HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-06-2000MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
JULY 6,200~0
The regular meeting of the Planning Commission was held on July 6, 2000 at 7:00 p.m. in the
Council Chambers of the Auburn City Hall. Those in attendance were as follows:
MEMBERS: Garna Jones, Dave Peace, Karen Ekrem, Bill Taylor, Peter DiTuri, Dan Rollins
STAFF ·
Brown
Lynn Rued, David Osaki, Sean Martin, Jeff Dixon, Betty Sanders, and Carolyn
The following members were absent:
Fred Helser
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Dave Peace.
It was concurred by the Planning Commission that the minutes of the June 6, 2000 meeting is
approved as mailed.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. File No. ZOA0008-00 - Comprehensive Zonin.q Changes
Chairman Peace called for the Public Hearing to begin. He called for staff and Sean Martin,
Planner I moved to the podium. There was a question on the file number and the file number
was clarified. 'The object of these changes is to clarify zoning, and staff is initiating changes in
10 areas. Planner Martin displayed a vicinity map with the areas highlighted. The amendments
to zoning seek to align the zoning and implement the long-range comprehensive plan. Planner
Martin said there would be discussion on each area and comments will be accepted after each
section.
Exhibit B1 - reservoir property on Lea Hill and with the recent annexation has been incorporated
into the City of Auburn. The zoning is to be changed to reflect the Lea Hill zoning designations.
Staff recommends approval.
Chairman Peace asked Planner Martin to reiterate what the property was. Planner Martin
stated that it is an existing reservoir.
There were no comments. Moved to approve.
Exhibit B2 - the 61-acre Olson Canyon Park site. Located adjacent to the Golf Course. There
were no comments. Moved to approve.
Exhibit B3-a thirty-one acre site which is being changed in order to facilitate future development
of storm water utility holding facility. There were no comments. Moved to approve.
Exhibit B4 - Lakeland Hills Park. 5 acres dedicated to the City in 1993 by statute of warranfy.
Changing the zoning from the R2 blanket zoning that was applied to this entire area. There
were no comments. Moved to approve
Exhibit B5 - 6.69-acres of unclassified area in Lakeland Hills. R2 is to the east of Lakeland Hills
Way. This area was unclassified so staff seeks to align to R2 and R4 to underlying R4, which is
the zoning to the west of Lakeland Hills Way.
Chairman Peace asked for clarification of the area. Planner Martin stated that it is a small sliver
of land that remained unclassified until the road was completed through the area. Chairman
Peace asked if there is a separate action on the R4 area. Per Planner Martin staff currently is
working on a proposal for a PUD project in that area that extends int° the City of Pacific. Staff
is currently evaluating the SEPA for the project. There were no comments. Moved to approve.
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Exhibit B6- represents an unclassified zone remnant from 1968 annexation. It is an 81-acre
parcel that lies east of Lakeland Hills. The zoning Unclassified assumes the same as
residential zoning R1, with the same developmental standards. The change in zoning is a
nomenclature change. Planner Martin explained that the lines on the exhibit map represent
different tax parcels and 81 acres is the total of the parcels. The undeveloped lands have not
been platted or subplated. Planner Martin explained that Lakeland Hills is a special planning
area. Staff does not have a formal request for development at this time. Moved to approve.
Exhibit B7 - the Auburn Airport property, which the City acquired in 1997. Staff is
recommending a rezone to LF-landing field. Planner Martin read a letter from Aliza, Inc. into
the records, regarding their property to the south of the airport. They are concerned as to any
affect on the property. Discussed how rezone would affect the C3 height restriction, which
already exists due to the airport flight pattern. Planner Martin stated that he spoke with the
property owner and discussed the runway and approach zones. The proposal has no intention
or ability to alter the runway, easements or approach zones. Commission member Jones
asked about height restrictions. Planner Martin demonstrated the angle of the flight path.
Proposal does not affect the easements or height on adjacent property. There was no other
public testimony. Moved to approve.
Exhibit B8 - an area approximately 42 acres in size. It is located in the north part of Auburn and
south of 277th Street. Staff recommends a rezone of the Thomas Academy holdings from R1 to
I- institutional. Also, included is a rezone of parcels that have frontage on Auburn Way North in
order to be consistent with the C3 zoning along that street. The City is also rezoning any
parcels that are R1 to M1 in accordance with the Comprehensive plan. The area is contiguous
with industrial property to the south and the west. In the existing M1 zone the predominant land
use is vacant and some single family homes. The change would make the single-family
residences non-conforming. The current landowners would be exempt as a non-conforming
use. If a single family home were to be destroyed in that area, it would be able to be rebuilt.
