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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-04-2006 MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING April 4. 2006 The regular meeting of the Auburn Planning Commission was held on April 4, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Auburn City Hall. The regular meeting was preceded by a work study session that began at 6:30 p.m. Those in attendance were as follows: MEMBERS PRESENT: Judi Roland, Kevin Chapman, Dave Peace, Renee Larsen, and Joan Mason. MEMBERS ABSENT: Darci Bidman (Excused) STAFF PRESENT: Planning Director Paul Krauss, Development Services Coordinator Steve Pilcher, Senior Planner Elizabeth Chamberlain, Community Development Administrator David Osaki, Planner Stacey Borland, and Assistant Planning Secretary Laura Pierce. 6:30 PM Work Session Proposed Amendment to Fence Heiqht Requlations Mr. Pilcher provided an overview of the proposed amendment that is being considered due to some recent issues with fence heights. The City is looking to amend the current code due to some inequities that have been found as a result of recent annexations. Individuals with homes situated on arterial streets would prefer to have higher fences for increased privacy and security. One of the issues that needs to be addressed in the ordinance is the definition of the front lot line for corner lots. The front lot line will also need to be addressed for through lots. Presently, both street lot lines are considered front lot lines and residents are prohibited from fencing off their front yards with six foot tall fences. The proposed amendment would retain the forty-two inch height restriction for front yard fences that are "solid"; however, the proposed amendment would exclude open fences such as open chain link or wrought iron fences from the forty-two inch height limitation. The open fences could h'ave a maximum height of six feet. The proposed amendment would also allow an extension of the maximum height, for side and rear yards, from three and a half feet to six feet. The amendment will still require compliance with public safety standards; the fence cannot create a site obstruction. Additionally, the amendment will prohibit the use of barbed wire in residential zones unless the property is part of legally established pasture. If the fence includes locking front gates, the owner of the property must provide some sort of MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING April 4. 2006 access device for emergency calls such as police and fire. There have already been three fence height variance requests this year. The main goal of the proposed amendment is to achieve greater privacy on corner lots without compromising safety. A public hearing is anticipated at next month's Planning Commission meeting. Chair Roland requested that diagrams along with examples of fences and lot configurations be provided at the public hearing. Ms. Larsen inquired about the reason for the six (6) foot limit because people and cars are getting taller and she doesn't think that a six (6) foot fence provides adequate privacy. Mr. Pilcher explained that a fence over six (6) feet requires building permits and inspections. Chair Roland asked if there would be any authority to grant an exception to the fence height restrictions based on unique circumstances. Mr. Pilcher advised that individuals with unique circumstances could apply for a variance as they do now. REGULAR MEETING - 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Planning Commission was called to order by Chair Roland at 7:00 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was concurred by the Planning Commission that the minutes of the March 7, 2006 meeting be approved with the following change: Chair Roland requested that page four (4), paragraph six (6) be omitted as she did not make such a statement. She stated that she did not make a request for sample ordinances from surrounding cities because the committee already had such items. Chair Roland requested that in the future, the minutes be emailed in draft format to the committee members prior to mailing. Mr. Krauss advised that this is possible as long as any comments or revisions are returned by a specified date. Ms. Larsen requested that when the minutes are emailed they be sent without the City of Auburn logo as the logo takes too long to open the document. PUBLIC COMMENT None. PLANNING DEPARTMENT REPORT Mr. Osaki discussed several items: 1) Introduction of Elizabeth Chamberlain, a new Planner in the department. -2- MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING April 4. 2006 2) Announcement of the resignation of Ronald Douglass from the Commission and advised that with the addition of Darci Bidman, this leaves one (1) vacancy. 3) Project Ace has begun demolition I development. 4) The Puget Sound Regional Council is embarking on a project called Vision 2020 + 20. This is an update of the regional growth strategy. Puget Sound Regional Council staff will be giving a presentation on the regional planning process at the April 17, 2006 City Council meeting and they have requested that the Planning Commissioners be invited to attend this presentation. Mr. Krauss advised that a week from this Friday, City Council will be having a two day retreat. This retreat is typically a budget retreat, but will be much more involved this year. Council members will be discussing major development over the next 10 years. They will be covering three (3) different growth scenarios: 1) No growth - the current population of 50,000 remains almost the same with a slight increase to 55,000. 