HomeMy WebLinkAbout01282026 PC TranscriptWEBVTT
1 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Yeah, Commissioner Stanley? Here. Commissioner Katroski? Here.
Commissioner Melma?
2 "Walker Mellema" (1618087424)
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Here. And.
3 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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And commissioner McMillan is absent as an excused absence. Excuse.
4 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Alright, we are gonna move forward to the public comments section, so I
will open that now. If you are a call in user and would like to use the
com or would like to make a comment or public testimony, press star three
to raise your virtual hand. If you are joining through the Webex link and
wish to make a comment or public.
5 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Testimony, please use the raise your hand feature in Webex. You'll be
notified when it's your turned to speak. Once you have been unmuted,
please state your name, whether or not you are a city resident, and if
you are speaking on behalf of an organization.
6 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Take it away sir. Hi, John Rollston City of Portan Angeles. Wanted to say
happy New Year to you in your 1st meeting in January. Second item I
wanted to say is I'm happy to see that the city is potentially adopting.
7 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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A process for donated ready plans. Thank you. All right, is there anyone
online?
8 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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I have not seen anyone online.
9 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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All right, then I will close the public comment period and now looking
for approval of the minutes, are there any additions or changes to the
minutes?
10 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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I had one edit I wanted to mention. I would like to review the motion
carried that says it carried 40I believe it carried three to one. The
motion specifically where we're talking about the amendment to allow for
single.
11 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Housing residents in all zones except for commercial arteel or sorry,
arterial. I believe Terry Young did not vote in favor of that, so.
12 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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If we could just review those. We can evaluate that, yeah? Any other
corrections or questions? All right, then can I get a motion to approve
the minutes with the.
13 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Question Commissioner Shoret raised. 1 s. Right, I gotta get my processes
down here a little bit. This one we can just do.
14 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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What's the word here? Unanimous consent unanimous consent. I'm gonna make
a big thing right there just so we have it. Just right here on the front
of this, that would be very helpful. Are there any opposed to the
approval of the minutes with the revisions?
15 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:03:29.070 --> 00:03:44.070
Hearing none, motion carries, minutes are approved. Moving on to our
action and discussion item, we have planning commission elections, if
anyone is not aware.
16 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Commissioner or I guess Chair Young has resigned, so I am filling in his
spot for now. He is staying in South America. Apparently had too much of
a good time down there and he wants to stick around so. Wow.
17 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:04:00.240 --> 00:04:19.170
Good for him. Yes, I Unclear unless unless staff has any more
information. We have as much information as you do, right? Wait, you're
allowed to do that? You can just like move to South America. That sounds
pretty cool. Okay.
18 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Work visa. So then we need to elect a new vice chair to backfill the
position for the remainder of the 2526 period. This goes through March,
is that correct when we'll have the new elections from there? That is
correct. This new vice chair position.
19 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Will serve until 28 February 2026, and then some new planning
commissioners will come on to the commission and will do another election
for both the chair and vice chair position.
20 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Excellent. Think of this as a bonus round. You can, you can get it done
now and then just keep going maybe. Alright, are there any nominations?
Please.
21 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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I nominate myself because I only have one more meeting anyway, so I might
as well be it if I share for one more, Seems like it makes sense, but I
it's whoever wants to do it is also totally fine. All right. That logic
makes sense to me.
22 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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And just for everybody's, understanding, the vice chair's responsibility
is basically to fill in whenever the chair isn't here. So if the chair
moves to South America, you're now the chair. I hear Columbia is very
nice this time of year.
23 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:05:47.129 --> 00:06:09.469
Alright, I am not opposed to that and I appreciate you stepping up for
your send off vice presidency. At this point, do we vote on that? I'm
assuming? Alright, do we make a motion to vote on that? You can just, if
the nomination is accepted, you can vote on whether or not.
24 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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That nomination moves to approval. All right, do we need to do a roll
call with that vote or just?
25 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Yeah, or we'll do a roll call vote. Alright, let's do it. Are are there
any other nominations or we're ready to go? All right, Cheers Tiger? Yes.
26 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Commissioner Ashore? Yes. Commissioner Stanley? I obstain from building
for myself. Commissioner Kedroski? Yes. And commissioner Melma.
27 "Walker Mellema" (1618087424)
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Yes.
28 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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And the vote carries with four yeses and one abstinct abstention. It's
kind of like when a pro athlete is retiring and they sign with their
former team for one more game, right? I like it. This makes it so you're
eligible for a Hall of fame. Right? Yep, absolutely. I appreciate it.
Thank you.
29 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Alright, that brings us up to the next item discussion planning
commission work plan. So we have a staff presentation. That is correct.
Let me pull it up here.
30 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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You all should have this presentation in front of you too, and members of
the audience, there is a presentation out on the table out there if you'd
like to get that as well. All right, good evening. Welcome back. A lot
has happened and we're if you've, if you've read your packet, we're
planning on a lot more happening. So tonight.
31 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Planning staff is presenting the proposed 2026 2028 planning commission
work plan. This work plan outlines a structured multi year approach to
updating the city's development regulations following the adoption of the
vision 2045 comprehensive plan, the citywide rezone, and the housing
action plan.
32 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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The goal is to translate long range policy and declare, predictable and
usable development code. The presentation is about 20 min long, so we'd
appreciate if you would wait until the end of the presentation to ask
questions as your questions maybe answered later in the presentation. I
think I could have said presentation one more time there.
33 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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There we go. Alright, I figured out the technology. So tonight's
presentation, we'll briefly cover the background for the work plan, the
overall approach, the four phases of the code updates, key timelines, and
staff's recommendation with hopefully plenty of time for available,
available for planning commission discussions.
34 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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The questions and finally emotion.
35 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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So as you're all aware, on 16 December of last year, a city council
adopted several major policy documents that together established a clear
direction for growth and development over the next 20 years. These
include, as mentioned, the vision 2045 comp plan, the citywide reason and
the housing action plan.
36 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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In addition, the city must comply with statement mandated development
regulation updates including housing legislation and critical areas
requirements. This work plan is designed to align all of those drivers
into a coordinated implementation strategy and work towards a code that
reflects more up to date procedures, standards and general organization.
37 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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As a refresher, the municible planning process works from policy to
implementation. The comprehensive plan sets long range goals and
development policies which are implemented through development
regulations. State mandated regulations, housing action, and planned
implementation, and the critical area.
38 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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These ordinance requirements all feed into this process and inform the
scope of development code amendment work we're about to propose. The
outcomes of these efforts will be development code that is in alignment
with the vision statement and policies of the comp plan translated into
real world changes in the built environment. So to start, the regulatory
drivers of these proposed development codes include state mandated
development regulations, development standards from the comp plan.
39 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Plan, housing action plan, implementation, and the critical area against
critical area ordinance requirements. And we'll go into details of these
drivers before we discuss the work plan to provide context.
40 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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So in addition to local comprehensive planning policy direction, the city
must update development regulations to comply with recent state
legislation. Port Angeles is not only ahead of the curve of amending
these legislative requirements, the city continues to adopt curve that is
required for larger municipalities. Recently adopted amendments that are
required by the state include regulations for accessory dwelling.
41 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Co living requirements, middle housing, regulations and local project
review regulations. These mandates directly affect zoning permitting
procedures and development standards, and they all came to you before
they went through through approval as well. I wanted to mention that. So,
there are several other recent state bills either approved or moving
through the legislative process that directly affect how cities regulate
development.
42 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Particularly in built up areas. While each bill addresses a different
issue, together they reflect a statewide shift towards encouraging infill
development, reuse of existing buildings, and more flexible neighborhood
scale activity. 1st, Senate Bill 5412 related to seeper exemptions for
info housing, expands the types of residential projects that can be
exempt from separate review when they are considered considered.