Member Jones asked for clarification. Planner Martin discussed the replacement. Single family
homes are exempt City wide. Planner Martin read into the minutes a letter from Douglas and
Joan Graham, regarding the change from R1 to M1. The letter stated that they knew a rezone
could take place, but thought the property owner had to initiate the request. They request that
the City not approve the rezone of their property that doesn't have to be condemned due to the
building of 277th. The past records and the documentation indicates that the City staff did tell
property owners that they could initiate the action. But there is also documentation that states
the City can initiate a rezone. Commission member Dan Rollins noticed a change in the
Institutional boundary. Why the change? Per Planner Martin, the Thomas Academy asked for
the change in boundary. They would like to sell part of the property where a house exists and
Would like the different zoning designation. Member Rollins asked also, what about the
Grahams. Concern was over the premise that the City staff had stated that the rezone after the
annexation would not take place. No documentation regarding that statement.
Chairman Peace asked for public comment. Mr. Don Schnitger of 911 S 277t~ Kent, asked to
be heard. Stated that his property will be taken in order to widen the road (S. 277t~). He
indicated on the map where he lives. Wanted to know how the rezone would affect property
values. He has also talked to Mr. Graham. Mr. Graham has indicated that the City wants 600
to 800 feet of his property for grading, detention ponds, etc. Mr. Graham is also worried about
higher taxes. Mr. Schnitger wanted to discuss the price offered on his property. Assistant
Planning Director Lynn RUed commented that the board cannot discuss the price, and will not
speculate whether or not zoning will increase or decrease value. The City hires a consultant /
appraiser who comes up with a price. There was a discussion about other neighbors on 280t~
and regarding their options. Chairman Peace said the Planning Commission cannot comment
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on values. Commission Member Ekrem stated this action tonight has nothing to do with the
proposed road construction. Commission member DiTuri asked who does the appraisal.
Assistant Planning Director Rued stated that Scott Nutter of the Public Works Department is the
person to talk to. There is a City process and it needs to be followed. Mr. Schnitger asked
what type of building could be put up in M1 zoning. Assistant Director discussed what could be
put on this land.
Charles Steiner of 4624 'B' Street NW, pointed out his property on the map. He is currently
trying to sell his property. There are no utilities and without utilities in the property his land
value is down.
Moved to approve.
Exhibit B9-Auburn Way South from Hemlock to Nobel near Winchester Heights. The City is
imposing the C1 zoning for property currently zoned CN. In the past, any rezones have been
by property owner request. Staff knows there is a need for a greater variety of uses. C1 does
not provide automobile oriented business, i.e. drive through. This action will rezone the
remainder to the predominant zoning. Planner Martin defined the zoning.
Robert of Beatty of 3435 Auburn Way South had questions on an easement by his property.
The zoning in that area is R3. Planner Martin pointed out only a small sliver is being rezoned.
Mr. Beatty asked if there would be access to lots. Access, per Planner Martin, is best
addressed through Public Works.
Moved to approve.
Exhibit B10- 3.5-acres that serves as a transitional area between the commercial area of West
Main Street and 2"d Street NW. Staff recommends to change from M2 - Heavy Industry to R4-
Multi family use and single family use. There can also be limited commercial activities through
the Conditional use process. This change will align the zoning with the underlying
Comprehensive Plan zoning. The plan is for this to be a transitional area. There are 18
parcels, and 14 have single family homes. Under current zoning they are considered a non-
conforming use. Planner Martin indicated this area on the map. Discussed the current uses.
There are two businesses in the area that would become non-conforming with the zoning
change. Some homes have been identified as historical. Potentially, under M2 zoning, single
family homes could be lost. Member Taylor asked why was R-4 zoning decided on and not R-
2? R4 allows for a higher occupancy but is still in the zoning plan. Planner Martin pointed out
the 4 lots that are in the historical inventory. There was some discussion about the tax parcels.
Chairman Peace called for comments.
Mr. Jay Kizek, of 907 128t" Street NW in Puyallup, WA. His parents own the undeveloped
parcel. Stated City staff has only recommended the R4 zoning destination. Is R4 a good buffer
between industrial and commercial? He feels the railroad tracks would be an attractive
nuisance if property were developed to R4-Multiple. Stated the rezone should be changed to fit
the area. Does M2 permit outright office space? Per Assistant Planning Director Rued an
office would need 50,000 square feet of space, and would not be permitted outright. Mr. Kizek
asked about the age of the homes in that neighborhood. Planner Betty Sanders addressed the
question of the age of the homes. One was built in the 1890's and the rest in the teens,
twenties and thirties. Chairman Peace addressed the Comprehensive Plan action and
discussed the process of the Comprehensive Plan zoning. Ordinarily the plan comes first and
then the changes come after.
Chairman Peace asked if there was any more public testimony. No one else responded.
Discussion by the committee on other possible zones that could be in the area.
At this time Chairman Peace closed the public hearing.
