10-20-2021 Planning Commission PacketCity of Federal Way
PLANNING COMMISSION
October 20, 2021, 6:30 p.m. Zoom Meeting
AGENDA
Notice: Due to rising cases of COVID-19 in King County and the region and pursuant to Governor Inslee's
Proclamation 20-28, all city meetings will be held remotely until further notice. The Mayor and Council
encourage you to use one of the following ways to participate in the meeting.
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1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. Planning Commission Meeting of October 6, 2021
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
5. COMMISSION BUSINESS
a. Public Participation Plan — periodic update of the Comprehensive Plan
6. STAFF BUSINESS
a. Manager's Report
7. NEXT MEETING
a. November 3, 2021, 6:30 p.m.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioners
Lawson Bronson, Chair Tim O'Neil, Vice -Chair
Wayne Carlson Hope Elder
Diana Noble-Gulliford Tom Medhurst
Jae So Eric Olsen, Alternate
Anna Patrick, Alternate Open, Alternate
K.9PLNLong Range PlanninglPlanning CommissionlAgendas, Packets, Minutes, and Misc Document020211AgendalAgenda 10-20-21.doc
City Staff
Keith Niven, Planning Manager
253-835-2601
www.citvoffederalway.com
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PLANNING COMMISSION
October 6, 2021
6:30 p.m. via Zoom Videoconference
MEETING MINUTES
Commissioners present: Lawson Bronson, Tim O'Neil, Wayne Carlson, Diana Noble-Gulliford, Tom
Medhurst, Jae So, Eric Olsen, and Anna Patrick. Commissioners absent: Hope Elder (excused). City Staff
present: Planning Manager Keith Niven, Associate Planner Natalie Kamieniecki, Traffic Engineer Rick
Perez, City Attorney Kent van Alstyne, and Administrative Assistant II Tina Piety.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Bronson called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M.
MINUTES
The September 15, 2021, minutes were approved as presented.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
COMMISSION BUSINESS
Public Hearing Continued, Bally's Fitness Center Site Specific Request — Associate Planner Kamieniecki
presented the proposed rezone of the subject property from OP (Office Park) to RM 1800 (Multi -family
Residential). City Traffic Engineer Rick Perez explained how traffic impacts are reviewed and how
applicable mitigation is assessed. Staff determined there is adequate capacity for an additional 2,000
residents on nearby roads to accommodate impacts of a potential multi -family development of 145 units if
the rezone is approved. Kamieniecki presented the criteria for a Comprehensive Plan Amendment and
Quasi-judicial Rezone and the Mayor's recommendation of approval.
Commissioner Noble-Gulliford and Associate Planner Kamieniecki discussed allowed uses in the existing
OP zone compared to the proposed RM zone and how the City could increase home ownership
opportunities through condominium development.
Jan Barber — Resident of Colonial Forest, has collected 41 signatures opposing the rezone. Group is
concerned about the resulting traffic impacts and the proposal's potential effect on property values.
Supports pathways to homeownership.
Debbie Call — Resident of Colonial Forest, concerned about the potential development's impact to the
neighborhood based on what happened to the neighborhood by the apartments across from Safeway on
320th. Also, Park 16 has more people living per unit than should be allowed and it affects parking and
safety there. More people in our neighborhood means more parking problems and crime.
Richard Fiol — Resident of Colonial Forest, agrees with previous speaker. Approving the rezone at this
point is based on blind faith since the intent or final result of the property's development is unknown.
Disagrees the proposal has met the criteria of being consistent with the surrounding area. Grew up in a
Planning Commission Minutes Page 1 October 6, 2021
low-income housing project in New York City and believes a low-income project right in the middle of a
residential neighborhood is inconsistent with the approval criteria.
Ariana — Resident of Colonial Forest, 17-year old concerned that her current walking route to school
sports practices feels unsafe and that it would be even worse with apartments. There is no room on busses
for more students. Give people more time to sell and move out if this is approved.
Ivan Kostica — Resident of Quiet Forest, believes that based on the name of developer, they know they
will build apartments, likely low-income, and that the City knows this also but isn't saying.