43 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Consistent with adopted plans and zoning. For the city, this means our
development regulations must be clearly written and internally consistent
because SIPA exemptions rely heavily on adopted code standards rather
than project by project analysis.
44 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Next, house Bill 1042, the adaptive reuse bill encourages the conversion
of existing buildings such as former former offices, schools or
commercial spaces into housing. This legislation requires cities to
examine how building codes, zoning standards, and permitting procedures
may unintentionally prevent reuse, even when projects align with housing
goals.
45 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Senate Bill 5184, the park performer Modernization Act significantly
limits when where when and where cities can require offstream parking,
particularly near transit or in urban areas. This bill pushes cities to
shift away from parking minimums as a primary development control and
toward design standards and site specific considerations.
46 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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And finally, house Bill 1175 allows for 3rd places such as small cafes,
shared workspaces or community oriented uses within residential areas
under certain conditions. This legislation supports walkability and
neighborhood scale activity, but it requires careful zoning and design
standards to ensure compatibility with surrounding homes.
47 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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And now I'm gonna pass it over to long range and special projects
administrator, associate Planner Angel Torez to cover comp plan related
regulations. Thank you, Ben. Building on that overview, I'll briefly
highlight a few of the new comprehensive plan policies adopted in 2025.
48 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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And how they're beginning to show up in our implementation work. From the
land use element, policy LU 3.3 promotes allowing existing single
household residences to convert to duplexes, triplexes, and other middle
housing types. In 2025, staff supported this direction through tools such
as land use verifications, short plat.
49 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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And boundary line adjustments, helping clarify development potential
while maintaining neighborhood scale development patterns. From the
housing element, policy H 1.5 focuses on more efficient use of
residential land and infill development. Many of these residential
actions processed this year address site specific questions on existing
lots and infrastructure reflecting a measured approach to implementing
that policy direction.
50 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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From the conservation element policy C 1.3 emphasizes protection of
critical areas and NO net loss of ecological ecological function. Our
regulatory updates are still ahead. This policy has informed how staff's
scope and sequenced upcoming critical areas ordinance work reflected in
the work plan.
51 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Across these elements, the work plan before you tonight reflects a
focused and collaborative approach to translating adopted policy into
clear and implementable development regulations over time. And with that,
I'll turn it over to housing Administrator Jaylan Bodo.
52 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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To go over her updates. Over the past two years, the planning commission,
city staff, community stakeholders, and the general public have come all
come together to work hand in hand to create a fresh and improved housing
action plan. The city periodically reviews the updates to the housing
action plan to keep things current. This plan highlights various houses.
53 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Programs, funding opportunities, and the importance of a strong community
strong community partnerships. Additionally, some critical housing
initiatives are connected to the development of our new code. Building on
this collaborative work in December 2025 with the help of the planning
commission, the city council passed an ordinance that defines co living
housing.
54 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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And permits this type of development in all residential and commercial
zones. This accomplishes task nine of the housing action plan. Task
number one examines a blighted property reduction strategy and can be
tied to phase one of the municipal municipal code development code update
specifically regarding fire inspections. Housing task number six is to
plan a training program for multi family builders.
55 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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This task supports all phases of the municipal code update by ensuring
effective communication and implementation of the new code changes, and
housing tasks ten discuss the MFTE program multifamily tax exemption
program. Program improvements include clarifying the MFTE program to
align.
56 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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With the best practices set by the Department of Commerce in the
Washington State legislature, and specifically updating Port Angeles
municipal code chapter 1746. This shows the direct connection between
program improvements and code updates. Thank you, and I will now pass it
to National Resource and grant Administrator Courtney Bornsworth. Thank
you Jalin. As you heard earlier, under the GMA, cities and counties are
required to update their critical areas ordinance as part of the
comprehensive plan periodic updates. In 2026, staff.
57 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Will accomplish this task by completing the following. 1st, we will
realign title 15 to match the state's designations of critical areas,
which are wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas,
frequently flooded areas, geo geologically hazardous areas such as
erosion and land slide areas, and areas with a critical recharging effect
on aquiffers that are used for portable water.
58 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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It's important to note that the city does not currently use critical aqua
for recharge areas for portable water, however, if we plan to do so in
the future, it would be in the city's best interest to start planning for
their protection now. Second, we will identify and incorporate best
available science from various agencies, including Washington Department
of Fish and wildlife. Washington Department of natural resources.
59 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Is Washington Department of Ecology and working in consultation with our
local tribes to ensure critical areas protection standards are being met
and are in alignment with the state's re recommendations. 3rd, we will
include urban Forestry as a section to better align the city's management
of its urban forests with best management practices and to meet goals
defined in the comprehensive plan and climate resiliency plan. 4th, we
will ensure the protection standards of all critical areas are protecting
functions and values, as well as health.
60 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Safety of community members and the environment. 5th, we will undergo a
review of the state environmental Policy Act, thresholds to determine if
the city should raise any of the exempt levels as permitted under whack
1919711 801 C And lastly, upon the completion of the title 15 updates,
staff will begin an update to the shoreline map.
61 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Program to ensure consistency when critical areas are mentioned in the
SMP. I'll hand it back over to planning supervisor Broadrick. All right,
now to get into the work plan. So we're planning on looking at a, an
implementation strategy that is a multi year phased approach. Each phase
focuses on a defined set of code titles, allowing staff, reviewers, and
the public to engage with fewer topics at a time.
62 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Well this approach takes longer overall, it improves clarity, reduces
resource conflicts, and supports more deliberate decision making. The
work plan is intentionally driven by legal obligations and regulatory
necessity. What this means is statemented updates, mandated updates such
as critical areas requirements, housing legislations, procedural
standards are prioritized 1st, followed by code amendments needed to
implement and adopt policy.
63 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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This ensures the city remains compliant with state law while focusing
staff and the commission's time on amendments that are required or time
sensitive. Second, each phase is structured to operate independently.
Phases have clear scopes and adoption points, allowing updates to move
forward without relying on later phases and reducing overall risk.
64 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Public engagement is tailored to the scope and impact of each phase.
Procedural or technical updates involve more targeted outreach while
policy or development impacting amendments include a broader engagement
and stakeholder involvement. Across all phases, staff is focused on
providing accessible information, multiple engagement opportunities.
65 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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In clear communications so community members can meaningfully
meaningfully participate regardless of background or experience with the
code. The work plan is designed to ensure the planning commission
receives information early and often with opportunities for discussion
before formal hearings. Phases include work sessions, discussion items,
and interim updates so.
66 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Permission feedback can meaningfully shape draft code before it reaches
adoption stage. This approach supports informed recommendations and
ensures staff can clearly respond to your input. So the overall work plan
is divided into four phases, each with its own defined scopes, steps, and
timelines. Phase one focuses on certificates of occupancy and life safety
codes. Phase two addresses critical areas in urban forestry.
67 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Phase three implements zoning and urban development changes aligned with
the comprehensive plan periodic update vision and its policies. Phase
four it completes the work plan with remaining development codes
including sign and subdivision regulations. So just to get into how this,
this is gonna look, each phase has five different steps, and that follow
the same five steps structure. Well, the level of.
68 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:21:21.529 --> 00:21:41.529
Work varies by phase, these steps provide a consistent framework from
kickoff through implementation. So enter step one, internal kickoff that
establishes the foundation for the phase. Staff defines the scope,
confirms statutory requirements, identify roles and responsibilities, and
aligns on goals, timelines, and decision points.
69 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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App ensures a shared understanding before a court item begins between
departments and within the internal city. Next comes step two co
development where staff researches best practices, review state guidance,
audits existing regulations, and drafts proposed amendments. The step
focuses on translating adopted policy and legal requirements into clear
implementable code language. And then on to step three public engagement,
which provides opportunities for.
