DNS – Determination of Nonsignificance: An official decision stating that a proposed project is not expected to result in significant adverse environmental impacts, based on the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review.
DNSM – Mitigated DNS: Similar to a DNS, but includes specific mitigation measures (i.e. conditions) required to reduce potential impacts and ensure the proposal will not result in significant adverse effects.
ERC – Environmental Review Committee: The Environmental Review Committee (ERC) is the City of Renton’s designated body responsible for making environmental determinations under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), as authorized by Renton Municipal Code (RMC) Chapter 2-14.
- Acts as the City’s “Responsible Official” under SEPA (per RCW 43.21C and WAC 197-11).
-
Reviews environmental checklists submitted with development applications.
-
Assist in making a threshold determination (e.g., DNS, MDNS, or EIS required).
-
Recommends or imposes mitigation measure to reduce environmental impacts.
NOA – Notice of Application: Issued in accordance with RMC 4-8-090, the NOA informs the public that a development application has been submitted. It typically includes:
-
Mailing notices to nearby property owners (within 300 feet) and relevant agencies.
-
Posting a sign at the project site.
-
Publishing the notice in an official newspaper (e.g., Seattle Times).
Notice of Public Hearing: An announcement that a public hearing will be held—either in person or virtually—before the Planning Commission or Hearing Examiner. This notice includes:
-
Date, time, and location (or link) for the hearing.
-
Posting a sign at the project site. On-site posting and mailing similar to an NOA.
-
Publishing the notice in an official newspaper (e.g., Seattle Times).