Title X
TRAFFIC

1 Airport Traffic Regulations

2 All-terrain Vehicles

3 Arterial Highways and Stop Streets (Rep. by Ord. 4374, 10-26-92)

4 Highway Hydraulic Manual

5 Impoundment And Redemption Of Vehicles

6 Locomotives

7 Motorcycles (Rep. by Ord. 4374, 10-26-92)

8 One-way Streets And Alleys

9 Parking Meters And Zones (Rep. by Ord. 4374, 10-26-92)

10 Parking Regulations

11 Speed Limits

12 Traffic Code

13 Commute Trip Reduction

CHAPTER 1
AIRPORT TRAFFIC REGULATIONS

SECTION:

10-1-1: Traffic Near Runway

10-1-2: Traffic Near Beaching Ramp Or Marine Railway

10-1-3: Police Officer To Remove Vehicle

10-1-4: Speed

10-1-1 TRAFFIC NEAR RUNWAY:

It shall be unlawful for any person, vehicle, boat, or any other device, except aircraft operating in accordance with civil air regulations, to stop, stand, cross or walk within one hundred feet (100’) from, on or about the runway of the Renton Airport, except on established roadways.

10-1-2 TRAFFIC NEAR BEACHING RAMP OR MARINE RAILWAY:

It shall be unlawful for any person, vehicle, boat, or any other device, other than aircraft as above defined, to park, stop, angle park, stand or be about within fifty feet (50’) of any access road, path or alleyway leading to the seaplane beaching ramp and the marine railway located within the Renton Airport.

10-1-3 POLICE OFFICER TO REMOVE VEHICLE:

Whenever any police officer or other law enforcement officer finds any such vehicle, boat or other device standing or parked upon the prohibited areas as heretofore defined above, such officer is hereby authorized to remove such vehicle, boat or device and/or to require the operator or the person in charge of such vehicle to remove same from said area forthwith. Whenever any police officer finds any vehicle, boat or device unattended in such a position as to constitute an obstruction to air or other traffic such officer is hereby authorized to provide for the removal of same to the nearest place of safety. Any cost incurred in the removal thereof shall be paid for by the owner or person in charge of the object so removed and the same shall constitute a lien thereon. (Ord. 1458, 6-16-53)

10-1-4 SPEED:

It shall be unlawful for any operator of any vehicle, except aircraft as hereinabove defined, to operate the same within the limits of the Renton Airport at a speed in excess of twenty five (25) miles per hour, except that;

A.  The proper authorities may prescribe a lesser maximum speed in any congested or other areas and may regulate and restrict traffic within the limits of the Renton Airport so as to permit the movement of traffic in a safe and orderly manner at all times. Proper signs thereof shall be posted by said authorities.

The unlawful operation of a vehicle in excess of the maximum lawful speeds, as provided in this Chapter, at the point of operation and under the circumstances described shall be prima facie evidence of the operation of such motor vehicle in a negligent manner by the operator thereof. (Ord. 1458, 6-16-53; amd. Ord. 2826, 2-11-74)

CHAPTER 2
ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES

SECTION:

10-2-1: Provisions

10-2-2: Definitions

10-2-3: Use Permit

10-2-4: Displaying ATV Use Permit Tags

10-2-5: Operating Violations

10-2-1 PROVISIONS:

The provisions of this Ordinance shall apply to all lands in this municipality. No person shall have the right or authority to enter upon private property and operate or assist in the operation of an "all-terrain vehicle" thereupon, without the prior written permission of the property owner.

10-2-2 DEFINITIONS:

As used in this Ordinance the following words and phrases shall have the designated meanings unless a different meaning is expressly provided or the context otherwise clearly indicates:

ATV USE PERMIT: The permit system established for an all-terrain vehicle in this State.

ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE: Any self-propelled vehicle when used for cross-country travel on trails and nonhighway roads or any one of the following or combination thereof: land, water, snow, ice, marsh, swampland and other natural terrain. Such vehicles shall include but are not limited to four-wheel drive vehicles, motorcycles, amphibious vehicles, ground effects or air cushion vehicles, and any other means of land transportation deriving motive power from any source other than muscle or wind; except any vehicle designed primarily for travel on, over, or in the water, farm vehicles, logging and private forestry vehicles, snowmobiles or any military or law enforcement vehicles.

HIGHWAY: The entire width between the boundary lines of every way publicly maintained by the State Department of Highways or City of Renton when any part thereof is generally open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel as a matter of right.

HUNT: Any effort to kill, injure, capture or purposely disturb a wild animal or wild bird.

NONHIGHWAY ROAD: Any road other than a highway generally capable of travel by a conventional two-wheel drive passenger automobile during most of the year and in use by such vehicles and which are private roads.

OPERATOR: Each person who operates, or is in physical control of, any all-terrain vehicle.

ORGANIZED COMPETITIVE EVENT: Any competition, advertised in advance, sponsored by recognized clubs, and conducted at a predetermined time and place.

OWNER: The person other than the lienholder, having an interest in or title to an all-terrain vehicle, and entitled to the use or possession thereof.

PERSON: Any individual, firm, partnership, association or corporation.

TRAIL: A corridor designated and maintained for recreational travel; by whatever mode of transportation (foot, animal or vehicular) authorized by the managing authority of the property that the trail traverses.

10-2-3 USE PERMIT:

No person shall operate any all-terrain vehicle within this Municipality unless such all-terrain vehicles has been assigned an ATV use permit and displays an ATV tag in accordance with RCW 46.09.040, et seq.

10-2-4 DISPLAYING ATV USE PERMIT TAGS:

All ATV use permit tags and ATV dealer tags shall be displayed in a manner prescribed by the Department of Motor Vehicles on all-terrain vehicles when required by RCW 46.09.050.

10-2-5 OPERATING VIOLATIONS:

It shall be unlawful for any person to operate any all-terrain vehicle:

A.  While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a controlled substance.

B.  In such a manner as to endanger the property of another, or any human life or personal safety.

C.  On lands not owned by the operator or owner of the all-terrain vehicle without a lighted headlight and taillight at all times.

D.  On lands not owned by the operator or owner of the all-terrain vehicle without an adequate braking device or when otherwise required for the safety of others regardless of ownership.

E.  Without a spark arrestor approved by the Department of Natural Resources.

F.  Without an adequate, and operating, muffling device which shall effectively blend the exhaust and motor noise in such a manner so as to preclude excessive or unusual noise. All-terrain vehicles manufactured after January 4, 1973, shall effectively maintain such noise at a level of eighty two (82) decibels or below on the "A" scale at one hundred feet (100’) under testing procedures as established by the Washington State Patrol.

G.  On lands not owned by the operator or owner of the all-terrain vehicle upon the shoulder or inside bank or slope of any nonhighway road or highway, or upon the median of any divided highway.

H.  On lands not owned by the operator or owner of the all-terrain vehicle in any area or in such a manner so as to unreasonably expose the underlying soil, or to create an erosion condition, or to injure, damage or destroy trees, growing crops or other vegetation.

I.  On lands not owned by the operator or owner of the all-terrain vehicle or on any nonhighway road or trail which is restricted to pedestrian or animal travel. (Ord. 2925, 4-21-75)

CHAPTER 3
ARTERIAL HIGHWAYS AND STOP STREETS
(Rep. by Ord. 4374, 10-26-92)

CHAPTER 4
HIGHWAY HYDRAULIC MANUAL

SECTION:

10-4-1: Manual Adopted

10-4-2: Amendments

10-4-3: Authentication, Record Of Manual

10-4-4: Liability

10-4-5: Conflicting Provisions

10-4-6: Repealed Ordinances

10-4-7: Effective Date

10-4-1 MANUAL ADOPTED:

The Highway Hydraulic Manual, as issued and prepared by the Washington State Highway Commission, Department of Highways, of which not less than three (3) printed copies in book form have heretofore been filed and are now on file in the office of the City Clerk and made available for examination by the general public, is hereby adopted as the Highway Hydraulic Manual by the City of Renton.

10-4-2 AMENDMENTS:

Any and all amendments, additions or modifications to said manual, when printed and filed with the City Clerk of the City of Renton by authorization of the City Council from time to time, shall be considered and accepted and constitute a part of such manual without the necessity of further adoption of such amendments, modifications or additions by the legislative authority of the City of Renton or by ordinance.

10-4-3 AUTHENTICATION, RECORD OF MANUAL:

The City Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to duly authenticate and record a copy of the abovementioned manual, together with any amendments or additions thereto, together with an authenticated copy of this Ordinance.

10-4-4 LIABILITY:

This Chapter shall not be construed to relieve from or lessen the responsibility of any person owning, building, altering, constructing or moving any building or structure or engaging in any such construction as defined in the aforementioned manual; nor shall the City of Renton or any agent thereof be held as assuming such liability by reason of inspection authorized herein or a certificate of inspection issued by the City or any of its agencies.

10-4-5 CONFLICTING PROVISIONS:

If any part or provision of said manual be in conflict with any other Code heretofore or hereafter adopted by the City of Renton, then in any such event, the more restrictive provision shall be applicable and control.

10-4-6 REPEALED ORDINANCES:

Any and all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed, unless otherwise provided in Section 10-4-5 hereinabove.

10-4-7 EFFECTIVE DATE:

This Ordinance shall be effective upon its passage and five (5) days after its publication. (Ord. 2973, 10-6-75)

CHAPTER 5
IMPOUNDMENT AND REDEMPTION OF VEHICLES

SECTION:

10-5-1: Definitions

10-5-2: Impoundment Of Vehicles, Notice

10-5-3: How Impoundment Is To Be Effected

10-5-4: Owner Of Impounded Vehicle To Be Notified

10-5-5: Redemption Of Impounded Vehicles

10-5-6: Cancellation Of Hearing

10-5-7: Post Impoundment Hearing Procedure

10-5-8: Abandoned Vehicles

10-5-9: Renton Police Department Record Of Impound Vehicles

10-5-10: Approved Tow Company Duties And Records

10-5-11: Severability

10-5-12: Approved Tow Rates Required

10-5-13: Penalties For Violations By Approved Tow Agency

10-5-1 DEFINITIONS:

APPROVED TOW COMPANY: Any person, firm, partnership, tow operator, association or corporation approved by the Renton Police Department. Approved tow companies must comply with all State laws, County ordinances, and any Federal law including antitrust laws.

IMPOUNDMENT: The removal of a vehicle to a storage facility either by an officer or authorized agent of the Renton Police Department or by an approved towing company for towing and storage in response to a request from an officer or authorized agent of the Renton Police Department.

VEHICLES: As used in this Chapter shall have the definition set forth in RCW 46.04 and, in addition, shall include any vehicle hulk as the same is defined in Renton Municipal Code Section 6-1-1. (Ord. 4496, 2-13-95)

10-5-2 IMPOUNDMENT OF VEHICLES, NOTICE:

A.  When A Vehicle May Be Impounded Without Prior Notice: A vehicle may be impounded without prior notice to its owner for any of the following reasons:

1.   The vehicle is impeding or is likely to impede the normal flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic;

2.   The vehicle is illegally parked in a conspicuously posted restricted zone where parking is limited to designated classes of vehicles or is prohibited during certain hours, on designated days or at any time and where the vehicle is interfering or likely to interfere with the intended use of such a zone;

3.   The vehicle poses an immediate danger to public safety;

4.   A police officer has information sufficient to form a reasonable belief that the vehicle is stolen;

5.   A police officer has information sufficient to form a reasonable belief that the vehicle constitutes evidence of a crime or contains evidence of a crime, if impoundment is reasonably necessary to obtain or preserve such evidence. (Ord. 3826, 7-23-84)

6.   The vehicle is parked without authorization on residential property.

7.   The vehicle is parked on private, nonresidential property, properly posted under RCW 46.55.070. (Ord. 4496, 2-13-95)

Nothing in such Section shall be construed to authorize seizure of a vehicle without a warrant where a warrant would otherwise be required.

