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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Agenda Packet 2023-05-10 AGENDA PLANNING COMMISSION Hybrid Meeting – In-Person and Virtual City Council Chambers: 321 East 5th Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362 Attend Virtual Meeting Here: https://www.cityofpa.us/984/Live-Virtual-Meetings May 10, 2023 6:00 P.M. I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. PUBLIC COMMENT IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes of the April 12, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes of the April 26, 2023 Regular Meeting V. PUBLIC HEARING 1. Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. 23-26 Public hearing for the 2023 Comprehensive Plan Amendment to integrate the 2022 Climate Resiliency Plan throughout the Comprehensive Plan and update land use categories to ensure consistency of the Land Use Element with the Port Angeles Municipal Code. VI. STAFF UPDATES VII. REPORTS OF COMMISSION MEMBERS VIII. ADJOURNMENT May 10, 2023 Planning Commission Agenda Packet Page 1 of 19 May 10, 2023 Planning Commission Agenda Packet Page 2 of 19 Minutes of the April 12, 2023 Regular Meeting MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION Hybrid Meeting – In Person and Virtual City Council Chambers: 321 E 5th Street, Port Angeles, Washington 98362 April 12, 2023 at 6:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING CALL TO ORDER Acting Chair Schwab opened the regular meeting at 6:03 P.M. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Andrew Schwab (Acting Chair) Richie Ahuja Tammy Dziadek Marolee Smith Commissioners Absent: Benjamin Stanley (Chair) James Taylor Colin Young City Staff Present: Ben Braudrick (Senior Planner) Chris Cowgill (Assistant City Attorney) Norman Gollub (Interim Director of Community and Economic Development) Zach Trevino (Assistant Planner) Public Present: Shannen Cartmel PUBLIC COMMENT Acting Chair Schwab opened the meeting to public comment. No comments were provided during the public comment period. Acting Chair Schwab closed the meeting to public comment. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Ahuja moved to approve the minutes from the March 22, 2023 regular meeting of the Planning Commission. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously through a consent vote (4-0). WORK SESSION 1. The Growth Management Act and the Comprehensive Plan Planner Braudrick introduced the work session by providing an overview of recent accomplishments and next steps in the process of integrating climate resiliency into the Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan. He explained that the City intends to integrate climate resiliency May 10, 2023 Planning Commission Agenda Packet Page 3 of 19 Planning Commission Minutes April 12, 2023 Page 2 policies and updates to land use designations into the Comprehensive Plan by June of 2023. Planner Trevino presented a training for the Planning Commission covering the Washington State Growth Management Act. The training focused on how Chapters 36.70A, 36.70B, and 36.70C of the Revised Code of Washington apply to the City’s planning actions, including annual and mandatory periodic updates to the Comprehensive Plan. The presentation included identification of next steps in the City’s 2023 Comprehensive Plan update process. Following the presentation, the Planning Commission asked questions of staff regarding the material. STAFF UPDATES City staff provided the following updates to the Commission: • Planner Braudrick updated the Planning Commission on the continued staff effort to facilitate temporary and transitional housing, an issue which the City Council has directed staff to address. The Commission will be involved during the process, which will likely occur during the summer and fall of 2023. The work may occur concurrently with efforts to improve commercial code and other aspects of code. • Planner Braudrick stated that the Finance Department is working through the budgeting process and is still preparing information regarding the City’s finances, as requested by Commissioner Ahuja. REPORTS OF COMMISSION MEMBERS • Commissioner Dziadek mentioned several library resources that can be used to obtain planning books, including the North Olympic Library System, Hoopla, and Washington Anytime Library. • Commissioner Smith noted that drivers are violating the speed limit on Porter Street when detouring around the Race Street construction site, which causes a safety hazard. Planner Braudrick responded that the Department of Public Works & Utilities can be consulted about options to manage traffic during the remainder of the construction process. Commissioner Dziadek stated that the Strong Towns organization provides information regarding traffic calming that may be of use. • Acting Chair Schwab explained that House Bill 1337, which would allow for more flexibility in the size of ADUs, has been passed by both the Washington House of Representatives and the Washington State Senate and is moving forward in the process. