HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC 03272024 Agenda Packet
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
PLANNING COMMISSION
March 27, 2024
6:00-8:00 PM
Notice is hereby given that the Port Angeles Planning Commission will meet on Wednesday,
March 27, 2024, starting at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers in City Hall located at 321 E.
th
Street, Port Angeles, WA. This meeting will be conducted as a hybrid meeting. In hybrid
5
meetings, members of the public, Committee members, and City staff have the option to attend the
meeting in person at CityHall or remotely through the Webex virtual meeting platform. For those
planning to attend remotely, learn how to watch the meeting live and participate during the public
comment period by visiting: https://www.cityofpa.us/Live-Virtual-Meetings.
For audio only please call: 1-844-992-4726
Use access code: 2554 470 9731
Webinar password: JPqVmqpS737 (57786777 from phones and video systems)
Once connected press *3 to raise your virtual hand, if you wish to make a comment or public
testimony. You will be notified when it is your turn to speak. This access code will only workfor
the March 27, 2024 meeting.
If you are joining the meetingthrough the Webex link and wish to make a comment or provide
public testimony, please use the “raise your hand” feature in Webex. You will be notified when it
is your turn to speak.
Virtual Webex Meeting Link:
https://cityofpa.webex.com/cityofpa/j.php?MTID=m6eee2bcfd2b63432f8b73e978fc42a0a
The meeting is open to the public.
I.CALL TO ORDER
II.ROLL CALL
III.PLANNING COMMISSIONER OATH OF OFFICE
IV.PUBLIC COMMENT
V.PLANNING COMMISSIONER INTRODUCTIONS
VI.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes of the February 28, 2024 RegularMeeting
VII.ACTION ITEMS/DISCUSSION ITEMS/PUBLIC HEARING
1. Action Item: Nomination and Election of 2024-2025 Chair and Vice Chair to the
Planning Commission
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.
2. Action Item: Appointment of Planning Commission Liaison to the Housing
Solutions Committee
Appoint a member of the Commission to attend the monthly Housing Solutions
Committee meeting the first Friday of the month at 9:00 AM at the Clallam County
Courthouse and report back to the Commissioners.
3. Action Item: Nomination and Appointment of Comprehensive Plan
subcommittee member to fill vacant seat and selection of Subcommittee Chair
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.
4. Discussion Item: Comprehensive Planning and the Washington State Growth
Management Act Basics and Introduction
Staff presentation and Commissioner discussion of Comprehensive Planning history
in Port Angeles and an Introduction to the Growth Management Act in anticipation of
the upcoming 2025 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update.
5. Action Item: Utility Advisory Committee Joint Meeting
The Utility Advisory Committee meets the second Tuesday of each month from 3:00-
5:00 p.m. In response tothe request by the Commission to meet jointly, the
Committee has requested for items to discuss with the Planning Commission prior to
scheduling a joint meeting.
VIII. STAFF UPDATES
1. Department of Commerce Short Course on Local Planning
2. Email and Communication Procedures
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Street Paving Project
3. 8
4. Environmental Plans for the Welcoming Vista and Websters Woods
5. Short-term Lodging Ordinance Update
6. Monthly Building Report
7. Monthly Housing Report
8. Builders Round Table Update
IX. REPORTS OF COMMISSION MEMBERS
X. ADJOURNMENT
Approval of Minutes
February 28, 2024
Regular Meeting
March 27, 2024 PC Agenda Packet pg. 1
MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION
HybridMeeting–In-PersonandVirtual
th
CityCouncilChambers:321E5Street,PortAngeles,Washington98362
February28,2024,at6:00P.M.
REGULARMEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Stanley opened the meeting at 6:02 P.M.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present:Benjamin Stanley (Chair)
Richie Ahuja
Marolee Smith
Colin Young
Tammy Dziadek
James Taylor
Commissioners Absent: Vacant seat.
City Staff Present: Ben Braudrick (Planning Supervisor)
Pat Bartholick (Senior Development Services Specialist)
Shannen Cartmel (Deputy Director of Community Services)
Ethan Walker (Housing Administrator)
Will Habel (Natural ResourcesAssociate Planner)
Jade Anderson (Community Development Technician)
Chris Cowgill (Assistant City Attorney)
Kari Martinez-Bailey (City Clerk)
Public Present: John Ralston, Steven Pelayo, Brian Heberling, Johanna Bartee,
Joyce Underwood
Virtual: Kelly Johnson, Jim Haguewood
PUBLIC COMMENT
Chair Stanley opened the meeting to general public comment.
