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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-13-2007CITY OF ~ ~R_ WASHINGTON PLANNING 8~ COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE August 13, 2007 MINUTES CALL TO ORDER - 5:05 PM, COUNCIL CHAMBERS Chair Lynn Norman called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers located on the first floor of Auburn City Hall, 25 West Main Street, Auburn, WA. Committee members present were: Chair Lynn Norman, Member Wagner and Councilmember Cerino sitting in for Member Backus. Also present were Interim Director, Planning, Building and Community Department David Osaki, Development Services Coordinator Steve Pitcher, Senior Planner Elizabeth Chamberlain, Senior Planner Andy Sheridan, Planner Stacey Borland, Environmental Protection .Manager Aaron Nix, Senior Planner Chris Hankins, City Engineer/Assistant Public Works Director Dennis Selle, City Attorney Stephen King,- Economic Development Manager Dave Baron, Mayor Pete Lewis and Planning Secretary Kirsten Reynolds. Audience Members included: Nancy Wyatt APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. July 23, 2007 Discussion took place regarding the Public Art Funding Option section and one correction was made to the Funding Program Options. The correction was to change the minutes to reflect the wording as outlined in the staff memo for option one as: "Percent of the Art with current funding" maintain current funding commitment of the established program. Monies would be approved through Special Budget, or Budget Adjustment Request on aper-project basis for those artworks or exhibits not associated with capital project development (with a minimum of $30k allotted). Member Wagner moved to approve the minutes from the July 23, 2007 meeting with correction noted as above, seconded by Chair Norman. Minutes approved unanimously 3-0. ACTION A. A Street SE Corridor Rezone - REZ07-0001 Senior Planner Elizabeth Chamberlain talked about the Planning Commission process for arriving at the recommendation to rezone the properties that front A Street SE to C-3, Heavy Commercial, and the remaining properties to B Street SE to C-1, Light Commercial. The Commissioners decided after hearing public testimony that this would Page 1 Planning and Community Development Committee Minutes August 13, 2007 still allow consolidation of lots for a slightly larger development as well as auto uses through the condition use permit process. They felt this would be a better transitional zone. Ms. Chamberlain asked if there were any further questions and/or comments. Member Wagner noted what was discussed at the Public Works Committee as the proposed rezone was presented. Discussed at PWC was access management for properties along A Street SE. Member Wagner moved to recommend approval of A Street SE Corridor Rezone to City Council; seconded by Councilmember Cerino. Motion was approved unanimously 3-0. B. Resolution No. 4225 -Airport Open Space Wetland Mitigation Project Environmental Protection Manager Aaron Nix presented the ESA Adolphson Contract - wetland mitigation plan at the Auburn Airport. This contract would allow staff to develop a wetland mitigation plan for future development on the last remaining open space tracts within the Aubum Municipal Airport complex. Staff has looked at the environmental issues and prepared a plan for a single lot to be developed (half of the southern section of the property). Aaron Nix shared that Adolphson originally worked on the site so they are very familiar with current site conditions. Some questions from the Committee included what the percentage/portion of the site is actually developable. Mr. Nix stated this particular wetland does not contain a significant amount of good wildlife habitat as it is isolated and surrounded by development. The wetland system is predominantly a Class IV. Member Wagner moved to recommend approval of Resolution No. 4225 to City Council; seconded by Councilmember Cerino. Motion was approved unanimously 3-0. IV. DISCUSSION A. Zoning Code Amendments Planner Stacey Borland and Senior Planner Andy Sheridan presented five zoning code amendment topics and sought direction as to whether or not these should be worked on in advance of the overall code update. The first topic, Off-street parking standards for Senior Housing, was discussed as a separate PCD agenda item. The other amendments discussed were: Home Occupation Standards, Industrial Code (Residential Use and Intensive Outside Storage), Manufactured Housing and Adult Uses (Sexually Oriented Businesses). Page 2 Planning and Community Development Committee Minutes August 13, 2007 Staff reviewed the zoning code section on home occupation regulations. The Planning Commission (PC) held a study session on this amendment in July 2006 and this item was placed on hold pending the overall code update. Staff asked for direction on whether or not to forward this item on to the Planning Commission for a public hearing or bring the item back to PCD for further review first. Direction from the Committee was to have the Planning Commission move forward with a public hearing. It was suggested to include verbiage on car alarms to address noise concerns. Councilmember Cerino commented this would be a good tool for code enforcement. Discussion took place around parking allowances and requirements for "grandfathered" home businesses. David Osaki stated that on-street parking cannot be regulated, especially if it is a "grandfathered" business. The second topic involves amending the zoning code to allow for residential use in the M-1 (Light Industrial) zone.. The PC held a public hearing on this amendment in November 2006 with a recommendation of approval with a minor change to exclude residential use in the M-2 (Heavy Industrial) zone. The recommendation was presented to PCDC in November 2006 and February 2007. This item was placed on hold pending the overall code update. Staff asked for direction on whether or not to bring an