70 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Put on the draft direction before formal adoption. Engagement methods are
scaled to the scope and impact of the phase and may include planning
commission discussions, stakeholder meetings, industry outreach, and
public comment opportunities. Step four is a formal legislative process.
71 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Staff presents the proposed amendments response to public to the public
and planning commission input, and advances the code through public
hearings and adoption by the appropriate decision body. And step five
finally is implementation, and this is just as important as they all the
other steps. It ensures adopted code functions as in.
72 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Attended. This includes updates to application materials, public facing
guidance, staff training, website updates, and outreach to ensure
applicants, reviewers, and the community understand and can apply the new
regulations correctly. So this is the overall.
73 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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A Phased work plan in total from 2026 to 2028, and as you look from the
work plan from top down and left to right, phase one starts now. In fact,
it has already started. We started a code writing workshop this week.
74 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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This is a short contained phase focused on life safety and over the
counter permitting updates, which is why it moves quickly from kickoff to
adoption. Moving into phase two, you'll see the timeline lengthened
through much of 2026. This reflects the complexity of the state mandated
critical areas in urban forestry updates, which require more
coordination, science based.
75 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Review and planning commission involvement. Phase three occupies the
largest portion of the chart extending from late 2026 into mid 2027. This
phase includes longer drafting and discussion periods due to the
interconnected nature of zoning, design standards, and land use changes.
And on the far lower right, phase four completes the work plan in late
2027 and early 2028.
76 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Overall, each phase is unique and has differing lengths of time for each
step, but all are in alignment with the work plan tenets. So moving into
individual phases, we obviously begin with phase one, which includes
reevaluation of fire codes, creation of the certificate of occupancy
chapter, updates to inspection procedures, and.
77 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Related life safety amendments. These updates are largely procedural,
required limited public engagement and are intended to improve
predictability for applicants and staff. In phase one, the internal
kickoff and code development steps are more narrowly focused and involve
a smaller group of staff. These amendments are largely procedural and
technical dealing with the codes I mentioned and inspection processes.
Because these changes do not alter.
78 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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These entitlements, the public engagement step is intentionally limited
and targeted, primarily involving industry partners such as builders. The
planning commission's role is more informational and the public hearing
occurs at the city council level. So phase two consolidates and
modernizes the city's critical areas regulations, improves permitting
procedures and creates a unified urban forestry chapter. This phase
includes a more robust public engagement process and ensures.
79 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Clients with state critical areas requirements.
80 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Phase two requires a much broader and more deliberate process. The
internal kickoff involves multiple departments to ensure environmental
infrastructure and operational coordination. Co development is guided by
best available science and state requirements, which requires careful
review careful review and documentation. Public engagement is more
extensive and includes.
81 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Stakeholder committees, public meetings, and planet commission
discussions because of the potential impacts to private property and
environmental resources. Both the planet commission and city council play
former roles in the review and adoption of this code. Phase three
implements vision 2045 conference of plan and citywide rezone by
simplifying zoning districts, creating a unified land use chart, updating
design standards, and better integrating.
82 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Potential commercial, and mixed use development.
83 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
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Phase three places the greatest emphasis on iterative code development
and planning commission involvement. The internal kickoff establishes a
longer term working structure and co development occurs through multiple
workshops due to the complexity and interconnectess of zoning and design
standards.
84 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:26:26.009 --> 00:26:41.699
Public engagement is ongoing and layered allowing stakeholders and
commissioners to review and respond to draft sections over time. This
phase includes early council work sessions before formal hearings because
of the policy significance of the zoning changes.
85 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:26:41.699 --> 00:27:01.699
So finally, phase four completes the work plan by updating signed codes,
subdivision regulations, remaining zoning provisions, and project permit
administrative procedures to ensure consistency across all titles. Phase
four balances multiple concurrent code updates, so the internal kickoff
focuses on coordination and sequencing.
86 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:27:01.699 --> 00:27:19.199
Code development is more segmented by title, allowing targeted review.
Public engagement is focused on specific audiences, particularly for
signed codes and permitting procedures. While the steps mere our earlier
phases, they are streamlined because these updates refine and align the
code rather than introduce new land used frameworks.
87 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:27:19.199 --> 00:27:38.609
So with that introduction to the work plan, staff recommends the planning
commission adopt the municipal code amendment schedule as the 2026 to
2028 planning commission work plan. But before the recommendation motion
is made, we'd like to turn it back to the chair and planning commission
for any discussion and questions.
88 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:27:38.609 --> 00:28:01.369
Alright, thank you Steph. That's a tall order of items to go through.
It's a lot. It is a lot. And if you guys think of anything else, please
bring it up during any of the process we go through over the next two
years. I noticed I'm most excited for the sign code and I saw that you
put that at the end, so I just have to to play along until then. So
unfortunately.
89 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:28:01.369 --> 00:28:26.549
Generally there are other priorities that are state mandated otherwise
absolutely. Life safety, we're we're calling number one. I understand.
Thank you. All right, I'll I will open it up to discussion. Most of this
seemed fairly straightforward, but I don't want to assume that there
aren't some good questions here. Does everybody have comments and we can
go one at a time or just raise your hand and let me know?
90 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:28:26.549 --> 00:28:44.729
Let's do that actually. Commissioner Shore. I have a clarifying question.
It does seem straightforward, but I want to ask because one of the work
plan tenets says each phase should operate independently of the next and.
91 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:28:44.729 --> 00:28:59.909
For our project plans, the phases do overlap a little bit in terms of
like you're starting on the next phase. So I just, I guess I just wanna
clarify what you mean by operate independently of the next.
92 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:28:59.909 --> 00:29:19.909
By operating independently, what we mean is that, you know, that we have
consolidated the codes that rely on each other the most, and so we're
trying to pair all these things together in like in a like mindedness.
We're also like, yeah, there is different phases and they are distinct,
but the minor overlap could be like a, maybe an adoption.
93 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:29:19.909 --> 00:29:45.649
And while something is moving through an adoption process, staff already
has a kickoff meeting for the next process and they're moving internally
forward. But the I think the biggest, the biggest takeaway is that you
all will not have any overlap in the review of these things. You all will
be, you're you're basically that yellow bar there and we want to make
sure that we're not overloading you, we're giving you enough time to.
94 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:29:45.649 --> 00:30:09.499
Focus on what's at hand so you can provide like meaningful feedback.
Thank you. Yeah. All right. Commissioner Kedraski. 1st of all, I just
want to thank you guys all for all your work last year on the comp plan
and zoning change and all that. I know it was a huge heavy lift, you guys
gotta past the finish line, so congratulations. Thank you. And just a
real quick question about.
95 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:30:09.499 --> 00:30:33.209
There's a lot of legislation being proposed right now in the current
legislative session. Do you see anything that might affect us in the next
year that could pass or is there anything being discussed that you have
heard of? I do think there are a couple of things and looks like a couple
of people have their fingers on the, the mic, so I'll let them go.
96 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:30:33.209 --> 00:30:52.979
I think Jaylan will go into a few more specifics, but we're looking at
the ones that are in session that would apply to us and we'll just follow
them to see if they pass and what that means and what that timeline sets
out because that could add more work to our work plan, but we're gonna.
97 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:30:52.979 --> 00:31:12.979
Of course follow state law, but we want to make sure that we can put it
in and make sure it gets the time it deserves. Yeah, and I I don't have a
list of the actual bill numbers right now, but if that's something that
the planning commission would like to see I could bring it back for the
next meeting. But I know specifically there's.
98 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:31:12.979 --> 00:31:30.659
Legislation that's being introduced about standardizing permit ready
plans on a state level, some tiny house, a tiny home legislation as well,
and some other housing related things is what I have my hand on the pools
for.
99 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:31:30.659 --> 00:31:52.579
Great, thank you so much. Anything from you? Vice chair of Stanley? You
know, not not a ton, obviously yeah, we have to adhere to state law. I'm
glad that things will move forward.
