HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Agenda Packet 2020-09-09AGENDA
PLANNING COMMISSION
Virtual Meeting Location Information: https://www.cityofpa.us/984/Live-Virtual-Meetings
September 9, 2020
6:00 p.m.
I.CALL TO ORDER
II.ROLL CALL
III.PUBLIC COMMENT
IV.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes of August 26, 2020
V.ACTION/DISCUSSION/WORK SESSION
1.Presentation: MAKERS Architecture and Urban Design Introduction to Building Residentia l
Capacity Code Project (Department of Commerce Grant Work)
2.Action: Review and make a motion on Planning Commission Bylaws Amendment (relating
to officer term limits)
3.Action: Select member of Planning Commission to serve on Climate Action Plan RFP
Selection Advisory Committee
VI.STAFF UPDATES
1.Fence Guidelines in Municipal Code – Summary Paper
VII.REPORTS OF COMMISSION MEMBERS
VIII.ADJOURNMENT
MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION
Virtual Meeting
August 26, 2020 6:00 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chair S chwab opened the regular meeting at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Andrew Schwab (Chair), Amy Powell, Colin Young, Richie
Ahuja, Steve Luxton,
City Staff Present: Emma Bolin (Manager)
Allyson Brekke (Director)
Kevin Bagwell (Planning Technician)
Public Present: Ed Chadd, Benji Astrachan, Robert Vreeland
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Benji Astrachan who volunteers with the greenhouse gas inventory group made comments
concerning the Climate Plan Request For Proposals (RFP) effort.
Ed Chadd echoed Benji’s concerns about the Climate Plan effort. He had asked for the Planning
Commission to add a second public comment period at the end of the meeting. He also s tated that
the Webex platform is extremely difficult to use. Additionally, he r equested an update on the
Climate Plan RFP status.
Robert Vreeland raised concerns that the Climate Action Subcommittee and Planning
Commission was taken out of the process for the Climate Plan RFP.
Ed Chadd requested an update on coordination of the Climate Plan RFP with Clallam County.
Chair Schwab closed public comments.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Commissioner Young moved to accept the minutes from the July 22, 2020 meeting.
Commissioner Powell seconded; all were in approval.
ACTION ITEMS
1. Planning Commission Bylaws Amendment
Manager Bolin introduced the Planning Commission Bylaws Amendments
Chair Schwab asked if any of the commissioners had questions about the Planning Commission
Bylaws Amendments.
Multiple questions were asked, and discussion followed.
Commissioner Young moved to approve the proposed Planning Commission Bylaws
9/9/20 PC Meeting Agenda Packet Pg. 1
Planning Commission Minutes
August 26, 2020
Page 2
Amendments. Commissioner Luxton seconded the motion, all were in approval.
Staff was directed to verify that there would be no issues with changing the chair and vice
chair term limits beyond the current 1-year limit.
STAFF UPDATES
Director Brekke introduced herself and gave an update on the Climate Change effort and the
Municipal Code Audit. The Climate Change RFP period ended on August 7th and 2 responses were
received. No evaluation of the responses has occurred at this time. She will contact Rich Meier at
the Clallam County Commissioner’s Office to inquire about a potential partnership in the Climate
Plan effort . She also responded to the comments and concerns received during the public comment
period. She invited the volunteer subcommittee to contact her regarding any concerns with the
Climate Plan process at 360-477-0195. Madrona Law and Makers Architecture & Urban Design
will be working together on the Municipal Code Audit. Madrona Law will be auditing most of the
code except for Titles 14,16, & 17 which primarily deal with land use. Titles 14, 16, & 17 will be
audited by the Makers team. This separation is due to the Department of Commerce grant that was
awarded to the City to increase residential building capacity within our community.
Manager Bolin introduced herself and gave updates on inquiries received from the July 22, 2020
Planning Commission meeting. She discussed the Planning Commission email address and how
that related to their request for individual City e-mail addresses. She also shared the City website
page on the Lincoln Street Safety Project. She mentioned that Staff is working diligently on the
Shoreline Master Program update and that the Commission will be appris ed on any new
information. She updated the Commission that the FEMA flood insurance rate mapping process
which the community engagement portion has been delayed until around middle autumn.
