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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 11/10/2004 o i ~ . . n~or ,Ri/Tr'; A IN"Gt" r1L'I~" 'mIS..! 1:::: . ,,'- .I.rl.' j.lCiL.Dj WAS H I N G TON, U. S. A. DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENDA PLANNING COMMISSION 32l East Fifth Street November 10, 2004 6 p.m. I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular meeting of October 27, 2004 IV. PUBLIC HEARING: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT - CUP 04-09 - MADDOX - 1105 South Eunice Street: Proposal to continue operation of a neighborhood grocery store in the RS-7, Residential Single Family zone. PUBLIC MEETING: FINAL APPROVAL OF OLYMPIC HEIGHTS SUBDIVISION (Formerly called the Pilot Subdivision): 2300 Block of West Sixteenth Street: V. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC VI. ST AFF REPORTS VII. REPORTS OF COMMISSION MEMBERS VIII. ADJOURNMENT PLANNING COMMISSIONERS: Fred Hewins (Chair),Len Rasmussen (Vice Chair), Chuck Schramm, Fred Norton, Linda Nutter, Bob Philpott, Dylan Honnold PLANNING STAFF: Brad Collins, Director; Scott Joms, Associate Planner; Sue Roberds, Assistant Planner. . . . MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION Port Angeles, Washington 98362 November 10, 2004 6:00 p.m. ROLLCALL Members Present: Bob Philpott, Fred Norton, Fred Hewins, Linda Nutter, Chuck Schramm, Leonard Rasmussen, Dylan Honnold Members Excused: None Staff Present: Brad Collins, Sue Roberds Public Present: Tim and Sherie Maddox, Suzann Pilot, Brian Gaw1ey, Paul Lamoreaux, Betty Booher APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Nutter moved to approve the October 27,2004 minutes as presented with one typographical error. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Schramm and passed 5 - 0 with Commissioners Norton and Philpott abstaining due to their absence from the meeting. PUBLIC HEARINGS: Chair Hewins indicated that those who testify must sign the "Sign In" log and affirm that their testimony will be truthful to the best of their knowledge. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT ~ CUP 04-09 - MADDOX - 1105 South Eunice Street: Proposal to continue operation of a neighborhood grocery store in the RS-7, Residential Single Family zone. Assistant Planner Sue Roberds presented the Department's report recommending that the Planning Commission approve the conditional use permit as proposed and responded to questions regarding the proposed operation and site ingress/egress. Site ingress/egress should be limited onto Lauridsen Boulevard and should be directed to an established secondary street rather than from the Boulevard. Commissioner Nutter expressed discomfort with the proposed traffic pattern with regard to the proposed drive up window. Chair Hewins opened the public hearing. Sherie Maddox, 918 Tamarack Lane, Port Angeles responded to Commissioner Schramm regarding use ofthe planned drive up window which is proposed for espresso service. The proposal to place the window in a new location is due to the desire to duplicate the handling of customers and to have the area near the cash register rather than at the end ofthe building which will allow for one person to work the business when desired. The Commissioners discussed ingress/egress to the site with the applicant as well as the possibility of two drive up windows - one for ordering and one for pick up. However, as a window on the south side ofthe site would restrict the established parking area while a north location would . . . Planning Commission Minutes November 10. 2004 Page 2 allow the proposal with very little site disturbance, Mrs. Maddox agreed that the window should be located along the north side ofthe building rather than along the south side of the structure. Tim Maddox, 918 Tamarack Lane, Port Angeles thanked the Commission for their brain storming the site development and stated that a drive up window along the north side ofthe structure made more sense. Following continued discussion regarding site development and access, Chair Hewins closed the public hearing. Commissioner Nutter moved to approve the conditional use permit with the following conditions, findings, and conclusions: Conditions: l. The applicant shall meet all permitting and utility requirements including the provision of six (6) improved and approved off~street parking spaces which must be approved by the City's Public Works and Utilities Department. 2. Ingress and egress signage to the site will be placed at the direction of the City's Public Works and Utilities Department. A drive up window use shall be located only on the north side of the building with vehicle stacking for the window occurring only along the north and east sides of the building. 3. The building area shall not be further expanded without a new conditional use permit. 