10-04-2023 Planning Commission Approved MinutesCITY OF
Federal Way
Centered on Opportunity
PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
City Hall — Council Chambers
October 4, 2023 — 5:00 p.m.
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Chair Bronson called the meeting to order at 5:00pm
2. ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Lawson Bronson, Diana Noble-Gulliford, Anna Patrick, Tim O'Neil,
Vickie Chynoweth, Sanyu Tushabe (alternate)
Excused: Jae So, Tom Medhurst
City Staff Present: Community Development Director Keith Niven, Planning Manager
Jonathan Thole, Senior Planner Chaney Skadsen, City Attorney Kent Van Alstyne, Office
Manager Samantha Homan
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Patrick motioned to approve the September 20 minutes as written
Second by Commissioner Chynoweth
Motion Passes 5-0
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
None Scheduled
5. COMMISSION BUSINESS
Chair Bronson called the public hearing to order at 5:03pm
a. Public Hearing- Amendments to the City of Federal Way Comprehensive Plan
Senior Planner Chaney Skadsen presented on proposed amendments to the
Comprehensive Plan. Focus was on City Center Goals and Policies, future uses of TC-3,
Establishing a Downtown Overlay, amending the Comprehensive Plan Map to expand
City Center Core, and amending the Zoning Map to expand to City Center Core. Potential
changes include removing the current language that is used now mainly the changing the
word "encourage" to "require" and other passive words to make the language regarding
goals less passive and move active; rezoning TC3 from CC-F to CC-C to catalyst change
in this area to create a more dynamic downtown; and creating a downtown overlay.
Clarifications include what area would be considered the Downtown Overlay, where the
proposed TIF boundary are in regards to the overlay, the status on Merlone Geier's
walkway improvements, architectural standards for properties -in the City Center but not in
the overlay
Public Comment provided by Sam Pace with Seattle King County Realtors commented
that these amendment would improve the quality of life, increase the number of attainable
housing, improvements with transit oriented development in the City Center Core, and
increasing revenue due to the "revenue clock" by having more housing near a transit
center.
b. Public Hearing- Proposed change in Comprehensive Plan designation and rezone for
properties on S 320th ST
Community Development Director Keith Niven presented on a property on S 320th ST and
potential rezoning from RM 2400 to CE. Currently LUP 38 does not allow heavy industrial
use on properties that adjoin low or moderate density residential zone. Current change is
requested by South King Fire and Rescue, the current property owner. This property
would better suit employment uses, rather than residential.
Clarifications include the ability to build on current lots directly north of the properties, as
they are zoned by King County; uses allowed in CE; easements along the property; if a
traffic impact analysis will be done, and if there is a current plan/development envisions
for this property.
Public Comment provided by Dave Van Valkenburg from South King Fire and Rescue and
explained why SKFR is interested in selling this property. The intent is to upgrade Station
62 using funds from sale and rezoning to CE the best use of the property and more
appealing to sell.
Public Comment provided by Evan Schneider with Heartland commented that this
property would increase employment numbers with a CE rezone and listed examples for
Heartlands reasoning.
Commissioner O'Neil motioned the Commission recommend approval of the 2023
Comprehensive Plan Amendments
Second by Commission Chynoweth
Motion Passes 5-0
Chair Bronson closed the Public hearings at 7:17pm
c. Public Hearing- Proposed 2023 Comprehensive Plan Amendments City Center code
revisions
Chair Bronson called the public hearing to order at 7:19pm
Community Development Director Keith Niven presented on proposed amendments to
clarify and better implement updated goals and policies, create a downtown overlay, new
architectural standards, changes to note regarding spas in City Center Core and City
Center Frame. Proposed amendments include new definitions of "Developable site area,"
and "Floor area ratio (FAR);" creating a downtown overlay with architectural design
standards and what standards would be considered appropriate for the overlay, the way
structured parking is calculated, removing the possibility of an emergency shelter in the
downtown area, and changing the note regarding spas in the City Center Core and
Frame. Current note reads "Spas and water parks are not permitted as a principal use in
this zone. Hotels, health clubs, and similar uses may include assessor spas not exceeding
2,000 sq ft in size."
Clarifications include the minimum requirement for structured parking and if that would
discourage visits, where the 2000 sq ft measurement came in regards to Spas, if splash
parks are included in water park definition, emergency shelters and the downtown overlay
vs City Center.
Deliberations included why the spa code language exists and the intention of that code.
Commissioner O'Neil motioned to extend tonight's meeting past 8pm
Second by Commissioner Chynoweth
Motion Passes 5-0
Commissioner O'Neil motioned to recommend approval of the proposed code
amendments but removing the part with the square footage of the spas, the word water
park and stopping after the first sentence.
Second by Commissioner Noble-Gulliford
Motion Passes 5-0
Chair Bronson closed the Public Hearing at 8:09pm
6. STAFF BUSINESS
Manager's Report
Community Development Director Keith Niven provided an update on one of the last Planning
Commission items that went to LUTC. LUTC did not approve the language where Mayor
could initiate Development Agreements regarding the Development Agreement Code
Amendments Ordinance. It was also announced that Trent and TC3 are planned to go to
LUTC in November. There will also be a TIF briefing on October 24, at 3pm in Council
Chambers.
7. NEXT MEETING
October. 18, 5:00pm — Regular Meeting
8. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner O'Neil motioned to adjourn the meeting
Second by Commissioner Chynoweth
Motion Passes 5-0
Meeting adjourned at 8:14pm
APPROVED BY COMMISSION:
At- I V— h
A HOMAN, OFFICE MANAGER DA E