HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-13-2007CITY OF ~
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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
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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).
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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