B.  When A Vehicle May Be Impounded After Notice: A vehicle not subject to impoundment under Section 10-5-2A may be impounded after notice of such proposed impoundment has been attached to and conspicuously displayed on the vehicle for a period of twenty four (24) hours prior to such impoundment, for the following reasons: (Ord. 3826, 7-23-84)

1.   Such vehicle is left unattended on a public highway.

2.   Such vehicle is a junk or abandoned vehicle, as defined in Renton Municipal Code Section 6-1-1. (Amd. Ord. 4792, 9-13-99)

3.   Such vehicle is left unattended on private property not posted in accordance with RCW 46.55.070. (Ord. 4496, 2-13-95)

10-5-3 HOW IMPOUNDMENT IS TO BE EFFECTED:

When impoundment is authorized by this Chapter, a vehicle may be impounded by an approved towing company at the request of an officer or authorized agent of the Renton Police Department. (Ord. 4262, 3-12-90)

10-5-4 OWNER OF IMPOUNDED VEHICLE TO BE NOTIFIED:

A.  Not more than forty eight (48) hours after impoundment of any vehicle, the Renton Police Department shall mail a notice of impound, hereinafter referred to as the impound report, and notice of redemption and opportunity for a hearing to the registered owner and legal owner of an impounded vehicle, as may be disclosed by the vehicle license number, or vehicle identification number (VIN), if such be obtainable, unless the impound report shall be mailed to the registered owner at the address provided by the Washington State Department of Motor Vehicles, or the corresponding agency of any other state or province. If the officer requesting the impound has reason to believe that the registered owner is residing or is in custody at some different address known to the officer, a copy of the impound report and notice of redemption and opportunity for a hearing shall be sent to that address. The impound report shall contain the particulars of the impoundment, the name and address of the tow company involved, and location of storage if not company’s address.

B.  Written notice of redemption and opportunity for a hearing as set forth on a form provided by the Renton Police Department and a copy of the tow and storage receipt shall be given by the tow company to each person who seeks to redeem an impounded vehicle. The tow company shall maintain a record evidenced by the redeeming person’s signature that such notification was provided.

C.  Similar written notice and record of notification for redemption and opportunity for a hearing as set forth on a form provided by the Renton Police Department shall likewise be given by the tow company at the time of releasing a vehicle impounded for investigatory purposes pursuant to Section 10-5-2A5. Renton Police Department shall notify the tow company of the authorization to release such vehicle. (Ord. 4262, 3-12-90)

10-5-5 REDEMPTION OF IMPOUNDED VEHICLES:

Vehicles impounded by the City shall be redeemed only under the following circumstances:

A.  Only the registered owner, a person authorized by the registered owner, or one who has purchased a vehicle from the registered owner, who produces proof of ownership or authorization and signs a receipt therefor, may redeem an impounded vehicle. (Ord. 3826, 7-23-84)

B.  Any person so redeeming a vehicle impounded by the City shall pay to the towing company the costs of impoundment (towing and storage) prior to redeeming such vehicle.

C.  Any person seeking to redeem an impounded vehicle has a right to a hearing to contest the validity of the impoundment or the amount of towing and storage charges, except no appeal shall be had when:

1.   The appeal is to the tow company rates and the rates do not exceed those approved by the City.

2.   The vehicle was impounded because it was stolen or used in the commission of a felony. (Ord. 4262, 3-12-90)

10-5-6 CANCELLATION OF HEARING:

Any person redeeming an impounded vehicle in accordance with Section 10-5-5C shall have until ten (10) days after the date of the request to cancel the hearing. If a hearing is cancelled more than ten (10) days after its request, then a ten dollar ($10.00) cancellation fee must be paid to the City. (Ord. 3914, 6-3-85)

10-5-7 POST IMPOUNDMENT HEARING PROCEDURE:

A.  Hearings requested pursuant to Section 10-5-4 hereof shall be held by the City Hearing Examiner. (Ord. 3826, 7-23-84)

B.  The Hearing Examiner within ten (10) days after the request for a hearing shall notify the motor vehicle owner in writing of:

1.   The hearing date and time; and

2.   If the owner of the motor vehicle desires to have the officer responsible for the impoundment or a representative of the towing company present at the hearing, a written request on a document provided by the Hearing Examiner must be returned to the Hearing Examiner no later than ten (10) days prior to the hearing date;

3.   In absence of such a request, the officer’s impound report and/or tow company’s tow and storage receipt shall be received in evidence. (Ord. 4089, 10-26-87)

C.  At the hearing, the Police Department may produce any relevant evidence to show that the impound was proper. In absence of a request by the vehicle owner pursuant to Section 10-5-7B and Section 10-5-7D of this Section, the officer’s impound report and/or tow company’s tow and storage receipt shall be received in evidence. In determining whether the fees charged were proper, the Hearing Examiner may take notice of the tow company’s rates which shall be filed with the Hearing Examiner and available for public inspection. (Ord. 3826, 7-23-84)

D.  At the hearing, the owner of the motor vehicle impounded may produce any relevant evidence to show that the impound and/or towing and/or storage fees charged were not proper.

E.  At the conclusion of the hearing, and within thirty days, the Hearing Examiner shall determine whether the impoundment, and/or towing, and/or storage fees charged were proper and provide both parties with a copy of his decision setting forth in writing the reasons for the determination reached. Should the Hearing Examiner determine that the towing and/or storage fees charged were not proper, then the Hearing Examiner shall determine the proper amount and provide a copy of his decision to the tow company and the Police Department. (Ord. 4262, 3-12-90)

F.  If the impoundment is found proper, the expense of the hearing shall be assessed as a civil penalty against the owner of the vehicle impounded. The appearance cost of an approved tow company’s representative if requested shall be a cost assessed, Section 10-5-7I of this Section notwithstanding.

G.  If the impound is not found proper the owner of the vehicle shall bear no costs, and the City shall refund to the owner the cost of towing and storage. (Ord. 3914, 6-3-85)

H.  Compensation for the hearing appearance of a representative of an approved tow company shall be paid by the City at the rate of fifteen dollars ($15.00) for such person’s appearance.

I.  Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed to prevent the Hearing Examiner exercising discretion in assessing penalties, costs or arranging time payments if justice so requires. (Ord. 3826, 7-23-84)

10-5-8 ABANDONED VEHICLES:

Any impounded vehicle not redeemed within fifteen (15) days of mailing of the notice required by Section 10-5-4 of this Chapter shall be deemed abandoned; provided that, if the Police Department has reason to believe that the owner of such impounded vehicle is in custody of the Police Department jail, it shall be presumed that the vehicle is not abandoned until after the prisoner has had an opportunity to be heard regarding the propriety of the impoundment and circumstances giving rise to such impoundment; provided further that, in the case of a vehicle impounded by order of a police officer and held pursuant to police order, the fifteen (15) days shall not begin until forty eight (48) hours after the Police Department shall have notified both the owner and the towing company in accordance with Section 10-5-4C that it has authorized the release of the vehicle. Any vehicle so determined to have been abandoned shall be deemed to be in custody of the Chief of Police.

No tow truck operator shall sell or otherwise dispose of an abandoned vehicle regardless of its age unless he has first complied with the provisions of RCW 46.52.120 and 46.55.130.In the case of failure to redeem an abandoned vehicle under RCW 46.55.120 an officer shall send a notice of infraction by certified mail to the last known address of the registered owner of the vehicle. (Ord. 4496, 2-13-95)

10-5-9 RENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT RECORD OF IMPOUND VEHICLES:

The Police Department shall keep, and make available for inspection, a record of all vehicles impounded under the provisions of this Chapter. The record shall include at least the following information:

A.  Vehicle make, year and model;

B.  Vehicle license number and state of registration;

C.  Vehicle identification number, if ascertainable;

D.  Such other descriptive information as the Chief of Police deems useful for purposes of vehicle identification;

E.  Name of impounding officer and serial number;

F.  Reason for impoundment, and the time, date and location the approved towing company took custody. (Ord. 3826, 7-23-84)

10-5-10 APPROVED TOW COMPANY DUTIES AND RECORDS:

Each approved tow company as conditions of approval in addition to fully complying with the standards set by the Police Department must:

A.  File its towing and storage rates with the Police Department.

B.  Mail within twenty four (24) hours of receipt thereof a fully completed and signed copy of any requests for hearing and promissory note and copy of the tow and storage receipt to the Hearing Examiner.

C.  Keep, and make available for Police Department inspection, a record of all vehicles which it impounds under the provisions of this Chapter. The record shall include:

1.   A copy of each tow and storage receipt which shall contain at least the following information:

a.   Information on the person securing the release of a towed vehicle, including the person’s name, relationship to owner (if not the owner), driver’s license number, signature and address;

b.   Vehicle make, year, license and identification numbers;

c.   Any unusual circumstance of the tow;

d.   Time, date, location of tow and distance towed;

e.   Name of tow truck driver and his signature. (Ord. 3826, 7-23-84)

2.   A copy of each request for a hearing for all vehicles redeemed, signed by the redeeming person. (Ord. 4262, 3-12-90)

3.   A copy of each monthly notarized claim for reimbursement for towing, storage and mailing costs. (Ord. 3826, 7-23-84)

10-5-11 SEVERABILITY:

Should any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this Chapter be declared unconstitutional or invalid for any reason, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Chapter. (Ord. 3826, 7-23-84)

10-5-12 APPROVED TOW RATES REQUIRED:

Each approved tow company shall have its tow rates approved by the Police Department, and an approved tow company shall not charge greater than its approved tow rates. To the greatest extent possible, the approved tow rates shall be equivalent to those approved by the State patrol for tows it initiates. (Ord. 4262, 3-12-90)

10-5-13 PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS BY APPROVED TOW AGENCY:

Should any approved tow agency violate any section of this Chapter, including charging fees in excess of the approved tow rates, then it shall be subject to progressive penalties. For the first violation of the Code the offending tow agency shall be charged a civil penalty of not more than one hundred dollars ($100.00). For the second such violation within any calendar year, the tow agency shall be penalized up to five hundred dollars ($500.00). For the third and subsequent violations, the tow agency may be placed on probation, temporarily removed from the list of tow agencies, or removed from the list of approved tow agencies and not permitted to reapply for inclusion within that list for a period of one year. Each penalty shall be determined by the Police Chief or his designee after reviewing the available information. Should the tow agency be aggrieved by the decision of the Police Chief or his designee, then the tow agency may appeal, within twenty (20) days of receipt of notification of any penalty, to the Hearing Examiner. Such appeal shall be in writing and shall state all reasons why the aggrieved agency is appealing. The Hearing Examiner’s decision shall be rendered not more than thirty (30) days after an appeal hearing to be established by the Hearing Examiner. Any appeal from the Hearing Examiner’s appeal decision shall be to Superior Court by Writ of Review brought within twenty (20) days of the Hearing Examiner’s written decision. (Ord. 4262, 3-12-90)

CHAPTER 6
LOCOMOTIVES

SECTION:

10-6-1: Unlawful To Obstruct Traffic

10-6-2: Exceptions

10-6-1 UNLAWFUL TO OBSTRUCT TRAFFIC:

No railroad company or other corporation, railroad engineer, train conductor, brakeman or other person shall obstruct or impede any street, alley, sidewalk, crossing or other thoroughfare in the City by stopping any train thereon or by leaving any locomotive, car or cars thereon for a longer time than five (5) consecutive minutes. Any violator of this Section shall be subject to a penalty as provided in this Code.