100 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:31:52.579 --> 00:32:16.759
Also excited just to move into more of an implementation phase, planning
is great, but implementation is where, you know, where the rubber hits
the road. So, I hope that as we move forward, we can, as a community like
look at some of the possible impacts from this stuff, you know, obviously
we're gonna get public engagement, but once it's actually enacted, it
would also be great to have a process where.
101 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:32:16.759 --> 00:32:34.859
Where maybe we're coming back to things, talking to people in the
community, see how things are working or not working and so on. So I hope
it says it's not just about finally passing these codes and calling it a
day, but there should be some longer process there that everyone needs to
think about, but I'm sure you're already thinking somewhat along those
lines.
102 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:32:34.859 --> 00:32:54.859
Otherwise, yeah, I think you know this is this is relatively broad, so
it's hard to get into too many details here. I really fully understand
where we're going. The general, the general layout seems great. If there
had one other just specific comment, it would be I'm more curious in
particular about the fire.
103 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:32:54.859 --> 00:33:15.199
Code revisions in particular, and about the specific impetus for that.
And I guess I'm asking because I've just found in my experience and I,
you know, this is probably playing devil's advocate a little bit here. I,
I do advocate for fire safety, but in my experience, it seems like so
there's.
104 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:33:15.199 --> 00:33:40.309
So many aspects of American cities that have been dictated by fire codes
from the width of suburban streets to, you know, to expensive sprinkler
systems being mandated in buildings and so on. And I just feel like we're
in a point in at least our town's history where, let's, let's not take
our eye off the events housing crisis in our community and how much of
impact that has. And I'm hoping that maybe some of these.
105 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:33:40.309 --> 00:34:00.309
The fire code revisions are gonna scale back on some of the needed
requirements. I know there are e.g. cities in which you don't see any
apartment buildings over four stories because that's the cutoff for when
a fire system has to be put in and NO one can afford to put that in and
have affordable rents. So, things like that, I'm hoping we that can be
front of mind.
106 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:34:00.309 --> 00:34:29.209
Even as we balance public safety in that, I know that it sounds like the
plenty Christian won't be that involved in the fire code stuff in
particular, but so I just want to lay that out there cause I I just again
I think we've heard from a lot of people about the crisis in housing and
we just can't take your eye off it. So thanks. Did you want me to kind of
give you more details? Okay, so I am working closely with our fire
marshall who regulates the international fire code.
107 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:34:29.209 --> 00:34:52.339
And we are required to adhere to that code, so that is kind of our our
guiding principle. However, there's a lot of outdated fire requirements
in the Port Angeles municipal code that do not align with the fire code
that tend to cause more grievance than, than the fire code such as a.
108 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:34:52.339 --> 00:35:16.019
The bell that has to be put in when you're outside the 4 min response
window window, that's an antiquated process, right? I mean, a fired bell,
I'm not sure how much that does and that's one thing that's gonna be
removed, so a lot of it's just cleaning it up, getting it to current
requirements, not a lot of big changes happening. We can't remove the
sprinkler requirement.
109 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:35:16.019 --> 00:35:36.019
I think something to think about and I know our fire marshall is starting
a coffee with the fire marshall program and is always open to take
questions or talk through things with applicants. He's very reasonable,
and so when and if he can make an exception, he does, as long as it.
110 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:35:36.019 --> 00:36:00.209
Doesn't risk the safety. So I think taking advantage of that, having our
community take advantage of that will really get them to understand what
that means. Hopefully that helps. Yeah, we were looking at it today and
there were codes from 1987 2002 95, like it's just the code itself is
just really outdated and the positions involved don't even.
111 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:36:00.209 --> 00:36:20.209
Don't even relate anymore. So that's just it's a lot of cleanup too.
Okay, great. Well I just so yeah again just to repeat, I just hope that a
focus on multifamily housing is front and center at every stage of the
process when we talk to the fire department because again obviously fire
safety incredibly important, but at some point our inability.
112 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:36:20.209 --> 00:36:44.487
Really to build new housing at you know effectively is endangering the
logs of people in a different way. It's more of a slow burn that we're
not gonna be able to quantify as easily as something like fire. So, I
just want to make sure that's, that's fully balanced, but I think you
think you're on it, so thank you. Thank you. Commissioner Melama, do you
have anything you'd like to share?
113 "Walker Mellema" (1618087424)
00:36:44.487 --> 00:36:56.039
I had a question about the transition in the, in the the zoning code
we're moving, I I think I saw a note about eliminating the R nine and R
eleven.
114 "Walker Mellema" (1618087424)
00:36:56.039 --> 00:37:14.969
Residential zoning and I'm just curious how we're deciding what goes into
the new zoning codes that are replacing those and, and what's not going
in.
115 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:37:17.406 --> 00:37:36.529
I think that the discussion that we want to start is, looking at the R
seven zone as it's been amended as a model for all of our lower density
residential zones and seeing if that infill model can't be expanded to
the rest of the.
116 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:37:36.529 --> 00:37:51.286
Those historically lower density residential zones, so, yeah, I
anticipate that that's gonna be something that comes onto the the docket,
but it's gonna I think it'll have a really healthy conversation.
117 "Walker Mellema" (1618087424)
00:37:51.286 --> 00:37:57.850
Okay, thank you.
118 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:37:57.850 --> 00:38:20.239
Any other thoughts from commissioners? I don't have too much to add here.
I do have a couple of details that popped out of me, but I know we're
gonna dive into those at the appropriate time, so I'll kind of hold off
on that. I wanna echo commissioner Cadrovski's sentiments. I know we've
been through a lot and pushed a lot of things through the goal.
119 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:38:20.239 --> 00:38:42.390
Line. So thank you for your help on that and I'm looking forward to
getting through this stuff as well. So thank you very much. Yeah, and you
can always, if you have ideas, you can always email planning commission
at city of portangeles.us. Good plug, I like that. All right, then I
believe we're ready to move forward to the staff updates.
120 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:38:42.390 --> 00:39:05.060
We do need a motion. Oh yes, you're right, you're right. So we are
looking for a motion and can oh please go ahead. Yeah I'll make a motion
to adopt the work plan is written as for 2026 2028.
121 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:39:05.060 --> 00:39:20.880
Sorry a second. By second the motion? Any discussion? Alright, help me
out here too. When do we need roll call votes versus general votes?
122 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:39:20.880 --> 00:39:42.350
The chair decides. Chair decides. I don't think we're not Usually when
there's, when there's like something legislative we're going through, it
would probably be good to do a roll call. Any kind of any time you want
something to have to have more formality. Perfect. All right. Well I'm
just gonna open this up all in favor of adopting the municipal co.
123 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:39:42.350 --> 00:40:03.450
Agreement work plan for 2026 through 2028I any opposed? No. Oh, I sorry I
get to vote, don't i? I, so I'm not opposed. So motion carries.
124 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:40:03.450 --> 00:40:23.450
Now we're ready for the staff updates. Alright, so tonight you might
notice some additional staff here at tonight's meeting. To further share
some of our department's work, we have revamped our staff reports to be
more comprehensive and share community and economic developments work in
whole. Prioritizing permitting customer service and clear ready.
125 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:40:23.450 --> 00:40:44.700
Regulations. So with that said, I'd like to introduce our community and
economic development technician to Tristan carl Strom. You may recognize
Tristan from our front counter or from building inspections. He has been
here about two years.
126 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:40:44.700 --> 00:41:04.700
And, we have Tristan here to experience what planning commission is like
and I'm gonna share some of the great work on the reports that he has
done. So in 2025, the CED technicians managed over 7400 customer
interactions reflecting strong public engagement and.
127 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:41:04.700 --> 00:41:23.160
And continued reliance on community and economic development services.
