & Cultural Services
Kurt Reuter, Manager - Recreation & Leisure Services
Barbara Simpson, Parks Landscape Architect
Jon Jainga, Parks Development Planner
Scott Robinson, Supervisor - Park Supervisor
Vicki Norris, Supervisor - Park Supervisor
Steve Ikerd, Supervisor - Park Supervisor
� Re ort Pre ared b•
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JC DRAGGOO & ASSOCIATES
� Jerry Draggoo Kevin Apperson Rick Wagner
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION I
INTRODUCTION
Mission Statement
Introduction
Public Involvement
I-1
I-1
I-2
SECTION 11 COMMUNITY PROFILE
Regional Location
Planning Area
History
Climate
Physical Features
Water Resource Areas
Stormwater Runoff and Flooding
Fish and Wildlife
Land Use
Population Characteristics
Population Projections
SECTION III EXISTING PARK AND RECREATION SERVICES
Introduction
Pazk Land Definitions
Existing Pazk and Recreation Facilities
�nventory of Existing Sport Facilities
Department Organization
Department Operations
Recreation Progcams
SECTION IV RECREATION NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Introduction
Methodology of Developing Needs for Federal Way
Park Land Nceds
Specialized Facility Needs
SECTION V GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Introduction
Goals and Objectives
II-1
II-2
II-5
II-5
II-5
II-6
II-6
II-6
II-9
II-9
II-12
III-1
III-1
III-9
III-20
III-24
III-25
III-25
N-1
N-1
N-4
N-13
V-1
V-1
SECTION VI
SECTION VII
PARK POLICIES AND DEVELOPMENT CRITERIA
Introduction
Mini Pazks
Neighborhood Parks
Community Parks
Large Urban Parks
Regional Parks
Linear Parks
Natural Open Space Areas
Special Use Areas
Trail Systems
PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS
Introduction
Recommendations for Park Sites and Open Space Areas
Planning Area A
Planning Area B
Planning Area C
Planning Area D
Planning Area E
Planning Area F
Planning Area G
Planning Area H
Trail Systems
Major Facilities
Administrative and Management Recommendations
Park Maintenance Operations
Recreation Services
Cultural Arts
SECTION VIII IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
Introduction
Project Priorities
Project Improvements
Funding Sources
Capital Improvement Plan
APPENDIX
Cultural Arts Plan
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Regional Map
� Planning Area Map
Map of Aquifers and High Infiltration Areas
Map of Existing Pazk Sites
, Map of Existing School Sites
Facility Plan
VI-1
VI-1
VI-1
VI-3
VI-4
VI-4
VI-5
VI-5
VI-6
VI-6
VII-1
VII-7
VII-19
VII-25
VII-31
VII-37
VII-43
VII-49
VII-53
VII-57
VII-58
VII-61
VII-63
VII-63
VII-64
VIII-1
VIII-1
VIII-1
VIII-5
VIII-8
II-1
II-3
II-')
III-5
III-7
VII-3
SECTION I
INTRODUCTION
SECTION I
INTRODUCTION
NIISSION STATEMENT
Listed below is the Park, Recreation and Cultural Services Department's mission statement.
"The mission of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department is to
build a better community through the provision and stewardship of parks and
programs that enrich the lives of our citizens. "
INTRODUCTION
' The City of Federal Way was incorporated on February 28, 1990 and instantly became the sixth
largest city in the State. Because park and recreation services were a major reason for its
incorporation, one of the first studies completed was a comprehensive park and recreation plan.
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Since then, the City has made major strides in park and recreation services. These include:
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The creation of a full leisure services program
The assumption of ownership and management of the park system from King County
The development of a comprehensive recreation program
Acquisition of a 83.5 acre multi-purpose park site
Acquisition and/or development of 15 park sites
Upgrading of 9 park sites.
One of the key points in the original park and recreation plan was a concern for acquiring future park
� sites. Because of rapid growth, land for new parks were rapidly being lost. The plan called for an
aggressive park acquisition program while opportunities existed. While some park land has been
reserved, the City has found it difficult to acquire park and open spaces.
� The City has had four years to reflect on the plan and during that time many improvements and
changes have been made. The purpose of this plan today is to reflect these changes and decide how
to meet future demands for park and recreation services in the Federal Way area.
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The primary goal of the Plan is to assure that every neighborhood in Federal Way is served by a park.
This goal will be met through Public Parks, Open Space, Special Use and School facilities. The
e�usting park and open space land in the planning area is 1,406.07 acres. The total amount of park
and open space land needed to service the planning area until the year 2020 is 1,933 acres (this
means, 265 acres of additional park land is needed and 262 acres of additional open space is needed).
City o1'Federa! Way Con�prehensive Park, Recreation and Onen Sndce Plan
Section 1- Introduction Page 1- 1
The City currently provides a level of service of 10.9 acres per 1,000 population within the city limits.
The planning area. provides a level of service of 17.1 acres per 1,000 population. The planning area
includes the total acreage of public parks and a portion of the school district facilities used for
recreation.
The City's standard will remain at 10.9 acres per 1,000 population. The City's goal for the planning
area will 17.1 acres per 1,000 population. The City will work together with all public agencies (state,
county and school districts) to achieve this goal.
Developing a park, recreation and cultural services program will provide benefits far beyond that of
the actual recreation opportunity itself. Such benefits as community pride, participation in civic
affairs, social interaction and a sense of belonging are all outgrowths of this service. Recreation not
only provides a diversion and refreshment from the pace of our complex lives, but it also enriches our
physical and mental health.
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
Public participation and involvement played a key role in the development of the City's first
Comprehensive Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan that was adopted December 3, 1991. Input
into the plan consisted of the following:
• The creation of the Federal Way Parks Advisory Task Force representing various
interests of the community. This organization provided background information and
assisted in developing the recommendations found in this document.
• A random household survey.
• Two community workshop meetings held at the beginning of the study to solicit public
needs and community issues.
• A series of newspaper articles on the plan.
• Distribution of the recreation needs assessment to public agencies, private groups and
other interested parties.
• Participation in a community forum (open house) dealing with park and recreation issues.
• Meetings with selected neighborhoods dealing with park design issues in their
neighborhood park.
• Public hearings on the draft plan.
The 1995 update of the Comprehensive Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan received extensive
review from the Parks and Recreation Commission and city staff.
Comprehensive Park. Recreation and Open Space Plan Citv of Federal Way
Page 1- 2 Section 1- Introduction
SECTION II
COMMUNITY PROFILE
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' REGIONAL LOCATION
SECTION II
COMMUNITY PROFILE
� The City of Federal Way is located in the Puget Sound Region, between Seattle and Tacoma. It is
approximately 25 miles south of downtown Seattle and eight miles north of downtown Tacoma. The
City is composed of 13,440 acres of land that stretches from east of Interstate 5 on the east to Puget
� Sound on the west and from the Pierce County border on the south to a combination of South 272nd
and the old Water District 56 boundary on the north.
The major arterials that serve the City are Interstate 5 and State Highway 99. Highways 18, 161 and
' S09 also serve as important connections to surrounding communities.
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City ofFederal Wav Conrprehensive Park. Recreation and Open Snace Plan
, Section II - Community Profile Page 11- 1
PLANNING AREA
The planning area (or potential annexation area PAA boundary) for this study stretches from the ridge
line that overlooks the Green River Valley on the east to Puget Sound on the west and from the
Pierce County line and the City of 1Vlilton border on the south to South 272nd on the north. The
planning area contains a large unincorporated area east of I-5.
Comnrehensive Park. Recreation and Open Space Plan Citv ofFederal Wav �
page II _ 2 Section II - Community Profrle
PLANNING AREA
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CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
CONIPREHEI�ISIVE
PARK, RECR�ATIaN &
CfPEN �P��E PLAN
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November 21, 1995
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� HISTORY
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The Federal Way area began as a historical logging settlement, shipping its products to the booming
towns of Seattle and Tacoma. As these two crties grew in population, so did Federal Way. Located
between the two large cities, it became the commercial comdor and a transportation center for
products of all types.
During the Indian Wars of 1855-56, an old Indian trail was expanded into a military road. One
branch of this trail went from Tenino to Tumwater and the other toward the Nisqually River, Fort
Steilacoom and Fort Lawton area. The trail to Tacoma was the same route eventually followed by
Old Highway 99.
U.S. Route 99 (Pacific Highway South) was completed in 1929. Because it was federally financed,
' the road was known locally as a"federal highway." The first school built along this route took the
name "Federal Way," and in 1929, area school districts were consolidated to form the Federal Way
School District. Soon after, the surrounding community adopted the name Federal Way.
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This region between Seattle and Tacoma has a relatively mild and temperate climate, which is heavily
influenced by its proximity to Puget Sound. The abundance of moist marine air keeps the
temperature mild year round. The Federal Way area reaches an average high temperature of 75
degees in July and an average low temperature of 33 degrees in January. The mean average
temperature is in the mid 50's. Precipitation ranges from .71 inches in July to 5.7 inches in January.
Annual precipitation is about 38 inches a year.
PHYSICAL FEATURES
The Federal Way area is located on a plateau between Puget Sound and the Green River Valley. The
majority of the surface area lies between 300 -500 feet elevation above sea level. The land is largely
undulating, with slopes generally less than 15%. However, the area between the valley floor and
Puget Sound is ringed with steep hil(sides or bluffs, which have slopes of 25% to 45%. These bluffs
offer spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
' Along the Puget Sound coastline, the bluffs are interrupted by several steep ravines that start at the
ocean and extend inland. These ravines usually contain creeks and small streams that flow into the
Sound. The bluffs overlooking the Green River Valley extend 200-300 feet above the valley floor.
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The area is unique in that it is scattered with numerous small lakes and wetiand areas. While there are
many miles of freshwater and saltwater shoreline, very little of it is available for public use. In total,
the City has over eight miles of shoreline along Puget Sound. Of that amount, less than one mile is in
public ownership.
Citv ofFederal Wav Comprehensive Park, Recreation and Open Snace Plan
' Section 11- Community Profile Page II - S
WATER RESOURCE AREAS
Water service for the entire Federal Way area is provided by the Lakehaven Utility District and
Tacoma Ciry Water. The primary source of water is from wells which are drilled into underground
aquifers and therein lies the problem. The water level in the primary acquifers has been going down
for several years while consumption continues to increase. In short, aquifer recharge is not keeping
pace with consumption.
Recharging of the aquifers comes primarily from groundwater infiltration beginning at the soil
surface. As the surface area is sealed with paving and other urban uses, runoff increases and
infiltration into the underground aquifer is reduced. Therefore, a significant benefit of park and open
space is to serve as aquifer recharge area. This is especially true where infiltration occurs at a higher
than average rate. The map on the next page identifies the location of high ground water infiltration
in the Federal Way area.
STORMWATER RUNOFF AND FLOODING
The Federal Way area is divided into drainage basins consisting of the lower Puget Sound Basin
which drains the north half of the area and the Hylebos Creek Basin which drains the southern
portion. Both basins are experiencing the severe effects of flooding, channel erosion and
sedimentation, habitat destruction and a deteriorating water quality. The conditions causing these
problems include increased peak flow and flow duration caused by urban development. The City's
Surface Water Management Plan, recently completed, addresses the problems described above.
Parks, wetlands and other open space areas can help to mitigate these effects by providing storm
water retention and other water quality improvement.
FISH/WILDLIFE
Federal Way has several streams and many small lakes. These are important habitats for many species
of fish and wildlife. Joe's Creek, Lakota Creek and Hylebos Creek are streams that generally flow the
year round, be it in minor quantities during certain parts of the year. These streams are important for
fish habitats and were known at one time to contain androgynous fish.
Wetlands are the primary source of wildlife habitat in the Federal Way area. According to King
County, forty-six areas have been identified as sensitive areas in the Federal Way area. Wetlands are
important for a variety of reasons aside from their habitat potential. They serve as retention basins
that store excess water during times of heavy precipitation and reduce the flood potential
downstream. Wetlands also help purify contaminated water that is absorbed into aquifer recharge
areas.
Comprehensive Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan City otFederal WaY
Page 11- 6 Section II - Community Profile
CIYI� �F FEDE�AL WAY
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HIGH INFILTRATIC�N
AREAS
Legend :
�� Redondo - Miltan Channel
Aquifer (R-MC)
- �_��- �--� Intermediate Aquif�r
� High Infiltration Area
-- Planni�g Area ��undary
,--�
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0 1000 2000 �000 9000
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November 21, 1995
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LAND USE
� Federal Way is different from most cities in that it lacks the traditional central business district or
commercial core. However, the developing commercial center along south 320th, between I-5 and
the Pacific H'ighway is becoming the shopping area for the City. In addition, there is strip commercial
� concentrated along the Pacific Highway comdor as well as small shopping centers scattered
throughout the area.
� Overall, little land has been devoted to industrial uses. For the most part it consists of warehousing
or very light manufacturing. There is, however, a significant amount of office space in the City, vv�th
much of it located in the West Campus area.
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The remaining land is residential or vacant. Very little land in the City is vacant, with a significant
amount of it being wetlands or other undevelopable classification. More undeveloped land is found
east of the I-5 Freeway, which is still unincorporated.
Multi-family housing comprises about 42% of the housing stock in Federal Way. This type of
housing is scattered throughout the planning area but is usually found along the major transportation
corridors of the City.
POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS
An analysis of population characteristics is important because age, income and education are major
determinants of recreation interests. In general, the older the population, the less they participate in
active or competitive recreation activities.
The youth age groups tends to participate in recreation activities more frequently than any other age
' goup and they tend to favor activities that are more active and competitive in nature. This would
include activities such as basketball, baseball, soccer, swimming, bicycling, etc. Young adults (ages
18-35) are also an active age group and form the core of adult competitive sports. Adults (ages 35-
65),typically have less time to devote to recreational activities and tend to be more concerned about
� maintaining a home and a job. Recreational time is at a premium and often limited to weekends and
occasional evenings.
' According to the US Census, the City's 1990 population was placed at 67,554 persons. This is a 94%
increase from the 1980 population of 34,788. The 1995 population is estimated at 74,413 persons.
' Table 1 on the following page illustrates population growth for the City of Federal Way as well as for
King County since 1960. As can be seen, the growth rate has risen significantly over the last thirty
years.
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Cit,y ofFedera! Wav Comprehensive Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan
, Section II - Community Profile Page II - 9
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Source: City of Federal Way
The demographic profile for the City of Federal Way is slightly different from the rest of King
County. In general, the population as a whole is significantly younger than the population of King
County. An analysis of the age groups indicates a higher percentage of people under the age of 18.
The demographic profile also indicates a significantly lower percentage of people over the age of 65.
Overall, the age distributions suggests a younger age profile characterized by families with young
children. This means that currently or in the near future there will be a demand for children's
playgrounds and other similar facilities. In a few years, this same population will be seeking places
for active sports, such as baseball, soccer and basketball.
Source: City of Federal Way
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Income levels are also important clues in recreation planning because the higher income groups tend ,
to be more active and participate in the more expensive types of activities. Household income levels
within the City of Federal Way are significantly higher than the rest of King County.
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Comprehensive Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan City otFederal Way
Page II - 10 Section II - Community Profile '
Table 1
Historical Population Growth 1960-1990
City of Federal Way and King County
Tabie 2
Age Distributions 1990
City of Federal Way
A comparison of the 1990 household incomes is shown below:
Table 3
Household Income Levels 1990
City of Federal Way
Source: City of Federal Way
An analysis of the labor force in Federal Way revealed that the largest class of employment type is
retaiUtrade followed by services. This employment distribution would tend to support a suburban
population profile. A breakdown of employment classifications is listed in Table 4 below.
Table 4
Employment Classi�cation 1990
City of Federal Way
Source: City of Federai Way
City ofFederal Wav Comprehensive Park Recreation and Open Space Plan
Section 11- Community Profrle Page 11- 11
PUPULATION PROJECTIONS
Shown below is the population projection for the City of Federal Way. This is based on a 1995
estimated population of 74,413.
Table 5
Population Projections
City of Federal Way
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2010 102,900
2020 113,050
Source: City of Federal Way
Comprehensive Park Recreation and Open Space Plan Citv ofFederal Wav
Page II �2 Section II - Community Profile
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SECTIOI\T III
' EXISTING PARK AND RECREATION SERVICES
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SECTION III
EXISTING PARK AND RECREATION SERVICES
INTRODUCTION
This section of the report summarizes park and recreation services within the City of Federal Way
area. This includes park and open space facilities, department organization and staffing levels,
department operations, and programs and services.
PARK LAND DEFINITIONS
In order to address specific land needs, existing parks and recreational areas have been divided into
� nine categories. Each category represents a distinct type of recreational activity or opportunity.
Please note that this classification system is for the existing parks only. It does not necessarily
represent the recommended park categories found in Section VII.
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Mini-Parks Mini-parks, tot lots and children's piaygrounds are all small single purpose
playlots designed primarily for small children usage. Because of their
size, the facilities are usually limited to a small open grass area, a
children's playground and a picnic area.
Neighbofiood Neighborhood parks are a combination playground and park
Parks designed primarily for non-supervised, non-organized recreation activities.
They are generaliy small in size (about 2-7 acres) and serve an area of
approximately one half mile radius. Typically, facilities found in a
neighborhood park include a children's playground, picnic areas, trails,
open grass areas for passive use, outdoor basketball courts and multi-use
sport fields for soccer, Little League baseball, etc.
� Community A community park is planned primarily to provide active and
Parks structured recreation opportunities for young people and adults. In
general, community park facilities are designed for organized activities
and sports, although individual and family activities are also encouraged.
� Community parks serve a much larger area and offer more facilities. Their
service area is roughly a 1-2 mile radius.
Large Urban Large urban parks are designed to serve the entire community and
generally provide a wide range of specialized facilities. They usually
exceed 50 acres in size and should be designed to accommodate a large
number of people.
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� CitZofFederal Wav Comprehensive. Park. Recreation and Onen Space Plan
Section III - Existing Park and Recreation Services Page Ill - 1
Regional Parks Regional parks are recreational areas that serve the city and beyond. They
are usuaily large in size and often include one speciflc use or feature that
makes them unique. Typicaily� use focuses upon passive types of
recreational activities.
Special Use Special use areas are misceilaneous pubiic recreation areas or land
Areas occupied by a specialized facitity. Some of the uses that fail into this
ciassification include single purpose sites, watertront parks, landscaped
areas� community gardens, sports field complexes or sites occupied by
buildings.
Linear Parks Linear Parks are maintained areas that generally follow a stream corridor,
ravine or some other elongated feature� such as a railroad right-of-way or
powerline. This type of park area usually contains a trail system.
Natural Open Natural open space is defined as undeveloped land left primarily
Space Areas in its natural environment with recreation uses as a secondary objective.
It is usually owned or managed by a governmental agency and may or may
not have public access. This type of land often includes wetlands, steep
hillsides or other similar spaces. In some cases, environmentally sensitive
areas are considered as open space and can include wildlife habitats,
stream and creek corridors, or unique and/or endangered plant species.
Undeveloped
Land
Pathway and
Trail Systems
This is undeveloped public land designated for future parlc or open
space use.
Pathways and trails are designed to accommodate walking,
bicycling and other non-motorized means of transportation.
Cilv ofFederal Wav Comprehensive Park Recreation and Open Space Plan �
PQBe III - 2 Section III - Ezisting Park and Recreation Services
Summary of Park, Recreation and Open Space Areas
Table 6
Summary of Park and Open Space Areas
Federal Way Planning Area
. City Park and Recreation Areas
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mini-Parks
...._........-•••• ......................_.................-•---......--•-•-...........
______Neighborhood Parks
Communit Parks
.. Lar�e Urban . Parks
,...... .............._.............................
.___ Parks
._ .........................................._..........._..........
_ Special Use Areas
Open S ace Areas
....-•-•-Undeveloped. Land ...................................
Subtotal
....•• ...........................................................__.................,
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
County Park and Recreation Areas
Communit Park
Special Areas
_........ •••• ......................_...._........._...
,.....__ Open
. . . . . . . . . _ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Undeveloped Land
Subtotal
State Park and Recreation Areas
, .......................................................................................
_ Re�ional
.. ............................................,
____Special Use Areas
Subtotal
School District Areas *
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _ . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. Nei�hborhood . Parks (School Grou
_ Special Use Areas (Sports Fields)
Subtota/ '
1.50
, ................
45.50
82.50
_ 51.70
. ............
72.80
.................
40.41
375.04
130.16
0.00 0
...�.�.:�� .....................�
...... 0.00 ............. 0
...--•........ .
0.00 0
1t.10 2'
...................... ..................
295.00 2
.... .0.00 ...... ...............
71:40 ...................15
63.28 6
1
�10
3
1
_.
4
22
3
1.50
...........
45.50
82.50
... 51.70
72.80
,. _..-•••.....
40.41
387.62
130.16
45.00 2
... 11 �10 2
16.30 '--•- ...........••••
._...._......••• .... .........••-......
30.00 1
902?10 ' 6
...................... ........_........
295.00 2
...................... ....._...........
6.80 2
96 ..... .........� 20
93.28 8
1
10
3
1
..
4
23
3
* Only includes Federal Way School District sites within the PAA Boundary
Citv ofFederal Wav Comprehensive Park Recreation and Open Space Plan
Section III - Existing Park and Recreatio» Services page III _ 3
CITY !�� FEDERQL WAY
Ct3MPREHENSIVE
PARK, RECREATION &
OPEN �PACE PL.AN
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EXISTING PARK &
UPEN SPACE AREAS
�egend:
� City Park
� County Par�c
!- ) State Park
Schools
� Planning Are� Boundary
o ,000 200o a000 e000
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J C DRAGGOO & ASSOCIATES
November 21, 1995
EXISTING SCHOOL
SITES
�iTY 4F FEDERAI� WAY
GOMPREHENSIVE
PARI�C, RECRE�A►TIaN &
�►P�1� SPACE PLAN
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Legend :
Federal Way Schoo9
District #210
—�— Planr�ing Area Bc��ndary
�L.J�J
0 1000 2000 �000 8000
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November 21, 1995
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EXISTIl�TG PARK, RECREATION FACILIT�S AND OPEN SPACE AREAS
Listed in the following tables is an inventory of the existing parks, recreation facilities and open space
areas found in the Federal Way planning area. The existing areas ha.ve been categorized according to
the managing agency.
City of Federal Way Park, Recreation and Open Space Areas
In the table below is a list of developed park and recreation areas that are owned and managed by the
� City of Federal Way.
Tabie 7
� Inventory of Existing City Developed
Park, Recreation and Open Space Areas
Federal Way Planning Area
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; Adelaide Pa�lc 6.70 : Pla round, icnic area, trails :
: Park . 35.10 s Play�round�picnic area�trails_:
......_..._...._ .............._..........._...........__....--•..........._...... Y9 � P � :
; Alderclale Park 2.00 : Pia round icnic area
basketball court, tennis court,
� ...: open area and pathwax_� ;
• ................_......................._.._...._........._....... ..._............_... . .
: BPA Trail Park hase I 45.0 : Paved trail 1 mile
: Coronado Park 1.50 : Basketball court, playground,
;_._._.._._. . . .._ , _; area, open pl�
......_. _ ...................._..._...._. __. _ .._..............._. . , :
; Dash Point Hi hlands Paric 5.00 : O en la area la round
Dumas Ba Park 19.30 Birci sandua , trails
French Lake Park 10.00 Piayground, picnic area,
arkin area
; Klahanee Lake Community/Senior 7.11 : Community center, gym,
� Center � _ a �ame room_andparkin�_area
.....__ .... .............................._..._....... ........_. _.... : :
; Lake Grove Park 4.80 Playground, basketbali court,
;........�............_.._�......_.... . . .¢ area. open pia,y a�ea
....._..._---------------��------_...... _. .........-------..__. . . _
: Lakota Park 28.20 ' Football field/track softball
fields, soccer field, open play
;........._ ...................�................._.._...._._._. .......a..area:.Pa�icin� area ...__....._._._.:
._ ............... ........_......_. Y9 � P p �
; Minor Lake Park 3.40 ; Pla round icnic area, o en '
;........_..._...._........_._....._.._.._.._... ._. _. . . .�..P..lay area . <
.................._... .-•-.... ...... _. _....... Y9 ......_.._......... . .._.
Olympic View Park 20.75 Pla round, open play area,
trails
: Palisades Pa�ic 3.20 : Playground, open piay area, ;
pic�ic area, basketball court
Sacajawea Park 18.30 Track, football field, softbali
field, tennis courts, open play
area, playground, restrooms,
' .......�..picnic area '
._ ..................................•----�---..........._..__.......................... -----------�--__. ...._-___._........:
� Cit�ofFederal Wav Comprehensive Parl� Recreation and Open Space Plan
Section Ill - Existing Park and Recreation Services Page Ill - 9
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Table 7 (Continued)
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= Saghalie Park 36.00 : Softball field (lighte�,
baseball field (lighte�, �
footbali field (lighted), soccer '
fieid, piayground, restroom,
tennis courts, basketball
; :. court, parkin� a�ea '_'
....... ............._....._......._...._............. ..._....._................ ................ ..........._.......;
: Steel Lake Park 51.70 Softball fields, soccer field,
� community center, picnic
area, shelter, boat launch,
swimming beach, restrooms,
open play area, basketball
cou�t, voileyball court (sand),
fishin dock
€ SW 312th Sports Cou�t Park 2.00 : Basketball court, tennis court, �
: ; �ickelbali,cou�t :
�...._._ ..............._.._..__..._.._........•-••••........._...•_••••.....__............................, . ................._._._..............;
: Visitation Retreat and Cuitural Center 12.00 Meetin /cultural art facilities
West Cam us Trail 27.80 Trail, o en s ace
Wildwood Park 2.30 Playground, open play area,
traii
!.TQTAL:Dk���.�?P.ED:51.TE� .; :.: : .:.:. 34�;i6 : �
Listed below is an inventory of existing undeveloped sites
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Citv ofFederal Wav Comprehensive. Park. Recreation and Onen Snace Plan �
Page 111- 10 Section III - Existing Park and Recreation Services
Table 8
Inventory of Existing City Undeveloped
Park, Rec�eation and Open Space Areas
Federal Way Planning Area
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Tabie 8 (Continued)
� King County Park, Recreation and Open Space Areas
� In the table below is a list of developed park and recreation areas that are owned and managed by
King County Department of Natural Resources, Park Division.
Table 9
� Inventory of King County Parlc, Recreational
and Open Space Lands
Federal Way Planning Area
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' Camelot Park * 16.30 � Wetland, ravine '
;....••-•....._--•••-•-•_......_ ...................._.........___............_....... _........_.._............;._....._..................._......_..................___..._....;
: Five Mile Lake Park " 26.50 's Tennis courts, basketbali
court, swimming beach,
gazebo, picnic area, fishing
pier, restrooms, concession
building, kitchen/picnic
shelter, open play area,
; a_walkin� : track_ _ :
>... ........... ............_.._._••••••••....... ..•• • ........._.�
....»........... ..................... ..... •••.............. ..»............._.. .
; Lake Geneva Park * 18.50 ': Fishing pier, picnic shelter,
open lawn, area, soccer
fields, restrooms, sunbathing,
_ ._......_ ............................�...... : trails :
.. _.. _ .................... _............ .......................... �. .. .... _.... _................. _........... _.. _ _.....;
: Federal Way Pool (Kenneth Jones 0.50 ' Indoor pool
Memorial Pool)
�. Puxallup Landfill _*..._.. ... _ 4 Meadow ..............__._.__. . ..t
•-..._ ........................._. ...... P � P 9 ................... .
: Weyefiauser King County Aquatic 10.60 : Indoor oot arkin area
Center
..,,„;
A
T�?TAL ......:: 1 Q2 40 ; :
> .......... .....::.: ........: .....:.... ._....:.: . ._....:.. .......::. .....:::. ...:::...: ..:...__:.
.......... ..
* Outside c' limits
� Citv ofFederal Wav Comprehensive Parl� Recreation and Onen Space Plan
Section 111- Existing Park and Recreation Services Page III - 11
Washington State Park, Recreation and Open Space Areas
In the table below is a list of developed park and recreation areas that are owned and managed by the
Washington State Parks Department and the Washington Department of Wildlife.
Federat Way School District #210 School Recreation Areas
In the table below is a list of developed school sites that are owned and managed by the Federal Way
School District. Please note that the acreage listed only accounts for the amount that is used for �
public recreation purposes. This includes sports facilities, playground areas, open play areas, paved
court surFaces and a percentage of the parking area that is proportional to the size of the recreation
area. (This is calculated at a ratio of 5 spaces per acre of public recreation area.) ;�
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Citv ofFederal Wav Comnrehensive. Park. Recreation and Open Space Plan �
Page III - 12 Section Ill - Existing Park and Recreation Services
Table 10
Inventory of Washington State Pa�ic, Recreation,
and Open Space Areas
Federal Way Planning Area
Table 11
Inventory of Federal Way
Schooi District #210 School Recreation Areas
Federal Way Planning Area
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Table 11 (Continued)
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... .............._......._.._.................._............._.._..._;.... ...••--•_...._. _................................_...__......_._..._..._.__ ....................___.
Lake Dolloff Elementa School "�� 5.00 O en la a�ea, la round, aved court
Lake Grove Elementa School : 5.79 O en la area, la round, aved court
... Lakeland Elementa� School_" ; 5.00 Open_pl� area ,..play�round : _paved court_
_. ._... ._.._._...... . _...
... ......._ . ._.....___ ...... _ .. ......
Mark Twain Elementary School ;._._..__ 2_83 ._ __Open play area court .._�
.._..... ._..........__.........._.........
Mirror Lake Elementa School 4.52 O en la area, la round, aved court
Nautilus Elementary School 5.03 Little League fields, open field, playground,
� paved, court ._..._.... .._.... ........_....�..._ ................_
... .. ..... ... .. ..`........ . ...«.... .
..... .......» .............»...... ........». ....'..... "'......... ....... . ............... .. .. ... ... ...
Olympic View Elementary School 5.64 Little League field, open play field,
; play�round,, paved court
.... .. .«.... .. ... "'�"""'. . .. ........... ..... .........
«. ...»..»......... .«...» ............... ......« ............. ...... ............... .. . ....... ...... .».....
"'
_ Panther Lake Elementary School _� _ 5.13 _Open play field,_�lay�round court
.................
Rainier Vew Elementa School *'•. �f� 5.00 O en la fieid, la round, aved court
Shervvood Forest Elem. School 4.68 O en la field, la round, aved court
Silver Lake Elementarx School _ . _ . :_ ......... 5.23 . Open_play feld ,.play�round :.. paved court
...................._..._...................._...._..... .... ..._.. . ._..................
.Twin Lakes Elementary Schooi _ : 5.03 . Open . pia�_fieid, .pia�r�round �paved court ._.__...
--_.•.
� Valhalla Elementa School ` :�� O en la field, la round, aved court
Wiidwood Elementa Schooi 3.76 O en la field, la round, aved court
Subtotal < > : ;J2:45< >:;;
-• .............................._....._.._............._............._.............;::.._................... ._........._........_...._....................__........_.............._-_•-•-•........_........
..._....._ ......................_....._..........
..................................:........................... ................................_.........................._......................_.........................
Junior Hi h Schools
Iliahee Junior High School 15.82 Baseball field (305'outfield), softball field,
`:• , tennis court (2�, track, footbali field .
._.._ ........................._..._ g _...._............._._..._......._.......,.. ._.._.__......... . _........••-..................................................
Kilo Junior Hi h School * :� Baseball field, softbaii field, footbail field,
__...._,,.�..._�„�_�.. '• track lane cinder)
..................;_...... . ...... ......._................._.........._................
._.........._._... ••_-•-_....-- •- • ..... .. ........... ...... ..
_...... Lakota Junior Hi$h School_ ....................:. 5.72 courts �12) . _ .. _ . _ ..•-••.. � ... � ..... _ .......................
..._... . . __-•••._..... _.. ......_....... ... . .._....... _. _. _.
Saca'awea Junior Hi h School 3.72
Sa halie Junior Hi h School --- �see sa9na�e Pa►�c�
Subtotai 35 26; .
"' ..«....».....».««......»...« .....................6........................ .........«......................................».»........"'...............«.."""....."'........
...................«..... ...».. .. .. ...
Hi h Schools
Decatur Senior High School 16.64 Baseball field (306' outfieid), football field,
........•••--••• ........................•••••--•-•..... : track, tennis courts 4
.. ................. ... . .........c.a._ __..... .. ... ...
..._.... ....... ....... ..................... .............._.......... .. ..... ........ _.._........... -.---- --
Federai Way High Schooi 21.38 Footbali stadium w/track, p�actice field/track,
� _ baseball field, tennis courts (3�
..................•---................................-•-•-._..............................:....._........ .. . ... .......................---••••••-•-•__...--•••••_-•.._- ---•-.....---........-----........
. .. ... . ..
Harry S Truman High School/Merit : 3.95 Open play area
School
. Jefferson Senior Hi�h School *: 20.00 Baseball field tennis courts (4� . football_field
... ... ........q,.. ................................�...................«.....«......... �
" ................«.... . .... ..
Subtotal S1'.97.
TOTAL , : 189.68
_ . _ _ . . _ _ _ __ ,__ _ _:.
.............................................._.._.................---...---.._...........:.....................-•---- •---........................................-••........................................._.....................
* Outside city limits :
............... .............--•��--•-----......_..._.... ....__..........................._............_............................._........_•••.............
........_.. . ........................................... .. .. ...
(9) Assumes 50% of total site is
devoted to recreation purposes
(2) Acreage is induded in Saghalie
Pa�lc
Citv ofFederal Wav Comnrehensive Park. Recreation and Open Space Plan
� Section III - Existing Park and Recreation Services Page III - 13
�
Private Recreation Facilities/Miscellaneous Facilities
�thin the Federal Way planning area there are several associations and organizations that provide
non-profit recreation opportutities. The facilities are listed below:
Table 12
Summary of Private Recreational Areas
and Facilities (Non-Profit)
Federai Way Area
w � � �
�
: Cam Kiiworth Bo Scouts * 52.0 : Cam in , traiis, lod e
; Federai Wax American Little Lea�ue_ _ 2_58 ; Little Lea $ue . fields �2�_ ;
Federal WaY Nat'I Little Lea$ue 21.40 ��L'ittle Lea�ue fetds �� ��
= Glendawn Bible Baptist Camp *� �20.00� Camping, lodge, R.V. hook-�
: up, cabins, swimming beach,
� baseball field, soccer field,
;.._......�...._.__.�....._..._ .�....._......_.._ _.; covered�pla�r.a.rea, .._...._ '
.....;
; Cheri Association _�_�. _ 0.75� Outdoor pool
Marine Hilis Rec. Assoc. 3.00 ��Tennis co�urts, outdoor ool
• Ponce DeLeon Park 2.00 � Open play area, lake access,
' = pla round
;.._........_._......._......._. _. j
_:.. .__..-.:
; Star Lake Boat Access "� 0.24 : Lake access
`: Twin Lake Golf Course 120.00 ' Golf course, outdoor pool,
_ .._�__ ` tennis courts. clubhouse =
Treasure Island Park 4.80 � Open play area, lake access,
;.. ..�...___..__.____..._._._. ... _�IaX�round_ ___
' The Rid�e Park � 5�10 � Open play ar� ea, �lay$round �'
....:
��We erhauser Bonsai Garden �� �0.50 �µ Bonsai arclen, trail
: We erhauser Rhododendron Gar+den 24.00 € Rhododendron arden
; Weyefiaeuser Trails and Open 175.00 ; Trails and Open Space
S ace
;
;., .
,
_ �:. � .......:::::.._........:.::.. ........_.::.............:::: _._._..:. �43'l: 3T ....;.................._....................................._.._.......:
>•--......__........_........_ ..................._._.................._............. ..___..................:.._..................... ......._..........._....._........;
' Outside C Limits
�
�
�
�
��
�
�
Citv otFederal Wav Comprehensive, Parl� Recreation and Onen Space Plan �
Page Ill - 14 Section Ill - Existing Park and Recreation Services
�
�
Below is a list of organizations thax offer commercial recreational opportunities
Table 13
Summary of Private Recreational Areas
and Facilities (Commercial)
Federal Way Area
�
�
'I
�
��
�
� a 4
2
Bally's Pacific West Sport & Racquet Racquetball courts, tennis '
Club : courts, indoor lap pool,
: aerobics, wei htroom
Boys/Gir1s Club � Gym, game room, crafts ;
_.._.._.�..._....._..__.._. ; room, library � ;
...._...._.__ ................_.....___..._........ ; ._......
Brooklake Communit Center : Lod e meetin hall =
Cascade Athletic Club ; Raoquetbali, gym, aerobic,
_� indoo�ol :
••__•• •_.__...........___. ........,
Christy's Golf Range "� Driving range, putting green,
� 9 hole par 3�oif course �
... ......_....;... .--..-......:
Enchanted �Ilage/Wild Waves "� Rides, zoo, aviary, museum,
; wading pond, picnic area, 13- '•
: hole, Krogolf, water slides,
: wave ool
Federa Wa y Senior Center * � Senior cente :
..., ................._........... _
Gy_mnastics Unlimited ����� .�_ � �_; Gxm�astics trainin�
Pattison's West Skatin Center : Roller skatin rink
Secoma Lanes ; 32 lanes, pro shop,
� restaurant, loun�e_ _.__.�'
».........._......._ ................................»................_....._........a•-._»..»_....._................» i
* Outside Cit Limits
Cilv ofFederal Wav Comprehensive Park. Recreation and Open Space Plan
� Section III - Existing Park and Recreation Services Page Ill - 15
i
Listed below is a breakdown of existing park, recreation and open space areas by type within the
Federal Way planning area. Each site has been categorized according to the definitions listed on the
previous page.
Table 14
Summary of Park Areas By Type
Federal Way Planning Area
• � 1
� Mini Pa .........._..._....._......._..._ ................. .....__._.........._ _..�....
,.._..........�... _..._..........._ ...............__......_._.... _..........._.._................................._......... .._... ;
Coronado Park 1.5 : Partiali develo ed
Subtota/ >:1s5:»:<::
;............ ......_._-..•••..........._ ....................._........__...........................;.._.__....................___ ..... .......;
;�Nei�hborhood Parks € :
. _ ........... ..... . . ............._........._......... _
.__.......... .........._ _..... .. .... ..._......_ ....:......... ._....�
Adelaide Elementary School 4.78 � Developed
�.....�...�School District)__..__...._...._�...._......._ .._...._......_......_:.._...� ..............._...�....�...�...._..._.._ _:
� Adelaide Park . . . 6.70 �. Partiail�develo�
. _............_........... _ ................._. ..._ . .__.__..............:
: Alderbrook Park Portion 5.10 Partiail develo ed
' Alderdale Park 2.00 Develo ed
_
Brigadoon Elementary School 4.14 Developed
School Distrid
Camelot Elementary School * 5.00 Developed
„_ �Schooi Distrid� . ......... __-___.......:_ .__.....�......_._.._........_....._..�....<
Dash Foint Hi hland Pa�lc ��� 5.00 Develo ed
Enterprise Elementary School 5.00 Developed
' �School District�_......._......_..._ ................... . _ `
:........_ ._.....__•_ ••••..._.•-•..._...._..:....._.._........._............ ....__. _:
French Lake Park 10.00 Develo ed '
Green Gables Elementary School 5.89 : Developed
: (School District� _.._._...._....._---_._...�.._ _. ; '
y........... . a » .............._........................................_...�
° Lake Doiloff Elementary School * ��� 5.00�� �; Developed '•
„._ �School Distrid ._..__..._.....�.._. _.._-• - «.__.__.._.........�.._...__._..._.._._._..._.__.;
Lake Grove Elementary School� 5.79� Developed
School Distrid
's Lake Grove Park 4.80 ; Partiall� develo�ed �����
�........_....___.......___.__...._..._._.......__......._...._ ............ ....
' Lakeland Elementary School * t � 5.00 ��� Developed �
School District
Mark Twain Elementary Schooi 2.83 Developed
Schooi District
Harry S Truman High School/Merit 3.95 Developed
: scnool (school District�.__.._..__.._ ' `
:..................._....... ..__..._•_••_•••••-••;.........................._..........__.._..........................;
Mirror Lake Elementary School 4.52 ; Developed
;__W.�School District�_..._..__._........_. . ..;_...._..._.••_••..._.__...__._. . ._. ...;
................ ....................... • ............. .._...
: Mirror Lake Park .... 3�40 : Partiall�r develo�ed _ _ _ _ �.:
;...__. .••.....••...._............_..._..._.__ .............._............... . ............ _. ...._...
Nautilus Elementary School 5.03 : Developed
: �(School District)__ ___...___._. : ;
......_.__ ... .......................... :_.•••_••.......................__......._._.........._........_..
Olympic �ew Elementary School 5.64 ' Developed
School District
� � ..._.........._......._.._._.___...-••-- -.......•••....._.......� ........_........ __...__._....... '
..................««......«..»... . . . p....................«.... . ...�
:......... " Outside Cit,� Limits_ : :
...... _....... ___. _. ...................... .............._........._:...._...........__._.._.._......._.............................. ;
�(1) Assumes 50% of total site is devoted to recreafion purposes.
�
�
�
�
�
�
Citv ofFederal Wav Comprehensive. Park. Recreatio� and OQen Space Plan �
Page Ill - 16 Section III - Existing Park and Recreation Services
�
�
Table 14 (Continued)
. .. .
; _ ._ ' .... '
� OI m ic View Park Portion� �3.00 Develo ��
Palisades Park 3.20 : Develo
Panther Lake Elementary Schooi 5.13 � Developed
School District
= Rainier View Elementary School * 5.00 : Developed �
`• �School District� .._ ' _�
� Sherwood Forest Elem. School� 4.68�� D veloped
: �School Distrid.�____..__..........._... � :
;.......... ........... ......._.._.....__................._. p .. .__. _.......
Silver Lake Elementary School 5.23 : Develo ed
School Distrid
Twin Lakes Elementary School 5.03 Developed
School District
Valhalla Elementary School * 5.00 Developed
; (School District�___._.._� ............:.........__ . � `
Wildwood Elementary School � 3.76 �� Developed ������
's (School District)_..__._....._-_••-•.�......._._.... _.... `• ;
;.._....... ..__.........._...:...... ._ ........................._........ .....;
� Widwood Park 2.30 € Developed _._____.___. �. '
y.......••••••••...».........._ .........................»»............................». ......... n ..........
` ..... . . ....i
Su�`0�, :�'''��.��y�a7.V;`��':'':.
; Communit� Parks � �
,..._....._ ............... ...........__..............w.......................... _..............__.....4........_ ... ............____......_.._.;
: Five Mile Lake Park (County) ._.. ...._ 26.50 . µDeveloped .�..��._�_..�;
;....._..........__ ..................__._........................ •
Lake Geneva Paric Count * 18.50 : Develo ed
Lakota Park 28.20 • Develo d
's Saca�awea Park _ 18.30 ; _Developed :
..........._ ................................... .............._.: .........._...._.._..................:
;.._._._......... ,
: Sa�halie Park . ..._._._. 36.00 � Develo�ed .�......_._.�._..__.._.._.�
>_ .............. .._............_...._...._. ; .,........._W....,,,..-••...............
Subtotal <::12�y5Q:;;>>::;
; Lar e Urban Parks � :
r ..........�.•••..••••••••_••••••••...••••.......•••...._...._..»»•••••••••_•••••.._ ..............._....._..
:_ _ Steei Lake Park 51.70 ; Developed __ _ _ � . :
._ ..................._...._...................................._........ .......... ......................_. ............
Subtotal <:5'1:70::>:::::>-
: Re�ional Parks ..... � .. � . � ........... . s
:.......... . .... ..._ ................. .......•--_............._:.._......._......__._..._..............._..............._....._. ;
� Dash Point State Pa�ic �State) __....... _. 230.00 a Partiall� developed .__.._...._._._. :
;... ........................................._...._.._....... . ..•••...._.. . .
West H lebos State Park State 65.00 : Partiall develo ed �
Subtotal >295:DQ:;::;>::;:
; ..............«....«.......«...»»......._..................«............«."'._."' ".............._.._....*. ... ..............._......_»............._......i
: Linear Parks : �
;........_........_....••_•-.._......_ ................_••-••-....___.._...._...... ..........._............. :..............._.........._.........................._._......._... ;
West Cam us Traii 27.80 � Partiail develo ed
BPA Trail Park Phase I 45.00 ; Develo ed
' Subtotal T2;80 : '
;_....._ .............•--.._.........___............---_...__........._-----_.._..._ .................._.._.:..................._...._..__..._................__._.._...;
" Outside C' Limits
(1) Assumes 50% of total site is
devoted to recreation ur oses
� Ciiy ofFederal Wav Comprehensive Park. Recreation and Oven Snace Plan
Section III - Ezisting Park and Recreation Services Page Ill - 17
�
Table 14 (Continued)
. � .
___. _...._..____.....;
S S ecial Use Areas =
Decatur Senior High School r .16.64 Developed '•
_
�School Dist�d� _ '
i Dumas Bay Park 19.30 � Develo� ;
----:
`• Federat Way High School (School 21.38 : Developed
_ : €
i Distrid) : _
= F�ed rae I Way Pool (Kenneth Jones 0.50 De loev�ped ��
Memorial Poo Count -_
Iilahee Junior High School (School 15.82 Developed
District
= Kilo Junior High School •(School 10.00 Developed
District� ........__ .. ._..___.
Klahanee Lake Community/Senior � ��7.11 � �Developed
Ce nter
:. ....................._......._................_.................__....- •-•••••-..___....._......................._.._... ............_......................;
Lake Dolloff Fishing Access 1.30 ' Partially developed
State "
� Lakota Junior High School (School 5.72 Developed
_
Distrid
North Lake Fishing Access 5.50 Developed
'• State * � �
_.....
� Sacajawea Junior High Schooi � � ~ Developed ���� �
; / School Distrid1 : ���.��.�...���.a
t......... \ ................................d._....._.....�...................._....... __. p............_........ �
Saghalie Junior High School �0.00 ��' Developed
School Distrid
: SW 312th S�orts Court 2.00 : Developed � � �� � � �� � �;
: ................._..........._._ ......__........._......_... .........._.........•-
Thomas Jefferson Senior High 20.00 Developed
School * School District
Vsitation Retreat and Cultural 12.00 Developed
Center
Weyerhause� King County Aquatic 10.60 ; Developed =
; ' Center �Count� : :
.__ 3ubtota/........._.._........._. :15�;a�::::.....;... ........__.._.._..._.._...._.....�.......,
� * Outside City Limits :
}».........»......« ................... ..........."'.................».....""......... ...........».......«....p......................."'..........«...................................i
(1) Assumes 50°K of total site is
devoted to recreation purposes
(2) Acreage is included in Saghalie
Park
�
�
�
�
Citv ofFederal Wav Comprehensive, Parl� Recreation and Onen Space Plan �
Page Ill - 18 Section 111- Existing Park and Recreation Services
Table 14 (Continued)
en Space Areas
Aiderbrook Park
Camelot Park (C
Camelot Open S
Campus Open S,
Dumas Bay Opei
Fisher's Pond
hlerita�e Open S
Herita�e Woods
Lake Killamey Ope
•-...---• ................•--
Lochaven O�en Sp
Madrona Meadows
Madrona Trails O
Maribrook Open S�
. _ ..................._._.
Meadows Open_Sp,
, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _ . . . . . .
Olympic View Park
Panther Lake Park
Poverty Bay Park
SW 363rd Open Spac
Twin Lakes Vsta Ope
Wed�ewood S�
.._...._......_. .
.._� West Campus Open
.... .........._._.
Subtotal
Undeveloped �
- -- ................... .......
.._. BPA Trail Park �Phas�
............ _._ ..............
Celebration Park
Herita e Woods Park
. Puxallup . Landfill �Co�
Subtotal
.
II 8 II
.
30.00 � Partia
16.30 ; Unde�
_.....
............... _...........
12.58 ; Unde�
•••_•••.._..._...;..
2.60 � Unde�
2.40 Unde�
13.00 : Unde�
.. _. _. _ .. :...............,
-••--
__ 3 50 : Unde�
_.... .
2.61 Unde�
38.02 Unde�
z
10.82 : Unde�
..... ..
........_._.._ ...._......
14.40 ; Unde�
,............•••••--:.._......._...
6.20 : Unde�
�
2.20 Unde�
2.10 Unde�
.. _......... _. _:.... _. _.......
..3.30 : Unde�
......
17.75� Partia
70.30 Unde�
48.00 Unde�
_.;._ ..
45.39 Unde�
......._ ..........: ...._.........
5.05 : Unde�
.
3.60 Unde�
2.00 Unde�
. ___...� .....:......._.......
51.80 ; Unde�
45.00 : U
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
83.50 U
i
1.66 U
--�—
30.00 : U
* Outside Citv Limits
Cit�ofFederal Wav Comprehensive Park. Recreation and O�en Space Plan
Section 111- Existing Park and Recreation Services Page III - 19
�
INVENTORY OF SPORT FACILITIES
Table 15
Inventory of Existing Sport Facilities
Federal Way Area
. ► .
� .......................... ....«........ ""'..........».........«..............p..........«.«................................»............«..........j
; Baseball Fields ���������� ���.....�.�. • •
:•......•-•._..._....__. ........_ ............................_••--......_.__............._.._..._...........;.---..._.......•-•-----_..................._...............•....••-
1 Decatur Senio� Hi h School
1 Federal Wa Senior Hi h School
: .1 Kilo Junior Hi�h * : '
............. ........ .... .... ....................................:............................._.......................................... :
� 1 Illahee Junior High School � �
........................... ............................................................................................4....................................................._...._••-.........;
1 Lakota Park : 1 li hted
1 Saca'awea Park 1 li hted
: 1 Sa�halie Park ......................•--........... : 1 li�hted•--•--....._..................... �
� .......................... ..... . . .................._..p......... .................5
� 1 T. Jefferson Senior Hi h School * : '
.�_ ............................_....._......................_._...
<� Total �elds��3li��hted
;• .......................... ._......... .............................._.._...................:..................--•-...-••.............._.............................;
; Softball Fields r ............... �
> .......................... ........_..........._.................................................._..................4.-•--••-•••-----......._..........._........._..._.•..•--..........
1 Illahee Junior Hi h School �
1 Kilo Junior Hi h School *
'• 1 Saca�awea_Park : 1 li :
j ............» ............ . .......... ..................._......................»...........p.........!l................."""'................».....«.............�
: .....1 .. Sa�halie `--1 li$hted...._......._.... ......__..... �
: ...... ....._. ......... ........._ ......................................... •-• - • •••--...........
2 Steel Lake Park 2 li hted
• ._ _. . _ ___ _ ._ .... . .... . ..__ � .
S Tc�ta! F�elds 4 li `hfed
;.._ ..............._..... ............................................. ......................a......•
: Little Lea ue/Youth Softball rir """""""""" ; :
3 Adelaide Elementa
� 4 Bri�adoon . Elementarx ':. ':
, .......................... ......... . ................. . ......................4..-••-•---••-•-..._..._...................._..._.._.................;
: .3 Camelot Elementary .* _ � ;
............ ............................. .... ..._. .._.................. :....._..--•--••••---.......................•••....---•..................;
0 Ente rise Elementa
2 Federal Way American Little League ;
� .Complex .. _ .......... � :
> .......................... . ........ .. ..................................»...................d............«..............."'.........................................�
4 Federal Way National Little League
: .Complex ................................... `• ;
} ..............'"'......_.. . ...__... .. ..................................p..............................................»..._.....................t
:............1 Glendawn Baptist.Bible_Cam ._..............:........._..•-•-...............................•--......................:
...... ..._. p...*
.... ... ..... ....