10-6-2 EXCEPTIONS:

Where any such obstruction is the result of some unavoidable accident or emergency beyond the control of such company, corporation or person or its agents, there shall be no liability therefor under the provisions hereof, in case reasonable diligence is exercised in removing such obstruction. (Ord. 1034, 8-1939)

CHAPTER 7
MOTORCYCLES
(Rep. by Ord. 4374, 10-26-92)

CHAPTER 8
ONE-WAY STREETS AND ALLEYS

SECTION:

10-8-1: One-way Streets

10-8-2: Emergency Vehicles

10-8-3: Erection Of Signs

10-8-4: Confliction With State Highway

10-8-5: One-Way Alleys

10-8-1 ONE-WAY STREETS:

The following streets in the City between the terminal points herein defined are designated as one-way streets upon which regular traffic shall travel only in the direction stated herein for each such street:

A.  Travel To Be Northbound Only:

      Wells Avenue S. and N. from S. Grady Way to N. 6th Street.

      East half of Burnett Avenue S., from S. 4th St. to S. 2nd St.

      Houser Way N. from N. 3rd Street to N. 4th Street.

      Houser Way S. and N. between Main Avenue South and Bronson Way N. (Northeast bound traffic).

B.  Travel To Be Southbound Only:

      Williams Avenue N. and S. from N. 6th Street to S. Grady Way.

      West half of Burnett Avenue S. from S. 2nd Street to S. 4th Street.

      Main Avenue South between Bronson Way South and Houser Way South.

      Bronson Way South between Main Avenue South and Mill Avenue South (Southwest bound traffic).

C.  Travel To Be Eastbound Only:

      S. 3rd Street, from Rainier Ave. S. to the intersection of S. 3rd Street and Houser Way S.

      N. 3rd. Street, from Logan Avenue N. to Houser Way N. (Ord. 2725, 7-24-1972)

D.  Travel To Be Westbound Only:

      South 2nd Street from Main Ave. South to Rainier Avenue South

      N. 4th Street from N. 3rd Place to Logan Avenue N.

      N. 3rd Place from Houser Way N. to N. 4th Street (Ord. 3207, 3-27-1978, eff. 4-5-1978)

10-8-2 EMERGENCY VEHICLES:

It shall be unlawful to operate vehicles on such designated one-way streets in any but the designated direction, excepting only police, fire and emergency vehicles in cases of emergency. (Ord. 1384, 10-3-1950)

10-8-3 ERECTION OF SIGNS:

The Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator is authorized and directed to establish from time to time appropriate regulations pursuant hereto, for control, travel, parking, crossings, speeds and uses of said one-way streets, and to erect signs, place markings and signals on said streets as may be found appropriate and necessary for such control purposes. Upon these designated streets and parts of streets, vehicular traffic shall move only in the indicated direction and signs indicating the direction of traffic shall be erected and maintained at each intersection where movement in the opposite direction is prohibited hereunder. (Ord. 2637, 6-21-1971; amd. Ord. 2823, 1-21-1974, eff. 1-30-1974)

10-8-4 CONFLICTION WITH STATE HIGHWAY:

The establishment and operation of such one-way streets shall not impose on the State Highway Department, upon its approval thereof, any added maintenance obligation on any portion thereof, whether or not said streets or portions thereof presently constitute a part of the State highway system. (Ord. 1543, 5-3-56)

10-8-5 ONE-WAY ALLEYS:

The following described alley in the City extending northerly from its intersection of S. 4th Street east of Shattuck Avenue S. for a distance of three hundred sixty feet (360’) located in Block 1, Smithers Fifth Addition to the City, is hereby established and designated as "one-way" upon which vehicular traffic shall travel only in a northbound direction. (Ord. 4607, 5-13-1996)

CHAPTER 9
PARKING METERS AND ZONES
(Rep. by Ord. 4374, 10-26-92)

CHAPTER 10
PARKING REGULATIONS

SECTION:

10-10-1: Definitions

10-10-2: Method Of Parking

10-10-3: Stopping, Standing Or Parking Restricted Or Prohibited At All Times

10-10-4: Parking Prohibited Or Restricted By Time Limit, During Certain Hours, Or Limited To Handicapped Persons

10-10-5: Stopping, Standing And Parking Of Transit Coaches And Taxicabs Regulated

10-10-6: Signs And/Or Markings Required

10-10-7: Penalties

10-10-8: Authority To Designate Parking Restrictions And Prohibitions, Time Limits, Parking Zones And Appropriate Signs And/Or Markings

10-10-9: Severability

10-10-10: Emergency Powers

10-10-11: Existing Ordinances Repealed

10-10-12: Overnight Parking Of Certain Vehicles Prohibited

10-10-13: Parking Of Certain Commercial Vehicles Or Vehicles Over Twelve Thousand Pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Regulations

10-10-14: Extended Unauthorized Parking

10-10-1 DEFINITIONS:

The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation and enforcement of this Chapter:

CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT: That area within the district bounded as follows: beginning at the northeast corner of South Second Street and Mill Avenue South, thence westerly along the north margin of South Second Street to the west margin of Rainier Avenue, thence southerly along the west margin of Rainier Avenue to the south margin of South Fourth Place, thence easterly along the south margin of South Fourth Place to the east margin of Shattuck Avenue South, thence northerly along the east margin of Shattuck Avenue South to the south margin of South Fourth Street, thence easterly along the south margin of South Fourth Street to the east margin of Main Avenue South, thence northerly along the east margin of Main Avenue South to the south margin of Houser Way South, thence easterly along the south margin of Houser Way South to the south margin of South Third Street, thence easterly along the south margin of South Third to the east margin of Mill Avenue South to the northeast margin of South Second Street, the place of beginning.

CROSS-HASHED BARRIER AREA: That portion of the street or public property designated by painted, or otherwise marked, diagonal lines and bordered by a solid line.

CURB: The lateral boundaries of that portion of the street designated or intended for the use of vehicles, whether marked by curbing construction or not.

FIRE ZONE: That area within any public right-of-way, easement or private property designated for the purpose of permitting fire trucks and other fire fighting or prevention equipment to use, travel upon and park.

RAILROAD CROSSING: The crossing of a street and a railroad track, one over the other.

TRAVEL or MOVING LANE: That portion of the street, divided by markings and/or devices into two (2) or more lanes, or in the absence of such markings and/or devices that portion of the street located five feet (5¢) both to the left and to the right of the center of the street, and intended for the movement of vehicular traffic. (Ord. 3177, 11-21-77; amd. Ord. 4271, 6-18-90)

10-10-2 METHOD OF PARKING:

A – F. (Rep. by Ord. 4271, 6-18-90)

G.  Parking Of Commercial Vehicles Within The Central Business District: Commercial vehicles, as defined herein, may park within a single travel or moving lane within the boundaries of the central business district whenever there is no off street loading or unloading facilities servicing that area, for the expressed purpose of expeditiously loading or unloading materials or freight, for a period of time not to exceed fifteen (15) minutes; provided, that at least nine feet (9¢) of the width of the street, excluding that portion of the street designated for parking if indicated by painted stalls, is left available for the free movement of vehicular traffic; further provided, that such parking shall be permitted only between the hours of eight o’clock (8:00) A.M. to two o’clock (2:00) P.M. Monday through Friday; further provided, that such parking shall not be permitted on Sunday or on any public holiday. No person shall park such vehicle in a travel or moving lane in violation of this subsection or fail to immediately remove such vehicle upon the order of a police officer. (Ord. 3528, 4-20-81)

H.  Directional Parking: Upon those City streets or public properties which have been marked with signs or other markings for “head-in,” “back-in” or “parallel” parking, no person shall park or stand a vehicle other than in the direction indicated by such sign or markings.

I.  Boat Trailer Parking:

1.   Upon those City properties which provide for parking of motor vehicles with boat trailers, no person shall park or stand a vehicle without an attached boat trailer in those spaces provided for vehicles with boat trailers.

2.   No person shall park or stand a vehicle with an attached boat trailer in any space(s) other than such space that has been designated for vehicles with boat trailers.

3.   No person shall park or stand a boat trailer, disconnected from a motor vehicle, on any public property at any time. (Ord. 4271, 6-18-90)

10-10-3 STOPPING, STANDING OR PARKING RESTRICTED OR PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES:

A.  Application Of Chapter: The provisions of this Chapter prohibiting or restricting the standing or parking of a vehicle shall apply at all times or as indicated on official signs except when it is necessary to stop a vehicle to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a police officer or official traffic-control device. (Ord. 3177, 11-21-77)

B – E. (Rep. by Ord. 4271, 6-18-90)

F.  Parking An Unlicensed Vehicle Prohibited: No person driving or in charge of a vehicle shall park or permit it to stand on a street, highway, alley or public property unless said vehicle possesses a proper and current vehicle license plate or plates, and such plate or plates are properly mounted thereon in accordance with the State of Washington Department of Licenses Rules and Regulations except as provided in this Chapter. (Ord. 3177, 11-21-77)

G – Q. (Rep. by Ord. 4271, 6-18-90)

R.  Parking In Fire Zone Prohibited: Except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic, or in compliance with the direction of a police officer, fire official, or traffic-control sign, signal or device, no person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle, whether occupied or not, in a fire zone, whether on public or private property, except momentarily to pick up or discharge a passenger or passengers or temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading property. Vehicles parked in a fire zone are subject to immediate impoundment. (Ord. 4271, 6-18-90)

S.  Storage Of Material In A Fire Zone Prohibited: No person shall store materials, wares or merchandise in a fire zone. (Ord. 3312, 4-23-79)

T.  Parking Fee Required: Any person who parks a vehicle in a zone where a parking fee is required must deposit the appropriate amount of money in the provided collection box. (Ord. 4271, 6-18-90)

U.  Parking Next To Mail Boxes: No person shall park directly adjacent to a curbside, next to any clearly visible residential mail box, between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on any day of scheduled mail delivery by the United States Postal Service. (Ord. 5084, 6-21-2004)

10-10-4 PARKING PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY TIME LIMIT, DURING CERTAIN HOURS, OR LIMITED TO HANDICAPPED PERSONS:

A.  Overtime: No person shall park a vehicle upon a street or public property for a longer period of time than the limit that is sign posted except as provided in this Chapter.

B.  Overtime-Repeated: Each subsequent period of time, as sign posted, lapsing following affixation to a vehicle of a notice of overtime parking shall constitute a separate offense except as provided in this Chapter.

C.  Moving Vehicle in Same Block: No person shall move and repark a vehicle within the same block or public property to avoid a time limit regulation specified in that particular area except as provided in this Chapter.

D.  Parking Prohibited During Certain Hours: When official signs are erected in each block giving notice thereof no person shall park a vehicle between the hours specified. (Ord. 3552, 6-8-81)

E-F. (Rep. by Ord. 4271, 6-18-90)

G.  Parking Restricted to Handicapped Persons: The unauthorized use of the special card, decal or special license plate, shall include, but not be limited to, its use in or on a vehicle when not actually transporting a disabled person. (Ord. 4271, 6-18-90; amd. Ord. 4396, 4-5-93)

H.  Permit Parking: The City may designate certain areas in the City for parking by permit only. Said permit parking may regulate parking by day and/or time in the area and/or vehicle occupancy. The regulations shall be designated by signs or markings on the ground or similar method that will communicate the restrictions to drivers intending to park in a restricted area. (Ord. 4517, 5-8-95)

1.   No person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle in any area designated for permit parking unless that person displays on his/her vehicle the appropriate permit for that designated permit parking area.