This equates to nearly one interaction every 15 min or 28 interactions
per day. You can see this reflected in the total engagements year to date
metric at the top left corner of the customer service report located on
page 21 in your packet.
128 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:41:23.160 --> 00:41:39.960
Approximately 99 % of customer inquiries received a response within two
business days demonstrating a consistently high level of customer service
performance. This information is shown in the timely response rate
section on the top right side of the report.
129 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:41:39.960 --> 00:41:59.960
Customer interactions were handled through multiple channels including
email, phone calls, and in person counter visits. Ensuring accessible
service options for a wide range of customers, the breakdown by
engagement type is shown in the engagement type year to date chart. Email
continues to be the most frequently used communication.
130 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:41:59.960 --> 00:42:26.670
Method allowing staff to efficiently track inquiries, provide clear
responses and maintain records for follow up. Over 2200 in person counter
visits were recorded year to date nearly one 3rd of all interactions,
underscoring the continued importance of our front counter staff and face
to face customer assistance. Engagement levels were fairly consistent
month to month, which makes it easier to anticipate workload and staffing
needs.
131 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:42:26.670 --> 00:42:46.670
This is shown in our monthly engagement trend graph on the bottom of the
left, bottom left of the report. Overall, timely and consistent responses
help reduce repeat inquiries, improve customer understanding of
permitting requirements and strengthen public trust in departmental
processes. Before moving to our over the counter report, are there any
questions.
132 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:42:46.670 --> 00:43:05.580
About the customer service report. All right. Oh, can you define these
customers? They can be builders, they can be just members of the public
inquiring about processes. They can be members of the public.
133 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:43:05.580 --> 00:43:23.940
Inquiring about what their neighbor is doing, what projects we have going
on, it's a range and you kind of never know what you're gonna get from a
day to day basis. Yeah lost too. Yeah. I guess what seems interesting to
me is.
134 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:43:23.940 --> 00:43:43.940
Like we don't have a category for like talking to people about permits,
like it seems like that might be a cut. Be really hard to track. Yeah I
think it's just we're, we're able to track our interactions per date.
Maybe we could do like an email inquiry but just the amount that we have
and the number of.
135 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:43:43.940 --> 00:44:08.720
Different inquiries that our front counter has, it could really change
and be nearly impossible to track, you know? Yeah, NO worries. I was
gonna say, how do you track that data? Do you have one of those like
clickers when you get on the ferry when they're looking? We do have a
little chart that someone has to make a mark on every single time. Oh
wow, a chart like like a wall of prison like this like scoring it out. We
need to come to the 24th.
136 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:44:08.720 --> 00:44:37.140
Technology there. That, that just lets me leasingly believe that we
should just have a big piece of butcher paper and do the 7000 ticks all
year, yeah. Alright, so if you can now move to page 22 of your packet,
we're gonna review the monthly type zero or over the counter report that
Tristan creates, so both of these are reports are developed by Tristan.
137 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:44:37.140 --> 00:44:57.140
So, turning briefly over to over the counter permits in 2025, we have
issued 352 over the counter permits. Over the counter permits continue to
be processed efficiently with approximately 91 % of applications process
the same business day that they are received. This metric shows that.
138 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:44:57.140 --> 00:45:17.510
Is shown at the top of the over the counter permit report under total
permits year to date and percent same day processing. Mechanical re roof,
reside, and plumbing permits represent the highest volume of over the
counter activity, allowing staff to apply consistent standards and
maintain expedited processes. These volumes are.
139 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:45:17.510 --> 00:45:41.510
Shown in the permits by type year to date chart. If asked about the
types, oh, sorry, I was not planning to read this time I'm going by seed.
So permit issuance levels remained stable throughout the year indicating
effective workload management and appropriate staffing levels despite
ongoing development activity. This is illustrated in the.
140 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:45:41.510 --> 00:46:01.510
Permits issued by month graph. The average turnaround for over the
counter permits remains one business day from intake to issuance
reflecting on a streamlined and predictable review process. This is
supported by the average staff time by type chart in the lower right
corner of the report. Same day processing and timely issuance after pay.
141 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:46:01.510 --> 00:46:29.990
Payment are tracked separately to ensure transparency and accurately
reflect staff performance. Definitions for both are provided at the
bottom of the report. Average staff time by permit remains low confirming
that over the counter permits are appropriately scoped for expedited
review while we're maintaining compliance with adopted codes and safety
requirements. The over the counter permitting process supports timely
project initiation for homeowners, contractors, and small businesses.
Contributing to predictable development timelines.
142 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:46:29.990 --> 00:46:50.970
Citywide. A lot of our focus is on making permitting and inspections
simple and predictable, so folks know what to expect and can move their
projects forward safely without delay. These programs are about
supporting our community and reducing confusion wherever we can. So
thanks for letting us share this update and we are happy to answer any
questions you may have.
143 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:46:50.970 --> 00:47:06.390
I do have a question. August had quite a spike. What was the cause of
that spike? Yeah, so that would have been Ducklas e pumps, mostly
mechanical permits.
144 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:47:06.390 --> 00:47:25.980
Thank you. All right, I'd now like to introduce Chris Jackson. He is our
building inspector and licensing administrator. He's gonna go over our
Senate Bill 5290 report.
145 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:47:25.980 --> 00:47:45.090
So, good evening, as you heard i'm Chris Jackson, I've been with the city
for about two years as well. I'm excited to be here to share with you the
amazing work that the community and economic development department is
doing with permitting.
146 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:47:45.090 --> 00:48:01.380
For little background, in a bill of 5290 required local governments to
modify their land use and permitting procedures to improve predictability
and transparency. As part of this effort, staff consolidated permitting
procedures into a single cohesive chapter of the Port Angeles municipal
code.
147 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:48:01.380 --> 00:48:16.590
These update excuse me, these updates established clear review timelines
allowed for concurrent permit reviews and clarified expectations for
applicants and staff alike. In 2025, the city reviewed 447 permits in
total.
148 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:48:16.590 --> 00:48:35.730
Nearly all of them, 439 permits were type one permits, which include most
building and planning permits that do not require public notice or a
public hearing. These permits make up the majority of our day to day
workload. For type one permits, state law allows up to 65 days for
review.
149 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:48:35.730 --> 00:48:55.730
What the data shows is that most of these permits are completed well
before that limit. As you see, a hundred and 82 permits were completed in
under 14 days, a hundred and 90 permits were clean completed in the 50 to
30 day range, 66 permits were clean completed in the 31 to 65 day range,
and there was one permit.
150 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:48:55.730 --> 00:49:17.040
That extended into the 100 to 170 day range. For type two permits, which
are more complex and generally require additional review but are still
administratively decided, it may require public notice, the review period
allows up to 100 days. During 20 2057 type two permits were processed.
151 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:49:17.040 --> 00:49:37.040
Two are completed within 15 to 30 days, another two are completed within
31 to 65 days, and there were three permits that were completed in the 66
to a hundred day range. For type three permits would typically involve
public notice or a decision by the hearing examiner and have a hundred
and 70 day re.
152 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:49:37.040 --> 00:49:54.630
New window, we had one permit that was processed. That permit was
completed in the 31 to 65 day range while within the time allowed by
state law. There were NO type four or type five permits processed during
2025, so there are NO timelines to report on those categories.
153 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:49:54.630 --> 00:50:14.630
Overall, all this information shows that most permits, particularly
building and planning permits without public notice or hearings are being
reviewed and issued far earlier than the maximum allowed time frames
allowed by state law and that the city's current review process is
effectively managing both high volume and more complex permit type.
154 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:50:14.630 --> 00:50:41.790
Types. I want to thank you again for the opportunity to present this
information. I'm excited to continue these monthly updates and to build a
consistent, transparent dialogue with the planning commission moving
forward. All right. Jaylan Belono housing administrator and planning
Commission Clerk. If you will join me on page 21 of the packet, you will
find the monthly affordable housing report.
