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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 12/13/2006 ~ORTANGELES WAS H I N G TON, U. S. A. AGENDA PLANNING COMMISSION 321 East Fifth Street December 13, 2006 6 p.m. I. CALL TO ORDER Pledge of Allegiance led by Chair II. ROLL CALL III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular meetings of October 25 and November 8,2006 . IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS: MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT - MCA 06-01 - CITY OF PORT ANGELES: Various minor amendments to Section 17 (Zoning) of the Port Angeles Municipal Code to logically reorganize existing information, correct oversight errors, and establish that the primary use of zones, particularly commercial and multiple family residential zones, develop as is expected. V. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC VI. STAFF REPORTS VII. REPORTS OF COMMISSION MEMBERS VIII. ADJOURNMENT . PLANNING COMMISSIONERS Chene Kldd (ChaIr), Dave Johnson (VIce ChaIr), KeVin Snyder, John Matthews, Stanley Hams, Werner BeIer, Doc ReISS PLANNING STAFF Mark Madsen, DIrector, Sue Roberds, Planmng Manager, Nathan West, Pnnclpal Planner, Scott Johns, ASSOCIate Planner . . . MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION Port Angeles, Washington 98362 December 13, 2006 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Members Present: Cherie Kidd, Kevin Snyder, John Matthews, Stanley Harris, Werner Beier, Doc Reiss Members Excused: Dave Johnson Staff Present: Sue Roberds, Scott Johns Public Present: Tyler Ahlgren, J . Young CALL TO ORDER Salute to the Flag was led by Commissioner Snyder. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Snyder moved to approve the amended October 25, 2006, minutes as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beier and passed 6 - O. Commissioner Beier moved to approve the November 8, 2006, minutes as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Reiss and passed 6 - O. PUBLIC HEARING: Chair Kidd indicated that those who testify must sign the "Sign In" log and affirm that their testimony will be truthful to the best of their knowledge. MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT - MCA 06-01 - CITY OF PORT ANGELES: Various minor amendments to Section 17 (Zoning) of the Port Angeles Municipal Code to logically reorganize existing information, correct oversight errors, and establish that the primary use of zones, particularly commercial and multiple family residential zones, develop as is expected. Associate Planner Scott Johns presented the Department's report recommending specific amendments to Section 17 (Zoning) of the Port Angeles Municipal Code. He summarized the proposed amendments, noted that most of the amendments are proposed for internal consistency within the existing Code language, and expanded on salient issues. Two specific amendments are proposed to require additional landscaping in parking areas, and to require that commercial activity be located on at least the first floor in commercially zoned areas. The later will ensure that areas designated and zoned for commercial development be available for such development. Until the early1990's, City zoning required that residential use in commercial zones was only permitted on the second floor or above. The requirement was amended in the early . . . Plannmg CommiSSIOn Mmutes December J 3, 2006 Page 2 1990's. Staff is proposing a hybrid at this' time that would still permit residential zoning in commercial areas and would protect existing such development, but would require that ground floor frontage be commercial. Staffis concerned that valuable commercial zoned properties not be lost. Planner Johns explained changes to the planned residential development (PRD) standards that are being recommended as a result of working with the PRD Chapter in detail over the past couple of years. Discrepancies were found in actually working with a PRD project that would not have been otherwise noted. Proposed changes should make the regulations more workable and realistic in their intent to ensure a variety of development opportunities. Additional landscaping is proposed in an attempt to make unappealing parking and travel areas more visually pleasing and environmentally friendly, and should not result in the elimination of parking spaces. Commissioners all agreed that whatever changes are a result, parking should not be eliminated in order to provide landscaping. Commissioner Kidd was concerned that an increase in landscaping may be costly to developers. Staff reiterated that all of the changes are intended to be minor in nature and mainly result in clarification of existing regulations and the reorganization of wording contained within the Code but may be in various sections. Planner Johns noted that, while he is aware that more substantive changes may need to be considered the proposed amendments will at least allow needed correction and tweeking ofthe Code such that when reprinted, it will be more user friendly and updated. This minor amendment process is one that staff tries to accomplish on a yearly basis in order to review and report on issues of concern that are brought up during the year. Chair Kidd opened the public hearing. There being no one present who wished to speak, she then closed the public hearing. Following several questions and answers by staff, Commissioner Reiss moved to recommend that the proposed amendment be approved by the City Council. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Matthews and passed 6 - o. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC None ST AFF REPORTS It was noted that a draft Low Impact Development manual had been distributed. Staff asked that any proposed changes or comments be forwarded to be included in the next draft. REPORTS OF COMMISSION MEMBERS Commissioner Reiss is working on putting together information on impact fees that will be presented at a later date. Commissioner Beier commented regarding a conditional use permit for an accessory . . . Planmng CommISSIOn Mznutes December 13, 2006 Page 3 residential unit approved in late fall, 2006. The permit application materials were lacking in clarity and it was bothersome that the property was for sale as an accessory unit prior to a decision being made on the application. Staff discussed the issues further with the Commission. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. PREPARED BY: S. Roberds I20RTANGELES WAS H I N G TON, USA PLANNING COMMISSION ATTENDANCE KOSTEK AND TESTIl\10NY SIGN-UP SHEET PLEASE SIGN IN Meeting Ag~nda of: btetmue.. /3) ~to To help us provide an accurate record of those in attendance, please sign in. Your signature acknowledges your presence, If you plan to testify, by your signature below, you certify that the testimony given is true and correct under penalty of perjury by the laws of the State of Washington. Signature below DOES NOT REQUIRE you to testify. . NAME: ADDRESS: Agenda Item No. \, I ,L \3o~ ~. V\y<,\- ~:T ?+-\ __;\/0 ~ ~ ~ I ~ If A h \ a r ~V\ \/ j (' -in r-l a 'R ~_ I (J I . . . . - C:\MyFiles\FORMS\Mtgrostpc wpd