REPORTS OF COMMISSION MEMBERS
Chair Schwab gave an update on the Jurassic Parliament training that he attended regarding
Roberts Rules of Order.
Commissioner Young gave an update on a conversation with a Cherry Hill resident regarding
fence requirements. He mentioned wanting to discuss the requirements during a future meeting.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Ahuja recognized the public comments regarding access and accessibility. He
thanked the Commission and Staff for resolving the agenda concerns brought up during the public
comment period. Regarding the RFP, he requested that someone from the commission be involved
in evaluating the Climate Change RFP. He explained that the firm he works with, the
Environmental Defense Fund, is available to help cities develop their Climate Action Plan at cost .
Chair Schwab opened a Second Public Comment Period
Ed Chadd thanked the C ommission and Staff for the updates. Requested that the interested
community members be updated on the result of the conversation with Rich Meier from Clallam
County. Regarding the RFP, he stated that it sounds like a wonderful opportunity for the climate
change volunteers to be involved. He mentioned some ideas to consolidate various lists of
volunteers.
Robert Vreeland requested Director Brekke’s phone number and volunteered to review the RFP.
Director Brekke restated her number: 360-477-0195
Benji Astrachan stated that he has already been involved with Rich Meier from Clallam County.
He inquired as to what the City will do to establish a partnership with the County and the volunteer
9/9/20 PC Meeting Agenda Packet Pg. 2
Planning Commission Minutes
August 26, 2020
Page 3
group.
Chair Schwab stated the reasons why he believed the subcommittee was dissolved in February.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Ahuja made a motion to adjourn, Commissioner Luxton Seconded. No vote
was taken. The meeting adjourned at 7:17 p.m.
Kevin Bagwell, Secretary Andrew Schwab, Chair
PREPARED BY: Kevin Bagwell , Secretary
9/9/20 PC Meeting Agenda Packet Pg. 3
BYLAWS
of
THE CITY OF PORT ANGELES, WASHINGTON
PLANNING COMMISSION
(Amended January 25, 2017)
ARTICLE I - NAME
Section 1. Name
The official name of the organization shall be “The City of Port Angeles, Washington, Planning
Commission.”
ARTICLE II - OFFICIAL SEAT
Section 1. Official Seat
The official seat of the Planning Commission shall be in the City Hall of Port Angeles,
Washington, 321 East Fifth Street, and meetings shall be held there except on such occasions and
at such times as the Commission may, by a majority vote of those present at any regular,
recessed, or special meeting, otherwise direct.
ARTICLE III - OFFICERS
Section 1. Officers
The elective officers of the Planning Commission shall consist of a Chair and Vice-Chair.
Section 2. Nomination and Election of Officers
Nomination of elective officers shall be made from the floor at the annual election meeting
which shall be held at the last regular meeting of March of each year. The election shall follow
immediately thereafter. A nominee receiving a majority vote of those present at the election
meeting shall be declared elected. If meetings cannot occur because of an unforeseen
circumstance, nominations and elections shall take place at the next available meeting.
Section 3. Terms of Officers
The term of office for elective officers shall begin in April and shall continue for a term of one
year, or until nominations or elections have taken place at the next available meeting date.
Elective officers shall not serve consecutive terms in the same office.
Section 4. Vacancies in Offices
Vacancies in elective offices shall be filled immediately by regular election procedure for the
unexpired portion of the term.
Section 5. Duties of Officers
(a) Chair
The Chair shall preside at all meetings and public hearings of the Planning Commission
and shall call special meetings when he/she deems it necessary or is required to do so.
9/9/20 PC Meeting Agenda Packet Pg. 4
2
He/she They shall appoint all committees, shall be an ex-officio member of each, without
the power to vote. He/she They shall sign the minutes of Planning Commission meetings
and all official papers and plans involving the authority of the Planning Commission
which are then transmitted to the City Council. The Chair shall have the privilege of
discussing all matters before the Planning Commission and voting thereon. He/she They
shall have all the duties normally conferred by parliamentary usage on such officers and
shall perform such other duties as may be ordered by the Planning Commission except as
otherwise provided in these Bylaws, in other Planning Commission regulations, or in City
Ordinances.