155 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:50:41.790 --> 00:50:59.370
Where in December of 2025 there was $5357 in fee waivers processed and we
finalized one multi family tax exempt.
156 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:50:59.370 --> 00:51:15.780
Duplex development, which was four units. In total, in, in 2025 the total
city contributions were $285310.
157 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:51:15.780 --> 00:51:32.220
At the last city council meeting, a resolution is passed to establish
formal procedures for accepting donated engineered plan sets into the
city's permit ready plan program at NO cost to the city while ensuring
consistent.
158 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:51:32.220 --> 00:51:49.830
At the last city council meeting, a resolution was passed establishing
formal procedures for accepting donated engineered plan sets into the
permit ready plan program. This program ensures consistency with current
codes, design standards, and.
159 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:51:49.830 --> 00:52:09.830
Community housing goals. Staff is currently working on an application
process and public engagement materials and helps to fully launch this
program by the end of March. And as you will recall, this was one of the
housing tasks in the housing action plan periodic update.
160 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:52:09.830 --> 00:52:28.950
The city also recently published a request for proposals for the historic
fire haul at 02:15 South Lincoln. With the RFP, there is a preference for
proposals that create affordable housing encourage mixed use development
and historic preservation of the facade and external.
161 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:52:28.950 --> 00:52:48.950
Building. Proposals for the RFP are due by 13 February 2026 and will be
evaluated by the city shortly afterwards. We recently also held a site
visit for the anyone interested in two 15th South Lincoln, which happened
earlier this week.
162 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:52:48.950 --> 00:53:09.330
Week. In addition, the city is also leading a pre development pre
development efforts on a high density multi family pilot project at 09:35
West 10th Street in Port Angeles. This initiative is part of task number
eight of the 2025 housing action plan, which identifies the critical need
for multi family.
163 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:53:09.330 --> 00:53:29.330
The multi family housing pipeline pilot project. City of Port Angeles
recently received a, $1.9 million housing trust fund grant from the
Department of Commerce to aid this initiative and the pre development
work. The grant will fund key activities including predesign.
164 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:53:29.330 --> 00:54:00.780
In programming, design development, engineering, site preparation, and
developer selection and site dis disposition. City council recently
approved the acceptance of the grant on 20 January 2026 city council
meeting. That's all I have, but if you have any questions, please let me
know. I do have a question. This is not, it's housing related, so I think
it's the best time to ask. If I'm not mistaken, the the state building
code committee decided to.
165 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:54:00.780 --> 00:54:20.780
Postpone the 2024 building codes until 2027 as far as requiring
implementation. I believe that came out today that I saw that headline,
and so you maybe it's way too early to get anything, but I'd be very
curious if the city has any thoughts about rolling back because that has
some.
166 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:54:20.780 --> 00:54:44.390
Major affordability implications. And if it's way too early I get it if
this was just came out today. I could just generally say that, you know,
over the last several iterations of this code we have postponed
historically. So the only thing I'm familiar with is that their website
still states that 1 March 2026. Now, if that came.
167 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:54:44.390 --> 00:55:05.670
Not today, maybe they haven't updated their website yet. We do have to be
compliant with the state building code council, so hopefully they think
about affordability as they go through that process. Thank you.
168 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:55:05.670 --> 00:55:30.950
Good evening, planning commissioners. Courtney Bornenceworth natural
Resources and grant administrator for the city of Port Angeles. Tonight I
will be giving an overview of the environmental efforts that occurred in
2025. These efforts helped build the environmental ethic across the city
and improve upon our stewardship of critical areas.
169 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:55:30.950 --> 00:55:55.790
As a natural resources. This is a verbal report, so there won't be
anything in your packet. In 2025 community and economic development
coordinated the city shade street tree program where 74 trees were
planted citywide. Over 30 participants were approved for free trees and
city staff were able to utilize surplus trees from the event to line a
stretch of Lords and Bulbard adjacent to Lincoln Park. To date, 444
trees.
170 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:55:55.790 --> 00:56:19.400
These have been planted as a result of this program. Staff participated
in several listening sessions and outreach events around the Rainier Mill
site cleanup and the western Port Angeles harbor cleanup. Comments were
submitted to Department of ecology, urging them to push for a complete
cleanup of the Rainier Mill site. Staff and city leadership continue to
have conversations with ecology regarding the proposed levels of cleanup
to better.
171 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:56:19.400 --> 00:56:41.480
To line with the priorities of the community. Staff and city leadership
met with commissioner public Lands Dave Up the Grove in May 2025 to
discuss the need for more stringent hydrological assessments in the oh
WELL watershed as it pertains to proposed future timber harvesting on DNR
lands. Staff have collaborated with the public works department and Parks
and recreation department on numerous efforts over the.
172 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:56:41.480 --> 00:56:56.580
Here, including L Wall River facility restoration, grant proposals, the
city Shades street tree project, and identifying hazard trees throughout
city owned properties. Working collaboratively with other departments is
crucial to ensure environmental stewardship is happening on a citywide
level.
173 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:56:56.580 --> 00:57:16.580
CED staff submitted a grant application for the Washington Department of
Commerce in November 2025 to begin the implementation of an urban
forestry program to manage the urban Forest more holistically for the
benefit of somonids. Staff were awarded the grant in the amount of
$109000, which will be brought to city council on february.
174 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:57:16.580 --> 00:57:35.970
Sorry 3rd for acceptance. Over the course of the year, CED staff focused
on 13 environmental priorities that were assigned by the city manager.
These efforts included staying involved in the rainya mill site and the
western PA harbord cleanup efforts, identifying locations of underground
storage tanks and contaminated sites throughout town.
175 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:57:35.970 --> 00:57:51.540
Focusing on efforts at big boy Pond, the L Wall River Watershed
protection, and its creek restoration efforts, tree canopy assessments,
planning for future career soap piling removal projects, and ensuring the
city continues to meet their cultural resource protection requirements.
176 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:57:51.540 --> 00:58:06.750
Staff participated in a working group hosted by DNR to better plan for
Calp and illgrass habitat restoration and conservation in the Lwa
priority area. The initiative authorized by 2022 legisla legislations
aims to cover.
177 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:58:06.750 --> 00:58:26.750
10000 acres of calpent ill grass habitat by 2040 to support stamon
recovery, improve water quality and assist with climate change
mitigation. Staff have incorporated policies into the 2025 through 2045
comprehensive plan periodic update to reflect the results of this working
group and will also include the best available science for this habitat
type and.
178 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:58:26.750 --> 00:58:47.430
In the coming updates to the critical areas ordinance. In 2025, CED
issued 19 environmental permits, including ten SIPA checklist
applications, three shoreline permitting exemptions, one substantial
shoreline development, and five environmentally sensitive areas exemption
permits. And with that, I'll take any questions if you have any.
179 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:58:47.430 --> 00:59:05.700
Alright, good evening commissioners sanger Torres long range special
projects administrator. Tonight I'll provide a brief overview of the land
use actions and development activity completed in 2025.
180 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:59:05.700 --> 00:59:23.580
So in 2025, the city processed 36 land use permits and policy actions
across a range of project types. These included boundary line
adjustments, short plots, land use verifications, conditional use
permits, pre application reviews, rezones, and a comp and comprehensive
plan amendments.
181 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:59:23.580 --> 00:59:43.580
From a legislative standpoint, comprehensive plan amendments and the city
wide rezone were completed during a year including adoption of the
housing action plan and vision 2045. At the neighborhood scale boundary
line adjustments, land use verifications in the short plants were used to
address site specific development questions across multiple
neighborhoods. The city also reviewed project.