2.   No person having obtained a permit for parking in a designated area for permit parking shall transfer said permit to another individual for use in a vehicle other than the vehicle registered with the City on the permit application.

3.   Permit parking may require a specific permit for a particular area. A person seeking a permit for parking in a designated area for permit parking must register with the City as follows: City employees register with the Personnel Department; residents register with the Customer Services Division of the Public Works Department. Obtaining a permit by any other means shall be an infraction. (Ord. 4271, 6-18-90; amd. Ord. 4396, 4-5-93)

4.   The applicant must be the registered owner of the vehicle for which a permit is sought or be a designated driver of a corporate or publicly sponsored vehicle being registered. (Ord. 4517, 5-8-95)

5.   Parking permits for residential street parking shall be limited to one per residence or as authorized by the Public Works Department.

6.   No person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle in any area designated for permit parking and display on his/her vehicle the appropriate permit for that designated permit parking area unless that vehicle is registered to the permit displayed.

7.   Only passenger vehicles and vanpools shall qualify for a permit. (Ord. 4271, 6-18-90; amd. Ord. 4396, 4-5-93)

8.   No person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle displaying a City employee general or carpool parking permit, in a time restricted stall of any parking lot of the Municipal Campus, Liberty Park (including the pool) and the Community Center, for any length of time between the hours of eight o’clock (8:00) A.M. and four thirty o’clock (4:30) P.M., with the exception of thirty (30) minute time restricted stalls. Doing so will subject the vehicle owner to a parking infraction and monetary penalty, according to the fee schedule in effect for parking time restriction violation. Thirty (30) minute stalls may be used by vehicles with City employee parking permits, provided the time limitation is not exceeded. If the time limitation is exceeded, the owner of the vehicle is subject to a parking infraction and monetary penalty for exceeding the thirty (30) minute time restriction. (Ord. 4442, 3-14-94)

I.  Moving Vehicle in Same Lot: In parking lots where parking is limited to a period of time, no person shall move or cause to be moved, a vehicle from one such stall to another, where said stalls are in the same lot.

      For purposes of this Section, the lot south of and contiguous to City Hall, and the lot south of and contiguous to the City Library are considered as one and the same lot.

J.  Where Overtime Parking Permitted:

1.   On certain City streets, where parking has been restricted by time limit, residents of the area may obtain one permit per residence for overtime parking. The provisions of permit parking, subsection H, above, shall also apply to overtime parking permits.

2.   On certain City streets, where parking has been restricted by time limit, construction contractors who are performing construction duties in the area, may obtain a temporary overtime parking permit. The provisions of permit parking, subsection H, above, shall also apply to this temporary overtime parking permit. (Ord. 4271, 6-18-90)

K.  Display: All permits shall be conspicuously displayed on the backmost window of the appropriate vehicle in a location that is clearly and easily visible. (Ord. 4306, 2-11-91)

L.  Restricted Location: As to parking on City streets where parking has been restricted by time limit, no person shall move or cause to be moved, a vehicle from one restricted location to another, within a four (4) block radius. (Ord. 4271, 6-18-90)

M.  Parking shall be limited in the City Center Parking Garage to the times posted and subject to payment of the parking fees, if any, imposed under City Code Section 5-1-6. Overtime parking or parking in violation of the posted requirements shall be an infraction punishable under Section 10-10-7A. (Ord. 5011, 6-2-03)

10-10-5 STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING OF TRANSIT COACHES AND TAXICABS REGULATED:

A.  The operator of a transit coach shall not stand or park same upon any street or public property at any place other than a public carrier zone or stop so designated as provided herein.

B.  The operator of a transit coach shall not stop same upon any street or public property at any place for the purpose of loading or unloading passengers or baggage other than that at a public carrier zone or stop so designated as provided herein, except in case of emergency. Under special circumstances, exemption from Section 10-10-5B may be granted by written approval by the Planning/Building/Public Works Department.

      This provision does not apply to the operation of paratransit services that have obtained the authority to operate within the City by registration with the Planning/Building/Public Works Department. (Ord. 4517, 5-8-95)

C.  The operator of a transit coach shall enter a public carrier zone or stop on a street in such a manner that the transit coach, when stopped to load or unload passengers or baggage, shall be in a position with the right front wheel of such vehicle not further than eighteen inches (18") from the curb and the transit coach approximately parallel to the curb so as not to impede unduly the movement of other vehicular traffic. (Ord. 3177, 11-21-77)

D.  The operator of a taxicab or paratransit vehicle shall not stand or park such vehicle upon any street or public property at any place other than in a designated public parking area. This provision shall not prevent the operator of a taxicab from temporarily stopping in accordance with other stopping or parking regulations at any place for the purpose of and while actually engaged in the expeditious loading or unloading of passengers or their baggage. (Ord. 4517, 5-8-95)

10-10-6 SIGNS AND/OR MARKINGS REQUIRED:

Whenever by this Chapter or any amendments thereto, or by order of the Director of Public Works, there is imposed a particular parking time limit or parking restriction or prohibition on any particular street or public property, or in any particular district, it shall be the duty of the Director of Public Works to erect appropriate signs and/or markings giving notice thereof, and no regulation shall be effective unless said signs are erected and in place at the time of any alleged offense; provided, however, that this provision shall not apply to any parking restriction or prohibition that is enforced through the city; and this provision shall not require the sign posting of a fire hydrant, railroad crossing, crosswalk, intersection, travel lane, driveway, bridge, tunnel, cross-hashed barrier or multiple laned street on which curb parking is not specifically authorized by appropriate markings.

A.  Number of Signs Required: The number of signs shall be determined on the basis of sight distance impairment.

B.  Painted Curbs Required: With exception of fire hydrants, painted curb markings shall not be utilized except in conjunction with appropriate signs.

1.   The curbs of all areas designated as fire zones shall be painted red.

2.   The curbs of all areas designated as prohibited parking zones or areas and the location of fire hydrants may be painted red. (Ord. 3177, 11-21-77)

3.   The curbs of all areas designated as loading zones and school bus zones shall be painted yellow. (Ord. 3990, 5-12-86)

4.   The curbs of all areas designated as public carrier zones or stops shall be painted in alternating strips of red and yellow. (Ord. 3177, 11-21-77; Ord. 5363, 3-10-08)

10-10-7 PENALTIES:

A.  Infraction: Any person violating any of the provisions of this Chapter shall be guilty of an infraction and shall be punished by a penalty of not more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00). The fee schedule for infractions shall be set by the Renton Municipal Court Judge.

B.  Late Penalties: Any person having been assessed a penalty for a infraction of this Chapter or Title must pay said penalty in the time provided on the ticket or imposed by the court. A monetary late penalty fee will be imposed for failure to respond and/or pay the fee imposed within the time required. Said late penalty fee will be set by the Renton Municipal Court Judge. (Ord. 4271, 6-18-90)

10-10-8 AUTHORITY TO DESIGNATE PARKING RESTRICTIONS AND PROHIBITIONS, TIME LIMITS, PARKING ZONES AND APPROPRIATE SIGNS AND/OR MARKINGS:

The Director of Public Works shall hereafter possess the authority and is required to: (Ord. 3177, 11-21-77)

A.  (Rep. by Ord. 4271, 6-18-90)

B.  Designate fire zones, school zones, school bus stops or zones, restricted and prohibited parking zones or areas on such public streets or properties and in such places and in such number as he/she shall determine appropriate. (Ord. 4271, 6-18-90)

C-E. (Rep. by Ord. 4271, 6-18-90)

F.  Designate all parking time limits. (Ord. 3177, 11-21-77)

G.  To designate zones wherein parking fees are required.

H.  To install parking fee collection boxes in the established zone wherein parking fees are required.

I.  Establish a parking fee schedule and post said schedule in the established zone wherein parking fees are required. (Ord. 4271, 6-18-90)

10-10-9 SEVERABILITY:

If any provision of this Chapter or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid the remainder of this Chapter and the application of such provisions to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby. (Ord. 3177, 11-21-77)

10-10-10 EMERGENCY POWERS:

The Police Department is hereby authorized to direct all stopping, standing or parking of vehicles, either in person or by means of visible or audible signals, in conformance with the provisions of this Chapter; provided, that when necessary to prevent or eliminate congestion or to safeguard persons or property, such officers may direct traffic as conditions may require, notwithstanding the provisions of this Chapter. (Ord. 3177, 11-21-77)

10-10-11 EXISTING ORDINANCES REPEALED:

The following ordinances and all amendments thereto, insofar as the same are inconsistent with the provisions of this Chapter, and all other ordinances or parts thereof, insofar as the same are inconsistent with the provisions of this Chapter, are hereby repealed:

      1143, 1152, 1155, 1167, 1187, 1194, 1195, 1204, 1224, 1234, 1245, 1258, 1268, 1282, 1305, 1310, 1339, 1364, 1369, 1401, 1421, 1422, 1423, 1425, 1443, 1444, 1454, 1460, 1471, 1484, 1491, 1501, 1540, 1558, 1576, 1578, 1585, 1595, 1605, 1610, 1624, 1668, 1678, 1695, 1852, 1875, 1904, 1936, 1954, 1957, 1992, 1995, 2011, 2012, 2025, 2033, 2089, 2131, 2141, 2181, 2392, 2699, 2726, 2737, 2740, 2746, 2749, 2823, 2928, 2938

(Ord. 3177, 11-21-77)

10-10-12 OVERNIGHT PARKING OF CERTAIN VEHICLES PROHIBITED:

It shall henceforth be unlawful to park within any residential zone (SR-1, SR-2, R-1 through R-4, T and G) within the City from the hours of nine o’clock (9:00) P.M. to six o’clock (6:00) A.M. the following types of vehicles:

A.  All types trailers designed to be drawn by a motor vehicle except recreation trailers.

B.  Buses and trucks used for business purposes in whole or in part excluding pickup or panel trucks of less than one ton rated capacity. (Ord. 3428, 4-28-80; amd. Ord. 4271, 6-18-90)

10-10-13 PARKING OF CERTAIN COMMERCIAL VEHICLES OR VEHICLES OVER TWELVE THOUSAND POUNDS GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT REGULATIONS:

A.  Parking; Residential Developments: It shall be unlawful to park any commercially licensed or any vehicle over twelve thousand (12,000) pounds gross vehicle weight on any public right-of-way in which all of the adjacent structures are occupied as residential dwellings. Adjacent structures shall mean those structures on the same side of the right-of-way as the area for parking and within the same block.

B.  Existing Commercial Developments: On any public right-of-way in which not all of the adjoining structures are developed and occupied as residential units but there are existing developed commercial or business occupancies, parking will be permitted for commercial vehicles or vehicles above twelve thousand (12,000) pounds gross vehicle weight only on that portion of the public right-of-way abutting developed commercial or business property. For purposes of this Section, public right-of-way abutting commercial property shall mean that public right-of-way bounded by lines created by the commercial property line extended to where they intersect the public right-of-way and on the same side of the public right-of-way as the commercial property.