(b) Vice-Chair
The Vice-Chair shall assume the duties and powers of the Chair in his or her absence. If
the Chair and Vice-Chair are both absent, the Planning Commission members may elect a
temporary chair by a majority vote of those present at a regular, recessed, or special
meeting, who shall assume the duties and powers of the Chair or Vice-Chair during their
absence.
(c) Executive Secretary
The Executive Secretary is a staff appointed position. The Executive Secretary shall keep
the minutes of all regular, recessed, and special meetings of the Planning Commission;
such minutes shall be approved by the Planning Commission. He/sheThey shall also
keep the minutes of Planning Commission committee meetings when requested to do so.
He/sheThey shall give notice of all regular and special meetings to Planning Commission
members, shall prepare with the Chair the agenda of regular and special meetings, shall
serve proper and legal notice of all public hearings, and shall draft and sign the routine
correspondence of the Planning Commission. The Executive Secretary shall maintain a
file of all studies, plans, reports, recommendations, and official records of the Planning
Commission and perform such other duties as are normally carried out by a secretary and
as the Planning Commission may determine.
ARTICLE IV - MEETINGS
Section 1. Regular Meetings: Time and Place
Regular monthly meetings shall be held on the second and/or fourth Wednesdays of each month
beginning at 6:00 P.M. in City Hall except as otherwise designated by the Planning Commission
unless a meeting has been noticed as taking place virtually. Per Section 2.36.040 of the Port
Angeles Municipal Code, the Planning Commission shall hold at least one regular meeting in
each month for nine (9) months of the year. If a stay at home order or other disruptive event has
occurred that affects Port Angeles and precludes the Planning Commission from meeting in City
Hall, meetings shall be noticed and the alternative physical or virtual location shall be specified
in the notice.
Any change in the hour, date, and place of regular meetings shall be given wide publicity for the
convenience of persons having business before the Commission. When the regular meeting day
9/9/20 PC Meeting Agenda Packet Pg. 5
3
falls on a legal holiday, the replacement date will be designated by the Planning Commission
with notice posted to the public per the Open Public Meetings Act.
Section 2. Recessed Meetings
Any regular meeting may be recessed to a definite time, place, and date by a majority vote of the
Planning Commission members present at the meeting.
Section 3. Special Meetings
Special meetings may be called by the Chair or Planning staff with approval of the Chair.
Section 4. Cancellation of Regular Meetings
In the event it is necessary to cancel a meeting due to lack of agenda issues, Planning staff will
contact the Chair and each Commission member prior to the meeting and will provide notice to
the public per the Open Public Meetings Act .
Section 5. Notice of Meetings
Notice of all regular and special meetings shall be given by the Executive Secretary to the
members of the Planning Commission in accordance with current RCWs. Notice of all regular
meetings shall be provided at least 4 days prior to a regular meeting. Notice to members of the
Planning Commission and to members of the public of all special meetings shall be provided at
least 2 days (48 hours) prior to the special meeting. Land use notices shall be provided
according to Section17.95.140 PAMC.
In addition to the provision of the notice of all special meetings to the members of the Planning
Commission, notice shall be provided to each local newspaper of general circulation in the City
of Port Angeles and to each local radio station serving the on the Newsflash located on the
official City of Port Angeles Webpage. Said notice shall be transmitted electronically or mailed
at least 24 hours before the time of the meeting specified in the notice. The notice shall state the
time and place of the meeting and the business to be transacted by the Commission.
The meeting agenda for the next regular meetings shall be closed on Monday Friday at the close
of business five (5) days prior to the next regular meeting of the Planning Commission except
that urgent matters may be inserted on the agenda later at the discretion of the Chair.
Petitions and communications from the audience and matters brought to the meeting by the
Planning Staff and Commission members, which are not on the agenda for the meeting, may be
received and discussed at the meeting. However, no official action may be taken on any matter
at a Planning Commission meeting which is not included on the agenda for that meeting or
which has been added to the agenda after it has been received by the Planning Commission
members except that this requirement may be suspended at any meeting by the unanimous vote
of the members present at the meeting.