Jane Sidlo — Resident of Heritage Court, says the presentation is slanted to sound like it will be a benefit
but it's not. Wants apartments elsewhere, will change quality of life to the neighborhood behind Bally's.
Concerned about HB 1220's connection to the Bally's site. Property should stay like it is.
Mr. Kim -- Resident of Quiet Forest, agrees with previous speakers, concerned about the rezone proposal
and its origin. Does not want high-rise apartments in the quiet neighborhood. Wants more studies done.
Eric LaBrie — ESM Consulting Engineers, noted the height limit in the proposed RM zone is 35 feet, less
than a high rise; the current OP zone allows 70 feet.
Commissioner O'Neil appreciates the concern about not knowing the end development proposal, but the
question before the Commission is if the rezone meets the criteria. His questions about schools, police,
and traffic issues were answered by staff. Would prefer something commercial on the property, but
acknowledges the applicant's right to apply for a rezone that addresses city code.
Commissioner Carlson doesn't support the rezone as proposed. Would support the rezone if it was tied to
a development agreement under FWRC 19.85 that ensures a higher level of owner occupants and
community stability.
Commissioner Patrick asked about the proposed density, which is 24 units per acre. Concerned that 1.3
students per unit at 145 units would be 188 new students. The final proposal is unknow at this time, but
under the rezone it could be tax-exempt which would negatively impact schools.
Commissioner Noble-Gulliford agrees with Commission Carlson and will vote no without a development
agreement out of concerns of neighborhood compatibility and quality of life.
Commissioner Medhust got clarification from City Attorney that a development agreement could ensure
that ownership conditions imposed now stay in force for many years or in perpetuity and that HB 1220
housing could go on this property without a development agreement saying otherwise. Supports a
development agreement.
Commissioner So asked if the developer would agree to a development agreement at this rezone stage.
Property Representative David Avenal indicated they could entertain a development agreement though he
noted there is no development proposal in mind for them to offer or the City to agree on.
Commissioner Olsen indicated some of the comments to oppose the rezone are in conflict with the
Comprehensive Plan, that growth is needed but then we oppose it. The Commission should ask if this
property with OP or RM zone is better for the City.
Commissioner Carlson moved that the Planning Commission recommend to the City Council that the
proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendment not be adopted until such time that the applicant and City
Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 October 6, 2021
enter into a development agreement pursuant to FWRC 19.85 to cover homeownership opportunities and
other items deemed appropriate by the City Council. Seconded by Medhurst, passed unanimously.
Chair Bronson closed the public hearing.
STAFF BUSINESS
Manager's Report — HB 1220 code amendments went to first reading at City Council last night. The
Council increased separation requirement to 1.3 miles, will require a city licensing process (as a separate
ordinance), and will revisit the issue in April 2022. Second reading will be October 19.
October 20 Commission meeting will discuss beginning stages to the periodic update of the Comprehensive
Plan.
NEXT MEETING
October 20, 2021, 6:30 p.m., Zoom Meeting
Commissioner Carlson noted this was Tina Piety's last Planning Commission meeting and wished her
well on her retirement.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 P.M.
KAPLN Long Range Planning\Planning CommissionWgendas, Minutes\2021Weeting Summary 10-06-21 doc
Planning Commission Minutes Page 3 October 6, 2021
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
MEMORANDUM
DATE: October 20, 2021
TO: Planning Commission
Brian Davis, Community Development Director 02-
FROM: Keith Niven, Planning Manager OR-
SUBJECT- Adopting a work plan and public participation Plan for updating the Comprehensive Plan
and development regulations, pursuant to Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 36.70A.130.
Background Information:
Cities and counties planning under the Growth Management Act (GMA) are required to periodically
update both their comprehensive plans and development regulations (codes). The city's last periodic
update occurred in 2015 and the current update needs to be approved by June 2024. As part of the
process, GMA states:
Each county and city that is required or chooses to plan under RCW 36.70A.040 shall establish and broadly
disseminate to the public a public participation program identifying procedures providing for early and
continuous public participation in the development and amendment of comprehensive land use plans and
development regulations implementing such plans. The procedures shall provide for broad dissemination of
proposals and alternatives, opportunity for written comments, public meetings after effective notice,
provision for open discussion, communication programs, information services, and consideration of and
response to public comments.