C.  Hours: Commercial vehicles or vehicles over twelve thousand (12,000) pounds gross vehicle weight are prohibited from parking on public right-of-way between the hours of twelve o’clock (12:00) midnight and three o’clock (3:00) A.M. Between the hours of nine o’clock (9:00) P.M. and six o’clock (6:00) A.M. no person shall park a commercial vehicle

      upon the public right-of-way within five hundred feet (500’) of residential dwellings and permit any motor, engine, compressor or other device to operate for more than ten (10) consecutive minutes or a total of ten (10) minutes within any two (2) hour period.

D.  Time Limit: Commercial vehicles or vehicles over twelve thousand (12,000) pounds gross vehicle weight are prohibited from parking on public right-of-way for more than two (2) hours.

E.  Gross Vehicle Weight: “Gross vehicle weight” is defined in RCW 46.16.111, or as amended.

F.  Home Business: For purposes of this Section, any structure or residence enjoying a home business occupancy permit shall be considered a residential occupancy and not a commercial occupancy.

G.  Public Right-of-Way: Public right-of-way shall include any dedicated or developed property used or intended for use as public streets, alleys or other means of public ingress, egress or passage whether the property of the City, County or State.

H.  Exemptions:

1.   Commercial vehicles or vehicles over twelve thousand (12,000) pounds gross vehicle weight engaged in deliveries or as support to an ongoing business activity such as construction or moving are exempt from the provision of this Section, but only for the time reasonable and necessary to support the activity or make the delivery.

2.   Commercial vehicles typically used for passenger or commuting purposes (sedan, station wagon, small van, small pickups) that are under twelve thousand (12,000) pounds are exempt from the provisions of this Section.

3.   Privately owned recreational vehicles and boats shall not be regulated under this Section unless the vehicles are being parked as part of a commercial activity such as repairs, sales or servicing or are being used for a commercial purpose.

4.   Utility trucks when owned by a public or quasi-public agency and when the drivers are required by their employment to respond to emergencies. (Ord. 4046, 3-2-87)

I.  Trailers and Semi-Trailers: No person may park or stand, or cause to be parked or stood, any trailer to semi-trailer disconnected from a commercial vehicle on any street or public property in the City at any time.

J.  Central Business District: A person may park a commercial vehicle in the street in the central business district, under the following conditions:

1.   There must be a minimum of two (2) lanes of travel in the same direction;

2.   Said person must be loading or unloading merchandise or passengers;

3.   Such parking shall not exceed a period of fifteen (15) minutes; and

4.   Said parking shall not block more than one lane of travel. (Ord. 4271, 6-18-90)

K.  Impound: Any vehicle found to be in violation of this Section is declared to be a public nuisance, and such vehicle may be impounded if no operator is present who will immediately comply with this Section. (Ord. 4046, 3-2-87; amd. Ord. 4271, 6-18-90)

10-10-14 EXTENDED UNAUTHORIZED PARKING:

A.  No person shall park a vehicle on any street or other municipal property for a period of time longer than seventy-two (72) consecutive hours, unless an official posted sign provides a shorter period of time, or unless otherwise provided by law.

B.  Authorized vehicles on municipal property are excluded from the provisions of this Section, as are vehicles displaying valid proof of payment when parked in spaces controlled by a parking payment device.

C.  Impound: Any vehicle found to be in violation of this Section is declared to be a public nuisance, and such vehicle may be impounded if no operator is present who will immediately comply with this Section.

D.  Notice to Owner:

1.   A law enforcement officer discovering an unauthorized vehicle left within a highway right-of-way shall attach to the vehicle a readily visible notification. The notification shall contain the following information:

a.   The date and time the notification was attached;

b.   The identity of the officer;

c.   A statement that if the vehicle is not removed within twenty-four (24) hours from the time the notification is attached, the vehicle may be taken into custody and stored at the owner’s expense;

d.   A statement that if the vehicle is not redeemed as provided in RCW 46.55.120, the vehicle may be declared an abandoned vehicle and sold according to the terms of RCW 46.55.130;

e.   The address and telephone number where additional information may be obtained.

2.   If the vehicle has current Washington registration plates, the officer shall check the records to learn the identity of the last owner of record. The officer or his department shall make a reasonable effort to contact the owner by telephone, mail, or in person, in order to give the owner the information on the notification.

3.   A vehicle that does not pose a safety hazard may remain on the roadside for more than twenty-four (24) hours if the owner or operator is unable to remove it from the place where it is located and so notifies law enforcement officials and requests assistance. (Ord. 5310, 10-8-07)

CHAPTER 11
SPEED LIMITS

SECTION:

10-11-1: Speed Limits

10-11-1 SPEED LIMITS:

A.  The speed limit on all streets within the City limits is hereby established to be twenty five (25) miles per hour unless otherwise posted by the City or the State of Washington Highway Commission, including the following designated streets constituting a part of the State Highway System:

1.   South 3rd Street (S.R. 900 eastbound) from Rainier Avenue South (S.R. 167) to Mill Avenue South.

2.   Mill Avenue South (S.R. 900 northbound) from South 3rd Street to Bronson Way South.

3.   Bronson Way North and Bronson Way South (S.R. 900) from Main Avenue South to Sunset Boulevard North.

4.   South 2nd Street (S.R. 900 westbound) from Main Avenue South to Rainier Avenue South (S.R. 167).

5.   Main Avenue South (S.R. 515) from South Grady Way to South 3rd Street (S.R. 900) (Ord. 3918, 6-17-85)

6.   Lake Washington Boulevard north from North Park Drive to I-405. (Ord. 4062, 5-4-87)

7.   North 3rd Street from Logan Avenue North to Sunset Boulevard North (S.R. 900). (Ord. 4101, 12-14-87)

8.   Northeast 16th Street from Aberdeen Avenue Northeast to Jones Avenue Northeast – Jones Avenue Northeast from Northeast 16th Street to Northeast 24th Street. (Ord. 4332, 11-18-91)

B.  The speed limit on the following designated streets is hereby established to be thirty (30) miles per hour:

1.   Sunset Boulevard North, Sunset Boulevard Northeast, except that portion of Queen Avenue Northeast and east City limits, and Northeast Sunset Boulevard (S.R. 900) from Maple Valley Highway easterly to City limits.

2.   Talbot Road South from South 26th Street to South Puget Drive.

3.   Taylor Avenue Northwest from Renton Avenue Extension to Taylor Place Northeast. 4. Taylor Place Northwest from Taylor Avenue Northwest to Stevens Avenue Northwest.

5.   Renton Avenue Extension from Rainier Avenue north to west City limits.

6.   Park Avenue North from Bronson Way North to Garden Avenue North.

7.   North 4th Street from Logan Avenue North to Factory Avenue North.

8.   North 3rd Place from Factory Avenue North to North 3rd Street.

9.   Edmonds Avenue Northeast from Sunset Boulevard Northeast (S.R. 900) to Northeast 27th Street.

10.  Aberdeen Avenue Northeast from Sunset Boulevard Northeast (S.R. 900) to Northeast 27th Street.

11.  Northeast 27th Street from Edmonds Avenue Northeast to Kennewick Place Northeast.

12.  Kennewick Place Northeast from Northeast 27th Street to Northeast 30th Street.

13.  Northeast 30th Street from Kennewick Place Northeast to FAI-405 (Freeway). (Ord. 3918, 6-17-85; amd. Ord. 4332, 11-18-91)

14.  Houser Way North, from Lake Washington Boulevard to North 4th Street.

15.  Union Avenue Northeast from Northeast 4th Street to north City limits.

C.  The speed limit on the following designated streets is hereby established to be thirty five (35) miles per hour:

1.   Southwest Sunset Boulevard (S.R. 900) from Rainier Avenue South (S.R. 167) westerly to west City limits.

2.   Rainier Avenue South from South Grady Way northerly to the north City limits.

3.   East Valley Freeway (S.R. 167) from one-half (1/2) mile south of South Grady Way to South Grady Way.

4.   South Grady Way and Southwest Grady Way from Main Avenue South to west City limits.

5.   Benson Road South (S.R. 515) from South Grady Way to the south City limits.

6.   Airport Way from Rainier Avenue South (S.R. 167) to Logan Avenue South.

7.   Logan Avenue South and Logan Avenue North from Airport Way to North 8th Street. (Ord. 3918, 6-17-85)

8.   Lake Washington Boulevard N.E. at I-405 to the north City limits. (Ord. 4062, 5-4-87)

9.   Northeast 3rd Street from Sunset Boulevard North (S.R. 900) to Jefferson Avenue Northeast.

10.  Northeast 4th Street from Jefferson Avenue Northeast to easterly City limits.

11.  Talbot Road South from South Grady Way to South Puget Drive and from South 26th Street to south City limits.

12.  North Park Drive and Northeast Park Drive (S.R. 900) from Garden Avenue North to Sunset Boulevard Northeast.

13.  South Puget Drive from Benson Road South to Talbot Road South.

14.  Southwest 16th Street extending from that certain drainage channel at Longacres to the East Valley Road.

15.  On Northeast Sunset Boulevard between Queen Avenue Northeast and east City limits. (Ord. 3918, 6-17-85)

16.  On Benson Drive South between the south City limits to South Puget Drive, and the posting of signs to that effect on both sides of the highway.

17.  Oakesdale Avenue Southwest from Monster Road Southwest to Southwest 43rd Street, and the posting of signs to that effect on both sides of the street. (Ord. 4344, 2-3-92)

D.  The speed limit on the following designated streets is hereby established to be forty (40) miles per hour:

1.   Puget Drive Southeast from Edmonds Avenue Southeast to Benson Road South.

2.   On West Valley Highway (S.R. 181), north City limits to south City limits.

3.   On Maple Valley Highway between I-405 and Renton’s east City limits.

E.  The speed limit on the following designated streets is hereby established to be forty five (45) miles per hour:

1.   East Valley Road from Southwest 16th Street to south City limits. (Ord. 3918, 6-17-85; amd. Ord. 4344, 2-3-92)

CHAPTER 12
TRAFFIC CODE

SECTION:

10-12-1: Adopted By Reference

10-12-2 –

10-12-14: (Rep. by Ord. 4374, 10-26-92)

10-12-15: Traffic Safety Cameras

10-12-16 –

10-12-21: (Rep. by Ord. 4374, 10-26-92)

10-12-22: Cruising

10-12-23: Regulating Use Of Compression Brakes

10-12-24: Liability Insurance Or Other Financial Responsibility Required; Violations; Penalty (Rep. by Ord. 4360, 7-27-92)

10-12-25: Inattentive Driving

10-12-26: Truck Routes

10-12-27: Avoiding Intersection

10-12-28: Motorized Foot Scooters

10-12-1 ADOPTED BY REFERENCE:

The “Washington Model Traffic Ordinance, (MTO),” chapters 308-330 WAC, as now or hereafter amended, and all other statutes adopted by reference therein is adopted by reference. (Ord. 4454, 6-20-94)

A.  Penalties: Any person who is convicted of a traffic infraction shall be punished by a fine only of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) except as otherwise provided herein. Any person convicted of a misdemeanor herein shall be punished by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00) or ninety (90) days in the City jail or both, except as otherwise specifically provided for in the statutes adopted by reference herein.

B.  Disposition Of Traffic Fines And Forfeitures: All fines or forfeitures collected upon conviction or upon the forfeiture of bail of any person charged with a violation of any of the provisions of this Chapter shall be paid into the General Fund of the City of Renton.

C.  Official Misconduct: Failure, refusal, or neglect on the part of any judicial or other officer or employee receiving or having custody of any such fine or forfeiture of bail, either before or after a deposit in said General Fund, to comply with the provisions of subsection B shall constitute misconduct in office and shall be grounds for removal therefrom, provided appropriate removal action is taken pursuant to State law relating to removal of public officials.

