Planning Comm MINS 03-19-1997 SUMMARY
Commissioners present: Robert Vaughan (Chair) Diana Noble-Gulliford, Todd Suchan, Tim
Carr, Peter Morse, Lu Joslin, and Dean Greenough. Commissioner absent: none. Staff present:
CDS Deputy Director Kathy McClung, Senior Planner Greg McCormick, Contractor Don Largen
from McConnell/Burke, and Administrative Assistant E. Tina Piety.
Chair Vaughn called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was m/s/c to approve the minutes of February 5, 1997, and March 5, 1997.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
None.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Ms. McClung presented an update on current projects and provided further information for
tonight’s meeting. She then introduced Don Largen from McConnell/Burke.
COMMISSION BUSINESS - Downtown Parking
It was m/s/c to open the Public Hearing at 7:12 p.m.
Mr Largen gave the presentation on the Downtown Parking Code Amendments. Issues fall into
three categories: reduce parking requirements, encourage parking structures, and encourage
shared parking agreements. For each category, Mr. Largen introduced a series of options, and
then staff recommendations from those options. Some changes need to be made in the staff
report. All Hearing Examiner references should be changed to Director of Community
Development Services. On page 5, number A. i., change 200 to 400 and number A. ii., change
250 to 350.
Discussion was held regarding “over-supply” of parking within the city center. It was suggested
that rather than an over-supply, it is poor layout. Concern was expressed that height incentives
could lead to too high buildings. Questions submitted by Commission Noble-Gulliford were
discussed. Concern was expressed over the lack of bus service in the downtown area. There was
concern that reducing parking could hurt retail. The good thing about Federal Way is that there is
ample parking. There is a need to save what parking exists. The meeting was opened for public
testimony at 8:30.
City of Federal Way PLANNING COMMISSION
March 19, 1997 City Hall
7:00 pm Council Chambers
Planning Commission
March 19, 1997 2
Elaine Mansoor, General Manager, SeaTac Mall - She provided the commission
with a letter stating the mall’s concerns. For the most part, the mall agrees with the staff
report. They would like to see the wording changed in regards to compact stalls from
requiring up to 40 percent to allowing up to 40 percent. They do not support the
proposed maximum parking ratio. The mall needs extra parking for holidays. In
addition, the ratio is smaller than that of the reciprocal easement agreement the mall has
with Sears. The mall does not currently have a transportation management program for
employees, except for the holidays. Shuttle buses have been tried at other malls and
were found to not be cost effective.
Public testimony was closed at 8:40. Discussion was held regarding design guidelines for parking
structures. Access and egress should be part of the design guidelines. It was suggested the
number of stalls be set by category (business, retail, etc.) as opposed to by square footage.
Compact stalls should be dispersed throughout the parking lot. It was m/s/c to allow up to 40
percent of compact spaces for lots having greater than 20 stalls. It was m/s/f to leave the parking
requirements for office use as written in the current code. It was m/s/c to reduce the office use
requirement to one space for every 400 square feet of gross floor area.
It was m/s to leave the parking requirements for retail use as written in the current code. This
motion was withdrawn. The commission requested the staff to provide information on how
much gross leasable space there is in the mall and how does it relate to parking. What do other
jurisdictions require for similar mall parking. It was m/s/c to table retail use parking requirements
until further information is received.
Discussion was held regarding maximums. Concern was expressed that maximums could
eliminate potential retailers. It was suggested that parking could cover x amount of the lot rather
than figure a number of stalls. It was m/s/c to table the discussion on maximums.
It was m/s/c to continue the Public Hearing on April 2, 1997, at 7:00 p.m. in the city’s Council
Chambers.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
None.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
None.
ADJOURN
It was m/s/c to adjourn the meeting at 10:00 p.m.
031997.SUM