Ouestions for Commission's consideration
1. Staff have identified three new chapters to include in the update process. Are these three new
chapters reasonable? Should there be other chapters?
2. As described, does the proposed Public Participation Plan include an adequate amount of
outreach? Should we include other events or activities?
3. Does the Planning Commission support the Mayor's plan to create subcommittees to address
specific topics and to review the overall progress of the Plan update? Would any Commissioners
be interested in serving on a subcommittee?
4. Does the proposed Public Participation Plan meet the expectations created in the RCW language
included above?
Rev. 6/2020
Public
Participation
Plan
I
I. Backjzround
Federal Way adopted an Interim
Comprehensive Plan at the time of
incorporation in February of 1990. In
November of 1995, after a three-year
planning process with much public
involvement, Federal Way adopted its
first GMA-compliant comprehensive
plan (FWCP). The ideas in the FWCP
were developed through discussion,
debate, and the creative thinking of
thousands of Federal Way citizens,
working with City staff and
elected officials. Consistent with the
GMA, the City of Federal Way
provided early and continuous
opportunities for citizens to
participate. The last periodic update
of the Comprehensive Plan occurred in 2015.
The city is again updating its Comprehensive Plan — setting the vision and the plan for the city to
2044. Under the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 36.70A.130, the city of Federal Way is
required to: (1) plan for the succeeding 20-year population and employment growth forecast, and
(2) update its comprehensive plans and development regulations to ensure the plan and
regulations comply with the requirements of the Growth Management Act (GMA). Specifically,
RCW 36.70A.140 states that:
"Each county and city that is required or chooses to plan under RCW 36.70A.040 shall
establish and broadly disseminate to the public a public participation program identifying
procedures providing for early and continuous public participation in the development
and amendment of comprehensive land use plans and development regulations
implementing such plans."
The overarching goal of this participation plan for the 2024 periodic update is to accomplish that
requirement listed above and generate a comprehensive plan that ensures a high quality of life
and access to opportunities for all community members.
II. Process Overview
The City is planning for the update process to span approximately 2'/z years, beginning in
January 2022 and ending in June 2024. See Attachment 1 (Project Timeline) and Attachment 2
(Master Schedule).
Public engagement is a key component of this effort and is vital for its success. This plan will
enumerate the state and local requirements for public participation and emphasize efforts to
connect with and engage historically underserved communities.
Way 2024-2044
Staff will pair a formal process such as hearings and city -organized open houses with a less
formal approach to public outreach. More casual approaches to gathering feedback will be used
by making greater use of alternative strategies for outreach such as getting on the agendas of and
presenting at existing meetings, using videos to help get the word out, attending community
events, and hosting pop-up meetings in varied places. For the less formal effort, more focus will
be placed on going to "where people are" as opposed to inviting people to join in a traditional
city setting. This double -pronged approach will help ensure the city reaches those more familiar
with current city -hosted events and processes as well as groups and populations underrepresented
in the planning process. These efforts will ensure the planning process is truly open and that
participant input is convenient, authentic, and integrated into the plan update.
The Federal Way Planning Commission will serve as the backbone of the review process. But,
the process will engage a number of stakeholders, will include task forces and other city
commissions and there will be opportunities to connect many groups that may rarely interact.
As chapters are updated, all draft documents will be posted to the project webpage for public
review. The city will also be completing a State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review as
part of the project and there will be opportunities for the public to provide comment. All public
comments received will be compiled and be taken into consideration throughout the progression
of this process.
III. Goals
Federal Way's Comprehensive Plan represents the vision of the community for the next 20 years.
It is used to guide decisions by city staff, the Mayor, and the City Council. For this reason, it is
vitally important to hear from as many people and to get participation from as broad a spectrum
of the community as possible. With the support of the Mayor, the Community Development
Department is keen on reaching as many people as possible during the update planning process
and engaging the public's interest to a greater degree than has been achieved in the past.