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Smith moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously (4-0). The meeting adjourned at 7:18 P.M. Zach Trevino, Secretary Andrew Schwab, Acting Chair MINUTES PREPARED BY: Zach Trevino, Secretary May 10, 2023 Planning Commission Agenda Packet Page 4 of 19 May 10, 2023 Planning Commission Agenda Packet Page 5 of 19 Minutes of the April 26, 2023 Regular Meeting MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION Hybrid Meeting – In Person and Virtual City Council Chambers: 321 E 5th Street, Port Angeles, Washington 98362 April 26, 2023 at 6:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING CALL TO ORDER Chair Stanley opened the regular meeting at 6:07 P.M. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Benjamin Stanley (Chair) Tammy Dziadek Marolee Smith Commissioners Absent: Andrew Schwab - excused Richie Ahuja - excused James Taylor Colin Young – excused A quorum was not present at this meeting. City Staff Present: Ben Braudrick (Senior Planner) Shannen Cartmel (Community Services Deputy Director / CED Manager) Norman Gollub (Interim Director of Community and Economic Development) Zach Trevino (Assistant Planner) Public Present: Tom Sanford PUBLIC COMMENT Chair Stanley opened the meeting to public comment. No comments were provided during the public comment period. Chair Stanley closed the meeting to public comment. APPROVAL OF MINUTES No motion was made regarding the approval of the April 12, 2023 meeting minutes due to a lack of quorum. DISCUSSION 1. 2023 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Planner Braudrick and Planner Trevino introduced the item as the first discussion of specific May 10, 2023 Planning Commission Agenda Packet Page 6 of 19 Planning Commission Minutes April 26, 2023 Page 2 proposed amendments to the Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan following the work session focusing on the Washington State Growth Management Act that occurred on April 12, 2023. Planner Braudrick presented an overview of key comprehensive planning milestones in the City’s history, beginning with the 1976 Comprehensive Plan and covering relevant updates through the 2022 Comprehensive Plan Amendment incorporating the Climate Resiliency Plan. Planner Trevino presented the proposed changes to the Comprehensive Plan that are being considered during the 2023 Comprehensive Plan Amendment process. He announced that the first public hearing would occur on May 10, 2023, with anticipated City Council adoption on June 20, 2023. Following the presentation, the Planning Commission discussed the proposed changes and asked questions of staff. The Planning Commission discussion that followed staff’s presentation included the following points: • The dewatered human solids should be removed from product sold at the Regional Transfer Station. Staff noted that a new dewatering facility is under development at the Regional Transfer Station. • The need for another Citywide tree survey was identified. Staff noted that a survey was conducted over a decade ago around 2010. A policy could be added to the Comprehensive Plan that would promote establishment of a tree board if the Commission identifies the need for such a policy. It was noted that numerous policies, including Policy P-3J.04, already address preservation of urban trees. Policies P-7B.15 through P-7B.17 also address conservation of urban trees and the establishment of an urban tree management program. • Greenhouse gas emissions from automobiles should be addressed more explicitly. Staff stated that the Comprehensive Plan already addresses this, but several proposed climate resiliency policies are intended to reduce transportation emissions. As an example of these policies informing action, the City is considering purchasing electric vehicles as part of its 8-year vehicle replacement plan. • Regional ferry service was identified as desirable, which would require partnership with regional agencies. A Port Angeles-Seattle route has been considered by WSDOT in the past. • Madison, Wisconsin was provided as an example of a City that has been updating its transportation policy to facilitate safety improvements and active transportation. • Proposed Policy P-8E.01 could be expanded to emphasize that reuse of materials is often more efficient than energy-intensive recycling. • Poverty is the fourth leading cause of death in the USA, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association. Poverty should be a focus for the City in future actions to ensure resiliency beyond just the consideration of climate impacts. • The way “climate change” is referenced in the proposed policies should be made more consistent by ensuring the language that is used is standardized. For example, the specific climate change impacts listed in proposed Policy P-3P-05 should be replaced with a reference to a standard and accepted definition for “climate change.” This will ensure that there is no confusion about what