Section 6. Order of Business - Regular Meeting for Administrative, Routine, and Hearing-Type
Matters
(a) Call to order by Chair
(b) Roll call
9/9/20 PC Meeting Agenda Packet Pg. 6
4
(c) Approval of minutes of preceding meeting
(d) Public hearings/Other business
(e) Communications from the Public
(f) Staff Updates
(g) Reports of Commission Members
(h) Adjournment
Section 7. Order of Business - Regular Meeting for Discussion of Matters Related to
Comprehensive Planning
(a) Call to order by Chair
(b) Roll call
(c) Approval of minutes of preceding meeting
(d) Staff Updates for current business
(e) Reports from Planning Commission members and committees
(f) Communications from audience (related to comprehensive planning only)
(g) Communications from Planning Commission members
(h) Adjourn
Section 8. Operational Guidelines
(a) All Any requests and applications on zoning, annexations, and vacations will be tabled if
the applicant or an authorized representative is not present at the hearing on the request or
application.
(b) All requests and applications will be tabled if all essential information is not provided to
the Planning Department staff by Friday, five days prior to the regular Wednesday
meetings of the Planning Commission for timely analysis and inclusion into the
Commissioners information packets.
(c) All requests and applications requiring legal opinion or interpretation will be tabled until
the Planning Commission has received an opinion or interpretation from the City
Attorney.
(d) The Commission shall act as a body in making its decisions and in announcing them.
(e) Willful misrepresentation of information pertaining to a request or application will void
that request or application upon discovery of the misrepresentation.
(f) The Planning Commission will not commence a new hearing after 10 P.M. unless agreed
upon by the Planning Commission.
Section 9. Public Hearing Procedure
(a) Chair introduces the discussion item orally and outlines the public hearing procedures to
be followed during the public hearing process. The Chair then reads qualifying questions
to the Commissioners regarding the Appearance of Fairness and Conflict of Interest
Doctrines and opens the public hearing.
9/9/20 PC Meeting Agenda Packet Pg. 7
5
(b) Planning Staff presents a staff report and provides a recommendation. Commissioners
are permitted to ask the Chair or staff any relevant questions about the application. The
public hearing will be opened with a brief explanation of the procedures to be followed
(c) The spokesperson for proponents in the audience shall be given an opportunity to speak
in favor of the application. Information submitted should be factual, relevant, and not
merely duplication of previous presentation(s). A reasonable time (10 minutes) shall be
allowed the spokesman; others shall be limited to short supporting remarks (5 minutes).
Each person speaking shall give their his or her name, addresslocation of residence, and
nature of the interest in the matter. The Chair may allow additional public testimony if
the issue warrants it. Any data presented shall be retained by staff and marked as an
exhibit.
(d) The spokesperson for opponents in the audience shall be given an opportunity to speak
against the application. Information submitted should be factual, relevant, and not
merely a duplication of a previous presentation. A reasonable time (10 minutes) shall be
allowed the spokesman; others shall be limited to short supporting remarks (5 minutes).
Each person speaking shall give his or her name, addresslocation of residence, and nature
of the interest in the matter. The Chair may allow additional public testimony if the issue
warrants it. Any data presented shall be retained by staff and marked as an exhibit.
(e) Other interested parties shall be allowed to comment briefly (5 minutes) or make
inquiries.
(f) There can be a brief rebuttal (5 minutes) for proponents and opponents each heard
separately and consecutively, with presentation limited to their spokesperson. The
rebuttal shall be limited to factual statements pertaining to previous testimony. The Chair
may allow additional public testimony if the issue warrants it.
(g) The public hearing is closed. Commissioners voice their considerations and pose any
relevant questions through the Chair. Specific questions may be posed through the Chair
to a particular speaker to clarify testimony previously presented.
(h) Motion for disposition is presented and an action taken.
Section 10. Quorum
Four members of the Planning Commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business and the taking of official action. If there are vacancies on the Commission, quorum
shall constitute a majority of the existing membership.