182 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
00:59:43.580 --> 01:00:09.050
Fixed with broader employment and community implications including
continued work with the associate with the associated project peninsula.
In addition, pre application review was used for visitor serving projects
such as airtime trampoline Park and a upcoming bamboo hotel to identify
site constraints prior to formal application. Taking together the land
use actions completed in 2025 reflect ongoing implementation of adopted
plans alongside act.
183 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:00:09.050 --> 01:00:27.060
Project reviews. That concludes my update. Were there a trampoline park
in there? I knew that was gonna happen. Yes yes, spoiler alert may
potentially have a trampoline park come in here.
184 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:00:27.060 --> 01:00:44.910
Yeah. I do have a question that's probably only kind of related. Do we
get, could, could anybody give a short update where the hotel downtown is
at?
185 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:00:44.910 --> 01:01:03.780
In progress, we have NO update to share because we don't have an update.
Their permit has been ready to be picked up or has that been here, which
is about three years and so.
186 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:01:03.780 --> 01:01:23.780
We don't know where they stand on that from our perspective as a
permitting. Gotcha. So nothing is holding them up from our end of things
in theirs. Okay, thank you. And just to add to that though the issue
again in my memory is between the Department of Collegy and the trial.
187 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:01:23.780 --> 01:01:44.480
To to settle that and they're at a stale mate, is that correct? Don't NO
that that was a part of it at one time, but I think now it maybe
financing another actual like that's the the development issue. Okay, so
they're not being prevented regulatorily from they have their billing
permit.
188 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:01:44.480 --> 01:02:06.800
So yeah. Oh, ok. Yeah. They just haven't picked it up yet. Let's see.
Yeah. For those that don't know though, just for context, there, our
shortline master program allows certain heights in different areas and
they would not bend the Department of Ecology would not allow.
189 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:02:06.800 --> 01:02:24.540
Variance to have a building be higher. So they had to reevaluate the
hotel in total, so. Good evening commissioners. I'm Pat Barthletick
senior development services specialist.
190 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:02:24.540 --> 01:02:42.390
I'm gonna briefly go over 2025 building reports. As we've heard from
previous reports, 2025 was an exciting year with the city focused on
expanding housing and business opportunities while continuing our
business emphasis to provide exceptional customer service.
191 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:02:42.390 --> 01:03:02.390
Overall in 2025, we issued 529 billing permits compared to 491 in 2024.
This was a 20 % increase in the volume of permits being issued. The total
construction value for 2025 was 83000146.
192 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:03:02.390 --> 01:03:28.890
$796 versus 59740 and 2024, which is an increase of approximately 39 %.
Permits issued for projects of interest. In January the blackball, very
dock repair, $2600000 project. This is the infrastructure.
193 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:03:28.890 --> 01:03:48.890
Project is key for travel and commerce. In March, civic Field received a
new scoreboard which was much needed in May, the permit was issued for
the the middle school project, which.
194 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:03:48.890 --> 01:04:07.950
She was the 1st of several projects planned for the school district, and
then in November there was a permit issue to replace the sighting on
fields Hall for it was necessitated by.
195 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:04:07.950 --> 01:04:25.290
Material defects from my understanding on the original that was
originally put up. Permits for dwelling units total 52 new dwelling units
with approximately 24 somewhere in the pipeline.
196 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:04:25.290 --> 01:04:41.940
That's compared to 2024 when there were nine permits for 95 dwelling
units issued, but I would point out that 36 of those were for the
Penicial Behavioral Health project at Second Oak.
197 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:04:41.940 --> 01:05:03.240
Project permits and permits that were issued in previous years that are
are of interest and I wanted to point out were some multi family housing
structures on Meldy lane. There are three buildings that'll total 27.
198 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:05:03.240 --> 01:05:23.240
New dwelling units getting towards the, the, the finish line on those, so
that'll be nice to get those projects in the in the taken care of. Permit
activity and construction values are indicators of the willingness to
invest in our community.
199 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:05:23.240 --> 01:05:53.660
The middle school project, the Marine Trade Center and the water Front
Project peninsula, which the permit was issued for recently, and the new
family entertainment Trampling park, are all examples of projects that
make Port Angeles a, a more appealing community for people to live and
work. Is there any questions I can.
200 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:05:53.660 --> 01:06:20.430
Alright, then we'll move into the quarterly grant report. The 2025 Q4
grant report can be found on page 26 of your agenda packet. In Q4 2025,
staff oversaw the management of the parking business improvement area
contract with the waterfront district. Staff attended monthly elevate PA
meetings to gain insight into the happenings in the water front district
and remained the point of contact for any issues or concerns that were
raised.
201 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:06:20.430 --> 01:06:36.990
The partnership with the Qualm Economic Development Council resulted in
the continuation of various small business assistance programs such as
providing assistance with federal contracts, matchmaking events, workshop
opportunities for local businesses, and providing startup assistance for
new businesses.
202 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:06:36.990 --> 01:06:56.990
Staff received on and processed 17 invoices from the 2025 lodging tax
recipients in Q4 for the amount of $282761 in total. There was one facade
in signage improvement grant that was reimbursed that you all reviewed
earlier in the year. That one was for 8000.
203 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:06:56.990 --> 01:07:16.740
Dollars to the hub, and staff continue to work with makers architecture
through the end of the quarter for the final refinements of the
comprehensive plan updates with the final plan adopted by city council on
16 December 2025 with all of your help. And if there's any questions
about the grant report, I'd be happy to answer them.
204 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:07:16.740 --> 01:07:39.360
I do have one question on the Apex accelerator $10000, this was a grant
we received or the city gave. We provide them with $10000 on an annual
basis.
205 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:07:39.360 --> 01:07:59.360
Oh, these are periods. I was looking at the the coordinating, I thought
it said $10675, and I was gonna say that's pretty poor return on
investment. Oh, and there's a small typo I'm realizing in there now that
should be a, that 1st period should be a comma, not a period. Yes. So
that's yeah.
206 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:07:59.360 --> 01:08:25.470
That's a good investment. I'm all for that. Thank you. So that's what
they had provided to those local businesses. Awesome. Yeah. And with our,
our contribution of 10000 to help with that. Perfect, thank you. Any
other questions or comments on the grants?
207 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:08:25.470 --> 01:08:48.230
Yeah question real quick. That 27 unit building, did they have to install
27 water meters and 27 power meters? Yes, I I believe that's the case
that I would have to look, but I'm pretty sure that.
208 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:08:48.230 --> 01:09:09.620
Those, well, I know that each of the units would have a, a separate
electric meter. I believe each of them had a, a separate water meter, But
I, if we talk about housing affordability wanting to build more
multifamily housing, this is a big cost that I.
209 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:09:09.620 --> 01:09:40.980
Yeah, so I I do want to just kind of highlight what Pat said. So our
current director of Public Works and the past director of public works
has allowed for it to be owner chosen or developer chosen how they drive
that drive that forward. So as long as it doesn't impact the
infrastructure where it is, then they can choose to share meters, not
sure the details on how that's done, but it's not required necessarily.
210 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:09:40.980 --> 01:09:56.250
Just kind of curious thought experiment, what would be the alternative
having 1 m and then the the owner of the building would have to add that
cost maybe equal to people's rents or.
211 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:09:56.250 --> 01:10:16.250
Around some in some other way, probably. They managed department
buildings for like 15 years, 500 unit apartment buildings, having 500 m
would be crazy. So you have sub meters and so you have submeter for every
tenant. So you have one master meter that goes to the utility and then
you have a sub meter. So I don't have to pay fif 500 bills. I pay one.
212 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:10:16.250 --> 01:10:33.900
Bill and then I distribute that to 500 people. Okay. Because the owner of
the property is the one that's responsible for paying the bill, not the
tenants.
213 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:10:33.900 --> 01:10:54.540
Alright, any other questions or comments before we move on? We will move
on to reports from the commission members. Does anyone have a report they
would like to share?