4. Retail uses shall be limited to those primarily serving the immediate residential neighborhood of a grocery store nature and shall not be expanded under the current residential zoning. Findings: Based on the information provided in the Community Development Staff Report for CUP 04-09 dated November 10, 2004, including all information in the public record file, comments and testimony presented during the public hearing, the Planning Commission discussion and deliberation, and the above listed conditions of approval, the City of Port Angeles Planning Commission hereby finds that: 1. Timothy and Sherie Maddox applied for a conditional use permit to allow the continuation of a nonconforming market use at 1105 S. Eunice Street in the RS-7 Residential Single Family zone on October 12, 2004. 2. The subject site includes Lots 5 and 6, Block 337, Townsite of Port Angeles and is approximately 11,500 square feet in area. The site is developed with a small structure at the southwest corner ofthe site. The northern portion of the site is undeveloped. 3. The site is located in the City's North Central Planning area along Lauridsen Boulevard at its intersections with South Eunice and East 11 th Streets. 4. The Comprehensive Plan designates the site and areas to the north and west as Low Density Residential (LDR). Land Use Element Goal A and Policies A.I and A.2; Land Use Element . . . Planning Commission Minutes November /0, 2004 Page 3 Residential Goal C and Policies C.1 and C.2; and Land Use Element Commercial Goal D, Policy D.l, Goal E, and Policies E.3, E.7, and E.8 were found to be most relevant to the proposal. 5. The site is zoned RS-7 Residential Single Family. Surrounding zoning includes RS-7 and RMD Residential Medium Density. 6. Uses consistent with the intent of the RS-7 zone are allowed by conditional use permit per Section 17.1 0.040(R) P AMC. The intent of the RS-7 Zone is "a low density residential zone intended to create and preserve urban single family residential neighborhoods consisting of predominantly single family homes on standard Townsite-size lots. Uses which are compatible with and functionally related to a single family residential environment may also be located in this zone. Because ofland use impacts associated with nonresidential uses, few nonresidential uses are allowed in this zone and then only conditionally. 7. On June 9,2004, the Planning Commission approved CUP 04-04 for Marc Boyd to continue operation ofthe nonconforming grocery store at 1105 South Eunice Street in the RS-7 zone under Section 17.1 0.40(R) P AMC. The property has since been sold to the Maddoxes. 8. Per 17.96.050 P AMC, the Planning Commission shall consider applications for conditional use permit uses as specified in the applicable Chapter of the Zoning Regulations. The Planning Commission may grant said permits which are consistent and compatible with the purpose of the zone in which the use is located, consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, and not contrary to the public use and interest. In each application the Planning Commission may impose whatever restrictions or conditions are considered essential to protect the public health. safety, welfare. and to prevent depreciation of neighboring property. Conditional uses must be evaluated to determine if the characteristics of the intended use as related to the specific proposed site would defeat the purpose of the City's Zoning Regulations by introducing incompatible, detrimental, or hazardous conditions. The Planning Commission may refuse to issue a conditional use permit if the characteristics of the intended use would defeat the purpose of the City's zoning regulations. 9. PAMe l4.40.030(L) requires off-street parking spaces to be provided for retail uses at one space per 300 square feet of floor area. Seven parking spaces are currently provided on the subject site. 10. Setbacks in the RS-7 zone for the subject site are 20 feet front and rear (offS. Eunice Street) and 13 feet each side fronting on a street (Lauridsen Boulevard and E. 11 th Street). Maximum lot coverage in the RS- 7 Zone is 30%. The setbacks for the existing building are in conformance with the required setbacks not nonconforming per the applicant's site plan along Lauridsen Boulevard, but the structure is an established nonconforming. 11. The existing grocery store is an established, nonconforming use that has served the neighborhood for many years. The drive up espresso use was added without benefit of permits within the past three years and has no legal nonconforming status. The applicant's current proposal is to legally create a drive up window along the north side of the structure. This is the only change in the historic operation ofthe site. . . . Plllnning Commission Minutes November 10.2004 Pllge4 12. The site can be accessed from the three streets on which it fronts - Eunice Street, Lauridsen Boulevard and 11th Street - with developed access from Eunice Street and Lauridsen Boulevard. The site contains sufficient area to accommodate parking required for the operation of site activities. 