07-101012CITY OF
�. Federal
March 13, 2007
John Gabriel Spruell
5303 Pacific Highway East
PMB #264
Fife, WA 98424
r�
CITY HALL FILE
Way
33325 8th Avenue South
Mailing Address: PO Box 9718
Federal Way, WA 98063-9718
(253) 835-7000
www. cityoffederalway. com
RE: File #07-101012-00-AD; RESPONSE TO INQUIRY
Seattle Meditation Center, 36606 Pacific Highway South, Federal Way
Dear Mr. Spruell:
The City of Federal Way received your inquiry pertaining to a proposal to establish the "Seattle
Meditation Center of the Dhammakaya Practice of Buddism" at the above -referenced address (Parcel
#292104-9044). Based on the activities described in your letter, it is clear that the proposed land use
would fall into the category of "Church, synagogue, or other place of religious worship," which is a use
listed as permissible in the RS-35.0 zone, per the Zoning Chart found in the Federal 6Vay City Code
(FWCC) 22-635. I am enclosing the chart. Please review it carefully.
Please note that the required review process to establish a place of worship is Process IV, where the
Federal Way Hearing Examiner makes the decision. A preapplication conference is required for a Process
IV application.
It is likely that your proposal would require review under the State Environmental Policy Act due to
critical areas (wetlands and streams), as well as the number of parking spaces (if over 20 parking spaces).
The City also requires a traffic concurrency application to determine the concurrency fee for new traffic
that will be generated_
For general questions about preparing for a preapplication conference you may contact Andy Bergsagel,
Associate Planner, at 253-835-2644 or andy.bergsagel@cityoffederalway_com. Forms are available at
www.cityoffederalway.com/Page.aspx?view=738.
Sincerely,
J ) r`�t(,
1 "'n,
Kathy McClung
Director, Community Development Services
enc: FWCC Zoning Chart 22-635: Churches, etc.
Preapplication Conference Bulletin
Master Land Use Application (to use for preapplication submittal)
FWCC 22, Article XIV: Critical Areas
c: Owner: Douglas and Faye Clerget; c/o Rob Ruebcr; 25 3-927-2008
Fax to Gabc Spruel: 253-857-7599
Da I D 40043
�1 2-26-07
Proposed land use change for the Seattle Meditation Center 7.1003
of the Dhammakaya practice of Buddhism RECEIVED
00
6 7 ID ��r FEB 2 6 2007
Greg Fewins
Deputy Director of Community Development Services
CITY OF PE DERAZ WAY
SUIL[7INO DEPT,
The proposed site is to be used as a meditation center for the "Dhammakaya"; a form of Buddhist
practice based in Bangkok, Thailand; with meditation centers around the world. The term "Dhamma"
refers to the collective teachings of Buddha, which emphasizes the use of meditation to achieve peace
and harmony, first within oneself, and then within the larger society.
The proposed land use change to parcel #2921049044 (36606 Pacific Highway South, Federal Way) is to
change the residential buildings on the proposed sixteen acre site to act as a Meditation Center for the
Dhammakaya practice of the Buddhist faith in the state of Washington.
The temple shall be the residence of a total of (2 to 4) monks with (3 to 5) functioning helpers. The
proposed residence of the Buddhist Monks is to act as public meeting grounds for the enlightenment of
meditation through Buddhist religion and the preservation of the natural surroundings. Residential
zoning regulations deem it acceptable for the change in land use to hold congregations every Sunday for
the enlightenment to understanding "Dhammakaya" Buddhism.
The normal usage of the facility in any given week would consist of ritual chanting plus meditation each
weekday evening for approximately an hour and a half by up with about ten members. Each Sunday
would have extended services (about 5 hours, beginning in the late morning) for ritual chanting,
meditation, Buddhist teaching, and a potluck lunch for about fifty members. The area used for chanting,
meditation, etc. would not require the use of any chairs or pews as followers sit on the floor with crossed -
legs per traditional practice. A separate room may be used by up to ten children for learning and
meditation.
In addition, approximately twice a year, a special ceremony may be held for the ordination of followers
who wish to enter intensive training in Buddhist teachings and practice. These ceremonies would attract
as many as 90 or more people as followers from near and far. These ceremonies would likely take place
outside, to take advantage of the natural beauty and serenity of the site, with its duck pond, stream, and
many trees. The park -like atmosphere holds all the qualifying features supporting the transformation of
the beautiful park to grounds for the congregation of the Buddhist religion and practice.
The preservation of the sites natural beauty is key to the Dhammakaya and, with a little work, the
proposed land may soon be the home to the peaceful Buddhist monks.
Regards, q
John Gabriel Spruell
Development Coordinator-•
(253) 312-5523
Background information on Dhammakaya Buddhism
Peace throughout the world is started from peace within the individual.
Wat Phra Dhammakaya (based in Bangkok, Thailand, but with Meditation Centers
located around the world) is a foundation with a goal of bringing peace to the world, by
teaching the beliefs written in the Dhamma. (The Dhamma is an ancient Buddhist
manuscript that describes the fundamental beliefs that people should follow, allowing
them to live together in harmony and peace.) This first step towards peace, as taught by
the Dhamma of the Buddha, begins on the pathway to oneself. One must learn how to
relax and meditate, ridding our mind of fear, frustration, anxiety, and resentment. Often
when the thoughts of resentment come to a person, these are based on physical
differences and/or spiritual differences. Differences in race, gender, language, spiritual
beliefs, or the different type of government one serves. Instead of thoughts that bring
conflicts, we must establish thoughts based on acceptance.
Through meditation and the placing of one's mind at the center of their body, internal
conflicts within the mind will be driven out. As these internal conflicts are eliminated,
one will then start to experience happiness and begin to establish an inner peace. As
happiness begins to grow inside, happiness and the acceptance of others will start to show
on the outside, by a change in one's attitude. As our attitude changes from resentment to
acceptance, an inner peace begins to grow as we accept others.
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