ordinance back to the Committee. Chair Norman stated that now is a good time to move it forward; the Committee agreed to see this as an action item. An amendment to the industrial code for intensive outside storage is a new code amendment that has not been presented to either the PCDC or the PC. The Committee discussed options presented by staff and determined the need to have a broad definition of what we do not want with regard to intensive outside storage. A conditional use permit should be required in order to apply conditions on a case by case basis. The Committee did not want to have provisions related to parcel size. The Committee would like to see this item move forward now and to review the M1 (Light Industrial) zone developments standards related to outside storage. Staff has begun an initial review of recent changes in state law to develop regulations to address the siting of manufactured homes in residential districts. The new State law prohibits cities from regulating manufactured housing any differently than site built housing. The statute does however grant cities some limited zoning authority over manufactured housing by authorizing cities to impose certain requirements. Staff suggested incorporating language in a model ordinance recommend by Municipal Services Research Center (MSRC) and adopted in part by other jurisdictions. After discussing a draft of proposed new language to incorporate into the zoning ordinance, the Committee was ready to move this forward. Adult uses (or sexually oriented businesses) are regulated by Aubum City Code Chapter 18.74 , adopted by Ordinance No. 5835 in April 2004. At that time a mapping Page 3 Planning and Community Development Committee Minutes August 13, 2007 exercise based upon code changes involving sexually oriented businesses was conducted to ascertain sites within the city limits that could accommodate these types of land uses. After the mapping the total incorporated land, areas were identified that was deemed as acceptable to house an adult land use. Staff suggested waiting until the outcome of the two annexations is finalized prior to undertaking a new mapping exercise to determine potential acceptable areas to house these land uses, and to ascertain if amendments to Section 18.74 of the Zoning Ordinance are needed. This topic will be presented after August 21, 2007 with an enlarged map. B. Senior Housing Off-Street Parking Standards Planner Stacey Borland discussed the Committee's request to increase the parking requirements for senior housing developments. Staff prepared a draft code amendment which increases base parking per unit and adds employee and visitor stall requirements. It would allow for different requirements dependent upon the proximity to public transit and other community services. The parking requirement for nursing homes and assisted living facilities would be adjusted, a decrease for nursing homes and an increase for assisted living facilities. Member Wagner liked all the recommendations except the 50% reduction for senior housing located near public transit or other services; Wagner commented he could support a 25% reduction.. Discussion took place regarding the use of measurements verses percentage and accessibility. Other topics discussed included offering a flex car as one option and/or better accessibility to shuttles as another option. Also discussed was if there was a development listed as part Assisted Living and part Nursing Home, staff would utilize a parking percentage rule to determine the requirement, as is done with other mixed uses. The Committee recommended forwarding this on to the Planning Commission. C. Les Gove Community Center Director Daryl Faber briefly discussed the advantages and disadvantages to building the new Les Gove Community Center facility "green"; it will be encouraged. Mr. Faber and staff examined the gymnasium height as potentially increasing to 27 feet high. There will be a trade off of five old meeting spaces between the Parks Recreation and Administration Building (PRAB) and the new center. ARC Architects submitted a quick estimate on the cost of an under ground parking structure. They will be working on a contract with the nearby church to utilize their parking space. Discussion took place regarding the physical placement and look of the new Community Center and Gymnasium. There were several groups involved with programs polled for their opinions, including staff. Administration space was discussed; Mayor Lewis commented that it will be imperative that the public space is the priority. The Committee Page 4 Planning and Community Development Committee Minutes August 13, 2007 asked for a realistic cost analysis from ARC Architects before any decisions would be made. Mr. Faber will present a draft and attached Resolution at the first September meeting. A brief conversation took place regarding the B Street Plaza, which was placed on the agenda as an informational piece. Parks Director Faber stated that the tables have been secured. There were issues with the underneath lighting and bollards, that work has not been accomplished. The no smoking allowances have not been changed; Daryl Faber reported this topic is currently going through the Parks Board. Mayor Lewis stated he would like to see the no smoking in parks move forward as only allowed in restricted areas, such as areas for public events and urban environments. Mr. Faber also announced that the Theater Plan would be ready for presentation at the next PCD meeting in August. The Park Plan will be presented in September or October. A draft will be supplied to PCD in a matrix format sooner. D. Downtown Plaza Sidewalk Design Chair Norman started the discussion with a PowerPoint presentation created by Mayor Pro Tem Singer; the presentation showed various pictures taken on sidewalk tour through Redmond Town Center and Kent Station attended by Chair Norman, Mayor Pro Tem Singer, Councilmember Backus and the Mayor. Chair Norman reviewed pictures that displayed model