2) Some annexations and some economic successes - bringing the population to approximately 80,000.3) Annexation including the North Lake Tapps area - bringing the population to about 116,000. All population estimates to the year 2016. Staff will spend some time at a future meeting discussing the outcome of the retreat and implications for how it might affect issues the Planning Commission will work on in the future. OLD BUSINESS · Deliberation: Commercial vehicle parkinq in residential zones (Public Hearinqs held on February 7.2006 and March 7. 2006). Ms. Borland provided a brief overview of the public hearings that were held on February 7, 2006 and March 7, 2006 regarding commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. At the last public hearing, the Planning Commission requested additional information related to sizes and classes of commercial vehicles. Ms. Borland advised that the information has been researched and is contained in tonight's packet. The classification system is included and outlines what each class includes. Also provided in the packet are the proposed amendments reviewed during the previous meetings. The Planning Department had obtained feedback from City Transportation staff and the Auburn Police Department which includes the recommendation to remove the provision for screening as well as the vehicle classes due to enforcement issues. The latest version of the proposed ordinance includes semi-truck tractors as well as semi-truck trailers. Chair Roland asked to clarify that the recommendation is not to include weight in the ordinance. Ms. Borland advised that this was correct. Mr. Peace made a motion to recommend approval of the ordinance to City Council. Mr. Chapman seconded the motion, but with the addition of a gross weight of 26,001 pounds to include other large commercial vehicles. Mr. Peace asked for clarification of the desired result by adding the weight limit. Would it include other vehicles or would it - 3 - MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING April 4. 2006 define how large the vehicles have to be to be defined as a tractor trailer. Mr. Chapman stated that by adding the weight limit, it takes away the question of what is being addressed in the code and adds other types of large commercial vehicles that don't have a place in residential zones. Ms. Larsen expressed a concern that if other vehicles are being addressed, proper notification has not been sent. Chair Roland clarified that the vehicles being addressed have been defined and now a weight limit is being added to it. Mr. Peace added that 26,000 pounds usually covers tractor trailers, the weight limit just puts a more stringent definition to it. This satisfied the concerns Ms. Larsen had about proper notification. There was no further discussion. All were in favor of the motion. The motion passes. Commissioner Roland thanked staff for the work it had done and information provided tonight. It was what the Planning Commission needed to make its recommendation. Mr. Krauss advised the public in attendance that the next step of the process is to take the code amendment ordinance before City Council with the recommendation of the Planning Commission. PUBLIC HEARING · Amendment to Auburn City Code Title 18, Zoning, related to homeless encampments. Two chapters of the Auburn City Code (ACC) are proposed for amendment including ACC Chapter 18.04 (Definitions) and ACC Chapter 18.46 (Temporary Uses). Mr. Osaki explained that jurisdictions in which "tent cities" have come have had a difficult time confronting this type of land use. Other cities that have not dealt with this issue are adding language to their codes in case these encampments attempt to locate within their jurisdiction. The City of Auburn is looking to do this as well. In January of 2005, there was a one-year moratorium put into effect for permits for these encampments. An additional six months was added to the moratorium in January 2006 to allow additional time to conduct research on the impacts of these encampments on the City. The amendment deals with two chapters of the zoning code: 1) Chapter 18.04- Definitions; and, 2) Chapter 18.46 - Temporary Uses. The amendment includes the addition of a provision in the temporary uses chapter to deal specifically with homeless encampments. Definitions that will be added include: 1) Homeless Encampments, 2) Host Agency and 3) Sponsoring Agency. Among the changes to the temporary uses chapter include: 1) a requirement for early notification of an incoming encampment, 2) a requirement for the sponsoring agency to - 4 - MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING April 4. 2006 hold a public meeting two weeks prior to the submittal of the encampment temporary use permit, and 3) a requirement for the sponsoring agency to provide notice to residents in the surrounding neighborhoods. Among the items that will be addressed during the temporary use permit approval process include: adequacy of facilities, a limit of 100 people, public transportation proximity standards, code of conduct, and a log of occupants. There will be a time limit for the encampment of 90 days, not to exceed 180 days in any two-year period. Health and safety must be maintained. The City would be able to revoke approval if the sponsor agency fails to take action for any violations in the encampment. Chair Roland questioned why we are stating that the encampment cannot exceed 180 days in any two-year period, why not state that it cannot exceed 90 days in any one- year period? Why is it worded this way? Mr. Krauss explained that the goal is to ensure that no single neighborhood is overburdened. The encampment would be permitted to use the full 180 days in one year (providing it is 90 days at a time