0 Green Gables Elementa
2 Ha S. Truman Hi h/Merit School
4 Lakota Park
:.........._ ............... ......................................._......._.......................................... :.............__...................................__.........._......:
'• 4 Lake Dolloff Elementar� " � '•
} .......................... ........................................................ . ......................�..................................................................»......(
3 Lake Grove Elementary
4 Lakeland Elementa *
� 2 Mark Twain Elementary ; :
, ..................................._............................................. ------•-•---•--.......¢.....................................................---.................;
:................
........... .....................•---------...............-•-----�-----------........................... ;............................_.........._....................._..........:
* Outside City Limits
: 1) Invento does not reflect ualit or condition of facilit
�
�
�
City o1'Federal Wav Comprehensive, Park, Recreation and Onen Space Plan �
Page 111- 20 Section III - Ezisting Park and Recreation Services
�
�
Table 15 (Continued)
�
�
!__l
��
�
�
. . .
_
} 2 Mirror Lake Elementa� ������
2 Nautilus Elementa
� 3 _� Olxm Ye w Elementary�_ ����_�. .�,,,,__.____�
�.3 Panther Lake Elementa �_����_�„_
, .___ ................._.........._......�!.......................... ' �
1 Rainier �ew Elementa *
2 Sherwood Forest Elementa
: 0 Silver Lake Elementar�__ ;
� .... ... -_••..•• ................._......_...._........... ........ ,
: 1 Steel Lake Park �._�__��_�„_�.�� _..�__..�
„........_ ............. _.. __. _....................
` 2 Twin Lakes Elementa
4 Valhalia Elementa *
; 3 wldwood Elementar� � � �� ��� _ ; '•.
t•••�..... ................., ..............«......«...................«............
��i:�i:�;_��.~?: .
.::5:9<::>:<::;;>:;�;; �„��::>::::r:v:���;�:::>::?!�:�:i:::>::::::>:::::: :�
� ,. . .............................
.'TQ�'dl>�l�lfiS:::::'::>:>':> `:»:'::»::>:::>:::>::>:::»=
i:.::s:::»:::::.::::::» ::: ::::::::::::::::::.:::::::::::::::::::»::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::...»..._......... .____......._....._._.....................�...............
: Soccer Fields
;.._..........__......... __ ..............._..__....._.__......_..........._....................._.....••- :.........................._...M._. ..._.........__.....;
: 1 Adelaide Eleme�tary __._....�._____. ____: ..__,_�
y .......... ....... . ..... ..... . 4............«................�..........................».
...... .. ...............«» «.«......» .....
1 Bri adoon Elementa
1 Camelot Elementa *
; 1 Enterprise Etementa� : ....__. �
,...........__........... _...._..._ . ...._ ..............................._..................._. ..
: 1 Glendawn Ba�tist Bible Camp * : :
; .... .... _ .............. .....__.._.._................ .... . _.......;...._..... .�...... ._.._. _;
'• 1 Green Gables Elementa
; 1 Ha S. Truma� Hi h/Merit School
: 1 .... Lake Dolloff ElementarX * _�__.�_. �.._..._...._._._..�__._�_���
;........_._.......... .........._._ ....................._.............. , :
: 2 Lake Geneva Park ' � :
,.._ ...................... ......__...._............._-•-_._......_...............................--•••........t..................__..._........._.____....._..._..__..<
1 Lake Grove Elementa
1 Lakeland Elementa *
3 Lakota Park One is all-weather
;.........._........_ ... ...................._•_•••-•--_............__.............._..............___....;......................._._......_....._..._..__.._...............;
= 1 Mark Twain Elementa�_ _ __.._. � �
:-•••--•-...._._.----._. •••.._...._ .............._._.................___ . ..............�._••-_••.._.•_•-•..._.._ .............__................;
1 Mastis Field
; 1 Mirror Lake Elementa '_. �
's _ Nautilus Elementary ____.._._.._.__.._.__���____. _
:__. .._ ......... ......................._.._................ ......__..............................._....._.....:
: 1 Olympic View � :
y .......................... ......... ... ...»............... ••••......»»i..........................................•••••__........_...».......�
1 Panther Lake Elementa
1 Rainier View Elementa *
: 1 Saca,�awea Park : �
,...................._ .............._ ...._..................._.........._.........._............_..............._...._...._........._.... _.<
; 1_ Sa�halie _ ; li$hted; all __
:•----._. ..._........._.. ..._......-••_......__..._._.....__. ;......
1 Sherwood Forest Elementa
1 Silver Lake Elementa
; 1 Steel Lake Park : all weather ;
._..__. ........_ ................__-•-..._......_.........................._..........._.._.._........: ....._............_.._..:
: 1 Twin Lakes Elementary _ _ '• :
,...._.......••--••-•••••- •-•-.......-•••-_•-•••....__..._.._.•••.... .. ..._........_.......:._......_._.._ .............._......._........._...................<
1 Valhalla Elementa *
1 Witdwood Elementa School
;::<...::<:<::�::
:::� � :��:�'.`�f��s:���ti�ls::��` �.<>::>:::�::.<.:��<::>::>;;::>�»:::::::_
........::..................:...:..,.::... .
:.... : .......... :.:...:.: . .
.... .:. ..........:...... .....::::. .
.. . . ........
... :::::. .....:.:.. :.:::::::::.:.:.::.;.:::._ ..:. .. . .:. , .
..... ..... .... ...::. :::
:::........... :.::::.�::::::.:::::...... ._:;:..:::::::: .::: :.:..:. .
.......... ......
.:....:..:.:.:.r,.::::.,:� �>:,::;:r�:.::..�::::.,;r:;:........;:;;:;;,;::,::.:::..::::...;..,;.,..:;::::,.1.::;.:.:r,.: ............................_.........._._...--••...._._..._.......
:..............
4 <
� ......................«... ......................................................................_..................... �............_......«........«..»............."".."'.....«......
'• * Outside Ci�y Limits
} 1) Invento does not reflect ualit or condition of facil"
Cilv otFederal Wav Comprehensive Park. Recreation and Open Space Plan
' Section III - Existing Park and Recreation Services Page III - 21
• a , � .
� F o ball Fields =
1 Decatur Senior Hi h Schooi
1 Federal Wa Memoria Field 1 Stadium ;
! 1 Federal Wa Senior H�School ? _
>
1 Kilo Junior Hi h School *
'• 1 Illahee Junior Hi h School �
� 1 Lakota Pa�1c �
> ............{
= 1 Saca'awea Pa
1 Sa halie Par1c � � Li hted
= 1 T. Jefferson Senior Hi h School `
s<:>:::;:»:::,:
: :o' ' �is ::::::::::::::::::;;::;::»::::>:::::::::«:::»::<:
:.�:::>:::::> <::::>::::::>>>::::::::>::::::;:::::::<>:::«::« ::::T. � >:
:... ::..
t. t.�iel .....:,....... '
::::::.... .
_
_ ; :
� Ten nis Courts � "'..._"..`.._. .__....._.._.._;_._... ... ......._ .;
��� .Public Tennis Courts .�...��...�� ��.... ����.� ...�
1 Alderdale Park
1 Adelaide Pa�ic
;.._ ...................... __.._..._....................................._.........__.........__...........:.__...._. ................._...._............_ <
' 4 Decatur Senior Hi�h School______��
;.� ........................ :._.._.......... _...._...__...............
3 Federal Wa Senior Hi h School
2 Five Mile Lake Park •
� 1 Illahee Junior Hi�h � �
_;
„ 2� _ Lakota WastewaterTreatment Plant��;��� � ���
2 Saca'awea Paiic ����� Li hted
4 Sa hatie Park Li hted
� ' 4 T. Jefferson Senior Hi h School ' ` °
...._.._.... ......._........_..........._ ..............._� �...._...................._........;.........._......................._.....................................€
: 1 SW 312th SPorts Cou�t_Park � . M... � .. � .µµ. � .. �
> .............._......__ .... ....._..... ..._...._......_................................
25 Subtota/
_
' Private Te nnis Courts '•
;.__. ........._ ................ ..._.............._.........._........__._ ' _......._..._.............. �
....._......_.... ..;.._...._........._
' 6 Pacific West S rt and Ra uetball : •
_ ..P° ............. �.._.............. .._........................__...... ...............
2 �Twin Lakes Golf Course
10 Subtotal
> •••..... 3� ..... .....�..... ......._ To#at �ourts�.........�........._... �� _.._�.�. ._...._..�.�......._....� .._.....�.-••�... `
:::.. ..<
� Racc�uetbail Courts : :
,......._.... ._.__. .._ ....................____......_.._..............;._.._................_............_.._....._...._......._......;
: 9 Cascade Athietic Club ; .Private � ����� � ��_
7�� Baily's Pacific West Sport and���� � Private
r : R�uetball.Club ,,,.�,,,,,�.,,.,,,,,,.....� ........................:._._...____..._.._......_....
.•,•,,,•,,,,•,,,,-.-•,.•,,_•r .::::::, ...... ................. .....::: , ........................._...i
��:�i>:�>:�>:�i:�; �
�.G::::::::>::::::> : ::>:: > ::>:::> :: :::::::: >::: <:::>To�af; .
�ur�s:: >::>::>:::;;;::>::>::;:::;:>> ;
«.;:.; ;:.;:.: .
. . :::.::... . ::::::::. .._....._. .................. .. . _ ..:;;;;;;::::.:.,::.;;;;:.;:::,: : :
s» :::::::..:::............ .:::.:::::::.::::�:::::::..:::::::::::.:»:::::::::.::........................_......».»�._...................................._....._............•-••.........�
' * Outside City Limits
;
�!� lnventory does not reflect quality or condition of facility :
Citv ofFederal Wav Comprehensive. Parlk Recreation and Onen Space Plan ,
Page 11l - 22 Section III - Existing Park and Recreation Services
�
�
,'I
�
�
�
r�
I
U
�
�
�
�
�
�
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Tabie 15 (Continued)
. . .
_ . .
: _
'_'_'_'_''_ _
= Swimmin Pools � W
' 1 Batly's Pacific West Sport and : 61ane 25 yanl indoor lap pool ;
� Rac�uetbaii Ciub_� _ ___._ .�_�._
� 1� Cascade Athletic Club �10 yar+d x 23 yarci indoor lap
' ....... . _.__.. ..Pool
�� 1 Federal Way Pool (Kenneth Jones �: 6 lane indoor pool, 25 yard
Memorial Poo : "T"
' 1 Marine Hills Recreation Association � 2�arc1 outdoor o�ol�_ �
'������µ Weyerhauser King County Aquatic ����� 50 meter indoor pool, 25 ya
Center indoor pool, indoor diving
; _._...... . ._. _....._._.........:..P°ol ..._..... ....._..�
1 Twin Lakes Golf Club : 25 arcl outdoor ol
1 Mar Cheri Association : 52' x 27' outdoor ool
;:><::>::::>::<:: . ,: .
#jt7!> „` `I '':<;::>::»»::>;;>:>:;:::::>`:::::»:<:
..:::: .:
:>�:0::::::>:::::>::::: »:<:::;>::;:»<::>:::::::>::::>::>::::<:>::::>T_. P00 5<: ;
...:: :::. ,: :.: :. .... .
�::,. . .
...�.F...�.::::�:.. ..�:::::: ..�.�.:F::.:..;;.:... ;;:.;.; : : ::.:.:.:::: ;;. �
_ « ....................... . .»1........»......«...«...._.... ..._.........».................«.............................«
Tracks
; 1 Decatur Senior H�h School ��_ ; All Weather �
_ .....__... _. ........._...... •-•-_._..... ............._.................................................:
� 1 Federal Way Memorial_Fieid �. �� 1 All Weather :
;.. _..... ............ . ..._......+ ....................._................................._......_.......�
1 Federal Wa Senior Hi h School 1 Cinder
1 Five Mile Lake Park * 1 J in Trail
�1 F(ito Junior Hi�h School E 1 Ci�der �
.........._........... ............. __.........._<
._........ ._....._..._
' 1 Illahee Junior Hi h School ; 1 Cinder '
; ........ ._...... �........._._.........._.._....._......_ ..................._...... .......... ._.........._.... ;
'• 1 Lakota Park 1 Cinder
1 Pacific West S ort and Ra uetball = 1 Indoor Track
: 1 Sacajawea Park :_1 Cinder__
; _......... _ .............. .. _......... .................... _... _.................. _.... : .......
: 1 Saca�awea Jr Hi�h_School .____. : 1 All-Weather __ __ _��
>...._ .................... _........». ....•••_•••••a•••••••••...............__.....
1 T. Jefferson Senior Hi h School " ; 1 Cinder
<>:�1; >:<:;:::: :
»'�°`otat::�'`racks: :::> <= »: =::>::::>:::::<:>::::;<::::>:::
;.....:.._.........-••._ .................__......................................_._..........._.........._...;...._........_.................................._.................._.;
: * Outside City limifs : �
:._...._ ...................... .._.........._....._...................................................-••-•••-•.. :_..._............_.._................_..........._._..............;
:(1) lnventory does not reflect quality or condition of facility
Citv ofFederal Wav Comprehensive Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan
� Section 111- Existing Park and Recreation Services Page 111- 23
DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATION
The Federal Way Park, Recreation and Cultural Services Department is one of seven departments in
the City. Each of these departments report directly to the City Manager who in turn reports to the
Mayor and City Council. �thin the Park, Recreation and Cultural Services Department there are
eight separate divisions. Four of these divisions report directly to the director and the other four
report to the deputy director. The department organization is as follows:
..... Director
Arts
Commission
Youth
Commission
........••••-•- Parks and
Recreation
Commission
Deputy Director
Community/
Senior Center
Community
Recreation/
Cultural
Services
Athletics
Capital
Improvement
Projects
Vis'itation
Retreat Center
Grounds
Facilities
Total Stat�ing Levels
Contract
support
Over the course of a year, the City Park, Recreation and Cu(tural Services Department maintains a
permanent staff of 30 people and employees an equivalent of seven seasonal FTE's during the peak
recreation season. The table below illustrates the staffing levels for the three major divisions within
the department.
Citv ofFederal Wav Comprehensive. Park. Recreation and Onen Space Plan
Page Ill - 24 Section Ill - Fxisting Park and Recreation Services �
Table 16
Staffing Level for Park and Recreation Department 1994-95
City of Federal Way
�
� DEPARTMENT OPERATIONS
� Operating Cost
The cost of parks and recreation services in Federal Way has averaged about 9.4% of the total city's
� operating budget over the last four years. For the 1995 fiscal year, park, recreation and cultural
services was 9.1% of the total city operating budget.
�
_J
�
� RECREATION PROGRAMS
The table below summarizes recreation participation levels for Crty sponsored recreation programs.
The heading "participant days" means one person participating in one activity in one day. For
� example, one person taking a dance class that meets ten times, accounts for ten "participant days".
Listed below is a summary of participation.
�
�
�
��� Steel Lake Parlc - estimate based on a tally of beach users (daily attendance)
� The total amount of participation in city-sponsored park and recreation activities represents about 3.9
occasions per capita.
Cily ofFederal Wav Comprehensive Park Recreation and Open Space Plan
Section III - Existing Park and Recreation Services Page III - 25
�
Table 17
Comparison of Park and Recreation Budget to Total City Budget
City of Federal Way
Table 18
Summary of Recreation Programs (Annual)
City of Federal Way
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SECTION IV
RECREATION NEEDS ASSESSMENT
INTRODUCTION
In 1990 a comprehensive recreation needs assessment was completed as part of the City's first
pazk and recreation planning process. This element of the study included a community-wide
household survey, the presentation of several public workshop meetings, contacts with user
groups and input from a broad-based planning advisory committee.
Since then, changes have occurred that effect community recreation needs. Some of them
include:
1.
2.
3
The City's existing population has changed from 68,052 to 74,413.
The population forecast for the year 2020 is 113,050.
The planning area boundary has been reduced by 10% due to a reduction in the size of
the potential annexation area.
4. While some acquisitions have occurred, the City has found it increasingly difficult to
p anuire park land and still keep within the sernce levels recommended in the original
In this section of the plan, an updated assessment of park and recreation needs in the Federal
Way area is presented. These needs are documented for both park and open space land and
for park facilities such as sport fields, basketball courts, etc.
METHODOLOGY OF DEVELOPING NEEDS FOR FEDERAL WAY
One way of ineasuring need is to develop a standard and measure that standard against the
earisting mventory. Recreation standards are guides by which communities may estimate in
quantifiable terms the number of acres of facilities required to meet recreation demand in their
area. By attaching the standard to a population variable, it is easy to forecast future needs as
the population grows.
Standards are important for many reasons including:
• Standards can be an expression of minimum acceptable facilities and areas. They can be
looked upon as goals.
• A standard is a guideline to deternune land requirements for various kinds of park and
recreation areas and facilities.
• Standards are a basis for relating recreation needs to spatial analysis within a community-
wide system of park and open space areas.
Cit�ofFederal Way Comprehensive Park, Recreation and Open Snace Plan
Section N- Recreation NeedsAssessment Page IV -1
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) published standards in 1970 that have
been quoted almost exclusively for the last decade. Starting in 1979, NRPA developed a task
force that worked three years to revise and update park and recreation standards. Published
in 1983, the report titled "Recreation, Park and Open Space Standards and Guidelines",
represents the most recent consensus on space and facility standards at the national level.
In Federal Way, schools are now serving as local play areas. Because of this, an analysis was
made of the outdoor recreational space on each site. This included the playground, open
space areas and hard court surfaces. The actual amount of land deternuned for recreational
use on each school site is found on Table 11 page III-9.
This land was counted in the park inventory. Portions of the elementary schools were counted
in the neighborhood park category and portions of the junior high school and high school sites
were counted in the special use areas.
Since these sites were considered for recreational purposes, the recommendations found in
Section VII address how these sites should be upgraded to provide more local recreational
opportunities.
Approach Used to Assess Park Land Needs
Developing a standard of land needs for park areas and open space is the most difficult of all
types of needs analysis because it is dependent upon so many community values and variables.
In fact, even the definition of park and open space is hard to establish. For instance, should
one count school playgrounds, private'�golf courses, commercial landscaped areas, roof top
patios, etc. as park and open space? The list can go on forever. To keep from getting into
this trap, we have made a policy of only counting public recreation land and not considering
school playgrounds, private landscape areas and other similar open space.
To determine specific land needs for Federal Way, several analytical methods were used.
These included a comparison to the NRPA Standards, comparison to other similar
communities, an analysis of existing and potential park land and a look at areas of Federal
Way that are not now being served.
When applying a standard of open space, one must take into account the current inventory
and the likely prospect of acquiring future park land. For instance, if a community is fully
developed, it would be unreasonable to recommend a much higher standard than what now
already exists.
One important method used to identify neighborhood and community park needs for Federal
Way was to analyze the cunent service areas and identify those neighborhoods not cunently
being served. The service area of a neighborhood park is generally considered to be about a
one half mile radius and that for a community park at a one mile radius. There are, of course,
many factors that will influence the service area such as physical boundaries, population
densrties, etc. Once the areas were identified that are currently not being served, it was then a
matter of forecasting the number of park sites (under idea.l conditions) needed to fill the voids.
Comprehensive Park. Recreation and Open Snace Plan Citv ofFederal Way
Page IU- 2 Section IV - Recreation NeedsAssessment
'
�
Establishing standards for other park types is more difficult. It must take into account current
� demand, as well as national trends, financial feasibility and land availability. It should be noted
that even with a11 the statistical information available, a certain amount of subjective analysis
and professional experience must be used to quantify the standards.
Starting on the next page, recommended standards for specific types of park areas are given.
� Eaisting Inventory
The current park and open space system in the Federal Way planning area (PAA boundary)
� contains 85 sites and consists of 1,406.07 acres. This includes land owned by the City of
Federal Way, King County, State of Washington and the Federal Way School District. The
park land vv�thin the Federal Way area is classified as follows:
City orFedera! Wav Comprehensive Park, Recreation and Onen Snace Plan
� Section li�- Recreation NeedsAssessment Page IV - 3
Table 19
inventory of Park Land
by Type and Agency (in acres)
Federal Way Planning Area
PARK LAND NEEDS
Mini - Parks
Anal.�:
Cunently, there is only one mini-park in the Federal Way planning area. This is
Coronado Park.
On a per acre basis, these types of parks are very expensive to construct and maintain
and generally serve a very limited population. Often this type of park is popular in
new subdivisions which traditionally have a high ratio of young children.
Comments:
It is recommended that no parks of this type be developed. These types of parks
should only be considered when no other options are available in a neighborhood for
additional park land.
Comprehensive Park. Recreation and Open Space Plan Citv ofFederal Wa�
Page II� - 4 Section IV - Recreafion Needs Assessment
Recommendation: (Mini - Parks)
�
�
Neighborhood Park Needs
� An—alvsis:
Cunently, there are thirty (30) park or school recreation areas that fit this category.
Twenty five (25) of these areas are currently within the city limits.
The service area of a neighborhood park is considered to be a half mile radius. This
, service area does not take into account physical boundaries such as freeways,
topographic features, etc. that may influence the actual service areas. An analysis of
neighborhood park service areas was made utilizing circles representing a half mile
� radius. The results indicated that many neighborhoods are currently not being served.
In order to cover the entire area under ideal conditions, about 11 additional
neighborhood parks would be needed. This information was part of the basis for
developing the neighborhood park standard.
�
Recommendation: (Neighborhood Parks)
�
�
Comments:
i The above goal of 1.7 acres per 1,000 population means that about 9.6 acres of additional
neighborhood park land is needed for the present population. Using an average of five acres
each, it means that 2 park sites are presently needed. In year 2020, the total need will be 192
� acres of neighborhood park land.
�_�
�
L_J
�
�
City ofFederal Wav Comprehensive Park Recreation and Open Space Plan
� Section N- Recreation Needs Assessment Page II� - S
�
Community Park Needs
Anal.�:
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Currently, there are five community parks within the planning area. However, only ■
three of these site are within the current city limits.
The service area of a community park is considered to be roughly a mile to a mile and t
a half radius, depending on external barriers. The community park service area
analysis revealed that much of the south and extreme northeast areas of Federal Way
planning area have the greatest need for community parks. �
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Comments
The recommended goal of 1.4 acres per 1,000 population means that an additional �
21.7 acres is needed to meet the present demand. This is equivalent to one community
park. Unfortunately, acquiring community park sites will be much more difficult �
because of their size requirement.
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Comprehensive Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan Citv of Federal Way �
Page li�- 6 Section IV - Recreation NeedsAssessment
Recommendation: (Community Parks)
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Large Urban Park Needs
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Analysis:
,, Currently, there is one large urban park in the planning area. This is Steel Lake Park.
'I , Recommendation: (iarge Urban Parks)
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The recommended goal of 1.2 acres per 1,000 population recognizes the eventual
� development of Celebration Park. Based on the recommended goa1, a total of 89 acres
are presently needed. By the year 2020, there will be a need for 135.7 acres of land.
Once Celebration Park is fully developed, it will satisfy the need through the year
2020.
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� Section IV - Recreation NeedsAssessment Page li�- 7
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Regional Park Needs
Analysis:
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Currently, there are two regional parks in the planning area. Both are owned and �
operated by the Washington State Parks Commission.
Dash Point State Park maintains a large camping area which draws people from �
throughout the state. To this point it serves more than just the Tacoma/Federal Way
area. West Hylebos State Park is primarily a wetlands area and is designed to provide �
trails and interpretative areas. Its regional impact is much smaller than Dash Point
State Park.
Recommendation: (Regional Parks)
Comments:
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The recommended goal of 2.6 acres per 1,000 population is a reduction in the present �
ratio. Based on this ratio, the 295 acres of regional park land will meet the need
through the year 2020.
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Page IV - 8 Section IV - Recreation Needs Assessment
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Linear Park Needs
Anal,�:
� Cunently, there are two sites that fit this category. These are the BPA Trail Park and
West Campus Trail.
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The existing ratio of 1 acre per 1,000 population represents about 74 acres of land.
' Based on the recommended goal, a total of 163.7 acres of land is presently needed.
The City cunently owns an additiona145 acres of undeveloped BPA right of way that
would meet a portion of this need once it is developed. By the year 2020, there will be
a total need for 248 acres of linear park land. The recommended goal of 2.2 acres per
� 1,000 reflects the potential for the expansion of the BPA Trail Park.
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Cit�ofFederal Wav Comprehensive Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan
� Section IV - Recreation Needs Assessment Page IV - 9
Recommendation: (I,inear Parks)
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Natural Open Space Area Needs
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Anal.�:
In the Federal Way area, a large amount of land is devoted just to natural open space. �
Cunently, there are 415.97 acres of open space land within the planning area.
Recommendation: (Natural Open Space Areas)
Comments
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The goal of 6.0 acres per 1,000 population is an increase over what now exists. �
However, this is only a small fraction of the number of acres that could be preserved.
A majority of this type of land is wetlands and steep hillsides that are not suitable for
development. �
The goal of 6.0 acres per 1,000 population means that 59 additional acres should be
acquired. By the year 2020, a total of 678.3 acres will be needed to meet the demand. �
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Page IV - 10 Section IV - Recreation Needs Assessment
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Special Use Areas Needs
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Anal,ysis:
, In Federal Way, this classification includes the indoor pools, waterfront access points
and several special use parks.
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The goal of 1.8 acres per 1,000 population increases the present ratio. The
� recommended goal will accommodate enough acreage for additional shoreline
acquisitions and a sport field complex. Based on the recommended standard, 19
additional acres are cunently needed. By the year 2020, a total of 203 acres will be
.. needed.
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Section IV - Recreation Needs Assessment Page IV - 11
Recommendation: (Special Use �►reas)
Total Park Land Needs
Analvsis:
Within the Federal Way planning area, there are 1405.57 acres of park and open space
land. This includes land that is owned by City of Federal Way, King County, State of
Washington and the Federal Way School District. Of the 1,406.07 acres, 1240.39
acres is cunently within the Federal Way city limits.
Recommendation: (Total Park Land)
Comments:
The recommended goal of 17.1 acres per 1,000 population is a slight increase over the
present ratio. This recommended goal would provide increases in most park land
categories.
The most noteworthy increases are in the neighborhood, community, open space and
linear park categories. This type of park site must consist of developable land and as a
result will be costly and difficult to acquire. Most of the open space land is
undevelopable as steep hillsides, wetlands or environmentally sensitive areas and can
be acquired through the land development process.
Because there is a surplus of land in the regional park category, the net overall park
land need is only 32 additional acres. However, as a practical point, there is a slight to
moderate need in the remaining park land categories.
Comprehensive Park, Recreation and Open Snace Plan Citv ofFederal WaY
Page IV - 12 Section IT� - Recreation Needs Assessment
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SPECIALIZED FACII.ITY NEEDS
Establishing needs for specialized facilities such as sport fields, trail systems, swimming pools, etc.
was also derived from several analytical approaches. These included:
� • present recreation participation levels
• needs expressed in the recreation survey (1990)
• NRPA Standards
• input from user groups
' • trends identified in national surveys
• sport field team levels and play requirements
• mathematical models
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While private facilities satisfy a certain need, they do not satisfy 100% of the public need. As a result,
only a portion of their credit was given when counting the existing inventory. Starting below are
recommendations for specialized recreation facilities.
Tennis Court Needs
Analysis:
There are 25 tennis courts in Federal Way located at school sites or parks. In addition,
there are ten indoor courts found in private clubs. Not included in this inventory are
the occasional tennis court found in apartment complexes or other housing pro�ects.
For purposes of analysis, we will give 25% credit to the private tennis courts facilities.
This credit represents an addition of 2.5 courts for of total of 28 courts. Out of the 28
courts in the Federal Way planning area, six courts are outside the cunent city limits.
Recommendation: (Tennis Courts)
Comments:
Based on the recommended goal, a total of 30 courts are currently needed. This
represents a need for an additional8 courts. By the year 2020, a total of 45 courts will
be needed.
City o1'Federal Way Co�rehensive Park. Recreation and Open Space Plan
Section li�- Recreation Needs Assessment Page IV -13
Adult Softball Field Needs
275'-300' (feet) ou�eld for slow pitch; 225' (feet) for men's fast pitch and 250' (feet) ou�eld for women's slow
pitch.
Ali alysis:
Most of the adult softball programs in the Federal Way area are managed by the
Federal Way Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department. In addition to these
programs, the City provides field space for South King County Modified Softball
organization and the Weyerhauser corporation. All totaled, there are 87 adult softball
teams.
Currently, there are six softball fields in the Federal Way planning area. However,
only five are within the current city limits. Four of the five fields are lighted.
The best approach we have found to identify present need is to compare supply and
demand. Lighted fields (4) will accommodate 3 games an evening (4 evenings a week)
or 48 games per week. Unlighted fields (1) accommodate 2 games an evening (4
evenings a week) or 8 games per week. A softball league play occurs four evenings a
week with weekends reserved for tournaments. Assuming two games per week, we
ha.ve the following:
87 games per week demand
56 games present fields can accommodate
Based on the current scheduling system, there is a deficit of 31 games a week. It is
possible to gain an additional 14 games a week by scheduling games on either Friday
or Sunday evenings. Even by scheduling games on both Friday and Sunday, there
would still be a slight shortage of fields.
Comments
Based on the recommended goal, nearly six additional fields are needed. We suspect
that if more fields were available, the number of teams would proportionately increase.
By the year 2020, there will be a total need for 16 softball fields. It should also be
noted that the above analysis does not take into account the quality of the fields.
Comprehensive Parl� Recreation and Open Space Plan Citv ofFederal Wuy
Page IV -14 Section IV - Recreation Needs Assessment
Recommendation: (softball fields)
Youth BasebalUSoftball Field Needs
Little teague, pony league and T-ball; 200' (feet) foul line
�yS1S:
Currently, there are 59 youth baseball and softball fields in the Federal Way planning
area. Of the 59 fields, only 42 are in the Federal Way city limits.
In Federal Way, there are three youth baseball progams: The Federal Way American
Little League, The Federal Way National League and the Steel Lake Little League.
They represent about 147 teams. In addition, there are 68 youth softball teams, and
35 Boys/Girls Club softball teams. In total they represent about 250 teams who utilize
city and school fields.
Like softball, the best approach we have found to identify present need is to compare
supply and demand. The 42 fields accommodate 1 game a night (5 nights a week) and
six games on Saturda.y for a total of 11 games per week. Assuirung two games per
week and one practice, we have the following:
500 games/practice per week demand
462 games present fields can accommodate
Comments
It should also be noted that the above analysis does not take into account the quality
of the fields which in many cases are quite poor. It is our recommendation that the
City should assist in providing enough quality fields for league play. Based on the
recommended standard, there is a need for eight additional fields. By the year 2020,
there will be a total need for 75 fields.
City o1'Federal Wav Comvrehensive Park Recreation and Open Space Plan
Section IV - Recreation Needs Assessment Page N- 1 S
Recommendation: (youth basebalUsoRball fieids)
Soccer Field Needs
Youth soccer SS z 100 yards; adult soccer 65 z 110 yards; championship soccer 75 z 120 yards
Arialysis:
Currently, there are 30 soccer fields in the Federal Way area. Of these, 22 are located
in the Federal Way city limits.
On a national scale soccer has become a very popular activity. This is especially true
in Federal Way. Cunently soccer is offered by two organizations, an adult and a youth
program. All totaled, there are approximately 200 teams.
Soccer teams play two games per week and practice between 1 and 2 times a week
(youth-twice a week and the adults-once a week). In general soccer is played four
evenings a week (one game per night) plus five games on Saturday and Sunday
Therefore, each soccer field can accommodate up to 14 games per week. Based on
this we have the following:
500 games/practices per week demand
308 games present fields can accommodate
Comments
From the above analysis there appears to be a substantial shortage of soccer fields.
Based on the recommended goal, there is a need for 10 more fields at the present time
By the year 2020, there will be a need for a total of 49 soccer fields. Again, this
analysis does not take into consideration the quality of the existing soccer fields.
Comprehensive Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan Citv otFederal Way
Page N- 16 Section IV - Recreation NeedsAssessment
Recommendation: (soccer fields)
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Football Field Needs
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' Currently, there are 9 football fields in the Federal Way planning area (PAA
boundary), of which two are located outside the city lirruts.
I ' The youth football program in Federal Way is provided by the Federal Way Junior
Football Association.
' Recommendation football fieids
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' Based on the recommended goal, there are no fields needed at the present time. By
the year 2020, a total of 11 fields will be needed.
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Cit�of Federal Wav Comprehensive Park Recreation and Open Space Plan
' Section IV - Recreation Needs Assessment Page IV - 17
Gymnasium Space Needs
Janior high - 74'z42' (feet); high school - 84'z50' (feet); collegiate - 94'L50' (feet)
Analysis:
In the Federal Way planning area, there are 37 gymnasiums. Of this total, nine are
located outside the crty lirruts. With the exception of the gym at Klahanee Lake
Senior/Community Center, all of the gyms are located at school district facilities.
Currently, the Federal Way Park, Recreation and Cultural Services Department offers
both a basketball and volleyball program. These programs utilize the school distriet
gymnasiums and the gym at Klahanee Lake Senior/Community Center. The Boys and
Girls Club also offers a youth progam. All totaled, there are 190 basketball teams and
25 volleyball teams.
For basketball, each team plays one game a week and averages two practices a week.
Teams can practice on a half court. Two games per night can be played five nights a
week for a total of 10 games per week. For volleyball, each team plays once a week.
Four matches per night can be played five nights a week. Based on this, we have:
285.0 games/practices per week demand-Basketball
12.5 games/practices per week demand Volleybail
280 games courts can accommodate
Recommendation: {gymnasiums)
Comments
The above analysis indicates a shortage of gym space. Based on the recommended
goa1, two more gyms are needed at the present time. By the year 2020, a total of 45
gyms will be needed
Comprehensive Parl� Recreation and Open Snace Plan Citv ofFederal Way
Page IV -18 Section IV - Recreation Needs Assessment
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Pathway and Trail System Needs
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Anal.Ysis:
� There are two pathway/trail systems in Federal Way. They are the West Campus Trail
which is about 1.5 miles in length and the BPA Trail (phase I) which is approximately
one mile in length. There are a number of potential trail locations, including the
' extension of the BPA power line system.
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Comments
' The recommended goal of 0.20 miles per 1,000 population means that an additional
12.4 miles are presently needed. The City is currently in the process of developing the
first phase of trail construction along the BPA powerlines. By the year 2020, a total of
, 22.6 miles will be needed.
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Cit �LofFederal Way Comprehensive Park. Recreation and Open Space Plan
� Section IV - Recreation Needs Assessment Page IV - 19
Recommendation: (Pathway and Trail Systems)
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Indoor Swimming Pool Needs
25 meter 61ane poo1= 3,608 sq. ft water area; 25 yard z 25 meter tee pool = 4,590 sq. ft water area; 50 meter z
8 lane poo1= 8,610 sq. ft water area.
Analysis:
Federal Way Pool (Kenneth 7ones Memorial Pool) and the Weyerhauser King County
Aquatic Center comprise the only publicly owned swimming pools in the City of
Federal Way. These are maintained and operated by King County Parks. Both pools
are barrier free and meet the American with Disabilities Act requirements.
The Federal Way Pool is a tee shaped pool of 25 yards by 25 meters. Depths vary
from 3 feet to 12 feet. One one-meter diving board is located in the deep end. The
facility has no meeting rooms, but does have one large outdoor patio. The pool was
designed and is operated as a local community recreational facility.
The Weyerhauser King County Aquatic Center was built for the 1990 Goodwill
Games. The Center was designed and is operated as a world class competitive facility
to host (2500 spectator seats) and train Olympic athletes in swimming, diving, water
polo and synchronized swimming. The Aquatic Center has 3 separate rectangular
pools. Each of these is listed below:
Compefition Pool
Diving Pool
Recreation Pool
50 meters (165 feet) by 75 feet; depth varies 9 feet to 10.5 feet
75 feet by 60 feet; depth varies from 16.5 fcet to 17.5 feet; 2 x 1 meter
diving boards; diving platforms of 1, 3, 5, 7.5 and 10 meters.
42 feet by 75 feet with a 4.5 feet by 62.5 feet pier down the long center,
depth varies from 0 to 4 feet.
The recreation pool is in a separate enclosure where most of the public programs can
be run when competitive meets are being held.
For purposes of analysis, we will give 25% credit to the private indoor swimming
facilities. This credit represents an addition of 1,305 sq. ft(25% x 5,220 total sq. ft. of
private indoor swimming space).
Facility Total Surface Surface Area 5' deep
Area (sa. ftJ or less lsq. ft.
Bally's Pacific West 3,150 sq. f� 3,150 sq. f�
Cascade Athletic Club 2.070 sa. f� 2,070 sp. f�
Total 5,220 sq. f� 5,220 sq. ft
A breakdown of the inventory for indoor swimming facilities is listed on the following
page:
Comprehensive Parl� Recreation and Open Snace Plan Citv otFederal Way
Page N- 20 Section IV - Recreation Needs Assessment
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Facility Total Surface Surface Area 5' deep
Area (sq. ft) or less (sq. ft.
Federal Way Pool
King County Aquatic Center
Subtotal (public facilities)
25% Credit for Private
TOTAL
4,590 sq. ft.
19.125 sq,. ft.
23,715 sq. f�
1.305 sq. ft.
25,020 sq. ft.
3,150 sq. ft.
2.794 sq. ft.
5,944 sq. ft.
1.305 sc�ft.
7,249 sq. R.
Based on the 1990 recreation survey, the estimated amount of indoor swimming in the
Federal Way area is about 280,000 occasions. From past research we know that a
peak winter month demand is about 15% of the total annual demand. This then gives
us: 42,000 Peak 30 Day Swimming Demand Occasions
In addition, our experience has shown us that a swimming pool should be designed to
accommodate about 60% of the average daily attendance at one time. This standard
will comfortably meet peak hour demand. In addition, we also know that 75% of the
total swimming activity will occur in shallow water (5 feet or less). This data now
gives us the information to develop the following formula:
Shallow Water Demand
Muldply 42,000 monthly swims x 75%
Divide by average of 30 days per month
Multiply by the 60% peak load factor
Multiply by 12 sq. 8. per swimmer
Deep Water Demand
= 31,500 shallow swims
= 1,050 daily swims
= 630 peak swimmers
= 7,560 sq. ft. water area demand
Multiply 42,000 monthly swims x 25% = 10,500 deep water swims
Divide by average of 30 days per month = 350 daily swims
Multiply by the 60% peak load factor = 210 peak swimmers
Muldply by 27 sq. ft. per swimmer = 5,670 sq. ft. water area demand
Total Indoor Pool Area Demand: 13,230 sq, ft water area
In summary, we have the following supply and demand for shallow and deep water.
Shallow Water
Deep Water
Supply
Demand
Supply
Demand
7,249 sq. ft.
7,560 sq. ft.
17,771 sq. ft.
5,670 sq. ft.
City ofFederal Wav Comnrehensive Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan
� Section IV - Recreation Needs Assessment Page IV - 21
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Recommendation: (Indoor swimming Poots)
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Comments: '
Based on our analysis, there is a slight shortage of shallow water area and a surplus of
deep water area.. The recommended goal of 350 SF per 1,000 population reflects a '
slight increase in the need for additional shallow water space.
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Comprehensive Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan Ci1�fFederal Way
Page IV - 22 Section IV - Recreation NeedsAssessment �
* Partial credit for private facilities
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SECTION V
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
INTRODUCTION
A very important element in this study was to determine what types and levels of recreation services
should be offered by the City. This is reflected in the following goals and objectives.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Goals and objectives aze statements which an agency wishes to achieve. They provide direction for
providing services. They can also be a means of evaluating the success of a program. Shown below
are goals and objectives for the City's Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services. They
are not shown in any priority.
De�nitions
Goal:
A goal is a statement of the City's aspirations as it relates to park and
recreation services. It is the desirabte quality which the City wishes
to ac6ieve. A goal must be realistic and flezible enough to allow a discussion of
how it is to be achieved. Goals are long range and
usually remain unchanged throughout the practical life of the plaa.
Objectives:
Objectives are working and measurable statements which identify specific
steps needed to achieve the stated goal. Often one goal will have a number of
objectives.
Cit�o, f Federal Wav Comnrehensive Park, Recreation and Open Snace Plan
' Section V- Goals and Objectives Page V- 1
Goai # 1
Provide a comprehensive leisure services program offering high quality recreation facilities and
Progr'ams.
Objectives:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Goal• # 2
Become the primary coordinating agency between the city and the state, county and school district
for recreation services in Federal Way.
Coordinate with the school district to utilize school facilities for recreational purposes.
�nvolve special interest groups in the acquisition, development and use of special use facilities.
Provide adequate staff to meet recreation needs of residents.
Pursue joint ventures with private groups or individuals in developing recreation opportunities.
Develop regulations that require developers to meet a minimum standard for on-site recreational
facilities or equivalent in-lieu provisions.
Maintain a high profile in the community to help promote the leisure services program.
Provide an equitable distribution of recreation resources among park operations, recreation
programs and other services.
Develop staff growth and development by encouraging participation in and supporting educational
classes and instruction.
Encourage good public relations by all parks and recreation employees.
Provide a high quality of park, open space and specialized facilities.
Objectives:
1.
2.
Upgrade eaisting and develop new park sites to provide a variety of recreation activities serving a
wide range of user groups.
Acquire and preserve land for parks and recreational use well in advance of development of an
area to ensure affordable land prices and a choice of sites — even though limited financial
resources may delay actual park development
Comprehensive Park. Recreation and Open Space Plan Citv ofFederal WaY '
Page V- 2 Section [�- Goals and Objectives
3.
4.
Develop and maintain a high quality of improvements for park areas and facilitics.
Preserve areas with critical or unique natural features — such as strcam corridors, wildlife
habitats, shorelines and wetlands — especialiy if endangered by developmen�
5. Support a city-wide network of open space and greenbelts to protect sensitive lands (such as stream
corridors, wetlands and steep slopes), to serve as urban connectors and dividers, and to provide for
passive recreation. Support pedestrian and bicycle connections tothe City Center core and nearby
neighborhoods and parks.
6. Provide facilities and opportunities for cultural recreation in visual, performing and literary arts.
7. Provide facilities and opportunities for indoor recreation activities.
8. Provide facilities and opportunities for outdoor active recreation activities.
9. Provide facilities and opportunities for senior activities.
10.
11.
Distribute park facitities throughout City of Federal Way neighborhoods so that all neighborhoods
have recreational opportunities, so far as it is practical.
Provide for park facilities and recreation programs that meet the needs of special populations.
12. Provide adequate on-site conditions — such as off-street parking, handrails, ramps, lighting -- so
that all members of the community have equal opportunity for safe and satisfying recreational
esperiences. ,
13.
14.
Goai # 3
Ensure that park and recreation facilities are accessible.
Preserve/renovate historical landmarks and buildings that have recreational potential.
Provide a broad, diverse, fleaible and challenging program of recreation services to meet the leisure needs
of all age groups and interests.
Objectives:
1. Be a catalyst to see that all recreation needs are being met in Federal Way. This does not mean
that the City needs to offer all of the services.
2. Evaluate recreation ciasses on an annual basis in terms of cost and participation levels.
3. Provide children's programs that meet the growing needs of families by providing latch key and
other programs whenever possible.
4. Utilize to the mazimum eatent possible the variety of recreation opportunities presented by eaisting
and new parks and recreation facilities. �
Citv ofFederal Wav Comprehensive Park. Recreation and Open Space Plan
Section U- Goals and Objectives Page v- 3
Goal• # 4
Encourage public involvement in the park and recreation planning process.
Objectives:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Goal # 5
Obtain citizen responses to specific programs, facilities and policy considerations as an integral
part of the decision-making process.
Monitor park and recreation preferences, needs and trends through questionnaires, surveys and
public hearings.
Provide public review stages in planning decisions which affect the public interes�t.
Estabtish public relations and publicity efforts to inform citizens of the recreation opportunities
available city-wide and in local neighborhoods.
Encourage citizen involvement and participation in restoring the quality of park development and
maintenance with programs such as adopt-a-park, etc.
Provide a high quality and efficient level of maintenance for all park areas and facilities.
Objectives:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Maintain park and recreation facilities in such a way as to make them safe, attractive and a
positive amenity to the community and neighborhood.
Maintain a high level of maintenance for parks and other facilities.
Develop a maintenance management system that will track costs and forecast labor and equipment
needs of new and eaisting facilities.
Provide a training program for permanent employees to enhance professional maintenance
operations.
Coordinate maintenance operations with other agencies such as the Federal Way School District
Comprehensive Park. Recreation and Open Space Plan Citv ofFederal Way '
Page I�- 4 Section V- Goals and Objectives
SECTIOI�T vI
PARK POLICIES AND DEVELOPMENT CRITERIA
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SECTION VI
PARK POLICIES AND DEVELOPMENT CRITERIA
INTRODUCTION
� The following policies and design standards apply to the acquisition and/or development of parks,
open space areas, trail systems and specialized facilities. Once adopted by the City Council, they will
help guide the Parks and Recreation Commission, Youth Commission, Art Commission, Planning
� Commission and City Council on issues dealing with the acquisition and development of park sites
and open space areas.
Mini Parks
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Policies and Development Criteria:
Because of their limited recreation value and other associated operational problems, the city
should resist developing these existing sites. Only when there aze no other options available
should these types of parks be developed.
Neighborhood Parks
Policies and Development Criteria - School Grounds:
NP 1. The school park concept is primarily associated with elementary schools and should be
planned and designed as a composite unit whenever possible.
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NP 6.
Site size can be smaller than a standard neighborhood park. Optimum size is five acres
or more, but they can be as small as three acres.
Because of the potential jointly developing school sites, facilities on the site itself
should be a mixture of active and passive uses. This could include:
• pathways systems
• picnic areas/facilities
• multi-purpose paved court
• a sma11 piece of playground equipment
• open grass areas for baseball and soccer
Because these sites are on school facilities, landscaping should address safety and
security issues
Facilities generating crowd noise should be located in a manner so as not to disturb
adjoining residential areas.
When sport fields utilized for league play are located on school grounds, the city
should assist in upgrading and maintaining these fields.
Crlv otFederal Wav Comprehensive Park. Recreation and Onen Space Plan
� Section VI - Park Policies and Development Criteria PQBe V! -1
Policies and Development Criteria - Standard Neighborhood Park:
SNP 1
SNP 2
SNP 3.
SNP 4.
SNP 5.
SNP 6.
SNP 7.
A neighborhood park should be developed when the area it serves reaches 50%
developed (measured by either land mass or population).
It should be 3-10 acres in size. However, as a practical point, the City may be forced
to accept smaller parcels for neighborhood parks in areas where little vacant land is
available.
At least 50% of the site should be flat and usable and open for both active and passive
uses.
Appropriate facilities include:
.
.
.
Children's playground
Unstructured open play area for general recreation use and practice games
Paved games court
Picnic area
Trail system
Natural open space
Drainage corridors
Other possible facilities: restrooms, picnic shelter building, tennis courts
Facilities generating crowd noise should be located in a manner so as not to disturb
adjoining residential areas.
Parking guidelines: NI'inimum of 3 spaces per acre of active park area. The design
should encourage access by foot or bicycle.
Site selection criteria:
• The site should be central to the area it serves.
• The site should be adjacent to other open space areas or trail systems, if possible.
• If possible, walking distance should not exceed one half mile for the area it serves.
The need to cross major arterial streets or other physical barriers should be
discouraged.
• The site should be readily visible and have significant street frontage.
• Access to the site should be via a local residential street. If located on a busy
arterial street, appropriate fencing and other safety steps should be taken.
Comprehensive Park. Recreation and Open Space Plan Citv ofFedera! Way
Page i�I - 2 Section VI - Park Polrcies and Development Criteria
Community Parks
Policies and Development Criteria - Community Parks:
CP 1.
CP 2.
CP 3.
CP 4.
CP 5.
A community park should be developed when the area it serves reaches 60%
developed.
Acquisition of community park sites should occur far in advance of its actual need.
Muumum size should be 15 acres, with the optimum being about 25 acres.
At least ten acres of the site should be usable for active recreation use.
Appropriate facilities include:
• Regulation size athletic facilities - softball, baseball, soccer, etc.
• Tennis courts
• Open free play area
• Restroom facility
• Picnic facilities
• Trail systems
• Landscaped gardens
• Outdoor basketball courts
• Children's playground (if needed to also serve the neighborhood)
• Natural open space
• Indoor recreational facilities such as a recreation center, senior center, tennis
center etc.
• Outdoor sand volleyball courts
• Space for special outdoor events
CP 6. Parking guidelines: dependent upon the activities. Use 50 spaces per ballfield or 5
spaces per acre of active use.
CP 7. Site selection criteria:
• The site should be reasonably central to the area it serves.
• The park should be located on an arterial or collector street and have significant
street frontage.
• If possible, some of the site shouid have a natural area or heavy landscape setback
to help buffer active uses from residential areas.
• Heavily wooded sites are acceptable but will require considerable clearing to
accommodate the active uses.
• Environmentally sensitive sites can be a part of this type of park if protected from
active visitor use.
Citv ofFedera! Wav Comprehensive Parl� Recreation and Oven Space Plan
Section I�I - Park Policies and Development Criteria Page YI - 3
Large Urban Parks
Policies and Development Criteria - Large Urban Parks: •
LUP 1. Nfinimum size should be about 50 acres with the optimum being about 75 acres or
more. '
LUP 2. At least 75% of the site should be developed.
LUP 3. Appropriate facilities are similar to that of a community park plus the following:
• Indoor recreation facilities
• Single-purpose specialized facilities (e.g. swimming pool, special landscaped
features, etc.)
• Group picnic areas
� Food concessions
• Event support facilities
LUP 4. Parking requirements: dependent upon the activities proposed.
LUP 5. High use areas should be adequately buffered from adjacent residential areas.
Regional Parks
Policies and Development Criteria - Regional Parks:
RP 1
RP 2
RP 3.
RP 4
The Regional Park should be designed to meet a wide range of activities and interests
but can also emphasize a natural feature that makes the site unique.
If the site will attract large volumes of traffic, access should be via a collector or
arterial street.
Possible facilities include:
• Viewpoints
• Trail systems
• Special facilities for the physically disabled
• Picnic areas
• Open play areas
• Water access facilities
• Nature interpretative areas
• Sport facilities
• Group picnic areas
• Specialized play equipment
Parking requirements are dependent upon the activities offered.
Comprehensive Park. Recreation and Open Space Plan Cit� f Federal Wav �
Page VI - 4 Section VI - Park Policies and Development Criteria
RP 5.
Linear Parks
Location Criteria
� Location is most often determined by the features it can offer.
• Access should be from an arterial street if traffic volumes are expected to be high.
• Heavily wooded sites can be appropriate.
• Environmentally sensitive sites are appropriate if protected from active visitor use.
Policies and Development Criteria - Linear Parks:
LP 1. Activities are generally passive in nature.
LP 2. Linear parks should generally follow drainage comdors, natural vegetation or other
special feature strips.
LP 3. If possible, linear parks should be at least 100' wide.
LP 4. The natural vegetation should be maintained.