Build and sustain
partnerships with
lividuals, neighborhoods,
usinesses, organizations
and institutions that
epresent the diversity of
the community
2024-2044
IV. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Planning decisions have historically instituted social and racial inequities and can perpetuate
these outcomes. To equitably engage with a diverse population, city staff will work with
community leaders and organizations in connection with historically excluded and
underrepresented populations, insure access by translating documents, offering interpretation
services and applying an equity lens to be deliberately inclusive of underserved populations
while implementing the methods of engagement below.
V. Proposed Methods/Timing for eng ginQ the community:
What Scope
1. Planning Commission Review all chapters, recommendation to Council
2. Comprehensive Plan Update ad Jan 2022-June 2024. Appointment by Mayor &
hoc Committee meet monthly. Keep project on track; review
drafts; recommend improvements throughout the
3, Stakeholder Engagement
- School District
- Seniors
- Youth groups
- Chamber
- Faith -based organizations
- Community and non-
profit organizations
- Equity and social justice
advocacy groups
Development community
- Local and regional
housing advocates and
organizations
- SKHHP
process.
Individual meetings held in 2022 to hear from
specific sectors of the community through the
following methods:
Interviews will be used to gather in-depth feedback
from key stakeholders. Interviews may occur using
a variety of communication tools including phone
calls, video conferencing, or in person.
4. Task Forces Task forces are time -bound and outcome -focused
groups that are convened to support and guide staff
in planning efforts relating to the newly -formed
Chapters of the Comprehensive Plan.
The task forces will be appointed by the Mayor and
will focus on the goals/policies/implementation
strategies.
There are 3 planned Task Forces: Climate, City
Center, and S. Station,
5. Webpage j Setup by 11/21
- Lobby or equivalent
- Survey & notice sign up
Federal Way 2024-2044
GIS storyboard
- Short topical videos
6. Project Initiation survey
7. Open House Events
8. Community Pop-up Events and
Tabling
9. 1 Community walk
I
10. Human Services Commission
11. Diversity Commission
12. Workshops
13. Quarterly LUTC updates
14. Virtual Town Hall
15. SEPA review
Available from webpage
Provide an in -person opportunity to learn about the
process, engage with staff, and provide feedback.
Two Open House Events will be located in
different parts of the city.
Pop-up events and tabling are methods for city staff
to go out in the public and attend events where the
community gathers. Events include but are not
limited to the Farmer's Market, Movies in the Park
and Holiday events. Staff will provide
informational materials, engage in dialogue and
solicit feedback.
A community walk is a method where a staff -led
community group walks through a neighborhood of
interest to map out and collect information about
the neighborhood's resources and dynamics.
Combining this walk with interviews of community
members and residents is an opportunity for
supplemental and qualitative information not
otherwise collected in a target area.
Two main areas of interest are the City Center and
& South Station.
8 months — goals/policies/implementation
4 meetings + joint meeting w/ Planning
Commission
The Workshops are an opportunity for the city to
host a'/z-day community meeting where, following
a short presentation, participants are asked to work
in small groups and provide responses to specific
topics.
Workshops are anticipated for an overall Visioning
exercise, and for the S. Station area.
2022 & 2023
Online forum for more detailed discussions on
specific Chapters to the Comprehensive Plan and
the overall process. IQ 2022, 4Q 2023
4Q 2023
Federal Way 2024-2044
Attachment 1: Public Participation Project timeline
Visioning Workshop
Q1 2022
Virtual Townhall
Q1 2022
Open House
TBD
Stakeholder interviews
On Going
Community Walks
TBD
SEPA Q1,2024
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PLAN ADOPTION
2022 20231
PROJECT LAUNCH COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Webpage Q4 2021 Open House TBD
Initatition Survey �p Virtual Townhall Q4, 2023
Pop Up Events TBD
Federal Way 2024-2044
Attachment 2: Master schedule
Periodic Update Master Schedule
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Public Participation Level
1 Minimum: Planning Commission, Public Hearings, info on website
2 Additional: All above subject -specific outreach and events
3 Extensive: All above and targeted outreach, property owners, pop-up meeting, Open
House, etc.
*Dark color indicates review by Planning Commission
2024-2044