Planning Comm MINS 10-23-2002K:\Planning Commission\2002\Meeting Summary 10-23-02.doc
City of Federal Way
PLANNING COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
October 23, 2002 City Hall
7:00 p.m. Council Chambers
MEETING SUMMARY
Commissioners present: John Caulfield, Dave Osaki, Hope Elder, Dini Duclos, Marta Justus Foldi, and
Grant Newport. Commissioners absent (excused): Bill Drake. Alternate Commissioners present: Tony
Moore, Lawson Bronson, and Christine Nelson. Alternate Commissioners absent (unexcused): Merle
Pfeifer. Staff present: Community Development Director Kathy McClung, Community Development
Deputy Director Patrick Doherty, Associate Planner Rox Burhans, Assistant City Attorney Karen
Kirkpatrick, and Administrative Assistant E. Tina Piety.
Chair Caulfield called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
APPROVAL OF SUMMARY
It was m/s/c to approve the September 18, 2002, meeting summary.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
None.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
None.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
PUBLIC HEARING – Continued
City Center-Core Supplementary Development Standards Code Amendment
Mr. Burhans delivered the staff report, which was a response to the issues raised by Commissioners at the
last meeting. As requested by the Commission, he showed a picture of a development in North Seattle of
housing above a shopping center. The Public Testimony was opened at 7:20 p.m.
Jerry Lutz, Perkins Coie LLP – He represents the owners of SeaTac Village and presented a letter
from them. He complimented Mr. Burhans on the staff’s willingness to work with them. The
owners of SeaTac Village are still concerned that this is the wrong approach in an untested area.
The process has left out real discussion with businesses in the area. They strongly recommend an
outreach to the 20 largest businesses in the City Center on this issue. They requested that the
Planning Commission not recommend approval of this code amendment. Should they recommend
approval, the letter contains some modifications they would like to see implemented. As the
owners of SeaTac Village understand, this code amendment would view existing business as
Planning Commission Summary Page 2 October 23, 2002
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almost exempt. They feel that they are almost exempt because if a disaster were to occur (such as
a fire) that required them to rebuild and they were unable to do so within the designated
timeframe or at a cost equal to or less than 75 percent of the value of existing improvements, they
would have rebuild to the proposed code amendment standards. They want to be 100% exempt.
They would be in favor of a master plan, so long as it is realistic.
The Public Testimony was closed at 7:35 p.m. Commissioners expressed concern that there has not been
much input/dialog from business owners in the area. Many feel that the proposed amendment is a
piecemeal approach to the problem. The Commission felt it would be better to do a master plan. In
response to questions, Mr. Doherty commented that the City intends to prepare a Planned Action SEPA for
the City Center. The Planned Action SEPA would describe the area and define the uses allowed. It would
be based on the vision and research of the Federal Way Comprehensive Plan and Downtown Market
Study. It would be somewhat like a subarea plan focused on development. The Commission and staff
discussed the reasons why the City Council does not want “big box” retail in the City Center. It is not that
they do not want that type of retailer, but rather that they want more intense use of the land in the City
Center and therefore, this code amendment is proposed to bring about more intense use of the land. It was
m/s/c to close the Public Hearing. It was m/s/c (unanimous) to recommend that the proposed code
amendment not be adopted and that the City enter into a dialogue with stakeholders to continue
formulating options for a future code amendment.
Chair Caulfield thanked the staff for their work on this code amendment. Commissioner Osaki encouraged
the staff to review the Planned Action SEPA process. He commented that the City needs to identify exactly
what they want the Planned Action SEPA to be and should enter into dialogue with stakeholders on the
issue.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
John Caulfield was nominated for Chair. There were no other nominations. The vote was held and it was
unanimous in favor of him. Hope Elder was nominated for Vice-Chair. There were no other nominations.
The vote was held and it was unanimous in favor of her.
The Commission welcomed new Commissioner Marta Justus Foldi and new Alternate Commissioners
Merle Pfeifer and Lawson Bronson. Commissioners Osaki and Duclos will not be in attendance November
6, 2002.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
None.
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.