05-03-2023 Planning Commission MinutesCITY OF PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Federal 'Way City Hall —Council Chambers
Centered on Opportunity May 3, 2023 — 5:00 p.m.
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Chair Bronson called the meeting to order at 5:00pm
2. ROLL CALL
Commissioners: Diana Noble-Gulliford, Anna Patrick, Tim O'Neil, Lawson Bronson, Jae So, Tom
Medhurst, Vickie Chynoweth, Sanyu Tushabe (alternate)
City Staff Present: Community Development Director Keith Niven, City Attorney Kent van Alstyne,
Senior Planner Evan Lewis, Senior Planner Chaney Skadsen, Office Manager Samantha Homan
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner O'Neil moved the April 5, 2023 minutes be approved as presented
Second by Commissioner So; Motion passed 7-0.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT (Non -Hearing)
No public comment
5. COMMISSION BUSINESS
a. Memorandum- Residential Open Space Codes Updates Briefing
Presented by Evan Lewis, Senior Planner
Evan presented a PowerPoint on proposed residential open space code updates focusing on Title 18
subdivisions code and Title 19 Zoning code. Potential updates include definition updates of current
definitions that create ambiguities in current code, changing method of calculation open space for
subdivisions, revising some fee in lieu of open space processes, improving consistencies of open
space requirements among multifamily uses, and expanding a 50% fee in lieu of common open
space options to BC zone. Next steps include SEPA determination on 5/12/2023 with second
briefing planned for next planning commission, 5/17/23 with potential for a third briefing if
necessary.
b. Memorandum- HAP Strategy #2 (Accessory Dwelling Unit)
Presented by Chaney Skadsen, Senior Planner
Chaney presented a PowerPoint on proposed ADU code amendments ahead of the 5/17 public
hearing. Focusing on maximum size for an attached ADU and additional driveway width. Proposed
changes included expediting permitting process by exempting ADU from land use reviews,
reducing costs for ADU productions by exempting ADUs from school impact fees and ADU
permit review fees, allowing ADUs in cluster subdivisions in single family zones, amending
definition of accessory to clarify that ADUs can be taller that primary dwelling unit, increasing
area for applicants to meeting parking requirements for ADUs, exempt legally nonconforming lots
from meeting minimum lot size and increasing maximum size, allowing home occupations in
ADUs, and removing own occupancy requirements.
2 of 40
6. STAFF BUSINESS
Manager's Report
Director Keith Niven announced the hire of new Planning Manager, scheduled to start June 1, 2023,
with the potential for all planning seats to be filled by July 2023.
TO updates: Director Keith Niven announced city has executed award letter with OneTrent. City is
working with Columbia Hospitality to determine need for new hotel in the city.
Director Keith Niven announced Mayor Ferrell is putting together a group to meet over the next few
months and provide recommendation to council regarding potentially moving City Hall to downtown.
7. NEXT MEETING
May 17, 2023 5:00 p.m. — Regular Meeting
8. ADJOURNMENT
h
Commissioner O'Neil moved that the meeting be adjourned;
Second by Commissioner So. Motion passed 7-0.
Meeting adjourned at 7:38 pm
OFFICE MANAGER
APPROVED BY COMMISSION:
DATE
3 of 40