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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02252026 PC MinutesPLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Port Angeles, Washington February 25,2026 This meeting was conducted as a hybrid meeting. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR MEETING Chair Steiger called the regular meeting of the Port Angeles Plaruring Commission to order at 6:01 p.m. ROLL CALL Planning Commission Chair Steiger, Vice Chair Stanley, Commissioners: Schorr, Kiedrowski. Mellema Members Absent: Commissioner McMillian. Staff Present: Plaruring Supervisor Ben Braudrick, Long Range and Special Projects Administrator Angel Torres, Housing Administrator Jalyn Boado, Natural Resources and Grant Administrator Courtney Bomsworth, Senior Development Services Specialist Pat Bartholick, Building Inspector/Licensing Administrator Chris Jackson, and Community Development Technician Triston Carlstrom PUBLIC COMMENT Azalea Stanley, Resident, praises Vice Chair Stanley's tenure onthe Planning Commission. AGENDA ITEMS APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes of the January 28,2026 Meeting Action Item: It was moved by Shorr and seconded by Kiedrowski to: Approve the January 28,2026, Meeting Minutes. Motion carried 4-0. l. Discussion: MCA Phase I Update Introduction. Staff presentation by Fire Marshall Joel McKeen and Long Range and Special Projects Administrator Angel Torres introducing future municipal code update regarding certificate of occupancy processes, fire code, fire alarms, fire zones, automatic fire sprinkler systems, fire inspections, building moving, and urban services Commissioner Kiedrowski asked what issues this Fire code addresses and whether you can explain the coordination between departments. How is the appeal process changing, and why are you changing the appeal processes? Vice Chair Stanley stated that Fire codes often affect housing development. Port Angeles is not a very fast- growing city. Has there been any discussion amongst staff about how the fire code updates will affect housing development? Have developers voiced any opposition to the code update? Encourages staff to be flexible with the Fire code when possible and to clearly communicate these changes to developers. CITY OF PORT ANGELES PLANNING COMMISSION - February 25,2026 Commissioner Shorr expresses gladness for an updated Fire and Certificate of Occupancy Change. She questioned how these updates would specifically affect businesses. How have businesses been following the Fire, Life, and Safety inspection requirements? Are there fees associated with Fire-related corrections or reinspections? States that there could be backlash from businesses that were not compliant in years past, before there was a full-time Fire Prevention specialist. If staff hear concems from businesses, they should consider the feedback and provide accommodations, such as waiving fees when applicable. Commissioner Mellema stated that not all businesses own their building. What is their responsibility to do the Fire system annual testing? Chair Steiger appreciates that there is no overregulation for the code update. Praised the Fire Department for their efficient Fire Inspection procedures. How does this affect home businesses? Will the Fire code updates require fire sprinklers in multifamily developments? Commissioner Kiedrowski appreciates the codification of the Fire processes. Fire prevention programs are often funded by LID lifts. Why is there a specific fee for Fire inspections when there is an LID lift? Who uses the most Fire services in Port Angeles? Vice Chair Stanley appreciates the mitigation efforts, and in the long run, it will create cost savings for our community members. He appreciates that staff decisions are backed by research. Chair Steiger encourages staff to consider a sliding scale fee structure for smaller businesses. STAf,'F'UPDATES Monthly Customer Service Report Community Development Technician Carlstrom presented the Customer Service Report Commissioner Shorr, what is a customer interaction? Monthly Type 0/OTC Report Community Development Technician Carlstrom presented the over-the-counter report Chair Steiger asked what the baseline for Type 0 permits is. Monthly 5290 Report Building Inspector/Licensing Administrator Jackson presented the 5290 report. Monthly Affordable Housing Report Housing Administrator Boado presented the monthly affordable housing report, shared an update on the Housing Action Plan Housing task progress, and housing-related legislation. Commissioner Kiedrowski, what is the definition of multifamily? What is the one industrial permit in the building report? Monthly Natural Resources Report Natural Resource and Grant Administrator Bomsworth presented an oral report of the monthly natural resource-related programs and actions. Monthly Land Use Permitting Report Page 2 of 3 CITY oF PORT ANGELES PLANNING coMMISSIoN - February 25,2026 Long-range and Special Projects Administrator Torres, presented an oral report of the monthly land use permitted activities. Monthly Building Report Senior Development Services Specialist Bartholick presented the monthly building report for January 2026. Commissioner Kiedrowski, how do the staff feel about the upcoming development this year? Quarterly Grant Report Natural Resource and Grant Administrator Bornsworth, presented the quarterly grant report. COMMISSION REPORTS Chair Steiger, watched the Feb 17. CC meeting and appreciated the presentations from the unhoused community providers. Vice Chair Stanley, shared a speech about his eight years served on the Planning Commission. Commissioners Schorr, No update. Commissioner Kiedrowski, shares experience in building a residential development. He encourages staff to be flexible and use all the tools in the PAMC to encourage housing development. Commissioners Mellema, No update. Motion made by Chair Steiger for the City Council to recognize Ben Stanley's commitment to the planning Commission over the last 8 years. Seconded by Kiedrowski. Motion passed 4 to 5. SECOND PUBLIC COMMENT John R., Resident praised the CED technician team for their quick responses. Congratulates Ben Stanley on his volunteering services. Azaelea Stanley, Resident excited about the trampoline park. ADJOT]RNMENT Chair Steiger motioned to adjoum the meeting at7:31 p.m. I /,4n e-k Chair Steiger, Chair Page 3 of3 Yt'lyn Boado, Secretary