05-17-2023 Planning Commission MinutesCITY of
PLANNING COMMISSION
Federal Way
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Centered on Opportunity
City Hall — Council Chambers
May 17, 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-Guliford, Anna Patrick, Tim O'Neil, Lawson Bronson, Vickie Chynoweth, Sanyu
Tushabe (alternate)
Excused: Jae So, Tom Medhurst
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
Planning Commission Meeting of May 3, 2023.
Commissioner Noble-Gulliford moved the May 3, 2023 minutes to be approved as presented.
Second by Commissioner O'Neil, Motion passed 5-0.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
No public comment.
5. COMMISSION BUSINESS
a. Memorandum- Open Space Code Amendments Briefing Part 2
Presented by Evan Lewis, Senior Planner
Evan presented a second PowerPoint on proposed residential open space code updates focusing on Title 18
subdivisions code and Title 19 Zoning code. Potential updates expanding and clarifying the definition of "usable"
open space within FWRC 19.05; exempting smaller subdivisions from providing open space within FWRC 18.55;
updating open space calculation method for single family subdivisions within FWRC 18.55; updating fee in lieu
of open space processes for subdivisions within FWRC 18.55.060; expanding multifamily fee in lieu of open
space option in FWRC 19.115.15; and removing option for landscape tracts to count toward open space
requirements. Evan also addressed questions asked during the last planning commission meeting. Jason Gerwin
from the Parks department was present to address the questions regarding the parks department brought forth
from the last meeting. Next steps include third briefing to planning commission on 6/17/2023, a public hearing on
6/21/2023, presentation to LUTC committee on 7/10/2023, and council on 7/18/23 with proposed adoption on
8/15/2023.
Chair Bronson called the public hearing to order at 6:23pm.
b. Public Hearing- ADU Proposed Code Amendments
Presented by Chaney Skadsen, Senior Planner
Senior Planner Chaney Skadsen presented on ADU Code amendments focusing on how the amendments will
encourage ADU production in the city by streamlining the permitting process, reducing cost for ADU production,
and removing regulatory barriers. Next steps include presentation to LUTC on 6/5/23 and council on 6/20/23 with
proposed adoption on 7/5/23.
c. Public Comment- Public Hearing
Barbara Marsh (resident) shared her personal story in support of the ADU code amendments.
Judy Olano (resident) provided an email to be read into the public record in support of the ADU code
amendments.
Ben Taylor (King County Government Affairs Manager with the Master Builders Association of King and
Snohomish Counties) provided a letter to be read into the public record in support of the ADU code amendments.
Commissioner O'Neil moved to recommend the City Council adopt the proposed code amendments.
Second by commissioner Chynoweth.
The motion passes 4-1, the vote was as follows.
Commission Chair Bronson Yes Commission Vice Chair Chynoweth Yes
Commissioner Noble-Gulliford No Commissioner Patrick Yes
Commissioner O'Neil Yes
Commissioner O'Neil moved to closed the public hearing.
Second by Commissioner Chynoweth, Motion passed 5-0.
Chair Bronson adjourned the public hearing at 7:30pm
6. STAFF BUSINESS
Manager's Report
Director Keith Niven reported on the community outreach done at BonsaiFest on May 13-14. The focus was on
community services and climate conversations with the Federal Way community. There was much participation
and well received by the community. Next table -topping outreach is planned for June 3 at the Federal Way
Farmers Market. More events are planned for summer.
Director Keith Niven announced there is a city council vacancy, commissioners are encouraged to apply if
interested.
7. NEXT MEETING
June 7, 2023 5:00 p.m. — Regular Meeting
8. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner O'Neil moved that the meeting be adjourned.
Second by Commissioner Chynoweth, Motion passes 5-0.
Meeting adjourned at 7:37pm.
T: APPROVED BY COMMI8SION:
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