214 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:10:54.540 --> 01:11:18.140
Yeah weigh in, especially my last meetings here, I think I just have one
specific comment which is well really an idea, I would say, which is I
just feel like, you know, maybe for for all planning commissioners that.
215 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:11:18.140 --> 01:11:38.140
I've served a full eight years, they should be granted a t shirt from the
city and that might be considered a gift for public funds, but I believe
there could be like a dominimist service award exception. I'm just saying
in general, you know, not about me, just maybe, maybe we should make a
motion for.
216 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:11:38.140 --> 01:12:03.600
For any planning commissioner serves eight years to to get a t shirt with
the the city logo on it. Just saying, you know, really pushing for that
Hall of Fame nomination, aren't you? Yeah. A whole shame maybe. I think
it only supported if it said I survived there we go. Exactly. Something
like that. Just saying, you know, just food for thought.
217 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:12:03.600 --> 01:12:20.100
I have a It's a minor report as well. Today my stop sign got replaced,
and, you know, I asked the city staff why were they replacing my stop
sign because.
218 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:12:20.100 --> 01:12:35.400
My stop sign looked and Pristine continued Pristine and he mentioned, oh,
we're actually replacing 400 signs because the warranty is up on the
signs.
219 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:12:35.400 --> 01:12:55.400
So I don't know. I just, it was, I understand that, you know, you know,
there's policy, but it is a little bit, I guess I found a little bit
disappointing because we still have places where we do need stop signs
and we're not able to have those stop signs because we can't justify it
because of like budget.
220 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:12:55.400 --> 01:13:16.410
And then yet we're replacing a stop sign on a dead end road, which by the
way is a dead end road, and it just, yeah, it was totally like it looks
brand new still like you know so anyways, I don't know if there's much we
can do about that, but I just thought it was interesting and it happened
today, so I report it.
221 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:13:16.410 --> 01:13:38.970
I just want to thank you guys again for all the hard work you guys do and
everything that you guys put into the last year. I know it was a ton of
effort to get that past the finish line. So again, thank you all. I
think, you know, there's gonna be a lot of discussion about the zoning
stuff, I think going forward so I look forward to that.
222 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:13:38.970 --> 01:13:45.527
Commissioner Melament, do you have any report?
223 "Walker Mellema" (1618087424)
01:13:45.527 --> 01:13:48.765
I do not.
224 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:13:48.765 --> 01:13:59.370
Alright, then I will give just a very short report. I'm not sure if you
heard, but, the Well, I guess it's not the city, but Mark Absurre.
225 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:13:59.370 --> 01:14:19.370
Signed with Nestley, which is the home sharing service, so they are going
to be officially coming to town here, which is one small piece of helping
with housing availability and affordability for people. So I'm really
excited about that. Excited to learn more and see that implemented. So
creative solutions, we gotta come up with all.
226 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:14:19.370 --> 01:14:21.960
All the creative solutions we can come up with.
227 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:14:21.960 --> 01:14:41.960
Can you explain what that is? I'd be happy to. Nesterly essentially is a
website that is the go between for people who want to rent out rooms in
their homes, so they help with background checks and matching people who
are interested and, somebody who's interested in renting out a room in
their house.
228 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:14:41.960 --> 01:15:00.990
They can help with the, they take the payment from the printer and then
are kind of the intermediary so they don't have to be collecting rent
from the person. They can help with dispute resolutions and they also
encourage things like creative.
229 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:15:00.990 --> 01:15:20.580
Situations to decrease rent, like somebody say it's an elderly person and
they want somebody who can mowe their lawn for them, you know, and take
care of that. So that's worked into the rental contract. So it's really
trying to find where these good matches, you know? Or or or e.g.
something they brought up was a retired teacher who is.
230 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:15:20.580 --> 01:15:40.580
Just a single person and needs a room, needs a place to live, and a
single mom who has a kid, so you kind of get creative there. So just a
really neat system. I know I've gone the route of Craig's list to get
roommates in the past and that's, you win some and you lose some, so I
would have loved a nesterly types.
231 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:15:40.580 --> 01:15:48.150
Situation there, and very, very minimal expense to use their service as
well.
232 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:15:48.150 --> 01:16:08.150
That sounds great. That sounds like this is something the city authorizes
or the county just from a legal perspective, if they're a private
company, you'd think they could just come in and do that. They require a
certain investment initially to come in and they have to get a certain
number of people signed up who are interested.
233 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:16:08.150 --> 01:16:26.010
Nancy Stefans really ran ran with that ball and did a lot of public
engagement and got people to sign up and got the business community
involved. I think the city was somewhat involved as well. I don't know
all the the nuances there, but it really was a lot of different pieces
coming together to make this happen.
234 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:16:26.010 --> 01:16:45.750
Fantastic. Right? If it funnels right into the co living ordinance, you
guys all adopted as well. Yes. All right, we're gonna go into 2nd public
comment period. Quick question. Do I read my whole spiel for 2nd one as
well?
235 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:16:50.910 --> 01:17:06.780
There's NO one online, so it's up to you. Alright, we'll forgot that. I
will open the secondary I'm opening 2nd public comment period. John?
Alright.
236 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:17:06.780 --> 01:17:26.780
Yeah, John Rollston City Praisals. I was also an item that I circled was
the fire code situation. Certainly safety is important, but.
237 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:17:26.780 --> 01:17:44.640
You know, the last energy code update probably costs new construction, a
single family dwelling probably around ten grand. I don't know what the
next change is gonna come about storm water, which came into play.
238 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:17:44.640 --> 01:18:04.640
Quite a few years ago I sat here when those items were being discussed
and, you know, they had the professionals, I don't know if it was makers
or some other people and discussions it was maybe gonna cost somebody two
to $500 to do that. Oh, it's usually at least ten times that amount.
239 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:18:04.640 --> 01:18:15.960
So fire code is one of these things that I don't know if they're gonna
change the sprinkler requirements. I have a place under construction
right now.
240 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:18:15.960 --> 01:18:35.960
That's gonna be sold and it it's around oh seven grand a structure for a,
a structure that's under 1500 sq ft of heated space. So, not knowing what
they're gonna require or change if at all. I just hope that there's
public.
241 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:18:35.960 --> 01:18:41.190
Make engagement with the building, community and.
242 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:18:41.190 --> 01:18:56.310
And not a discussion that's here where there's maybe one or two people
showing up in the audience. That also is going to be my comment with
design standards. At least I'm aware that the city has had.
243 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:18:56.310 --> 01:19:13.140
Input from consumers about design standards and certainly well in good
intentions, but I hope that they get more engagement. I will be engaged.
244 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:19:13.140 --> 01:19:33.140
About design standards that add a lot of costs and people need to be
aware of it. With regards to a t shirt, if I could get permission from
the city to use their logo, I'd be happy to get a t shirt.
245 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:19:33.140 --> 01:19:49.290
I'm assuming that a size small will work. Thank you. Yeah, Bestlyn fill,
it would be best. Thank you. And yeah, we should get the city attorney
here to discuss this further, but thank you.
246 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:19:49.290 --> 01:20:09.290
Alright, I will close the public comment period, and I will, take a
little liberty and just add, I've said it many times housing
affordability is really death by a thousand cuts and that means we have
to take a thousand small opportunities to heal it and do what we can, so
I.
247 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:20:09.290 --> 01:20:28.140
I appreciate the comment about fire safety and and keeping that lens on
everything that we do. So from there, I'm gonna botch this because I did
last time too. I get to make a motion to adjourn, right? I'm gonna make a
motion to adjourn.
248 "Council Chamber" (1222549760)
01:20:28.140 --> 01:20:37.728
Second. All right, and I don't have to take a vote, so meeting is
adjourned. Share.