Administrative Policy & Code Interpretations

Administrative Policy and Code Interpretations are binding interpretations concerning land use codes administered by the City’s Planning Division.

Draft interpretations will be posted online and public comments may be provided during a 14 day comment period following the posting. Interpretations will be issued at the end of the comment period, subject to comments received. To appeal a determination, a written appeal accompanied by the required filing fee must be filed with the City's Hearing Examiner no more than 14 days from the date of issuance.

As Code Interpretations are codified in the Renton Municipal Code, they will be removed from this list. If you have any questions, please contact the Staff Contact by email or (425) 430-7200.

Pending Interpretations

None at this time.

Interpretations On Hold

None at this time.

Final Interpretations

CI-187: Permit Requirements for Fences
Effective Date: September 27, 2024

CI-186: Definition of Adult Family Home: RMC 4-11-010 Definitions A
Effective Date: September 9, 2024

CI-185: Public Notice for Additional Vehicles Permits, RMC 4-8-090.C, Public Information Signs
Effective Date: July 12, 2024

CI-184 Nonconforming Structures Code Section: 4-10-050
Effective Date: October 13, 2023

CI-183: Applicability and Definitions for Building/Lot Coverage
Code Section: 4-2-110E, 4-11-020, 4-11-120
Effective Date: October 4, 2023

CI-169: Townhome Development in the RMF Zone
Code Section: 4-2-110B
Effective Date: July 5, 2023

CI-182: Permits Waiver Procedures
Code Section: 4-9-250, Variances, Waivers, Modifications, and Alternates
Effective Date: March 24, 2023

CI-181: Shoreline Master Program
Effective Date: February 22, 2023
Code Sections:

  • RMC 4-3-050- Critical Areas Regulations
  • RMC 4-3-090- Shoreline Master Program Regulations
  • RMC 4-9-190, Shoreline Permits

CI-180: Impact Fees Applicable to Vacant Structures
Code Section: RMC 4-1-190, Impact Fees
Effective Date: February 20, 2023

CI-179: Development Standards for Residential Zoning Designations (Primary Structures)- Minimum Tree Density
Code Section: RMC 4-2-110A, Development Standards for Residential Zoning Designations (Primary Structures)
Effective Date: February 17, 2023

CI-178: Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Siting
RMC 4-2-110.C, Development Standards for Residential Development (Accessory Dwelling Units)
Effective Date: July 1, 2022

CI-177:Exemption for Street Standards
Code Section: RMC 4-6-060.D.1, Street Standards
Effective Date: June 21, 2022

CI I76: Compliance with RCW 35A.21.430
Effective Date: May 23, 2022
Code Sections:

  • RMC 4-2-060, Zoning Use Tables – Uses Allowed in Zoning Designations
  • RMC 4-2-080, Conditions Associated with Zoning Use Tables
  • RMC 4-11-040 Definitions D
  • RMC 4-11-080 Definitions H
  • RMC 4-11-110 Definitions K
  • RMC 4-11-160 Definitions P
  • RMC 4-11-200 Definitions T

CI-169: Townhome Development in the RMF Zone
Code Section: RMC 4-2-110B
Effective Date: September 23, 2021

CI-164:Residential Rental Registration and Inspection Program
Code Section: RMC 4-5-125, Residential Registration and Inspection Program
Effective Date: February 23, 2021

CI-156: Enforcement of Violations of RMC 4-4-085
Code Section: RMC 4-4-085, Parking of Vehicles on Residential Property
Effective Date: February 6, 2020

CI-154: Special Administrative Fence Permit Eligibility
Code Section: RMC 4-4-040, Fences, Hedges and Retaining Walls
Effective Date: December 27, 2019

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