D.  Filing Of Ordinance: Incident to the adoption of the MTO by reference, by this Ordinance, copies of the text of the adopted MTO and of other adopted statutes shall be filed as required by RCW 35A.12.140 for use and examination by the public. (Ord. 3893, 2-25-85)

10-12-2 – 10-12-14: (Rep. by Ord. 4374, 10-26-92)

10-12-15 TRAFFIC SAFETY CAMERAS:

A.  The use of automated traffic safety cameras to detect a violation of RMC 10-12-1 is authorized at intersections where two arterial roadways intersect, at railroad crossings, or in school speed zones, subject to the restrictions specified in RCW 46.63.170, as now or hereafter amended.

B.  A law enforcement officer has the authority to issue a notice of traffic infraction when the notice of infraction is detected through the use of an automated traffic safety camera under RCW 46.63.030 and 46.63.170, as now or hereafter amended.

C.  A traffic infraction for violation of this Section, detected through the use of an automated traffic safety camera, shall be processed in the same manner as a parking infraction, with a monetary penalty no greater than the amount of a fine issued for other parking infractions within the City of Renton. (Ord. 5290, 6-11-07)

10-12-16 – 10-12-21: (Rep. by Ord. 4374, 10-26-92)

10-12-22 CRUISING:

A.  No person shall drive or permit a motor vehicle under his care, custody or control to be driven past a traffic control point two (2) times in the same direction of travel within a two (2) hour period in or around a posted no cruising area so as to contribute to traffic congestion, obstruction of streets, sidewalks or parking lots, impediment of access to shopping centers or other buildings open to the public, or interference with the use of property or conduct of business in the area adjacent thereto.

B.  The Police Chief or his designee shall determine when an area has become so congested by traffic as to present a danger of traffic congestion, obstruction of streets, sidewalks or parking lots, impediment of access to shopping centers or other buildings open to the public, or interference with the use of property or conduct of business in the area adjacent thereto or that emergency vehicles cannot respond in that area within a reasonable period of time. The Police Chief or his designee shall then direct that the no cruising signs shall be erected or installed and maintained until the congestion has lessened to an acceptable degree.

C.  At every point where a public street or alley becomes or provides ingress to a no cruising area there shall be posted a sign which designates “no cruising” areas. The definition of a “no cruising” area is as follows: “No Cruising. No person shall drive or permit a motor vehicle under his care, custody or control to be driven past a traffic control point two (2) times in the same direction of travel within a two (2) hour period in or around this area so as to contribute to traffic congestion, obstruction of streets, sidewalks, or parking lots, impediment of access to shopping centers or other buildings open to the public, or interference with the use of property or the conduct of business in the adjacent area.”

D.  A traffic control point as used in this Section means any point or points within the no cruising area established by the Police Department for the purpose of monitoring cruising.

E.  No violation shall occur except upon the second passage by the same traffic control point in the same direction of travel within the aforementioned two (2) hour period.

F.  No area shall be designated or posted as a no cruising area except upon the passage of a resolution by the Council specifically mandating said designation and posting for a particular area.

G.  This Section shall not apply to in-service emergency vehicles, taxicabs for hire, buses and other vehicles being driven for business purposes. (Ord. 4057, 4-13-87)

H.  Penalty: Violation of this Section shall be considered a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the City jail for a term not to exceed thirty (30) days, or by a fine not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) or by both fine and imprisonment. (Ord. 4324, 8-12-91)

10-12-23 REGULATING USE OF COMPRESSION BRAKES:

A.  Definitions:

BRAKE: Any device used for slowing, halting or stopping the movement of any motor vehicle.

MOTOR VEHICLE: Includes every self-propelled device capable of being moved upon a public highway and in, upon or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a public highway, excepting devises moved by human or animal power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks, and including automobiles, tractors, trucks, trailers and transportation equipment of all kinds and sizes or any combination or combinations of the same.

B.  Use Declared Illegal: The City Council finds that the use within the City limits of motor vehicle brakes which are activated or worked by the compression of the engine of a motor vehicle disturbs and disrupts the public peace and quiet and the enjoyment of property. The use within the City limits of any motor vehicle brakes which are in any way activated or operated by the compression of the engine of any such motor vehicle or of any unit or part thereof is prohibited, unless the noise created thereby is effectively muffled.

C.  Exception: Emergency vehicles may use compression brakes, as may any vehicle when faced with a sudden, unexpected or unanticipated emergency which presents a significant risk to human life or property.

D.  Violation Declared A Traffic Infraction Penalty: Any person who violates any of the provisions of this Chapter or who allows or permits any motor vehicle owned and/or operated by said person to be operated in violation of any of the provisions of this Chapter is guilty of a traffic infraction pursuant to RCW 46.63.020 and may be fined a sum not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) plus any applicable penalties and costs. (Ord. 4078, 7-20-87)

10-12-24 LIABILITY INSURANCE OR OTHER FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REQUIRED; VIOLATIONS; PENALTY:

(Rep. by Ord. 4360, 7-27-92)

10-12-25 INATTENTIVE DRIVING:

A.  Inattention: It shall be unlawful to drive a motor vehicle on any street, alley, or way open to the public of the City in an inattentive manner. Inattentive manner means the operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that evidences a lack of: 1) that degree of attentiveness required to safely operate the vehicle under the prevailing conditions, including, but not limited to, the nature and condition of the roadway, presence of pedestrians, or the presence of other traffic; or 2) that degree of attentiveness as will allow the driver of a motor vehicle to observe anything resting on or traveling on the roadway in time to take appropriate action as circumstances require. (Ord. 4286, 8-13-90)

B.  Penalty: Inattentive driving shall be a traffic infraction. Any person found to have committed the infraction of inattentive driving shall be fined in accordance with the most recent bail schedule which has been adopted by the Renton Municipal Court. (Ord. 4462, 7-25-94, eff. retroactive to 7-1-94)

10-12-26 TRUCK ROUTES:

A.  Designated Truck Routes: Trucks over twenty six thousand (26,000) pounds gross vehicle weight are restricted to operating over one of the following designated truck routes when traveling within the City of Renton: Rainier Avenue N. and S.; S. and S.W. Grady Way; Main Avenue S. between Grady Way S. and Bronson Way S.; Airport Way; N. 6th Street between Logan Avenue N. and Park Avenue N.; Park Avenue N. and N.E. Park Drive between Bronson Way N. and Sunset Boulevard N.E.; N.E. Sunset Boulevard; Sunset Boulevard N.; Duvall Avenue N.E.; N.E. 3rd Street; N.E. 4th Street east of Jefferson Avenue N.E.; Maple Valley Highway; Benson Drive S.; S.W. Sunset Boulevard; Bronson Way N.; Houser Way S. between Main Avenue S. and Bronson Way N.; Logan Avenue N. between Airport Way and N. 6th Street; S. 2nd Street; S. 3rd Street; Houser Way Bypass – Houser Way N. from Sunset Boulevard to N. 8th Street; N. 8th Street from Houser Way N. to Logan Avenue N.; Logan Avenue N. from N. 6th Street to Park Avenue N.

      Trucks which need to make deliveries off the designated routes shall take the most direct arterial route to or from one of the designated truck routes when making their deliveries. When more than one delivery off the designated truck routes can be combined so as to limit multiple intrusions into residential neighborhoods, then there is an obligation to combine such trips.

      This Section shall not apply to buses operated by the Renton School District, other schools, or other public or charitable institutions on designated routes, public transit on designated routes, garbage trucks, City maintenance vehicles and emergency vehicles.

B.  Penalty: Violation of this Section shall be a traffic infraction.

C.  Severability: If any provision of this Section or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of this section or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected. (Ord. 4328, 10-21-91; Amd. Ord. 5339, 2-4-08)

10-12-27 AVOIDING INTERSECTION:

It is unlawful for any person operating a motor vehicle on the roadways of the City, upon approaching or leaving an intersection, to proceed across any private property in such a way as to avoid the intersection or any traffic control device controlling the intersection, unless so directed by lawful authority. Any violation of this Section shall be considered an infraction. Any person found to have committed the infraction of avoiding intersection shall be fined in accordance with the most recent bail schedule which has been adopted by Renton Municipal Court. (Ord. 4462, 7-25-94, eff. retroactive to 7-1-94)

10-12-28 MOTORIZED FOOT SCOOTERS:

A.  Definition: A motorized foot scooter is a device with no more than two 10-inch or smaller diameter wheels that has handlebars, is designed to be stood or sat upon by the operator, and is powered by an internal combustion engine or electric motor that is capable of propelling the device with or without human propulsion.

B.  Duty To Obey Traffic-Control Signs And Rules Of The Road: Any person operating a motorized foot scooter or similar device shall obey all the rules of the road applicable to vehicle or pedestrian traffic, as well as the instructions of official traffic-control signals, signs, and other control devices applicable to vehicles, unless otherwise directed by a police officer.

C.  Unsafe Use Prohibited: No motorized foot scooter shall be ridden in a negligent or unsafe manner but shall be operated with reasonable regard for the safety of the operator and other persons.

D.  Use Prohibited In Certain Areas: Motorized foot scooters shall not be operated in any park, trail, or sidewalk, or on streets with a maximum speed limit above 25 miles per hour, or any corridor marked “No non-motorized vehicles.” Exception: this Section shall not apply to the use of wheelchair conveyances when operated by a disabled person, as defined in RCW 46.04.710, strollers used to transport small children, or City equipment.

E.  Helmets And Reflectors Required:

1.   Any person operating a motorized foot scooter, or riding as a passenger on or in tow of a motorized foot scooter upon any public area in the City of Renton shall wear an approved helmet designed for safety and shall have either a neck or chin strap of the helmet fastened securely while the motorized foot scooter is in motion. No person shall transport any person on or in tow of a motorized foot scooter upon a public area in the jurisdiction of the City of Renton unless the passenger is wearing a helmet that meets the requirements of this chapter. A parent or guardian is responsible for guaranteeing that a child under the age of 18 years wears an approved helmet while operating or riding as a passenger on a motorized foot scooter in any public area in the City of Renton and has the neck or chin strap of the helmet securely fastened.

2.   Pursuant to RCW 46.04(9), a motorized foot scooter must be affixed with visible reflectors of a type approved by the Washington State Patrol whenever the vehicle is operated at any time between one-half hour after sunset until one-half hour before dawn.

F.  Mufflers Required: Any motorized foot scooter operated within the City of Renton shall have affixed a muffler or modified muffling device.

G.  Minimum Age: A motorized foot scooter may not be operated by any individual who is under 13 years of age.

H.  Hours Of Operation: No motorized foot scooter shall be operated within the hours of 1/2 hour after sunset until 1/2 hour before sunrise.

I.  Violation – Penalty: Any person violating the provisions of this Section shall be guilty of a traffic infraction and shall be punished pursuant to RMC 1-3-2, exclusive of any statutory assessments, provided, conduct that constitutes a criminal traffic offense shall be charged as such and is subject to the maximum penalties allowed for such offenses.