with down time in between) and would not be permitted to do anything the following year. Ms. Mason asked if it was just a limit of 90 days at one location; could the encampment move to another location for another 90 days? Mr. Krauss advised that the encampment may only exist for 90 days at a time and that if they move, they would need a different host agency. Ms. Larsen asked if the proposed homeless encampment ordinance creates problems if the City falls victim to a natural disaster and many Auburn residents become homeless. Mr. Krauss clarified that changes may be made when the City is operating under a disaster declaration. Mr. Peace asked if residents of the encampments would be permitted to use any safe heating appliances within tents. Mr. Krauss advised that in order to be used, they would have to be approved. If they are designed and licensed for that purpose, they might be allowable. Mr. Peace also addressed the issue of cooking appliances. At this time, the only permitted appliance is a microwave; would barbeque grills be allowed as many churches hold occasional barbeques? Mr. Krauss answered that if the church is holding a barbeque, that it would be no different in this instance. It is expected that the churches have appropriate accommodations for feeding the residents of the encampments. Mr. Chapman addressed the issue of safety and security and wanted to know who would conduct background checks on these individuals. Mr. Krauss answered that the sponsor agency would be responsible for the residents. It would not be feasible to conduct an investigation on each person to determine criminal and mental backgrounds. Thus far, there is only one known incidence where a felon was found in an encampment. The sponsor agency was very cooperative as the agency and the residents do not want felons in the encampments either. Mr. Krauss added that these - 5 - MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING April 4. 2006 individuals are not the people that you typically find on the streets; they are often "borderline homeless" families with children. If any problems arise due to criminals or individuals with mental health problems, there are mechanisms in place for the police to become involved. Mr. Chapman also wanted to know if there is a square foot limit per person requirement. Mr. Krauss advised that determining a minimum size per person is very difficult due to the variety of housing options. Some people will be living in tents, some in RVs, and some in basement of churches depending on accommodation at the site of the encampment. Rather than determining the size per person, we are focusing on ensuring healthy and sanitary conditions. Chair Roland asked if the agencies would be providing a plan of the area that would show the size and dimensions for the encampment. Mr. Krauss answered that when the agency meets with the City under these proposed provisions, that they will be asked to show that the site is appropriate in size and how the encampment will work. The City will ensure that the plan has been thought out. Chair Roland expressed a concern over the amount of time needed prior to establishment of the encampment due to all of the required actions. Mr. Krauss advised that the actions may take place concurrently. Chair Roland inquired as to the notification process for tonight's hearing. Mr. Osaki advised that churches within the City of Auburn have been notified along with SHAREIWHEEL, the standard list of stakeholders, a posting in public places, a publication in the newspaper, and a posting on the City's website. Public Comment: Lynn Ward - (Indicated that she is homeless and has no address) Ms. Ward advised the Commission that she knows many people who sleep in vehicles wherever they can. She wanted to know where a homeless person can go in Auburn to take a shower and wash clothes. Homeless people need a place to go to clean up. They are very glad that there are places to go for meals, but would like to have a place to go for showers and washing clothes so they can be presentable in public. Chair Roland advised Ms. Ward that the topics she is covering don't really address the issue of the tonight's hearing, but that her concerns will be forwarded to staff to work on. Mr. Krauss advised Ms. Ward of the City's desire to establish a one-stop-center that would provide intake and services for everybody. He added that he could recommend putting in such facilities for showering and washing clothes. Ms. Ward also expressed her concerns about places for homeless people to put their trash. She suggested that the City of Auburn establish places where they could go to dump their trash. - 6 - MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING April 4. 2006 Chair Roland thanked Ms. Ward for coming in to talk to the Commission and for bringing these issues to their attention. Ms. Ward advised that she is a client of Seattle Mental Health and that they are always taking new clients. This is a place where people with mental disabilities can go for assistance. . There being no additional comments, the public hearing was closed. Planninq Commission I Staff Discussion: Mr. Peace stated that the issues that seemed to be raised tonight include clarifying the 90 day time limit to make it clear that it applies to one location as well as clarifying language regarding the use of heating appliances within tents. Other than that, everything looks good. Mr. Peace motioned to recommend approval to City Council with the revisions he noted. Ms. Mason seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion passed. ADJOURNMENT With no further items to come before the Commission the meeting was adjourned at 8:04 p.m. - 7 -