Renton, WA— A couple dozen residents gathered Tuesday, April 21, for the latest “What’s Brewing with Ed,” where Chief Administrative Officer Ed VanValey answered questions on housing, parking, transit, and a long list of local projects. The 5:30 p.m. session also featured the City’s principal planner and assistant planner, who walked attendees through a wave of state-driven changes coming to Renton.
Parking Reform Draws Boos
The biggest topic of the evening was a new state law that caps city parking requirements at 0.5 stalls per unit for new developments. The mention of the change drew resounding boos from the room, with several residents voicing concerns about losing street parking— especially after recent projects like Legacy Square where a resident noted some missing parking spots across from Renton Civic Theatre.
The principal planner reassured the room that market pressures will still push many developers to build more parking than the state minimum, since buyers and renters tend to value it. The City also keeps some leverage through development incentives, even where it has lost direct zoning authority. The new rules apply only to new developments, and the impact will likely be greater outside Renton’s downtown core, which already has minimal or no parking requirements.
Middle Housing and the PRADU Program
Planners also walked residents through middle housing reforms, which one planner said have “basically got rid of single family” zoning. Under the new state rules, property owners can build up to two Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) per lot, with no requirement that the owner live on site.
To make adding an ADU easier, the City rolled out its Permit Ready ADU (PRADU) program in 2022. The City already paid to create a set of ADU blueprints, and staff will help homeowners figure out where a pre-approved design can fit on their property. The goal: cut time and cost out of the permitting process.
Childcare and Affordable Housing
The City is also working on expanding childcare centers, another state requirement, which planners said is needed because of a local shortage of facilities.
For residents looking for housing help, the City pointed to its affordable housing incentives page at rentonwa.gov/housingincentives.
Have Your Say on the Budget
Residents were reminded to take the City of Renton’s budget survey. If you’ve received a text or letter about it recently, that’s what it’s for. The City wants to know how residents would like their tax dollars spent.
Project Updates
Ed and the planners shared news on several local projects:
- Legacy Square and Pavilion: Grand opening is set for June 6. Most of the funding came from grants and donations. Keys to the Pavilion have been handed to the new owners, with two anchor tenants signed on.
- Police substation: A substation will be utilized near Legacy Square, responding to crime concerns in the area.
- Rainier Avenue Phase 4: The project is moving into its final phase, with landscaping and pavement markings still to come.
- Grady & Rainier Transit Center: The center is under development, and the City hopes it could one day be a light rail stop and anchor for transit-oriented development. Estimated completion is 2028.
- 6th & Park: The former Boeing-owned office buildings, which have faced vandalism, are being torn down by their developers.
- New Winco: A resident asked when Renton’s new Winco will open. Renton Signal reached out to Winco corporate but no public information is available yet.
City Buildings Stretched Thin
With Carco Theatre flooded and the Senior Activity Center closed for HVAC upgrades, Ed said the City is “at max” rehabilitating buildings. Renton Prep is currently using the Renton History Museum after a water main break left the school without a space.
One resident offered a bright spot, sharing that they recently attended an event at the Senior Activity Center and had a great time. “We live in a great town,” she said.
Quick Hits
Ed also touched on a few items Renton Signal has covered in more detail before:
- Flock cameras: Back on.
- Senior Activity Center: Closed for HVAC updates.