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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-06-2004 MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING APRIL 6, 2004 The regular meeting of the Planning Commission was held on April 6, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Auburn City Hall. The regular meeting was preceded by a study session that began at 6:30 p.m. Those in attendance were as follows: MEMBERS: Dave Peace, Karen Ekrem, Ronald Douglass, Renee Larsen, Yvonne Ward, Kevin Chapman and Joan Mason STAFF: David Osaki, Bill Mandeville and Patti Zook The meeting was called to order by Chairman Karen Ekrem. STUDY SESSION at 6:30 p.m. · Population Projections Community Development Administrator Osaki provided information about the update of the Growth Management Act. Certain data contained in the Plan is to be updated including elements and tables and he spoke about which numbers are to be included. Growth and population are very important components of the GMA update. He referred to a letter the City received from the 1000 Friends of Washington. Planner Mandeville gave a PowerPoint presentation and explained the reasons for the estimate which is the anticipated growth and the land inventory that identifies anticipated capacity. These estimates are used by the City and non-city agencies to size future programs, facilities, and infrastructure. The figures are frequently used by developers, other agencies, and State and Federal agencies. He then described the housing unit methodology which is used each year. Discussion occurred regarding the housing numbers used by the State Office of Financial Management. Planner Mandeville explained what is meant by the 'baby boomer effect'. He spoke about the southwest Lea Hill, Lakeland and Kersey 3 planning assumptions and their historical growth rate. He explained why the increase in population may not match the increase in households. Discussion occurred about forecasting the need for additional police and fire with the growing population and the cost of providing public facilities. REGULAR MEETING at 7:00 p.m. DISCUSSION · 2004 Comprehensive Plan Update · Buildable Lands · Housing and Employment Targets Community Development Administrator Osaki mentioned the buildable lands concept was an amendment to the GMA and was the result of concerns from the development community that government didn't have a clear idea of the amount of developable lands in their urban growth areas. All cities, towns, counties now have to document the amount of land available. Community Development Administrator Osaki showed an overhead of RCW 36.70A.215 related to buildable lands. The development community was concerned about under utilization of land and if cities are using land as efficient as could be. If not, governments are to look at measures to increase density. Community Development Administrator Osaki showed overhead of RCW 36.70A.115 which he reviewed. The update of City's Comprehensive Plan this year will incorporate the new population targets. - 1 - MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING APRIL 6, 2004 Community Development Administrator Osaki showed an overhead of buildable lands and reviewed the points. The years 1996-2000 were a period of high development and extreme growth for the Eastside. He showed an overhead of residential capacity analysis and employment capacity in relation to targets and Auburn has done well on these targets. There are new population targets now in effect for 2001 to 2022 based on City limits as of two years ago. He reviewed the information in some detail. The capacities should be consistent with Auburn's water and sewer plans. He spoke about negotiations among the cities to achieve target numbers. In response to KC's inquiries about Auburn designated as an urban center, Community Development Administrator Osaki commented that the City will focus growth on downtown. Concentrate growth and employment in downtown which helps to protect other parts of the community from high density development. City's strategy is to focus more on downtown. Commissioner Larsen wondered where the new population coming from and if Auburn knew which culture or environment they were coming from, the City could make easier for them and this may affect what types of housing to plan for. Planner Mandeville said new residents are coming from Eastern Washington, the southwest, California and immigrants from all over. ADJOURNMENT With no further items to come before the Commission the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. PCIAGND\MIN 04-2004 - 2 -