� LP 5. Paved pathways should be designed to accommodate maintenance and patrol vehicles.
(See trail illustrations pages 7 and 8.)
LP 6. Where general public use is promoted, adjoining uses should be protected by fences or
'� other features to control access.
', � Natural Open Space Areas
Pohcies and Development Cntena - Natural General Open Space:
NOS 1.
�
NOS 2
NOS 3.
Where feasible, public access into these areas can be encouraged through the use of
trail systems. .
Improvements should be kept to a minimum with the emphasis placed on maintaining
the natural environment.
Environmentally sensitive lands should be acquired and placed in this category.
NOS 4. Prior to acquiring an open space site, a thorough site analysis should be made to
determine if unique qualities and conditions exist that warrant the open space
designation.
NOS 5.
NOS 6.
Natural open space should not be acquired just for the reason of defeating a land
development opposed by adjoining neighbors.
The intent of these policies is to insure that natural open space is maintained in its
natural state but open to the general public. This land does not necessarily need to be
City otFedera! W Comnrehensive Parl� Recreation and Open Space Plan
�I � Section VI - Park Policies and Development Criteria Page VI - S
I
�
owned by the City and public access can be assured through the use of access
easements.
Special IIse Areas
Policies and Development Criteria - Special Use Areas:
�
�
�
SU 1. Prior to acquiring or developing any special use area, the City should first determine �
the maintenance and operation costs.
SU 2. Some sites should be developed primarily for use by the daytime employee. These
sites should be located within a 3-5 minute driving time or 10 minute walking time of
major employment centers. Their purpose is to provide passive recreation space for
use during lunch breaks or similar penods. Appropriate facilities include landscaped
areas, open grass areas, benches, picnic tables and trails.
SU 3. Parking and access requirements will be determined by the type of activity proposed.
Pathway and Trail Systems
Policies and Development Criteria - Pathway and Trail S sty ems:
PTS 1. Trails should be interesting and attractive to the user. Trails which follow natural
water courses, traverse interesting scenery or cross areas of outstanding beauty
provide interesting and enjoyable experience for the trail user.
PTS 2.
PTS 3.
PTS 4.
PTS 5.
PTS 6.
PTS 7.
Trails should be looped and interconnected to provide a variety of trail lengths and
destinations.
Trail routes should take into account soil conditions, steep slopes, surface drainage
and other physicallimitations that could impact the area. from over-use.
Bicycle trails should provide opportunities for the recreational rider as well as the
touring and commuter bicyclist.
Bicycle routes and paths should minimize the conflicts between motorists and
bicyclists. (street crossings)
H'iking trails should have a variety of lengths and grades for the casual stroller as well
as the serious hiker.
Most paved trails should be wide enough to accommodate patrol and maintenance
vehicles when appropriate.
Comprehensive Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan Cilv ofFederal Wax �
Page I�l - 6 Section VI - Park Policies and Development Criteria
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Cit�afFedera! Wav Comprehensive Park, Recreation and Onen Space Plan
Section VI - Park Policies and Development Criteria Page VI - 7
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MULTI-PURPOSE PAVED TRAIL STANDARD
Comprehensive Park. Recreation and Open Space Plan Ci1v ofFederal Way
Page VI - 8 Section VI - Park Policies and Development Criteria
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� INTRODUCTION
SECTION VII
PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS
;� In this section, specific recommendations are made for the development, rehabilitation, operation and
management of the park and recreation services in•Federal Way. These recommendations are divided
into the following categories:
1. Facility Plan (includes parks and open space)
2. Traits Systems
3. Major Recreation Areas
4. Administration and Management Recommendations
5. Park Maintenance Operations
6. Recreation Services
7. Cultural Arts
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The goal of the Facility Plan is to ass�re tl�at every c�eigl�bor-t�ood- i�� Feder-al� V�a�r is served- b3r. a par-k.
This goal will be met through open space, parks, special use facilities and school facilities. The
amount of land represented by the facility plan is about 1,933 acres and is designed to serve the City
until the year 2020. This represents a sernce level for the planning area of 17.1 acres per 1,000
population. This is the level of service is provided within the total planning area.
The City of Federal Way is cunently providing 10.9 acres per 1,000 population within the city limits.
This level of service will remain to be the City's standard. A summary of this information is shown
below. �
Cit�ofFedera! Wav Comnrehensive Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
� Section VII - Plan Recommendations Section VII- 1
Table 21
Summary of Service Level Recommendations
Federal Way Planning Area
General Notes About the Facility Plan
2.
3
The planning area is divided into eight planning districts (A to I� defined by the
service area of existing or proposed community parks. These planning distncts or
service areas were deternuned by the service radius of the community park, physical
boundaries, land use or other features.
The plan covers the city limits as well as unincorporated land making up the urban
growth area. An (*) indicates that the park site is located outside the city limits.
Each site is defined by a number and a letter of the alphabet such as 12 N The
number is for site identification only. The letter represents the type of proposed park
and are identified as follows:
M Mini-Park
N Neighborhood Park
C Community Park
LU Large Urban Park
R Regional Park
L Linear Park
SU Special Use Area
OS Open Space Areas
4. It is the intent to only show the general location of new park sites and open space �"
areas. The exact size and boundaries will be deternuned at time of acquisition by
ownership patterns and other factors. �
5. The location and arrangement of the neighborhood and community park system is �
designed to serve the city when it is fully developed.
6. Most community parks will contain sport fields and should be lighted when feasible.
Remaining high quality lighted playing fields will be located in proposed sports
complexes.
Comprehensive Parks. Recreation and Opett Space Plan Citv ofFederal Way
Section Vll- 2 Section VII - Plan Recommendations
�
• � -► •
� ..
. � . . . � • •
.:
O►PEN SP:A►CE PLAN
Coinn�e�ceine�l
�y
Puq ���
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-_ � 1 ---- -_
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_ _ _L_ �
FACILITY PLAN
Legend :
C� City Park
� County Park
� State Parl�
Public School�
� Proposed Park and t�pen
�- Space Areas
� Qpen Space Areas
. �� � Trails
� Planning Area Boundary
(PAA Boundary)
Subarea �oundary
N Neighborhood Park
C Community Park
i� Regional Park
I_ Linear Park
OS Open Space Area
SU Speciai Use Area
�
�
o ,000 �oo e000 e000
J
D
J C DRAGGOO & ASSOCIATES
November 21, 1995
EXLSTII�TG PARK AND OPEN SPACE SITES
PARK NAME Page #
City of Federal Way
Adelaide Park ...........................Page VII-11
Alderbrook Park.....».»............Page VII-15
Alderdale Park...........„............Page VII-19
BPA Trail Park ........................Page VII-20
Camelot Open Space ................Page VII-41
Campus Avenue Open Space....Page VII-15
Celebration Park ......................Page VII-30
Coronado Park .........................Page VII-19
Dash Point Highlands Park........Page VII-S
Dumas Bay Open Space .............Page VII-9
Dumas Bay Park .........................Page VII-9
Fisher's Pond ............................Page VII 13
French Lake Park ....................Page VII-13
Heritage Open Space �srn�.......Page VII-29
Heritage Woods Open Space....Page VII-34
Heritage Woods Park ...............Page VII-34
Hylebos Creek Open Space......Page VII-25
Klahanee Lake Comm. Ctr......Page VII-30
Lake Grove Park ......................Page VII-12
Lake Killarney Open Space.....Page VII-47
Lakota Park ..................»..........Page VII-13
Lochaven Open Space ..............Page VII-10
Madrona Meadows Park..........Page VII-21
Madrona Trails Open Space....Page VII-19
Marlbrook Open Space............Page VII-34
Mirror Lake Park ....................Page VII-29
Olympic View Park ..................Page VII-16
Palisades Park ............................Page VII-8
Panther Lake Park ...................Page VII-20
Poverty Bay Park .....................Page VII-11
Marlbrook O.S . .......................Page VII-34
Sacajawea Park ........................Page VII-35
Saghalie Park ...........................Page VII-19
Spring Valley Open Space .......Page VII-24
Steel Lake Park ........................Page VII-37
SW 312th Sports Court Park...Page VII-13
SW 363rd Open Space .............Page VII-26
Twin Lakes Vista Open Space...Page VII-S
Visitation Retreat Center.........Page VII-10
Wedgewood Open Space..........Page VII-16
West Campus Open Space .......Page VII-14
West Campus Trail ..................Page VII-29
Wildwood Park .........................Page VII-36
PARK NAME PaQe #
King County
Camelot Park .......................:...Page VII-41
Federal Way Pool �c�,�enao�
Manorial Poon ..................»..........Page VII-37
Five Mile Lake Park ....»..»......Page VII-50
Lnke Geneva Park ...................Page VII-46
Puyallup Landfill ..........».........Page VII-47
Weyer/King Ca Aquatic Ctr...Page VII-20
State of Washington
Dash Point State Park ............... Page VII
Lake Dolloff Access ..................Page VII-42
Nort6 Lake Access ....................Page VII-46
West Hylebos State Park..........Page VII-24
Federal Way School District
Adelaide Elementary.........».....Page VII-11
Brigadoon Elementary .............Page VII-16
Camelot Elementary .................Page VII-41
Decatur High ............................Page VII-10
Eaterprise Elementary .............Page VII-24
Federal Way High ....................Page VII-37
Grcen Gables Elementary.:....... Page VII-8
Harry S T�vman High/Merit...Page VII-29
Dlahee Junior High ...................Page VII-25
Kilo Junior High .......................Page VII-42
Lake Dolloff Elementary..........Page VII-42
Lake Grove Elementary...........Page VII-12
Lakeland Elementary ..............Page VII-47
Lakota Junior High ..................Page VII-13
Mark Twain Elementary..........Page VII-34
Mirrnr Lake Elementary.........Page VII-29
Nautilus Elementary .................Page VII 35
Olympic View Elementary.......Page VII-15
Panther Lake Elementary........Page VII-31
Ranier View Elementary .........Page VII-51
Sacajawea Junior High .............Page VII-35
Saghalie Junior High ................Page VII-19
Sherwood Forest Elementary...Page VII-20
Silver Lake Elementary ...........Page VII-15
Thomas Jefferson High ............Page VII-40
Twin Lake Elementary .............. Page VII-9
Valhalla Elementary .................Page VII-40
Wildwood Elementary ..............Page VII-36
Citv ofFederal Wav Comprehensive Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
� Section VII - Plan Recommendations Section I�II- S
PROPOSED PARK AND OPEN SPACE SITES
PARK NAME Page #
Bingaman Pond Wetlands (Prnposed)VII-40
E. Hylebos O.S. (Proposed)...»......... VII 51
E. Hylebos Park (Proposecn ............. VII 51
Evergreen Heights Park (Proposed) VII-42
Forest Greea Park (Proposed)......... VII-30
Hoyt Road Open Space {Proposed).. VII-16
Hytebos Roadside Park (Proposed).. VII-26
Dlahee Park (Proposed) .................... VII-25
Lake Dollof� Wetlands (Proposed)... VII-42
Lakota Neigh. Park (Proposed)........ VII-11
Lochaven Park (Proposed) ............... VII-10
Marine Hills Open Space (Proposed)VII-35
N. Cnmelot Pnrk (Proposed) ............ VII-41
Ocean View Park (Proposed)........... VII-12
Outdoor Ed, Site (Prnposed) ............ VII-50
Peasley Canyoa O.S. (Proposed)...... VII-46
Sports Complez (Proposed) .............. VII 25
Soundview Park (Proposed) ............. VII-12
Redondo Heights Park (Proposed)... VII-34
Spider Lake Pxrk (Proposed)........... VII-47
Spring Vsdiey Park (Prnposed) ........ VII-24
Steel Lake Wetlands (Proposed)...... VII-36
West Campus Park (Prnposcd)........ VII-14
Sist Avenue Park (Propose�........... VII-43
288th Street Park (Proposed)........... VII-40
Comprehensive Parks. Recreation and Open Space Plan City ofFederal Wav �
Section I�ll- 6 Section Vll - Plan Recommendations
PLANNING AREA A
(Includes the Dash Point, Adclaidc and Lakota areas)
Summary of Rccommcndations
Mini 0.00 : 0
�:. __ — � �
Neighborhood : 85.30 : 18
... t ........................... _.................
Communit�' ........:.. ... ...1 --...
Large Urban : 0.00 � 0 _
Rc i____�_onat__________w.___._230.00 _:._�__.__1 ___,__.
Opcn Space ........:. . ....255.55 : 11
.. . . ....... . ........... _..
Linear 0.00 : 0
.................�--- � --�-�- - - --------... -> - �
Spccial Usc '• - - --58.ffi ..:.__ �
'��� �
� '....
City of Federal 6t%nv
Sectio�� VII - Plnn Reconrnie��datrons
_ ;�'
,
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,
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A REA
LOCATtnti
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I-5
� Crnrrprel�ensh�c Pnrks, Recrentron nnd Ope�� Space Plrn�
Sectio�� I7I- 7
' I I
� I
CHARACTER:
PLANNING AREA A
This service area is primarily residential in nature with some scattering of small shopping centers. Most of the
housing was built after 1980 and ranges from middle to upper middle values. Some vacant land exists but is
fast being converted to housing.
TOPOGRAPHY:
The terrain in this area consists primarily of rolling hills that range in elevation from 200' to 400' above sea
level. There are several areas, particularly along the drainage corridors and Puget Sound shorelines, that
exceed 30% slopes. Some Natural Open Space Areas are available from the steep canyons that begin at the
Sound and extend into the interior.
EXISTING PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
AREAS
Adelaide Park
Adelaide Elementary School Park
. ..........•••••• ..................••••••.....•••••••..............
Alderbrook Park (includes school #
• ••••-...........•• ...............••••••••........._..........._...
Bri¢adoon Elementarv School Pazk
Cam us Avenue S ce
Dash Point Hiphlands Pazk
• ••...•-••••• ............. ... ........••-•••••••••••••••-••-•••••.
Dash Point State Park (State)
............••••••........••••..........••• .............................
Decatur High School Park
Ihunas Bay S ce
Dumas Bay Park
.....................•-••........................................._.....
Fisher's Pond
...._.._...........•••••••••••••......•-•••••••••• .....................
French Lake Pazk
Green Gable Elemen School Park
Lake Grove Elementary School Park
....................•••••......................•••••....................
Lake Grove Pazk
..........................•••••..............•••••••••••................
Lakota Junior Higt► School Pazk
Lakota Park
Lochaven S�ace •---•••--•......-•---•--... _ .
Ol�npic View Elementary School
Olympic View Park
Palisades Park
Povertv Bav Park
Silver Lake Elementary School Park
..••• ...............................................•----•----•------•------
SW 312th Sports Court Park
Twin Lakes Elementar� School Park
Twin Lakes Vista .................
.. .................. .
Visitation Retreat Center
............................................................................
West Campus Oven Snace
6.70
.... 4: �g..... ;
35.10 ;
. ......•--•--...;
4.14
2.60 ;
..... 00 .....�
230.00 �
..................:
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PROPOSED PARKS AND OPEN SPACE ,
AREAS
Hoyt Road Open S�ace (Proposec
: _ Lakota Nei�hborhood Park (Pro�
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� Lochaven Open Space_Expansion
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Lochaven Park (proposed)
Ocean View Park (Pro sed
r Pazk (Pro�osed)
. West Camnus Neieh. Park (Pronc
10.00
3.00
60.00
5.00
3.00
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Comprehensive Parks. Recreation and Open Space Plan Citv ofFederal Way
Section VII- 8 Section VII - Plan Recommendations '
PLANNING AREA A
SPECIFIC RECOMI��NDATIONS
Dash Point State Park Site 1-R Regional Park
Located off Dash Point Road, this is one of two State owned and operated parks in the
planning area. Since this site is not managed by the City, no changes or specific
recommendations are made for the site. However, it is recommended that the State and
the City coordinate their efforts in planning for non-urban trails in the area.
Dash Point Highlands Park Site 2-N Neighborhood Park
This 5.0 acre parcel situated directly south of Dash Point State Park, was originally
� formed to serve as a storm water retention area. The site is located off Southwest 324th
Place, with this street being the only access to the site.
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The site itself is relatively level except for the retention pond. The pond is dry except in
times of heavy rainfall. The site also includes a children's playground.
Specific recommendations for the site include:
• Paved multi-use court
• Multi-purpose soccer field
• Two tennis courts
• Picnic area with shelter
• Restroom building
• Paved pathway system
• Parking (5-10 spaces)
• Trailhead to Dash Point State Park
Twin Lakes Vista Open Space Site 3-OS Natural Open Space Area
� This existing 3.6 acre parcel is also located in the Dash Point Highlands area and is off
325th Way near the intersection with 47th Avenue. The site borders Dash Point State
Park on the north and is heavily wooded, but offers little opportunity for development.
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Green Gables Elem. School Park Site 4-N Neighborhood Park
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It is recommended that the City work cooperatively with the School District to upgrade
the 5.89 acres of active recreation area located at the Green Gables Elementary School.
Palisades Park Site 5-N Neighborhood Park
� This 3.2 acre park is located south of Dash Point Road directly east of 51 st Avenue.
Facilities at the site include a basketball court, play equipment, open lawn area and a trail
system. A small parking area is located adjacent to the roadway.
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Cit�of Federal Way Comprehensive Parks. Recreation and Open Space Plan
� Section VII - Plan Recommendations Section VII- 9
PLANNING AREA A
The park, as it now exists, has no opportunity for expansion or further development.
Specific improvements recommended are:
• Road improvements along west side of park
• Improve site drainage
• Add landscaping
• Picnic area with shelter
• Improve turf conditions (fertilization, seeding, etc.)
• Work out use agreement with church for additional parking
Dumas Bay Open Space Site 6-OS Natural Open Space Area
This 2.4 acre parcel is located in the Dumas Bay area and was acquired through the King
County transfer. It is located at the end of 214th Place and is adjacent to an undeveloped
school site. Presently the site is hea.vily wooded but because of its size is quite limited to
any activity beyond its open space classification. However, it may be possible to connect
this site to the proposed Twin Lakes Park described below.
Twin Lakes Elem. School Park Site 7-N Neighborhood Park
It is recommended that the City work closely with the Federal Way School District to
upgrade the 5.03 acres of active recreation area located at the Twin Lakes Elementary
School.
Dumas Bay Park
Site 8-SU Special Use Area
This 19.3 acre park is located between Dash Point Road and the Puget Sound. The site
is unique because it is one of the few areas along the Sound that is in public ownership.
An unpaved trail begins at a parking area located off 44th Avenue and terminates at the
beach about a quarter of a mile away. Only about 200 feet of sandy beach is available.
The site also has a heron rookery and wetlands area.
While the site could be expanded for other uses, the existence of the wetlands and heron
rookery precludes any expanded use at the beach. Suggested improvements to the site
should include:
• Improve entrance to site and upgrade parking area and add interpretive sign
• Add small restroom building
• Pave pathway to beach
• Add shelter building next to beach
Comprehensive Parks. Recreation and Oven Space Plan Ciy ofFederal Wav
- Section VII-10 Section VII - Plan Recommendations
PLANNING AREA A
Decatur High Schoot Park Site 9-SU Special Use Area
It is recommended that the City work with the School District to upgrade the recreation
facilities located on the 16.64 acres of land located adjacent to Decatur H'igh School.
Proposed Lochaven Park Site 10 N Neighborhood Park
A neighborhood park of approximately five acres is proposed for the Lochaven
neighborhood. It could be located along 30th Avenue adjacent to Decatur High School
but a better location would be within the Lochaven open space area (Site 11-0). While
this open space Area is mostly steep hillsides, there is some flat land along the south edge
of the property. By locating a park in this area, it would also serve as a trailhead for the
Freeway - Bay Trail. Proposed facilities at this park site could include:
• Children's playground area
• Paved multi-use court
• Multi-purpose soccer/youth baseball field
• Parking (15-25 spaces)
• Trail conneetion/trailhead
Lochaven Open Space
Site 11-OS Natural Open Space Area
This open space area is located along the Joe's Creek and Lakota Creek drainage
corridors and contains over 75 acres of hea�ily wooded land. Out of the proposed 75.0
acres, 14.4 acres is in public ownership. An old rock quarry is found on the site. It is
recommended that the steep hillsides and drainage corridors be preserved for general
open space. The proposed Freeway to Bay Trail terminates at this site. Suggested
improvements include:
• Trail system
• Viewpoints
Visitation Retreat Center Site 12-SU Special Use Area
This 12.0 acre site is located off Dash Point Road overlooking the Puget Sound.
Facilities include meeting spaces and overnight accommodations. Suggested
improvement to the site include:
• Landscaping
� Upgrade parking area
• Add picnic shelter
• ADA improvements
• Pathway improvements
Citv otFederal Wav Comprehensive Parks. Recreation and Open Space Plan
Section Vll - Plarr Recommendations Section Vll- 11
PLANNING AREA A
Proposed Lakota Neighborhood Park Site 13-N Neighborhood Park
A three acre neighborhood park site is proposed in the Lakota Neighborhood. A good
location would be adjacent to Poverty Bay Park which could also act as a trailhead to
that pazk site. Several locations at the ends of 300th Place or 302nd Place are possible.
It may also be possible to develop a small neighborhood park within Poverty Bay Park if
the terrain permits.
Poverty Bay Park Site 14-OS Natural Open Space Area
This 48 acre site is undeveloped and contains about 1,275 feet of shoreline. The land
consists mostly of steep topography and a bluff that overlooks the Sound. Because of
the bluff, little beach area is available. Access to the site is limited to several street stubs.
The site has great view potentials of the Sound and Olympic Mountains.
Recommendations for Poverty Bay Park are:
• Identify public shore and tidelands
• Develop picnic area
Adelaide Elementary School Park Site 15-N
Neighborhood Park
It is recommended that the City work cooperatively with the School District to upgrade
the 4.78 acres of recreation land located at the Adelaide Elementary School.
Adelaide Park Site 16-N Neighborhood Park
This 6.7 acre park is located adjacent to Adelaide Elementary School. Access to the park
is off 16th Avenue Southwest from the east and 21 st Avenue from the west. The City
recently completed the installation of a children's playground, tennis court, picnic area
and improved sight lines in to this heaviliy wooded park. The site also includes a horse
arena.
The majority of the site is level and heavily wooded which has caused some concern by
local residents regarding personal safety in the park. The site, as it exists now, lacks the
facilities needed to make it a neighborhood park.
Suggested improvements to the site include:
• Add multi-purpose paved court
• Add off-street parking
• Pave more trails
Comprehensive Parks. Recreation and Ope» Space Plan Citv ojFederal Way
Section VII- 12 Section VII - Plan Recommendations
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Proposed Ocean View Park Site 17-SU Special Use Area
Currently, 21st Place terminates at Puget Sound. The paved street literally extends into
the water at high tide. While offering a place to see the Sound, there is very little paxlcing
available because the street right of way is only 60' wide. Additional saltwater frontage
is unavailable unless adjacent homesites were acquired.
Recognizing the need for saltwater access, it is recommended that a small3 acre parcel of
land be acquired in this general vicinity for viewpoints of the Sound. Several potential
sites can be found between 21 st and 24th Avenues.
Proposed Soundview Park Site 18-N Neighborhood Park
This neighborhood needs a small park but locating a site may be a problem. The City
should continue to explore for other possible sites. A three (3) acre site would be
optimum.
Lake Grove Park
Site 19-N Neighborhood Park
This long, existing narrow 4.8 acre park is located south of 308th Street. Access to the
park is from 308th Street and 310th which stubs into the park on both the east and west
sides.
In general, the park is located in a very nice setting within a heavily wooded area.
However, only a small portion of the site is actually developed and includes a small open
grass area, containing a basketball hoop and a piece of play equipment. Because a
majority ofthe site is undeveloped and remains heavily wooded, there is some
opportunity for further development.
Suggested improvments for this site include:
� • Upgrade children's playground
• Upgrade court area
• Add two tennis courts
, • Add off-street parking
• Add a multi soccer/baseball field
• Clear much of the underbrush
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Lake Grove Elem. Schoo! Park Site 20-N Neigh6orhood Park
� Cunently, there are plans to upgrade the 5.79 acres of recreation area at this site. It is
recommended that the City coordinate with the School District to insure that the facilities
are developed and maintained to an accecptable level.
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Citv ofFederal Wav Comprehensrve Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
� Section I�II - Plan Recommendations Section VII-13
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PLANNING AREA A '
SW 312th Sports Court Park Site 21-SU Special Use Area
This 2.0 acre park is located off 312th Avenue. Facilities include a tennis court,
basketball court and pickelball court. Suggested improvements include: '
• Parking area (5 spaces)
• Landscape buffer along south edge of site
French Lake Park Site 22-N Neighborhood Park
This 10 acre site is located south of 315th Avenue and west of 1 st Avenue South. This
park consists primarily of rolling hills and trees.
Suggested improvements for the site should include:
• Pond rehabilitation
• Upgrade pazking area
• ADA improvements
• Add restroom building
• Add paved pathway system
• Upgrade small children's playground
• Picruc area/shelter
• Tennis courts
• Volleyball courts
Fisher's Pond
Site 23-OS Natural Open Space Area
This site is located north of 320th and west of lst Avenue South. The site consists of a
pond and marshy area. Recommendations for this site include preserving the naxural
plant species, developing trails around the site and upgrading the existing structure for an
mterpretive facility.
Lakota Junior High School Park Site 24-SU Speciai Use Area
It is recommended that the City coordinate with the School District to upgrade the
recreation facilities on the 5.72 acres of active recreation land.
Lakota Park
Site 25-C Community Park
This existing 28.2 acre park is heavily used by Lakota Junior High School for its sports
programs. In fact, this is one of the most hea.vily used parks in Federal Way. Dunng one
summer afternoon in 1990, 18 teams were counted trying to find a place to practice or
play on this site. The park is oriented towards active recreation use only and consists of
one baseball and one softball field (both lighted), a soccer field, a restroom facility and a
track.
Comprehensive Parks. Recreation and Open Space Plan Citv ofFederal Way
Section Vll-14 Section VII - Plan Recommendations
PLANNING AREA A
The site was at one time a lowland area, but has since been filled to provide a level
surface for sport fields. Due to the high water table in the area, the park is subject to
frequent flooding from the adjacent wetlands.
The City is cunently master planning the site with the school district for improvements to
the site. Once implemented, the recommendations should creaxe a"true "community
park. Suggested improvements to the site include:
• Add picnic area with shelter building
• Add landscaping
• New restroom/concession building
• Add football field
• Add parking
• Renovate track
West Campus Open Space Site 26-OS Natural Open Space Area
This open space area contains about 51.8 acres of land and covers much of the steep and
undevelopable land of the West Campus area. Most of it is heavily wooded and because
of its character is not suitable for active recreation use. Its primary benefits other than
the aesthetic quality are habitat protection, slope stabilization, erosion reduction as well
as a place to replenish the local aquifers. The Freeway to Bay Trail travels through this
site.
Proposed West Campus Park Site 27-N Neighborhood Park
A neighborhood park is needed in the West Campus Area. Parts of this neighborhood
have very high population densities, especially in the vicinity of lOth Avenue S.W. There
has been considerable discussion given to the idea of acquiring a ten acre surplus school
site commonly referred to as "Site 40". Unfortunately, because of its physical limitations
very little of the site would be useable for active recreation use. With this restriction in
mind and the cost associated with its acquisition, it is not recommended that the city
purchase the site.
However, the need for a neighborhood park exists but there is no opportunity in the area
to develop a standard neighborhood park. As a compromise, it is recommended that
three small recreation areas be developed to replace the one needed neighborhood park.
One site would be developed on a city owned property located on the West Campus
Natural Open Space Area that fronts on the curve where IOth Avenue S.W. turns mto
330th Street. This site is called West Campus Park and would contain about three acres
of land. The other two recreation areas would be developed on the West Campus Trail.
Recommended facilities for West Campus Park include:
• Open play area with children's playground
• Connection to the Freeway - Bay Trail system
• Multi-purpose paved court
Citv ofFederal Wav Comnrehensive Parks, Recreation and Open Snace Plan
Section VII - Plan Recommendations Section Vll- 1 S
PLANNING AREA A
Campus Avenue Open Space Site 28-OS Natural Open Space Area
This 2.6 acre parcel is located on the west side of l lth Avenue S.W. between 326th and
329th Streets. This parcel was part of the King County transfer. It contairis a steep bluff
and is surrounded by housing on three sides. Presently the site is heavily wooded and
offers very little opportunity for any active recreation use.
Silver Lake Elem. Schoot Park Site 29-N Neighborhood Park
It is recommended that the City coordinate with the School District to upgrade the 5.23
acres of recreation area located at the Silver Lake Elementary School site.
Alderbrook Park
Site 30-N Neighborhood Park/
Natural Open Space Area
This 35.1 acre site is comprised of four separate parcels, three of which are relatively
undeveloped. The developed portion is located along Southwest 325th Street and
contains a playground and open play area. One of the other parcels is primarily a pond
used for storm water retention. The three parcels are connected by a paved asphalt path.
The path itself is situated in a nice wooded setting along the periphery of the park.
Overall, the park lacks the facilities needed to make it a neighborhood park. However,
the park does offer some opportunity for further development. Adjacent to the
undeveloped portion of the park is the Silver Lake Elementary School. A joint use
agreement with the school could create an outstanding schooVpark concept. Additional
facilities that should be added to this park site include:
• Expanded trail system
• Add pathways
• Add landscaping
• Add paved multi-use court
• Upgrade soccer field
• Expand children's playground
Olympic View Elem. School Park Site 31-N Neighborhood Area
It is recommended that the City coordinate with the School District to upgrade the 5.64
acres of recreation area located at the Olympic View Elementary School.
Comprehensive Parks. Recreation and Open Space Plan Citv ofFederal Way
Section Vll- 16 Section VII - Plan Recommendations
��
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Olympic View Park
Site 32-N Neighborhood Park/
Natural Open Space Area
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This existing 20.75 acre park site is located within a heavily wooded ravine �located
between southwest 30th avenue and southwest 32nd avenue. During winter storms
considerable amounts of water flows through this ravine. Access to the park is from
street stubs and no off-street parking is available. While most of the site is steep
hillsides, there are about ten acres of land that are reasonably level. Within this area
there are two small playgrounds.
Some opportunity for expansion of use around the two playgrounds is possible but would
require some clearing and grading. This would help to satisfy the neighborhood park
needs that now exists. Recommended improvements to the site include:
• Upgrade existing and develop new paved trails
� Upgrade play area
Proposed Hoyt Road Site Site 33-OS Natural Open Space Area
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This parcel is located along Hoyt Road south of 329th Place The site is very steep and
heavily wooded. Some of this land should remain as undeveloped open space because it
would require considerable grading and clearing to develop. Preservation of this area for
general open space would provide a number of benefits to the community including
habitat protection, slope stabilization and erosion reduction while presernng aesthetic
and scenic quality.
It is recommended that a minimum of 10 acres of this site remain as open space and that
it be managed and maintained by a local neighborhood association.
Wedgewood Open Space Site 34-OS Natural Open Space Area
This 2 acre parcel is located west of 38th Avenue between 337th and 339th Streets. It is
almost entirely sunounded by homes and has very little street access.
Brigadoon Elementary Schoo! Park Site 35-N Neighborhood Park
It is recommended that the City coordinate with the School District to upgrade the 4.14
acres of recreation area located at the Brigadoon Elementary School site.
Cit�ofFederal Way Comprehensive Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
� Section Vll - P/an Recommendations Section VII- 17
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Comnrehensive Parks. Recreation and Open Snace Plan Citv of Federal Wav
Section Vll-18 Section VII - Plan Recommendations '
PLANNING AREA B
(Includes West Campus, Illahee and Olympic Heights neighborhoods.)
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Crtv orFedern! li�av _ ___ ________ __.__ C'on�rehensi��e Parks, Recreatron and Open .Spnce Plnn
S'ection 1'II - Plan Recorrrmendations Sectior� ( 71- 19
Summary of Recommendations
PLANNING AREA B
CHARACTER:
This area is mostly residential in character with a wide range of housing values and ages. Most of this area is
developed except for land along the Pierce/King County border.
TOPOGRAPHY:
The tenain is mostly flat to gently rolling hills.
EXISTING PARKS AND OPEN SPACE AREAS
(I) Acerage for Saghalie Junior High is included in Saghalie Park
PROPOSED PARKS AND OPEN SPACE AREAS
BPA Trail Park extension (Phase II/III) � 45.00
Madrona Meadows Park Conversion ' 0 00
TQ'�'A�, < �i5 Ob .>:
• Development of Madrona Meadows Open Space for a neighborhood park
Comprehensive Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan Citv of Federal Way
Section VII- 20 Section I�II - Plan Recommendations
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PLANNING AREA B
SPECIFIC RECOMII�NDATIONS
Alderdale Park
Site 1-N Neighbor600d Park
This existing 2.0 acre park is located west of 21 st Avenue and south of 336th Street.
� Facilities at the site contain a children's playground, picnic area, tennis court and open
play area. Suggested improvements include:
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• Add picnic shelter
• Upgrade playground (ADA)
Madrona Trails Open Space Site 2-OS Natural Open Space Area
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This existing 2.2 acre parcel is located within a residential neighborhood and is heavily
wooded. No development is proposed for this site.
Coronado Park
Site 3-M
Mini-Park
This 1.5 acre park is located west of 21 st Avenue and south of south of 348th Street. No
recommendations have been made for this site.
Saghalie Junior High School Park Site 4-SU Special Use Area
' Refer to Saghalie Park for specific recommendations on this site.
Saghalie Park
Site 5-C Community Park
This 36 acre park site is located east of 21 st Avenue and south of 336th Street. Since
this site was recently developed, only minor improvements are needed. These include:
• Add cover to baseball field dugouts
• ADA improvements
Citv otFederal Wav Comprehensive Parks. Recreation and Open Space Plan
Section Vll - Plan Recommendations . Section VII- 21
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PLANNING AREA B �
BPA Trail Park (Phase II/III) Site 6-L
Linear Park
This linear park site is located along the Bonneville power lines that extend through the
entire city. In addition to the BPA right of way, this site include the Meadow Open
Space srte. The proposed King County Covington/Tacoma Trail utilizes this corridor.
About 45 acres of additional land would need to be acquired to extend this park to the
County boundary.
Facilities for the site could include:
• Trail system
• Seating areas
• Three soccer fields
• Open play areas
Panther Lake Park
Site 7-SU Special Use Area
This park site consists of 70.3 acres and is primarily wetlands. Because this is a high
aquifer infiltration area, every measure to maintain that quality should be maintained.
However, some opportunities for recreation development exist. Recommendations
include:
• Develop a maintained grass area and trail system along a portion of the lake
• Construct boardwalks and other trails into the wetlands area
• Add limited picnic sites
Weyerhauser King Co. Aquatic Ctr. Site 8-SU Special Use Area
This 10.6 acre site contains a 50 meter indoor pool and support facilities. An addition '
has been proposed for this facility.
Sherwood Forest Elem. School Park Site 9-N Neighborhood Park
It is recommended that the City work closely with the Federal Way School District to
ensure that the 4.68 acres of recreation area located at the Sherwood Forest Elementary
School meet the local neighborhood needs.
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Comprehensive Parks. Recreation and Open Space Plan City otFederal Way '
Section i�ll- 22 Section Vll - Plan Recommendations
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, Madrona Meadows Park Site 10-N Neighborhood Park
This 6.2 acre neighborhood park site is located adjacent to the BPA right of way and is
' cunently open space. It is recommended that a portion of the site surrounding the water
retention area be developed for a neighborhood park. Specific recommendations for the
site include:
� Children's playground area
• Paved multi-use court
• Open multi-purpose lawn area
• Parking (5-10 spaces)
• Trails
• Two unlighted tennis courts
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, Section VII - Plan Recommendations Section VII- 23
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Comprehensive Parks. Recreation and Open Space Plan Citv ofFederal Way
Section Vll- 24 Section Vll - Plan Recommendations '
PLANNING AREA C
(Includes the Dlahee, Hylebos and Spring Valley neighborhoods)
Summary of Recommendations
__,__..__,_ ._ .._,�_____.
Mini
Nei�hborhood
Communit�
..................... .......
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O��en Spacf
Linear
...........'-'-._...... _._..
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LOCATION
City ofFeder�l Wnv ________________ _„_._ __.. ___Corn �•ehe_nsive Park,s, Recrention and Open Space Plan
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Section IrII � Pl�n Reco�nnrendntions Sectio�� G77- 25
PLANNING AREA C
CHARACTER:
This area has the greatesi potential of growth in the city and contains most of the undeveloped land. Most of
the land west of the Pac�c Highway is either residential in nature or undeveloped. The land east of the
Pacific Highway contains a wide variety of land uses including light industrial, highway commercial and off"ice
t�se.
TOPOGRAPHY:
Rolling: The Hylebos Creek Drainage Corridor is found in this area and drains most of Federal Way.
EXISTING PARKS AND OPEN SPACE AREAS
School Park
Hylebos State Park (State)
..............••-•.--••----...-----•------•--....--•.........
Hylebos_Creek O�en Space
Illahee Junior High School Pazk
Spring Valley O�en Space
SW 363rd Ooen Snace
PROPOSED PARKS AND OPEN SPACE AREAS
Hylebos Roadside Park
Hylebos Creek O n S
Illahee Pazk (Prot>osedl
SW 363rd
Park
5.00
65.00
38.02
15.82
45.39
5.05
5.00
20.00
15.00
30.00
5.00
5.00
Comprehensive Parks Recreation and Open Space Plan Citv o/'Federa! Way
Section VII- 26 Section VII - Plan Recommendations
PLANNING AREA C
SPECIFIC RECONA�NDATIONS
Enterprise Elementary School Park Site 1-N Neighborhood Park
It is recommended that the City work closely with the Federal Way School District to
develop neighborhood park facilities on the grounds of the Enterprise Elementary School.
West Hylebos State Park Site 2-R Regional Park
Hylebos State Pazk is located between South 348th and 356th Streets. Presently, the
park consists of 65 acres of land. Facilities will include an interpretative center and trail
system. The site is a wetlands and an environmentally sensitive area.
Proposed Spring Valley Park Site 3-N Neighborhood Park
A five acre neighborhood park site is recommended just north of 359th Avenue near the
Spring Valley Open Space site. One possible option, depending upon how the Spring
Valley site is developed, is to locate the neighborhood park element on that site.
Recommended uses for a park in this area include:
• Two youth baseball fields
• Multi-use paved court
• Children's playground
• Open multi-use play area
• Parking (25 cars)
Spring Valley Open Space Site 4-OS Naturai Open Space Area
This 45.39 acre open space site is located east of the Pacific Highvvay. The site consists
largely of open meadows and wetlands. Hylebos Creek flows through the property.
A church located at the corner of 16th Avenue and 359th Street is occupying a building
site of some historical significance. It is recommended that an effort be made to acquire
this site for public use and maintain the historical character. Uses of the buildings could
include recreation as well as a site for housing historical artifacts.
This site is the south ternunus of the Freeway to Bay Trail.
Possible uses for this site include:
� • Trailhead for the Freeway to Bay Trail
• Internal trail system
• Viewpoints
� • Wetlands
• Riding arena and equestrian trail system
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Cil�of Federal Wav Comprehensive Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
� Section I�II - Plan Recommendations Section Vll- 27
PLANNING AREA C
Proposed Sports Complex Site Site 5-SU Special Use Area
Considerable interest was expressed during the study for a sports complex. One potential
site is located in the Spring Va11ey area, adjacent to the Spring Valley Open Space site.
It is recommended that approximately 30 acres be acquired in this area to develop
athletic fields.
Hylebos Creek Open Space Site 6-OS Natural Open Space Area
(Includes Blueberry Farm/Pea Patch Site)
This site is essentially a drainage corridor that extends from West Hylebos State Park to
the south. The City has acquired 38.02 acres, which includes the "Blueberry Farn�/Pea
Patch" site. It is recommended that the City contiue to acquire land along this corridor
for the purpose of developing a trail system that would connect Hylebos State Park and
the proposed roadside park. Additional improvements should be made to help prevent
flooding and erosion problems downstream.
Diahee Junior High School Park Site 7-SU Special Use Area
It is recommended that the City work cooperatively with the Federal Way School District
to upgrade the 15.82 acres of land located at the Illahee Junior High School.
Proposed Dlahee Park Site 8-C Community Park
It is recommended that a community park of approximately 15 acres be developed in
close proximity to Illahee 7unior High School. Since the area is reasonably level, many
types of active recreation activities could be accommodated. This park should be
designed to also serve the neighborhood park needs of the area as well. Proposed
facilities at the site could include:
• Children's playground
• Paved multi-use basketball court
• Parking (about 150 spaces)
• Two soccer fields
• Trail system
• Restroom facility
• Four tennis courts
• Two unlighted softball fields
Comnrehensive Parks, Recreation and Oven Snace Plan CitZofFederal Way
Section Vll- 28 Section t�Il - Plan Recommendations
�
� PLANNING AREA C
SW 363rd Open Space Site 9-OS Natural Open Space Area
This site is located off South 363rd Street between lOth and 14th Avenues. The site
consists mostly of a small wetland area. The intended use for the site is prirnarily passive
in nature. About 5 acres of additionalland should be acquired. �
Proposed Hylebos Creek Roadside Site 10-SU Special Use Area
This proposed five acre site is located west of Pacific Highway and is intended to be a
roadside park and trail head for Hylebos Park and the Freeway-to-Bay Trail.
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Citv ofFederal Way Comprehensive Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
' Section Vll - Plan Recommendations Section Vll- 29
�
PLANNING AREA C �
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Comprehensive Parks, Recreation and Onen Space Plan Cit�ofFedera! Way
Section VII- 30 Section VII - Plan Recommendations �
PLANNING AREA D
(includes the Downtown area.)
Summary of Recommendations
Mini
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S��ecial Use
0.00
............
20.00
�.00
83.50
.. ........
0.00
. ........
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Citv o�F'ederal 6[�nv � ��_�_______�____Con�rehe��sii�e Parks, Recrention and Open Spnce Plan
Section I�II - Plan Reco�rrn�endations Sectio�� T�II- 31
PLANNING AREA D
CHARACTER:
This area contains the main commercial core of the City plus a large office area. The northern half of this
area is mostly residential.
TOPOGRAPHY:
Gentle slope to the south
EXISTING PARKS AND NATURAL OPEN SPACE AREAS
BPA Trail Park
.........................................................................
Celebration Park
Harry S Truman/Merit School Park
Klahanee Lake Senior/Comm.Center
•••••• .........................••••-•••••............._._.._.............
Muror Lake Elemen School Park
....................•••....•••...�..........................
Mirror Lake Park
Panther Lake Elemen School Park
West Campus Trail
PROPOSED PARKS AND OPEN SPACE AREAS
48.50
...............
83.50
3.95
7.11
••••.....••••••
_.... 4: 52.
3.40
5.13
27.80
� Forest Green Park �Pro�osed) 3.00 :
t•� ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ; ,,,,,, .: ,,, --- , . ,,,,,,,,,,,,,...,,., . ,,,,. .,.,,,..,,,,,.,..,,,,,,,,;
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Comprehensive Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan Cit�of Federal WaY
Section Vll- 32 Section VII - Plan Recommendations
,
� PLANNING AREA D
SPECIFIC RECOMI��NDATIONS
Mirror Lake Elementary School ParkSite 1-N Neighborhood Park
It is recommended that the City work closely with the School District to upgrade the
4.52 acres of recreation area located at the Mirror Lake Elementary Elementary School.
Mirror Lake Park Site 2-N Neighborhood Park
This park contains 3.4 acres of land and is located off south 315th Avenue. Facilities at
the site include a small playground and large open lawn area. The character of the site is
fairly level and partially wooded with a mixture of understory vegetation. The site offers
some potential for further development or redevelopment. The park is only accessible
from two small dead-end streets.
'� � A meeting in the neighborhood revealed an interest in opening up more of the site and
clearing much of the dense brush. A concern of personal safety in the park now exists.
Recommended changes and improvements to this park include:
• Identify parking area
• Add restroom building
• Upgrade playground
• Clear out much of the dense brush
• Increa.se size of open grass area
• Add jogging trail
• Add basketball court
• Add multi-purpose soccer field
• Improve drainage facilities
Harry S. Truman/Merit School Park Site 3-N Neighborhood Park
It is recommended that the City work closely with the School District to upgrade the
3.95 acres of recreation area located at the Merit High School.
BPA Trail Park
Site 4-L
Linear Park
See discussion on Site 6 L in Planning Area B for uses of the powerlines. Site 4-L
� includes approximately 45 acres of land. This site also includes 3.5 acres of the Heritage
Open Space site.
West Campus Trail Site 5-L Linear Park
� The West Campus Trail is a long nanow elongated park that extends from 320th to the
BPA power lines. Another segment extends westward into the West Campus
Neighborhood. In total, this land represents 27.8 acres of land.
�
City of Federal Wav Comprehensive Parks. Recreation and Onen Snace Plan
� Section Vll - Plan Recommendations Section VII- 33
PLANNING AREA D
Based on the discussion for a neighborhood park in this area, it was recommended that
portions of the West Campus Trail be developed with recreation facilities. One
recommended site is a poRion of the trail between 326th and 330th. While most of the
site in this area is only 100' wide, it provides some important recreation faciiities.
Recommended improvements include:
• Open multi-use soccer/play area
• Picnic area/landscaping
• Children's playgound
• Parking (5-10 spaces)
• Multi-use paved court
• Landscaping
Another recreation area recommended for this neighborhood is that part of the West
Campus Trail located at the end of 2nd Place between 325th and 327th. This site
contains about two acres of land and is heavily wooded. It is recommended that the
brush be cleared and some areas opened up for general recreation use. A trail could
connect to the main West Campus Trail to the east.
Celebration Park
Site 6-LU Large Urban Park
This 83.5 acre site has undergone several ma.ster plans over the last several years.
Proposals have included a variety of indoor and outdoor facilities. Once developed, it is
recommended that this site serve both the neighborhood and community park function
for the residents of this azea. If the City decides to develop an indoor recreation center,
this site would provide an ideal and centralized location.
Proposed Forest Green Park Site 7-N Neighborhood Park
This proposed three acre park should be located on the north side of the BPA Power
lines somewhere between First Way and 7th Place. This park site will serve that area up
to 320th. Recommended facilities for this park should include:
• Children's Playground
• Open multi-use grass area
• Trail connection to the Covington-Tacoma Trail
• Picnic area
• Parking (5-10 spaces)
Klahanee Lake Community/Senior Center Site 8-SU Special Use Area
This 7.11 acres site is located in the West Campus area between 1 st Way and 9th
Avenue. Facilities include senior center element, gymnasium, kitchen, meeting spaces,
picnic area and parking area. While this facility is cunently fulfilling the needs on a
temporary basis, a larger facility indoor facility is needed in the long term. It is also
recommended that a paved trail around the lake be developed.
Comprehensive Parks. Recreation and Open Snace Plan Citv of Federal WaY
Section VII- 34 Section VII - Plan Recommendations
,
' � PLANNING AREA D
Panther Lake Elem. School Park Site 9-N Neighborhood Park
It is recommended that the City work closely with the School District to upgrade the
5.13 acres of recreation area located at the Panther Lake Elementary Schoo�.
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Citv ofFederal Wav Comprehensive Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
� Section VII - Plan Recommendations Section t�ll- 35
,
PLANNING AREA D �
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Comprehensive Parks Recreation and Oven Space Plan Citv ofFederal Wav
Section YII- 36 Section Vll - Plan Recommendations ,
p�,ANNIIV G AREA E
(Includes the Steel Lake, Marine Rills and Laureiwood areas.)
Summary of Recommcndations
Mini 0.00 : 0
.................................. :.e....�. .................:.e...................,.._ .
Ncighborhood : � 20.58 's � 6 �
Communit� : __ _ 18.30 : � 1
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Lar�e Urban . _ 51.70 ; 1
Rc�ional 0 00 0
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LOCATION
Citv o Feder�! YT�av --- C"am�»•crhensri�e Pn�-��s Recrenlior� niad Open Sl�crce Y/ai7
_ _-- -------_____ _ _ - _ _. _ _ — —
Sectio�� I'II - Plan Reco��rmeradaliazs Sectia� 6�71- 37
PLANNING AREA E
CHARACTER:
This area consists of mostly older homes on larger lots.
TOPOGRAPHY:
Mostly flat with several minor drainage corridors. Steep bluffs overlook the Sound.
EXISTING PARKS AND OPEN SPACE AREAS
: _Federal Wa� High SchoolPark
......•• ••••• ..............................
Federal Way Pool (Kenneth Jones Pool)
� ..............(Coun�').......................................................
; Woods SP .......................
Heritage Woods Park
Mark Twain Elementary School Park
:..... Marlbrook..OpeR.SP.a� ................••••••••..........
Nautilus Elementary School Pazk
:.........................••••••..............................••••••.................
Sacajawea Junior High School Park
Saca'awea Park
Steel Lake Park and Annex
:....................................................................•••••...........
y Wildwood Elemen School Park
.. . .. ........................�?'...................................
Wildwood Park
PROPOSED PARKS AND OPEN SPACE AREAS
21 :
. . . ..•••.....;
0.50
.................i
2.61 :
.................:
1.66 :
2.83 ;
...�:��.....:
... 5: 03.....;
3.72
18.30 :
51.70 i
-••'3.76 ....�
....
Comprehensive Parks Recreation and Oven Space Plan Citv ofFederal Way
Section VII- 38 Section VII - Plan Recommendations
,
! PLANNING AREA E
SPECIFIC RECONIlVIENDATIONS
Mark Twain Elem. Schooi Park Site 1-N Neighborhood Park
It is recommended that the City work closely with the School District to upgrade the
2.83 acres of recreation area located at Mark Twain Elementary School.
Heritage Woods Park
Site 2-N Neigh6orhood Park
This 1.66 acre park site is located west of Military Road in the vicinity of 284th Street.
Proposed facilities at the site should include:
• Children's playground
• Paved multi-use court
• Open lawn area
• Tennis court
• Paved pathways
Heritage Woods Open Space Site 3-OS Natural Open Space Area
This 2.61 acre open qpace area is located west of Military Road in the vicinity of 284th
Street. No recommendations have been made for this site.
Proposed Redondo Heights Park Site 4-N Neighborhood Park
This proposed five (5) acre neighborhood park is located off South 284th Street, west of
Pacific Highway. The site is situated on top of the bluff overlooking the Marlbrook
'� O en S ace site. This ark site is relativel level which offers several o ortunities for
P P P Y PP
the development of facilities.
Specific recommendations for the site include:
• Children's playground area
• Paved multi-use court
I �i � • Multi-use soccer/baseball field
• Open lawn area
�' � • Picnic area with shelter
• Parking (15-25 spaces)
Marlbrook Open Space
�
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Site 5-OS Natural Open Space Area
This open space area is located along Redondo Way and contains about 19 acres of land.
Two acres of land known as the Marlbrook Open Space site is already owned by the City of Federal
Way. Considering the topography of the site, there is little opportunity for development. A majority
of the site is too steep for active recreational uses, with the possible exception of a trail system. The
recreational potential for this site would be limited primarily to passive uses.
Cit�orFederal Wav Comnrehensive Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
Section Vll - Plan Recommendations Section YII- 39
�
PLANNING AREA E
Preservation of this area for general open space would provide a number of benefits to
the community including habitat protection, slope stabilization and erosion reduction
while preserving the aesthetic and scenic quality of the ravine.