The following individual provided comment:
John Ralston, city resident, spoke to the handout presented to Planning Commissionthat
had also been shared with Council, spoke to short term rentals and a façade matter on the
agenda that evening.
Pelayo, business owner in Port Angeles, spoke to short term rentals. Mentioned someone
had a heart attack, that was a different city.
March 27, 2024 PC Agenda Packet pg. 2
Brian Heberling, spoke to his attendance at the last city council meeting relative to the
topic of short-termrentals and a Peninsula Daily News poll.
After confirming there was no one onlineor in the room wishing to speak, Chair
Stanley closed the meeting to general public comment.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Dziadekbrought up four points, no second.
Chair Stanley said the Commission would discuss the matterbeginning with
Commissioner Smith. Commissioner Smith discussed the five choices, ChairStanley
reminded CommissionerSmith the discussion was directed to the minutes...Smith
continued.
Commissioner Smith made a motion and was seconded by Commissioner Taylor to:
Revisit the action taken on and during the January 24, 2024 Planning Commission
meetingtodiscuss the matter in moredetail at a future meeting.
This motion would include amending the motion passed to:
Amend the existing ordinance in such a manner that supports enforcement of
the 2017 Port Angeles Municipal Code and provides a time-limited exception
option for existing nonconforming short-term rentals; and
Pursue platform-based enforcement; and
Pursue a comprehensive assessment of an ideal short-term rental process in
the City of Port Angeles.
Though the motion was made and seconded, the Commissionersmoved on with their
discussion.
Commissioner Ahuja made the motion to approve the minutes as read, but withdrew
his motion.
It was moved by Chair Stanley to approve the minutes with the following changes:
Commissioner Taylor- Tohave minutesinclude more detailed comments by Taylor
regarding fee structures related to short-term rentals.
Commissioner Dziadek- To include more details about the conversation between
staff, and two other points.
The motion was seconded by Ahuja.
Motion passed 5-1, with Smith voting no.
It was moved by Commissioner Smith and seconded by Commissioner Taylor to:
Add to the agenda, to include a discussion and presentation on a cost analysis presented by
audience member, relative to the short-termmatter.
Amend the motion to include “and include the document in the February 28, 2024
Planning Commission meeting minutes”.Didnot receive a second at the time of
discussion.
Though the motion was made and seconded, the Commissioners moved on with their
March 27, 2024 PC Agenda Packet pg. 3
discussion.
ACTION ITEM(S)/DISCUSSION ITEM(S)/PUBLIC HEARING
1.Façade and Sign Improvement Program Grant Application No. 24-01
Planner Bartholick spoke to the application by sharing slides on the façade grant request
details. Including improvements that would improve the safety and aesthetics of the
building.
The applicant, Johanna Bartee, provided clarification on her application. She spoke to a
portion of the request specifically that she may come back to at a future time.
Commission discussion followed.
Commissioner Smith asked about the conditionsof skylights and stated she was familiar
with the building being a former tenant.
Commissioner Taylor had questions about the costs presented in the application and had
a question about signage costs.
Commissioner Smith and CommissionerDziadek moved to approve FSG Application
No. 24-01 as proposed by the applicant.
Hearing no objection, the motion passed 6-0.
2.Appointment of Planning Commission Liaison to the Housing Solutions
Committee
Discussion between Commissioner Taylor and Planner Braudrick about scheduled
meetings.
It was moved by Taylor and seconded by Young to:
th
Table action itemuntil the March 27meeting.
Motion carried 6-0 through roll call vote.
3.Election of Vice Chair to the Planning Commission
Chair Stanley spoke to the matter and provided some background. Commissioner
discussion followed.
It was moved by Taylor and seconded by Young:
th
Table the matter until the March 27meeting.
Commission discussion followed. Noted that there is a link to the outdated agenda on
the website.
Motion to table passed, 3-1 withDziadek and Smith abstaining from the vote.
4.2025 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update Scope of Work
Planner Braudrick, spoke to the matter, said the City’sComprehensive Planis due in
2025 and provided an update:
March 27, 2024 PC Agenda Packet pg. 4
The immensity of the project, element of financial support and provided
background.
One grant received and waiting to hear on another. Will go before Council and
then an official kick off in April.
Housing goals, transportation, transportation and multimodaltransportation, and
(add) utilities.
Neighborhoods, and particular areas that are in the scope of work, and for future
consideration in the plan and how the Planning Commissionwould be involved in
the future work.