the Comprehensive Plan means when using the term “climate change.” Referencing the 2015 NODC Climate Preparedness Plan for the North Olympic Peninsula would be a way to do this. May 10, 2023 Planning Commission Agenda Packet Page 7 of 19 Planning Commission Minutes April 26, 2023 Page 3 • To ensure that the plan appeals to all community members, hazard mitigation should be considered for impacts beyond climate change, such as earthquakes. Staff noted that several policies address earthquakes in the City. STAFF UPDATES City staff provided the following updates to the Commission: • Planner Braudrick stated that the joint meeting between the Planning Commission and City Council will be held on June 6, 2023 at 5:00 PM. This joint meeting would replace the Commission’s regular meeting that would have been scheduled for June 14, 2023. • Deputy Director Cartmel introduced herself to the Planning Commission, noting that she worked as a Planning Supervisor and Lead Associate Planner in Jefferson County prior to joining the City of Port Angeles. • Planner Braudrick announced that Interim Director Gollub is retiring and expressed gratitude from staff for his service to the City. • Planner Braudrick announced that he had been promoted from Senior Planner to Principal Planner. • Planner Trevino urged the Commissioners to communicate with Planning Division staff frequently to ensure that issues such as meeting attendance are resolved appropriately. REPORTS OF COMMISSION MEMBERS • Commissioner Smith announced that the book she wrote is selling. Due to travel, she will likely join the next Planning Commission meeting virtually. ADJOURNMENT Chair Stanley announced that the meeting was adjourned at 7:38 PM. No motion was made regarding adjournment due to a lack of quorum. Zach Trevino, Secretary Ben Stanley, Chair MINUTES PREPARED BY: Zach Trevino, Secretary May 10, 2023 Planning Commission Agenda Packet Page 8 of 19 May 10, 2023 Planning Commission Agenda Packet Page 9 of 19 Public Hearing 2023 Comprehensive Plan Amendment TO: Planning Commission FROM: Zach Trevino, Assistant Planner MEETING DATE: May 10, 2023 RE: 2023 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application No. 23-26 APPLICANT: City of Port Angeles Department of Community and Economic Development LOCATION: Citywide REQUEST: Annual amendment to the City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan to meet the requirements of the Washington State Growth Management Act. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND The City of Port Angeles adheres to an annual amendment cycle for the Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan. All proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan are considered concurrently on an annual basis from July 1st through June 30th and can be adopted no more than once during this period, except those amendments conforming to the Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA) may also be adopted whenever an emergency exists. Comprehensive Plan amendment proposals must be submitted no later than March 31st. The City did not receive any amendment proposals from the public. The Comprehensive Plan was last amended in 2019. The 2019 Amended Comprehensive Plan was adopted by the City Council on June 18, 2019 through Ordinance No. 3621. Since that adoption the City has undertaken a process to adopt a Climate Resiliency Plan (CRP) and Climate Resilience Implementation Plan (CRIP) in 2022. Two major code amendments focusing on attainable housing were also adopted by the City Council in 2021 and 2022 through Ordinance Nos. 3688 and 3710. The purpose of this Comprehensive Plan amendment proposal is to incorporate those changes into the Comprehensive Plan. BACKGROUND – CLIMATE RESILIENCY The CRP was adopted in June of 2022, following a public process to obtain input from stakeholders and the community. A project kick-off meeting occurred in January of 2021 involving City staff, City Council Climate Action Subcommittee members, Planning Commission Climate Action Planning Group (CAPG) members, a volunteer member of the CAPG, and the Clallam County Internal Climate Taskforce Leader. A Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Public Outreach Plan were May 10, 2023 Planning Commission Agenda Packet Page 10 of 19 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application No. 23-26 2 |Staff Report adopted in coordination with City staff, Planning Commission, the Council Climate Action Subcommittee, and CAPG volunteer input. Staff also led the Planning Commission in a Climate Action SWOT analysis of each Comprehensive Plan element. Two virtual community workshops were held to facilitate the CRP’s development. The adoption of the CRP was followed by a stakeholder input process to facilitate implementation of the CRP. Five implementation planning working sessions were held in July of 2022 to coordinate implementation of the CRP with stakeholders and local partner agencies. The working sessions informed the preparation of a draft implementation