Nautilus Elementary School Park Site 6-N Neighborhood Park
It is recommended that the City coordinate with the School District to upgrade the 5.03
acres of recreation area located at the Nautilus Elementary School.
Proposed Marine Hills Open Space Site 7-OS Natural Open Space Area
This proposed site is located along a ravine west of the Marine Hills neighborhood
between 4th and 8th Avenues and contains about 32 acres of land. The site consists of
steep wooded hillsides. Considering the topography, there are very few opportunities for
development. A majority of the site is too steep for active recreational development,
with the possible exception of an unpaved trail system. The recreational potential for this
site would be limited primarily to passive uses.
Preservation of this area for general open space would provide a number of benefits to
the community including habitat protection, slope stabilization and erosion reduction
while preserving aesthetic and scenic quality.
Sacajawea Junior High School Park Site &SU Special Use Area
It is recommended that the City work with Federal Way School District to upgrade the
3.72 acres of recreation land adjacent to Sacajawea Park.
Sacajawea Park Site 9-C Community Park
This park contains 18.3 acres of land and is located adjacent to Sacajawea Junior High
School. The park is well designed and is also used by the school for its outdoor
programs. Parking for the park is located on the school property.
The site is divided into three distinct levels. The entry to the park is located on the
middle level. This area contains two tennis courts, two lighted softball fields, a
restroom/concession facility and a landscaped entrance feature. The lower level contains
a footbalUsoccer field and cinder track. The upper level consists of an open lawn area,
playground and a restroom building. There is a secondary parking area located off 16th
avenue south that provides access to this area. This entire site is connected by a
continuous path that meanders throughout the site.
Comprehensive Parks. Recreation and Open Space Plan Citv ofFederal Wav
Section VII- 40 Section VII - Plan Recommendatrons
�
, PLANNING AREA E
Recommendations for this site include:
• Construct new bathroom/concession building
� • Tennis court lighting
• Add irrigation to baseball field
• Add landscaping
• Upgrade 16th Avenue parking area
� • Upgrade sports fields
• New backstop at east baseball field
• ADA improvments
Wildwood Park
Site 10-N Neighborhood Park
This 2.3 acre park is located off South 300th Street, adjacent to Wildwood Elementary
School. Existing facilities at the park include a small playground area, open lawn area
and a paved trail.
Suggest improvements to this park include
• Identify parking area
• Upgrade drainage
Wiidwood Elementary School Park Site 11-N
Neighborhood Park
It is recommended that the City coordinate with the School District to upgrade the 3.76
acres of recreation area located at Wildwood Elementary School.
Proposed Steel Lake Wetlands Site Site 12-OS Natural Open Space Area
This 5 acre site is located at the northwest end of Steel Lake and is essentially the
drainage corridor out of the lake. At one time a lumber mill and pond were located in
this area. Presently the site is a very important habitat for wild animals and bird species.
It is recommended that this area be preserved with development limited to trails and
viewpoints.
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Cit�otFederal Way Comprehensive Parks. Recreation and Oven Space Plan
Section Vll - Plan Recommendations Section If1I- 41
�
PLANNING AREA E
Federal Way Pool Site 13-SU Special Use Area
(Kenneth Jones Memorial Pool)
This indoor facility is located adjacent to Federal Way High School. The pool is located
on a half acre of land offPacific Highway South. Facilities at the site include a 25 yard
Tee shaped pool and a small parking area. No additional land is available to expand this
facility.
Federal Way High School Park Site 14-SU Special Use Area
It is recommended that the City work cooperatively with the School District to upgrade
recreation facilities at this 21.38 acre site.
Steel Lake Park Site 15-LU Large Urban Park
This 51.7 acre site is the largest of the city owned parks and is extensively used. Because
of its facilities, it serves the role of a community park for residents of this area. The
southern portion of the site functions as the active recreation area. and contains two
lighted softball fields; a lighted "cushion-turf' soccer field, volleyball courts, a
concession/restroom building and a community center/administrative office building. A
small wooded area also exists on this parcel.
The northern portion of the site is oriented toward passive recreation activities with Steel
Lake being the dominant feature. This site contains a beach, swimming area, picnic area,
basketball court, picnic shelter, boat launch and a large open meadow.
Recently, there have been a number of improvements to this site. They include a new
play area, new picnic shelter and several picnic pads. Suggested improvements to the
park include:
• Install�irrigation system.
• Improve site drainage conditions
• Add 2-4 tennis courts
• Add trails and picnic sites to the wooded area.
• Add parking area
Comprehensive Parks. Recreation and Open Space Plan City otFederal Way
Section VII- 42 Section I�II - Plan Recommendations
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Nci�l
�
PLANNING AREA F
(Includes th� Camelot, Lake Dolloff and Star Lake area.)
Summary of Recommendations
Urban
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....1..._.......�? .............a.:....
Linear
.............................. a e a. y..,.
Spec�al Use :
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28 . 00 ....�........... �.....,.......
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31.30 : 3
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LUCATION
1 Citv of Fecleral Wnv _____ __ Conprehensive Parks, Recrention nnc� Open Space Plan
Seclion i�ll - Plnn Recom��rendations �� Sectio» 171- =l3
I �
PLANNING AREA F
CHARACTER:
This area is mostly residential in nature on lots ranging from very small to very large. Ages of homes also
vary considerably. All of this area lies outside the Federal Way City Limits.
TOPOGRAPHY:
Flat except for the bluffs that overlook the valley
EXISTING PARKS AND OPEN SPACE AREAS
Camelot Elementary School Park
:...... Camelot.Open. SPace...' .......................•••••-
-• • - ••....
; (County) .••••-••-•--•••• .................
Kilo Junior High School Park
Lake Dolloff Elementary School Pazk
: Lake Doliof� Fishin� Access (State)
,.....•••........••••• ....................... .•••••••••••••••••••...................
Thomas Jefferson High School Park
:..................••--•-•.......................--•-�----•�----......................
Valhalla Elementary School Park
5.00
12
16.30
10.00
5.00
. 130
20.00
5.00
" City owned parcel outside city limits; acquired with King Open Space Bond funds
PROPOSED PARKS AND OPEN SPACE AREAS
Bingaman Pond Wetlands
•••........•••...••••••••••••• .....................
BPA Trail Park Extension
•••••••-•••••••••......••••• .......................
Evergreen Heights Park (F
Lake Dollofl' Wedands (Pr
North Camelot Park (Prop�
........-••••.....••••••••••••......••••........ .
51 st Avenue Park �Propos�
............................... .
288th Street Pazk (Pronosc
I5.00
75.00
20.00
3.00
3.00
.. 5.00
5.00
Comprehensive Parks. Recreation and Open Space Plan Cit�1'Federal Wav
Section VII- 44 Section VII - Plan Recommendations
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PLANNING AREA F
SPECIFIC RECOMN�NDATIONS
Valhalta Elementary School Park Site 1-N Neighborhood Park
Upon annexation, it is recommended that the City work with the Federal Way School
District to upgrade the five (5) acres of recreation land located at Valhalla Elementary
School site.
Proposed Bingaman Pond Wetlands Site 2-OS Natural Open Space Area
� This proposed site contains about 15 acres of open space and is located off 45th Avenue
South. The site follows a ravine that extends from I-5 to 45th Avenue South. A
majority of this site is a wetland area, which includes Bingaman Pond. It is
� recommended that the wetlands and other environmentally sensitive areas be preserved
for general open space. The Steel Lake Trail follows the drainage corridor through the
site.
Minor improvements to the site could include:
• Trail system
• Develop boardwalk and interpretive trails
• Parking for 5-10 cars
T. Jefferson High Schoot Park Site 3-SU
Special Use Area
It is recommended that the City work with the Federal Way School District to upgade
the 20 acres of recreation area located at the high school.
Proposed 288th Street Park Site 4-N Neighborhood Park
This proposed five (5) acre neighborhood park site is located off South 288th Street, just
east of I-5. Locating a park site in this area will be difficult because a majority of the
azea is already developed.
Proposed facilities at the site could include:
• Children's playground area
• Paved multi-use court
• Open multi-purpose lawn area
• Parking (5-10 spaces)
Cit�fFederal Way Comprehensive Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
Section Vll - Plan Recommendations Section VII- 4S
PLANNING AREA F
Proposed North Camelot Park Site 5-N Neighborhood Park
This proposed three (3) acre park site is located south of 292nd Street. It is
recommended that a neighborhood park site be developed in conjunction with an existing
King County open space site. The County currently owns 6.5 acres of land that is used
as a water retention area. However, there is enough land for the development of a small
neighborhood park. By locating a neighborhood park adjacent to the proposed open
space site, it would provide trail access as well as other recreational uses. Proposed
facilities could include:
• Children's playground area
• Paved multi-use court
• Open multi-purpose lawn area.
• Trail connection/trailhead
Camelot Open Space
Site 6-OS Natural Open Space Area
This pazcel of land was acquired through the King County Open Space Bond Measure. It
is owned by the City of Federal Way and contains 12.58 acres of land located in a
lowland area. The site is located outside the city limits off south 294th Street between
45th Place South and 39th Avenue South.
In terms of future development, the site offers very little potential considering the
drainage characteristics of the area. A majority of the site is wetlands with a seasonally
higher water table.
Camelot Park (County)
Site 7-OS Natural Open Space Area
This area contains 16.30 acres of land located in a lowland area. There are currently two
parcels that are owned by King County. The first parcel, known as Camelot Park,
consists of 16.3 acres. The second parcel is a King County water retention area, which
consists of approximately 3.5 acres of land.
In terms of future development, the site offers very little potential considering the
drainage characteristics of the area. A majority of the site is wetlands with a seasonally
higher water table. However, there are portions of the site that are developable. It is
recommended that a interpretive trail system and boardwalk be developed. Camelot Park
could serve as a trailhead for this site. Several other trailheads could be developed along
the dead end streets that abut the site.
Camelot Elementary School Park Site 8-N Neighborhood Park
Upon annexation, it is recommended that the City work with the Federal Way School
District to upgrade the five (5) acres of recreation land located at Camelot Elementary
School site.
Comnrehensive Parks. Recreation and Onen Space Plan � Cit�ofFedera! Way
Section Vll- 46 Section VII - Plan Recommendations
PLANNING AREA F
Proposed Lake Dollof�' Wettands Site 9-OS Natural Open Space Area
This proposed three (3) acre site is located off South 304th Street and consists of several
small ponds along the perimeter of Lake Dolloff. It is recommended that the wetlands
and other environmentally sensitive areas along Lake Dolloff be preserved as general
open space. A portion of the Steel Lake Loop Trail abuts this parcel.
Lake Dolloff Elementary School Park Site 10-N Neighborhood Park
Upon annexation, it is recommended that the City work with the Federal Way School
District to upgrade the five (5) acres of recreation land located at Lake Dolloff
Elementary School site.
Kilo Junior High Schoot Park Site 11-SU � Special Use Area
It is recommended that the City work with the Federal Way School District to upgrade
the ten (10) acres of recreation land, once this unicorporated area is annexed to the City.
Proposed Evergreen Heights Park Site 12-C Community Park
This proposed community park site is located in the northeastern portion of the
unincorporated area and would contain about 20 acres of land. The recommended
location is directly east of Kilo Junior High School. This could be a joint city/school
effort. By locating a park adjacent to a school site, it would allow some joint use of
facilities as well as reducing acquisition costs.
The character of the site consists of relatively flat and rolling hills. Considering the
topography of the site, there are unlimited opportunities for development of park and
recreational facilities.
Proposed facilities could include:
• Children's playground
• Paved multi-use court
• Picnic area/shelter
• Four tennis courts
• Two soccer fields
• Two softball fields
• Three youth baseball fields
• Restroom
• Parking (125-150 spaces)
Lake Dollofl Fishing Access Site 13-SU Special Use Area
This 1.3 acre site is located on Lake Dolloff. It is currently owned and managed by the
State. The site is primarily used as a fishing access. No specific recommendations are
made for this site.
Citv ofFederal Wav Comnrehensive Parks. Recreation and Open Space Plan
Section VII - Plan Recommendations Section i�ll- 47
,
PLANNING AREA F �
BPA Trail Park Site 14-L Linear Park
This segment of the power line contains about 75 acres of land and is partially developed
with trails and other open areas.
Proposed 51st Avenue Park Site 15-N Neighborhood Park �
This proposed park site containing about five acres of land is located off 51 st Avenue
South. The site is relatively level, which offers several opportunities for development. �
Proposed facilities at the site should include:
• Children's playground area ,
• Paved multi-use court
• Multi-purpose soccer/baseball field
• Parking (15-25 spaces)
,
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Comprehensive Parks. Recreation and Onen Space Plan Cit�of Federa! Way
Section Vll- 48 Section VII - Plan Recommendations '
PLANNING AREA G
(Includes the North Lake and Lake Geneva Areas.)
Summary of Recommendations
Mini 0.00 : 0
�_._._.. •
Nei�hborhood '; 10.00 : 2 ��
. ...... ........................ r ...,....................... } .................,... _...........
Communit� ....... : ........... 18.SO . e. ._. 1
...................
Largc Urban : 0.00 : 0
Rc ional � 0.00 � � O
� _._______......�_.
Open Space...,..,:.��.e.....95.82...:.......e...3
......_.....
Linear 0.00 : 0
----�-----... -----------......;.._...._ .............................................
Special LJse : 5.50 : 1
I-5
I
F
AREA
LOCATInN
Citv a/`I�ederal Wav _____ ._____.__ __ _C_ �U��l rehensri�e_,Parks Recrecrtion a�td Open Space Plnn
Section Y71 - Plan Recorrune�Tdntionc Section I7IT 49
PLANNING AREA G
CHARACTER:
The majority of this area consists of single family residences with a scattering of vacant land. A portion of this
area lies within the citv limits.
TOPOGRAPHY:
The terrain is fairly level except for Peasley Canyon and the bluffs overlooking the valley
EXISTING PARKS AND NATURAL OPEN SPACE AREAS
Lake Geneva Park (County)
:. . .. Lake KillarneY SP s
� Lakeland Elementary School Park
y ..............................................................'"""...
North Lake Fishing Access (State'
. PuvalluD Landfill Ooen Snace
" Inside city limts
18.50
10
5.00
�5.50
30.00
PROPOSED PARKS AND OPEN SPACE AREAS
}..... Peasley Canyon Open Space �Pr°posed) ............ 55 : 00 ..... :
S ider Lake Park (Pro sed 5.00 :
;:::;<
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Comprehensrve Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan City o1'Federal Way
Section VII- SO Section I�II - Plan Recommendations
PLANNING AREA G
SPECIFIC RECOMNIENDATIONS
North Lake Fishing Access (State) Site 1-SU Special Use Area
This 5.5 acre site is located along North Lake and is currently owned and managed by the
State Game Department. Facilities at the site include a boat launch and fishing dock.
Prop. Peasley Canyon Open Space Site 2-OS Natural Open Space Area
This proposed open space site is located along Peasley Canyon and contains about 55
acres of land. The site encompasses the Highway 18 corridor and the canyon along
Peasley Canyon Road. It is recommended that the steep hillsides along the freeway be
preserved for general open space. Preservation of this area for general open space would
provide a number of benefits to the community including slope stabilization, erosion
reduction and visual buffering while preserving aesthetic and scenic quality.
Considering the topogaphy of the site, there are very few opportunities for development.
A majority of the site is too steep for active recreational development, with the possible
exception of an unpaved trail system.
Lake Geneva Park Site 3-C Community Park
This county pazk contains 18.5 acres of land and is located off Military Road along South
344th Street and 46th Avenue South. Access to the park is off South 342nd on the north
and from 46th Avenue South on the south. The park is essentially divided into two
distinct areas. The lower area, which is more oriented towards passive activities, is
situated adjacent to Lake Geneva. This area. is heavily wooded and slopes gently to the
edge of the lake. It contains a fishing pier, shelter building and a restroom facility. The
upper portion of the site can accommodate more active and structured activities but at
this time is underdeveloped. However, to accommodate the facilities suggested below,
additional land will be needed.
Suggested additions to the site include:
• Children's playground
• Paved multi-use court
• Open multi-purpose lawn area
• Two Soccer field
• Two youth baseball fields
• Two tennis couRs
• Parking (75 spaces)
Cit�of Federal Wav Comprehensive Parks. Recreation and Onen Snace Plan
Section [�II - Plan Recommendations Section I�II- Sl
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PLANNING AREA G
Lake Killarney Open Space Site 4-OS Natural Open Space Area
This 10.82 acre open space site is located along Lake. The site contains lake access and
environmentally sensitive land along the perimeter of Lake Killarney. It is recommended
that this site be used for passive recreational activities such as picnicking, fishing and trail
related activities. Minor improvements to the site would include:
• Trail system
• �ewpoints
• Picnic areas
• Parking
Puyallup Landfill Site
Site 5-OS Natural Open Space Area
This 30 acre site is owned by King County and once was an old landfill. Over the years
there have been a number of proposed uses for the site including a softball complex.
However, due to land settling and the potential for methane gas emissions, no
development has occuned on this site. Based on this, it is recommended that the site be
preserved as open space. If testing and soil stability analysis prove that the site is safe in
the future, it is recommended that alternative uses be explored.
Lakeland Elementary School Park Site 6-N Neighborhood Park
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Upon annexation, it is recommended that the City coordinate with the Federal Way
School Distinct to improve the 5 acres of recreationalland at this site. '
Proposed Spider Lake Park Site 7-N Neighborhood Park
A five acre neighborhood park is proposed in the vicinity of Spider Lake to serve the east
edge of the planning area. Proposed facilities at this pazk site will depend upon its
specific location.
Comprehensive Parks. Recreation and Onen Space Plan Citv ojFederal Way
Section Vll- S2 Section Vll - Plan Recommendations
PLANNING AREA H
(Includes the Five Mile Lake area)
Mini
Nei�:
Summary of Recommendations
...............
unity
Urban
Linear
_........---• ...................
Special Use
__...__„_._;_._,_._ ,..._.._ , ,,..,
0.00 : 0
10.00 ��_ �_? ..__._.
...............,..........................
26.50 's 1
. ....................................
0.00 : 0
0.00 : � 0 ��
40.00 : w � 1 _ -- --_.
................:.........•--••----�------•
0.00 : 0
...............,..._..-----------------...
25.00 : 1
1-5
E F
��
I-5
AREA
LOCATION
�':�_I
,, L
City orFec�eral Wav._-^-__--_-.—__--_ ---_--._.__....____ ___.....__. Lom rehen,cil�e Pnrks Recreation and Open�ace Plan
Section I�7I - Plnn Recon��ne��dntion,s Sectia� VII- 53
PLANNING AREA H
CHARACTER:
The majority of this area is residential in nature but large amounts of undeveloped land exists. All of the area
lies outside the Federal Way city limits.
TOPOGRAPHY:
The tenain is mostly level except for some deep canyons
EXISTING PARKS AND OPEN SPACE AREAS
Five Mile Lake (County) 26.50
Rainier View Elemen School Park 5.00 �
;...,. ..
.......,�}',,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,....,,,,, .,,,,,.,,..,,,,.,,,,....,.:
::; '�`a�`a�. > < � �i; so . ;:
PROPOSED PARKS AND OPEN SPACE AREAS
�
E. H lebos Cr. S ce(Pro sed) 40.00
East H lebos Park (Pro sed) 5.00
� Outdoor Education Site 25.00 ':
_>,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,;�--�--->,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,..,,,,,->-->-,,,,,,,,, .,,.,,.,,,,,,,,,,,,.,,.,.:
:.;:::; �c�'r� � �a �
Comprehensive Parks. Recreation and Open Space Plan City ofFederal Wav
Section I�II- S4 Section I�11- Plan Recommendations
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PLANNING AREA H
SPECIFIC RECOIVIlVIENDATIONS
Proposed Outdoor Education Site Site 1-SU Special Use Area
This 25 acre site is located off South 360th Street and is currently owned by the Federal
Way School District. It was originally purchased as a high school site but there is
additional land that could be used for some other purpose. It is recommended that the
city and the school district enter into a joint development agreement to create an outdoor
education site for the school district and as a major group picnic area for the general
public. It may be possible to construct a trail linking this site with Five M'ile Lake Park
(site 2-C). Suggested facilities include:
� • Open multi-purpose lawn area
• Parking
• Trail connection/trailhead
• Interpretive building
� • Picnic area
• Restroom facility
• Large group picnic area
� • Boardwalks
• Fishing pier
Five Mile Lake Park (County) Site 2-C Community Park
This 26.5 acre park has its access from Military Road and is just south of South 360th
' Street. The park is well designed with the northeastern portion of the park containing
the more active sports activities. The park is oriented around Five Mile Lake and the
activities it can offer.
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Existing facilities at the park include a softball field, two tennis courts, basketball court,
open lawn area, swimming beach and pier, picnic shelter and restroom facilities.
Presently, the majority of the site is developed. However, there is a wetland area that
could be enhanced with some interpretive trails. Presently, the park is fairly well
developed. There may be several opportunities for trail connections to the outdoor
education site (See site 1-S). Suggested improvements include:
• Trailhead
• Trails/boardwalks
• Youth baseball field
• Two tennis courts
Cit�ofFederal Wav Comprehensive Parks. Recreation and Open Space Plan
� Section Vll - Plan Recommendations Section t�ll- SS
r
PLANNING AREA H I
Proposed East Hylebos Park Site 3-N Neighborhood Park
This proposed five acre site should be located along East Hylebos Creek Natural Open
Space Area (See Site 7-O). By locating a neighborhood park adjacent to the proposed
open space srte, it would provide trail access to the Natural Open Space Area as well as a
place for more active recreation uses. Proposed facilities at the site could include:
• Children's playground area
• Paved multi-use court
• Multi-use soccer/baseball field
• Parking (15-25 spaces)
• Two tennis courts
Rainier View Elem. School Park Site 4-N Neighborhood Park
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Upon annexation, it is recommended that the City coordinate with the school district to �
develop neighborhood park facilities at this location.
Proposed East Hyle6os Creek Site 5-OS Natural Open Space Area
This proposed site is located off Route 161 (Puyallup Highway) and is located within the
East Hylebos Ravine. The site is steep and heavily wooded. About 40.0 acres of land is
within this ravine. Considering the nature of the area, its best use would be for open
space.
Comnrehensive Parks. Recreation and Onen Space Plan Cit�ofFedera! Way
Section Vll- S6 Section VII - Plan Recommendations
r
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A major intra-community trail system has been developed that provides linkages between many of the
parks and open space sites. In addition, major trails also connect to the regional system providing
pedestrian and bicycle access to Kent, Auburn, Tacoma and the rest of the Seattle metropolitan area.
The following is a summary of recommendations for the major trail system.
Trail l Freeway to Bay Traii 5.3 Miles
, This trail system is designed to provide a major north/south paved pedestrian trail that connects many
of the parks and Natural Open Space Area. It begins at the Spring Valley Open Space site near the I-
5 Freeway and continues up through the Hylebos Creek drainage corridor. It eventually terminates at
� Puget Sound at the Dumas Bay park site (site 7 S in Planning Area A). This is a unique trail system
in that none of it follows public streets. Its use will be primarily for pedestrians and bicyclists.
� Trai12 Steel Lake Loop Trail 10.0 Miles
The Steel Lake Loop Trail provides a circular trail system in the northern portion of the planning
' area. It begins at Steel Lake and travels mostly through open space comdors. Some of it does
follow public streets, however. This loop system also connects to the Saltwater State Park Trail, the
Green River Trail and the Covington/Tacoma Trail.
,
Trail 3 Covington/Tacoma Trail 6.7 Mites
' This trail follows the BPA power lines that extend through the entire planning area. Once completed,
it will connect the Tacoma area with the Interurban Trail in the Kent Valley.
' Trai14 Olympic View Connection 1.5 Miles
� The Olympic View Connection is a small trail that begins within Olympic View Park and connects to
the Freeway to Bay Trail. Some of this route will be located along city streets and an access
easement will be needed along the golf course driving range.
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Cit�fFederal Way Comprehensive Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
' Section I�II - Plan Recommendations Section Vll- 57
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Several major recreation facilities are recommended in the plan. Each are briefly described below.
Sports Fietd Complea
A major sport complex is recommended and should contain a baseball stadium, softball fields, youth
baseball Selds and soccer fields. It would be used primarily for city league play. This site should
consist of appro�cimately 30 acres of land. One possible location is in the Spring Valley area (Refer to
site 5-SU in subarea C)
Outdoor Court Complez
A complex of tennis, volleyball and other hard surface sports is recommended. These facilities should
be lighted and built to league and instructional quality. They should be designed in a manner to
accommodate major competitive events.
Klahanee Lake Community/Senior Center
Currently this facility contains a gymnasium, meeting rooms, a lcitchen, a senior center area, a game
room and other miscellaneous spaces. With the development of an indoor recreation center, it is
recommended that this facility be coverted to an alternative use.
Indoor Recreation Center
The survey and workshop meetings revealed considerable interest in a multi-purpose recreation
center. The needs assessment indicated a specific need for a gymnasium and places to provide
recreation classes and meetings. The interest in a recreation center has been heightened by the
success of the nearby Norpoint Centre in Northeast Tacoma. The City of Federal Way has started a
recreation progam but is using the schools and leased spaces.
1. Design Requirements for a Successful Indoor Recreation Center
2.
3.
4.
A recreation center should be somewhat centralized to the community and should
recognize the service area of the existing Norpoint Centre.
The facility should provide a wide range of facilities and activities of interest to a11 age
groups.
Spaces should be provided for competitive and active sports, passive activities, limited
cultural arts, receptions, etc.
Multi-use spaces should be favored over single purpose spaces. Flexibility is very
important.
Comprehensive Parks. Recreation and Open Snace Plan Citv ofFederal Wav
Section VII- 58 Section Vll - Plan Recommendations � I
5. The building should be attractive with a comfortable environment suitable for both active
and leisure activities. Active recreation spaces should be clearly separated from passive
spaces.
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Because of the population growth in the area, the City,should consider constructing
some lease space which would be converted to recreation space at a later time.
Activities and spaces that generate revenue is very important. This will help to offset the
operating cost.
8. While there is a large competitive pool and a smaller multi-purpose pool in Federal Way,
the propo�sed recreation center should provide a lap pool along with a small leisure pool
� for feac�ing and general recreation svv�mming.
2. Building Components:
Recreation Component
o Large multi-purpose gymnasium (7,920 sq. ft.)
- 3 volleyball courts
- 4 pickleball courts
- 2 basketball courts
o Racquetball courts (2-3)
o Fitness Center
o Multi-purpose reception/aerobics room
o Meeting/classrooms (3-4)
Estimated Floor Area: 21,600 sq. ft.
Aquatic Component
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Lap pool (3-41ane)
"0" depth leisure /training tank
Sma11 water slide
Fountain
Hydro therapy pool
Public viewing area
Outside sun deck
Storage/mechanical room
Shower/dressing rooms
Pool control area.
Estimated Floor Area: 11,900 sq. ft.
� Citv of Federal Way Comprehensive Parks. Recreation and Open Space Plan
Section Vll - Plan Recommendations Section VII- 59
Support CompQnent
o Warming/catering kitchen
o Storage
o Administrative space (Center only)
o Public restrooms
o Entrance, Control, Lobby
o Building Operations
Estimated Floor Area: 4,400
3. Site Requirements:
Building Size
Parking - 190 spaces
Open space, landscaping
Total
4. FinancialImpacts:
Estimated Project Cost:
Estimated Net Operating Cost
37,900 sq. ft.
66,500 sq. ft.
120,000 sq. ft.
224,400 sq. ft. (5.2 Acres)
$6,000,000
$95,000
CulturaVPerforming Arts Center
There is a great deal of interest to build an arts center in Federal Way. This project should be a joint
effort among the City, private groups, individuals and non-profit organizations. Please refer to the
Cultural Arts Plan for specific requirements.
Comprehensive Parks. Recreation and Open Space Plan Citv orFederal Wav
Section Vll- 60 Section I�ll - Plan Recommendations
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' Since the City is new and administrative procedures are now being developed, the following
recommendations are given to help manage the park and recreation program.
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Update Development Fee Ordinance Based on Impact Mitigation
The city should adopt a park and recreation growth impact ordinance that would require
dedication of park land or a fee in-lieu-of dedication. Because of the fairly large daytime
employment population, the City should consider this mandatory dedication for commercial
and industrial projects as well as residential development. Authority for establishing a growth
impact ordinance comes from the State Subdivision Law (Chapter 58.17 RCV� and from the
State Environmental Policy Act. The proposed ordinance would estimate the impact of each
new development on park and recreation facilities in the area and make provisions for setting
aside park land, facilities or monies to offset the project's impacts.
The developer should be given the option of choosing land dedication, cash or a combination
as long as they meet the design and location criteria established in the park and recreation
plan. In addition, a developer should be given some credit for park and facility improvements
made within the subject property.
Annual Goals and Work Program
Each year at the beginning of the budget process, the Department staff should set goals and
objectives for the forthcoming year. This type of strategy will give the staff a source of
direction of what is to be accomplished for the year. At the end of the year an evaluation
should be made to deternune the effectiveness of the staff in meeting the goals.
Annual Report
An annual report should be prepared each year describing the activities, participation levels
and changes and other operating information that occuned over the past year. This document
should be prepared in a professional manner and widely distributed. It is an important
document to have available at budget time.
Department Poticy Manual
To help maintain a level of consistency, a policy manual should be prepared that deals with the
' various operations managed by the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services.
Once in place, it will help the staffto administer the various programs it offers.
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Citv ofFederal Wav Comprehensive Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
, Section I�II - Plan Recommendations Section VII- 61
5.
6.
7.
8.
Cost and Revenue Reporting System
It will be important to maintain a clear understanding of the costs and revenues generated by
each type of recreation service offered by the city. To achieve this, costs and revenues should
be identified for each major type of facility and recreation program. Given this type of
information, judgments can then be made on what program or fee changes need to be made.
Zoning Ordinance Amendments
One concept that creates park and open space is to allow the clustering of development
thereby leaving some land available for other recreation uses. Currently the City's zoning
ordinance does not permit this approach, which is sometimes referred to as a PUD (Planned
Unit Department). It is recommended that the City consider this approach.
As an example, a developer might own a ten acre parcel of land in which 50 units are
permitted on the site. Under the PUD concept, the developer would be allowed to cluster the
50 utits into one area leaving several acres of land for a park site. The city benefits in that it
gets a park site at no cost and the developer benefits in that 50 housing units can still be
constructed but at a lower total development cost.
Contracting Park Maintenance Services
As the city grows and the demand for maintenance increases, the city should consider
contracting out certain tasks. Some possible tasks could include street tree maintenance,
painting, tree removal, etc.
Joint agreements with King County
Since a considerable amount of the planning area is outside the city limits of Federal Way,
King County will need to assume the responsibility of pazk land acquisition and development.
Reco�ng that some of this unincorporated land may eventually be annexed to the city,
Federal Way should have a keen interest in acquiring park land while it is available.
Therefore, the city and the county should enter into joint agreements whereby the two
jurisdictions can share in this responsibility.
Comnrehensive Parks. Recreation and Oven Snace Plan Cit�ofFederal WaY
Section VII- 62 Section I�II - Plan Recommendations �
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' 1. Develop Maintenance Management Plan
;� Effective management of park maintenance operation requires a maintenance plan to
developed for each active and passive park under the junsdiction of the department. Elements
of the plan will include the following information for each park. The elements are: site plan,
utilities, facilities, total acreage, inventory of maintenance tasks, performance standards for
i' each task and a maintenance calendar. Performance standards will be established by field
observation of maintenance tasks, standards obtained through reliable sources and within
budget appropriations.
2. Annual Goals and Work Program
', ' Each year at the beginning of the city's budgeting process, the department's staff will set goals
and objectives for the forthcoming year. This type of strategy will give the staff direction of
what should be accomplished for the year. As the year progresses, regular reporting will
occur. The reports will include analysis of the work performed relative to annual goals and
,' approved work programs. At the end of the year, an overall evaluation will be made to
determine the effectiveness of staff in meeting the goals.
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Annual Report
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An annual report will be prepared each year describing the activities, participation level and
changes and other operating information that occurred over the past year. This document will
be prepared in a professional manner and widely distributed. It is an important document to
have available at budget time.
Annual Goals and Work Program
The philosophy of the Recreation Services Division is to provide a comprehensive diversified
recreation program to the citizens of the Federal Way area. These programs include crafts
and visual arts, dance, music, education, senior services, special interests, special populations,
creative movement, health and fitness, athletics, outdoor activities, trips and tours, teens and
special events. It is our goal to give the participants quality programs and introductory
experiences to a variety of recreational opportunities and to provide a foundation on which a
participant can build their knowledge and interest in a variety of leisure pursuits.
'� Citv ofFederal Wav Comprehensive Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
Section Vll - Plan Recommendations Section t�ll- 63
1. Annual Goals and Work Program
The City of Federal Way Arts Commission was formed in January of 1991 to advise and
recommend to the City Council and staff, activities related to all aspects of the arts visual,
performing literary, and cultural.
A Cultural Plan and Feasibility Study was completed in 1994 and now serves as a long-term
planning document and work plan. The research determined that among the primary concerns
of the community is the desire to create an image and identity for the City which recognizes
the value of the arts and culture as an essential component of the community life.
As a result of the Plan, six goals were identified. They are as follows:
� To establish an on-going linkage between Federal Way's arts and business communities.
• To crea.te, promote and advocate for arts education programs to serve all people of the
community.
• To improve coordination and the quality of arts marketing and promotional activities.
• To improve existing festivals and establish a major "theme" festival for the community.
• To utilize the Visitation Retreat and Cultural Center for cultural programming and develop
a multi-user cultural arts facility before the year 2000.
• Implement the goals and objectives of the plan through developing necessary partnerships
such as the Chamber, Federal Way School District and the Federal Way Coalition for the
Perfornung Arts.
Comprehensive Parks. Recreation and Onen Space Plan Citv oJFederal Wav
Section VII- 64 Section VII - Plan Recommendations �
SECTION �III
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
SECTION VIII
I1��PLEMENTATION PLAN
INTRODUCTION
Contained in this section is a strategy for implementing the plan. The end product is the six
year capital improvement plan (CIP) found on page VIII-9. It should be kept in mind that
over time as funding opportunities arise or change, the CIP will need to be adjusted.
PROJECT PRIORITIES
2.
3.
4.
5
6.
7.
8.
Land acquisition should have the highest priority, especially for neighborhood and
commuruty park sites. Park acquisition and development should have a higher priority
in areas not presently being served.
Upgrading existing park sites should have the priority because they can provide an
immediate effect and will prevent further detenoration of facilities.
The acquisition of community park sites should have priority over neighborhood park
sites because of the difficulty in locating suitable parcels.
Neighborhood park development should have priority over community park
development because several large community parks already exist.
The development of sport fields should be an on-going process but balanced against
other needs.
Trail development should be an on-going process. Trails should first be developed to
connect existing trail systems.
Open space should have a lower priority because usually it is land that is already
protected by other governmental restrictions.
A high priority should be placed on developing an agreement with King County to
assure that future park sites outside the city limits are preserved
PROJECT IlVIPROVEMENTS
The following is a list of the project improvements recommended in the plan. This includes
land acquisition, park development, park rehabilitiation, trail improvements and the
development of major capital facilities. It should be kept in mind that the City will not be able
to complete all of these projects in the near future. The purpose of this list is to identify all
projects and be a source for revising the CIP in future years.
City ofFederal Wav Comprehensive Park Recreation and Open Space Plan
Section f�Ill - Implemention Plan Page I�III - 1
PLANNING AREA A
Cost of Improvements
Project Type Acres Cost
New Park Development
Hoyt Road O.S.
Lakota Park
Lakota Park Expan.
Lochaven Open S.
Lochaven Park
Ocean �ew Park
Soundview Park
West Campus Park
Adelaide E. School Park
Brigadoon E. School Park
Decatur H.S. Park
Green Gabie E. School/P
Lake Grove E. School/P.
Lakota Jr. Hi. School/P
Olympic View E. SchooVP
Silver Lake E. School/P
Twin Lake E. Schooi/P
SUBTOTAL
Open S.
Neigh.
N/O.S.
Open S.
Neigh.
Spec. Use
Neigh.
Neigh.
Neigh.
Neigh.
Community
Neigh.
Neigh.
Spec. Use
Neigh.
Neigh.
Neigh.
10.00
3.00
10.00
5.00
5.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
4.80
4.10
16.60
5.90
5.80
5.70
5.60
5.20
5.00
$270,000
255,000
300,000
1,350,000
425,000
14,400
255,000
255,000
120,000
120,000
177,000
120,000
120,000
177,000
120,000
120,000
120,000
4,318,400
Park Rehabiliation
Adelaide Park
Alderbrook Pa�lc
Dash Points Highlands
Dumas Bay Park
French Lake Park
Lake Grove Pa�lc
Lakota Park
Olympic Vew Park
Palisades Park
Poverty Bay Pa�ic
�sitation Retreat Center
312th Sport Court Pa�1c
Neigh.
Neigh.
Neigh.
Spec. Use
Neigh.
Neigh.
Community
Neigh.
Neigh.
Open S.
Spec. Use
Neigh.
6.70
25.10
5.00
19.30
10.00
4.80
28.20
20.70
3.20
48.00
12.00
2.00
$24,800
27,800
326,100
176,500
260,800
55,700
125,500
53,700
155,700
3,300
72,700
13,700
1,296,300
Comnrehensive Park. Recreation and Onen Svace Plan Citv otFederal Wav
PaBe VIII - 2 Section I�IIl - Implemention Plan �
PLANNING AREA B
Cost of Improvements
Project Type Acres Cost .
New Park Development
Saghalie Jr. Hi. School/P Spec. Use 36.00 $177,000
Sherwood E. School/P Neigh. 4.70 120,000
Madro�a Meadow Park Neigh. 6.20 310,000
SUBTOTAL 607,000
Park Rehabiliation
Aiderdale Park
Coronado Park
Saghalie Park
SUBTOTAL
Neigh. 2.00
Mini 1.20
Community 36.00
$55,800
13,800
7,900
77,500
PLANNING AREA C
Cost of Improvements
Project Type Acres Cost
New Park Development
Hylebos Roadside Park Spec. Use 5.00 $32,000
Hylebos Cr. Open Space Open S. 20.00 540,000
illahee Paric Community 15.00 2,550,000
Spring Valley Parfc Neigh. 5.00 425,000
363rd Open Space Open S. 5.00 135,000
Enterprise E. Schooi/Park Neigh. 5.00 120,000
Iliahee Jr. Hi. School/P Spec. Use 15.80 177,000
Sports Fieid Complex Spec. Use 30.00 3,800,000
SUBTOTAL 7,779,000
Park Rehabiliation
Hylebos - Blue. Farm Open S. 10.50 $186,100
SUBTOTAL 186,100
Citv ofFederal Way Comprehensive Park. Recreation and Open Space Plan
Section VIII - Implemention Plan Page VIII - 3
PLANNING AREA D
Cost of Improvements
Proje Type Acres Cost
New Park Development
Forest Grove Park Neigh. 3.00 $255,000
TOTAL 255,000
Park Rehabiliation
Mirror Lake Park
West Campus Trail
SUBTOTAL
Neigh. 3.40 $223,900
Linear 27.8 43,300
$267,200
PLANNING AREA E
Cost of Improvements
Project Type Acres Cost
New Park Development
Marine Hills Open Space Open S. 20.0 $540,000
Redondo Hts. Park Neigh. 5.00 425,000
Redondo Open Space Open S. 17.0 459,000
Steel Lake Wetlands Open S. 5.00 135,000
SUBTOTAL 1,559,000
Park Rehabiliation
Sacajawea Paric
Steel Lake Park
Steei Lake Annex
Wildwood Park
SUBTOTAL
Community
Large Urb.
Large Urb.
Neigh.
18.3 $106,300
51.7 121,100
18,800
2.30 11,300
257,500
Comnrehensive ParIG Recreation and Onen Snace Plan Citv of Federal Wuy
Page t�lll - 4 Section Vlll - Implemention Plarr
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FUNDING SOURCES
1)
�
The following are possible funding sources for park and facility improvements. The number in
front of each funding source acts as a key in the CIP found on page VIII-9.
Washington Wildlife and A special fund created by a coalition of
Recreation Coalition Fund recreation and wildlife groups with the intent of
preserving wildlife habitats and open space and
developing recreation areas. Approximately $58 million
has been allocated each year since 1990. It is not known
how long this funding source will continue. The City has
received several grants from this program. Loca1
agencies must match the grant amount.
2)
Property Transfer Excise
Tax
A tax assessed on the sale of property. City Park
in Federal Way was financed by this method.
3)
City General Fund
General City funds allocated to the Park and Recreation
Budget. Cunently most of the Department's budget
comes from this source.
Capital Improvement Fund Money allocated from the City's General Fund to finance
major capital projects.
4)
Park Impact Fees Development fees imposed by the City for park land
acquisition and development. Fees charged to the
developer are based on a set amount per residential unit.
The City currently collects some money in a related
SEPA process.
5)
6) Short Term Special Levy A property ta�c for construction and/or operation levied
��, for a set number of years. It is usually 1-3 years. A
' s ecial le re uires a 50% voter a roval and can
' � P �3' q PP
continue up to six years.
�
7) General Obligation Bond A property tax for the sale of construction bonds. The
tax assessment can be levied up to 30 years. Requires a
60% majority approval of 40% of the voters who voted
at the last election.
� City ofFederal Wav Comprehensive Park Recreation and Open Space Plan
Section [�III - Implemention Pla» Page Vlll - S
8)
��
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
Revenue Bonds Revenue from the operation of the facility pays for the
capital cost and debt service. Does not require a vote of
the people unless required by local ordinance.
Councilmanic Bonds Bonds that can be issued by the City Coun�il. Does not
require a vote of the people but must be paid out of the
City's annual operating budget.
LWCF Grants distributed from the Federal Land and Water
Conservation Fund. Grants pay 50% of the cost of
acquisition and development. At one time, this was a
ma�or funding program for recreation programs. Under
the present admirustration, the program has been cut
severely. The program is administered locally by the
Washington State Interagency Committee on Outdoor
Recreation.
Park Revenue Revenue from park operations can be used to pay for
capital improvements.
Department of Ecology Grants from the Coastal Zone Management Account.
Grants pay 50% and are primarily used for shoreline
acquisition and public access.
HUD Grants Grants from the Federal Department of Housing and
Urban Development for a wide variety of projects. Most
are distributed in the lower income areas of the
community. Grants can be up to 100%.
Aquatic Land Enhancement This program, funded by the State Department of
Fund Natural Resources, will fund up to $80,000 for
acquisition and development of waterfront parks, public
access and environmental protection. A new program has
been added to the Aquatic Land Enhancement Fund
called "Wetland Stewaxdship Grant Program". This
program will fund up to $200,000 for the acquisition of
locally significant wetlands.
15) Initiative 215 Boating Funds Funds received from boating gas tax are allocated to
marine related projects. Up to $150,000 per project is
available but a 50% match is required.
Comnrehensive Parl� Recreation and Onen Space Plan Cit�o1'Federa! Way
Page Vlll - 6 Section VIII - Implemention Plan
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
State Bicycle Funds From a portion of state gas taxes distributed to each city
The amount is minor and is often used to help finance
local street improvements.
Certificates of Participation A lease-purchase approach in which the City sells
Certificates of Participations (COP's) to a lending
institution. The City then pays the loan off from revenue
produced by the facility or from its general operating
budget. The lending institution holds title to the property
until the COP's are repaid. This procedure does not
require a vote of the public.
Transfer of Development A process wherein the development
Rights rights of a specific parcel of desired open space land is
transferred to a second parcel of land more suitable for
development. The second parcel is then pernutted a
higher level of development. If the two parcels are
owned by two different land owners, the increased value
of the second parcel is given to the owner of the first
parcel.
Work Release Program An alternative to jail time by providing community
services such as working on a park maintenance crew or
providing other recreation services.
Centennial Clean Water A state program administered by the
Program Department of Ecology and financed by a tax on
cigarettes. The program is designed to provide grants
and loans on projects that will enhance water quality.
Typical projects related to parks and open space could
include lake restoration, storm water retention, wetland
enhancement and other water quality mitigating
measures. Grants are available for planning, design and
construction up to 70% of the total cost.
21) Conservation Futures Levy Counties can levy up to $.065 per $1,000 per assessed
valuation for the acquisition of park land. King County is
using this revenue source to help finance the shortfall in
the Open Space Bond Program currently underway.
22) Utility Tax
A tax on utilities. The City can charge up to 6% per
utility.
Citv ofFedera! Wav Comprehensive Park Recreation and Open Space Plan ,�
Section Vlll - Implemention Plan Page Vlll - 7
�
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23) Urban Forestry Grants The Washington State Department of Natural Resources
(DNR) administers two funding grant programs in the
area of urban forestry. The first in funded throgh the
U. S. Small Business Administration and provides grants
to purchase and plant trees. Urban street tree planting
progams are sometimes funded by this method. About
$250,000-300,000 annually is given to DNR to distribute.
A 25% match is required.
24) ISTEA The "Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of
1991" provides funding for bicycle transportation
facilities, including new or improved lanes and paths,
traf�c control devices, shelters and parking facilities.
�-
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
� The following is a recommended strategy for implementing the first six years of improvements
recommended in the plan. The numbers listed under the specific source refers to the funding
� options listed on pages 5-8. Under impact fees, it is assumed an average growth of 760
housing units a year at an average fee of $1,200 each.
�
�
Comvrehensive Park. Recreation and Onen Space Plan City otFederal Way
1 'aSe �II - 8 Section I�III - Implemention Plan
�
specific Sources:
1 Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition Fund
3 Cily General Fund
4 City Capital Improvement Fund
5 Park Impact Fees
9 Councilmanic Bond
24 ISTEA GreM
Ci[y otFederal Wav Comprehensive Park Recreation and Open Space Plarr
Section I�III - Implemention Plan Page Vlll - 9 �
Table 22
Six Year Capital Improvement Plan
Park and Recreation Facilities
City of Federal Way
�
�
�
r: . � .i�r:�
Comprehensive
Park, Recreation
and
Open Space Plan
�
Cultu�al A�ts Plan
(� City of Federal Way Comprehensive Parl� Recreation and Open Space Plan
Appendix
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Cit of Federal Wa
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Communit Cultural Plan
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DECEMBER 1994
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PLANtJING & RESEARCH
AMS Planning & Research
915 D Street, Petaluma, CA 94952
Funding for the City of Federal Way Community Cuttural Plan has been provided by the City of
Federal Way Arts Commission, a City Council-appoirrted body
��
FEDERAL WAY
COMMUNITY CULTURAL PLAN
The City of Federal Way:
City Council (as of September 1994)
Mary Gates, Mayor
Phil Watkins, Deputy Mayor
Hope Etder
Ron Gintz
Mahlon "Skip" Priest
Robert Stead
Ray Tomlinson
City Staff
City Manager's Office
Kenneth Nyberg, City Manager
Parks, Hecreation d� Cuttural Services Departmertt
Jennifer Schroder, Director
Cheri McCabe, Recreation SuperiMendent
Mary Faber, Recreation Manager
Sue Fbyd, Administrative Assistam
Federal Way Arts Commission
Jeanne Burbidge, Chair
Patridc Fullmer
Betty Huff
Nancy Ise
Nancy Jones
Joann Piquette
Robert Ratcliff
Toska Rodriguez
Bette Simpson
Joan Tabrum
Guy Trotter
Cultural Plan/Feasibility Study
Steering Committee
Chair
Jeanne Burbidge, Arts Commission
Members
Linda Anderson, Dance Unlimited
Don Barrows, Music Director/Instructor
Faye Clerget, Artist, fonner FW Arts Commission
Ron Cole, Centennial Bank
Craig Dennis, Federal Way News
Bob Edwards, Hartnony Kings
Bill Feldt, Centerstage
Bill Gates, Merrill, Lynch
foRner King Coumy Library Board
D�. Richard Harris, Federal Way School District
Kely Hartsell, SeaTac Mall
Effenus Henderson, Weyefiaeuser Corp.
Nancy Ise, City of Federal Way Arts Commission
Adrian Johnson, Diversiry Commission
Nancy Jones, City of Federal Way Arts Commission
Dave Kaplan, Parks � Recreation Commission
Beverly Kim, Diversity Commission
Sharon Kline, Art Shows Northwest
Jcel Marks, Federal Way Philhamronic,
Lakehaven Utility District
Diana Nielsen, Federal Way Philharmonic
Pat Owen, Pat Owen Studio
Joann Piquette, Coalition of the Performing Arts
Jeff Stodc, Omni Properties
Joan Tabrum, Coalition of the Performing Arts
Pam Taybr, Federal Way Chamber of Commerce
Tony Tebeau, Washington State Bank
Mary Weis, former School Board Member
Dot Weissman, Puget Sound Musical Theater
Rubi Williams, Diversity Commission
Consultants:
AMS Planning & Research, Petaluma, California
Robert Bailey, Vice-President
Arthur Greenberg, Manager
�
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FEDERAL WAY
COMMUNITY CULTURAL PLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVESUMMARY ...................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................3
SUMMARY OF RESEARCH ..............................................................................5
SUMMARY OF GOALS & OBJECTIVES ...........................................................14
GOALS & OBJECTIVES ................•----...............................................................16
GOAL A. ARTS & BUSINESS ............................................................................17
GOAL B. ARTS EDUCATION ............................................................................21
GOAL C. INFORMATION & AWARENESS .......................................................26
GOAL D. FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS .....................................................28
GOAL E. CULTURAL ARTS FACILITIES ..........................................................31
GOAL F. IMPLEMENTATION ............................................................................35
�
�
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
-' he Federa/ Way Community Cu/tura/ Plan is the resu/t of tnput
received from nearly five hundred people through the cowse of a
� year-long p/anning process. It represents the collective vision of a
broad representation of Federal Way citizens and has involved individuals
� representing the city's arts and cultural organizations, individual artists,
businesses, social service agencies, government, commissioners, and school
district. Concurrent with the formulation of this Plan was a feasibility study to
�, � determine cuftural facility needs and options for the community. A 30-plus
member volunteer Steering Committee was established composed of individuals
representing a broad cross-section of the community to guide the planning
� process.
Comprehensive research was conducted at the commencement of the project
� including interviews with key leaders, a market analysis, surveys with arts and
cultural organizations and individual artists, a random survey of households by
telephone, and a series of community workshops to determine issues, goals and
� objectives for the Plan. The Steering Committee subsequently held a series of
planning meetings to formulate the text of this document.
� The research determined that among the primary issues facing the community of
Federal Way are the need for a facility to house cuftural and community events
and the desire to create an image and identity for the city as one which
� recognizes the value of arts and culture as an essential component of the
community. Cultural organizations indicated that their chief concern is to
� generate community support and awareness for their programs. Individual artists
noted the need for exhibition, networking and funding opportunities.
� The public survey determined that 55% of city residents attended at least one
pertorming arts event during the past year while 51 % attended at least one
v�sual arts exhibit. Attendance averages 2.3 pertorm�ng arts events and 1.35
� exhibitions. Most people indicate they don't attend more frequently because of
insufficient time or lack of interest. Sixty percent of the sample noted that °arts
and culture are important for the education of families and children.°
� In order to address the issues and opportunities identified in the research, six
goals and numerous objectives have been formulated which compose the text of
� this Cultural Plan. The goals include:
�
� �
Federa/ Way Community CulturaJ P/an
Goal A(Arts & Business) is to establish an on-going linkage between Federal
Way's arts and business communities. Key objectives relate to establishing a
working structure to nurture arts/business partnerships, and the development of
cooperative arts and business programs.
