Planning Comm MINS 05-20-1998 SUMMARY
Commissioners present: Robert Vaughan (Chair), Peter Morse, Todd Suchan, and Karen
Kirkpatrick. Commissioner absent: Lu Joslin, Dean Greenough, and Tim Carr. Staff present:
Senior Planner Margaret Clark, Public Works Director Cary Roe, Traffic Engineer Rick Perez,
and Administrative Assistant E. Tina Piety.
Chair Vaughan called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of April 1, 1998 were approved.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
None.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Ms. Clark informed the commission that there have been no changes in the status of code
amendments. She remarked that the commission’s work program would go to the City Council
on June 16, 1998.
COMMISSION BUSINESS - Comprehensive Plan Amendments - Continued
The Public Hearing was reconvened at 7:10 p.m. Ms. Clark explained that the King County
Realtors letter (which was sent with the agenda packet) dealt with changes they claim are needed
for the city to meet housing unit goals. Staff is working on a response. She then handed out a
supplemental staff report and a letter from Leonard Schaadt. Mr. Schaadt is requesting a change
in zoning from BP to BC. The commission requested that staff research the issue and bring it
back to the next meeting with a recommendation.
The Public Testimony was opened at 7:23 p.m.
Leonard Schaadt, 1026 Bellevue Way, SE, Bellevue - Discussed his request. For the
1995 Comprehensive Plan, the Planning Commission approved his request, but the City
Council reversed, and the change was not made. He remarked that BC zoning follows
Pacific Highway South from the north of the city down to 356th, except a small portion
City of Federal Way PLANNING COMMISSION
May 20, 1998 City Hall
7:00 p.m. Council Chambers
Planning Commission
May 20, 1998 2
that has his property on it. He noted that a wetland divides the property. He wants the
area on Pacific Highway South to be changed to BC. This would provide greater
opportunity to market the property. It did have this type of zoning before incorporation.
The commission discussed Site Specific Request #5 (Waremart). The staff report addresses the
questions the commission had at the last meeting. Ms. Clark went over those responses. It was
m/s/c (unanimous) to accept the staff recommendation.
The commission discussed Site Specific Request #6 (Barovic). The staff report addresses the
questions the commission had at the last meeting. In addition, staff has meet with Mr. Barovic.
Ms. Clark noted that if the commission recommends the zoning be changed to RS 35.0, it should
recommend that the surrounding parcels also be changed in order to avoid the appearance of spot
zoning. The letter from Lakehaven regarding sewer availability was given to the commission.
Donald Barovic, 35429 Pacific Hwy South - He commented that he remembers that
the 100 feet off of Pacific Highway South was designated business/commercial, not
office park as the city states. Went over the history of his purchase. He noted that when
he and the limited partnership purchased the property in the early 1970’s, Lakehaven
promised there would be sewer service within nine years. They still do not have sewer
service. He again claimed that the wetlands found by the city’s biologist near Pacific
Highway South are not really wetlands. He reiterated that he wants to cluster zone part
of the property and donate the rest to the city for what would be a beautiful park. He
fears that he will lose his property because taxes are to high and he is unable to develop
it with the current zoning.
The commission further discussed this request. It was moved/seconded that the property in
question, and surrounding property that is zoned SE, should be change to RS 35.0. It was m/s/c
(yay - 2, nay - 1, abstain - 1) to amend the motion to state that if such a change requires that
SEPA review be reopened, then it should be reopened. The motion carried (yay - 3, nay - 1) as
amended.
The commission discussed Site Specific Request #7 (Lovegren). Ms. Clark described the request.
Mr. Lovegren had submitted a letter. In the letter, he changed his request from a change to BN to
a change to business commercial. Ms. Clark stated that the staff’s review is consistent and the
recommendation would remain the same (to deny the proposal). She remarked that the comp plan
policies do not support a change in zoning.
Mr. Lovegren, 10862 Garden Place South, Seattle - He read his letter. The letter
disputes the finding of the wetland (as discovered by the city’s biologist).
The commission further discussed the wetland and adjacent zoning. The commission requested
the Lovegrens to bring back information to the staff about the Pierce County zoning. Staff will
work with them on possible uses for the property.
Planning Commission
May 20, 1998 3
Sam Pace, 3905 154th Avenue SE, Bellevue - Noted there is some confusion in the
state about the adopted definition of wetland and asked if the city was sure they are
using the right one. Also stated that one aspect to keep in mind when making decisions
was how many total jobs are there in the city. (Ms. Clark stated she would double check
what definition of wetland the city is using, but she feels confident we are using what
we are suppose to be using.)
The Public Testimony was closed at 9:20 p.m.
The commission began discussion on the Transportation Chapter. Mr. Perez went over the more
substantive changes. The commission asked about the struck out paragraphs on page III-9. They
would like the first two and the last one reinstated. Mr. Perez explained v/c and LOS (page III-
38). The commission noted that Table III-6 (page III-38) did not seem to correspond to the text
describing it. Mr. Perez said that he would provide a different table that would be more clear.
The commission asked on map III-10, why isn’t 348th shown as congested? Mr. Perez
commented that it comes down to a policy question. The map is based on weekday traffic. On
weekends the volume is higher. So the question is, what do you design for?
It was m/s/c to continue the public hearing to June 3, 1998, in the City Hall Council Chambers.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
Commissioner Morse stated that he will not be in attendance at the June 3, 1998, meeting.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
None.
ADJOURN
It was m/s/c to adjourn the meeting at 10:00 p.m.
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