Section 11. Motions
Motions shall be restated by the Chair before a vote is taken. The names of the members making
and seconding a motion shall be recorded in the minutes of the meeting.
Section 12. Voting
Any action taken by a majority of those present, when those present constitute a quorum, at any
regular, recessed, or special meeting of the Planning Commission shall be deemed and taken as
9/9/20 PC Meeting Agenda Packet Pg. 8
6
the action of the Commission. except that any proposed change of the Zoning Map must be
approved by a majority of the total membership of the Planning Commission.
Voting on amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and Map, all matters requiring a public hearing
before the Planning Commission, and all matters referred to the Planning Commission by the
City Council shall be by the vote of each member and shall be recorded in the minutes of the
meeting.
Section 13. Staff Reports
On all matters considered by the Planning Commission, the report and recommendations, if any,
of the Planning staff shall be presented to the Commission and shall become part of the formal
record of the action and recorded in the minutes of the meeting.
Section 14. Conflict of Interest and Appearance of Fairness
Any member of the Planning Commission who has an interest in any matter before the
Commission that would or could tend to prejudice his or her actions thereon, shall so publicly
indicate this fact and shall abstain from voting or participating in any way in the Commission's
action on that matter.
Section 15. Attendance
Attendance at regular meetings and executive sessions is expected of all Commission members.
Any members anticipating absence from an official meeting or executive session shall notify the
Chair or Executive Secretary in advance. Any absence may be excused by the Commission,
even for an extended period, provided the absence is approved in advance.
Section 16. Parliamentary Procedure
Parliamentary procedure in Planning Commission meetings shall be governed by Robert’s Rules
of Order Newly Revised unless it is specifically provided otherwise in these Bylaws, in other
Planning Commission resolutions, in City Ordinances, or in the State of Washington Planning
Enabling Act (Chapter 35.63 RCW).
Section 17. Public Nature of Meetings and Records
All regular, recessed, and special meetings, hearings, records, and accounts shall be open to the
public provided, however, executive sessions may be held by the Commission as provided in
RCW 42.30.110.
ARTICLE V - COMMITTEES
Section 1. Establishment of Committees
The Planning Commission may establish such standing or special committees as it deems
advisable and assign each committee specific duties or functions. Each standing committee shall
consist of 3 members. No standing or special committee shall have the power to commit the
Planning Commission to the endorsement of any plan or program without the plan or program
submitted and approved by a quorum of the Commission.
9/9/20 PC Meeting Agenda Packet Pg. 9
7
Section 2. Appointment and Terms of Committee Members
The Chair of the Planning Commission shall appoint the members of each standing or special
committee and shall name the chair of each committee. The members of each standing
committee shall be appointed at the first regular meeting in July for a term of one year. Special
committees may be appointed at such times and for such purposes and terms as the Planning
Commission approves.
Section 3. Committee Vacancies
Vacancies on committees shall be filled immediately by the Chair of the Planning Commission
for the unexpired portion of the term.
Section 4. Meetings of Committees
The committees shall meet at the call of the committee chairman; in addition the Chair of the
Planning Commission shall also have the authority to call a special meeting of any committee at
any time and upon such notice as he/shetThey may specify.
The Planning Staff shall issue notice of committee meetings at the request of a committee chair
or the Planning Commission Chair.
Section 5. Quorum and Voting
The majority of the members appointed shall constitute a quorum of all committees. The
affirmative vote of a majority of the committee membership shall be required for the adoption of
a matter before the committee.
ARTICLE VI - AMENDMENTS
Section 1. Amendments
These Bylaws may be amended at any regular meeting by the affirmative vote of five (5)
members of the Planning Commission provided that the proposed amendments have been
submitted in writing at a previous meeting.