13. The application and site plan do not contain a proposed parking plan. 14. Initial comments received from the City's Public Works and Utilities Department addressed the need for the relocation of improved parking that would be displaced by the originally proposed remodel along the south building wall and ingress/egress to the site. Discussion with the Planning Commission resulted in the proposed drive up window being moved to the north side ofthe structure. The Fire Department had no concerns. Written comments received from City departments have been included in staffs analysis. 15. Notification of the proposed action was placed in the Peninsula Daily News and mailed to property owners within 300 feet of the subject property on October 20,2004. No written comment was received. l6. A Determination of Non-Significance was issued for the proposed action on November 4, 2004, per WAC 197-11-355. 17. The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on the proposal at the November 10, 2004, regular meeting. Conclusions: Based on the information provided in the Department of Community Development Staff Report for CUP 04-09 dated November 10, 2004, including all of the information in the public record file, comments, and testimony presented during the public hearing, the Planning Commission's discussion and deliberation, and the above listed conditions of approval and listed findings, the City of Port Angeles Planning Commission hereby concludes that: 1. As conditioned, continuation of the nonforming use is consistent with the intent of the Comprehensive Plan, specifically with Land Use Element Goal A and Policies A.1 and A.2; Land Use Element Residential Goal C and Policies c.t and C.2; and Land Use Element Commercial Goal D, PolicyD.1, Goal E, and Policies E.3, E.7, and E.8. 2. Approval of CUP 04-04 under Section 17.10.040(R) of the Port Angeles Municipal Code established the precedent that such a use can be a compatible use in the RS-7 Zone. Therefore, the proposed use is consistent with the City's zoning regulations. 3. The proposal is consistent with the procedural requirements for approval of a conditional use permit as specified in PAMC 17.96.050. 4. As conditioned, the proposal is consistent with PAMC Chapter 14.40 (Parking Ordinance). . . . Planning Commission Minutes November 10, 2004 Page 5 5. To avoid left turn ingress across Lauridsen Boulevard and the stacking of vehicles entering from Lauridsen Boulevard which could create turning conflicts with the intersection of Eunice Street and Lauridsen Boulevard or with the egress of vehicles onto Lauridsen Boulevard, vehicle access to the site should be limited to Eunice Street. 6. As conditioned, continued operation of this small grocery store would not seem to have adverse impacts on traffic patterns. 7. As conditioned, the proposal is in the public interest as it supports the needs of residents in the neighborhood. Commissioner Norton seconded the motion which passed 7 - O. The Commission took a 10 minute break at 7 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 7:10 p.m. PUBLIC MEETING: FINAL APPROVAL OF OLYMPIC HEIGHTS SUBDIVISION (Formerly called the Pilot Subdivision): 2200 Block of West Sixteenth Street: Assistant Planner Sue Roberds presented the Department's report recommending that the Planning Commission recommend final approval of Phase I of the subdivision. All conditions of preliminary approval have been met for the ~rst phase J.hich consists of Lots 1 - 6 fronting on West Sixteenth Street. Following questions, the Commission further discussed the development. In response to Commissioners Rasmussen and Philpott's concerns that low impact development standards will not provide for street improvements that neighborhoods should be developed for an urban setting, Director Collins stated that the primary motivation for instituting the new standards was to better manage stormwater through a biofiltration process rather than an engineering solution. The engineering solution is to collect water and deposit it into another body of water as quickly as possible which has caused harm to receiving waters and so other options for filtering the water was sought. Low impact development standards will allow stormwater to be deposited more slowly after passing through a biofiltration system of ditches. Although the Council was concerned that the City could not compete with development costs in the County versus the City, low impact development standards were designed mainly to reduce stormwater and street development costs. Commissioner Rasmussen stressed that the City really needs to be careful to preserve adequate right-of-way for future development needs. Director Collins noted that although road way improvements are reduced under low impact development standards, right-of-way dedication remains the same. The rights-of-way are just not initially developed as wide as in other areas ofthe City. If in the future the City decides that an area desires or needs more road width, the right-of-way will be available. In actuality, low impact development standards