Goal B(Arts Education) is to strengthen arts course offerings in the Federal Way
School District, creating community-based arts education programs, and
establishing an advocacy network involving local citizens and parents.
Goal C(Information and Awareness) is to raise public awareness of Federal
Way's arts and cultural programs and activities. A publiGprivate partnership is to
be established involving arts and cultural organizations from throughout the
South King County region. Brochures, a newsletter inventory, and a volunteer
Arts Marketing Network are among the program recommendations.
Goal D(Festivals and Special Events) is to improve the city's existing festivals
and special events (through marketing, coordination, and site issues) and to
create a major "themed° festival for the city. A volunteer Task Force is
recommended, involving representatives of service clubs and festival boards, to
work collectively on better promoting the city's annual events.
Goal E(Cultural Facilities) states objectives relating to the creation and
development of cultural facilities in Federal Way. This goal recommends utilizing
the Visitation Retreat Center as a community cultural arts school and developing
a new cultural arts center over the next decade.
Goal F(Implementation) provides the structure which is necessary to implement
the other goals and objectives of the Plan. Organizations that will play a role in
implementation include the City of Federal Way Arts Commission, Parks,
Recreation & Cultural Services Department, the non-profit Federal Way
Coalition of the Pertorming Arts, Federal Way Chamber of Commerce, Federal
Way School District, City of Federal Way Parks & Recreation Commission and
other commissions.
Each of the goals' objectives has been prioritized by the Steering Committee and
given a ranking between 1 and 5.
The Federal Way Community Cultural Plan is grounded in a philosophy that a
true public-private partnership is the key to successful long-term development of
the arts and culture in the City and the South King County region. It is hoped that
by sponsoring this Plan, the actions of the City of Federal Way will serve as a
catalyst for cultural development and planning throughout south King County. In
years to come, the City's leadership role in planning for arts and culture will be
recognized as Federal Way fulfills its vision as a community that values quality
of life and provides for the cultural enrichment of its residents and visitors.
2
�
�I �
INTRODUCTION
he Federa/ Way Community Cultural Plan is the result of input
� received from nearly five hundred people through the course of a
year-long planning process. It represents the collective vision of a
broad representation of Federal Way citizens and has involved individuals
� representing the city's arts and cultural organizations, individual artists,
businesses, social service agencies, government, commissioners, and school
district.
� The Federal Way Arts Commission embarked on the process of creating this
Community Cultural Plan in 1993. Concurrent with the formulation of a Cultural
� Plan was a feasibility study to determine cultural facility needs and options. AMS
Planning & Research of Petaluma, California, was selected as the consultant
team in late 1993, and a 30-plus member volunteer Steering Committee was
� established composed of individuals representing a broad cross-section of the
community.
� The planning process commenced with comprehensive research to provide an
overview of the cultural climate in Federal Way and the South King County
region. A market analysis (demographic and lifestyle data) was prepared
� covering the city of Federal Way and its immediate sphere of influence including
the City of Des Moines, Woodmont and Redondo, portions of Kent, Auburn,
Milton and Fife, and northeast Tacoma. The research also included personal
� interviews with 30 key leaders in the region, surveys of arts and cultural
organizations (9) and individual artists (22), and primary market research
� (random-dial 20-minute telephone interviews) with 310 residents of the city and
trade area. Highlights of the research are presented later in this document.
� A facility workshop was held in January 1994 to begin determining facilities
needs of Federal Way-based performing and visual arts organizations. The
results of that workshop have been used to formulate Goal E of this Cuftural
� Plan relating to Cultural Arts Facilities. A companion document, A Feasibility
Study for Cultura/ Arts Facilities in the City of Federal Way, has also been
prepared
� Based on the cultural plan research, the Steering Committee determined topics
for further community input covering the areas of Arts Education, Arts &
� Business Programs, Cultural Facilities, Festivals & Special Events, and City
Cultural Programs. Community members with interests and concems in these
areas were recruited by Steering Committee members and through public
�
� 3
�
Federa/ Way Community Cultura/ P/an
notices. In February of 1994, AMS conducted focused group interviews on each ��'�
of the topic areas at sites throughout Federal Way with participation from nearly I
100 citizens. i I
The Community Cuttural Plan Steering Committee held two additional meetings
to synthesize proposed solutions that were recommended in focus group �
meetings, and to formulate goals and objectives into a unified cultural plan for
the city. During the spring of 1994, a draft of the Community Cultural Plan was
circulated to all participants for review and comment. This final documerrt was �
adopted by the Steering Committee in September 1994.
It is important to note that the Plan's goals and objectives have been extracted �
directly from the minutes of Focus Group and Steering Committee meetings. The
consuftants have attempted to preserve the collective direction of the Plan's
participants and cultural community of Federal Way and the region through �
minimal editing and addition.
The goals and objectives contained in this Plan are grounded in a philosophy
that a true public-private partnership is the key to suc�essful long-term
development of the arts and culture in Federal Way and the South King County
region. It is hoped that by sponsoring this Plan, the actions of the City of Federal
Way will serve as a catalyst for cultural development and planning throughout
southern King County. In years to come, the City's leadership role in planning for
arts and culture will be recognized as Federal Way fulfills its vision as a
community that values quality of life and provides for the cultural enrichment of
its residents and visitors.
�
�
II
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4 �
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SU ARY OF RESEARCH
�
INTRODUCTION
he following section provides a summary of research conducted for the
cultural planning process. Highlights of the following research components
are included:
• Key Leader interviews with 30 individuals representing various
constituencies in the region (e.g., arts, business, government, education)
• Surveys of 11 Federal Way-based arts and cultural organi2ations and 22
individual artists
• Market Analysis (demographic and psychographic data) covering the city of
Federal Way and its immediate sphere including Redondo, (Woodmont
Beach and Des Moines are north of Redondo), Kent (north and east), Auburn
(east), Edgewood (southeast), Milton (south), Fife (south), and northeast
Tacoma (southwest).
• Primary market research (random-dial 20-minute telephone interviews) with
310 residents of the city and trade area
KEY LEADER INTERVIEWS
Community lssues
When asked to identify the key issues facing the community of Federal
Way, interviewees noted these three issues most often:
� Traffic, infrastructure, and transportation issues
• Keeping taxes low for residents
• Lack of identity and central downtown area (Federal Way is widely
perceived as SeaTac Mall)
Other community issues that emerged during interviews included:
• Crime - the beginnings of a gang problem and other emerging social
issues are being noticed in Federal Way
� • Transient community - it's hard to get the word out to new arrivals,
many of whom do not read local newspapers
�
� 5
Federa! Way Community Cultura/ P/an
� Culturally-diverse population - with much growth among Russian
and Korean populations
• Business development - has slowed down considerably over the last
3-4 years; a hotel and conference facility was cited as a major need if
the city is to make the transition from a bedroom community to a retail
and commercial hub.
• Federal Way's schools are a source of pride
Cu/tura! Issues
When asked to identify the key cultural issues facing the community of
Federal Way, interviewees noted the following:
• Lack of facility for cultural and community events
• Image of Federal Way is young families, sports orientation
• Cost of tickets for families is a problem
• Lots of perticipation in community arts groups (e.g., Community
Chorale).
� The mostly small businesses in the community (retail and service) do
not have major funds to support arts and culture. Larger companies
are chains that don't provide much funding locally yet.
• Arts and culture should be incorporated into downtown core
development to help create a sense of identity and "place".
ARTS ORGANIZATIONS' & ARTISTS' NEEDS
Arts Organization Surveys
• Eleven local organizations together account for attendance of nearly
22,000 people annually at performances, mainly at venues outside the
city limits
• Their combined annual budgets total over $320,000
• Revenues are derived from the following sources:
� Earned (tickets, admissions): 61.6%
� Private Contributions: 35.0%
� Government 6.8%
• Organizational needs were stated in the following areas:
� Performance space
� More community support and awareness
� Public and private funding
s
Federa/ Way Community Cultura/ P/an
� Technical assistance in fund-raising and marketing
Individua/ Artists Surveys
• Of 22 surveys received, although 14 different media were represented,
17 respondents identified themselves as "painters"
• Income is derived from:
� Teaching: 28%
� Selling Work: 21 %
� Commercial Work: 7%
• Individual artist/craftsperson needs were noted as:
� More exhibition opportunities
� Networking
� Funding
� Better public awareness
� Workshop/studio space
� An arts center
MARKET ANALYSIS
The market area for Federal Way includes the city itself and all or part of the
surrounding communities of Redondo, Kent, Auburn, Edgewood, Milton, Fife,
and northeast Tacoma. The map on the following page illustrates the market
area.
Demographics
The following tables provide highlights of greater Federal Way's
demographic composition:
Population
� Family/Marital Status Married 56.8%
Households w/ Children 34.5%
� 2-Parents 74.6%
1-Parent 23.5%
�
� 7
Federa/ Way Community Cultura/ P/an
Federal Way Market Area
s �
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Federa/ Way Community Cuitura/ Pian
Age
�
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Under 14 23.3% 50 to 59 9.2%
15 to 20 6.3% 60 to 69 5.6%
21 to 29 15.6% 70 and Over 4.8%
30 to 39 19.6%
40 to 49 15.0% Median 33 ears
Income/Employment
Race/Ethnicity
�
Education
Lifesty/es
Less Than H.S. 11.3%
H.S. Graduate 27.3%
Some Colle e/Graduate 55.6%
Graduate De ree 5.9%
• 82% of the market (or trade) area is represented by only 6(of 50)
� lifestyle segments
• Lifestyle segmentation shows good opportunity for family/community
� theater, weak potential for commercial theater
MARKET RESEARCH
�
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Primary market research undertaken for the Plan consisted of 310 twenty-minute
telephone interviews with residents of the city and surrounding trade area. The
s
Federal Way Community Cultura/ Plan
following are highlights of the survey results (complete survey results are
contained in a separate report):
Arts and Cultural lssues
• Annual attendance by residents is slightly lower than average in
comparable market areas
• 55% attended at least one pertorming arts event during the past year
(Highest percentage - 16% - reported attending 5th Avenue Theater)
• 51 % attended at least one visual arts exhibit during the past year
(Highest percentage - 20% - reported attending Seattle Art Museum)
• Average annual attendance at 2.3 pertorming arts events
• Average annual attendance of 1.35 visual art exhibitions
10
• Reasons for not attending more frequently -"Insufficient time° and
"Not interested°
•"Popular Music Concerts° are most popular among respondents:
Federa/ Way Community Cultura/ P/an
OPERA
SYMPHONY/ORCHESTRA
BALLET/DANCE
OTHER CONCERT
PLAY/THEATER
MUSICAL
POPULAR MUSIC
CONCERT
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% I
• 5th Avenue Theatre (16%), Seattie Center and Tacoma Dome (both
9.5%), Paramount Theatre (7.7.%) are most frequently attended
venues
• Seattle Art Museum is the most popular museum with 20% of
attenders followed by Pacific Science Center (6.4%)
• 73% of residents said it is °Very important" for children to have access
to arts classes in school or after school
• Festivals, Popular concerts and Locally Produced theater are most
preferred (Likelihood of attending):
[�1 • . •
theatrical
Very Somewvhat Nat
Likely Likely Likely
&10 4 0-3
43.4% 44.6% 12.0%
35.6% 43.4% 21.0%
28.2% 49.1 % 22.7%
28.6% 45.4% 26.0%
Multicultural arts r rams 5.04 20.8% 52.3% 26.9%
Classical music concerts 4.83 23.5% 43.6% 32.9%
BalleVother dance reserrtations 4.54 21.4% 44.5% 34.1%
Lectures or et readin s 3.3 11.3% 33.9% 54.8%
• 60% of sample agree that "arts and culture are important for the
education of families and children°
• 35.4% agree that it is important for the municipal government to
provide financial support for arts and cultural organizations (lower than
other studies)
11
Most Recent Performing Arts Attendance
Federa/ Way Community Cultura/ Plan
Reasons tor visiting Federa/ Way
• Federal Way is a hub for services for residents of surrounding towns:
Purchase food
Purchase clothing
Medical or dental service
General recreational activities
See a movie
Go to Federal Way "a lot or
sometimes" to•
89.6%
88.8%
71.6%
61.0%
58.7%
• Most (63.5%) residents "don't know" where to take visitors for a
cultural experience in Federal Way. Of those who did mention places
to take visitors, the following were cited most frequently:
� SeaTac Mall 7.1 %
� Dash Poi nt Park 3.9%
� Bonsai Gardens 3.5%
Lif+esty/e Issues
•"Being financially secure," "Having a rewarding job" and "Freedom to
do anything" are most important concerns for Federal Way residents
• Transportation and Parks are given highest importance for quality of
life (percent ranking "Extremely" or "Somewhat Importarrt" and
numerical rank out of 10-point scale):
12
Federa/ Way Community Culturai Plan
Importance of Attributes in Impmviog Quality of Life
(Numbers in bradcets indicate average rank on ten-polnt sca/eJ
Improved Trans. System
[824]
Neighbortaod Parks
[7.55�
Walking or &king Trails
n.��
More sporfs FiekJs
[6.74]
Cuitural Arts Facilities
(626]
13
76% 78% 8096 8296 84% 88% 8896 90% 92% 9496 9696
Aeraer►t RaL'rrg Nery' or SomewhaY lmpo►tant
SUMMARY OF GOALS & OBJECTIVES
he following section provides a summary of the objectives recommended
under each goal of the Plan.
GOAL A - ARTS & BUSINESS
Goal A is to establish an on-going linkage between Federal Way's arts and
business communities. Key objectives relate to establishing a working structure
to nurture arts/business partnerships, and the development of cooperative arts
and business programs. Program ideas include better dissemination of
information (such as calendars of events), promotion of the city's arts groups
and businesses, and inclusion of arts and cultural activities among the Chamber
of Commerce's priorities.
GOAL B - ARTS EDUCATION
Goal B is to strengthen arts course offerings in the Federal Way School District,
creating community-based arts education programs, and establishing an
advocacy network involving local citizens and parerrts. Among the objectives of
this goal are methods to link local arts education efforts with county- and state-
wide resources and establishing partnerships between schools and community
organizations.
GOAL C - INFORMATION & AWARENESS
Goal C is to raise public awareness of Federal Way's arts and cultural programs
and activities. A public/private partnership is to be established involving arts and
cultural organizations from throughout the South King County region. Brochures,
a newsletter inventory, and a volunteer Arts Marketing Network are among the
program recommendations.
GOAL D- FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Goal D is to improve the city's existing festivals and special events (through
marketing, coordination, and site issues) and to create a major �themed° festival
for the city. A volunteer Task Force is recommended, involving representatives
of service clubs and festival boards, to work collectively on better promoting the
city's annual events.
14
Federal Way Community Cultura/ Plan
GOAL E - CULTURAL FACILITIES
Goal E states objectives relating to the creation and development of cultural
facilities in Federal Way. This goal recommends utilizing the Visitation Retreat
Center as a community cultural arts school and developing a new cultural arts
center over the next decade.
GOAL F - IMPLEMENTATION
Goal F provides the structure which is necessary to implement the other goals
and objectives of the Plan. Organizations that will play a role in implementation
include the City of Federal Way Arts Commission, Parks, Recreation & Cultural
Services Department, the non-profit Federal Way Coalition of the Pertorming
Arts, Federal Way Chamber of Commerce, Federal Way School District, City of
Federal Way Parks & Recreation Commission and other commissions.
15
GOALS & OBJECTIVES
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
Arts & Business
Arts Education
Information & Awareness
Festivals & Special Events
Cuitural Arts Facilities
Implementation
is � I
GOAL A. ARTS & BUSINESS
Key Objectives
• Develop cooperative arts and business
programs to disseminate information in order
to market Federal Way's arts and business
communities
• Establish structures to nurture partnerships
between arts groups and businesses
RATIONALE:
everal issues and opportunities related to the arts and business
communities in Federa/ Way emerged throughout the p/anning process.
Federal Way's business community is characterized by a large retail
sector, the majority of which is not locally-owned; a few major headquarters
whose businesses are international in scope; and a number of "branch plants" in
the service, distribution and manufacturing sectors. Local arts groups have had
limited success in tapping corporate contributed and/or sponsorship funds, and
have had difficulty in developing effective linkages with the city's small
businesses. In the past there have been only limited efforts for collaboration
beriveen the city's arts community and Chamber of Commerce.
A well-attended focus group meeting held to discuss this issue revea/ed a host of
common concerns and a strong willingness to work together. Meeting
participants noted that some businesses seek to attract "upscale customers,"
and many arts patrons tend to �it this demographic profile. A philosophy of
creating a`Ywo-way streeY' by asking such questions as "what arts groups can do
to assist loca/ businesses, " in addition to identifying business support for the arts,
guided the discussions. This goa/ addresses a number of partnership
opportunities to link Federa/ Way's cultura/ and business sectors for mutual
benefit.
17
Federa/ Way Community Cultural Plan
OBJECTIVES: (not in priority order)
Information/Promotions
1. Create a directory of spaces available at local businesses for arts-
related activities (e.g., art exhibits in business lobbies, special events
and small concerts in atrium areas, etc.)
2. Consider an "Arts Passport" to promote Federal Way's businesses
and arts/cultural offerings
3. Create a directory of arts-related businesses (art galleries, craft shops,
frame stores, etc.)
4. Consider establishment of an annual award program to identify and
promote high quality design and architecture in Federal Way
5. Promote use of Federal Way pertorming and visual artists at corporate
receptions and special events (create artists directory)
6. Educate corporate Human Resources/Personnel recruiters about local
arts resources (information pamphlets, videos) for use in employee
recruitment
7. Work with local Realtors to develop "Welcome Packets° showcasing
Federal Way's arts and cultural assets for new home-owners, and to
provide lists of new arrivals to arts groups for direct mailings and other
marketing methods
8. Distribute calendars of upcoming arts events to employees of Federal
Way-based businesses (through corporate newsletters)
9. Explore inclusion of promotional material for arts programs in business
advertisements
10. Host a joint meeting of arts groups and local ethnic restaurants (and
other related small businesses) to develop restaurant meals/arts event
packages (See Arts Passport objective)
11. Increase frequency of Gallery Walk program
Partnerships
1. Organize a Business Volunteers for the Arts (BVA) program or
Corporate Council for the Arts (in association with Seattle and King
County chapters)
18
Federa/ Way Community Cultura/ Plan
2. Explore feasibility of a Business Committee for the Arts to undertake
coordinated fundraising
3. Involve service organizations (Kiwanis, Rotary, etc.) in arts and
business community partnerships
4. Promote use of art by Federal Way-based artists in new and existing
business buildings (murals, sculpture)
5. Develop employee giving (or matching contribution) programs at
Federal Way-based businesses
6. Create a major Business/Arts Event (e.g., Business Arts Awards
Annual Dinner) and/or Festival
7. Host joint Chamber of Commerce/Arts Community meetings to include
presentations on arts activities at monthly Chamber luncheons
8. Work with Federal Way Chamber of Commerce to identify and recruit
potential board members for arts and cultural organizations
9. Explore opportunities for businesses to make in-kind donations of
goods and services to arts groups (auctions have been successful as
fund-raisers)
10. Facilitate the exchange of mailing lists between arts organizations and
arts-related businesses
IMPLEMENTATION SCENARIO:
Federa/ Way Arts Commission meet with Chamber of Commerce Board of
Directors to assist with esta6lishment of a Standing (permanent)
Committee for Arts & Culture Committee. When established, Committee
would include representation from Commission, city departments, arts
groups, artists, and businesses. Task-specific Sub-Committees would be
formed on an as-needed basis (e.g., Design Awards Program, Arts
Passport, etc.).
PARTICIPATING AGENCIES:
Chamber of Commerce, Federa/ Way Arts Commission, City of Federa!
Way P/anning Department, Parks, Recreation & Cultura/ Services
Department, Federa/ Way-based Cultura/ Organizations and Individual
Artists
19
Federa/ Way Community Cultura/ P/an
SEE ALSO:
Goa/ C-Information & Awareness
PRIORITY RANKINGS:
Priority Rankings
GOAL A-ARTS & BUSINESS 1 2 3 4 5
InformatioNPromotfons
1. Directory of spaces in businesses ✓
2. "Arts Passport" �
3. Arts-related business directory ✓
4. Design awards program �
5. Artists at corporate receptions/events ✓
6. Educate recruiters about arts resources ✓
7. Devetop welcome packets with Realtors ✓
8. Distribute calendars of events �
9. Promotional material in business ads ✓
10. Joint arts/restaurant meeting �
11. More fre uent alle walks �/
Partnershl s
1. Organize BVA/Corporate Council �
2. Coordinated fund-raising �
3. Work with service organizations ✓
4. Promote use of art in business buildings �
5. Employee giving programs �
6. Create major business/arts event �
7. Host joint Chamber/arts luncheon �/
8. Work w/ Chamber-recruit board members ✓
9. Business in-kind donations ✓
10. Exchan e mailin lists �
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GOAL B. ARTS EDUCATION
Key Objectives
• Strengthen arts course offerings and arts-
related curricula in the Federal Way School
District
• Create community-based arts education
programs to serve citizens of the city
• Advocate for increased school and community
arts education programs
RAnoNa�e:
he "arts education crisis" is national in its scope, with schoo/ districts
across the nation reporting cuts to arts programs in the face of budget
deficits. Arts programs in the Federal Way Schoo/ District, while reportedly
healthy in many subject and grade levels, have not been immune to budget cuts
over the past decade. Whether it be the concems of parents wishing for "well-
rounded children,"arts groups hoping for future audiences, or a community at
large wanting opportunities for creative expression among its youth, arts
education programs offer answers in each of these areas. National research has
demonstrated that arts-based curriculum results in increased prob/em-solving
and group process skills, reduced truancy, drop-outs, graffiti and vandalism.
At the Arts Education Community Meeting, participants f+ocused on issues such
as inadequate or non-existent pertormance and exhibit facilities at local public
schools, inconsistent curriculum resulting from different "on-site management"
policies, gaps in community recreation programming, and /ack of a central
location for arts class offerings. They also highlighted available opportunities
such as free pertormances for young peop/e under age 18 by the Federal Way
Philharmonic, outreach activities by the Federa/ Way Symphonic Band, public
library programs, and the availability of cultura/ education funding from King
County. It is the intent of this goa/ to ensure that al/ people of Federal Way have
access to quality arts education programs, and have amp/e opportunities to
express themselves creatively.
21
Federa/ Way Community Culturai P/an
OBJECTIVES (not in prior'rty order)
Schoo/ Programs
Work with Federal Way School District, King County Arts Commission,
Washington State Arts Educators, and other local, state, and national
resources (e.g., National Endowment for the Arts, Kennedy Center,
Getty Institute) to expand curriculum-based arts programs
2. Establish "Resource Bank" of artist volunteers and arts materials for
use by individual school principals
3. Appoint a single FWSD contact for development of arts-related
partnerships and programs
4. Assist Federal Way School District in accessing grants for artist-in-
residence programs (from King County and other sources)
5. Work with PTAs and Parent Booster Clubs to increase awareness of
arts education benefits and develop school-based arts programs
(assist with development of Resource Bank)
6. Seek donations of resources/time/funds for repair of musical
instruments at schools
7. Promote donations of unused musical instruments for school-based
music programs
8. Work with Federal Way School District in planning for new schools to
ensure suitable spaces for arts classes and activities
9. Create opportunities for local artists to work in Federal Way schools
10. Ensure arts careers are represented in Career Days at Federal Way
schools
11. Improve access/communication between Federal Way arts-related
businesses and schools and Highline Community College
12. Utilize existing schooVcity collaborative structure for scheduling and
partnership programs (as developed for community athletic facilities at
Saghalie Junior High School)
13. Support and assist with School District's interest in pilot magnet arts
school program
rz
Federa/ Way Community Cultura! Plan
Community Programs
1. Work with youth ciubs (e.g., Scouts, Boys & Girls Club, Campfire) to
increase awareness of arts programs and activities
2. Create central city-wide week-long arts festival (see also Goal D)
3. Program arts competitions/festivals/showcase opportunities for young
people with city and business support
4. Develop arts programs in coordination with human, social service, and
public safety agencies for "youth-at-risk" and other special populations
5. Expand city-sponsored cultural arts classes as resources become
available
Advocacy
1. Develop an Advocacy Network (consisting of parents, students, arts
community representatives, educators) to promote arts education
programs in the Federal Way School District:
a) Research model local arts agency advocacy efforts (e.g., Vashon
Island work with school board)
b) Seek advocacy technical assistance from State of Washington
Office of Superintendent of Public Education
c) Reach parents through PTAs, libraries, school newsletters, athletic
leagues, PTA council, boys & girls clubs, booster clubs, etc.
d) Obtain and distribute relevant publications (Cultural Education
Resource Guides) and attend advocacy forums sponsored by
Washington Alliance for Arts Education
e) Utilize resources of King County Arts Commission
f) Explore potential of Federal Way Coalition of the Performing Arts
taking lead in advocacy functions
IMPLEMENTATION SCENARIO:
School Programs - The Federa! Way Schoo/ District identifies a single
contact person for school-based arts programs. The District works with
the Federal Way Arts Commission (Education Committee) to develop
programs and on going partnerships.
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Federa/ Way Community Cultural Plan
Community Programs - With respect to community arts c/asses, it
shou/d be noted that, traditionally, and in the case of Federa/ Way, the
Parks & Recreation Commission and the Arts Commission have distinct
roles. Entry-leve/ arts classes are the purview of Parks, Recreation &
Cultura/ Services Department, whereas advanced-leve/ and specialized
arts c/asses and workshops should be promoted and initiated by the
Federal Way Arts Commission.
The Federa/ Way Arts Commission leads in advocating development of
community-based arts educational opportunities for residents of the city.
The Arts Commission considers the linkage of educationa/ programs in
conjunction with grant-funded performances and exhibits. It is anticipated
that the Visitation Retreat Center will be the location of many advanced
and specialized arts classes (but not to exc/ude entry-leve/ and
recreationa/ classes) that wil/ draw a city-wide and regiona/ audience.
Advocacy - The Federa/ Way Arts Commission spearheads art education
advocacy through the establishment of an Arts Education Advocacy
Network.
PARTICIPATING AGENCIES:
Federal Way Arts Commission, Federa/ Way Parks & Recreation
Commission, Federa/ Way Schoo/ District, Federa/ Way-based Cultural
Organizations, King County Arts Commission, State of Washington.
SEE ALSO:
Goa! D-Festivals & Special Events, Goal E-Cultura/ Arts Facilities
24
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PRIORITY RANKINGS:
Federal Way Community Cultural Plan
Priority Rankings
GOAL B-ARTS EDUCATION 1 2 3 4 5
Schoo/ Pro rams
1. Expand curriculum-based programs ✓
2. Establish "resource bank" ✓
3. Appoint single FWSD contact ✓
4. Assist FWSD in accessing grants ✓
5. Work with PTAs to increase awareness ✓
6. Seek donations for repair of instruments ✓
7. Promote donations of instruments ✓
8. Plan for arts spaces in new schools ✓
9. Opportunities for artists in schools ✓
10. Represent arts careers in career days ✓
11. Improve communication w/ Highline C.C. ✓
12. Utilize school/city partnership structure ✓
13. Assist w/ FWSD ilot ma net arts school ✓
Communi Pro rams
1. Increase awareness by youth clubs ✓
2. Create central city-wide arts festival ✓
3. Program arts competitions/festivals ✓
4. Develop youth-at-risk arts programs ✓
5. Ex and cit -s onsored arts classes ✓
Advocac
1. Develo Advocac Network ✓
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GOAL C. INFORMATION & AWARENESS
Key Objective
• Explore public/private partnership to develop
ideas and programs for dissemination of
information and raise public awareness of arts
and culture in Federal Way and South King
County
RATIONALE:
hroughout the needs assessment phase of the Cultura/ P/an a common
theme emerged centering on lack of public awareness of Federa! Way's
arts and cultura/ offerings. Market research undertaken for the Plan
revealed that a/most three-quarters of Federa/ Way residents "did not know
where to take visitors for a cultural experience" within the city. Arts organizations
have few marketing dollars, advertising costs are high, and professiona/ arts
marketing assistance is lacking. Nestled between Seattle and Tacoma, local
residents most often look to the neighboring cities for arts activities despite the
existence of a solid core of Federa/ Way-based arts and cultural groups. It is the
intent of this goa/ to strengthen and expand information dissemination and
marketing activities and provide coordination of marketing efforts of loca/ arts and
cultura/ organizations with the overall aim of raising public awareness of and
participation in Federal Way's arts programs.
OBJECTIVES (not in priority ornler)
1. Create inventories of newsletters and shared mailing lists of inedia
outlets and arts patrons
2. Establish a volunteer Arts Marketing Network for South King County
(with assistance from local business marketing professionals)
3. Establish a central contact for maintenance and distribution of a
master calendar of cultural events in Federal Way (strengthen
coordination with area newspapers, including Federa/ Way News,
Seattle Times, Tacoma News Tribune, Seatt/e Post Intelligencer�
26
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Federa/ Way Community Cultura/ Plan
4. Develop a Federal Way Arts Brochure for distribution through local
businesses, city recreation guides, and other publications
5. Federal Way-based arts groups should meet collectively with
organizations in neighboring communities to develop cooperative
marketing efforts involving trades of program ads, bulk purchase of
printing/advertising, meetings with newspapers, etc.
IMPLEMENTATION SCENARIO:
Federa/ Way Arts Commission provides funding to retain marketing
� professiona/ to prepare a comprehensive marketing action p/an.
Commission initiates network with King County Arts Commission and
South King County arts agencies to exp/ore cooperative marketing
� opportunities.
�
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PARTICIPATING AGENCIES:
Federa/ Way Arts Commission, King County Art Commission, Federal
Way Parks & Recreation Commission, Federa/ Way-based Cultural
Organizations, South �ng County Cultura! Organizations
SEE ALSO:
Goa/ A-Arts & Business
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PRIORITY RANKINGS:
GOAL C-INFORMATION & AWARENESS
1. Newsletter inventory, shared mailing list
2. So.King Co. volunteer Arts Mktg. Network
3. Master calendar of cultural events
4. Federal Way Arts brochure
5. Cooperative marketi
112131415
✓
✓
� 2�
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GOAL D.
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS �
Key Objective
• Create a Task Force to undertake
coordinated research, improve aspects and
promotion of existing festivals, and to plan
and develop a new major themed festival
RnnoN�e:
any communities in the western United States have earned strong public
awareness and, indeed, identity through Festivals & Specia/ Events.
Monterey's Jau Festival, Ashland's Shakespeare Festival, Elko's
Cowboy Poetry Festival, Seattle's Bumbershoot, and even Kent's Cornucopia
Days and Canterbury Faire have become "signature events" which draw
thousands of spectators. The resulting benefits to these communities include
increased business activity, expanded loca/ access to cultura/ activities, and
strengthening of loca/ cuitura/ organizations. For a newly incorporated city like
Federa/ Way, there is an opportunity to stimulate community pride and develop a
municipal identity through a major, annual special event.
Participants in a community meeting discussed severa/ aspects of this issue,
inc/uding the need to strengthen and expand existing festivals in Federa/ Way
(e.g. Family Fest, Red White & Blues, etc.), to identify and secure a suitable
venue, to alleviate logisticai problems involving traff'rc and parking, and to
establish a"signature event" for the city which wou/d take its place among King
County's list of "not-to-be-missed" events. This goal addresses these concerns
and opportunities.
OBJECTIVES (not in priority order)
Promotion
1. Work with City to develop sign (banner) policies to facilitate promotion
of Festivals & Special Events
2. Combine resources of existing festivals for shared promotions
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Federai Way Community Cultura/ Plan
3. Undertake coordinated attender surveys at all Federal Way special
events and festivals to aid in future planning
Sites
1. Explore feasibility of use of school sites as festival venues
2. Develop festival facilities at Celebration Park or in conjunction with
new cultural arts center
New Festiva/s
1. Appoint volunteer Task Force to develop "signature theme° festival for
Federal Way
a) Consider hiring professional festival producer
b) Use headline entertainment
c) Use loaned business people to serve on Task Force and assist
with event planning
d) Consider focus on Federal Way's lakes and history of dance halls
in the city as festival theme (responding to burgeoning popularity of
social dance such as Western, swing, Cajun, Contra, etc.)
IMPLEMENTATION SCENARIO:
Establish FestivaUSpecia/ Events Task Force with staff support from City
of Federal Way Parks, Recreation & Cultura/ Services Department, and
membership including Chamber of Commerce, Federa/ Way Arts
Commission, Federa/ Way Parks & Recreation Commission, Federa/ Way
Human Resources Commission, Federa/ Way Diversity Commission,
Federa/ Way Youth Commission, individua/ Festiva/ Boards and
volunteers.
PARTICIPATING AGENCIES:
Ses Implementation Scenario.
SEE ALSO:
Goal B-Arts Education, Goa/ C-Information & Awareness
29
Federa/ Way Community Cultural Plan
PRIORITY RANKINGS:
GOAL D-FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
1. Develop sign/banner policies
2. Shared promotions for existing festivals
3. Coordinated attender surveys
Sites
1. Explore use of school sites for festivals
2. Festival facilities at Celebration Park
New Festivals
1. Appoint volunteer Festival Task Force
Priority Rankings
1 2 3 4 5
�O
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✓
30
GOAL E. CULTURAL ARTS FACILITIES
Key Objectives
• Maximize use of Visitation Retreat for arts-
related activities
• Undertake fundraising and advocacy for new
cultural arts facility
RATIONALE:
he City of Federa/ Way chose to embark on a joint Cultural
Plan/Feasibility Study project because of the often-expressed need for a
performing arts facility in the city. Aside from an assortment of churches
and schoo/ facilities, Federa/ Way-based arts and cultura/ groups are forced to
offer programs in neighboring communities or where cultura/ arts centers do
exist. Throughout the needs assessment phase of p/anning, artists, arts
organizations and citizens continu�i to focus on their desire to develop a Cultural
Arts Center in the city.
A re/ated issue involves the city's pur�chase of Visitation Retreat Center and the
' unique opportunities it affords the city's cultura/ community. Participants in the
p/anning process expressed their desires to.include cultura/ arts uses among the
Center's activities and to further exp/ore partnership opportunities for summer
, and year-round arts c/asses. This goa/ addresses Federal Way's cultural facilities
needs and opportunities.
OBJECTIVES (not in priority order)
Visitation Retreat Center
1. City of Federal Way retain a full-time manager to oversee
development and operation of Visitation Retreat Center
2. Undertake Master Plan/Feasibility Study for cultural arts activities at
the Visitation Retreat Center
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31
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Federal Way Community Cultural Plan
3. Explore public/private partnership opportunities for development and
operation of community cultural arts school at Retreat Center (look to
Seattle's Music Center of the Northwest as a model)
4. Explore national, state, and county funding sources to support
development and operation of a community cultural arts school at
Visitation Retreat Center including pertormance spaces, exhibit
galleries, and classrooms.
5. Consider use of Visitation Retreat Center as a facility to house before-
and after-school for-credit arts classes
6. Explore possibility of Summer Arts Camp operation at Retreat Center:
� Seek designation as a"Governors School° of the arts such as in
Califomia, New York, and 20 other states
� Use bunk beds to accommodate more students
� Use also as elderhostel
� Provide multi-disciplinary classes
� Provide programs for children and adults
Other Facilities
1. Work with Federal Way School District to expand access to facilities
for use by community groups
2. Coordinate arts facility planning with other communities in South King
County
3. Ensure that mutti-purpose recreational community facilities are able to
successfully acxommodate arts-related activities
4. Conduct advocacy and fundraising to develop a multi-use arts facility to
include 1,000-seat theater, small theater and exhibit space
*
32 '
Goals tor the Cultura/ Arts Center shou/d include:
Federal Way Community Cultura/ P/an
* Technical/Site/Space Considerations at the Center (p/ease see
Feasibility Study, page 12):
� Technical and support facilities (include rehearsal, storage,
offices, set/prop/costume construction)
� Space for social events - dances, parties, receptions
� Optimal acoustic and sightlines for a variety of uses (music,
dance, theater, film, meetings)
� Plentiful convenient parking
� Aesthetically pleasing design
� Accessible public transportation
� Explore joint development with Federal Way School District and
real estate developers
� Seek multiple funding sources for capital and operating costs
� Seating capacity - large hall optimum size 1000+/-; small
theater 300+/- (consider variable seating)
� Coordinate with Planning Department studies and locate near
central part of city
� Incorporate business conference and meeting space
� A gallery for exhibit of local art and historical artifacts
� Orchestra pit for up to 50 musicians
� Stage (at least 40 x 40 ft) with full wing space, resilient floor for
dance and full-height fly gallery
� Rehearsal room for music and dance and dressing rooms for
chorus and actors
� Adjustable acoustics - forestage pertorming area for orchestras
� Meeting and class rooms, catering/concession facilities, central
community box office
� Include business ancJ education communities in planning for
new cultural arts center
IMPLEMENTATION SCENARIO:
Continue ro/e of joint Arts/Parks & Recreation Commission Visitabon Retreat
Committee to oversee p/anning and deve/opment of Visitation to inc/ude a
wide range of uses, such as visua/ arts gallery, community arts (visua/ and
pertorming) c/asses, historica/ museum, elderhoste/ programs, recita/s,
readings and small performances, genera/ meetings and retreats. Staff
33
Federa/ Way Community Cultural P/an
support should be provided by City of Federa/ Way Parks, Recreation &
Cu/tura/ Services Department. Federa/ Way Coalition of the Pertorming Arts
continues to advocate and seek opportunities (e.g., public/private
partnership, Ce/ebration Park, State funding etc.) for deve/opment of
proposed Cultura/ Arts Center.
PARTICIPATING AGENCIES:
See Imp/ementation Scenario.
SEE ALSO:
Goa/ B Arts Education
PRIORITY RANKINGS:
Priority Rankings
GOAL E-CULTURAL ARTS FACILITIES 1 2 3 4 5
Visitation Retreat Center
1. Retain full-time manager ✓
2. Undertake Master Pian/Feasibility Study ✓
3. Explore funding sources ✓
4. Explore publiGprivate partnerships ✓
5. Use VRC for before/after school classes ✓
6. Ex lore summer arts cam at VRC ✓
Other Facilfties
1. Access to school pertormance facilities ✓
2. Coorclinate facility planning w/ other cities ✓
3. Provide for arts uses in recreation facilities ✓
4. Conduct advoca & fundraisin for CAC ✓
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GOAL F. IMPLEMENTATION
Key Objective
• City of Federal Way Parks, Recreation &
Cuftural Services Department and Arts
Commission oversee implementation of
Cultural Plan
• Encourage and foster existing and new arts
organizations, including visual, performing,
literary and historical to fulfill advocacy role
RATIONALE:
he comerstone of any successfu/ Cultura/ Plan rests with the
organizations, agencies, vo/unteers, and government departments who
will play ro/es in implementing the Plan's recommendations. The newly-
incorporated City of Federa/ Way has carefully assessed its current cultural
climate and developed a s/ate of program, information, and facilities
recommendations to meet the community's current and future cultural needs.
A public-private partnership should be formed to proceed with implementation.
Key agencies participating in the partnership should include the City of Federal
Way, Federa/ Way Arts Commission, Federa/ Way Parks & Recreation
Commission, Federa/ Way Coalition of the Performing Arts, Federa/ Way
Chamber of Commerce and individua/ businesses, Federa/ Way Schoo/ District,
the city's community-based arts and cultura/ groups, individua/ artists, community
volunteers and other related agencies and organizations. This goa/ addresses
the recommended organizationa/ structures required to implement the Plan.
OBJECTIVES
City of Federa/ Way
1. The Federal Way Arts Commission should keep the City Council
apprised of the community's cultural arts needs and their economic
impact
2. Work toward increasing resources for City-run arts programs
(facilities, funds, instructors, administration)
35
Federa/ Way Community Cultural Plan
3. The City of Federal Way should employ a person in the Parks,
Recreation and Cultural Services Department to provide staff support
for implementation of the Cultural Plan, including enlisting and
coordination of volunteers, assisting with initiating and scheduling
meetings with various organizations responsible for aspects of
implementation (e.g., Chamber of Commerce, FW School District).
4. Explore options for contracting the city's public information needs with
the private sector, including promotion/information of cultural arts
programs and activities in the city
5. The Federal Way Arts Commission should encourage more
participation by non-commissioners on committees
IMPLEMENTATION SCENARIO:
Friends Organizatfon
� assumes responsibility for advocacy, planning and development of
cultura/ arts facilities.
Federa/ Way Arts Commisslon
� establishes committees with citizen participation
� works with School District on creation of arts education programs
� takes lead in developing community-based arts educational
opportunities for residents of the city
� considers linkage of educationa/ programs in conjunction with grant-
funded pertormances and exhibits
� encourages creation of Chamber of Commerce Arts & Culiure
Committee
� establishes Arts Education Task Force
� initiates Information & Awareness objectives through subcommittee
� continues to oversee planning and development of community cultural
arts schoo/ at Visitation Retreat Center, with staff support from City of
Federa/ Way Parks, Recreation & Cultura/ Services Department
� establishes Festiva/ Task Force
36
,
C J
,
�
�
Federa! Way Community Cultura/ Plan
� retains marketing professiona/ to prepare a comprehensive marketing
action p/an
� initiates networic with King County Arts Commission and South King
County municipalities to exp/ore cooperative marketing opportunities.
Federa/ Way Chamber of Commerce
� establishes Arts & Culture Committee and as-needed sub-committees
Department of Parks, Recreation & Cultura/ Services
�
'
� provides staff support to Commissions, Visitation Retreat Committee,
and Festiva/ Task Force
� emp/oys person to assist with imp/ementation
Parks & Recreation Commission
� participates in Visitation Retreat Center Joint Committee
��
,
� continues to provide entry-leve/ cu/tura/ arts c/asses at community
centers, Visitation Retreat and other locations in the city.
Federa/ Way Schoo/ District
�, , � participates in expansion of school-based arts education programs;
works with Federa/ Way Arts Commission to expand access to school
facilities for cultura/ arts programs.
Cultura/ Pian Steering Committee
� joint/y with the Arts Commission, oversees and monitors progress on
imp/ementation of the Cultura/ P1an, meeting at least once a year
'
�
'
� convenes an annua/ Arts Forum of loca/ artists and arts organizations
to discuss progress on the P/an, key issues and opportunities re/ated
to imp/ementation, and obtain input on priorities for continuing
imp/ementation and updating of the P/an.
, 37
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Table of Contents
�
Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan
Foreword Acronyms and Abbreviations
Ezecutive Summary
Chapter I Introduction
Background
Pre-Incorporation Surface Water Management Programs
The City of Federal Way: Surface Water Management Programs
New State and Federal Mandates
Summary
Chapter II Surface Water Utility Mission, Goals, and Poticies
Mission Statement:
The mission of the Ciry of Federal Way Surface Water Management Program is to
protect public health and safery; prevent property damage; protect, preserve, and
enhance surface water and associated habitats; protect groundwater quality and quantiry;
and to protect and enhance water and sediment quality by controlling and reducing harm
from urban hydrologic changes and stormwater pollutants.
• Goal 1: Protect the public health and safety and prevent property damage by reducing surface
water problems.
Policy # 1 Major CapitallmprovementProjectProgram
Policy # 2 Annual CapitallmprovementProjectProgram
Policy # 3 Maintenance Plan
Policy # 4
Policy # 5
Policy # 6
Policy # 7
Policy # 8
Policy # 9
Stormwater System Ownership
Emergency Response
Drainage Assistance
Deltas and Alluvial Deposits
Maintenance ofRetention/Detention Systems in Single Family
Residential Plats
Construction Site Restoratron
Goa12: Protect, preserve, and enhance the beneficial uses of surface waters for recreation, fish
and wildlife habitat, aesthetic enjoyment, aquifer rechazge, and open space.
Policy # 10 Reduce the Discharge ofPollutants from the City's Stormwater System
to theMaximum ExtentPracticable
Policy# 11 LakeManagement
Policy # 12 Wetland Management
Policy # 13 Aquifer Protection
•
Goa13: Regulate development and re-development to control water quantity and quality impacts
in a cost-effective and aesthetic manner.
Policy # 14 Stormwater Runoff Control Requirements
• Goa14: Manage the Surface Water Utility in a manner that makes efficient use of limited
resources to address the most critical problems first, and which expresses community
values and priorities.
Policy # 15 Regional, State, and Federal Policy Development
Policy # 16 Fiscal Stewardship
Policy# 17 Self-sufficientFunding
Policy # 18 CapitallmprovementProgram - General Scope
Policy # 19 CapitallmprovementProgram Levels
Policy # 20 Capital lmprovement Financing Strategy
Policy # 21 Rate Levels
Policy # 22 Frequency ofRate Evaluation/Adjustments
Policy # 23 Rate Equity
Policy # 24 Rate Structure
Policy # 25 Rate Uniformity
Policy # 26 Rate Assistance
Policy # 27 Reserve Level
Chapter III Surface Water Utility Programs
Administrative Services
Engineering Services
Water Quality
Maintenance
Chapter IV Capital Facilities Plan
• Chapter V Surface Water Revenue and Finance Plan
Chapter VI Implementation Strategy
Appendiz A Regulatory Framework
Appendiz B Selected Countywide Planning Policies
Note: This document will use the full title of documents (in italics) when they first appear in the text. In
� parenthesis, an abbreviated title will appeaz. The abbreviated version will generally be used
thereafter. A list of abbreviations and acronyms used in the document is provided in the foreword.
Foreword
�
BMP Manual
Abbreviation and Acronyms
StormwaterPollution Control Manual, BestManagementPractices for Businesses,
May 1995 draft.
CIP Capital Improvement Program
Conditions Report Hylebos Creek and Lower Puget Sound Current and Future Conditions Report,
August 1990.
CWA United States Clean Water Act
Design Manual Surface Water Design Manual, King County, Washington, 1990, 1995 (draft).
DCD City of Federal Way, Department of Community Development Services
Ecology Washington State Department of Ecology
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
FEMA
• FWCC
FWSWM
GMA
Federal Emergency Management Act
Federal Way City Code
City of Federal Way, Surface Water Management Division
Washington State Growth Management Act
Hylebos Plan Hylebos Creek and Lower Puget Sound Basin Plan, July, 1991
KCC King County Code
KCSWM King County Surface Water Management Division
NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
C���
�
Ordinance
Plan The City of Federal Way Comprehensive Plan (1995 draft)
Puget Sound Plan Puget Sound Water QualityManagementPlan, 1994
R/D Retention/Detention
SEPA Washington State Environmental Policy Act
SWMM EPA Storm WaterManagementModel
Technical Manual StormwaterManagementManual for the Puget Sound Basin, February, 1992
�
SUMMARY
�
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Background
At incorporation in February 1990, the new Ciry of Federal Way created and established the
Surface Water Management Utility (FWSWM) in order to promote public health, safety, and
welfare by minimizing uncontrolled stormwater and sedimentation. The Utiliry was tasked to
preserve and utilize the many values of the city's natural drainage system including water
quality, open space, fish and wildlife habitat, recreation, education and urban sepazation and
drainage and erosion control facilities, and to provide for the comprehensive management
and administration of surface and stormwater.
The FWSWM program includes comprehensive surface water planning, surface water
capital facilities design and construction, water qualiry programs, and operations and
maintenance of city-owned drainage facilities. Plan review for proposed development
drainage conveyance, retention/detention, water quality facilities, erosion/sediment control
and other surface water related projects and site inspections are provided by the
Development Services Division of the Public Works Deparirnent (DS).
The Department of Community Development Services (DCDS) provides environmental and
• land use planning services, and is responsible for the administration of the Environmentally
Sensitive Areas provisions of the zoning code. This includes responsibility for compliance
with state and federal regulations conceming planning, wetlands, and environmental
protection; and with the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).
�
While the City of Federal Way was in the process of incorporation, King County Surface
Water Management (KCSWM) was completing the Hylebos Creek and Lower Puget Sound
Basin Plan (July, 1991) and the Hylebos Creek and Lower Puget Sound Current and
Future Condidons Report (August, 1990). These reports concluded that the City's
watersheds were experiencing severe effects from flooding, channel erosion and
sedimentatioq habitat destruction, and deteriorating water qualiry; due to the effects of
increased peak flows and flow durations, increased erosion, loss of riparian (stream side) and
aquatic habitat, and surface water pollution associated with urbanization of the basins. The
basin plan identified specific problems and recommended solutions, including a combination
of capital projects and regulatory, policy, and procedural changes.
Since incorporation, FWSWM has expanded on the information base and evaluation of
specific problems and recommended solutions in the Hylebos Plan, and has created a
Surface Water Capital Facrlities Plan, the Federal Way Surface WaterMonitoring Plan,
an annual minor Capital Improvements Program, and a surface water maintenance program.
The Utility has constructed a major retention/detention (R/D) facility (Panther Lake) and two
more major R/D facilities (Kitts Corner/South 336th and South 356th) will be completed in
1996. These facilities will reduce peak flows and flooding in Hylebos Creek during major
storm events.
Ex-1
Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan
�
The City also has addressed the submittal and review of development proposals, contents of
engineering plans, core drainage requirements, special requirements, variances, critical areas,
and performance requirements for construction of retention/detention facilities. The Surface
Water Design Manual (King County, as adopted by the City of Federal Way) provides
standazds and guidance for review of development proposals.
Prior to and after incorporatioq the emphasis on surface water management has been on
flood control. However, in the past few years water quality has received additional emphasis,
with surface water and ground water quality protection being required by federal, state, and
local regulations and policies. Ciry policies call for the protection and preservation of the
natural chazacter of sensitive areas, habitats, wetlands, stream corridors, lakes, and aquifer
recharge azeas.
To a lazge extent, surface water qualiry protection in the Ciiy depends on managing
stormwater runoff. Stormwater runoff collects pollutants such as oil, grease and sediment as
it travels along the ground surface, and it can therefore be a significant pollutant source.
Habitat protection requires management of increased flows to prevent in stream scouring
and deposition.
State and Federal mandates now require local stormwater management and surface water
quality protection.
The Washington State Cnowth Management Act (RCW 36.70A - GMA) mandates that •
the county and cities work together to establish an overall vision for orderly growth that
promotes a vigorous, sound, and diversified economy; while reducing, controlling and
managing the potential adverse effects of uncoordinated and unplanned growth. Through
a collaborative process, local jurisdictions within King County prepazed and adopted
countywide planning policies in May, 1994, which serve as the framework for each
jurisdiction's comprehensive plans. The countywide planning policies integrate a full
range of urban services with land-use planning and environmental protection.
The Puget Sound Water Quality Management Plan (the Puget Sound Plan) requires
counties and cities to develop and implement basic and comprehensive stormwater
management programs, subject to the availability of funding. The GMA further
mandates compliance with the Puget Sound Plan. The Washington State Department of
Ecology (Ecology) provides guidance on what the local programs should include. Local
jurisdictions are required to adopt a stormwater manual equivalent to Ecology's
StormwaterManagementManual for the Puget Sound Basin (February, 1992 - the
Technical Manual). The City of Federal Way is to submit an implementation plan to
Ecology by 7une, 1996 and is to have a comprehensive stormwater program
implemented 18 months later.
The Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) requires that municipalities with populations over
100,000 people obtain a National Pollutant Dischazge Elimination system (NPDES)
pernut for their stormwater systems. These permits aze administered by Ecology.
Ecology may require smaller municipalities to apply based on a watershed approach. It �
Ex-2
Executive Summary
•
is also expected that NPDES permitting requirements will be e�ctended to smaller
urbanized municipalities by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). For these
reasons, Federal Way anticipates being subject to an NPDES pemut at some point in the
future. Tlie pernut will involve developing a stormwater management program similar to
that required by the Puget Sound Plan; but will have additional requirements such as
reporting, local prohibitions on illicit dischazges, permit fees, and monitoring. Exact
NPDES requirements are not yet known, so the City may need to modify its prograzns to
meet them when they occur. Perhaps the most significant difference between the Puget
Sound Plan and NPDES program requirements is the CWA mandate to provide funding
for the pemut program.
Both Federal and State requirements focus on mitigating surface water quality impacts
through source controls and head-of-pipe treatment. Source controls include any measure
that keeps pollutants out of stormwater runoff. For example, erosion control and spill
containment are each a source control. Head-of-pipe treatment includes facilities such as
oiUwater separators, biofiltration swales, wetponds, constructed wetlands and sedimentation
ponds that remove pollutants from runoff.
Another sort of source control is to avoid or reduce the use of a pollutant material so that it
never gets into the environment. Examples are the switch to unleaded gasoline, which has
reduced surface water contamination by lead; or the banning of DDT, which has reduced
residues of the pesticide throughout the environment.
• The emphasis on source controls and head-of-pipe treatment is intended to protect in-stream
water quality and avoid resource damages, and to avoid the costs of future cleanup or
treatment. However, additional treatment of urban runoff could be required in the future if
the current approach proves inadequate. Source controls and head-of-pipe treatment are
needed both during and after construction, and other on-going pollution prevention strategies
are needed as well.
New State and Federal requirements are likely to result in expansions of existing surface
water management programs that will increase the required level of service and the cost. The
expected changes include additional operation and maintenance, increased emphasis on basin
planning; increased inspection of private storm drainage facilities, additional monitoring,
and increased emphasis on water qualiry controls on new development and redevelopment.
Some changes will necessitate changing City codes and standards. Complying with State and
Federal requirements also necessitates completing reports and other documentation.
If NPDES becomes a requirement, the City must effectively prohibit non-stormwater
dischazges to the storm drainage system. This requirement will extend to existing
development, as well as new development. Meeting this requirement will likely require the
City to amend its code to strengthen provisions prohibiting dischazge of pollutants to the
storm drainage system, surface water and groundwater. Enforcement mechanisms and
procedures should be evaluated and amended as necessary to facilitate effective control of
such discharges. A guidance document which describes reasonable actions for businesses
� and residences to take to prevent pollution from their properties will need to be developed
Ex-3
Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan
and adopted, using existing guidance documents developed by Ecology, the City of Seattle,
and King County as models when appropriate. The pollution prevention measures (referred
to as best management practices ) include such actions as: covering solid wastes stored
outside, properly storing and handling oils, solvents, and other hazardous wastes, stocking
spill control materials, properly disposing of wash water, maintaining storm drainage
systems, and generally keeping sites clean.
Surface Water Utility Mission, Goals, and Policies
The mission of the City of Federal Way 5urface Water Management Program is to protect
public health and safety; prevent properiy damage; protect, preserve, and enhance surface
water and associated habitats; protect groundwater quality and quantity; and to protect and
enhance surface water and sediment quality by controlling and reducing hazm from urban
hydrologic changes and stormwater pollutants.
The following four goals describe the long term results expected from the program. The
policies listed describe the actions adopted to achieve each goal.
Goal 1: Protect the public health and safety and prevent property damage by reducing
surface water problems.
Policy # 1
Policy #2
Policy #3
Policy #4
Policy #5
Policy #6
Policy #7
Policy #8
Policy #9
Major CapitallmprovementProjectProgram
Annual CapitallmprovementProjectProgram
Maintenance Plan
Stormwater System Ownership
Emergency Response
Drainage Assistance
Deltas and Alluvial Deposits
Maintenance ofRetention/Detention Systems in Single-Family
Residential Plats
Construction Site Restoration
�
•
Many azeas of the City are served by inadequate drainage systems. Poorly managed past
development, combined with the cumulative effects of new development, has created a
drainage system, both natural and constructed, which is overburdened. These overburdened
systems cause public and private property flooding, erosion, and sedimentation. An effective
maintenance program is necessary to keep systems cleaned of sediment and debris which
interferes with function, and in many places, conshuction of a new drainage infrastructure or
retrofit of the old is needed to resolve these problems.
The expense to solve infrastructure problems have been obstacles to the abiliry of azeas to
accommodate growth. Resolution of the drainage infrastructure problems will facilitate the
ability for development to occur in areas designated for urban growth. Facilitation of growth
�
Ex-4
Executive Summary
�
in areas which can be properly served is essential in order to balance the limitations which
restrict development in areas that are too environmentally sensitive.
Goal 2: Protect, preserve, and enhance the benefrcial uses of surface waters for
recreation, frsh and wildlife habitat, aesthetic enjoyment, aquifer recharge,
and open space.
Policy # 10 Reduce the Discharge ofPollutants from the City's Stormwater
System to theMazimum ExtentPracticable
Policy # 11 Lake Management
Policy#12 WetlandsManagement
Policy # 13 Aquifer Protection
The alteration or in the worst cases, destruction of surface water and ground water resources
will in the long term, have a negative impact on the economic prosperity of the area as the
quality of life is diminished. Environmental protection and sustained economic development,
while often representing opposing interests, aze in the long run inextricably connected.
Goal 3: Regulate development and re-development to control water quantity and
quality impacts in a cost-effective and aesthetic manner.
•
Policy #14 Stormwater runo,fj`'control requirements
The City shall maintain regulations and standards to carry out the City Comprehensive Plan
policy of restricting stormwater runoff from all new development and redevelopment in order
to minimize the potential for flooding and streambank erosion, and preserve and enhance
habitat and sensitive areas. Water quality BMPs shall be required for new development and
redevelopment. Ciry policies, regulations, and standards will meet the comprehensive
stormwater program requirements of the Puget Sound Plan, and will comply with NPDES
permit requirements as applicable.
Goa14: Manage the Surface Water Utility in a manner that makes ef� j`'icient use of
limited resources to address the most critical problems first, and which
expresses community values and priorities.
•
Policy # 15
Policy # 16
Policy # 17
Policy # 18
Policy # 19
Policy #20
Policy #21
Policy #22
Policy #23
Policy #24
Policy #25
Regional, State, and Federal Policy Development
Fiscal Stewardship
Self-sufficient Funding
CapitallmprovementProgram - General Scope
Capital lmprovement Program Levels
Capital lmprovement Financing Strategy
Rate Levels
Frequency ofRate Evaluation/Adjustments
Rate Equity
Rate Structure
Rate Uniformity
Ex-5
Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan
Policy #26 Rate Assistance
Policy #27 Reserve Level
Tlus goal includes fiscal management policies and regional involvement in stormwater
management issues.
Capital Facilities Planning
In 1995, FWSWM completed the Surface Water Capital Facility Plan. The Plan identified
and inventoried the existing hunk drainage conveyance systems and developed a detailed
hydrologic model of each trunk system, with the goal of providing the information and tools
necessary to make decisions regarding the protection of public health, safery, and properly
from flooding caused by stormwater runoff. The capaciry of the existing surface water
system was evaluated both for the existing land use conditions and for the future land use
condition, and where deficiencies e�cist solutions were identified. Cost estimates for the
identified improvements (projects) were prepared, the projects were ranked, and a capital
improvement program was prepared based on the projects, their cost, and the available
funding.
�
The result of the process was a priority listing of 52 projects required to meet the targeted
level of service standards for both existing and future conditions. Given projecrions based on
the existing Utiliry rate-based revenues balanced against the estimated cost of the projects, •
34 projects are planned over the next 15 yeazs. The Capital Facilities Spreadsheet (Table I)
shows estimated FWSWM revenues and expenditures and the capital projects in rank order,
with their costs and schedule. Financing for these projects is generally considered to be on a
pay-as-you go basis, although outside sources of funding such as grants and low-interest
public loans will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Implementation Strategy
Capital Facilities Planning
Implementation of the CFP will satisfy the concurrency requirements of the GMA. The CFP
performed an inventory and study to establish the drainage needs, both for the current and
future "built-out" condition, and then developed a series of prioritized projects to meet that
need. Projects will serve the areas where growth will occur, and are prioritized to take care of
the worst problems first. The CFP provides a funding strategy based on existing Utility rate-
based revenues, which alone are adequate to accomplish the identified projects. Other
sources of funding may be utilized on a case-by-case basis to speed the implementation of
the CFP.
eX-s •
�
�
i
CITY OF PIDERAL WAY FACiL1T�S MAN -1995 TO 2010
SURFACE WATFR MANAGF.bffiVT COA1P0[VENf
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Executive Summary
•
Regulation of Development and Re-Development Activities
FWSWM and DS Divisions and DCDS will work together to propose for adoption a
substantially equivalent surface water technical manual and necessary code amendments as
required by the Puget Sound N'ater QualityManagementPlan. The policy, Stormwater
Runo, f, j`'Control Requirements, states that the Utility, "... shall maintain regulations and
standards to carry out the City's Comprehensive Plan policy of restricting stormwater runoff
from all new development and redevelopment; in order to minimize the potential for flooding
and streambank erosion, and preserve and enhance habitat and sensitive azeas. Water
quality BMPs shall be required from new development and redevelopment."
Stream and Lake Protection, Enhancement and Restoration
An enhanced lake protection and enhancement program will be implemented for Steel Lake
to manage the lake watershed and shorelines to improve water qualiry, and to manage
invasive and native plant species to protect the beneficial uses of the lake, including
recreational opporlunities, and fish and wildlife habitat.
The Ciry will seek to preserve aquatic and riparian habitats and work to restore those areas
that have been disturbed. In particular, the habitats of Jce's Creek, Thames Creek, Cold
Creek, Lakota Creek, Redondo Creek, Mill Creek, and West and East Hylebos Creeks
should be protected and restored. Fish habitat conservation plans will be developed and
• implemented for the salmon nuis in the Hylebos drainage and Lakota Creek or other
identified habitats
Water Quality
FWSWM will continue to assess the characteristics of surface water qualiry and habitat and
track long term changes. Monitoring will look at overall chazacteristics, as well as specific
problem/project assessment. If, and when, the City is required to obtain an NPDES pernut
for its stormwater dischazges, it is likely that additional monitoring will be required.
FWSWM will continue to promote source controls on urban pollution. The Ciry should
evaluate the need for additional enforcement mechanisms to require source controls, and
should consider development of a water quality BMP manual.
Aquifer Recharge and Protection
The City shall support the efforts of Lakehaven Utility District to protect the quality and
quantity of ground-water supplies by establishing water use conservation programs and
adopting regulations to minimize water pollution. The City shall support the efforts of
Lakehaven Utility District to evaluate the effect of ground-water withdrawals and artificial
recharge on streams, lakes and wetlands within the Hylebos Creek and Lower Puget Sound
drainage basins.
�
Ex-7
Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan
•
Wherever conditions are suitable, the City shall encourage the use of stormwater infiltration
as a BMP, and will also encourage the slowing and retainixig surface water by wetlands and
streams and encourage detention ponds or other similaz storm water management techniques
to aid aquifer recharge.
Maintenance Programs
The City will propose for adoption a substantially equivalent technical manual and
necessary code amendments regulating public and private operation and maintenance of
stormwater facilities, as required by the Puget Sound Water QualiryManagementPlan.
A retention/detention facility maintenance inspection program is necessary to insure that
facilities perform as designed, and that regular maintenance occurs. The program also
supports source control of pollutants. The Puget Sound Plan requires local governments to
insure effective maintenance of both private and public stormwater facilities.
Both public and private facilities will be inspected for operational conformance and required
maintenance. Corrective actions will be required as necessary to meet standazds for water
quantity and quality. This program will allow the Utility to implement rate reductions in
accordance with existing City ordinance where on-site detention meets current standards and
the faciliry is privately maintained per Ciry standazds. Guidance materials will be developed
to define inspection, enforcement procedures, and maintenance standazds.
•
.
Ex-8
CHAPTER I
!
CHAPTER I - INTRODUCTION
Background
Prior to the incorporation of Federal Way in 1990, surface water management was provided
by King County Surface Water Management (KCSWM), a Division of King County Public
Works. Beginning in the eazly 1970's, KCSWM efforts had been increasingly focused on
controlling surface water runoff in urban and urbanizing areas, due to the increased flooding
which had resulted from development activities. The magnitude of flooding caused by urban
flooding can be very severe, as demonstrated by the 7anuary 1990, storm event, which
caused significant damages to public and private properties throughout the region, and
untold damages to valuable natural resources.
At the time of incorporation, KCSWM was completing the Hylebos Creek and Lower Puget
Sound Basin Plan (July, 1991- the Hylebos Plan), covering 36 squaze miles and almost 35
miles of streams, 11 named lakes, and numerous wetlands in southwest King County and
northwest Pierce County. Slightly more than half of the planning area (55%) lies within
incorporated Federal Way, and 95 percent of Federal Way lies within the planning azea. The
goals of the plan were to reduce surface water problems that threatened public health and
safety and to protect and restore the beneficial uses of streams for recreation, fish and
� wildlife habitat, aesthetic enjoyment, and open space. The Hylebos Plan followed several
years of field observation, computer simulation of stormwater runoff patterns throughout the
basins, and analysis of current and future conditions by a team of engineers, biologists,
geologists, planners, hydrologists, water qualiry specialists, and a Citizens' Advisory
Committee. The Hylebos Creek and Lower Puget Sound Current and Future Conditions
Report (August, 1990 - the Conditions Report) formed the technical basis for both the issues
and the recommended solutions addressed in the Hylebos Plan.
The Hylebos Plan and the Conditions Report concluded that the basins are experiencing
severe effects from flooding, channel erosion and sedimentation, habitat destruction, and
deteriorating water quality; due to the effects of increased peak flows and flow durations,
increased erosion, loss of riparian (stream side) and aquatic habitat, and surface water
pollution associated with urbanization of the basins. The basin plan identified specific
problems and recommended solutions, including a combination of capital projects and
regulatory, policy, and procedwal changes. The King County Surface Water Design
Manual (January, 1990 - the Design Manual) contains the requirements and standards for
designing surface and storm water management systems in King County. The Design
Manual has undergone revisions in 1992, 1994, and 1995 (draft). For certain permit
approvals, the Design Manual requires the construction of surface water and storm water
management systems to mitigate the impacts on natural and existing man-made drainage
systems. The Design Manual regulates proposed projects by a mixture of requirements,
performance, and design standards. The Design Manual was written and updated by
KCSVVM.
�
i-�
Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan
s
The City of Federal Way: Surface Water Management
Programs
Federal Way incorporated in February 1990. At incorporation the new city created and
established the Surface WaterManagement Utility (FWSWM) and a system of rates and
charges "... in order to promote the public health, safety, and welfaze by minimizing
uncontrolled stormwater and sedimentation, to preserve and utilize the many values of the
City's natural drainage system including water quality, open space, fish and wildlife habitat,
recreation, education and urban separation and drainage and erosion control facilities, and to
provide for the comprehensive management and administration of surface and stormwater,"
(Ord. 90-32, 2/13/90 - codified in Federal Way Ciry Code (FWCC), Chapter 16, Art. IIn.
The City also adopted the King County Design Manual, and addressed the submittal and
review of development proposals, contents of engineering plans, core drainage requirements,
special requirements, variances, critical areas, and performance requirements for
construction of retention/detention facilities, (Ord. 90-31, 2/13/90, codified in FWCC,
Chapter 21, Surface and StormwaterManagement).
FWSWM (A Division of Public Works) is responsible for administering the surface water
management program, including: comprehensive surface water planning activities, surface
water capital facilities design and construction, water qualiry programs, and operations and
maintenance of city-owned drainage facilities. Plan review for proposed development �
drainage conveyance, retention/detention, water qualiry facilities, erosion/sediment control
and other surface water related projects and site inspections are provided by the
Development Services Division of the Public Works Department (DS).
The Department of Community Development Services (DCDS) provides environmental and
land use planning services, and is responsible for the administration of the Environmentally
Sensitive Areas provisions of the zoning code (FWCC Ch. 22). This includes responsibility
for compliance with state and federal regulations conceming planning, wetlands, and
environmental protection, including the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).
Since incorporation the City has used the Hylebos Plan to help guide the FWSWNi program.
The City has also used the Hylebos Plan as guidance to formulate conditions to SEPA
approvals. The Design Manual is used to review and condition development proposals.
Major accomplishments of the FWSWM Division to date include:
• Overall establishment of the surface water management program and its elements.
• Construction of the Panther Lake regional detention faciliry.
• Completion of the Capital Facilities Plan, which identifies capital project needs and
plans projects over 16 years.
• Final design for the Kitts Corner and South 336th regional detention facilities,
planned for construction in 1996.
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I-2
Chapter 1 - Introduction
�
• Preliminary design of the South 356th regional detention facility, planned for
construction in 1996.
• Completion of the Federal Way Surface WaterMonitoring Plan.
• Establishment of a water quality monitoring program.
• �nplementation of a water quality citizen involvement and education program.
• Implementation of a water quality source control program.
• Completion of approximately 22 minor capital improvement projects (CIP),
primarily with in-house crew.
• On-going maintenance of surface water facilities: including rebuilding
manholes/catchbasins; fencing, landscaping, regrading, and landscape maintenance
of retention/detention ponds; ditch and pipe cleaning.
• Participation in regional stormwater affairs.
New State and Federal Mandates
Prior to and after incorporatioq the emphasis on surface water management has been on
flood control. However, in the past few years water qualiry has received additional emphasis,
with surface water quality protection being required by federal, state, and local regulations
and policies. The City of Federal Way Comprehensive Plan (1990) goals seek to "... protect
the quality of surface and groundwater,..."and adopts a policy (NE-16) to "...manage
• stormwater runoff and prevent water pollution." Related policies call for the protection of
natural surface water systems, and preservation of the natural character of sensitive areas,
habitats, wetlands, stream comdors, lakes, and aquifer recharge areas.
To a large extent, surface water quality protection in the City depends on managing
stormwater runof�: Stormwater runoff collects pollutants such as oil, grease and sediment as
it travels along the ground surface, and it can therefore be a significant pollutant source.
Habitat protection requires management of increased flows to prevent in stream scouring
and deposition.
State and Federal mandates now require local stormwater management and surface water
quality protection, most notably:
The Washington State Growth Management Act (RCW 36.70A - GMA) gives local
officials new tools for plannu�g and, for the first time, mandates that the county and cities
work together to establish an overall vision for orderly growth that promotes a vigorous,
sound, and diversified economy, while reducing, controlling and managing the potential
adverse effects of uncoordinated and unplanned growth. Through a collaborative process,
local jurisdictions within King County prepared and adopted phase I countywide planning
policies in October 1992. The Phase II amendments which were completed in May,1994,
serve as the framework for each jurisdiction's comprehensive plans, which are to be in
place by July 1, 1995. Appendix B provides excerpts from the Phase II Countywide
Planning Policies pertinent to stormwater management. These policies integrate a full
C�
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Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan
� _�
range of urban services with land-use planning and environmental protection. Urban
service definitions aze provided by RCW 36.70A, as follows:
"Public facilities include streets, roads, highways, sidewalks, street and
road lighting systems, traffic signals, domestic water systems, storm and
sanitary sewer systems, parks and recreation facilities, and schools. "
(Section 020(12))
"Public services include fire protection and suppression, law enforcement,
public health, education, recreation, environmental protection, and other
governmental services. " (Section 020(13))
"Urban governmental services include those governmental services
historically and typically delivered by cities, and include storm and sanitary
sewer systems, domestic water systems, street cleaning services, fire and
police protection services, public transit services, and other public utilities
associated with urban areas and normally not associated with nonurban
areas. " (Section 020(16))
The Puget Sound Water Quality Management Plan (the Puget Sound Plan) requires
counties and cities to develop and implement basic and comprehensive stormwater
management programs, subject to the availability of appropriated funds or other funding
sources. The GMA further mandates compliance with the Puget Sound Plan. The �
Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) provides guidance on what the local
programs should include. Local jurisdictions are required to adopt a stormwater manual
equivalent to Ecology's StormwaterManagementManual for the Puget Sound Basin
(February, 1992 - the Technical Manual). The Ciry of Federal Way is to submit an
implementation plan to Ecology by June 1996, and is to have a comprehensive
stormwater program implemented by 18 months later. Table II summarizes Puget Sound
Plan requirements and compares them to current Federal Way programs.
The Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) requires that municipalities with populations over
100,000 people obtain a National Pollutant Dischazge Elimination system (NPDES)
pernut for their stormwater systems. These pennits are administered by Ecology. Ecology
may require smaller municipalities to apply based on a watershed approach. It is also
expected that NPDES pernutting requirements will be extended to smaller urbanized
municipalities by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). For these reasons, Federal
Way anticipates being subject to an NPDES permit at some point in the future. The
pernut will involve developing a stormwater management program similar to that
required by the Puget Sound Plan; but would have additional requirements such as
reporting, local prohibitions on illicit discharges, pernut fees, and monitoring. Exact
NPDES requirements aze not yet known, so the Ciry may need to modify its programs to
meet them when they occur. Perhaps the most significant difference between the Puget
Sound Plan and NPDES program requirements is the CWA mandate to provide funding
for the permit program.
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Chapter 1 - Introduction
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Table II
•
�
Pu et Sound Plan Re uirements Com ared to Federal Wa Pro rams
Puget Sound Plan Current Federal Wsy Programs
Stormwater Re uirements
Adopt ordinances requiring stormwater controls for new FWCC Chapter 21 requires stormwater conhols for new
development and redevetopment, including at a minimum: development and redevelopment.
• the control of of� site water quality and quantity effects;
• the use of best management practices for source control
and treaknen�
• the ef�ective treatment of the specified water quality design
storm;
• the use of infiltration, where appropriate, as the proferred
option for stormwatet treatment and flow control;
• the protection of stream channels, fish, shelifish habitat,
other aquatic habitah, and wetlands;
• control of erosion and sedimentation; and
• local enforcement.
Adopt a stormwater management manual equivalent to the Federal Way has adopted the Design Manual, which is not
Technical Manual to go with the runof�' control ordinances. equivalent in all respects. That manual is being updated by
. King County, but will likely still not be equivalent. Federal Way
will adapt the updated manual to be more specific to local
conditions, and to be equivalent to the Technieal Manusl.
Provide an implementation schedule. This wi(( be due in mid-1996.
Puget Sound Plan Current Federal Way Programs
Stormwater Requirements
Develop and enforce, within local govemments' authority, An operations and maintenance program for the public
operation and maintenanee programs and ordinances for new stormwater system is provided. The privately owned system
and existing public and private stormwater systems; consistent maintenance inspection program is unfunded. An improved
with Ecology guidance: ordinance may be nxded for adequate enforcement.
• Require and enforce maintenance of privately owned
stormwater systems.
Provide education programs for citiuns and businesses to A public involvement and education program for citizens is
inform about stormwater and its ef�ects. provided, but may require additional resourees..
Create local eoordina6on arrangements. Coordination with neighboring jurisdic6ons and speeial
purpose districts is accomplished as needed;
Identify and rank significant pollutant sources. A water quality source sampling survey is underway.
Investigate and correct problem storm drains. Sources iden6fied by the survey will be inves6gated and
corrections will be required. Enforcement suthority may need
to be strengthened. Decriminalization of the water quality code
and development of a civil infraction code may be evaluated, as
a means to facilitate administrative enforcement.
Lnplement a water quality response and investigation program. Reports of surface water pollution or illicit discharges are
investigated and corcected.
Assure adequate local funding for the stormwater program. Funding is provided by the Surface Water Utility tates on
individual properties.
Provide ins ection, com liance and enforcement. Develo ment ro'ects are ins ted.
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Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan
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The Federal and State requirements both focus on tnitigating surface water quality impacts
through source controls and head-of-pipe treatment. Source controls include any measures
that keep pollutants out of the stormwater runoff (for example, erosion control and spill
containment are source controls). Head-of-pipe treatment includes facilities such as oiUwater
separators, biofiltration swales, wetponds, constructed wetlands, and sedimentation ponds
that remove pollutants from runoff before they enter the main stormwater conveyance
system. Another sort of source controls are preventive measures which avoid or reduce the
use of a pollutant material, so that it never gets into the water. The best lrnown example of
this is the reduction of lead in runoff because of the switch to unleaded gasoline.
The emphasis on source controls and head-of-pipe treatment is intended to protect in-stream
water qualiry and avoid resource damages. Additional treatment of urban runoff could be
required in the future if the current approach proves inadequate. Source controls and head-
of-pipe treatment aze needed both dwing and after construction, and other on-going
pollution prevention strategies are needed as well. Additional discussion is included with
specific policy discussions.
Summary
Although the City has a surface water management program in place, the new State and
Federal requirements are likely to result in expansions of existing programs that will •
increase costs and the required level of service. The expected changes include additional
operation and maintenance; increased emphasis on basin planning; increased inspection of
private storm drainage facilities, additional monitoring; and an increased emphasis on water
quality controls on new development and redevelopment. Some changes will necessitate
changing City codes and standazds. Complying with State and Federal requirements also
necessitates completing reports and other documentation.
If NPDES becomes a requirement, the City must effectively prohibit non-stormwater
dischazges to the storm drainage system. This requirement will extend to existing
development, as well as new development. Meeting this requirement will likely require the
City to amend its code to strengthen provisions prohibiting dischazge of pollutants to the
storm drainage system, surface water and groundwater. Enforcement mechanisms and
procedures should be evaluated and amended as necessary to facilitate effective control of
such discharges. A guidance document which describes reasonable actions for businesses
and residences to take to prevent pollution from their properties should be developed and
adopted, using existing guidance documents developed by Ecology, the City of Seattle, and
King County as models when appropriate. The pollution prevention measures (referred to as
best management practices ) include such actions as: covering solid wastes stored outside,
properly storing and handling oils, solvents, and other hazardous wastes, stocking spill
control materials, properly disposing of wash water, maintauung storm drainage systems,
and generally keeping sites clean.
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CHAPTER II
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CHAPTER II - SURFACE WATER UTILITY MISSION,
GOALS, AND POLICIES
The mission of the City of Federal Way Surface Water Management Program is to protect
public health and safety; prevent property damage; protect, preserve, and enhance surface
water and associated habitats; protect groundwater quality and quantity; and to protect and
enhance surface water and sediment qualiry by controlling and reducing harm from urban
hydrologic changes and stormwater pollutants.
Based on this mission statement, the following four goal statements and policies associated
with each are addressed by this Plan. While some policies obviously serve more than one
goal, they are discussed here only with the most pertinent goal statement. Specific objectives
intended to implement the policies are summarized in the Surface Water Utility Programs
and the Implementation Strategy chapters. The goals aze:
Goal 1: Protect the public health and safety and prevent property damage by reducing
surface water problems.
Goal 2: Protect, preserve, and enhance the beneficial uses of surface waters for
recreation, frsh and wildlife habitat, aesthetic enjoyment, aquifer recharge, and
• open space.
Goa13: Regulate development and re-development to control water quantity and quality
impacts in a cost-effective and aesthetic manner.
Goal 4: Manage the Surface Water Utility in a manner that makes efficient use of limited
resources to address the most critical problems first, and which expresses
communiry values and priorities.
For the purposes of this plan, the following defmi6ons are stated:
Goal A long term result toward which effort will be dirxted based on community values and
mission.
Policy A definite course of action adopted to achieve a goal.
Goal 1: Protect the public health and safety and prevent property damage by reducing
surface waterproblems.
The following policies are formulated to meet this goal:
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Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan
PO11Cy � 1
Policy #2
Policy #3
Policy #4
Policy #5
Policy #6
Policy #7
Policy #8
Policy #9
Major CapitallmprovementProjectProgram
Annual CapitallmprovementProjectProgram
Maintenance Plan
Stormwater System Ownership
Emergency Response
Drainage Assistance
Deltas andAlluvial Deposits
Maintenance ofRetention/Detention Systems in Single family
Residential Plats
Construction Site Restoration
•
Protecting Federal Way's unique and plentiful surface water resources requires an approach
which addresses the impacts of both urbanization and continued degradation caused by
ongoing, unresolved problems. Effectively managing escalating growth will be critical to
controlling future surface water problems since flooding, water pollution, and destruction of
fisheries can easily result from poorly planned development. The alteration or in the worst
cases, destruction of these resources will in the long term, have a negative impact on the
economic prosperity of the area as the quality of life is diminished. Environmental protection
and sustained economic development, while often representing opposing interests, aze in the
long run inextricably connected.
As important as envuonmental protection for effective growth management, is the provision
of adequate drainage infrastructure for existing and new urban areas. Many areas of the Ciry
are served by inadequate drainage systems. Poorly managed past development, combined
with the cumulative effects of new development, has created a drainage system, both natural
and constructed, which is overburdened. These overburdened systems cause public and
private property flooding, erosion, and sedimentation. An effecdve maintenance program is
necessary to keep systems cleaned of sediment and debris which interferes with function, and
in many places, construction of a new drainage infrastructure or retrofit of the old is needed
to resolve these problems.
The expense to solve infrastructure problems have been obstacles to the ability of areas to
accommodate growth. Resolution of the drainage infrastructure problems will facilitate the
abiliry for development to occur in areas designated for urban growth. Facilitation of growth
in areas which can be properly served is essential in order to balance the limitations which
restrict development in areas that are too environmentally sensitive.
Policy #1 - Major Capitai Improvement Project Program
Issue: Increased storm flows resulting from urbanization have caused flooding, erosion
and sedimentation, unstable streambeds and banks, and water qualiry problems.
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Chapter II - Surface Weter Utility Mission, Goals, and Policies
•
POItCy
The Utility shall identify major capital projects that prevent or reduce flooding or property
damage; minimize erosion and instabiliry of streambeds, banks, and slopes; protect or
improve water quality; and maintain or improve the reliability and integrity of the drainage
system. The Utility shall implement projects based on priorities that aze systematically
identified using a rating guide approved by the City Council.
Discussion
The City fmds that the solution to many flooding, erosion, and habitat degradation problems
entails the design and construction of major capital facilities. Failure to address these
problems may lead to increasing threats to health and safery, destruction of properiy,
irreparable damage to fisheries and wildlife, and increased cost of solutions.
The City completed the Comprehensive Surface Water Facility Plan (CFP) in 1995. See
Chapter IV, Capital Facilities Plan, for a discussion.
Policy #2 - Annuai Capitai Improvement Project Program
• Issue: Should the City provide an annual program of minor capital improvement
projects separate from the major capital improvement program that addresses
and resolves smaller localized problems that are not interconnected to larger
system problems.
Policy
The Utility shall identify minor drainage system capital improvement projects,
retention/detention system retrofit projects, lake and stream restoration/rehabilitation
projects, and water quality improvement projects; and shall use project prioritization
procedure for each category of project.
Discussion
The annual programs are necessary to correct deficiencies posing public hazards in
conveyance systems, solve minor localized flooding problems, reduce erosion, improve
water quality and habitat, reduce the liability aspects of publicly owned Retention/Detention
(R/D) facilities, and restore lost functions and values of the City's many streams and lakes.
Annual CIP projects solve a variety of minor local drainage problems. The projects are
typically designed and constructed with in-house resources. Projects are lughly visible and
provide a means to serve the community on a more personal basis. Prioritization critieria
include but are not limited to public health and safety, including flooding of streets and
structures, water quality, and cost benefit.
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Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan
•
Policy #3 - Maintenance Plan
Issue: Failure to provide proper maintenance of the stormwater system results in
reducing the systems's hydraulic capacity and also reduces the pollutant removal
efficiency of the system.
Policy
FWSWM will implement an effective and efficient operations and maintenance program for
its stormwater facilities to assure that the surface water drainage systems aze operated and
maintained to provide satisfactory quality and flow controls. Standards for operations and
maintenance will be established and will apply to public and private stormwater facilities.
Discussion
Wlule the Utility has implemented an operations and maintenance program, a specific
maintenance plan has not been developed. The Utility intends to develop a comprehensive
(system-wide) maintenance program which at a minimum, will include the following:
• Inspection of S, s�
• collection systems, pipes, catchbasins, manholes, and inlets
• streams and ditches �
• detention facilities, oiUwater separators, and flow control devices
• regional facilities
• special inspections (hot spots)
• Quali Control
• Describe the frequency of maintenance, responsible parties, disposal of materials
• Flow Control
• Describe the removal of restrictions, debris, etc.
• Prevention and Source Controls
• repairs and replacements of facilities
• street washing
• pollution prevention
• General Maintenance
• removal of trash and debris
• noxious or poisonous vegetation
• pollutant removal
• mowu�g
• berm integrity
• stinging insects
• tree maintenance
• erosion
• sediment
• settlements in dikes or berms
• rock armoring
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Chapter II - Surface Water Utility Mission, Goals, and Policies
•
The maintenance plan will also address stormwater treatment BMPs, roadside vegetation
and ditches, public Utility corridors, and water and sewer district practices.
Policy #4 - Stormwater System Ownership
Issue: To what extent should the FWSWM Utiliry attempt to acquire control of and
responsibiliry for all stormwater systems, including those on both public and
private properties. Stormwater systems include both piped and open channel
conveyance systems, R/D systems, and water quality facilities
Policy
The Utility shall own and maintain all elements of the storm drainage system in the right-of-
way and in easements or tracts dedicated to, and accepted by, the Utility. Stormwater
systems located on private property shall be the responsibility of the owner to maintain and
improve. The Utiliry will not acquire or accept existing components of the stormwater
conveyance system (through easements, ownership, or other properiy rights) except when
needed for Utility construction projects identified in the CFP or annual CIP.
Discussion
� The stormwater system contains both piped and open channel conveyance systems. Open
channel systems may be man-made or natural. All the manmade systems flow to the natural
water features, or to the ground. The stormwater system also contains R/D ponds, wetlands,
ponds and lakes. Some features of the system provide water quality treatment, either by
design as in the case of bioswales and other facilities, or naturally.
Much of Federal Way's stormwater system is privately owned. Private drainage systems are
those on private property on which the Utility does not have an easement or maintenance
responsibility. Stormwater systems in public right-of-way are owned and maintained by the
Utility. In addition, the Utiliry has acquired easements, right-of-way, or fee title (through
purchase or dedication) for some additional system elements.
Some system components are installed by developers and then dedicated to the City, but
most of the significant acquisitions are for Ciry drainage projects. In particular, stream
reaches aze obtained in order to build in-stream flood control facilities.
Restoration/enhancement of natural systems (wetlands, streams, lakes) by the Ciry is
covered by this policy.
Systems acquisitions should consider the following negative factors, even when all the above
criteria are met:
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Comprahensive Surface Water Management Plan
•
Owning and maintaining the systems would not necessarily address the City's water
quality and flood control responsibilities, since pollutants and nmoff originate
throughout each drainage basin.
If substandazd systems are accepted, the City could assume liability for damage to
adjacent private structures to the extent they aze damaged by deficiencies in the
system.
The cost of acquiring all systems and bringing them up to standards would be high
and would also result in increased operation and maintenance costs.
Policy #5 - Emergency Response
Issue: Under what conditions should the Utiliry undertake an emergency project on
private property.
Policy
The Utility shall respond to drainage-related emergencies and undertake emergency
protective measures or projects on private properiy only as needed in the event of an
imminent threat to public health, safety, or public resources (such as infrastructure, fisheries,
and water qualiry).
Discussion
The City responds to many kinds of emergencies. The Utility has historically responded to
drainage related threats to life, health, or properiy. The Utility also responds to threats to
water quality and aquatic resources.
It is sometimes necessary to undertake projects on private property to adequately respond to
an emergency. The Utility shall attempt to gain pemussion from the owner. If it is not
possible to reach the owner and delaying response may lead to significant properiy or
resource damage, the Utility will proceed with the work as long as it is consistent with
general policy direction from the City's Emergency Operations Plan. In that way, the Utility
will minimize the liability associated with work on private property while protecting
properiy and resources.
When the demand for emergency work exceeds available City crews or equipment, or the
emergency work requires specialized expertise or equipment, other resowces may be called
upon to complete the work, including other agencies. An example might be a spill of
hazardous materials which threatens a water resource. City staff aze not trained or equipped
to safely handle the incident, which might be contracted to a private firm with expertise or
referred to the Department of Ecology.
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Chapter 11 - Surface Water Utility Mission, Goals, and Policies
.
Policy #6 - Drainage Assistance
Issue: To what extent should the Utility provide customer service by addressing
localized flooding, erosion and sedimentation problems that primarily affect or
are created by private property, and are caused by nonexistent, inadequate or
malfunctioning private stormwater conveyance and R/D systems
Policy
The Utility will continue to offer education and advice to all properiy owners with private
drainage and related slope stability problems.
Discussion
�
Since the establishment of the Utility, staff inembers have investigated many customer
requests for assistance with drainage problems on residential properiy. When the cause of
the problem is water from a public street or easement, Utility funds can be spent to solve the
problem through its maintenance or capital improvement programs. Where public drainage
systems aze not involved, public funds cannot be spent: State statutes restrict expenditures of
public funds to benefit private properties'. Slope stability problems related to drainage are
included in this policy: slope stability issues unrelated to drainage are outside the Utility's
mission.
The division between private and public drainage systems (including streams) is the
boundary between private property and the City right-of-way unless the City has a drainage
easement (or other property rights conferring drainage responsibility) across the private
property.
As previously noted, public funds cannot be spent on private drainage problems. However, it
is appropriate for staff to give advice regazding drainage problems because:
Staff need to respond to the call anyway to determine if the problem is caused by
the public system.
Unresolved private drainage problems can cause damage to streets, easements, and
other public properly.
Customers learn more about the Utility and appreciate the service.
u
1 Recent case law has liberally interpreted the State prohibition against loans to private individuals. According to case law,
such loans are allowed if they provide a public benefit. Therefore, there may be instances when the U61ity could provide a loan for
drainage work on private property. However, pursuing a loan program is not recommended due to Utility budget constraints.
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Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan
•
Policy #7 - Deltas And Alluvial Deposits
Issue: Should the Utility have responsibility for removal of sediment deposits on
private property or rely solely on source controls to prevent further growth of the
sediment deposits ?
Policy
The Utility will fund sediment removal only in situations involving a threat to life, health or
dwellings, or public infrastructure from flooding or where the Utility has an e�usting legal
obligation by easement or agreement. Any removal will be limitsd to that needed to alleviate
such flooding or to fulfill the legal obligation.
The Utility may provide non-financial support to any private or third-party-funded dredging
projects that are found to be environmentally acceptable.
Discussion
Alluvial deposits of sediment, such as gravel, sand and silt are often found at the mouths of
streams and rivers, aze typically fan-shaped, and are often referred to as deltas. Such
deposits aze also found in-stream whenever stream gradients become flatter and water
velocities slow to the point where the water no longer has enough energy to carry the �
sediment or move it downstream:
Sediment in the stream may come from naturally occurring streambed erosion or slides or
may result from human activities such as logging or construction. Development activities
which increase peak stream flows may increase stream erosion. Deltas will and do form
naturally, but human activity which increases erosion will also tend to increase delta growth.
Deltas formation affects fish and wildlife habitats, and may impact uses of the property
where it occurs. Sediment deposition may impact channel capacity and therefore increase
flooding risk. Sedimentation in street culverts may impact channel capaciry to the point that
streets are subject to flooding and associated damage.
The problems associated with deltas do not necessarily pertain to the Utiliry's overall
mission of flood and water quality control. Moreover, the Utility is not an insurer against all
natural phenomena and catastrophic events. Therefore, the Utility should not have a role in
delta removal unless the delta involves a threat to life, health, dwellings from flooding, or
public facilities (or it has an existing legal obligation by easement or agreement). Any delta
removal by the Utility that does occur should be limited to that needed to alleviate the
flooding or fulfill the legal obligation.
Finally, the Utility requires water quantity and water quality source controls throughout the
City, consistent with other policies in the Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan.
Such source controls—including strict application of erosion control measures on new
.
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Chapter II - Surface Water Utility Mission, Goals, and Policies
•
construction, drainage faciliry maintenance, and the construction of detention and sediment
control facilities the rate of delta formation. Requiring water quantiry and quality
source controls is consistent with the Utiliry's flood control and water qualiry mission.
The Utility should enhance existing source control programs, including the construction of
detention and sediment control ponds, where appropriate, to reduce the further accumulation
of alluvial materials. The Utiliry should not participate in the funding of sediment removal
from private properties unless for the protection of public property or infrastructure.
Policy #8 - Maintenance of Retention/Detention Systems in
Single-Family Residential Plats
Issues: Should the Utility accept maintenance responsibility for stormwater detention
facilities in new single-family residential plats?
Policy
The Utility shall own and maintain all retention/detention (R/D) systems in the public right-
of-way and in easements of residential plats dedicated to, and accepted by, the Utility. The
Utility should not accept ownership and responsibiliry for new R/D systems (through
� easements or other property rights) unless all of the following conditions are met:
1. There's a public benefit
2. An easement or properiy is offered by the properiy owner at no cost
3. The system meets Ciry standards
4. There is access for Utility maintenance from public right-of-way
5. The Utility has adequate resources to maintain the system
6. The system serves a residential plat (rather than a short plat or commercial
property)
Discussion
R/D systems need to be maintained to assure they function as designed for flood control.
R/D system maintenance also benefits water quality because trapped pollutants are removed
from the system rather than flushed downstream during major storm events. The City can
ensure that maintenance occurs either by: .
• owning the facilities (and allocating maintenance resources); or
• requiring maintenance through a private maintenance and inspection program.
Reasons why the Utility ought to own detention systems in single-family plats are as
follows:
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Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan
•
City ownership clarifies maintenance responsibility (and probably maintenance
reliability); under private ownership, maintenance responsibility among property
owners in a single-family plat may be poorly defined or assigned to a homeowners'
association that is not well organized.
The recommended policy is consistent with existing practice, and provides for maintenance
to reliably occur. The policy allows City ownership of detention systems under
circumstances that minimize City costs and liability. In situations where the City dces not
have ownership or maintenance responsibility, it is necessary to implement the Utility's
private maintenance and inspection program to assure that maintenance dces occur.
Policy #9 - Construction Site Restoration
Issue: What should be the Utility's limit of responsibility for compensating property
owners for damaged or disturbed property during construction projects.
Policy
During the project design process, the Utility shall consider the impact to private property
due to Utility construction.
When property disruption is unavoidable, the Utiliry shall restore the area to the pre-existing �
conditions to the extent practical. Where not practical, the Utility may compensate the owner
for ornamental landscaping in lieu of restoration; compensation is limited to the reasonable
replacement value of destroyed specimens in kind, but not in size.
Consistent with state and local law, the Utility shall not install landscaping improvements
that increase the value of private properiy unless that is compensation for property rights
granted to the Utility or unless the primary purpose is to benefit the Citywide drainage
system.
Discussion
Construction of public drainage facilities can damage or disturb private property. Projects
often require removal of vegetation which provided property owners with an aesthetic
amenity and/or created a sense of privacy or security. It can take years to return the property
to the pre-construction condition because replacement plants need to be immature to ensure
survival.
Properly disruption can be difficult for properiy owners, therefore it should be minimized to
the extent possible (given the project objectives). This can be accomplished by considering
impacts to private property when evaluating alternative designs. When properly disruption is
unavoidable, the Utility should work cooperatively with the properly owner to develop
suitable restoration plans.
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Chapter II - Surface Water Utility Mission, Goals, and Policies
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State and local law prohibits the utility from giving gifts to individuals. Therefore, the Utility
can not install landscaping improvements that increase the value of private property unless
that is compensation for property rights granted to the Utility or unless the primary purpose
is to benefit the Citywide drainage system. '
The Utility may plant vegetation for reasons unrelated to private properiy restoration or
compensation for granting property rights. For example, grass seed, sod, or other plantings
are often placed to control erosion. Vegetation removed along streams or in wetlands is
usually replaced to restore shading or habitat as required to mitigate identified environmental
impacts. Ornamental landscaping typically is not planted to benefit water quality or aquatic
habitat.
Federal Way has an abundance of surface water resources, which contribute greatly to our
quality of life. However, these water resources receive stormwater runoff from the City and
have been degraded as a result. The utilization of the natural drainage system as part of the
stormwater drainage system provides many benefits, but also cames responsibilities for
maintenance, protection, and restoration. The following goal statement and policies are
intended to meet those responsibilities.
Goal 2: Protect, preserve, and enhance the beneficial uses ofsurface waters for
recreation, fish and wildlife habitat, aesthetic enjoyment, aquifer recharge,
and open space.
• The following policies are formulated to meet this goal:
Policy # 10 Reduce the Discharge ofPollutants from the City's Stormwater
System to theMaximum ExtentPracticable
Policy#11 LakeManagement
Policy #12 WetlandsManagement
Policy # 13 Aquifer Protection
Policy #10 - Reduce the Discharge of Pollutants from the
City's Stormwater System to Maximum Extent Practicable
Issue: Storm water runoff transports pollutants to surface waters and degrades water
quality. New State and Federal requirements require local water quality
programs.
Policy
The City shall develop and update surface water quality protection programs as needed and
shall carry out those programs and use best management practices (BMPs) in order to make
progress toward meeting State and Federal requirements and the City Comprehensive Plan
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water quality and related resource goals. City surface water quality programs will include
(but aze not necessarily limited to):
• Water quality studies and investigations
• A water quality response prograxn, including enforcement
• Education programs (including promoting source controls)
• Preservation, rehabilitation, and restoration of wetlands and streams
• Stormwater quality controls on new development and redevelopment, (see Policy
# 14 Stormwater Runoff Control Requirements)
• An operation and maintenance program, including an inspection program to ensure
private maintenance of private drainage systems
• Capital projects to address identified water qualiry problems
• Participation in regional studies and in the development of regional, state, and
federal surface water quality policy (See Policy # 16, Regional, State, and Federal
Policy Development and Coordination).
Discussion
The state of water quality in Federal Way is dynamic and diverse. During baseflow
conditions, most streams appear to be generally cool and well oxygenated, with little
suspended material in the water column. However, during storm runoff events, this healthy
mosaic changes dramatically. Nonpoint pollution is transported from various land use •
sources via stormwater runoff and contains high concentrations of solids, nutrients, bacteria,
and toxins, including organic compounds, metals, and petroleum by-products.
The Hylebos Plan reported that during storm events, water quality in the Hylebos and Lower
Puget Sound basins of Federal Way exceeded state standards for fecal coliform bacteria
densities by a factor of 3 to 10 times. These densities were 10 to 40 times higher during
storm events in comparison to baseflow conditions. Suspended solids concentrations were up
to 100 times higher during storm events than during baseflow conditions.
The sources of nonpoint pollutants aze as variable and dispersed as the wide range of
pollutants themselves. Nonpoint pollution sources encompass all land use practices, land
disturbances, and result mainly from human activities. Nonpoint pollution sources generally
include sediment from construction sites, nutrients, and bacteria from agriculture, toxins
from illegal connections and dumping, metals from highways and other roadways, fertilizers,
and pesticides from lawns and gardens, and toxic chemicals from industrial sites—all
transported by stormwater runoff.
These increased pollutant loads are having a direct impact on beneficial uses of our receiving
bodies of water. Sediment is being deposited over salmon spawning areas, phosphorus is
leading to the spread of excessive aquatic plants and algal blooms, bacteria have closed
down many recreational shellfish beds and at times limit other recreational beach uses.
Metals and toxins are being deposited into sediments where they pose a risk to bottom
dwelling invertebrates and fish and wildlife on up through the food chain. All of these
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contaminants could potentially contaminate groundwater rechazge areas and pose a risk to
drinking water supplies.
With the passage of the Clean Water Act amendments in 1987, the EPA named stormwater
runoff as the number one cause of water pollutioq and extended the National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements to municipal stormwater
systems serving over 100,000 persons.
It is likely that Federal Way will be subject to NPDES municipal stormwater pernutting
requirements within the next several years. Currently permits are required of King and Pierce
Counties, and the cities of Seattle and Tacoma. Permittees are required: (1) to reduce
discharge of pollutants from stormwater discharges to the maximum extent practicable, and
(2) to effectively prohibit non-stormwater dischazges to the stormwater system. Such a
program will require a comprehensive water quality program with the following components:
• Drainage network mapping
• Comprehensive water quality planning
• Regulation development and enforcement
• Inspection and monitoring
• Maintenance
• Public education and involvement
• A capital program for structural solutions to water quality problems if all other
� methods fail
• Coordination with other jurisdictions
• Illicit connection surveys
Federal Way's water quality program fulfills parts of these elements now, but additional
resources and efforts will be required to meet NPDES per�►it requirements, primarily to:
Evaluate existing legal authoriry and acquire additional authority as necessary to
prohibit illicit discharges into the storm drainage system, surface water or
groundwater.
Develop a water qualiry Best Management Practices (BMP) Manua1 to assist
people in preventing contaminated dischazges.
Develop a Maintenance Plan that describes maintenance practices and schedules for
R/D and water qualiry facilities, vegetation management practices in constructed
and natural systems, conveyance systems, etc. Maintenance needs aze likely to
increase over time.
2 The City of Seattle, King County, and Ecology have each developed BMP manuals for businesses which could aerve as
� sources of existing information.
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Policy #11 - Lake Management
Issue: Development on shorelines and within lake watersheds, along with increased
recreational use, has introduced numerous pollutants (especially nutrients) that
are adversely impacting the health of our lakes. Should the Utility take a lead role
to develop and implement comprehensive watershed and lake management plans
and policies for public access lakes? Should the Utiliry have a role in
management of lakes without public access?
Policy
The Utiliry will take a lead role to develop and implement proactive comprehensive
watershed and lake management plans and policies for public access lakes, which are needed
to identify and anticipate problems and prevent further deterioration which could lead to
costly lake restoration efforts in the future. Lake management plans identify problems,
recommend solutions, and outline a plan for implementation. The Utiliry will take an
administrative role in assisting residents on private lakes to setup and run Lake Management
Districts for the implementation of lake management plans.
Discussion
Steel Lake is the only public access lake in Federal Way. There are several more public �
access lakes in the designated annexation area east of Interstate Highway 5. Lakes act as
receiving bodies for surface water runoff from their respective watersheds; are an important
component of fish and wildlife habitat; and can aid in replenishing aquifers. New
development on shorelines and within watersheds, as well as increased recreational use, has
led to the introduction of numerous pollutants from stormwater runoff, including nutrients
from fertilizers, livestock, pets, and failing on-site septic systems. These nutrients greatly
accelerate the process of eutrophicatioq a natural aging process that eventually transforms
the lake to a wetland and ultimately uplands. The signs of eutrophication include increased
algae blooms, excessive aquatic plant growth, a reduction in clariry, and loss of depth.
Lakes tend to become repositories for pollutants once they enter the lake. Once in the lake,
nutrients cycle from the water to the algae, which decay and settle to the bottom, and then
recycle from the sediments back to the water where they are again available for algae growth.
High nutrient levels can fuel nuisance amounts of algae; decaying algae in tum can deplete
dissolved oxygen levels, which further promotes the release of nutrients from the bottom
sediments. Depleted olcygen levels also harm fish and other aquatic animals. Thus
eutrophication tends to be an accelerating process, even without man's influence.