Amended January 25August 26,, 202017
As amended: 2/23/76; 8/23/78; 5/23/79; 1/19/88; 3/16/90; 4/25/90; 4/29/90; 6/23/93; 1/12/94; 3/24/2004; 5/08/13; 01/25/2017,
08/26/20
9/9/20 PC Meeting Agenda Packet Pg. 10
`
Page 1 |Wednesday, September 9, 2020Friday, September 04, 2020
MEMORANDUM
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
RE:
Wednesday, September 9, 2020
Planning Commission
Benjamin Braudrick, Associate Planner
A Background on Wall and Fence Regulations in Port Angeles
In response to an inquiry from one of our Planning Commissioners concerning maximum fence height requirements
in the front setback of residential lots regulated under Section 17.94.140 of the Port Angeles Municipal Code (PAMC),
I reviewed our zoning code history and was able to find a topical report produced by the America n Planning
Association in 1958.
Our zoning code was first drafted and approved by City Council through Ordinance 1709 in 1970. Our original zone
code was a pamphlet only 30 pages long. Since that time, what we now know as Title 17 of our municipal code has
been amended on an annual or biennial basis to keep up with state regulations and requirements and best practices
in zoning regulation have changed and modernized. Section 17.94.140 PAMC has been amended eight times since
1970. The original regulation required a maximum height of six feet for all walls, fences, hedges, and shrubs on
residential or residential buffer property.
Over the course of the next 30 years the language of the regulation was amended to close minor legal loopholes,
address setbacks, and specify zoning districts. In 2007, shrubs and hedges were removed from the regulation, likely
because they are not by definition considered structural elements. Fences six feet in height and below are not
considered structures by definition, and as such can be located outside the setback and property lines defined in the
particular zone (see Sections 17.08.35.D & 17.08.95.N PAMC). In 2011 the fence regulations were completely
rewritten to provide height allowances in the rear yard up to eight feet with 25% open at the top two feet and
stepping down in to six feet with 50% open at the top two feet in the front setback. Design standards such as the
finished side of the fence facing outwards were also included.
Minutes from the September 28, 2011 Planning Commission work session on the code amendment provide some
insight into the reasoning behind the rewriting of the fence and wall requirements, including the age of the current
regulation , best practice changes that have occurred in fence height allowances in under certain conditions, and the
possible ineffectiveness of a six foot fence as a provider of privacy. An audio recording from the work session is not
available, but the minutes do reflect that a long discussion about fencing regulations did occur, and the public did
weigh in as well.
As to why our regulations allow for only a four foot solid fence with 2 feet of 50% open in the front setback–simply
put, it is ubiquitously best practice in urban areas for several reasons, and Port Angeles was out of date with these
best practices even in the drafting of the initial zoning ordinance of 1970. Reasoning for a lower solid fence height
maximum include, but are not limited to:
•Safety, for police and emergency vehicle address location awareness;
9/9/20 PC Meeting Agenda Packet Pg. 11
Page 2 | Wednesday, September 9, 2020Friday, September 04, 2020
• Safety, for visual awareness of cars entering and exiting driveways;
• Aesthetics, for those traveling along a sidewalk faced with solid wall along the sidewalk;
• Aesthetics, to encourage unique design and visual interest along the streetscape;
• Opacity, creating a visual link between the private and public realms;
• Social Awareness, to assist in the creation of a positive neighborhood environment and discourage “Spite
Fences”; and
• Social Capital, to encourage interaction with your neighbors and greater neighborhood vibrancy.
Fences are an important part of our built environment. As we begin our anticipated code changes over the next
several years to incorporate form-based zoning regulations we may want to consider allowing the “special
circumstances” where flexibility in design can be allowed under certain conditions. These conditions may include
setback from the sidewalk, existence of a driveway (many of our older streets have alleyway access), percentage of
linear feet of solid fencing at a certain height, and the severity of the slope on the private property.
Below I’ve provided links to each individual ordinance that amended the code if you are interested in seeing the track
changes and the cliff notes for each ordinance that detail the particular fence and wall code as they changed from
1970-2019. I’ve also attached the Planning Advisory Service Report No. 113 from the American Society of Planning
Officials (now the American Planning Association) and I encourage you to read it. It is a short, but informative read.
Ord. 1709 (1970) | Ord 2238 (1983) | Ord 2668 (1992) | Ord 2861 (1995) | Ord 2954 (1997) | Ord 3272 (2007)
Ord 3441 (2011) | Ord 3664 (2019)
Wall and Fence Regulation Language – 1970-2019
Ord. 1709 (1970) – Article IX: In all Residential and Residential Buffer Districts a wall, fence, shrub or hedge may be
maintained to a maximum height of six (6) feet on property not otherwise restricted. All vision clearance
requirements shall be maintained.