design techniques with various types of materials used. Also included was a representation of desirable sidewalk widths, edges, transitions (it was suggested that transitions should be a simple as possible) and crosswalks (both stamped and scored concrete). There were in-depth discussions regarding all the topics. The Committee suggested to keep existing corner "bulbs" and not use corner cuts. The use of planter pots and planting strips were discussed; the planter pots were favored as being more versatile and requiring less maintenance. It was also recommended that the plaza should be a part of the larger street concept by carrying the same materials into the street and the intersection corners. Amenities such as water features, benches, public art and trees were recommended to be incorporated. The Committee recommended that the skywalk connecting the future City Hall annex building to City Hall to be open, but covered, and that it should be curved to match curvature of the plaza. The roof should be made of steel and glass with a slanted or pitched roof, coordinated with the look and feel of the Sounder station, but not the pagoda look. The width of the walkway should be approximately 12 feet. There was discussion regarding whether an outside staircase to the skywalk from the City Hall Plaza would be useful and/or too costly. The skywalk would need to be discussed with Jeff Oliphant. Page 5 Planning and Community Development Committee Minutes August 13, 2007 The large gathering spaces at Kent Station where people can sit, visit, and congregate was viewed as favorable. It was noted that the large concrete slabs showed cracks more so the two by two scoring pattern. Also noted at Kent Station was the various fencing used by the restaurants to denote outdoor seating The different treatments provided visual interest. At the end of the PowerPoint presentation a summary was reviewed. The summary listed what the group liked about the two projects and would like to see incorporated in Auburn. This presentation was asked to be provided to Jeff Oliphant. After the review of the summary, Mayor Lewis. asked staff if they had any questions regarding how to carry out the design process. Discussion resulted in the following direction: • The width of the existing sidewalks on Main Streetwill not be adjusted. • A single row of brick pavers should be lined perpendicular between the curbs and the two by two ft. scored concrete squares. • The crosswalks will also be constructed of two by two ft. scored concrete squares with stamped concrete perpendicular to the concrete squares. The crosswalks will be outlined by a white stripe to denote the boundary of the crosswalks. • The group also discussed the trellises at the intersection of Auburn Avenue and Main Street, so pedestrians can have shelter from the rain; these trellises could be made of plastic as an option, representing a similar look to the skywalk. • Trees and other vegetation in the pots should be placed in the direct _ plaza/promenade area. • If stamped concrete has any color it should be very similar to normal concrete coloring, no bold colors. • Lighting is to be shorter, scaled down and should incorporate uplighting. • Parking stalls on Main Street should be separated by a concrete gutter. • Driveway access should flow just as the sidewalks do, with the same look of materials just lowered for drive access. Next steps will be for staff to coordinate and bring something back to the PCD Committee for further review and/or approval. Staff will bring to the committee renderings of the sidewalk design, crosswalk design, and intersection treatments. The Skywalk and plaza will require more design, with outside consultants involved. Page 6 Planning and Community Development Committee Minutes August 13, 2007 V. VI. INFORMATION A. One Stop Shop -there are two sites currently being reviewed the One Stop Shop location. The Committee did not support having it located at the Les Gove site. The second site is located north of Wells Fargo with access to existing parking facilities. The existing building could also be modified to meet the needs of the one stop shop. Also surrounding uses serve the same population as the one stop shop would serve. The committee prefers the second site. B. Neighborhood Grant Program -The application should be modified to allow situations where applicants would not need to go through step two. Change that "required" wording. Guidelines should also be given for how to account volunteer time as a match. Process paragraph should indicate that decisions will usually be made in 30 days. Staff to make the necessary changes and proceed with implementing the new application form. C. Wayfinding Status Update -Because of the grant requirements, the creation of the signs has to be contracted out. Once the materials are built and ordered from an outside agency the City will be able to add/delete information as necessary. D. Temporary Use Permits -staff could work with agencies that do host events (i.e. carnival) to disclose that information at the initial business license stage or through the renewal process. The committee determined that a temporary use permit is still needed to determine that safety concerns are addressed for these events. There will not be a fee for non-profit organizations. E. Auburn Downtown Association (ADA) / 6 Street Plaza -this was reviewed earlier in the meeting after Parks Director Faber's presentation on Les Gove Community Center. There were a few questions on the budgeting numbers. F. PCDC Status Matrix - the matrix was reviewed line by line and updates made. Dave Baron reported briefly that there should be an update on Robertson property at the next meeting; the project. manager is coming Thursday, August 16, 2007 to meet with him. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Planning and Community Development Committee, Chair Norman adjourned the meeting at 8:03 p.m. APPROVED THE ~`` DAY OF ~ •n s~~~ ~-~' ---~~~ p ,~ ~n ; Lynn~No an, Chair Page 7