Accelerated eutrophication, along with increased concentrations of other pollutants
(sediment, bacteria, and heavy metals) adversely impacts swimming, fishing, boating, lake
aesthetics, and in some cases, human health. There are numerous examples of culturally
degraded lakes in this region and in other parts of the country. Because of the public interest
in lakes, there has been considerable efforts expended to protect and restore lakes. �-Iowever,
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Chapter II - Surface Water Utility Mission, Goals, and Policies
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lake restoration projects tend to be expensive (up to $1 million and more), and many have
experienced limited success.
The State Department of Ecology (Ecology) and King County have limited lakes programs,
which use volunteer monitors and a limited in-house monitoring capability. Neither agency
has monitored Steel Lake for several years. However, the data that exists indicates Steel
Lake to be moderately productive, but not eutrophic. The data is insuf�cient to indicate
whether the lake is deteriorating over time, but some anecdotal reports by long-term
residents indicate that there aze increased algal blooms. FWSWM should monitor the
condition of the Steel Lake (and other public access lakes that may be annexed) to
characterize existing lake qualiry, and long-term trends that may be occurring.
Ecology funds the freshwater aquatic plant management program, which provides 75 percent
funding for planning and implementation projects to eradicate noxious aquatic plants.
FWSWM is sponsoring an aquatic plant management planning process in cooperation with
the Steel Lake residents. Ecology also funds the development of a few lake management
plans (Phase I Lake Diagnostic/Feasibility Restoration Plans) and their ixnplementation
(Phase I� through the Centennial Clean Water Fund.
Urbanization will likely adversely impact Federal Way's lakes. If this occurs, their value as
habitat for wildlife and stormwater storage, and as recreational areas and open space will be
compromised. To protect our public access lake(s), the City should take a leadership role in
• lake management and restoration efforts.
Policy # 12 - Wetlands Management
Issue: In view of the valuable stormwater functions served by wetlands, should
FWSWM develop and implement a wetlands program to identify problems
facing specific wetlands and identify and implement solutions to those problems?
Should FWSWM monitor wetlands that are created, restored, or enhanced in
connection with Public Works CIP projects to ensure that wetland mitigation and
restoration efforts are effective? Should FWSWM implement a program for
wetland maintenance; to clean sediment traps, provide trash removal, and
revegetate denuded wetland and buffer areas?
Policy
FWSWM will avoid the use of natural wetlands for use as public stormwater facilities
whenever possible. If the use of a natural wetland is unavoidable, the functions/values of that
wetland should be replaced to the extent that they aze lost. Special care will be taken to avoid
using more sensitive, and valuable wetlands for stormwater management. Wetlands will be
protected from excessive flow quantities and poor water qualiry, especially more sensitive
and valuable wetlands. When wetlands aze used for stormwater purposes, the maintenance of
those facilities will follow carefully evaluated guidelines that meet the maintenance needs but
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Comprehensive Surface Water Manaeement Plan
•
minimize the impact on the wetland. Restoration/enhancement activities in wetlands will also
follow carefully evaluated guidance that will maximize the benefits to the wetland, and
minimize the short and long-term negative impacts of the activities. Regulations governing
wetland management activities will promote restoration/enhancement acrivities. Federal Way'
will evaluate allowing the use of wetland buffer areas for water quality treatment facilities,
including constructed wetlands. Federal Way should evaluate the application of wetland
regulations to constructed wetlands, as defined here.
Discussion
The State Water Quality Standazds (Chapter 173-201A WAC) broadly classifies wetlands
as natural wetlands, created wetlands, or constructed wetlands for the purpose of applying
state water qualiry standards. Created wetlands result from mitigation requirements, i.e. their
creation was required to compensate for natural wetlands lost due to development activities,
and they aze treated as natural wetlands with regard to the application of water quality
standazds. On the other hand constructed wetlands are built on an upland site to provide
stormwater treatment and/or storage, and are not subject to state water quality standards.
However, the discharge from a constructed wetland into receiving waters is subject to the
standazds.
In general, wetlands provide valuable surface water management functions by storing water
and slowing its release to streams, and by improving water qualiry. These benefits of natural
wetlands has led to the conscious use of natural wetlands and constructed wetlands to •
manage stormwater. Natural wetlands may be modified to increase their storage capacity and
outlet characteristics, and wetlands have been constructed on upland sites to provide water
qualiry treatment like the natural model. Wetland treatment systems for sewage have been
used for decades, but only recently have attempts been made to treat stormwater with tlus
technology.
However, wetlands provide other valuable functions beyond their water quantiry and qualiry
benefits; including crucial fish and wildlife habitat, open space, and comdors connecting
habitat areas: and the use of wetlands for storm water management purposes must be guided
by policies that are sensitive to all wetland functional values, while allowing management of
stormwater facilities to maintain their water quantity and qualiry performance. This
maintenance would typically consist of sediment removal and vegetation management.
Maintenance activities should be evaluated and BMP guidelines developed for effective
maintenance with minimal disruption to the wetlands functions. Stormwater constructed
wetlands should be managed for other functional values beyond water quantity and qualiry
when appropriate.
Policy # 13 - Aquifer Protection
Issue: Groundwater is the primary source of drinking water in Federal Way. Surface
contamination may threaten to contaminate groundwaters.
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Chapter II - Surface Water Utility Mission, Goals, and Policies
s
po���y
The City of Federal Way will protect the quality and quantity of groundwater supplies by
supporting water use conservation programs and adopting regulations to minimize water
pollution. The effect of groundwater withdrawals and artificial recharge on streams, lakes,
and wetlands within the Hylebos Creek and Lower Puget Sound drainage basins will be
evaluated through coordination with the Lakehaven Utility District.
Discussion
Domestic water is supplied in the City of Federal Way by Lakehaven Utility District, which
obtains the water from wells and interties with other water purveyors. The Ciry intends to
assist Lakehaven Utility District to establish water use conservation programs and to adopt
regulations to minimize water pollution and the potential for contamination of the aquifer.
The City also intends to support the efforts of Lakehaven Utility District to evaluate the
effects of groundwater withdrawals and artificial recharge on streams, lakes, and wetlands
withixi the Hylebos Creek and Lower Puget Sound drainage basins. Stormwater management
practices which enhance recharge, such as the use of infiltration as water quantity and
quality control, will be encouraged by the Ciry's development review process.
FWSWM will work cooperatively with the Lakehaven Utiliry District and the Seattle/King
County Public Health Department to assure that septic tank and sewer systems will not
• pollute surface waters or ground waters, while still enhancing ground water recharge when
appropriate.
Goa13: Regulate development and re-development to control water quantity and
quality impacts in a cost-effective and aesthetic manner.
This goal and policy addresses the development process, relative to surface water
management.
Policy #14 - Stormwater Runoff Control Requirements
Issue: Increased rates and volumes of runoff from impervious surfaces contribute to
flooding and habitat damage downstream. New development and redevelopment
without controls will also contribute additional pollutants to surface waters.
Poticy
The Utiliry shall maintain regulations and standards to carry out the Ciry's Comprehensive
Plan policy of restricting stormwater runoff from all new development and redevelopment in
order to minimize the potential for flooding and streambank erosion, and preserve and
enhance habitat and sensitive areas. Water quality BMPs shall be required for new
development and redevelopment. City policies, regulations, and standards will meet the
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Comprahansive Surface Water Management Plan
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comprehensive stormwater program requirements of the Puget Sound Plan, and will comply
with NPDES permit requirements as applicable.
Discussion
Federal Way has adopted and relies on the King County Surface A'ater Design Manual (the
Design Manual) for runoff control requirements. However, the existing Design Manual has
been determined by Ecology to not be equivalent to the StormwaterManagementManual
for the Puget Sound Basin (the Technical Manual) as is required by the Puget Sound Water
QualityManagementPlan (1994 - the Puget Sound Plan). A revised Design Manual
(KCSWM draft, 1995) is expected to provide equivalency for King County, when considered
together with Special Area Requirements. KCSWM's special area requirements modify the
manual's core requirements in a variety of ways, most often related to a projects location; i.e.
in a floodplain, adjacent to Puget Sound, in highly urbanized areas, in a critical drainage
area, etc. KCSWM has identified special areas in basin plans and with other plans.
While the revised Design Manual will be the most comprehensive and advanced surface
water design standard available, adoption by Federal Way of the Design Manual alone may
be insufficient to meet the equivalency requirement because of its relationship to identified
special area requirements. Federal Way may need to identify pertinent special areas and
corresponding special area requirements, so as to meet the equivalency requirement.
FWSWM will also revise or amend the new Design Manual to be more specific and pertinent •
to the City, but will continue to strive to be consistent with surrounding jurisdictions
whenever possible.
The Design Manual describes the scope of drainage review, application to a particulaz
proposed project, and the core requirements that apply to those proposed projects which
require drainage review. The core requirements of the 1995 draft are:
1. Discharge at the natural location
Flow is not to be diverted from one flowpath to another, except through a variance
process.
2. Offsite analysis
Different levels of downstream analysis are required to identify area-specific, site-
specific, and problem-specific drainage requirements and conditions applicable to
the proposed project so that appropriate mitigation of development-related impacts
can be provided.
3. Flow control
Proposed projects must provide onsite flow control facilities to mitigate the impacts
of increased storm and surface water runoff generated by project site development.
The level of flow controls required are both azea–specific and problem-specific.
4. Conveyance system—analysis, desigq and construction
All engineered conveyance system elements for proposed projects must be analyzed,
designed, and constructed to provide a minimum level of protection against
overtopping, flooding, erosion, and structural failure as specified. •
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Chapter II - Surface Water Utility Mission, Goals, and Policies
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5. Temporary erosion and sedimentation control
All proposed projects that will cleaz, grade, or otherwise disturb an area of 5,000
squaze feet or more, must submit a plan for providing temporary erosion and
sedimentation control measures that minimize sediment transport to drainage
facilities, water resources, and adjacent properties.
6. Maintenance and operations
Maintenance and operations of all privately owned drainage facilities will be the
responsibility of the owner, subject to FWSWM guidelines, except where Federal
Way is granted an easement or covenant and assumes maintenan�e and operations
responsibility.
7. Bonds and liability
Drainage facilities constructed or modified for projects (except some smaller
facilities such as downspout infiltration and dispersion systems) require bonds be
posted to sufficiently cover the cost of correcting incomplete or substandard
construction, and to warrant for two years satisfactory performance and
maintenance of newly constructed facilities intended for assumption by the City.
8. Water quality control
Proposed projects must provide onsite water quality control of storm and surface
water runoff through a combination of water quality source controls, spill controls,
and water qualiry treatment facilities. FWSWM should develop a BMP guidance
manual (see Policy # 10 for discussion).
� Core requirements themselves may be modified by a variety of site spec�c or area specific
factors.
The City will evaluate design requirements with the intent that new constructed stormwater
facilities could be less intrusive on the surrounding community, by providing landscaped
buffers, more natural internal landscaping, less fencing, or other means. While such
requirements represent the aesthetic sensibilities of their authors, and as such aze somewhat
arbitrary, there is little disagreement that most facilities built under existing standards have
little redeeming aesthetic value. Design requirements will also be evaluated in the
maintenance plan (Policy #3) with the intent to improve the maintenance specific design
features—i.e. that the facilities be easily maintained.
The City should allow the use of underground water quality and quantiry control facilities in
the downtown core area, in recognition of the intensity of land uses in that area. The design
requirements for those facilities should be evaluated and guidance developed.
The City should promote the development of regional R/D facilities instead of individual on-
site facilities where practical, feasible, and cost effective. This approach has already been
3 While Federal Way requires maintenance of privately owned drainage facili6es, there is no active inspection program to
assure that such maintenance is occurring. The experience of other surface watcr management agencies would suggest that little
• maintenance occurs without an adequate inspection/enforcement program.
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Comprehensive Surfaca Water Management Plan
used effectively at Panther Lake. The City should also consider the development of regional
water quality facilities where practical, feasible, and cost effective.
Goal 4: Manage the Surface Water Utility in a manner that makes efficient use of
limited resources to address the most critical problems first, and which
expresses community values and priorities.
This goal is supported by the following policies:
Policy # 15
Policy # 16
Policy #17
Policy # 18
Policy # 19
Policy #20
Policy #21
Policy #22
Policy #23
Policy #24
Policy #25
Policy #26
Policy #27
Regional, State, and Federal Policy Development
Fiscal Stewardship
Self-su,�'icient Funding
CapitallmprovementProgram — General Scope
Capital Improvement Program Levels
Capital Improvement Financing Strategy
Rate Levels
Frequency ofRate Evaluation/Adjustments
Rate Equity
Rate Structure
Rate Uniformity
Rate Assistance
Reserve Level
Policy # 15 - Regional, State, And Federal Policy
Development And Coordination
Issue: Should the Utility participate in developing and implementing regional, state, and
federal surface water policies and programs.
Policy
The Utility shall continue to have a role in developing and implementing regional, state, and
federal surface water policies and programs and, in doing so, shall seek to:
• Achieve the City's environmental goals
• Contain Utility ratepayer costs
• Ensure state and federal requirements are achievable
• Maintain local control and flexibility in policy/program implementation
• Provide consistency with countywide Planning Policies
The Utiliry's role in developing and implementing regional, state, and federal surface water
policies and programs will include:
•
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Chapter II - Surface Water Utility Mission, Goals, and Policies
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• Influencing legislation through lobbying and written and verbal testimony during
formal comment periods
• Participating in rule-making
• Reviewing technical documents
• Serving on advisory committees and work groups
• Participating in multi jurisdictional studies and basin planning
• Enter into cooperative agreements with neighboring and regional agencies to
accomplish common goals as appropriate and necessary
Discussion
The Utility has participated—and should continue to participate—in development and
implementation of regional, state, and federal drainage policies and programs for a number
of reasons.
• Water resource issues are by nature regional: watersheds cross jurisdictional
boundaries and different watersheds can often benefit from similar flood control and
water quality protection programs.
• The City has a direct interest in helping shape state and federal water resource
mandates since they affect Utility costs, can result in rigid programs that preclude
more creative or effective local ones, or can result in requirements that aze
impossible to meet. For example, the City is seeking to ensure that Federal Way's
• surface waters are not subject to water qualiry standazds that cannot be aclueved.
• The City has the opportunity to participate in providing technical expertise and in
shaping policy and programs to benefit the Ciry.
• The City benefits from learning about the experiences and technical expertise of
others.
The Utility's role in developing regional, state, and federal policies and programs varies
from influencing legislation, rules, and policy to sharing technical information and
participating in joint studies. Through its involvement, the Utility seeks to achieve the City's
environmental goals while keeping down costs to utility rate payers and maintaining local
control and flexibility.
The Utility participates in a variety of ways. The Utility is actively involved with the APWA
Stormwater Manager's forum, provides support to the Association of Washington Cities,
testifies at hearings, and serves on policy-development and technical advisory committees
such as state stormwater advisory committees. The Utility also participates in regional
issues. For example, the Utility is cooperating with King County and other regional cities
through the Suburban Cities Association on a regional surface water needs assessment. Tlus
study will help establish roles, responsibilities, and fmancing strategies for surface water
management across the County over the long term.
Participation in these policy development areas will contribute to specific benefits to the City
and its ratepayers, including:
•
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Comprehensive Surface Water Management Pian
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• Improved grant funding opportunities. Grant funding applications uniformly
emphasize regional cooperation and involvement.
• Maintaining local flexibility and control in provisions of NPDES and Puget Sound
Plan programs.
• Local shaze funding from the King Conservation District.
• Useful training and research from the Washington Center for Urban Water
Resources Management. Coordinated water quality protection efforts in watersheds
subject to joint planning studies.
In summary, the Utility has a varied role in regional, state, and federal surface water issues in
order to protect the City's interests. This policy recognizes the validiry of that role.
Policy # 16 - Fiscal Stewardship
Policy
The Utility's funds and resources shall be managed in a professional manner in accordance
with applicable laws, standards, and City financial policies.
Discussion
It is incumbent on the management of the Surface Water Utility to provide professional •
fiscal management of utility funds and resources. This requires thorough knowledge of and
conformance with the City financial management processes and systems as well as
applicable laws and standards. It also requires on-going monitoring of revenues and
expenses in order to make decisions and report to Ciry officials, as needed, regazding utility
fmancial status.
Policy # 17 - Self-sufficient Funding
Policy
The Utility shall remain a self-supporting enterprise fund.
Discussion
Utility revenues primarily come from customer charges which are a function of established
rates. State law requires that utiliry funds be used only for utility purpose. The Ciry's general
fund can legally contribute to utility operations, but historically has not done so. The Ciry
budgeting process includes a balanced and controlled annual utiliry budget. This requires
careful prepazation of expense and revenue projections that are reviewed by Ciry
management, the general public, and the Ciry Council prior to approval of annual budgets.
Proposed rate increases have and will continue to receive the same review.
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Chapter II - Surface Water Utility Mission, Goals, and Policies
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Policy # 18 - Capital Improvement Program - General Scope
po���y
The CIP will provide funding for the following types of projects:
1. Projects addressing flood control problems
2. Projects needed to meet water quality policies
3. Projects needed for renewaUreplacement or additions to current infrastructure and
facilities
4. Projects necessary for resource protection and stewardship
Discussion
Four basic types of projects will be considered for funding as CIP projects. Major projects
will be evaluated and prioritized according to the criteria described in the Capital Facilities
Plan description (Chapter N). The Utility also conducts an annual CIP program for smaller
projects (under $25,000 typically) which is described under Policy #2.
Policy # 19 - Capital Improvement Program Levels
� Poticy
To the extent of funding limitations, the CIP shall be sustained at a level of service necessary
to implement cost effective flood control mitigation; meet water quality policies; maintain
system integrity; provide required resource stewardship and protection; and meet federal,
state, and local regulations.
Discussion
All current capital improvements aze funded by transfers of annual revenues from the
operating budget and proceeds from State Public Works Trust Fund loans previously
secured to construct designated facilities. To the extent that the annual level of capital
spending can be managed by scheduling and scoping of projects, CIP contributions from the
operating budget shall be maintained at a fairly uniform level, to avoid significant
fluctuations in annual rate revenue requirements. To further this objective, flelcibility needs
to be maintained in the CIP fund to manage cash flow variations caused by the nature of the
costs and timing of projects.
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Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan
Policy #20 - Capital Improvement Financing Strategy
Policy
The Utility will continue to strive to minimize the use of loans to fund necessary capital
improvements, and will generally operate on a"pay-as-you-go basis." However, low interest
loans (i.e. Public Works Trust Fund) and/or grants will be used to leverage local funds when
feasible.
Discussion
To maintain utility rates at acceptable levels, the need for additional funding to expand the
CIP must be balanced against debt repayment obligations. While low interest (PWTF) loans
and grants aze attractive options, they are not without cost and their awazd is highly
competitive. The Utility will monitor the availability and competitive criteria of alternative
sources of funding and will pursue those funds when it is determined that a reasonable
likelihood of success exists, and that additional administrative burdens (costs) are not
excessive.
Policy #21 - Rate Levels
Policy
Rates shall be set at the lowest level necessary to cover Utiliry program expenses, meet
levels of service identified in this comprehensive plan, meet debt coverage requirements, and
sustain a reserve balance consistent with these policies on a long-term basis.
Discussion
A variety of factors including rate stability, revenue stabiliry and encouragement of practices
consistent with Utility objectives, are considered in developing Surface Water Utiliry rates.
As a general policy, rates are set as low as possible to accomplish the on-going operations,
maintenance and repairs, replacements, capital improvements, debt payment obligations, and
general business of the Utility. The annual budget process provides opporlunity to add to or
cut programs to maintain service levels of tlus comprehensive plan. Since a balanced budget
is required, rates must be set at a level sufficient to cover associated expenses once tazget
program levels aze established.
•
�
Utility rate levels may also be modified to alleviate fmancial impacts of anticipated future
revenue/expense events and transition toward higher future rate requirements, instead of
waiting until those events require an unacceptably large annual increase. Five-year forecasts
of future revenue/expense needs are prepared annually to assist management in making
necessary decisions regarding appropriate program levels and rate strategy on both a short-
term and long-term basis.
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Chapter II - Surface Water Utility Mission, Goals, and Policies
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Policy #22 - Frequency of Rate Evaluation/Adjustments
Pol;cy
Surface Water Utility rates shall be evaluated annually and adjusted as necessary to aclueve
Utility fmancial policy objectives.
Discussion
Utiliry rates will be evaluated on an annual basis and adjusted as necessary to ensure that
they are effectively managed to achieve current and future financial policy objectives.
Annual rate review will include the preparation of five-year forecasts of Utility revenues,
expenditures, and reserve balances, and analysis of the impact of various budgetary
elements, i.e., CIP transfers, debt service costs, debt coverage levels, operating expenses and
reserves, on both current and future rate requirements.
Policy #23 - Rate Equity
Policy
• Utility rates will allocate costs between different customer classes on an equitable basis.
Discussion
As required under State law, Utility rates will provide equity in the rates charged to different
customer classes. In general, rates by customer class are designed to reflect the contribution
by a customer group to system-wide service demand, as determined by cost-of-service
analysis. State law also authorizes utility rates to be designed to accomplish, "... any other
matters which present a reasonable difference as a ground for distinction." Formal rate
studies will be periodically conducted to assure ongoing rate equity between customer
classes and guide any future rate modifications necessary to support changing Utiliry
program or policy objectives.
Policy #24 - Rate Structure
Pol;cy
The Utility rate structure will be based on a fmancial analysis considering cost-of-service
and other policy objectives, and will provide adjustments for actions taken under approved
City standards to reduce related service impacts.
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Comprehe�sive Surface Water Management Plan
•
Discussion
In the existing Surface Water Utility rate structure, developed properties are subject to the
rates and charges based on their contribution to increased runoff, as detemuned by the
percentage of impervious surface coverage on the property and the total acreage of the
pazcel.
Annual rates are imposed on classes of developed properties, ranging in six steps from very
lightly developed to very heavily developed. Based�on runoff coef�'icients for each of these
categories, higher rates are charged for increasing degrees of development to reflect lugher
runoff resulting from that development. Residential properties are charged a flat rate.
Policy #25 - Rate Uniformity
Pol;cy
Rates shall be uniform for all utiliry customers of the same class throughout the service area.
Discussion
Under State law, Utilities are required to charge uniform rates to all customers in a given
customer class, regardless of property location within the service area. The present Surface •
Water rates and rate struchue comply with this requirement and will continue to do so in the
future. The Utility currently only serves areas within the City limits.
Policy #26 - Rate Assistance
Policy
Rate assistance programs shall be provided for specific low income customers.
Discussion
Persons qualified for a low income senior citizen property tax exemption under RCW
84.36.381 are exempted from the service charge and annual flat rate for their residential
property.
Policy #27 - Reserve Level
Pol;cy
The Surface Water Utility's annual budget and rate recommendations shall provide funding
for the following reserve components: •
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Chapter II - Surface Water Utility Mission, Goals, and Policies
�
1. A working capital component based on 45 days of the current year's budgeted
operating and maintenance expenses. Under no circumstances shall a budget be
submitted for a planned drop in reserves below this level.
- 2. An emergency/contingency component to cover excessive costs resulting from
unexpected catastrophic events or system failures. Based on historical Utility
experience, this amount will be set at $500,000 which is the estimate of the net cost
of emergency services to be paid from rate resources, excluding any potential
reimbursements that may be received from Federal Emergency Management Act
grants, the City's General Liability Fund, or other extemal revenue sources.
Discussion
Surface Water Utility resources not spent for annual utility operations remain in the fund and
are referred to as reserves. At the end of each year, these funds aze carried forwazd to the
next yeaz's budget and become a potential revenue source for funding future programs and
operations. Under the terms of this policy, the annual Utility budget is targeted to include a
minimum balance of funds for the specific purposes outlined above. While included in the
total operating budget, these reserves will only be available for use pursuant to these reserve
policies and written authorization by the City Manager with approval of the Ciry Council.
Setting aside these annual budget resources in the reserve balance will help to ensure
continued financial rate stability in future Utiliry operations and protect Utility customers for
service disruptions that might otherwise result from unforeseen economic or emergency
• events.
The purpose of these reserve policies is to guide the City Council, Ciry Manager, and Public
Works Department Director in managing the Utility's financial resources and operations.
The Utility's annual operating and capital improvement budgets, rate structure, and rate
levels should all reflect the principles contained in these reserve policies.
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CHAPTER III
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CHAPTER III - SURFACE WATER UTILITY
PROGRAMS
This chapter discusses surface water management activities and programs conducted by the
City, with the emphasis on the role of Surface Water Management Division (FWSWM).
However, it is important to remember that several other departments within the City of
Federal Way also perform surface water management activities, as follows:
The Department of Community Development Services (DCD) provides environmental
and land use planning services. This includes responsibility for compliance with state and
federal regulations concerning planning, wetlands, and environmental protection,
including the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). The land use section code
compliance officers respond to citizen complaints and observed violations to the City's
land use codes and ordinances. The City first seeks to obtain voluntary compliance with
the codes, but misdemeanor citations may be pursued by the City prosecutor.
DCD also provides long range planning, and land use and development code revisions
consistent with the requirements of the Growth Management Act (GMA) and the City
Comprehensive Plan. Code revision assistance may be provided by other deparkments.
DCD is also responsible for leading development of the Federal Way Comprehensive
Plan processes as required by the GMA.
The Development Services Division (DS) of the Public Works Department provides plan
review and site inspections of drainage conveyance systems, retention/detention and
water quality facilities, and construction erosion/sediment control practices for proposed
development projects. DS plan submittal requirements, engineering standards, and other
regulations aze defined by the King County Surface Water Design Manual (the Design
Manual), which has been adopted by the City of Federal Way.
The Data Processing Services Division of the Management Services Department provides
Geographic Information System (GIS) services. Extensive geographic information has
been inventoried for the surface water system and resides on layers in the GIS database,
including drainage basin and subbasin boundaries, water features, the drainage trunk
conveyance system, and numerous other layers of geographic information.
The Surface Water Management Division (FWSWM) of Public Works provides the
remauung surface water management services with the following major programs:
• Administration,
• Engineering Services,
• Water Qualiry, and
• Maintenance Services.
The following sections summarize each of these program azeas.
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Comprehensive Surface Water Management P�an
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Administrative Services
The Administrative Services program provides the overall management and operation of the
Surface Water Division, including prepazation and management of the Division budget;
coordination of the billing and collection process; supervision of administrative, engineering,
and maintenance staff; coordination and management of employee training; and management
of the Capital Improvement studies and projects. Interfund payments to the Management
Services Department support development of the Geographic Information Services (GIS)
system, as well as paying for telephones, computers, building rents, insurance, and
equipment assigned to FWSWM.
The Administrative functions of FWSWNI include:
• Utility Billing & Collection
• Office Support Services
• Programs Management
• Employee Training
Engineering Services
Engineering Services is responsible for the design, construction, and inspection of public
surface water capital improvement projects. The capital improvement aspects of the
FWSWM program are broken down into the major capital improvements program and the
annual capital improvements program. The major program is described in Chapter 4, the �
Capital Facilities Plan.
The annual programs include minor drainage system improvements, R/D system retrofits,
lake and stream restoration/rehabilitaition, and water quality improvement projects. The
annual programs are necessary to correct deficiencies posing public hazazds in conveyance
systems, solve minor localized flooding problems, improve water qualiry and habitat, reduce
the liability aspects of publicly owned Retention/Detention (R/D) facilities, and restore lost
functions and values of the City's many streams and lakes.
Annual CIP projects solve a variety of minor local drainage problems. The projects are
typically designed and constructed with in-house resources. Projects are highly visible and
provide a means to serve the community on a more personal basis. Projects are prioritized
based on public health and safety criteria, including flooding of streets and structures.
Typically, minor CIP projects cost under $25,000.
The R/D retrofit annual CIP program provides fencing, landscape plantings, and regrading
to restore facility performance, and to improve the aesthetic impact on the neighborhood.
The lake and stream restoration program, in cooperation with the Steel Lake neighborhood
association, has managed a treatment program which resulted in eradication of Eurasian
Water Milfoil from Steel Lake, and will complete an Aquatic Plant Management Plan in
1995, with assistance from an Ecology Aquatic Plant Management grant. The program will
support ongoing management activities at Steel Lake, and will be involved with other public •
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Chapter III - Surface Water Utility Programs
•
access lakes as areas are annexed to the City. The program will also complete a stream
restoration project this year at Brook Lake, on the West Hylebos Creek. This project will
restore salmonid passage into the West Hylebos Wetland, which provides excellent winter
refuge and foraging habitat for juvenile salmon.
The water quality improvements program is new in 1995. Projects are being identified and
prioritized for action. Restoration of a segment of the east branch of Jce's Creek (Olympic
View Park) will occur in 1996 as a pilot project for more extensive restoration of that stream
segment.
Engineering services works with the water quality section to identify and evaluate existing
and future surface water problems, prepare a design solution to the identified problem, and
construct the capital improvement project to solve the problem.
Engineering Services provides technical support to the DS for review of proposed private
surface water development projects. The staff provides personal service to City residents
who need assistance in resolving drainage problems. Engineering Services supports DCD's
development and updating of the City's surface water management codes and regulations.
Water Quality
The water quality program goal is to protect, preserve, and enhance the beneficial uses of
• surface waters for recreation, fish and wildlife habitat, aesthetic enjoyment, aquifer recharge,
and open space. It is policy to reduce the discharge of pollutants from the stormwater
drainage system to the maximum extent practicable. Since stormwater pollutants are the
most significant source to urban surface waters, reductions in pollutant discharges will
benefit water and sediment quality.
The program consists of four major elements, which if fully implemented should meet the
requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits and
the Puget Sound stormwater progam. Each program element is further described:
• Water Qualiry Sowce Control
• Public Involvement and Education
• Retention/Detention Maintenance Inspection
� Water Quality Monitoring
Source Control
Source control is defined as preventing pollutants from entering (at the source) water bodies
or storm water runoff. Source control is the first and most effective way to control
stormwater pollution. It is probably always more expensive to remove pollutants from
stormwater than to prevent their entry in the first place. Per the Design Manual, pernuts for
commerciaVindustrial development require head-of-pipe treatment systems, such as oiUwater
separators, biofiltration swales, wetponds, constructed wetlands and sedimentation ponds
that remove pollutants from runoff before they enter the main stormwater conveyance
• system. Specific source control BMPs are not required by permit.
III-3
Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan
•
To support a water quality source control program, FWCC will be evaluated with regard to its
prohibitions on illicit discharges and enforcement procedures, and necessary code amendments
will be recommended to the City Council for approval. The advisability of decriminalizing
water quality code violations, and creating a civil infraction code will be evaluated. If code
provisions will adequately support an effective program, FWSWM will implement a source
control program element to locate and correct illicit discharges of pollutants from business and
residential activities to surface waters. Some existing facilities will also need to retrofit head-
of-pipe treatment systems to correct illicit discharges. An effective program will be required
by the Puget Sound Plan and by the NPDES pemut program. Furthermore, Ecology will
strongly evaluate their approval of permits and grant funding for downstream projects relative
to the effective implementation of source controls and head-of-pipe treatment systems.
Certain types of business activities are more likely to contribute pollutants to the storm
drainage system. Bellewe, in Characterization and Source Control of Urban Stormwater
Quality, (March, 1995) reported that, "... over 12 percent of automotive related businesses
and over five percent of food related businesses were determined to be pollutant sources."
This conclusion was based on responses to 404 reports/requests, which resulted in 296
identified sources, over a 26 month period from 1991-93. Petroleum products were the most
common pollutants found (27.2%) followed by soaps/degreasers (16.7%). Other pollutant
categories included sewage, food waste, chlorinated water, cement products, paint, antifreeze,
chemicals, turbidity, and yard waste. This result supports a proactive source control program
that is focussed on the more lil:ely pollutant sources.
Public Involvement and Education �
Education and public involvement are essential elements of any stormwater management
effort. While regulations and enforcement are important, it is education that takes a proactive,
preventative approach to stormwater management and helps to foster an environmental ethic.
Studies on the effectiveness of education programs indicate a very high payoff per unit of
investment. Effective, targeted, persuasive education and outreach is vital to changing the
behavior of many individuals who collectively contribute to pollution.
Goals of the stormwater education and involvement program are to make people awaze of:
• the values of stormwater management and other surface water services and the
benefits they provide to their communities
• the affect of current or proposed stormwater regulations/ordinances on their property
and their community
• ways to insure the effectiveness of their stormwater systems
• ways to get involved in stormwater management in their cammunity (e.g.,
opportunities for volunteer projects to protect the natural drainage system as well as
opport�►nities for participating in the development of policies, plans, and facility
designs)
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Chepter III - Surface Watar Utility Programs
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Current education and involvement programs include the following:
• Volunteer Programs, including:
• catchbasin "Dump no Waste" stenciling
• rainfall monitoring
• lake level and secchi disk (clarity)
• wetland water level
• participation in restoration projects
• Stream crossing "Protect our Waters" signs
• Citizens Advisory Committee - Steel Lake Aquatic Plant Management Plan
• Brochures, including:
• "Lake Friendly Landscaping"
•"Altematives" a series on household hazardous waste
The current water quality public education and involvement program appears to match the
demand for this sort of program from the public. The experience of other agencies that have
conducted similar programs for some time is that the demand increases as awareness of the
water resource environment rises. For the immediate future the FWSWM intends to continue
the water quality public education and involvement program at approximately the same level
as the current program.
• Retention/Detention Maintenance Inspection
The purpose of the R/D maintenance inspection program is to assure the ongoing performance
of stormwater R/D facilities. These facilities are designed to reduce the rate of flow leaving the
site, and sometimes to trap sediment on-site. The inspection program is intended to insure that
the flow rate control function remains operational, and to insure that sediments are removed
from the faciliry as necessary. Removing sediments may help improve downstream water
quality, since a potential sediment source is eliminated. Removing sediments also protects the
flow rate control function and the design volume, since the sediments may ultimately obstruct
the flow function and displace storage volume.
The Puget Sound Plan requires cities to, "... develop and enforce, within local governments'
authority, operation and maintenance programs and ordinances for new and existing public
and private" stormwater systems," and to maintain records of new public and private storm
drainage systems. NPDES pernut regulations also emphasize the need for maintenance of
systems. The reason both programs recognize the importance of maintaining stormwater
systems is that failure to provide proper maintenance results in reducing the pollutant removal
efficiency of the system, and/or reduces the hydraulic capacity of the system. In other words,
lack of maintenance not only often results in flooding problems, but can also increase the
pollutant load discharged from the system.
FWSWM currently has code authority to require maintenance of private drainage facilities
when they create a hazard, but has not had the staff resources to pursue an active program.
� ° Emphasis added.
III-5
Comprehensive Surface Water Manapement Plan
Code authority should be evaluated and probably should be more specific. Private
maintenance inspection/compliance will also be considered during the "decriminalization"
evaluation mentioned above. When implemented, the maintenance inspection program should
also extend to public facilities, as an efficient use of staff expertise. A maintenance procedures
and guidance manual will be developed based on existing models.
Water QualiryMonitoring
The water quality monitoring element has several distinct objectives:
• Long-term trend monitoring of water quality and quantity will provide a method to
evaluate overall program success
• pollutant source tracing will identify drainage sub-basins with more severe water
quality problems
• project monitoring will help evaluate the performance of specific capital improvement
projects
Each of these elements aze at various stages of implementation. The trend monitoring ttetwork
should be completely operational by Fall, 1995. Pollutant source tracing activities are
underway, with some identification of source areas expected by Fall 1995. Performance
monitoring for two capital projects (Kitts Corner and South 336th Regional Detention
facilities) is included in the design of those projects, which will be constructed in 1996.
Maintenance
The Utility plans to develop a system wide Maintenance Plan to describe maintenance
procedures and schedules for all maintenance practices. The Plan will apply to private as well
as public drainage facilities.
The following maintenance activities are provided by the FWSWM Maintenance Division:
• Street and drainage system cleaning
• Drainage conveyance system repair and construction
• Open channel and ditch maintenance
• Public retention/detention (R/D) facility maintenance
• Emergency & miscellaneous services program
The purpose of the street cleaning program is to remove silts, sand, leaves, and miscellaneous
debris from the road surfaces before they enter the public drainage system, where they reduce
the capacity of the conveyance system and cause water pollution. Street dirt is removed by
street sweepers. The drainage system (manholes, catchbasins, pipes) aze cleaned with a
vacuum or jet rodder truck. Currently, each of these services are provided by contract vendors.
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FWSWM maintenance staffrepair existing catch basins, manholes, and pipes to ensure the
proper operation of the public storm and surface water system. They also do minor
construction of these types of facilities to improve the system and reduce flooding and damage
to property. •
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Chapter III - Surface Watar Utility Progrems
•
The open channel and ditch maintenance program works is to clean and stabilize the public
open channel and ditch systems, provide adequate system conveyance capacity, minimize
channeUditch erosion, improve water quality, and ensure the proper operation of the public
storm and surface water system. FWSWM maintenance staff generally perform this work.
The R/D maintenance program works to maintain public R/D and other drainage facilities so
they operate as designed, and to maintain their overall appearance. Maintenance includes:
removal of silt from the bottom of ponds, storage vaults, inlets, and other structures;
vegetation control; garbage and debris removal; fence repair; and overall aesthetic appearance.
Several part-time employees assist with Summer maintenance activities.
The emergency response program provides quick response to emergency situations during
storm events and other non-storm related emergencies. Typical emergency situations include:
flooding of roadways and/or buildings, landslides, fallen trees across roads and on structures,
oil spills, chemical spills, etc. Maintenance and engineering staff respond as a team in a timely
and effective manner to emergencies as they occur. In addition, the Ciry may contract with
King County and/or private companies for additional emergency response support.
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CHAPTER IV
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CHAPTER IV - CAPITAL FACILITIES PLAN
This section discusses the Surface Water Capital Facilities Plan (CFP) features, and its
compliance with GMA requirements for capital facilities planning. The plan is based on an
inventory of existing publicly owned facilities and evaluation of their capacities. The plan
considers future needs based on projected growth, and proposes a 15-year CFP wluch matches
the available funding revenues to the capital infrastructure needs.
In 1995, FWSWM completed the Surface Water Capital FaciliryPlan (CFP), which is an
element of the Comprehensive Surface WaterManagementPlan. The scope of the CFP was
to evaluate the following ten trunk drainage systems within the City boundary (see Map # 1):
• Upstream Lakota Park Trunlc
• Lakota Creek Tributary 0387 Trunk
• West Hylebos Tributary 0013 Trunk
• Panther Lake Trunlc
• West Hylebos Tributary WH09 Series Trunk
• Easter Lake Trunk
• Star Lake Road Trunk
• Joe's Creek Trunk
• • West Hylebos Tributary WH10 Series Trunk
• West Hylebos Tributary WH11 Series Trunk
The scope included the identification and inventory of the existing trunk conveyance system
and development of a detailed hydrologic/hydraulic model of each trurilc system, with the goal
of providing information and tools to make decisions regarding the protection of the public
health, safery, and property from flooding caused by stormwater runoff. In additioq it was
desired to maintain and, where practical, enhance surface water quality in the City. Maps # 2-
6 show the major tnuik systems, and the surface water features to which they drain.
The objectives of the project were as follows:
• Evaluate the capacity of the existing collection system.
• Develop numerical models that can be used to analyze existing conveyance conditions and
downstream impacts caused by changes in land use or construction of surface water
projects.
• Predict and evaluate stormwater impacts for existing and future land use.
• Identify opportunities for water quality enhancement.
• Identify improvements to reduce or prevent predicted flooding problems.
• Perform preliminary sizing of proposed improvements and prepare a project cost estimate.
• Rank the identified improvement projects.
• Prepare a Capital Improvement Program based on prioritized improvement projects and the
available funding for drainage improvements.
The first major CFP task was to establish the location and condition of the various publicly
• owned surface water facilities within the City. Through the examination of existing
IV-1
Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan
•
construction records, numerous field investigations, and the assembly of available anecdotal
information, it was deternuned that the City was serviced by ten major, publicly owned,
surface water "trunk" conveyance systems; approximately fifly publicly owned
retention/detention facilities, and several more recent water quality treatment facilities. To
establish the trunk system's locations and size, a major mapping effort in 1993, culminated in
a detailed inventory of the City's existing trunk systems—including faciliry horizontal and
vertical location (on a consistent City datum), facility geometry, facility size, and facility
condition.
Facility hydraulic capacities were evaluated using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's
Storm Water Management Model (SWM1Vn, version 4.21 and the trunk system information
generated in the inventory process. SWMM was developed in the early 1970's. It has been
continually updated since then and is among the most widely used of urban runoff models. The
model results were reviewed for reasonableness and qualitatively compared to recent large
rainfall events to observe whether appropriate results were generated. The modeling is viewed
as a guide in locating potential problem areas and as an aid in evaluating altematives. It is an
evolving tool for the City to use and improve over time as better information becomes
available.
The model was used to identify deficiencies in the conveyance network under a variery of
storm conditions, for both the existing and future fully developed land use condirions. The
adequacy of existing facilities and proposed improvements were evaluated based on the •
following criteria.
Criterion for Ezisting Conveyance Facilities
Existing trunk conveyance facilities are considered inadequate if they would be unable to pass
the 25-year, 24-hour storm with a surcharge of less than one foot over the top of the pipe.
Facilities unable to meet this criterion were considered adequate if the surcharge is caused by
downstream backwater conditions rather than by a restrictive pipe element. Open channel
conveyance systems (including streams) were evaluated and considered to have inadequate
capacity if they were unable to pass the 25-year, 24 hour storm without maintaining at least
one foot of freeboard.
Criterion for Existing Detention Facilities
Regional detention facilities, including lakes and opem water wetlands, were considered
inadequate if, under future land use conditions, the 100-yeaz, 24-hour storm would result in
adjacent structural flooding (i.e. houses, businesses, roadways, etc).
Criterion for Proposed Conveyance Facilities
Proposed conveyance facilities will be sized to flow approximately eight-tenths full under
future land use conditions for the 25-year, 24-hour storm, assuming no downstream backwater
influence.
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Chapter IV - Capital Facilities Plan
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Criterion for Proposed Detention Facilities
Proposed detention facilities will be sized to yield a dischazge from the 100-year 24-hour
storm under future development conditions equal to that of existing development conditions
where possible. Infiltration and water quality components are to be included when feasible.
It came as little surprise that the modeling indicated that not all existing surface water capital
facilities met targeted level of service standards. The earlier Hylebos Basin Plan and anecdotal
evidence support the modeling results, e.g., frequent structure and roadway flooding, stream
degradation, etc. Improvements were necessary to provide the level of service for existing
conditions, and additional improvements were necessary when considering the future fiilly
developed basins. The CFP used the modeling information, ranking criteria, and other
information to identify surface water capital faciliry projects required to reduce or prevent
existing and future flooding problems and identify water quality enhancement opportunities.
The plan includes preliminary designs and cost estimates of required surface water capital
facility projects, prioritization of the identified surface water capital facility projects, and a
project matrix based on the ranking and projected available revenues to fund the identified
capital improvements.
Evaluation of proposed capital improvement projects on a citywide basis was accomptished
within four evaluation tiers, with criteria established within each tier.
• • Tier I ranks problem areas based on the severity of the problem, historical flooding
and predicted future flooding.
• Tier II ranks potential solutions for each problem azea so that a preferred alternative
can be selected for each.
• Tier III evaluates the prefened alternatives for all problem areas to develop an initial
ranking for priority of implementing the projects citywide.
• Tier N is a possible re-evaluation of the ranking in Tier III due to the need to
sequence or group projects. The order of implementation may be changed if projects
must be constructed in a specific sequence. Also under this tier, the final proposed
order of projects is compared to that from the first tier and differences are resolved.
Evaluation criteria were established within the tiers, and projects are given zero to five points
for each criterion, with five representing projects that best satisfy the criterion. All criteria aze
weighted, using values from one to three. The criteria included in each tier are shown in Table
III, along with their weighting factor and maximum possible scores for each project
Table N summarizes the recommended projects in each trunk system. The map ID number is
used on Maps 2- 6 to show the project locations, and also corresponds to the final project
ranking. The Capital Facilities spreadsheet (Table V) displays the projects in ranlc sequence.
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IV-3
Comprehensive Surface Water Manapement Plan
Table III
Summary of Evaluation Criteria
Tier/Criterion Weighting Factor
Tier I Problem R anldng
Based on severity ojthe problem, historical flooding, and predicted future,�looding.
Tier II Alternative Ranidng at Each Location
Public Hea/th and Safety
Flooding of PubGc Streets 3
Flooding of Properties 3
Frequency of Flooding 1
Magnitude of Flooding 1
City Responsibility 3
Total
Environmental Components
Streambank Protection 3
Hsbitat 3
Water Quality 1
Infiltration Opportunities 3
Total
Community Componenis
Land Use/AestheGcs 2
Construction Related Impacts I
Multiple Use Potential 2
Socioeconomic Consideration 2
Total
Constructibilrty
Total Project Cost 3
Maintenanee and Operation Cost 1
Sensi6ve Area Regulations/Permits 2
Property Acquisi6on 1
Totsl
Project Deperrdencies
Project Coordina6on 2
Total
Tier III City-Wide Ranking of Preferred Alternatives
Publie Heakh and Safery
Flooding of Public Streets 3
Flooding of Properties 3
Frequency of Flooding 1
Magnitude of Flooding 1
City Responsibility 3
Total
Mazimum Score'
15
15
5
5
15
55
15
15
5
15
SO
10
5
10
10
35
15
5
10
5
35
10
10
15
15
5
5
15
55
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Chapter IV - Capital Facilities Plan
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Tier/Criterion Weighting Fsctor Mazimum 5core'
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Environmental Components
Streambank Protection 3 15
Habitat 3 15
Water Quality 1 S
Total 35
Community Components
Multiple Use Potential 2 10
Socioeconomic Consideration 2 10
Complaint History 2 10
Total 30
Constructibiliry
Total Project Cost 3 15
Maintenance and Operation Cost 1 S
Total 20
Project Dependencies
Project Coordination 2 10
Existing Versus Future Problem 1 5
Total 15
Tier IV Ranking R�Evaluation
Re-evaluate Tter III based on need or se uencin the im lementation or rou in o ro'ects.
• Note: 11►e mrximum score for each criterion reprcawte ihe weig6tiog facfnr times the meximum nok of five poinu.
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Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan
Table IV
Recommended Pro'ects
City-Wide Map Description Estimated Sequence' Tier III Tier IV
Project ID ID Cost Rank Rank
SPM3-CIP-02 38 Construct 0.9 ac-ft detention facility $99,000 35 38
SPM3-CIP-01 9 Modify 2 ac-ft detention facility and construct downstream berms $80,000 7 g
SPL7-CIP-01 28 Enlarge existing Alderbmok detention facility $53,000 22 2g
SPL4-CIP-02 19 Replace trunk south of SW 320th St $82,000 3 16 19
SPLS-CIP-01 35 Replace trunk south of Lake Ponce de Leon to structure SPLST0051 $555,000 4 39 35
SPLS-CIP-02 36 Replace trunk from structure SPLST0051 to SW 332nd St $343,000 5 31 36
SPL8-CIP-01 5 Modify detention and replace trunk near SW 336th St $135,000 6 8 S
SPL8-CIP-02 41 Replace trunk from structure SPL8T0020 to Alderdale Park $755,000 7 48 41
SPL8-CIP-03 42 Replace trunk through Alderdale Park W SW 340th Pl $238,000 8 42 42
SPL8-CIP-04 48 Replace trunk from strcture SPL8T0135 to strcture SPL8T0160 $136,000 9 31 48
SPL4-CIP-01 17 Stabilize channels/perform water quality/conveyance improvements $1,520,000 2 18 17
SPL3-CIP-Oi 44 KC Project 3326-E. Lakota Ck. channel stabilization/conveyance $1,001,000 44 44
SPLI-CIP-Ol 10 KC Project 3328 - Main stem L.alcota Creek channel stabilization $276,000 1 41 10
WH03-CIP-01 3 Construct regional detention facility- S 356th St(7096 of original) $2,351,000 1 3 3
WH03-CIP-04 22 Upsiu trunk along east side of Enchanted Village $212,000 4 12 22
WH03-CIP-0S 23 Replace restrictive pipe on west side of Enchanted Parkway $57,000 5 10 23
WH03-CIP-02 11 Upsiu trunk from structure WHY03T0160 to structure WHY03T0175 $230,000 2 29 11
WH03-CIP-03 14 Upsiu trunk from structure WHY03T0175 to structure WHY03T0210 $644,000 3 21 14
a. M implementation sequence is only applicable to groups of related projects requiring construction in a prescribed order. If a sequence is not indicated, it does not apply to the pmject.
WH15-CIP-02 49 Construct detention facility east of 21st Ave SW $493,000 48 49
WH07-CIP-02 43 Replace trunk along lst Way S $413,000 42 43
WH15-CIP-01 29 Purchase detention area south of Fred Meyers $311,000 24 29
WH07-CIP-01 12 Construct new culvert across lst Way S $239,000 11 12
Wfi12-CIP-02 40 Construct detention facility north of S 316th Pl $416,000 39 40
WH12-CIP-01 39 Replace pipe north of SE 328th St along 3rd Pl S $255,000 38 39
WH04-CIP-01 7 KC Project 2433-W Hylebos channel stabilization/habitat impmvement $614,000 5 7
WHOI-CIP-01 52 KC Project 2449 - Tributary 0013 floodplain study $20,000 52 52
WH07-CIP-03 6 KC Project 2451 - SW 356th St drainage study $525,000 9 6
IV-6
� • •
C�IV - Capital Facilities Plan • •
City-Wide Map Description Estimated Sequence' Tier III Tier IV
Project ID ID Cost Rank Rank
WH9A-CIP-02 47 Pipe and overflow channel to Lake Nl $193,000 46 47
CPR6-CIP-02 45 Modify outlet channel and replace culvert for low flow increase $84,000 45 45
CPR6-CIP-03 46 Construct berm on north end of Easter Lake $97,000 46 46
CPR6-CIP-01 37 Intem.ept lateral drainage along S. 308th St. $99,000 37 37
NPS9-CIP-01 16 Enlarge trunk conveyance sytem near S. 272nd St $478,000 1 14 16
NPS9-CIP-02 21 Enlarge trunk along S. Star Lake Rd between S. 273rd and 25th S $581,000 2 20 21
NPS9-CIP-03 31 Install a new pipe across Star Lake Road $34,000 3 26 31
NPS9-CIP-04 32 Install a parallel pipe crossing S. 276th Pl $41,000 4 26 32
NPS9-CIP-OS 33 Construct a new pipe crossing Star Lake Rd south of 27th Ave S $105,000 5 28 33
a• An implementation sequence is only applicable to gmups of related projects requiring construction in a prescribed order. If a sequence is not indicated, it does not apply W the project.