plan by City staff and Cascadia Consulting Group. This implementation planning process culminated in the adoption of a CRP Implementation Plan in November of 2022. Beginning in August of 2022, the City participated in the Climate Pilot Program with the Washington State Department of Commerce. The program was intended to identify climate resiliency goals and policies from the CRP for integration into the Comprehensive Plan to ensure consistency between the CRP and the City’s future actions. A special meeting of the Planning Commission was held on February 8, 2023 to inform the Planning Commission of the progress made through the City’s participation in the Climate Pilot Program, identify next steps in the Climate Resiliency – Comprehensive Plan integration process, and obtain feedback on draft policies. The culmination of the pilot program in March of 2023 resulted in identifying goals and policies to integrate into the Comprehensive Plan. BACKGROUND – ATTAINABLE HOUSING In the 2021-22 Strategic Plan, City Council established housing and homelessness as a priority issue of critical importance for the City of Port Angeles. The City acknowledged that every Port Angeles resident should have a safe and affordable place to live. Achieving this requires the City to focus on facilitating the production of a variety of housing units. In December 2021, the City Council approved amendments concentrated on necessary updates to the building, environmental, subdivision, and zoning provisions in Titles 14, 15, 16 and 17 of the Port Angeles Municipal Code (PAMC). In July of 2022, the Planning Commission began discussion of changes to Title 17 PAMC in order eliminate potential barriers to housing construction and continue providing diverse housing types in targeted zones. This discussion became the Pursuing Housing for All 2023 Port Angeles Municipal Code Amendment process. A public outreach effort for the project occurred between January and March of 2023. The effort included a public workshop, online survey, public hearing, presentations to community stakeholder groups, and local outreach opportunities to solicit public input. The Planning Commission recommended approval of Municipal Code Amendment No. 23-01 on February 22, 2023. The City Council approved the amendment on March 21, 2023 through Ordinance No. 3710. This amendment changed the residential density standards in multiple zones and expanded the permitted structure types to promote a range of May 10, 2023 Planning Commission Agenda Packet Page 11 of 19 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application No. 23-26 3 |Staff Report infill housing. The changes to density standards adopted through Ordinance No. 3710 warrant an update of the land use categories in the Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan to ensure consistency between the PAMC and Comprehensive Plan. 2023 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT PROCESS An amendment to the Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan was proposed on March 31, 2023. A Planning Commission working session was held on April 12, 2023 to review requirements of the GMA for local comprehensive planning. Staff used the guidance received during the Climate Pilot Program to prepare a draft document integrating climate resiliency goals and policies into the Comprehensive Plan. The proposed amendments incorporate climate resiliency into the Plan and update descriptions of land use categories in the Land Use Element to reflect the amendments to Title 17 of the Port Angeles Municipal Code approved in March of 2023. PROPOSED COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENTS The proposed 2023 Comprehensive Plan Amendment incorporates changes to every element of the Plan except the Growth Management Element. This section contains an overview of the proposed changes by chapter. The complete text of the proposed changes are contained in Appendix A. Chapter 1 - Introduction • Proposed amendments to Chapter 1 are limited to correcting minor grammatical and spelling errors. No substantial changes to this Chapter are proposed. Chapter 3 – Land Use • Proposed amendments to Chapter 3 include updating the descriptions of land use categories and incorporating goals and policies that facilitate climate resiliency. • The maximum density of the Low Density Residential land use category is being increased from 6 units per acre to 25 units per acre consistent with the allowable density of 1 unit per 1,750 square feet in the R7 zone established through Ordinance No. 3710. The category is also being amended to accommodate additional residential structure types. • The maximum density of the Medium Density Residential land use category is being eliminated and the minimum density raised from 4 units per acre to 8 units per acre. • The maximum density of the High Density Residential land use category is being eliminated and the minimum density raised from 10 units per acre to 12 units per acre. • Three new General Land Use goals and associated policies are