J.  Severability: If one or more sections, subsections, or sentences of this Ordinance is held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance and the same shall remain in full force and effect. (Ord. 5089, 6-28-2004)

CHAPTER 13
COMMUTE TRIP REDUCTION

SECTION:

10-13-1: Definitions

10-13-2: Commute Trip Reduction Goals

10-13-3: Designation Of CTR Zones And Base Year Values

10-13-4: Responsible City Of Renton Agency

10-13-5: Applicability

10-13-6: Requirements For Employers

10-13-7: Record Keeping

10-13-8: Schedule And Process For CTR Reports, Program Review And Implementation

10-13-9: Credit For Transportation Demand Management Efforts

10-13-10: Goal Modifications

10-13-11: Employer Peer Review Group

10-13-12: Appeals Of Administrative Decisions

10-13-13: Enforcement And Penalties

10-13-14: Exemptions

10-13-15: Severability

10-13-1 DEFINITIONS:

For the purpose of this Chapter, the following definitions shall apply in the interpretation and enforcement of this Chapter:

AFFECTED EMPLOYEE: A full-time employee who is scheduled to begin his or her regular work day at a single worksite between six o’clock (6:00) A.M. and nine o’clock (9:00) A.M. (inclusive on two (2) or more weekdays for at least twelve (12) continuous months. For the purposes of this Chapter, shareholders, principals and associates in a corporation, partners (general or limited) in a partnership and participants in a joint venture are to be considered employees. (Amd. Ord. 4719, 5-4-98)

AFFECTED EMPLOYER: A public or private employer that, for twelve (12) continuous months, employs one hundred (100) or more full-time employees at a single worksite who are scheduled to begin their regular work day between six o’clock (6:00) A.M. and nine o’clock (9:00) A.M. (inclusive) on two (2) or more weekdays. The individual employees may vary during the year.

ALTERNATIVE MODE: Any means of commute transportation other than that in which the single-occupant motor vehicle is the dominant mode, including telecommuting and compressed work weeks if they result in reducing commute trips.

ALTERNATIVE WORK SCHEDULES: Programs such as compressed work weeks that eliminate work trips for affected employees.

AVERAGE VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED (VMT) PER EMPLOYEE: The sum of the individual vehicle commute trip lengths in miles made by affected employees over a set period divided by the number of affected employees during the period.

BASE YEAR: The period from January 1, 1992, through December 31, 1992, on which goals for average vehicle miles traveled (VMT) per employee and proportion of single-occupant vehicle (SOV) trips shall be based.

CARPOOL: A motor vehicle occupied by two (2) to six (6) people traveling together for their commute trip that results in the reduction of a minimum of one motor vehicle commute trip.

CITY: The City of Renton.

COMMUTE TRIPS: Trips made from a worker’s home to worksite with a regularly scheduled arrival time of six o’clock (6:00) A.M. to nine o’clock (9:00) A.M. (inclusive) on weekdays.

CTR PLAN: Renton’s plan to regulate and administer the CTR programs of affected employers within the jurisdiction.

CTR PROGRAM: An employer’s strategies to reduce affected employees’ SOV use and average employee VMT.

CTR ZONE: An area, such as a census tract or combination of census tracts, characterized by similar employment density, population density, level of transit service, parking availability, access to high occupancy vehicle facilities, and other factors that are determined to affect the level of SOV commuting.

COMMUTER MATCHING SERVICE: A system that assists in matching commuters for the purpose of commuting together.

COMPRESSED WORK WEEK: An alternative work schedule, in accordance with employer policy, that regularly allows a full-time employee to eliminate at least one work day every two (2) weeks by working longer hours during the remaining days, resulting in fewer commute trips by the employee. This definition is primarily intended to include weekly and bi-weekly arrangements, the most typical being four (4) ten (10) hour days or eighty (80) hours in nine (9) days, but may also include other arrangements. Compressed work weeks are understood to be an ongoing arrangement.

CUSTOM BUS/BUSPOOL: A commuter bus service arranged specifically to transport employees to work.

DOMINANT MODE: The mode of travel used for the greatest distance of a commute trip.

EMPLOYEE: Anyone who receives financial or other remuneration in exchange for work provided to an employer, including owners or partners of the employer.

EMPLOYER: A sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, unincorporated association, cooperative, joint venture, agency, department, district or other individual or entity, whether public, nonprofit, or private, that employs workers.

FLEX-TIME: An employer policy allowing individual employees some flexibility in choosing the time, but not the number of their working hours to facilitate the use of alternative modes.

FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE: A person other than an independent contractor, scheduled to be employed on a continuous basis for fifty two (52) weeks per year for an average of at least thirty five (35) hours per week.

GOOD FAITH EFFORT: An employer has met the minimum requirements identified in RCW 70.94.531 and this Chapter, and is working collaboratively with the City of Renton to continue its existing CTR program or is developing and implementing program modifications likely to result in improvements to its CTR program over an agreed upon length of time. (Ord. 4719, 5-4-98)

IMPLEMENTATION: Active pursuit by an employer of the CTR goals of RCW 70.94.521-551 and this Chapter as evidenced by appointment of a transportation coordinator, distribution of information to employees regarding alternatives to SOV commuting, and commencement of other measures according to their CTR program and schedule.

MODE: The type of transportation used by employees, such as single-occupant motor vehicle, ride share vehicle (carpool, vanpool), transit, ferry, bicycle, or walking.

PEAK PERIOD: The hours from six o’clock (6:00) A.M. to nine o’clock (9:00) A.M. (inclusive), Monday through Friday, except legal holidays.

PEAK PERIOD TRIP: Any employee trip that delivers the employee to begin his or her regular workdays between six o’clock (6:00) A.M. and nine o’clock (9:00) A.M. (inclusive) Monday through Friday, except legal holidays.

PROPORTION OF SINGLE-OCCUPANT VEHICLE TRIPS or SOV RATE: The number of commute trips over a set period made by affected employees in SOVs divided by the number of affected employees working during that period.

SINGLE-OCCUPANT VEHICLE (SOV): A motor vehicle occupied by one employee for commute purposes, including a motorcycle.

SINGLE-OCCUPANT VEHICLE (SOV) TRIPS: Trips made by affected employees in SOVs.

SINGLE WORKSITE: A building or group of buildings on physically contiguous parcels of land or on parcels separated solely by private or public roadways or rights of way occupied by one or more affected employers.

TELECOMMUTING: The use of telephones, computers, or other similar technology to permit an employee to work from home eliminating a commute trip, or to work from a work place closer to home, reducing the distance traveled in a commute trip by at least one-half (1/2).

TRANSIT: A multiple-occupant vehicle operated on a for-hire, shared-ride basis, including bus, ferry, rail, shared-ride taxi, shuttle bus, or vanpool.

TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (TMA): A group of employers or an association representing a group of employers in a defined geographic area. A TMA may represent employers within specific City limits, or may have a sphere of influence that extends beyond City limits.

VANPOOL: A vehicle occupied by seven (7) to fifteen (15) people traveling together for their commute trip that results in the reduction of a minimum of one motor vehicle trip.

WAIVER: An exemption from CTR program requirements granted to an employer by the City based on unique conditions that apply to the employer or employment site.

WEEK: A seven (7) day calendar period, starting on Monday and continuing through Sunday.

WEEKDAY: Any day of the week except Saturday or Sunday.

WRITING, WRITTEN or IN WRITING: Original signed and dated documents. Facsimile (fax) transmissions are a temporary notice of action that must be followed by the original signed and dated document via mail or delivery. (Ord. 4392, 2-22-93)

10-13-2 COMMUTE TRIP REDUCTION GOALS:

The two commute trip reduction goals for employers affected by this Chapter are to achieve the following reductions, either from the 1992 base year values of the appropriate CTR zone or as established by a worksite’s baseline survey, in average vehicle miles traveled per employee, and in the proportion of single-occupant vehicles:

A.  Fifteen percent (15%) by January 1, 1995.

B.  Twenty percent (20%) by January 1, 1997.

C.  Twenty five percent (25%) by January 1, 1999.

D.  Thirty five percent (35%) by 2005. (Ord. 4392, 2-22-93; amd. Ord. 4719, 5-4-98)

10-13-3 DESIGNATION OF CTR ZONES AND BASE YEAR VALUES:

A.  Employers in the City fall within CTR zones designated by the boundaries of the South King County and East King County zones.

B.  The base year value of these zones for proportion of SOV trips shall be eighty five percent (85%) of trips. The base year value for average vehicle miles traveled per employee shall be set at nine and three-tenths (9.3) miles. Commute trip goals for major employers shall be calculated from these values or from a worksite’s baseline survey. Therefore, affected employers that choose to calculate goal reduction from zone base year values in the City shall establish programs designed to result in SOV rates of not more than seventy two percent (72%) in 1995, sixty eight percent (68%) in 1997, sixty four percent (64%) in 1999, and fifty five percent (55%) in 2005; and average VMT per employee of not more than seven and nine-tenths (7.9) miles in 1995, seven and four-tenths (7.4) miles in 1997, seven (7.0) miles in 1999, and six (6.0) miles in 2005. (Ord. 4392, 2-22-93; amd. Ord. 4719, 5-4-98)

10-13-4 RESPONSIBLE CITY OF RENTON AGENCY:

The City agency responsible for implementing this Chapter, the CTR Plan, and the City CTR Program is the Department of Planning/Building/Public Works through the Administrator or his/her designee who is hereby given authority necessary to carry out administrative responsibilities itemized in, and referenced by this Chapter. (Ord. 4392, 2-22-93)

10-13-5 APPLICABILITY:

The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to any affected employer at any single worksite within the corporate limits of the City. Employees will only be counted at their primary worksite. The following classifications of employee are excluded from the counts of employees: 1) seasonal agricultural employees, including seasonal employees of processors of agricultural products and 2) employees of construction worksites when the expected duration of the construction is less than two (2) years.

A.  Notification of Applicability:

1.   In addition to the City’s established public notification for adoption of a Chapter, a notice of availability of a summary of this Chapter, a notice of the requirements and criteria for affected employers to comply with the Chapter, and subsequent revision shall be published at least once in the City’s official newspaper within thirty (30) days after passage of this Chapter or revisions.

2.   Known affected employers located in the City will receive written notification that they are subject to this Chapter. Such notice shall be by certified mail or delivery, return receipt. Such notification shall be delivered within thirty (30) days after passage of this Chapter.

3.   Affected employers that, for whatever reasons, do not receive notice within thirty (30) days of passage of the ordinance must identify themselves to the City within one hundred eighty (180) days of the passage of the Chapter. Once they identify themselves, such employers will be granted one hundred fifty (150) days within which to develop and submit a CTR program.

B.  New Affected Employers: Employers that meet the definition of “affected employer” in this Chapter must identify themselves to the City within one hundred eighty (180) days of either moving into the boundaries of the City or growing in employment at a worksite to one hundred (100) or more affected employees. Once they identify themselves, such employers shall be granted one hundred fifty (150) days to develop and submit a CTR program. Newly affected employers shall have two (2) years to meet the first commute trip reduction goal of fifteen percent (15%); four (4) years to meet the second goal of twenty percent (20%); six (6) years to meet the third goal of twenty five percent (25%); and twelve (12) years to meet the fourth goal of thirty five percent (35%) from the time they begin their program. (Amd. Ord. 4719, 5-4-98)

C.  Change in Status as an Affected Employer: Any of the following changes in an employer’s status will change the employer’s CTR program requirements:

1.   If an affected employer can document that it faces an extraordinary circumstance that will change its status as can apply for a waiver.

2.   If an employer initially designated as an affected employer no longer employs one hundred (100) or more affected employees and has not employed one hundred (100) or more affected employees for the past twelve (12) months, that employer is no longer an affected employer. It is the responsibility of the employer to notify the City of Renton that it is no longer an affected employer.

