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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 09/28/2011ROLL CALL MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION Port Angeles, Washington 98362 September 28, 2011 6:00 p.m. Members Present: Nancy Powers, Amanda Anderson, David Miller, Doc Reiss, John Matthews, Tim Boyle Sissi Bruch, Members Absent: None Staff Present: Sue Roberds, Nathan West, Heidi Greenwood Public Present: Vern Peters PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair Reiss opened the regular meeting at 6 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Bruch moved to approve the August 24, 2011, regular meeting minutes as submitted. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Matthews and passed unanimously. WORK SESSION: Potential Municipal Code Amendments Titles 5 (Business Licenses), 14 (Parking), 15 (Environment). 16 (Subdivision) and 17 (Zoning). Planning Manager Sue Roberds began discussion of potential Municipal Code Amendments by reviewing a staff memorandum outlining each proposed amendment and providing background for the proposals. Commissioners and staff participated in detailed discussion regarding a proposal to include independent "practitioners" in the ratio of parking required for dentists and doctors as the current trend is that such independent contracting professionals are often included along with their patients in a professional practice while current Parking Ordinance requirements do not account for such activities. Independent contractors often see patients who do not also see the doctor /dentist during a visit, so the patient load is in addition to that historically counted in the doctor /assistant /patient ratio found within the City's existing parking regulations and can result in a significant increase. It was determined that two additional off street parking spaces should minimally provide for those independent contractors. Staff began a discussion regarding an increase in fence height by explaining that current regulations restrict the maximum fence height within the City to 6 feet within setback areas. However, fence height can exceed 6 feet if structural setbacks are observed and a building permit is obtained. Staff have fielded many inquiries over past years as to the potential to deviate from Planning Commission Minutes September 28, 2011 Page 2 the 6 foot maximum for security and aesthetic purposes. Many people are able to see over a 6 foot fence which is sometimes bothersome to neighbors, while some situations involve people who wish to establish a full fence height for privacy but also wish to provide a lattice work or some other support material above the fence for vegetation or aesthetics. Planning Manager Roberds provided information from several other municipal resources indicating that more common regulations do not permit a fence height of 6 feet in front yard areas and do provide for fences beyond 6 feet under certain conditions. Staff is proposing that the City amend its very standardized and outdated fence height regulations by adopting more commonly observed standards. Most communities restrict a fence within the front yard setback area to no more than 4 feet in height with provisions to rise up to 8 feet at the rear of a property Vern Peters, 222 N. Chambers Street spoke of a desire to increase the maximum fence height to include a 2 foot lattice work along the top mainly for aesthetics. He wishes to have the 6 foot fence height along the side of his property for privacy he lives on a corner lot while providing a 2 foot lattice along the top for aesthetics. Following discussion regarding vision setbacks on driveways, streets, and alleys, staff said they would work on the wording adjusting fence heights per discussion and would include a vision drawing for reference in the final proposal. The Commission concurred that staff should finalize the propose wording and prepare for a public hearing on the issues as proposed. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC None STAFF REPORTS Director West stated that staff have received 60% drawings for the Waterfront Transportation Improvement Plan (WTIP). By the end of November it is expected that plans will be received for improvements to include improvements to the Race Street corridor which may include a median or boulevard design to enhance travel south toward the National Park Headquarters, a design for redevelopment of the east entryway area at the apex of Front and First Streets, and an entryway proposal for the Morse Creek entrance area. Comments received regarding the first wayfinding signs were that some improvement is needed particularly with the contrast wording not being sufficient as the signs are hard to read and they are quite busy In response to Commissioner Powers, Mr West explained that the Gateway parking garage is not owned by the City, but is owned by Clallam Transit and run by Jack Heckman of Budget Rent A Car. He would review the parking charges at the garage relative to established agreements. City staff have worked continually to review and re review the proposed Shoreline Master Program amendments but have not as yet reached agreement with the Department of Ecology staff on many issues. It is hoped to have a solid draft for Commissioners to review in October following additional modifications. The Department of Ecology is providing staff with an early review of the draft to determine whether the agencies are aligned which will result in less Planning Commission Alnunes September 28, 2011 Page 3 revision during the final review and approval by the Department of Ecology It is important to have a document that is approvable when the Commission reviews the materials. Commissioners asked if any negative impacts had been reported as a result of the recent sprint boat events. Staff said that the applicant in that matter would be providing a follow up up date soon. REPORTS OF COMMISSION MEMBERS Commissioner Miller indicated that he would not be present for the November meeting. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7.25 p.m. 4 1? rPit Sll ue Roberds, ecretary Doc Reiss, Chair PREPARED BY S. Roberds