proposed to be added to the Land Use element. Existing Residential Goal G-3B is proposed to be amended and an additional policy added. One new Residential goal and associated policy are proposed to be added to the Land Use element. Existing Commercial Goal G-3H and associated policy May 10, 2023 Planning Commission Agenda Packet Page 12 of 19 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application No. 23-26 4 |Staff Report P-3H.07 are proposed to be amended. One new Commercial goal and associated policies are proposed to be added to the Land Use element. Two new policies are proposed to be added to existing Open Space Goal G-3K. Three new Open Space goals and associated policies are proposed to be added to the Land Use element. Chapter 4 – Transportation • Existing Transportation Goal G-4A is proposed to be amended and an additional policy added. Five new goals and associated policies are proposed to be added to the Transportation element. Chapter 5 – Utilities & Public Service • Three new goals and associated policies are proposed to be added to the Utilities & Public Service element. Chapter 6 – Housing • Existing Housing Policy P-6A.13 is proposed to be amended. Two additional policies are proposed to be added to existing Housing Goal G-6C. Chapter 7 – Conservation • Existing Conservation Policy P-7D.04 is proposed to be amended. Three new goals and associated policies are proposed to be added to the Conservation element. Chapter 8 – Capital Facilities • Existing Capital Facilities Policy P-8D.03 is proposed to be amended. Five new goals and associated policies are proposed to be added to the Capital Facilities element. Chapter 9 – Economic Development • One new goal and associated policies are proposed to be added to the Economic Development element. Chapter 10 – Parks & Recreation • One new goal and associated policies are proposed to be added to the Parks & Recreation element. Chapter 11 – Implementation • One new action is proposed to be added to the Implementation element. May 10, 2023 Planning Commission Agenda Packet Page 13 of 19 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application No. 23-26 5 |Staff Report Classification Typology DCED staff developed a typology to classify the proposed goal/policy additions and edits to the Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan outlined above, as follows: Type 1 – An existing goal/policy identified as applicable to an additional plan element. These goals/policies have been added to one or more elements to promote consistency, acknowledging that some goals/policies apply to multiple elements. Type 2 – A new goal/policy facilitates the implementation of the Climate Resiliency Plan. These goals/policies will help fulfill one or more actions identified in the CRP Implementation Plan. Type 3 – A new or amended goal/policy elaborates on existing goals/policies within the plan elements. Staff edited some existing goals/policies to reflect climate resiliency. Type 4 – A new or amended goal/policy added based on direction received from the Planning Commission and the public. During the public input opportunities for the CRP Implementation Plan and pilot program, the City received feedback on goal/policy language that promotes climate resiliency. Type 5 – A new or amended goal/policy promotes consistency between multiple elements within the Comprehensive Plan. Type 6 - A new or amended goal/policy promotes plan consistency with one or more other City plans (e.g., Housing Action Plan) or regulations (e.g., SEPA regulations). Sometimes, the City plan or policy is mentioned explicitly in the amended goal/policy. In other cases, the amended goal/policy would help facilitate the implementation of other City plans or policies not directly named in the amendment. Staff used this typology to classify each change included in the draft amendment so it is apparent what each amended goal/policy accomplishes. Most of the proposed amendments are categorized under several types in Appendix A. PROCEDURE On April 21, 2023, the Planning Division submitted its 60-day notice of intent to amend the City’s Comprehensive Plan to the Washington State Department of Commerce (WSDOC). Section 18.04.040 PAMC states that the Planning Commission shall conduct a public hearing to consider the Amendment prior to or during May and City Council public hearings shall be conducted prior to or during June. The City Council’s decision shall be rendered no later than June 30th. This codified timeline meets the requirements of the WSDOC. Notice of the application was provided on the following dates and in the following manner: May 10, 2023 Planning Commission Agenda Packet Page 14 of 19 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application No. 23-26 6 |Staff Report 1. 4/21/2023: Notice to WSDOC of Intent to Amend the Comprehensive Plan 2. 5/1/2023: City of Port Angeles Website 3. 5/1/2023: City Hall Notice Board 4. 