SPJ2-CIP-01 25 Install new outlet control structure-Lake Jeanelreplace downstream trunk $709,000 3 33 25
SPJ2-CIP-02 26 Install new outlet control structure-Lake Lorene/replace restrictive culvert $165,000 4 35 26
SPJ6-CIP-01 S1 Replace undersized culvert on the west tributary near SW 333rd St $18,000 Sl Sl
SPJ4CIP-01 30 Replace culveNtrunk on east tributary at crossing of SW 325th St $117,000 25 30
SPJS-CIP-01 8 Construct detention for the east tributary in subbasin SPLS $887,000 5 8
SPJ3-CIP-01 24 Formaliu detention at the golf course-construct a flood waWcontrol structures 5230,000 2 14 24
SPJ 1-CIP-01 15 Replace the trunk system crossing SW 320th St $317,000 1 34 15
SPJ1-CIP-02 34 KC Project 3329-Lower Joe's Ck channel stabilization & habitat improvement $778,000 30 34
WH11-CIP-03 20 WHl l-Element 1, Repiace 18/24" storm drain between 2035 8c 2020 w/36" RCP $302,000 3a 17 20
WH11-CIP-01 13 WHl l-Element 2, Remove orifice plates, activate 36" atorm drain along SR 99 512,000 la 19 13
WH11-CIP-02 18 WH11-Element 3, Replace orifice, install new manhole, channel new settling basin $117,000 2a 12 18
WH11-CIP-04 50 WHl l-Element 4, Install low flow diversion with infiltration trench 590,000 SO 50
WH10-CIP-02 4 WH10-Element 1, SeaTac cormction/convert to water quality/downstream detention $4,012,000 2b 2 4
WH10-CIP-01 2 WH10- Element 2, Croas road culvert upgrades in upper WH10 $305,000 16 22 2
WH08-CIP-01 1 KC 2435/2436/2437� 336th St deten6on pond/wetland restore/Kitts Corner Regional Pond $2,276,000 1 1 1
EH09-CIP-01 27 KC Project 2442 - S 360th St Regional Pond cooperative effo�t. $950,000 4 27
a. An im lementation s uence is onl a licable to rou s of related ro'ects uirin construction in a rescribcd order. If a s uence is not indicated it does not a 1 to the ro'ect.
IV-7
Comprehensive Surface Water Manapement Plan
First Tier Criteria
There are no weighting or scores used for the first tier. General criteria for the first tier are
used to form an impression of the relative severity of the problem areas and the intuitive
priority for which the improvements should be implemented. This priority is formulated
without the use of explicit evaluation criteria. In the first tier, a ranked list of projects is
developed as a check to the results generated from the formal evaluation matrix approach
described below.
Second Tier Criteria
Public Health And Safety
Flooding ofPublic Streets
This criterion scores whether the proposed project reduces the flooding of public streets. A
low score indicates that the proposed project does not reduce flooding of public streets. A
moderate score indicates that a flood problem that impacts minor or collector roads is
corrected by this project. A high score indicates that the proposed project remedies a serious
flooding problem of a major street or arterial.
Weighting factor = 3.
•
Flooding ofProperties •
This criterion ranks the proposed projecYs reduction of the flooding of property, such as
homes or businesses. A low score indicates that the proposed project does not reduce
flooding of properties. A moderate score indicates that a problem creating nuisance property
flooding, but not structural flooding, is corrected by the project. A high score indicates that
the proposed project remedies a serious property flooding problem, including structural
flooding.
Weighting factor = 3.
Frequency ofFlooding
This criterion scores projects based on the frequency of predicted future flooding. A low
score indicates that the proposed project corrects infrequent flooding, such as that which
would occur during a 100-year, 24-hour storm event. A high score would be assigned to a
project that corrects frequent and chronic flooding, such as in an area that has received
frequent citizen complaints or that which floods during the 64 percent of the 2-yeaz, 24-hour
storm event.
Weighting factor =1.
Magnitude ofFlooding
This criterion assigns a score based on the predicted magnitude of flooding. A low score
indicates that relatively minor flooding is predicted at the project site, less than 10,000 cubic
feet of runoff. A moderate score indicates that the project corrects a problem that causes
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Chapter IV - Capital Facilities Plan
\ J
flooding of about 50,000 cubic feet. A high score is assigned to a project that corrects
predicted flooding that exceeds 100,000 cubic feet of flood volume.
Weighting factor = L
City Responsibiliry
This criterion assigns projects a score based on their abiliry to correct perceived
responsibilities of the City. A low score indicates a relatively low level of perceived
responsibiliry, such as may be expected from flooding of undeveloped remote properiy. A
high score indicates that the proposed project corrects a flooding problem that has the
potential for high City responsibiliry, such as flooding of a major roadway.
Weighting factor = 3.
Environmental Components
Streambank Protection
This criterion rates how the proposed project will impact downstream streambank protection
and whether it will improve stability by reducing bank and bed erosion. A low score means
flows will increase, with increased probability of erosion. A mid-scale score means no
appreciable change is predicted. A high score means a reduction in peak flows or correction
of an existing streambank problem area.
Weighting factor = 3.
• Habitat
This criterion rates how the project will affect the aquatic and riparian habitat, particularly
how fish passage may be impacted. A completed project that adversely impacts existing
habitat, for example, piping a section of open channel, would receive a low score. A
moderate score indicates little or no disturbance to the existing habitat. A high score
indicates that the project will improve the existing habitat, such as by repairuig severe
erosion nick-points or restoring native vegetation.
Weighting factor = 3.
A'ater Quality
This criterion evaluates whether the proposed project will provide any improvement to
stormwater runoff quality prior to its discharge to the receiving watercourse. A low score
would be assigned to a project that provides no significant improvement, such as the
replacement of a restrictive pipeline element. A project that provides a slight improvement to
water qualiry, such as construction of a sedimentation forebay to a regional detention
facility, would receive a moderate score. A high score indicates that the project will
significantly improve water quality or has incorporated several water quality improvement
features, such as sedimentation, biofiltration and oiUwater sepazators.
Weighting factor = 1.
Infrltration Opportunities
This criterion is based on whether the proposed project contains features that promote the
infiltration of suitable stormwater runoff into the groundwater. A low score indicates that no
• feasible opporiuniry exists. A moderate score indicates a moderate potential exists. A high
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Comprehensive Surface Water Manageme�t Plan
•
score indicates the project is located in an area where high levels of infiltration can be
achieved and the project includes features to take advantage of those high levels.
Weighting factor = 3.
Community Components
Land Use/Aesthetics
is criterion measures a project's compatibility with its surrounding land use. A project would
receive a low score if it did not fit well with its surroundings, such as a large concrete
structure within a creek corridor. A high score would be assigned to a project that fits
naturally or unobtrusively with its surroundings, such as log check dams within a creek
system to control erosion.
Weighting factor = 2.
Construction-Related Impacts
Many project elements can be objectionable to the public during construction. Depending on
the type and location of construction, construction noise or impacts on transportation or
recreation can be issues. This criterion assigns a low score to a project that would have a
significant adverse impact on transportation or recreation, or is located where construction
noise would be especially undesirable. A project would receive a high score if few or no
adverse construction impacts are anticipated.
Weighting factor =1.
Multiple Use Potential •
Frequently, opportunities exist during project design to provide multiple uses of the final
facility. For example, a regional detention facility may be able to double as a park or
pla�eld during non-storm periods. A project with no multiple-use potential, such as the
replacement of an undersized pipe, is assigned a low score for this criterion. A high score is
assigned if other beneficial uses may be incorporated into the project.
Weighting factor = 2.
Socioeconomic Consideration
Depending on its location and size, a project can create, remove, or preserve socioeconomic
development opportunities in the community. A project would be assigned a low score if a
highly viable commercial property is to be used for non-commercial (and tax free) public
purpose, such as locating a regional storage facility in a commercial zone. Conversely, a
project would be assigned a high score if, for example, it provides properiy that can be
developed because the area will no longer flood, or it prevents degradation of downstream
economic and/or environmental resources.
Weighting factor = 2.
Constructability
Total Project Cost
This criterion rates the total economic impact to the City for the construction of the proposed
project. Scoring considers the total project cost, which includes design, construction, •
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Chapter IV - Capitai Facilities Pla�
•
construction administration, land acquisition, and environmental mitigation. A low-scoring
project has a high economic impact on the City. A lugh score indicates a project with a low
economic impact on the City.
Weighting factor = 3.
Maintenance and Operation Cost
This criterion rates the projected annual maintenance and operation cost for the proposed
project. Some projects inherently require greater maintenance and operation costs than
others. A low score indicates a project that requires a high level of maintenance and
operation. A high score indicates a project that has a low cost of maintenance and operation.
Weighting factor = 1.
Sensitive Area Regulations/Permits
Projects that involve work adjacent to or within sensitive areas typically require lengthy and
expensive procedures to obtain a permit for construction. A low score indicates that a project
is anticipated to have extensive pernutting requirements because it is located within sensitive
areas. A project with a high score indicates that the project does not involve sensitive areas
and therefore does not have extensive pernutting requirements.
Weighting factor = 2.
Property Acquisition
Often when a project requires acquisition of private properiy, considerable effort and
• resources are required. This is frequently the case when property is needed for the public
benefit from a property owner who does not want to sell, therefore requiring condemnation
proceedings. A low score for this criterion indicates a project that involves private properly
acquisition. It may also be scored low if timing for the property acquisition is critical to the
implementation of the project. A high score is assigned to a project that dces not require
property for implementation.
Weighting factor = 1.
Project Dependencies
Project Coordination
Frequently, a proposed project can be readily incorporated into another construction project
in the viciniry. Coordinating these construction projects can save considerable money and
effort. Therefore, a project is assigned a low score if there is no opportunity to incorporate it
into others in the vicinity or no such opportunity is Irnown. If there is an opportunity to
include construction of the project with other construction in the area, then a high score is
assigned.
Weighting factor = 2.
�
iv-� i
Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan
Third Tier Criteria
The following criteria in the third tier have the same weighting factor and description as
presented for the second tier:
o Environmental Components
Streambank Protection
Habitat
Water Quality
o Public Health And Safety
Flooding of Public Streets
Flooding of Properties
Frequency of Flooding
Magnitude of Flooding
City Responsibility
o Constructability
Total Project Cost
Maintenance and Operation Cost
o Community Components
Multiple Use Potential
Socioeconomic Consideration
o Project Dependencies
Project Coordination
In addition, the third tier includes two criteria not atnong the second tier criteria—complaint
history (a community component) and whether the problem addressed is existing or future (a
project dependency).
Ezisting Versus Future Problem
The trunk analysis performed for this study utilizes e�usting and future land use conditions.
Consequently, problems are identified for both existing and future conditions. If a project is
found to occur only under future land use conditions, then it is assigned a low score. A
moderate score is assigned if a project solves a slight existing problem and minor future
problem. A high score is assigned if the project solves a moderate to lazge existing problem
and a severe future problem.
Weighting factor = 1.
Complaint History
•
�
For some projects, there may be a long history of citizen complaints of flood problems. This
criterion considers both the frequency and number of citizen complaints. A project would be
assigned a low score if the area does not have a history of citizen complaints. A project
would receive a high score if the project serves a location that has received many and
frequent citizen complaints.
Weighting factor = 2. •
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Chapter IV - Capital Facilities Plan
�
Fourth Tier Criteria
There aze no weighting and scoring for the fourth tier. The fourth tier is required when one
project depends on another is such a way that a lower priority project must be constructed
before a higher ranked project. The sequence in which projects in the same watershed must
be constructed will influence project priority ranking and if projects need to be grouped.
Often, one project must be constructed before others to avoid creating new flooding
problems. For example, pipeline improvements are normally started at the downstream end
and improvements progress upstream. This is done because upstream improvements can
increase downstream problems if the lower areas have not been prepared to accommodate
increased flows.
Projects that aze part of a special construction sequence may be assigned a higher
implementation priority if any project in the sequence receives a high score.
The forth tier is also used for to evaluate the reasonableness of the results produced through
the evaluation matrix approach by comparing them to those generated from the Tier I
analysis. This "reality check" ensures that anomalies in the priority ranking are evaluated and
corrected if necessary.
� Other Considerations
Several other criteria may be incorporated into the list; those described above represent the
most significant for use in long-term planning. Some situations, however, would warrant re-
evaluation of the prioritized projects. These could include such emergency conditions as a
restrictive culvert identified for replacement becoming plugged during a storm and creating a
road wash-out. The culvert replacement might have been assigned a relatively low priority,
but it would be implemented immediately as part of the road re-opening.
The availabiliry of outside sources of funding, such as a grant opportuniry or mitigation
money can also affect priorities. A grant might only apply to a specific project, which would
move the project forward for implementation. Future regulatory or political mandates also
could require the implementation of a project out of the originally defined sequence.
The matrix should therefore be viewed only as a tool for establishing relative priorities.
Many conditions could warrant a change in the priorities established from the matrix
approach.
The CFP Spreadsheet
The result of the described ranking process was a priority listing of 52 projects required to
� meet the targeted level of service standards set for both eacisting and future conditions. The
IV-13
Comprehensive Surface Water Ma�agement Plan
�
FWSWM CFP spreadsheet (Table V) was constructed by combining the prioritized list of
projects resulting from the planning process with available revenue sources for capital
facilities. The "growth module" portion of the Ciry's "Capital Facilities Planning and Policy
Model" was used to predict the rate of growth of the revenue stream for the years 1994 to
2010. Potential grant funding and low interest loans were not included in the projected
revenue stream, but receiving outside funds would accelerate the project schedules.
Given funding from the established Utiliry rate structure, a fund balance was achieved
between the sources and the uses. Annual costs were placed in appropriate locations in the
spreadsheet along with projected maintenance and operations costs. The result was that an
annual average of $1:3M was available for major capital projects. This average is assumed
to exist over a six year planning horizon. Beyond that planning horizon the effects of
annexations, the acquisition of outside funding from grants or low interest loans, and the
likelihood that relative maintenance costs will increase as more facilities are built all will
affect the proportion of funds available for capital projects. Rate increases may be necessary
to allow this level of funding. The spreadsheet is the result of project prioriry ranking and
available annual revenues. This accomplished, approximate schedules were provided for
implementing the major capital projects in phases.
The following are the major assumptions used in performing the phasing calculations for the
CFP:
• Inflation averages 3.5 percent annually •
• Acquisition of the land ne,eded for the projects can be distributed over more than one
yeaz
• Construction and subsequent costs can be phased over several yeazs for larger
projects
• Projects with total costs below $500,000 can be implemented in one year
• Estimated project costs accurately represent future project costs
The CFP spreadsheet provides a comprehensive and fle�uble financial management tool for
use in future decision making. Should revenue or growth circumstances change, the
spreadsheet is easily updated. Several planning periods are "nested" within the overall 15-
year planning horizon—with the most accurate picture being given for the shorter horizons.
The spreadsheet will be reviewed for validity periodically, at approximately two-year
intervals or less when necessary. These reviews will consider assumptions regarding
revenues, growth, and scheduling, and necessary adjustments made.
Obtaining outside funding for FWSWM capital projects will change spreadsheet revenue
assumptions. This has already occurred for the Kitts Corner and South 336th regional
detention ponds by obtaining long term low interest public works trust fund loans.
Additional adjustments will be necessary if growth does not occur where predicted by the
model, or if it occurs elsewhere in the City.
•
IV-14
CHAPTER V
•
CHAPTER V- SURFACE WATER UTILITY REVENUE
AND FUNDING PLAN
Program Revenues
Background
Surface water management revenues make possible the comprehensive management of the
City's natural and manmade surface water systems. Tlus involves protecting developed attd
undeveloped properties and right-of-ways from flooding, runoff, and water quality problems
while continuing to accommodate new residential and commercial growth.
The purpose of the rates and charges comprising the surface water management revenues is
to provide a method for payment of the expenses associated with comprehensively planning,
designing, acquiring, improving, constructing, maintaining, and/or operating storm and
surface water control facilities. These facilities minimize uncontrolled storm and surface
water flows, flooding, and erosion while preserving the many values of the City's natural
drainage system including water quality, open space, and fish and wildlife habitat.
Currently, surface water fees are generated through a rate structure based on individual
• contributions to increased runoff associated with changing forested lands to developed
properties. The surface water management fee associated with any particulaz property is
linked to its size and the amount of impervious surface upon it. If a property exists in its
forested or neaz natural conditioq it is not subject to a surface water fee.
User Fees and Interest Earnings
Annually FWSWM collects approacimately $2.7M in user fees from its residential and
commercial users. To this sum is added $206,000 paid by the street fund for the impervious
surfaces associated with the City's streets, $27,000 paid by the Washington State
Department of Transportation for the impervious surfaces associated with their limited
access right-of-way along Interstate Highway 5 and State Route 18. The remainder of the
revenue total is derived from annual interest eamings. Annually, a one percent delinquency is
anticipated and subtracted from the revenue stream. This represents an annual operating
revenue grand total of approximately $2.9M. Figure 1 graphically displays revenues as a
percentage of this total.
Program Expenditures
Annual surface water management operating revenues are allocated to an emergency reserve
fund and the following four operating groups within the surface water management division:
� J
v-i
Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan
�
administration/engineering services, maintenance, water quality, and capital improvements.
Figure 2 graphically displays expenditures as a percentage of this total.
Emergency Reserves
The surface water management emergency reserve fund is maintained at $400,000. The
emergency reserve fund enables the City to respond quickly to most emergencies. Emergency
situations which might arise include: flooding of roadways, flooding of buildings, landslides,
fallen trees, and spills. Emergency services are provided by in-house staf� as well as the King
Counry Roads division and private companies.
Surface Water Management Program Groups
The administration/engineering services group administers and directs the operation of the
surface water management division. Annually expenditures in this category total
approximately $880,000. The surface water maintenance group perfornis the day to day
maintenance of the surface water infrastructure and provides on-call emergency service as
necessary. Annually, maintenance expenditures total approximately $525,000. The water
quality group of the surface water management division operates to protect and enhance the
quality of surface water entering the City's natural receiving waters. Annually, water qualiry
expenditures total approximately $100,000. The surface water management capital projects
group is responsible for the design and construction of surface water systems improvements.
Capital improvements constructed by this group protect the public safery by eliminating or •
reducing flooding problems within the City. Annually, approximately $1.SM is expended on
capital projects.
For a more detailed discussion of surface water management's program goups, see the
"Surface Water Utility Programs" chapter.
Financing Recommendations and Plan
The Utility will continue to comprehensively plan azound a pay-as-you-go fmancing
scenario. However, on a project by project basis, alternative funding sources will be
explored. Where alternative funding is appropriate and achieved, the additional funding will
be used to accelerate the timing of projects associated with the Capital Facilities Plan
(CFP).
To maintain utility rates at acceptable levels, the nced for additional funding to expand the
CIP must be balanced against debt repayment obligations. While low interest (PWTF) loans
and grants are attractive options, they are not without cost and their award is highly
competitive. The Utility will monitor the availabiliry and competitive criteria of alternative
sources of funding and will pursue those funds when it is determined that a reasonable
likelihood of success exists, and that additional administrative burdens (costs) are not
excessive. More specifically:
►__J
►���
Chapter V- Surtace Water Revenue and Finance Plan
•
• Grant funding from Ecology and other sources may be especially appropriate for
water qualiry projects.
• Low interest loans through Ecology, the State Department of Community
Development, and other sources may be appropriate for major flood control projects
water quality projects.
• Where applicable, the utiliry will establish fees-in-lieu-of and system development
chazges to guide development toward construction capital improvements and
achieving program goals.
• Where practical the utility will encourage the formation of special assessment
districts. The assessments collected then will be used for the design and construction
of local public drainage improvements.
• Where development occurs along proposed project corridors, the utiliry will work
toward cooperative achievement of runoff control goals, e.g., have a developer
construct a portion of a regionally necessary storm water improvement.
• As necessary and appropriate, the City will utilize debt fmancing of capital
improvements to smooth out funding needs. Debt financing will require the Utility
to establish a fiscal history that allows it to obtain cost-effective bond rates.
The following is a more exhaustive discussion of funding options.
Pay-As-You-Go
• Pay-as-you-go is a term that is used to describe annual expenditure of those funds associated
with annual revenue sources. The ten year funding plan matches operating/maintenance and
capital improvement expenses with anticipated revenues. Revenues and expenditures
balance until 1998. In 1998, expenditures begin to exceed revenues due to the expense
necessary to achieve Federal and State stormwater program requirements. This funding
scenario is based upon the conservative "pay-as-you-go" financing option.
While this option is the least costly of all financing options, when used alone it tends to
place a burden of payment on present users for the benefit of later users. Using pay-as-you-
go as part of the overall fmancing plan is to a certain extent advisable, but unless there is a
need for constant improvement to the system, over the long term unfair distribution of cost
burden will always be a problem.
Fee-in-Lieu-of On-Site Retention/Detention
Another funding slrategy currently being evaluated by FWSWM is commonly called "in-
lieu-of' fees. In-lieu-of fees can either be a regulatory requirement or a development option
that enables the Utility to offer developers the opportuniry to pay into a fund for construction
and maintenance of a regional R/D facility. In-lieu-of fees provide definition and certainty to
the developer while enhancing the City's ability to build regional R/D facilities.
The shortcomings associated with in-lieu construction fees are that the customary fee for
a single development is rarely large enough to fund the construction of a regional faciliry.
• Therefore, either multiple developments must occur simultaneously in a given area or, as is
V-3
Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan
.
most often the case, the project must initially be funded from altemative sources. A
successful strategy will use an alternative fmancing source such as a Federal or State low
interest construction loan to fund initial construction and then repay the indebtedness as the
in-lieu-of fees are collected.
FederaUState Grants and Loans
Federal and State funding support for local agency infrastructure has been sharply curtailed
over the past decade. The State Department's of Ecology and Communiry Development
provide gant and loan programs which can provide viable sources of funding for surface
water management projects.
Improvement Districts and Special Assessments
Projects funded through special assessments must have a special identifiable benefit to the
properties included in the assessment area, and charges for each pazcel must be consistent
with the relative benefit to each property. These special assessments aze generally in the
form of a local improvement district (LID) or a utility local improvement district (ULID).
Formation of an improvement district requires that the majority of properry owners within a
proposed district agree to its establishment.
System Development Fees
These chazges are designed to distribute the cost burden of storm water control •
equitably—between both current and future users of the facility(s). System development
charges require that, at the time of development, future developments pay a fair shaze of the
costs of the additional capacity of a facility which can reasonably be attributed to their
development. It may be in the City's best interest to enact and impose a systems
development charge for the construction of extra capacity facilities such as large conveyance
lines, regional water quality facilities, stream improvements, and diversion facilities to
eliminate surface water flooding problems.
Debt Financing
The primary forms of debt fmancing available to the City include limited/unlimited general
obligation bonds (GO) and revenue bonds. GO bonds are backed by the "full faith and credit
of the City" and are paid for through properly tax levies. Unlimited GO bonding requires
voter approval. Limited GO bonding, also referred to as councilmanic debt, can be
undertal:en by council action alone. Revenue bonds are typically backed by the revenues of a
utility fund such as the surface water utility and may be established without voter approval.
Debt financing is geared toward specific capital improvements and has been successfully
employed by other jurisdictions for stormwater facilities construction.
A positive fiscal history is needed to secure cost-effective revenue bond rates. Bonds may be
an effective alternative form of financing at some point in the future.
•
V-4
CHAPTER VI
•
CHAPTER VI - IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY
This chapter describes a strategy to implement the needed enhancements to the surface water
management programs and activities in order to implement this plan, which will support the
1995 City Comprehensive Plan policies. City policies, regulations, and standards will meet
the comprehensive stormwater program requirements of the Puget Sound Plan, and will
comply with NPDES permit requirements as applicable. This plan proposes changes in some
program areas that need strengthening or modifications to fully meet new requirements.
Regulation of Development and Re-Development Activities
To support the City's role of regulating and managing the development process, DCD,
FWSWM and DS Divisions will work together to propose for adoption a substantially
equivalent surface water technical manual and necessary code amendments as required by
the Puget Sound Water Qualiry Management Plan. The manual will be based on the King
Counry Design Manual, with appropriate additions or exceptions based on local conditions.
The Design Manual core requirements are discussed in Policy # 14, Stormwater Runoff
Control Requirements, which states that the Utility, "... shall maintain regulations and
standards to carrry out the City Comprehensive Plan policy of resiricting stormwater runof�
from all new development and redevelopment; in order to minimize the potential for flooding
• and streambank erosion, and preserve and enhance habitat and sensitive areas. Water quality
BMPs shall be required from new development and redevelopment."
Particular areas where program changes related to regulating development and
redevelopment will occur :
• The City will minimize alterations to aquatic and riparian habitats in order to
preserve and enhance their natural functions for providing fish and wildlife habitat.
Native vegetation in riparian and wetland habitats will be preserved and enhanced.
The integration of native vegetation and riparian and wetland habitats into urban
landscape development will be encouraged where appropriate.
• Appropriate mitigation and monetary contingency shall be required for any work
allowed withixi a stream channel or associated buffer. Mitigation measures shall be
monitored for effectiveness.
• Erosion control measures shall be required of all construction sites, with specific
emphasis for any work in or adjacent to stream buffers.
• The City will continue to regulate stream relocation, culverts, and crossings for both
private and public development. Consideration will be given to culverts designed to
allow for fish and habitat passage where applicable.
• Currently, essential public facilities and utilities may cross lakes or streains where
no other feasible alternative eacists. The amount of intrusion shall be the minimum
necessary to complete the project. The City should evaluate the potential for
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Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan
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placement of stormwater facilities and mitigation wetlands within the buffer of
sensitive areas.
• The design standards for on-site stormwater systems should be evaluated and
changed as necessary to make the systems more visually pleasing and harmonious
with the surrounding landscape, and to simplify maintenance of the systems.
Presently systems are installed to meet the minimum engineering standards,
resulting in visually unaesthetic facilities that aze often difficult to maintain.
• The City should allow the use of underground water quality and quantity control
facilities in the downtown core area, in recognition of the intensity of land uses in
that area. The design requirements for those facilities should be evaluated and
guidance developed.
• The City should continue to promote the development of regional R/D facilities
instead of individual on-site facilities where practical, feasible, and cost effective.
This approach has been used effectively at Panther Lake and at other locations
throughout the City. The City should also consider the development of regional
water quality facilities where practical, feasible, and cost effective.
• Where feasible and considering the protection of the functions and values of streams
lakes and wetlands, the natural flood storage and conveyance functions of streams,
lakes and wetlands will be utilized. Water quality pretreatment will be used to
protect natural wetlands, particularly the more valuable wetlands.
Stream and Lake Protection, Enhancement, and Restoration ,
In cooperation with private property owners, an enhanced lake protection and enhancement
program will be implemented for Steel Lake to manage the lake watershed and shorelines to
improve water quality, and to manage invasive and native plant species to protect the
beneficial uses of the lake, including recreational opportunities, and fish and wildlife habitat.
In the potential annexation area, Star Lake, Dolloff Lake, North Lake, Lake Geneva, Lake
Killarney, and Five Mile Lake all are public access lakes. In the event of annexation of those
areas, extension of the lake protection and enhancement program will require additional
resources.
The City will seek to preserve aquatic and riparian habitats and work to restore those areas
that have been disturbed. In particular, the habitats of Joe's Creek, Thames Creek, Cold
Creek, Lakota Creek, Redondo Creek, Mill Creek, and West and East Hylebos Creeks
should be protected and restored. Fish habitat conservation plans will be developed and
implemented for the salmon runs in the Hylebos drainage and Lakota Creek or other
identified habitats. The plans could include improvement to the riparian corridor and
provisions for adequate buffers adjacent to all proposed development. The City will seek
cooperation and outside funding from other agencies, the tribes, and the public to fund
projects whenever feasible. FWSWM will develop a system wide Surface Water
Maintenance Plan to facilitate environmental review and pernutting of these projects.
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Chapter VI - Impementation Stretegy
•
When appropriate, the City will work cooperatively with adjacent and regional agencies,
including King and Pierce County Surface Water Management Divisions, the Washington
State Department of Ecology, the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, King
Conservation District, the Puyallup Tribes, and other affected jurisdictions and tribes to
implement surface water management programs.
Water Quality
FWSWM will continue to implement the water qualiry monitoring plan, to assess the
characteristics of surface water quality and habitat assessment and track long term changes
in those characteristics. Monitoring will look at overall characteristics, as well as specific
problem/project assessment. If and when the City is required to obtain an NPDES permit for
its stormwater discharges, it is likely that additional monitoring will be required.
FWSWM will continue to promote source controls on urban pollution. The City should
evaluate the need for additional enforcement mechanisms to require source controls, and
should consider development of a water quality BMP manual.
Wetlands Protection
• The City will develop a wetlands management program. Wetland regulations should be
evaluated and revised as necessary. Wetlands specifically constructed for stormwater
storage/treatment on non-wetland sites should not be considered regulated wetlands.
Aquifer Recharge and Protection
The City shall support the efforts of Lakehaven Utility District to protect the qualiry and
quantiry of groundwater supplies by establishing water use conservation programs and
adopting regulations to minimize water pollution. The Ciry shall support the efforts of
Lakehaven Utility District to evaluate the effect of groundwater withdrawals and artificial
recharge on streams, lakes and wetlands within the Hylebos Creek and Lower Puget Sound
drainage basins.
Wherever conditions are suitable, the Ciry shall encourage the use of stormwater infiltration
as a BMP, and will also encourage the slowing and retaining surface water by wetlands and
streams and encourage detention ponds or other similar storm water management techniques
to aid aquifer recharge.
Maintenance Programs
The FWSWM and DS Divisions and DCD will work together to propose for adoption a
substantially equivalent technical manual and necessary code amendments regulating public
and private operation and maintenance of stormwater facilities, as required by the Puget
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Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan
•
Sound Water QualityManagementPlan. The manual will be based on the King County
Design Manual with appropriate additions or exceptions based on local conditions.
An R/D facility maintenance inspection program is necessary to insure that facilities perform
as designed, and that regular maintenance occurs. Sources of pollution other than sedixnents
are also evident during inspections, and are referred to the source control program. The
Puget Sound Plan requires local governments to insure effective maintenance of both private
and public stormwater facilities.
Both public and private facilities will be inspected for operational conformance and required
maintenance. Corrective actions will be required as necessary to meet standards for water
quantity and quality. This program will allow the Utility to implement rate reductions in
accordance with existing City ordinance where on-site detention meets current standazds and
the facility is privately maintained per City standards. Guidance materials will be developed
to define inspection and enforcement procedures, and maintenance standazds. The City
should evaluate the need for additional enforcement mechanisms to require maintenance of
private R/D and water qualiry facilities.
Capital Facilities Planning
Implementation of the CFP, as described in Chapter N will satisfy the concurrency •
requirements of the GMA. The CFP �performed an inventory and study to establish the
drainage needs, both for the current and future "built-out" condition, and then developed a
series of prioritized projects to meet that need. Drainage needs were determined based on
"level of service" criteria related to the adequacy of piped and open channel conveyance
systems, of lakes and wetlands, and of regional R/D facilities during flooding events. The
criteria are described in Chapter IV. Projects will serve the azeas where growth will occur,
and are prioritized to take care of the worst problems first. The CFP provides a funding
strategy based on existing Utility rate-based revenues, which alone aze adequate to
accomplish the identified projects. Other sources of funding may be utilized on a case-by-
case basis to speed the implementation of the CFP.
5 The King County Design Manual contains Maintenance Requirements jor Privately Mainmined Drainage Facilities,
which provides a model for this guidance. •
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APPENDIX A
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APPENDIX A - REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The following is a description of the local, county, state, and federal regulations, standazds,
programs, and/or permits that may be relevant to the adoption of the Comprehensive Surface
Water Management Plan by the City of Federal Way.
City of Federai Way
Design Manual
In February 1990, the City adopted the King County Surface Water Design Manual as part
of its surface water runoff ordinance (FWCC 21-28). The City has incorporated each
subsequent revision to the Design Manual.
The Design Manual describes the scope of drainage review, application to a particular
proposed project, and the core requirements that apply to those proposed projects wluch
require drainage review. The core requirements are discussed in Policy # 14, Stormwater
Runoff Control Requirements.
� Environmentally Sensitive Areas Regulations
SEPA review.
Land Surface Modification
Land surface modification is the clearing or removal of trees, shrubs, ground cover, and
other vegetation as well as all grading, excavation, and filling activities. Unless permitted
outright under Article XIII, Division 7(Section 1093), of the FWCC, land surface
modification requires approval through process I.
Shoreline Management Substantial Development, Conditional Use, or Variance Permit
The Shorelines Management Program (SMP) regulates substantial development within 200
feet in all directions from any regulated stream, river, lake or tidal water. It dces not regulate
streams with an annual average flow less than 20 cubic feet per second, lakes less than 20
acres, nor wetlands more than 200 feet from streams, rivers, lakes or tidal water. The SMP
includes exemptions for certain activities including projects with a total cost less than
$2,500, normal farming, ranching, or irrigation practices, and construction of a dock for
private accessory residential use.
Within Federal Way, the Puget Sound shoreline and Steel Lake lie within the scope of the
State Shoreline Management Act.
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Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan
Zoning Code
A purpose of the zoning ordinance is to implement the growth management policies of the
Comprehensive Plan. The zoning code assigns use and density requirements that guide land
use. Specific land use zones and the defining regulations are provided for each zone.
Land use zones are determined by environmental constraints and infrastructure. The
availability of water, sewer, fire protection, and transportation sets limits to densities.
Zoning regulations aze a useful stormwater management tool. Zoning sets the density and
standards of development and has the ability to direct growth in such a way as to minimize
the impact of stormwater runoff.
Washington State
Department of Ecology/Puget Sound Water Quality Management Plan
The Puget Sound Water QualityManagementPlan (1994) requires the development of
local stormwater management programs. The initial "basic" program, requires all cities and
counties to adopt ordinances requiring stormwater runo�' controls on new development and
redevelopment, which address, at a minimum:
1 the control of off-site water quality and quantity effects
2 the use of best management practices for source control and treatrnent
3. the effective treatment, using best management practices, of the storm size and
frequency (design storm) as specified in the manual for proposed development
4. the use of infiltration, with appropriate precautions and maintenance, as the first
consideration in stormwater management
5. the protection of stream channels, fish, shellfish habitat, other aquatic habitat; and
wetlands
6. control of erosion and sedimentation for new construction and redevelopment
projects
7. local enforcement of these stormwater controls
The basic program also includes a requirement to develop and enforce, within local
governments' authority, operation and maintenance programs and ordinances for new and
existing public and private stormwater systems. Local jurisdictions are required to maintain
records of public and private storm drainage systems and appurtenances.
Further comprehensive programs will be required of all urban areas on watershed based
schedules. Federal Way is to submit a comprehensive program implementation schedule to
Ecology by June 1996, and is to have its comprehensive stormwater program implemented
18 months later. See Table II for a summary of comprehensive program elements.
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Appendix A - Regulatory Framework
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In conjunction with the runoff control ordinances for new development and redevelopment,
local governments are required to adopt Ecology's StormwaterManagementManual for the
Puget Sound Basin (the Technical Manual), or its equivalent.
Department of Ecology, Water Quality Certification and/or Temporary Modification
of Water Quality Criteria
A Water Quality Certification is a statement issued by the Washington Department of
Ecology that the proposed activity resulting in a dischazge to surface waters will comply with
applicable water quality standards and dischazge limitations. The Certification is required by
Federal law as a prerequisite to obtainuig an Army Corps of Engineers (COE) permit, a
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license, or other Federal permit. Public notice is
required. Issuance of a Certification is exempt from SEPA requirements.
A Temporary Modification of Water Quality Criteria is required if construction activities
will unavoidably violate state water quality criteria. This approval is issued by Ecology to
control short•term activities which are essential to the public interest. Because most instream
construction activities will unavoidably violate state water quality criteria on a short-term
basis, such projects will require a temporary modification of water quality criteria. A
temporary modification may be required before Ecology can issue a Water quality
Certification. SEPA compliance is required for a temporary modification of water quality
criteria.
• Growth Management Act (GMA)
The GMA (Chapter 36.70A RCV� includes 13 broad policy goals to guide development of
local compre-hensive plans and development regulations. Mandatory elements to be included
in comprehensive plans developed under the GMA are land use, housing, capital facilities,
utilities, a rural element, and transportation. The comprehensive plans must also identify
environmentally sensitive critical areas and resources lands and develop regulations to
protect these areas.
Local governments must establish urban growth boundaries around population centers and
delineate where new development could be located. These areas would correspond to those
areas with infrastructure in place. To encourage growth in areas with adequate infrasiructure,
the GMA includes a"concurrency" provision that requires necessary infrastructure be in
place, or financially committed to, or provided prior to development approval.
The GMA specifically requires that the land use element review drainage, flooding, and
stormwater runoff in the planning area and provide guidance for corrective actions to
mitigate potential water pollution. Regional stormwater treatment facilities, including
retention/detention basins, biofilters and infiltration facilities, as well as stormwater
conveyance systems, should be identified in the capital facilities element of the
comprehensive plan.
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Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan
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Under the Growth Management Act, Federal Way is required to incorporate the goals of the
local stormwater program into the goals of the comprehensive land use plan and to
incorporate the required stormwater ordinances into the development regulations.
Department of Fish and Wildlife, Hydraulic Project Approval
The purpose of the Washington State Hydraulic Code, (75.20.100-103 RCV� is to preserve
fish and wildlife habitat by regulating activities within the State's salt and fresh waters. Any
construction that will use, divert, obstruct, or change the natural flow or bedding of any of
our state's waters within high water areas, including many wetlands, will require a Hydraulic
Project Approval pernut. Such activities include, but are not limited to, streambank
protection, dredging, culvert installation, pile driving, construction of bridges, piers and
docks, pond conshuction, log jam or debris removal, mineral prospecting and extraction, and
alteration or realigntnent.
State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA)
SEPA was passed by the Washington State legislature in 1969 for the purpose of providing
a process to analyze the environmental impacts of development. SEPA is not a permit but
rather a process of information gathering for the purpose of helping agency decision makers
and the general public understand how a project would affect the environment. SEPA
requires a full disclosure of likely significant adverse environmental impacts to either the
natural or built environment. Proposed actions with possible significant adverse •
environmental impacts aze required to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
Many agency decisions can only be made after the SEPA process has been completed,
including: Hydraulic Project Approval, Shoreline Substantial Development pemut approval,
and the granting of many other local permits.
There are a variety of actions that are "categorically exempt" from the SEPA process.
Exempted projects include most single-family homes, commercial buildings under 4000
square feet, parking lots for 20 cars or less, and any landfill or excavation of 100 cubic yards
or less.
The City of Federal Way SEPA regulations adopt by reference certain exemptions identified
in State law.
The United States
Clean Water Act, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), and
Municipal Stormwater Permits
Municipalities above 100,000 population aze required by the Federal Clean Water Act to
apply and obtain NPDES Municipal Stormwater Pemuts. In this State, Ecology has been
delegated permit authority by the EPA, and has currently issued watershed based fmal draft
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Appe�dix A - Regulatory Framework
u
pemrits for public comment to Seattle, Tacoma, King, Pierce, and Snohomish County, and
the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Permits are to be issued in
June, 1995.
It is expected that EPA will, at some time, extend NPDES permit requirements to smaller
municipalities, including Federal Way. Permits may be by population (likely over 50,000),
or by watershed. A watershed approach would probably require pernuts of all urbanized
areas within specific large watersheds, i.e., the Puyallup River, Crreen River, etc. If this
occurs, Ecology will extend comprehensive stormwater program requirements under the
pemut program. The strategy of the Puget Sound Plan is to, "... develop NPDES permits for
municipal storm water that incorporate the Plan's stormwater requirements and federal
requirements, and phase in additional NPDES pernuts for municipal storm water for smaller
jurisdictions as further EPA regulations aze promulgated."
In addition to the above program requirements, NPDES regulated municipalities will be
required to:
• effectively prohibit illicit discharges into the storm sewers
• control and reduce the discharge of pollutants to the maximum extent pracricable
The following will be necessary to meet these requirements:
� • water quality monitoring to locate and characterize pollutant sources, and to identify
receiving water quality impacts
• amend ordinances and procedures to asswe adequate legal authority to prohibit
illicit discharges
• public education and involvement activities, including citizens, public employees,
and businesses
Army Corps of Engineers Permits, Sections 10, 404 and 401 (Clean Water Act)
Section 404 requires an Army Corps of Engineers (COE) pernut for any project that alters or
degrades the waters of the United States, ranging from the open water disposal of dredge or
fill material to the filling of neazshore areas. This includes adjacent wetland and tributaries
to navigable waters, and any degradation or destruction of which could affect interstate or
foreign commerce. Guidelines for permit approval have been developed by the EPA. There
are two types of permits issued: an individual permit and a general, or nationwide, permit.
Section 401 is a certification process issued by Ecology. Whenever an activity requires a
federal permit, the applicant must obtain certification as a prerequisite. Denial of the
certification results in denial of the pernut. If Ecology imposes any conditions on a
certification, those conditions become part of the federal permit.
The certification process begins with notification of Ecology at the time a Section 404
permit is filed with COE. Ecology becomes the clearinghouse for all state agency responses
� to Section 404. The Ecology Environmental Review Section prepares a state comment letter
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Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan
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based on the responses from various state agencies along with the 401 certification or denial.
Ecology has the authority to override any state agency recommendation, wiless a violation of
State law would result. All State 401 certifications are exempt from SEPA requirements.
Section 10 (Rivers and Hazbors Act) prohibits unauthorized obstruction or alteration of
navigable waters without a permit from the COE. This law pertains to navigable and all
waters subject to the ebb and flow of the tide up to mean higher high tide or ordinary high
water mazk. The pernut process includes consideration of navigational waters, flood control,
fish and wildlife management, and environmental impacts.
Floodplain Protection Policies
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regulates flood insurance programs
for frequently flooded areas, which are defined as being within the floodplain of a 100 year
recurrence flood event. A flood of this magnitude would have a one percent chance of
occurring in any given yeaz.
Although there are no areas within the City of Federal Way currently recognized as being
frequently flooded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), these policies
were constructed to address any areas that may be deemed as frequently flooded areas in the
future.
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APPENDIX B
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APPENDIX B- SELECTED COUNTYWIDE PLANNING
POLICIES
Critical Areas
Most jurisdictions in King County have sensitive areas ordinances in place or under
development. These regulations are tailored to the spec�c needs of each jurisdiction and are
not likely to be modified based on another jurisdiction's regulations. It is important to
promote regional policies that do not erode existing regulations while providing guidance for
achieving consistency and compatibiliry among them.
Overail Environmental Protection
FW4 All jurisdictions shall protect and enhance the natural ecosystems through
comprehensive plans and policies, and develop regulations that reflect natural
constraints and protect sensitive features. Land use and development shall be
regulated in a manner which respects fish and wildlife habitat in conjunction with
natural features and functions, including air and water quality. Natural resources and
the built environment shall be managed to protect, improve and sustain
environmental quality while minimizing public and private costs.
� FWS Puget Sound, floodplains, rivers, streams and other water resources shall be
managed for multiple beneficial uses including flood and erosion hazard reduction,
fish and wildlife habitat, agriculture, open space, water supply, and hydropower.
Use of water resources for one purpose shall, to the fullest extent possible, preserve
and promote opportunities for other uses.
Wetlands Protection
CA 1 All jurisdictions shall use as minimum standards, the 1989 Federal Manual for
Identifying and Delineating Jurrsdictional Wetlands and reference the 1989
manual in their wetlands protection ordinances.
CA2 In the long term, all jurisdictions shall work to establish a single counry wide
classification system for wetlands.
CA3 Within each basin, jurisdictions shall formulate their regulations and other non-
regulatory methods to accomplish the following: protection of wetlands; assure na
net loss of wetland functions; and an increase of the quantity and quality of the
wetlands. The top class wetlands shall be untouched.
CA4 Implementation of wetland mitigation should be flexible enough to allow for
protection of systems or corridors of connected wetlands. A tradeoff of small,
• isolated wetlands in exchange for a larger connected wetland system can achieve
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Comprehensive Surtace Water Management Plan
i
greater resource protection and reduce isolation and fragmentation of wetland
habitat.
Aquifers
Currently there aze five Cnound Water Management Plans being prepared in King County:
Redmond, Issaquah, East King County, South King Counry, and Vashon. Most, but not all,
important aquifers aze contained within these areas. The state Department of Ecology has
designated Seattle-King County Department of Public Health as the lead agency. Each plan
is prepared in conjunction with an advisory committee with representatives from suburban
cities, water utilities, businesses, private well owners, environmental groups, and state
agencies. The plans will identify aquifer recharge areas and propose strategies for protection
of aquifers through preservation and protection of groundwater. Local governments aze
required to adopt or amend regulations, ordinances, and/or programs in order to implement
the plans following certification by Ecology in accordance with WAC 173-100-120.
CAS All jurisdictions shall adopt policies to protect the quality and quantity of
groundwater where appropriate:
a. Jurisdictions that are included in Crround Water Managements Plans shall
support the development, adoption, and implementation of the Plans; and
b. The Seattle-King County Department of Public Health and affected jurisdictions
shall develop countywide policies outlining best management practices within
aquifer recharge areas to protect public health; and •
c. King County and groundwater purveyors including cities, special purpose
districts, and others should jointly:
1. Prepare groundwater recharge area maps using common criteria and
incorporating information generated by Ground Water Management Plans
and purveyor studies:
2. Develop a process by which land use jurisdictions will review, concur with,
and implement, as appropriate, purveyor Wellhead Protection Programs
required by the Federal Safe Drinking Act;
3. Determine which portions of mapped recharge areas and Wellhead
Protection Areas should be designated as critical; and
4. Update critical areas maps as new information about recharge areas and
Wellhead Protection Areas becomes available.
CA6 Land use actions should take into account the potential impacts on aquifers
determined to serve as water supplies. The depletion and degradation of aquifers
needed for potable water supplies should be avoided or mitigated; othervvise a
proven, feasible replacement source of water supply should be planned and
developed to compensate for potential lost supplies.
Fish and Wildlife Habitat
CA7 Adj acent jurisdictions shall identify and protect habitat networks that are aligned at
jurisdictional boundaries. Networks shall link large protected or significant blocks .
AB-2
Appendix B- Selected Countywide Planning Policies
�
of habitat within and between jurisdictions to achieve a continuous countywide
network. These networks shall be mapped and displayed in comprehensive plans.
CA8 All jurisdictions shall identify critical fish and wildlife habitats and species and
develop regulations that:
a. Promote their protection and proper management; and
b. Integrate native plant communities and wildlife with other land uses where
possible.
CA9 Natural drainage systems including associated riparian and shoreline habitat shall be
maintained and enhanced to protect water qualiry, reduce public costs, protect fish
and wildlife habitat, and prevent environmental degradation. Jurisdictions within
shared basins shall coordinate regulations to manage basins and natural drainage
systems which include provisions to:
a. Protect the natural hydraulic and ecological functions of drainage systems,
maintain and enhance fish and wildlife habitat, and restore and maintain those
natural functions;
b. Control peak runoff rate and quantity of discharges from new development to
appro�cimate pre-development rates; and
c. Preserve and protect resources and beneficial functions and values through
. maintenance of stable channels, adequate low flows, and reduction of future
� storm flows, erosion and sedimentation.
CA 10 Jurisdictions shall maintain or enhance water qualiry through control of runoff and
best management practices to maintain natural aquatic communities and beneficial
uses.
CA 11 The Washington State Departments of Fisheries and Wildlife and the Indian Tribes
both manage fish and wildlife resources. However, local governments have
authority for land use regulation. Jurisdictions shall coordinate land use planning
and management of fish and wildlife resources with affected state agencies and the
federally recognized Tribes.
Geologic Hazard Areas
CA13 All jurisdictions shall regulate development on certain lands to protect public health,
property, important ecological and hydrogeologic functions, and environmental
quality, and to reduce public costs. The natural features of these lands include:
a. Slopes with a grade greater than
b. Sever landslide hazard areas;
c. Erosion hazard areas;
d. Mine hazard areas; and
e. Seismic hazards.
Regulations shall include, at a minimum, provisions for vegetation retentioq seasonal
� clearing and grading limits, setbacks, and drainage and erosion controls.
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Comprehensive Surface Water Manegement Plan
��
Air and Water Quality
CA 15 All jurisdictions shall implement the Puget Sound Water Quality Management Plan
to restore and protect the biological health and diversity of the Puget Sound Basin.
Contiguous and Orderly Development and Provision of Urban
Services to Such Development
Chapter II, "Land Use Pattern," contains policies for phasing development within the Urban
Growth Area. An integral component of the phasing process is ensuring that development is
accompanied by a full range of urban services. Equally important is ensuring that
infrastructure improvements are not provided in advance of development which could
undermine the county wide development pattern. This chapter provides policies which
support phasing within the Urban Growth Area and ensure the integrity of the countywide
land development pattern.
FW29 Planning for and fmancing of services shall be coordinated among jurisdictions to
direct and prioritize countywide facility improvements to implement the countywide
policies.
FWO Jwisdictions shall identify the services needed to achieve adopted service levels. �
Timelines for constructing needed services shall be identified.
FW31 Protection of public health and safety and the environment shall be given lugh
prioriry in decision-making about infrastructure improvements. County residents in
both urban and rural areas shall have reasonable access to a high-quality drinking
water source meeting all Federal and State drinking water requirements.
Management and operation of existing on-site septic systems shall not result in
adverse impacts to public health or the environment.
General Policies
To ensure that land use is accompanied with the maximum possible use of existing facilities
and cost-effective service provisions and extensions, and to encourage development of
strong, interrelated communities, polices are needed which integrate a full range of urban
services with land-use planning and environmental protection. Urban service defuutions
should be guided by "public services," "public facilities," and "urban governmental
services" as defined in RCW 36.70A (GMA).
Community and human services policies are included under Chapter N, "Community
Character and Open Space", and transportation policies aze included under Chapter III,
"Transportation." Several countywide planning efforts provide direction for achieving the
integration of services, aquifer, and natural resource protection, and land use planning. These
include the Coordinated Water System Plans, Seattle Regional Comprehensive Water Supply
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A&4
Appendix B- Selected Countywide Planning Policies
.
Plan, Groundwater Management Plans, Basin Plans, Chelan Agreement Regional Water
Resources Planning Process, Flood Hazard Reduction Plan, Wastewater 2020 Plus, Human
Services Strategies Report, and the King County Sewerage General Plan.
Furthermore , there are state mandates which affect the provision of services. For example,
water resource allocation must accommodate all reasonable out-of-stream needs and
maintain sufficient flows for in-stream uses. The following policies transcend urban and
rural land use designations and apply countywide.
Urban Services Required as Growth Occurs
CO1 Jurisdictions shall identify the full range of urban services and how they plan to
provide them.
Conservation, Efficiency, Cost Effectiveness, and New Technologies
CO2 Jurisdictions and other urban service providers shall provide services and manage
natural resource efficiently, through regional coordinatioq conjunctive use of
resources, and sharing of facilities. Interjurisdictional planning efforts shall evaluate
approaches to shaze and conserve resources.
CO3 Service provisions shall be coordinated to enswe the protection and preservation of
� resources in both rural azeas and azeas that are developing, while addressing service
needs within areas currently identified for growth.
C04 All jurisdictions aclrnowledge the need to develop a regional surface water
management system which crosses jurisdictions boundaries and identifies and
prioritizes program elements and capital improvements necessary to accommodate
growth and protect the natural and build environment. The GMPC shall develop and
recommend a financing and implementation strategy to meet this need.
ED23 Jurisdictions are encouraged to establish a master utiliry permit process in
conjunction with approval of land use pernuts such as short plats, subdivisions, and
master planned developments. Utilities may include both publicly and privately
owned utilities for electricity, natural gas, water sanitary sewer, surface water
management, and telecommunications. All utiliry extensions and required new
construction may be reviewed as part of the master utility permit.
�
A&5
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