HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-10-2004
MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
MAY 10. 2004
The regular meeting of the Planning and Community Development Committee was held in the Council
Chambers and in Conference Room 1 on May 10, 2004. Those members in attendance were as follows:
MEMBERS PRESENT: Sue Singer, Nancy Backus and Lynn Norman
STAFF PRESENT:
Zook
Paul Krauss, Dan Heid, David Osaki, Dan Scamporlina, Dennis Selle and Patti
The meeting was called to order in the Council Chambers by Committee Chair Singer at 5:00 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING
1. WSC04-0007 - Mr. Dennis Johnson and Milton/Linda Grantham (owners); Mr. Dennis Johnson,
Fremantle Development Inc.
Community Development Administrator Osaki presented the staff report. Staff recommends approval
with 10 conditions.
Chair Singer opened the public hearing. The applicants were present, but did not speak and the public
hearing was closed. Councilmember Norman made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Backus, to
recommend approval; Chair Singer concurred.
The meeting recessed at 5:05 p.rn. and reconvened in Conference Room 1
ACTION
1. Approval of Minutes of April 26, 2004 Meeting
Councilmember Backus had a correction to the last page, last paragraph, that Councilmember Norman
should be changed to Councilmember Backus as suggesting that the language be clarified that each dog
and each owner only get one chance. The minutes were approved with the change.
2. Resolution No. 3724 - Olson Farm Operations Plan
Parks Manager Scamporlina presented the staff report and commented that staff is moving forward with
the plan of operation in order to get more funding. Chair Singer asked how the $166,000 per year by
2014 for operation costs compares with the $19,000 level in 2005. She asked how the farm compares to
operating Game Farm Park and if this would be equivalent to another Game Farm Park. How do the two
facilities compare operation cost wise? Would this be similar to operating a community center? What is
the City giving up by doing this? Parks Manager Scamporlina will check and let the Committee know.
The board members see the farm continuing as a heritage for citizens for years to come. Chair Singer
said the City needs to figure out how to pay for the farm for ongoing operations in addition to grants
received.
Mayor advised that Parks staff will operate the farm which will help keep costs down. Staff, supplies,
etc., will begin at the $19,000 level and grow to $166,000 if the farm is managed as envisioned in the
plan. Councilmember Norman made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Backus, to recommend
approval; Chair Singer concurred.
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MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
MAY 10. 2004
DISCUSSION
1. Auburn Downtown Association Request for ROW Use Permit for Sidewalk Displays
Councilmember Norman commented that she worked with the ADA who wanted to have a six month trial
period. City Engineer Selle spoke about the current right of way use permit process and agreed that the
trial period is a good idea. Mayor cautioned that 'A board' signs can limit handicap access on sidewalks.
Councilmember Norman mentioned a downtown city program conference she attended and the seminars
dealt with downtown design and amenities and pointed out consistency if you allow A boards.
The Committee consensus is to allow the request for right of way use permit for sidewalk displays on a
six month trial basis. City Engineer Selle said this matter is also being presented to the Public Works
Committee tonight. Staff will put together draft policies, draft guidelines and meet with the ADA to define
the limits and roles.
Chair Singer would like to see bistro style tables outside some businesses to give the area a friendly
feeling. Mayor is waiting to hear from the ADA about the B Street Plaza and whether to keep it closed or
keep it open.
2. ZOA03-0003 - Amendments to Zoning Ordinance Chapter 18.74, Adult Uses and Ordinance No.
5835
Councilmember Backus commented that she remembers previous discussions about 20%. City Attorney
Heid said that staff had all three percentages listed and these are the ranges seen in ordinances typically
used across the country not just in Washington State.
Planning and Community Development Director Krauss said that the Planning Commission devoted lots
of time to the percentage question. The idea is to keep the threshold low enough to represent a standard
on which adult use regulations kick in. City Attorney Heid advised that the percentage was discussed
during many Planning Commission meetings and they went with the grandfather clause rather than
amortization. Some Planning Commission toured adult use businesses in town and said 10% is as high
as we want to go. The 10% is defensible and is already used by many cities.
City Attorney Heid mentioned Supreme Court decisions that have upheld the regulatory role of cities.
Councilmember Norman expressed appreciation to the Planning Commission for their hard work on this
topic. This matter will be discussed further at the next Committee meeting.
3. Design Standards
Community Development Administrator Osaki mentioned there are a range of ways the City can
implement design standards. He explained how the SEPA process is used to address mitigation
measures related to design. For example, staff asks that the site plan or design plan be provided to the
Planning Director at the building permit stage. He further commented that the City doesn't have a
chapter for design standards in the Zoning Code. He used the City of Puyallup's design standards as an
example and these are integrated with graphics for illustration. In Puyallup, design review is part of the
building permit review process and doesn't prolong the process.
Chair Singer sees the design standards as being easier to administer and staff would not have to fight
with each developer about the requirements. Planning and Community Development Director Krauss
cautioned that you won't be able to spell out design standards for each situation, but you can set criteria.
There would be no surprises for developers. The property owner and developer would know ahead of
time what is required.
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MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
MAY 10. 2004
Councilmember Backus believes that if the City has a reputation as being easy to work with this would
encourage more business for the City. Chair Singer said Auburn deserves good design. She doesn't
want to add a lot more work or expense to the process. Planning and Community Development Director
Krauss said that design review can be done as a code based administrative standard.
Chair Singer commented that the information from Puyallup is interesting to read, however, there are
some guidelines she is not in favor of such as residential design standards unless for large complexes,
and inviting all the neighbors to pre application meetings for multi-family projects. Community
Development Administrator Osaki mentioned that Puyallup's design standards focused on residential
infill which is why their code is so detailed.
Councilmember Norman doesn't want to stifle creativity and likes the new latte stand on A Street SE
which is designed like a coffee pot. It is important to keep what is most unique about the City. Planning
and Community Development Director Krauss spoke about the Safeway gas station and that staff worked
with Safeway to come up with an interesting design to incorporate building elements of the main building.
Planning and Community Development Director Krauss said the next step is to put something together
and come back to the Committee. Chair Singer wants to start simple with simple regulations and add to
these if necessary. She wants something basic.
ADJOURNMENT:
With no further items to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
PCDC\M I N\05A-2004
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