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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 04/23/2014 MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION Port Angeles, Washington 98362 April 23, 2014 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Members Present: Thomas Davis (by phone), Tim Boyle, Duane Morris, Scott Headrick, George Reimlinger Members Absent/Excused: David Miller Staff Present: Sue Roberds, Scott Johns, Heidi Greenwood Public Present: Cameo Little PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair Headrick opened the regular meeting at 6:00 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Reimlinger moved to approve the April 9, 2014, regular meeting minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Boyle and passed 5 -0 with Commissioner Davis abstaining due to absence at that meeting. PUBLIC HEARING: MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT—PROPOSED MIXED COMMERCIAL USE OVERLAY: - The overlay zone is intended to provide alternative zoning regulations that permit and encourage design flexibility through the implementation of smart growth practices to promote redevelopment, infill, and functional innovation in mixed commercial developments. Chair Headrick opened discussion on the agenda item. Associate Planner Scott Johns responded to a series of questions from Planning Commissioners regarding opportunities for an increase in height that is provided through the Mixed Commercial Use Overlay (MCO). Questions and discussion ensued regarding stormwater planning bonus, height bonus, and landscaping standards. Director West provided a response to Commissioner Reimlinger as to how design expertise would be evaluated in consideration of an MCO. Mr. West said that the design process will involve selling the design to the neighborhood and creating an environment that is compatible with the neighborhood in which the project exists. Director West noted that trained professionals use certain tools to review site plans and architects are trained to address specific development standards. Planning Coinmh"ion Minutes April 23,2014 Page 2 Commissioner Morris noted that good projects require some subjectivity. He would like to see the pre application notification public meeting that is held by the proponent require notice to a larger area than 300 feet. Director West noted that the 300 foot notice area is consistent with other overlay district notification requirements. Although notice is mailed to an area 300 feet around a site, the site is also posted such that anyone in the area will notice the posting and placed in the local newspaper. Discussion continued relative to transportation aspects, integration of this type of project into established neighborhoods and how other overlay zones function. Chair Headrick opened the public hearing. Cameo Little, 183 South Morse Lane, works for Olympic Medical Hospital. She believes that the review process and requirements of the proposed overlay will allow productive interaction between the reviewing agency and the proponent that will involve the public. She supported adoption of the overlay and believes that the flexibility it will provide will result in better functioning developments. There being no further comment, Chair Headrick closed the public hearing. Commissioner Davis asked about handicapped parking. Planner Johns responded that handicapped parking is addressed in the Building Code and does not need to be separately addressed in the overlay standards. Further discussion between the Commission and staff revealed that some housekeeping items are needed in the draft. Director West stated that staff would like to recap what has been discussed, and present a more correct draft at the next regular Commission meeting before presentation to Council. It was agreed that staff should make the housekeeping and other discussed changes and bring a final document to the next Commission meeting for a final recommendation. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC None STAFF REPORTS Planner Johns noted that a nearly final meeting has been held with Department of Ecology on the Shoreline Master Plan. It is expected that a final document may be ready for Council adoption by early summer. Director West stated that staff intends to finalize the Street Tree Ordinance in June. West End Park is moving forward. Bid announcement will be out by the end of the month. Planning Commission Himites April 23,2014 Page 3 REPORTS OF COMMISSION MEMBERS None ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7 p.m. .......... Sue Roberds, Secretary Scott Headria, Chair PREPARED BY: S. Roberds