Ord 2238 (1983) – Article IX: In all Residential and Residential Buffer Districts a wall, fence, shrub or hedge may be
maintained to a maximum height of six (6) feet on property not otherwise restricted. All vision clearance
requirements shall be maintained.
Ord 2268 (1992) 17.94.140 - WALLS, FENCES, SHRUBS, HEDGES: In all Residential and Office Commercial Districts a
wall, fence, shrub or hedge may be maintained to a maximum height of six (6) feet on property not otherwise
restricted. All vision clearance requirements shall be maintained.
Ord 2861 (1995) - 17.94.140 Walls, Fences, Shrubs, Hedges: In all Residential and Office Commercial Districts a wall,
fence, shrub or hedge may be maintained to a maximum height of six (6) feet. All vision clearance requirements shall
be maintained.
Ord 2954 (1997) 17.94.140 Walls, Fences, Shrubs, Hedges: In all Residential and Commercial Zones a wall, fence,
shrub or hedge may be maintained to a maximum height of six (6) feet within the building setback areas on property
not otherwise restricted. All vision clearance requirements shall be maintained.
9/9/20 PC Meeting Agenda Packet Pg. 12
Page 3 | Wednesday, September 9, 2020Friday, September 04, 2020
Ord 3272 (2007) 17.94.140 Walls and Fences: In all residential and commercial zones a wall or fence, may be
maintained to a maximum height of six (6) feet within building setback areas. All vision clearance requirements shall
be maintained.
Ord 3441 (2011) 17.94.140 Walls and Fences: In all residential and zones a wall or fence shall be no taller than 4 feet
within the front building setback area, provided that a height of 6 feet is permitted within the front setback area if
the top 2 feet is constructed of material that is at least 50% open work. The fence height maybe a maximum 6 feet
between the front setback line and midpoint of the lot. The fence height may be a maximum of 8 feet from the
midpoint of a lot to the rear property line, provided that the top 2 feet is constructed of a material that is at least
25% open (Note: lattice is 25% open). All vision clearance requirements per Section 17.94.090 (driveways, street and
alley comers) shall be maintained. The finished side (side without the support) of a fence must face the neighboring
property or street if on a comer lot. Fence post supports may contain a decorative cap that does not exceed 6 inches
above the maximum fence height. Fenc es taller than 6 feet in height re quire a building permit.
Ord 3664 (2019) 17.94.140 Walls and fences: In all residential zones a wall or fence shall be no taller than four feet
within the front building setback area, provided that a height of six feet is permitted within the front setback area if
the top two feet is constructed of material that is at least 50 percent open work. The fence height may be a maximum
six feet between the front setback line and mid- point of the lot. The fence height may be a maximum of eight feet
from the mid- point of a lot to the rear property line, provided that the top two feet is constructed of a material that
is at least 25 percent open (Note: lattice is 25 percent open). All vision clearance requirements per section 17.94.090
(driveways, street and alley corners) shall be maintained. The finished side (side without the support) of a fence must
face the neighboring property or if on a corner lot must face the street. Fence post supports may contain a decorative
cap that does not exceed six inches above the maximum fence height. Fences taller than six feet in height require a
building permit.