5/3/2023: Peninsula Daily News COMMENTS The public comment period closes on June 10, 2023. No public comment has yet been submitted for the proposal as of the publishing of this staff report on May 5, 2023. The public will have an opportunity to provide verbal testimony at the Planning Commission public hearing on May 10, 2023 and the City Council public hearing on June 6, 2023. The public may also submit written comment to the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) before the end of the comment period. All comments received before the comment deadline will be reflected in the Planning Commission meeting minutes or added to the project record. FINDINGS OF FACT & STAFF ANALYSIS Analysis and findings of fact from DCED Staff are based on the entirety of the application materials, Port Angeles Municipal Code (PAMC), applicable standards, plans, public comment, and all other materials available during the review period. Collectively the information contained in the staff report is the record of the review. The findings and analysis section this report is a summary of the review completed by DCED Staff. Port Angeles Municipal Code Section 18.04.040 - Annual amendment cycle. All proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan shall be considered concurrently on an annual basis from July 1st through June 30th and shall be adopted no more than once during said period, except that amendments conforming to the GMA may also be adopted whenever an emergency exists. Amendment proposals should be submitted, public hearings will be conducted, and action shall be taken, in accordance with the following schedule: A. Comprehensive Plan amendment proposals shall be submitted no later than March 31st; Staff Analysis: The Comprehensive Plan amendment proposal was submitted prior to March 31, 2023 and was discussed in the months prior as the City participated in the Washington State Department of Commerce Climate Pilot Program. B. The Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED) shall be notified of Comprehensive Plan amendment proposals no later than May 1st; Staff Analysis: DCED staff provided notice to the Washington State Department of Commerce on April 21, 2023. May 10, 2023 Planning Commission Agenda Packet Page 15 of 19 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application No. 23-26 7 |Staff Report C. Planning Commission hearings will be conducted prior to or during May; Staff Analysis: A Planning Commission public hearing is scheduled for May 10, 2023. D. City Council hearings will be conducted prior to or during June; Staff Analysis: A City Council public hearing is scheduled for June 6, 2023 E. The City Council's decision shall be rendered no later than June 30th and shall be transmitted to CTED within ten days after final adoption. Staff Analysis: A City Council Decision is scheduled for June 20, 2023. Section 18.04.060 - Comprehensive Plan amendment elements. Comprehensive Plan amendments shall address the following elements: A. Demonstration of why existing Comprehensive Plan provision(s) should not continue in effect; Staff Analysis: The proposed amendment is incorporating goals & policies of the Climate Resiliency Plan into the Comprehensive Plan. The proposal integrates new policies that do not directly replace or conflict with existing goals and policies. Existing Comprehensive Plan provisions will remain in effect, but some will be amended to ensure Comprehensive Plan consistency with the PAMC and CRP. B. Demonstration of how the amendment complies with the Growth Management Act's goals and specific requirements; Staff Analysis: Proposed changes are not in conflict with the Plan’s current compliance with the Growth Management Act. They are meant to ensure that the Comprehensive Plan reflects climate resiliency and housing issues facing the City over the next 20 years while facilitating development consistent with the intent of the Port Angeles Urban Growth Area. C. Demonstration of how the amendment complies with the County-wide planning policies; Staff Analysis: Proposed changes are not in conflict with the Plan’s current compliance with planning policies applicable within Clallam County. The amendment will facilitate City practices that are more sustainable, reduce environmental impacts, reduce waste, and promote regional economic and environmental resilience. This will benefit the region beyond the City of Port Angeles in addition to allowing the City to achieve resilience. D. Demonstration of how the amendment is consistent with the Capital Facilities Plan and the comprehensive services and facilities plans; May 10, 2023 Planning Commission Agenda Packet Page 16 of 19 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application No. 23-26 8 |Staff Report Staff Analysis: The proposed amendments include policies that will facilitate the provision of urban services and improvement of facilities in a manner consistent with the CRP and other City plans. The Plan poses no conflict with the City’s Capital Facilities Plan. It does propose changes to city operations that will make them more sustainable, cost effective, consider long