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Ring Lake Estates reapplication paused pending wetlands and wastewater reviews
Summary
Staff told the commission that a reapplication for the Ring Lake Estates subdivision remains on hold while Ecology reviews potential vernal wetlands and the developer addresses wastewater capacity and a likely on‑site lift station; staff said investigations will likely occur in spring and the project may not return until next year.
Planning staff reported on a reapplication discussion for the Ring Lake Estates subdivision proposal on the south edge of Medical Lake and said two technical issues — wetlands and wastewater capacity — remain unresolved.
The applicant first filed in late 2023 and the city denied the subdivision application in 2024 for insufficient information, staff said. At a recent reapplication conference Ecology, transportation, fire and public‑works staff were present; Ecology believes additional vernal wetlands may be present and asked the applicant to commission a wetland specialist for survey and report during the wet season. Staff said Ecology expects such field work to occur in April, and a formal reapplication would follow after Ecology completes its review.
Wastewater capacity is the other major constraint. Staff explained the site would connect to the Jefferson line feeding the Lakeshore lift station and that both the lift station and downstream line are at capacity. “One of the things that is required when you’re reviewing development is we have to make sure that we can provide for that, and we can’t under current circumstances,” planning staff said. Staff said the applicant could pay to construct improvements elsewhere in town to create system capacity; the city is not interested in upsizing the Lakeshore line. The city’s engineer also indicated a lift station on site would likely be required because of topography.
Staff summarized the likely path: applicant to hire a wetland specialist and provide Ecology’s report; applicant and engineer to develop a wastewater solution (which could include paying for off‑site work or building on‑site infrastructure); and a reapplication when those issues are resolved. Staff said the earliest further field work would likely occur in spring and that the commission should not expect a formal application before next year.
The commission asked whether the on‑site lift station would be required; staff replied, “My understanding is they would need a lift station on‑site.” Staff also said the applicant previously discussed constructing an off‑site improvement in another part of town to create capacity rather than enlarging the Lakeshore line.
There was no formal action by the commission on this item; staff presented the update for information.
