4-7-060 DETAILED PROCEDURES FOR LOT LINE ADJUSTMENTS:

A. PURPOSE:

A lot line adjustment shall only be used to transfer land between abutting legally created lots for the purpose of rectifying a disputed property line location or freeing such a boundary from any difference or discrepancies, improving lot design or access, or attaining compliance with Title IV standards or requirements, provided no additional lot, parcel or tracts are created. (Ord. 5676, 12-3-2012; Ord. 5728, 10-20-2014)

B. PRINCIPLES OF ACCEPTABILITY:

A lot line adjustment shall be consistent with the following principles of acceptability:

1. Correcting: Adjust lot lines including the elimination of a common lot line in order to correct property line or setback encroachments;

2. Improving: Create better lot design, or improve vehicular access to a public street;

3. Approval Criteria:

a. An additional lot, parcel or tract shall not be created; and

b. The subject lots, parcels or tracts are within the same zoning district; and

c. The proposed adjustments shall not cause the lots, parcels or tracts to increase the nonconformity with respect to applicable zoning (see chapter 4-2 RMC), subdivision and other code requirements pertaining to lot design, building location, and development standards; and

d. The adjusted lot line(s) is shared by the subject lots.

4. Non-Evasive: Lot line adjustments shall not serve to eliminate or circumvent any state or local requirements, including but not limited to frontage improvements, payment of fee-in-lieu, payment of latecomer fees or the installation of required infrastructure.

a. Assessment of fees, right-of-way dedication and frontage improvements for the entire length of the property line(s) bordering rights-of-way may be required as a condition of approval for a lot line adjustment.

b. Lots, parcels or tracts that are increased in area by lot line adjustments shall not be permitted to be subdivided for five (5) years following the date upon which the lot line adjustment is recorded or three (3) years following the approval of a lot line adjustment, whichever is longer, unless the following is met:

i. The subdivision application includes all lots, parcels and tracts involved in the lot line adjustment in the overall subdivision; or

ii. All required infrastructure, including but not limited to frontage improvements, required infrastructure and utility lines are constructed along the frontage of all lots included in the lot line adjustment. (Ord. 5728, 10-20-2014; Ord. 6068, 6-13-2022)

C. SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR LOT LINE ADJUSTMENTS:

Shall be as stipulated in RMC 4-8-120. (Ord. 5728, 10-20-2014)

D. FEES:

Shall be as stipulated in the City of Renton Fee Schedule. (Ord. 5728, 10-20-2014; Ord. 5984, 10-16-2020)

E. ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW:

1. Review Time: The Administrator will review and take action on the proposed lot line adjustment within thirty (30) working days of receiving a completed application.

2. Action: The Administrator may approve, request corrections by the applicant, approve with modifications, or deny the application for a lot line adjustment.

3. Approval: If approved, the lot line adjustment map shall be signed and dated by the Administrator. The applicant shall be notified in writing of the decision. The signed map shall be filed with the King County Recorder’s Office. (Ord. 5907, 12-10-2018)

4. Approval with Modification(s): If modification(s) are deemed necessary by the Administrator, they may be added to the original lot line adjustment map or a revised map may be required. The applicant will be notified of any such modification action. If a modification of the original lot line adjustment map, legal description or other information is necessary, the projected approval date may be extended.

5. Denial: If denied, the lot line adjustment shall be marked “Denied” and the applicant shall be notified in writing of the decision, stating the reasons therefor. (Ord. 5728, 10-20-2014)

F. FINAL RECORDING:

The lot line adjustment does not become effective until it is recorded with the King County Recorder’s Office. After two (2) copies of the signed map are made for City records, the map shall be sent to the City Clerk’s office for recording. It is the responsibility of the City Clerk to record the approved map and new legal descriptions. All maps need to be on paper and mailed. (Ord. 5450, 3-2-2009; Ord. 5728, 10-20-2014; Ord. 5907, 12-10-2018)

G. TRANSFER OF TITLE:

The recording of a lot line adjustment does not constitute a transfer of title. Separate deeds to this effect must be recorded with the King County Recorder’s Office and are not subject to these provisions. (Ord. 5907, 12-10-2018)

H. EXPIRATION PERIOD:

If the lot line adjustment is not recorded within two (2) years of the date of approval, the lot line adjustment shall be null and void. Upon written request of the applicant, the Planning/Building/Public Works Department may grant one extension of not more than one year. Such request must be received by the Department prior to the two (2) year expiration date. (Ord. 5907, 12-10-2018)