A LandUse Map created for zoning, created in 1970, and will dictate future use of
certain zones, future land use programming.
A future open house relative to the comprehensive plan.
Comments started at 7:30.
Chair Stanley wants the Planning Commissionto be involved.
Commissioner Taylor spoke about the short-term rentalmatter and spoke to some
improvements that could be made relative to workflow.
Commissioner Smith asked about the Comprehensive Plan andspoke about a
specific section in the current Comprehensive Plan that speaks to tourism andsaid
that if the City doesn’t follow the plan, then money shouldn’t be directed to it.
Commissioner Ahuja spoke to workflow, stating that it will help see the big
picture.
Break from 7:39pm and 7:44pm.
Commissioner Dziadek left the meeting during the breakdue to a prescheduled paratransit
public transportation appointment. She was later excused by the remaining commissioners
inattendance.
It was moved by Smith and seconded by Taylor to:
Add to the agendaa late item, to include a discussion and presentation on a cost analysis
document that was previously presented by an audience member, relative to the short-term
matter.
Motion failed 2-3 with Smith and Taylor voting in favor.
It was moved by Smith and seconded by Taylor to:
Ask Council to conduct a survey which identifies which City Council members live in the
2017 zoningarea, that identifies the RMD and RHD zones, and may be benefiting from
their action.
Commission discussion followed.
Motion failed 2-3 with Smith and Taylor voting in favor.
Smith made a motion and seconded by Taylorto:
Make a recommendation to the City Council from the Planning Commission to approve
option B from the City Council meeting on February 20, 2024.
March 27, 2024 PC Agenda Packet pg. 5
Motion carried 3-2 with Ahuja and Stanley opposed.
STAFF UPDATES
City staff provided the following updates to the Commission:
1.New Planner Introduction
Planner Braudrick introduced staff sitting at the desk area.
2.Lincoln School Update
Planner Walker shared a brief update.
3.Housing Website
Planner Walker identified updates on the website.
4.2023 Building Report
Planner Bartholick spoke to the building report in the packet and spoke to a change in the
report format stating thatadding unit counts to each housing type and spoke to specific
numbers on permits making their way through the process to improve the housing stock.
5.Mandatory March 13th Board and Commissioner Training
Reminded Planning Commission members of the upcoming training.
6.Consolidated Application Review Policy and Procedures
Planner Cartmel spoke to the CARPP development team and plans to expand document
management and retention processes, and continued improvement in accessibility to
improve customer service.
7.Builders Roundtable
Planner Cartmel,spoke to the matter, giving the Planning Commissionupdates on the
City’s efforts to improve the permit process, etc.
8. Department of Commerce Short Course on Local Planning
Planner Braudrick spoke about a short course available, March 28, 6pm-9pm.
REPORTS FROM COMMISSION MEMBERS
Commissioner Ahuja noted that a Planning Commissionmember had left and due to that
matter, it may have caused a different outcome.
Commissioner Taylor spoke to the STR process and spoke to his late application.
Commissioner Smith spoke to the application process.
Chair Stanley spoke to the participation of Ahuja and Taylor. Spoke about his
experience, roles that govern the Planning Commissionunder state law, and spoke about
roles discussion that will be coming up in the future. Watching if the role will change in
the future, said the role of Planning Commission needs to be clarified.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Taylor moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Smith seconded the
motion. The motion passed unanimously (5-0) through a consent vote.
March 27, 2024 PC Agenda Packet pg. 6
The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 PM.
Jade Anderson, Secretary Benjamin Stanley, Chair
MINUTES PREPARED BY: Jade Anderson, Secretary
March 27, 2024 PC Agenda Packet pg. 7
Action Item
Nomination and Election of
2024-2025 Chair and Vice
Chair to the Planning
Commission
March 27, 2024 PC Agenda Packet pg. 8
BYLAWS
of
THE CITY OF PORT ANGELES, WASHINGTON
PLANNING COMMISSION
(Amended)
ARTICLE I – NAME
Section 1. Name
The official name of the organization shall be “The City of Port Angeles, Washington, Planning
Commission.”
ARTICLE II – RESPONSIBILITIES
Section 1. Duties of the commission shall include:
A.Make building regulation action recommendations to City Council in accordance with
Port Angeles Municipal Code (PAMC) Section 2.36.100.
B.Make City districting recommendations to City Council in accordance with Port
Angeles Municipal Code (PAMC) Section 2.36.110.