The discussion continued regarding the truck traffic along 'H' Street. Member Rollins stated
that he would like to see the block by 'H' Street stay zoned M-2. The block by West Auburn
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JULY 6, 2000
High School could change. Planner Osaki stated that areas near downtown were to be set-
aside for Multi family housing. An alley divides the block between 'H' Street & 'G' Street. After
a discussion on the area, Member Jones stated she would like to see the alleyway be the
zoning division for the block. Chairman Peace asked if the 'H' Street side could stay M2.
Assistant Planning Director Rued said the Commission could recommend any changes or
modifications and refer them back to Council. Planner Martin stated that the idea is to maintain
a residential area.
Discussion followed on the sustainability of the neighborhood as a viable residential area.
General discussion on the railroad and if the Union Pacific is also increasing speeds.
Discussion on zoning issues. ·
After more discussion Chairman Peace asked for a motion. Member Rollins proposed that for
area B-10, all 'H' Street frontages stays as presently zoned M-2. Per Assistant Planning
Director Rued, M-2 zone is least restrictive. C-1 provides wider range of uses. Member Ekrem
would like to recommend the 'H' Street parcels rezone to C-1. Assistant Planning Director
Rued said the committee could exclude those parcels from the action. Member Rollins
modified his motion to exclude the 'H' street parcels from the Rezone on area B-10 as written.
Seconded by Member DiTuri. Motion carried. Chairman Peace asked to move on B1 - B9.
Member Jones moved to approve the 2000 Comprehensive Zoning Map amendments B1
through B9. Seconded by Member DiTuri. Motion passed.
2. Kin,q County County-wide Planninq Policies (CPP)
Chairman Peace opened the public hearing. Principal Planner David Osaki gave the staff
report regarding amendments to the CPP. It is a requirement of King County GMA that each
area adopts the comprehensive plan. One of the policies of The Growth Management Planning
Council was the adoption of the Countywide planning polices and targeted housing growth.
1994 King County installed the Growth Management Planning Council. Included in those
policies were housing targets. By 2012 jurisdictions should obtain those goals. Local
jurisdictions have to ratify, based on population. Decision needs to be made by jurisdictions by
October. To do nothing is also to say yes.
Discussed the assignment of housing units and what defines a housing target. Principal
Planner Osaki discussed the formula used by King County. In a highly developed area it will be
hard to achieve the goals.
Member Taylor asked what happens if targets aren't met. Per Principal Planner Osaki it is
technically a non-binding requirement. The county can take a jurisdiction to task if the numbers
are off. The CPP is to estimate the rate of growth and it substitutes the buildable lands for the
GMA. Auburn is tracking land use activity per state mandate for construction by 2001-2002.
The state is tracking the achievements of jurisdictions regarding the housing targets. Member
Taylor asked about water. Principal Planner Osaki stated that water was and is an issue. No
one could foresee that water would not be available. Member DiTuri asked if the City is
meeting the schedule? Principal Planner Osaki said the implication is there but these are 20-
year targets. Member Taylor asked by what authority. The GMA says that counties will be
assigned specific population targets and different jurisdictions will try to meet the housing
targets.
Chairman Peace called for any questions or comments. None were given. Chairman Peace
then called for a motion. Member Ekrem moved to postpone to the next meeting. Also, wanted
to know what if the commission votes no? Principal Planner Osaki said this will still go to
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Council and the commission does not have to vote Yes. The committee can recommend a no
action or a no vote to the City Council.
Chairman Peace asked about the housing numbers so far. Principal Planner Osaki said these
2000 housing units can be achieved. He said it has been since 1994 and the City is probably
close to achieving the goal. Undeveloped PAA can potentially make the target.
Motion to accept by Member Ekrem and Member Rollins seconded. Concurrence by the
committee.
CALL FOR PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. ANX00-0003 - Miller
Member Rollins moved to call for public hearing on ANX00-0003-Miller.
Taylor.
Seconded by Member
2. ANX00-0004 - Holt/Cobble Creek
Member Rollins moved to call for public hearing on ANX00-0003-Miller. Seconded by Member
Taylor
DISCUSSION:
1. Sensitive Areas Ordinance
No discussion as this was .discussed at the workshop.
2. DowntOwn Plan
Member Rollins commented on the Downtown Plan and how it was well put together.
Associate Planner Sanders Said she would highlight areas for discussion at the next meeting.
Then the commission can have a workshop.
Associate Planner Sanders stated that these are suggestions, and once adopted then
standards are developed. About 16 people took part on the Down Town Task force for 2 years.
Two members of the Planning Commission, Peter DiTuri and Karen Ekrem were on the Task
Force. A lot of discussion and thought went into the plan.
Chairman Peace said to pick a date for a workshop. Member Rollins asked about the
September meeting. Associate Planner Sanders needs to discuss a time with the consultant.
Agreed to set a workshop date at the August Planning Commission meeting.
3. Comprehensive Plan Amendments
Tabled until a future meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
With no further items to come before the Commission the meeting was adjourned at 9:35pm.
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