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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 02/14/1996 HEARING DEVICES ARE AVAILABLE FOR THOSE NEEDING ASSISTANCE. . I. II. m. . IV. 1. AGENDA CITY OF PORT ANGELES PLANNING COMMISSION 321 East Fifth Street Port Angeles, W A 98362 February ]4, 1996 7:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL APPROVAL OF MINUTES: January 10, 1996 PUBLIC HEARINGS: MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT - MCA 96(02)01 - CITY OF PORT ANGELES. City-wide: Request for amendment to the Port Angeles Municipal Code with regard to an exception to the provision of right-of-way improvements when the City finds that there is an economic and physical hardship in relocating public utilities and there will not be an increase in the number ofIots within a subject short plat, and a housekeeping amendment to require the final building footprints on final plat submittals. V. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC VI. STAFF REPORTS VII. REPORTS OF COMMISSION MEMBERS VIll. ADJOURNMENT All correspondence pertaining to a hearing item received by the Planning Department at least one day prior to the scheduled hearing will be provided to Commission members before the hearing. . PLANNING COMMISSION: Unda Nutter,Chair, Tim German (Vice), Cindy Souders, BobPhilpoll, Bob King. STAFF: Brad CoI!ins, Director, Sue Roberds Office Specialist, and David Sawyer, Senior Planner. . . . MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION Port Angeles, Washington 98362 February 14, 1996 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Members Present: Bob King, Cindy Souders, Linda Nutter, Bob Philpott, Tim Gennan Staff Present: Brad Collins, Sue Roberds Public Present: None APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Philpott moved to approve the January 10, 1996, minutes as submitted. Commissioner German seconded the motion which passed 4-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT - MeA 96(02)01 - CITY OF PORT ANGELES. City-wide: Request for an amendment to the Port Angeles Municipal Code with regard to right-of-way improvements when the City finds that there are economic and physical hardships in relocating public utilities and there will not be an increase in the numbef of lots within a subject short plat and for a housekeeping amendment to require the final building setbacks to be shown on final plat submittals. Planning Director Collins reviewed the proposed changes to Title 16 (Subdivision) of the Port Angeles Municipal Code and explained that the proposed change was brought about by a request from an applicant to consolidate several lots into two lots. The amendment will allow for a very limited exception to the requirements for improvements (utility) deferring the time of installation. Director Collins responded to concerns of the Commission noting that any exception is to be narrowly construed and discussed those issues which could qualify as a physical hardship. A physical hardship would be a grade difference fOf a utility as opposed to an economic hardship which is simply related to the cost of the improvement and its feasibility. Chair Nutter opened the public hearing. There being no public present, she closed the public hearing. Commissioner Souders stated her concern that the amendment may cause an opportunity for subjective decisions on what constitutes a physical and economic hardship. Lengthy discussion took place describing various scenarios that could be anticipated with a staff . . . Planning Commissioll Minutes. Februory 14, /996 Page] person being responsible for evaluation of the merits in each case. Although she did not have a real problem with the proposal, Commissioner Souders expressed concern that the amendment could result in situations where the response from the City would not appear to be fair to a developer. Director Collins responded that the required improvements will be conditioned such that the previously required utility improvements will be delayed until the time of development and that an informal panel consisting of staff from the Light, Fire, Public Works, and Planning Departments would decide if a physical and economic hardship exists on a specific property when exemptions are requested. Commissioner German supported the amendment noting that it provides flexibility to come up with better ideas that reach the same goal in certain situations. The amendment gives staff some ability to be flexible without an applicant having to formalize an amendment proposal before the City Council and Planning Commission in every instance and allows for a specific exception to be provided for adminsitratively with appeal to the Planning Commission or City Council. He favored the amendment as proposed versus the need to change ordinances every time an exception is requested. Following further discussion, Commissioner German moved to recommend approval to the City Council of the Municipal Code Amendment citing the following findings and conclusions: Findines: l. The City's subdivision regulations have been reviewed with respect to an exception in the case of hardship for the provision of right-of-way improvements when there is an economic and physical hardship in relocating public utilities and there will be no increase in the number of lots within a short plat. 2. The Comprehensive Plan, in particular Growth Management Goal A, Policy A. 1.1., Land Use Goal A, Policy A2., Goal B., Capital Facilities Element Goal A, and Policy A9, have been reviewed. 3. A Determination of Non-Significance was issued for the proposal on January 29, 1996. 4. Confusion regarding final submittal requirements indicating building setbacks has been a problem. 5. An economic and physical hardship in relocating public utilities as required during short platting has been a problem in consolidating small lots or portions of lots. Conclusions: A. The Municipal Code Amendment is in the public use and interest. B. The Municipal Code Amendment is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan Goals as identified in the staff report. . . . Planning Commission Minutes - February 14. J 996 Page 3 c. The Municipal Code Amendment is consistent with the intent of Chapters 16.04 and 16.08 of the Port Angeles Municipal Code. Commissioner King seconded the motion, which passed 4 - O. STAFF REPORTS 1. Non-Motorized Route Committee: Director Collins suggested that the City advertise and hold an open house for parties interested in a non-motorized route committee. The Commission agreed the idea has merit and would allow interaction in formulating policy for the group. 2. View Corridor Committee: Since the citizens who were originally interested in forming such a committee have withdrawn their support, the Commission concurred with staff and request the City Council to advertise for committee positions but not push appointments at this time. 3. Draft Land Use Application/Procedure Revisions for Compliance with ESHB (Engrossed Substitute House Bill) 1724 : Director Collins indicated that a draft of the changes necessary for compliance with ESHB 1724 would be delivered to the Planning Commission for review at the February 28, 1996, meeting. The Commission has a hearing scheduled for March 13, 1996, to gather public input for the final recommended changes to the City Council. It was also noted that any changes to the City's Comprehensive Plan must be received no later than March 31, 1996. Commissioners were urged to forward any suggestions to staffby the March 13 meeting. 4. City/County Planning Commission Joint Meeting: Chair Nutter noted that she had attended a County Planning Commission meeting in January and extended an invitation on behalf of the City Planning Commission to meet with the County's Planning Commission in an informal meeting. She asked that the Commissioners submit topics of discussion which could be on such an agenda. Those noted were: non- motorized routes, view corridors, annexation, strip development, and traffic patterns. Planning Commission Minutes. Febroary 14, 1996 Page 4 . REPORTS OF COMMISSION MEMBERS Chair Nutter passed out information on honoraria and ethical principles and encouraged the Commission to discuss the issue further. Commissioners Souders and German noted that they would not be present for the February 28, 1996, meeting. Commissioner German indicated that the City's Stormwater Management Committee is reviewing the final document which is a culmination of approximately eighteen months work with a consultant. He will keep the Commission informed as of the adoption. Commissioner Philpott noted that the lots located at the foot of Francis Street on the City's waterfront are listed.' He wanted staff to be informed in the event of inquiries so answers could be given as to the use of those lots under the City's Critical Areas Ordinance. Chair Nutter noted that the area ofPrancis Streets has suffered severe drainage damage as a result of the most recent rains. Staff thanked the Chair and noted that the Public Works Department would be informed. The Public Works Department is aware of many areas that have been damaged and is trying to get to them as soon as possible. . ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m. Brad Collins, Acting Secretary ~ PREPARED BY: S. Roberds .