provides two feet of additional driving width because there are no parking lanes. Assistant Planner Roberds responded to additional questions stating that the City will be placing "No Parking" signs rather than the applicant doing so, at the applicant's expense, and that a cash assignment has been submitted for the [mal gravel surface of the pedestrian paths. It is not . Planning Commission Minutes November 10, 2004 Page 6 logical to ask the applicant to place the gravel pathway at this point then tear it up to install driveway culverts with individual site development. Following discussion, Commissioner Norton moved to recommend that the City Council approve Phase I of the subdivision citing the following findings and conclusions as amended by staff: Findings: 1. Property owner Suzann Pilot submitted a request for final approval of Phase I of the Pilot Subdivision approved on March 16, 2004, for Pilot International. The property is identified as being Suburban Lot 78 within the Townsite of Port Angeles located between the 2200 Blocks ofW est Fourteenth and West Sixteenth Streets. The entire site is approximately 8.66 acres in size. Phase I of the subdivision consists of Lots 1 - 6 ofthe 32-unit subdivision. The application also indicates a change in the subdivision name from Pilot Subdivision to Olympic Heights Subdivision. 2. The subject property is identified on the Port Angeles Zoning Map as Single Family Residential (RS-9) which allows a density of up to 9 units per acre. Each lot in Phase I of the subdivision will be at least 9,000 square feet in area and is consistent with the approved preliminary plat. . 3. Chapter 16.08 of the Port Angeles Municipal Code (P AMC) sets forth local requirements for the final approval of subdivisions. Section 16.08.070(G) P AMC provides that the Planning Commission shall examine the final plat along with the recommendations of the City Departments and shall forward a recommendation thereon to the City Council which shall either approve or disapprove the final plat following a public hearing. 4. The Revised Code of Washington RCW 58.17 contains the State's guidelines for the uniform division ofland within the State. Section 58.17.110 requires a city to inquire into the public use and interest proposed to be served by the establishment of a subdivision and determine if appropriate provisions are made for, but not limited to, the public health, safety, and general welfare, for open spaces, drainage ways, streets or roads, alleys and other public ways, transit stops, potable water supplies, sanitary wastes, parks and recreation, playgrounds, and schools and shall consider all other relevant facts including sidewalks and other planning features that assure safe walking conditions for students who only walk to and from school and whether the public interest will be served by the subdivision. A proposed subdivision shall not be approved unless the city can make written findings that these provisions are made. 5. The subdivision was preliminarily approved to be developed in three phases. No timing for the phasing was proposed; however, preliminary approval for all phases will expire five years after City Council approval of the preliminary plat which was March 16,2004. . 6. The subject property is identified as Low Density Residential (LDR) on the Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan land use map. The purpose of the City's RS-9, Residential Single Family zone is a low density residential zone intended to create and preserve urban single family residential neighborhoods consisting of predominantly single family homes on larger . . . Planning Commission Minutes November 10, 2004 Page 7 than standard Townsite-size lots. Uses that are compatible with and functionally related to a single family residential environment may be located in this zone. 7. The Port Angeles Public Works and Utilities, Parks, and Fire Departments reviewed the final proposal for Phase I of the subdivision and their comments have been incorporated in the Department's recommendation of approval. The Public Works and Utilities Department has agreed to sign West Sixteenth Street for ''No Parking" and to paint the last 50' of the curb at the west end of the street red indicating no parking in the turnaround area. 8. The site is served by City water, power, sewer, refuse pickup, and emergency services, and cable and telecommunications services are available to the subject lots. 9. Site development was done per an approved engineered clearinglgradinglstormwater plan submitted by Zenovic and Associates due to the historic drainage concerns in the area. 10. The Comprehensive Plan requires concurrency at the time of development for streets, water service, sanitary sewer service, and electrical service (Capital Facilities Element Policy A9) and should require concurrency at the time of development for solid waste collection, stormwater management, telecommunications service, and emergency service (Capital Facilities Element Policy A1 0). The City should not approve any development that will not be served at or greater than a city-wide level of service standard of9 acres of parks per 1,000 population within six years from the time of development (Capital Facilities Element Policy All ). 