3.   If the same employer returns to the level of one hundred (100) or more affected employees twelve (12) or more months after its change in status to an “unaffected” employer, that employer shall be treated as a new affected employer, and will be subject to the same program requirements as other new affected employers. (Ord. 4392, 2-22-93)

10-13-6 REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS:

An affected employer is required to make a good faith effort, as defined in RCW 70.94.534(2) and this Chapter, to develop and implement a CTR program that will encourage its employees to reduce average VMT per employee and SOV commute trips. The CTR program must include the mandatory elements described below. The employer shall submit a description of its program to the City and provide an annual progress report to the City on employee commuting and progress toward meeting the SOV goals.

A.  CTR Program Description: Each affected employer is required to submit a description of its CTR program to the City on the official form available from the Planning/Building/ Public Works Department. At a minimum, the employer’s description must include:

1.   General description of the employment site location, transportation characteristics, and surrounding services, including unique conditions experienced by the employer or its employees.

2.   Number of employees affected by the CTR program.

3.   Documentation of compliance with the mandatory CTR program elements.

4.   Description of the additional elements included in the CTR program.

5.   Schedule of implementation, assignment of responsibilities and commitment to provide appropriate resources.

B.  Mandatory Program Elements: Each employer’s CTR program shall include the following mandatory elements:

1.   Transportation Coordinator: The employer shall designate a transportation coordinator to administer the CTR program. The coordinator’s and/or designee’s name, location, and telephone number must be displayed prominently at each affected worksite. The coordinator shall oversee all elements of the employer’s CTR program and act as liaison between the employer and the City. An affected employer with multiple sites may have one transportation coordinator for all sites.

2.   Information Distribution: Information about alternatives to SOV commuting shall be provided to employees at least once a year, and to new employees within thirty (30) days of hire. This shall consist of, at a minimum, a summary of the employer’s program and the name and telephone number of the Employee Transportation Coordinator. Each employer’s program description and annual report must report the information to be distributed and the method of distribution.

3.   Annual Progress Report: The CTR program must include an annual review of employee commuting and of progress and good faith efforts toward meeting the SOV reduction goals. Affected employers shall file an annual progress report with the City in accordance with the format established by this Chapter and consistent with the CTR Task Force Guidelines. The report shall describe each of the CTR measures that were in effect for the previous year, the results of any commuter surveys undertaken during the year, and the number of employees participating in CTR programs. Within the report the employer should evaluate the effectiveness of the CTR program and, if necessary, propose modifications to achieve the CTR goals. Survey information or approved alternative information must be provided in the 1995, 1997 and 1999 reports. The employer should contact the City of Renton for the format of the report.

4.   Additional Program Elements: In addition to the specific program elements described above, the employer’s CTR program shall include additional elements needed to meet CTR goals. Elements may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following:

a.   Provision of preferential parking or reduced parking charges, or both, for high-occupancy vehicles;

b.   Instituting or increasing parking charges for SOVs;

c.   Provision of commuter ride matching services to facilitate employee ride-sharing for commute trips;

d.   Provision of subsidies for transit fares;

e.   Provision of vans for vanpools;

f.   Provision of subsidies for carpools or vanpools;

g.   Permitting the use of the employer’s vehicles for carpooling or vanpooling;

h.   Permitting flexible work schedules to facilitate employees’ use of transit, carpools, or vanpools;

i.   Cooperation with transportation providers to provide additional, regular or express service to the worksite;

j.   Construction of special loading and unloading facilities for transit, carpool and vanpool users;

k.   Provision of bicycle parking facilities, lockers, changing areas and showers for employees who bicycle or walk to work;

l.   Provision of a program of parking incentives such as a rebate for employees who do not use the parking facilities;

m.   Establishment of a program to permit employees to work part- or full-time at home or at an alternative worksite closer to their homes;

n.   Establishment of a program of alternative work schedules such as a compressed work week which will reduce commuting; and

o.   Implementation of other measures designed to facilitate the use of high-occupancy vehicles, such as on-site day care facilities and emergency taxi services. (Ord. 4392, 2-22-93; amd. Ord. 4719, 5-4-98)

10-13-7 RECORD KEEPING:

Affected employers shall maintain all records required by the Planning/Building/Public Works Department for the duration of the CTR Chapter. (Ord. 4392, 2-22-93)

10-13-8 SCHEDULE AND PROCESS FOR CTR REPORTS, PROGRAM REVIEW AND IMPLEMENTATION:

A.  CTR Program: Not more than six (6) months after the adoption of this Chapter, or within six (6) months after an employer becomes subject to the provisions of this Chapter, the employer shall develop a CTR program and shall submit to the City a description of that program for review.

B.  CTR Annual Reporting Date: Employers will be required to submit an annual CTR report to the City beginning with the first annual reporting date assigned during the initial program submittal, the annual reporting date shall be no less than twelve (12) months from the day the initial program description is submitted. Subsequent years’ reports will be due on the same date each year.

C.  Content of Annual Report: The annual progress report shall describe each of the CTR measures that were in effect for the previous year, the results of any commuter surveys undertaken during the year, and the number of employees participating in CTR programs. Survey information or alternative information approved by the Planning/Building/Public Works Department must be provided in the 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003, and 2005 reports.

D.  Program Review: The City shall provide the employer with written notification indicating whether a CTR program was approved or deemed unacceptable.

1.   Initial program descriptions will be deemed acceptable if 1) all required information on the program description form is provided, and 2) the program description includes the following information:

a.   Name, location and telephone number of the Employee Transportation Coordinator for each worksite.

b.   Plan for and documentation of regular distribution of information to employees about the employer’s CTR program at the worksite, including alternatives to driving alone to work.

c.   Plan for and implementation of at least one additional measure designed to achieve the applicable goal.

2.   Annual reports will be deemed acceptable if the annual report form is complete and contains information about implementation of the prior year’s program elements and implementation schedule. Annual reports must also contain a review of employee commuting and report of progress toward meeting SOV goals.

3.   Program Modification Criteria: The following criteria shall be applied in determining requirements for employer CTR program modifications:

a.   If an employer meets either the applicable SOV or VMT goal, the employer has satisfied the objectives of the CTR plan and will not be required to modify the CTR program;

b.   If an employer makes a good faith effort, as defined in RCW 70.94.534(2) and this Chapter, but has not met or is not likely to meet the applicable SOV or VMT goal, the City shall work collaboratively with the employer to make modifications to the CTR program. After agreeing on modifications, the employer shall submit a revised CTR program description to the City for approval within 30 days;

c.   If an employer fails to make a good faith effort, as defined in RCW 70.94.534(2) and this Chapter, and fails to meet the applicable SOV or VMT reduction goal, the City shall work collaboratively with the employer to identify modifications to the CTR program and shall direct the employer to revise its program within 30 days to incorporate the modifications. In response to the recommended modifications, the employer shall submit a revised CTR program description, including the requested modifications or equivalent measures, within thirty (30) days of certified return receipt. The City shall review the revisions and notify the employer of acceptance or rejection of the revised program. If a revised program is not acceptable, the City will send notice (certified return receipt) to that effect to the employer within thirty (30) days and, if necessary, require the employer to attend a conference with program review staff for the purpose of reaching a consensus on the required program. A final decision on the required program will be issued in writing by the City within ten (10) working days of the conference. (Amd. Ord. 4719, 5-4-98)

E.  Extensions: An employer may request additional time to submit a CTR program or CTR annual progress report, or to implement or modify a program. Such requests shall be made in writing prior to the due date anytime the program submission will be more than one week late. Extensions not to exceed ninety (90) days shall be considered for reasonable causes. Employers will be limited to a total of ninety (90) allowed extension days per year. Extensions shall not exempt an employer from any responsibility in meeting program goals. Extensions granted due to delays or difficulties with any program element(s) shall not be cause for discontinuing or failing to implement other program elements. An employer’s annual reporting date shall not be adjusted permanently as a result of these extensions. An employer’s annual reporting date may be extended at the discretion of Planning/Building/Public Works Department.

F.  Implementation of Employer’s CTR Program: Unless extensions are granted, the employer shall implement the approved CTR program not more than one hundred eighty (180) days after the program was first submitted to the City. Implementation of modified programs will occur within thirty (30) days following City approval of such modifications. (Ord. 4392, 2-22-93)

10-13-9 CREDIT FOR TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT EFFORTS:

A.  Credit for Programs Implemented Prior to the Base Year: Employers with successful transportation demand management programs implemented prior to the 1992 base year may apply to the City for program credit.

1.   Employers whose average VMT per employee and proportion of SOV trips are already equal to or less than the goals for one or more future goal years, and who commit in writing to continue their current level of effort, shall be exempt from the following year’s annual report.

2.   Employers applying for the program credit in their initial 1993 program description shall be considered to have met the 1995 CTR goals if their average VMT per employee and proportion of SOV trips are equivalent to a twelve percent (12%) or greater reduction from the base year zone values. This three percentage (3%) point credit applies only to the 1995 CTR goals.

      For the initial year employer requests for program credit are due within three (3) months after notification that the employer is subject to this Chapter. In 1995, 1997, and succeeding goal measurement years, employers will be notified if they qualify for program credit after the City receives the employer’s CTR survey results or equivalent data submittal. The survey or equivalent data used shall conform to all applicable standards established by the CTR Task Force Guidelines. If any of these reports indicates the employer does not satisfy the next applicable goal(s), the employer shall immediately become subject to all requirements of the CTR Chapter. (Amd. Ord. 4719, 5-4-98)

B.  Credit for Work-At-Home, Walking and Bicycle Commuting: For purposes of counting commute vehicle trips, credit for telecommuting, alternative work schedules (excluding flex-time), bicycling, and walking shall be given as established by the CTR Task Force Guidelines. (Ord. 4392, 2-22-93; amd. Ord. 4719, 5-4-98)

10-13-10 GOAL MODIFICATIONS:

A.  Modification of CTR Program Goals: An affected employer may request that the City modify its CTR program goals. Such requests shall be filed in writing at least 60 days prior to the date the worksite is required to submit its program description and annual report. The goal modification request must clearly explain why the worksite is unable to achieve the applicable goal. The worksite must also demonstrate that it has implemented all of the elements contained in its approved CTR program. The City will review and grant or deny requests for goal modifications in accordance with procedures and criteria identified in the CTR Task Force Guidelines. An employer may not request a modification of the applicable goals until one year after City approval of its initial program description and annual report. (Ord. 4392, 2-22-93; amd. Ord. 4719, 5-4-98)

10-13-11 EMPLOYER PEER REVIEW GROUP:

A.  Purpose and Appointment of Members: The city may appoint member(s) from affected employers to regional and subregional employer peer review groups created through interlocal agreement with other jurisdictions. The specific functions of the peer review group shall be determined by the interlocal agreement.

B.  Limitations of Peer Review Group: Any peer review group shall be advisory in nature. The City shall not be bound by any comments or recommendations of any peer review group. (Ord. 4392, 2-22-93)

10-13-12 APPEALS OF ADMINISTRATIVE DECISIONS:

A.  Appeal of Final Decisions:

1.   Employers may file a written appeal of the City’s final decisions regarding the following actions:

a.   Rejection of an employer’s proposed program.

b.   Denial of an employer’s request for a waiver or modification of any of the requirements under this Chapter or a modification of the employer’s program.

c.   Denial of credits requested under Section 10-13-9.

2.   Such appeals must be filed with the City within twenty (20) days after the employer receives notice of a final decision. Timely appeals shall be heard by the City of Renton Hearing Examiner. Determinations on appeals shall be based on whether the decision being appealed is consiste