C.Periodically reviews and awards façade and sign improvement grants in accordance
with Port Angeles Municipal Code Chapter 2.80.
D.The Planning Commission shall elect its own chairman from among its members and
create and fill such other offices as it determines its needs require.
E.It shall adopt rules for the transaction of the business and keep a written record of its
meetings, resolutions, transactions, findings, and determinations, which record shall be a
public record.
F.Other duties as assigned by the City Council relating to subjects regarding land use
policy.
ARTICLE III - 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 as outlined in Article V
Section 1 regular meetings 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 IV - OFFICERS
Section 1. Officers
The elective officers of the Planning Commission shall consist of a Chair and Vice-Chair.
March 27, 2024 PC Agenda Packet pg. 9
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 officersshall 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 serve no more than two 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, Commissioners, and Staff
(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.
They shall appoint all committees, shall be an ex-officio member of each, without the
power to vote. 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. 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)Commissioners
The Commissioners shall:
A.Arrange for adequate time to fulfill the responsibilities of a commissioner,
B.Prepare for meetings by reading the agenda packet,
C.Listen to other Commission members and staff and communicate respectfully and
courteously to fellow commissioners, staff, and city residents, and
D.Participate in discussions and decision-making.
March 27, 2024 PC Agenda Packet pg. 10
(d) 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. Theyshall also keep the
minutes of Planning Commission committee meetings when requested to do so. They
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 V -
MEETINGS
Section 1. Regular Meetings: Time and Place
The Planning Commission shall hold at least one regular meeting in each month for not less than
nine months in each year. 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. 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
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 to members of
March 27, 2024 PC Agenda Packet pg. 11
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 specialmeeting.
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 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 r
egular meetings shall be closed on 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
(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(s)
(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)The Planning Commission is authorized and empowered to act as a research and fact-
finding agency of the City. To that end, it may make such surveys, analyses, researches,
March 27, 2024 PC Agenda Packet pg. 12
and reports as are generally directed or requested by the City Council. The Planning
Commission, upon such direction or request, is further empowered and authorized
a. To make inquiries, investigations, and surveys concerning the resources of the City;
b. To assemble and analyze the data thus obtained and to formulate plans for the
conservation of resources and the systematic utilization and development thereof;
c. To make recommendations from time to time as to the best methods of such
conservation, utilization, and development;
d. To cooperate with other public agencies in such planning; and
e. To make surveys and recommendations for the adoption by the City Council of
coordinated plans for development of the City.
The research and fact-finding powers granted to the Commission shall be exercised by
the Commission acting as a body. Individual commissioners, separately or independently,
are not authorized to exercise such powers
(b) All requests and applications for comprehensive plan amendment, façade and sign
improvement grant applications, development regulation amendments will be tabled if
the applicant or an authorized representative is not present at the hearing on the request or
application.
(c) 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.
(d) 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.
(e) The Commission shall act as a body in making its decisions and in announcing them.
(f) Willful misrepresentation of information pertaining to a request or application will void
that request or application upon discovery of the misrepresentation.
(g) 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.
(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
March 27, 2024 PC Agenda Packet pg. 13
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 name, location 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, location 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
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.
March 27, 2024 PC Agenda Packet pg. 14
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 special meetings is expected of all Commission members.
Any members anticipating being absent from a regular or special meeting shall notify the Chair
and Executive Secretary with as much prior notice as possible but no later than noon the day
before the meeting so the Commission may excuse the absence at the meeting. Exceptions will
be made in the event of an emergency such as illness or death in the family or an unforeseen
event. Commissioners who fail to give notice will be marked as unexcused in the minutes. For
any member who is absent from three consecutive meetings without being excused or six
meetings in a calendar year, whether excused or unexcused, the Commission shall recommend to
City Council to consider the position forfeited and to advertise replacement for a new member to
be appointed for the unexpired term. When a member misses three meetings within a six-month
period, the Chair should discuss with the member the implications of their lack of attendance and
options for improvement. If the circumstances are expected to continue unimproved, the member
may be asked to consider resigning from the Commission before reaching the above-mentioned
threshold of absences.
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 VI - 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
March 27, 2024 PC Agenda Packet pg. 15
Planning Commission to the endorsement of any plan or program without the plan or program
submitted and approved by a quorum of the Commission.
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 They 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 VII - 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 April 27, 2022
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;
8/26/20; 4/14/21; 04/27/2022
March 27, 2024 PC Agenda Packet pg. 16
2024 January-February Building Report
Staff Updates
March 27, 2024 PC Agenda Packet pg. 17