11. Phase I is served by West Sixteenth Street, which is a local access street, and ''N'' Street, which is an arterial street. Improvement of West Sixteenth Street including a ditch and pedestrian walking path per the City's low impact development standards has been done by the proponent along the site's southern frontage of 30' for the continued development of West Sixteenth Street. The south one-half of West Sixteenth Street is fully improved with curb and gutter and can accommodate on-street parking if needed, however, the north side ofthe street abutting the subdivision cannot contain on-street parking due to its development to the low impact development standards. ''No Parking" signs must be posted along the north side of West Sixteenth Street, and the restriction observed. l2. The City's low impact development standards for suburban areas were adopted in 2003 with the understanding that subdivisions developed under the reduced standards would not allow for on-street parking. Site development and design for residential lots developed under the lower impact development standards need to accommodate resident parking and visitor parking on-site. 13. Building permits are required for all structures within the subdivision. All local building and Fire Codes will require compliance during construction including residential sprinkler systems. 14. The Port Angeles School District has been notified ofthe subdivision development to allow planning for needed school facilities and routes. Planning Commission Minules November /0, 2004 Page 8 . . 15. The City's Parks Department responded that they are aware of the preliminary proposal and do not believe the level of service for the area will be hampered as a result of the development. The City's LOS for parks and recreational services is 9 acres for 1,000 population and must be provided within six years from the time of development. An undeveloped wooded property donated to the City for a park use is located approximately Y2 mile north ofthe subject site along "N" Street. The nearest public playground area is located approximately one mile north at Crown Park. 16. The City's State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Responsible Official issued a Determination of Nonsignificance for the preliminary subdivision on February 5, 2004, therefore satisfYing the City's responsibility under the Act. 17. The William R. Fairchild International Airport is located south of the site. Port of Port Angeles staff have been notified of the proposed subdivision proposal and per agreement with the Port, it is expected that those who purchase properties in the final subdivision will be aware of the existing on-going airport operations through a note on the title. 18. The Planning Commission's decision is a recommendation to the City Council who will conduct a public hearing on the final plat approval ofthe subdivision. The Commission acts as the City's hearing body for preliminary subdivision approval. Reports are advisory only to ensure compliance to the City's Comprehensive Plan and to planning standards and specifications adopted by the City. 19. The site was conspicuously posted on October 22, 2004, in accord with Section 16.08.070(G) P AMC which prescribes notification for the approval of a final subdivision. No written comments have been received to date. Conclusions: A. As conditioned, the proposed final of Phase I of the subdivision is consistent with the Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Code, S ubdi vision Ordinance (Chapter 16.08 P AMC), and Chapter 58.17 RCW of the Washington State Subdivision Act. Development of Phase I is in compliance with the conditions of preliminary approval of the subdivision approved on March 16, 2004. B. Appropriate provisions were made for the public health, safety and general welfare and for such open spaces, drainage ways, streets or roads, alleys, other public ways, transit stops, potable water supplies, sanitary wastes, parks and recreation, playgrounds, schools and school grounds, sidewalks and other planning features that assure safe walking conditions for students who only walk to and from school in the preliminary approval and remain in effect. . C. Signage educating residents and visitors as to the prohibition of on-street parking will ensure that streets developed to the City's low impact development standards will remain passable for public safety situations when on-street parking could prevent ease of passage for emergency vehicles and sight distance safety issues. Planning Commission Minutes November J 0, 1004 Page 9 . D. As the site has served as a drainage area over the years and due to the area ofthe site and its topography, clearing and grading activities were done under an approved engineered