range effects, reduce environmental impacts, reduce waste, and promote regional and environmental resilience. E. Demonstration of how the amendment is in the public interest and is consistent with the public health, safety and welfare; Staff Analysis: Proposed changes continue support of the public interest and seek to improve public health, safety, and welfare by providing policy guidance to promote climate resiliency, reduce environmental impacts, reduce waste, and promote the provision of attainable housing. F. Consideration of the cumulative effect of all proposed Comprehensive Plan amendments. Staff Analysis: The cumulative effect of the proposed amendment is a Plan that better prioritizes sustainable City development and better directs the City Council in its efforts to improve and manage the City of Port Angeles for the benefit of all its residents and the environment. 18.04.080 - Comprehensive Plan amendment public hearings and notice. A. Public hearings on Comprehensive Plan amendments shall be conducted by the Planning Commission and the City Council in accordance with the schedule set forth in PAMC 18.04.040. Staff Analysis: Public Hearings will be held on May 10, 2023 in front of the Planning Commission and June 6, 2023 in front of the City Council. B. Notice of public hearings on Comprehensive Plan amendments shall be provided in the same manner as set forth in PAMC 17.96.140 for public hearings required pursuant to the Zoning Code. Staff Analysis: Notice has been provided via the City Website, City Notice board, and in the Peninsula Daily News in accordance with notice requirements established in the PAMC. 18.04.090 - Comprehensive Plan amendment decisions. A. The Planning Commission shall make a recommendation to the City Council on all Comprehensive Plan amendments. May 10, 2023 Planning Commission Agenda Packet Page 17 of 19 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application No. 23-26 9 |Staff Report Staff Analysis: Staff has incorporated suggested edits from the Planning Commission and recommends that the Planning Commission recommend approval of the 2023 Comprehensive Plan Amendments on May 10, 2023. B. The City Council shall make the final decision on all Comprehensive Plan amendments. The Council's decision shall be supported by written findings and conclusions, which shall address the elements set forth in PAMC 18.04.060. Staff Analysis: The City Council will make a final decision regarding the 2023 Comprehensive Plan Amendment on June 6, 2023 or at a continued public hearing on June 20, 2023. Environmental Review This project was reviewed under the Washington State SEPA threshold determination rules requirements and procedures. A Determination of Non-significance (DNS) is anticipated for this action. In accordance with WAC 197-11-340 a 14-day appeal period will begin on the date of the determination. The SEPA checklist and environmental documents are on file at the City of Port Angeles Department of Community and Economic Development Planning Division and are available upon request. Consistency In preparation and submission of a Comprehensive Plan Amendment application, City Staff has demonstrated that all standards will be met in accordance with the Port Angeles Municipal Code and RCW 36.70a. RECOMMENDATION It is the recommendation of Department of Community and Economic Development Staff that the Planning Commission concur with staff’s recommendation to the City Council to approve Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. 23-26. This recommendation is based on the staff report, the 2022 Climate Resiliency Plan, 2019 Housing Needs Assessment, Municipal Code Amendment Ordinance Nos. 3688 and 3710, and submitted comments and public input. Staff has provided the following two recommendations options for the Planning Commission’s consideration: 1. Recommend approval of the 2023 Annual Comprehensive Plan Amendment with final suggested changes provided by motion to be included in the recommendation to City Council along with any minor changes based upon continued public comment and staff input, citing Appendices A through G referenced in this report; or 2. Recommend approval of the 2023 Annual Comprehensive Plan Amendment (Application No. 23-26) to City Council with any minor changes based upon continued public comment and staff input, citing Appendices A through G referenced in this report. May 10, 2023 Planning Commission Agenda Packet Page 18 of 19 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application No. 23-26 10 |Staff Report Appendices Appendix A: Draft 2023 Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Amendments Appendix B: Comprehensive Plan Appendices Appendix C: Port Angeles Climate Resiliency Plan Appendix D: Port Angeles Climate Resiliency Implementation Plan Appendix E: Port Angeles Climate Resilience Discussion Guide Appendix F: Resilience Planning Spreadsheet Appendix G: February 8, 2023 Planning Commission Special Meeting Minutes May 10, 2023 Planning Commission Agenda Packet Page 19 of 19