9/9/20 PC Meeting Agenda Packet Pg. 13
9/9/20 PC Meeting Agenda Packet Pg. 14
9/9/20 PC Meeting Agenda Packet Pg. 15
9/9/20 PC Meeting Agenda Packet Pg. 16
9/9/20 PC Meeting Agenda Packet Pg. 17
9/9/20 PC Meeting Agenda Packet Pg. 18
9/9/20 PC Meeting Agenda Packet Pg. 19
9/9/20 PC Meeting Agenda Packet Pg. 20
9/9/20 PC Meeting Agenda Packet Pg. 21
9/9/20 PC Meeting Agenda Packet Pg. 22
9/9/20 PC Meeting Agenda Packet Pg. 23
9/9/20 PC Meeting Agenda Packet Pg. 24
9/9/20 PC Meeting Agenda Packet Pg. 25
9/9/20 PC Meeting Agenda Packet Pg. 26
9/9/20 PC Meeting Agenda Packet Pg. 27
9/9/20 PC Meeting Agenda Packet Pg. 28
9/9/20 PC Meeting Agenda Packet Pg. 29
9/9/20 PC Meeting Agenda Packet Pg. 30
9/9/20 PC Meeting Agenda Packet Pg. 31
9/9/20 PC Meeting Agenda Packet Pg. 32
INCREASING RESIDENTIAL
BUILDING CAPACITY
CODE ANALYSIS AND UPDATES
PLANNING COMMISSION 9/9/2020
Our Team
2
Bob Bengford, AICP
Partner-in-charge
Scott Bonjukian, AICP
Project planner
33
4
DOC –HB-1923 Housing Guidebooks &
Multiple Projects
5
Action 1
Adopt an infill exemption under RCW 43.21C.229 for residential or mixed-use
development (and consider any other relevant SEPA categorical exemptions).
Titles 15, 16, 17, and 18
Action 2
Increase the number of maximum number of lots through a short subdivision process
from 4 lots to 9 lots. Amend/revise associated subdivision standards.
Title 16
Action 3
Adopt a form-based code for the City’s five commercial zones (CO, CN, CSD, CA, CBD).
Titles 14 and 17
Department of Commerce Grant –Scope of Voluntary Actions
6
•Task 1 –Project Startup (today)
•Task 2 *–Staff/Stakeholder Interviews
•Task 3 –Code Analysis
•Task 4 –Preliminary Concepts and Recommendations
•Task 5 *–Form -Based Code Public Workshop (re: Action 3)
•Task 6 *–Draft Code Updates and Planning Commission Review
•Task 7 –Code/Ordinance Refinements
•Task 8 *–City Council Adoption Support
•Task 9 –Scoping for Development Regulations Update
MAKERS’ Tasks and Schedule
September
October
November
December
2021 January
February
March
*Key public engagement activities
7
•Collaboration / parallel effort
•Stakeholder interviews -key business leaders &
property owners
•Analyze private development/investment
interest and activity in Downtown
•Coordinated form-based code workshop
(late Fall?)*
•Business community feedback on code drafts
Chamber of Commerce Downtown Strategic Planning Effort
8
Code/Context Analysis –Getting up to Speed!
Staff’s “Municipal Code Rubric”
9
All commercial zones
that allow multifamily
housing
Form-Based
Code Areas
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Approach/Experience –Code Organization
Creating a “workable” zoning
code organization:
Anacortes, Bozeman,
Ellensburg
Port Angeles:
37 chapters in Title 17
18
Approach/Experience –User-Friendly Codes
•Clear tables & lists over long
paragraphs with links
•Clear maps & graphics
•Good & bad photo examples
19
Approach/Experience –Predictability + Flexibility
Clear minimum standards, while integrating
strategic flexibility
•Tool box approach
•Departures
•Useful intent statements
•Useful design criteria
•Graphic examples
20
Approach/Experience –Hybrid Form-Based Codes
21
Approach/Experience
Strategic Approach to Block Frontages
22
Approach/Experience –Block Frontages –Why???
•Best tool available to shape community “Form”
•Recognizes that not all streets are the same
•Tailor provisions to fit situation
•Storefront
•Arterials & transit corridors
•Neighborhood safety, eyes on the street
•Areas that warrant flexibility
•Adaptable –to future changes
•As conditions or goals change, you can change block frontage designations
23Block Frontage Standards Examples
24Block Frontage Standards Examples
25
Approach/Experience –Streetscape Standards
26
Approach/Experience –Housing Type Standards
27
Approach/Experience –Site & Building Design
28
Questions for Planning Commissioners
1.What is most important to you about this project???
•Whether it’s about an aspect of the final product, or in how we carry out the process to get there??
2.Good/bad local recent local development examples???
•Are there relatively recent developments in town that you consider great examples for Port Angeles –
and why? Likewise –are there bad examples that should be avoided and why?