clearinglgradinglstormwater drainage plan that will handle the existing drainage and future stormwater issues as a result of development through the subdivision process. E. The preliminary proposal was reviewed with respect to the Comprehensive Plan and was found to be in compliance with the Plan's goals and policies for residential development. F. The public interest is served in the platting ofthis subdivision as articulated in the City's Comprehensive Plan, Subdivision, and Zoning Ordinances. The subdivision provides for development of new homes within the City of Port Angeles consistent with the State of Washington Growth Management Act. The motion was seconded by Commission Honnold and passed 6 - 1 with Commissioner Philpott voting in the negative. Commissioner Philpott noted for the record that he is against the City allowing low impact development standards. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC None . STAFF REPORTS Director Collins noted that there will be two vacancies on the Planning Commission in 2005 and asked the Commissioners for help in recruiting for the positions. REPORTS OF COMMISSION MEMBERS . Commissioner Schramm voiced his concern regarding the proposed reorganization of the Department of Community Development. His main concern is that the system of checks and balances that is so important in a democratic government could be or could at least appear to be compromised ifthe person in charge of economic development for the City is the same person who is also responsible for representing the entire citizenry through the Community Development Department. When you put the same person who is responsible for shepherding a development through a development process in charge of a department that is also responsible to those who may be impacted by that development, a conflict of interest arises. It takes away from the process that protects the citizens of the City by making the same person in charge of both economic and community development. Commissioner Rasmussen agreed with Commissioner Schramm's points and also would like to revisit the issue of low impact development standards. He believes the City should be keeping an eye on how the new development standards are working and be open to amending those standards if they are not providing the level of service that urban development needs. Some components of the new standards may not work and may have to be revised. He added that he will be out oftown for the December 8th meeting. Commissioner Philpott agreed with both previous speakers on both issues spoken to. The proposed Departmental reorganization is not to his liking and he is certain that it is not in the best . . . Planning Commission Minutes November J O. 2004 Page 10 interest of the citizens of Port Angeles. He was distressed that so little notice was given to Commission members and that their opinion was not sought prior to the decision. Commissioner Nutter too was dismayed that neither the City Councilor City Manager had discussed the proposed Departmental reorganization with the Planning Commission prior to making such a decision. She was concerned that the City Council does not recognize the value of the Planning Commission and the time that is donated to the community by its members in making such a decision without speaking to the Commissioners before taking an action on such a decision. The Community Development Department needs the leadership of a director and so does the Planning Commission. Commissioner Hewins felt that the City Council may have been a little short sighted in the reorganization proposal. It doesn't seem that the proposal was very well thought out, or at least it doesn't appear to have been aired out with different scenarios considered. He noted that the Town of Chimacum has low impact development standards that don't seem to be being enforced. He wondered if when these types of changes are made if people are willing to monitor them to see if they work and what is willing to be done if they don't. He likened this to the proposed reorganizational change. He will not be available to attend the December 8th meeting. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9 p.m. Brad Collins, Secretary PREPARED BY: S. Roberds · ~ORTANGELES WAS H I N G TON, U. S. A. PLANNING COMMISSION ATTENDANCE ROSTER AND TESTIl\10NY SIGN-UP SHEET PLEASE SIGN IN Meeting Agenda of: ~/ /~ I??~)I . To help us provide an accurate record of those in attendance, please sign in. Your signature acknowledges your presence. If you plan to testify, by your signature below, you certify thot the testimony given is true and correct under penalty of perjury by the laws of the State of Washington. Signature below DOES NOT REQUIRE you to testify. NAME: ADDRESS~ Agenda Item No. --g ,RtV~ h;CJ R / Pt;}.) W' 4~0f/, (fJ4 , ------ ""UL L. AkDVRW't.. b ~"'2 L.U /,.{ I 1) BY 1; tnl11l.1 /V\ ~Ln;{ q I Y I~M ~ I' VL l- ~ ~(. t7A if SA t-r l:: ]V[ 0\.),101.- q I R 10000^~fLd k 4,.., PA 'I . C: \M y Files \Forms\Mtgrostpc. wpd