Planning Comm MINS 06-15-2005
K:\Planning Commission\2005\Meeting Summary 06-15-05.doc
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PLANNING COMMISSION
June 15, 2005 City Hall
7:00 p.m. Council Chambers
MEETING MINUTES
Commissioners present: John Caulfield, Dave Osaki, Dini Duclos, Bill Drake, Merle Pfeifer, and Lawson
Bronson. Commissioners absent: Hope Elder. Alternate Commissioners present: Christine Nelson and Pam
Duncan-Pierce. Alternate Commissioners absent: Tony Moore (unexcused). Staff present: Development
Services Director Kathy McClung, Assistant City Attorney Amy Jo Pearsall, Senior Planner Margaret
Clark, Code Compliance Officer Betty Cruz, and Administrative Assistant E. Tina Piety.
Chair Caulfield called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was m/s/c to adopt the May 18, 2005, minutes as presented.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
None
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
None.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
PUBLIC HEARING – Freeway Profile Signs Code Amendment – Continued
Commissioner Drake informed the Commission that he has studied the minutes and listened to the
recording of the April 20, 2005, public hearing. Ms. Clark delivered the staff report, which was a response
to the questions/issues raised at the last public hearing. She commented that the Scenic Vista Act is
confusing and staff is still researching the issues pertaining to the Act. The Commission urged the staff to
consider non-moving changeable copy. Staff commented that they will research this and will consider
allowing non-moving changeable copy signs.
Commissioner Bronson commented that if the Department of Transportation feels it is safe to use
moveable copy signs, why not the City? Commissioner Pfeifer agreed and commented that moveable copy
signs use less energy and less heat, and are therefore, better for the environment and businesses.
Commissioner Caulfield asked why the City is pursuing this amendment. Ms. Clark replied that the City
received a request from a citizen that stated that signs are too small to be seen from the freeway. Ms.
McClung commented that during discussion with the City Council, it was commented that some businesses
near the freeway attract regional customers and larger signs would be a tool to draw in these customers.
Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 June 15, 2005
K:\Planning Commission\2005\Meeting Summary 06-15-05.doc
The Commission questioned whether there is a way to allow all Federal Way business to advertise along I-
5. What about allowing signs like you see along the freeway that say “At Next Exit” and have the logos of
different businesses? Could this sign be changeable copy?
Commissioner Caulfield expressed concern over what the City would look like with these large signs.
While they might not seem too large to anyone driving down the freeway, what about the other side? He
asked the staff to provide drawings or photographs of what these signs will look like. He also asked why
are businesses leaving Federal Way and about the sales tax and whether the sign code has affected the sales
tax. Ms. McClung responded that the Federal Way Chamber is doing a survey that addresses the sales tax
issue and why businesses are leaving Federal Way. She will give the Commission copies of this report if it
is completed by the next meeting.
The Commission asked if wall signs are allowed on buildings and would they be seen from I-5? Ms. Cruz
commented that wall signs are allowed, but cannot exceed seven percent of the area of the building. Ms.
Clark commented that buildings in the Community Business zone would not be high enough to be seen
from I-5.
It was suggested that staff provide pictures of signs currently along I-5 with the proposed height and size
and of changeable copy signs. It was also suggested that staff provide a list of these signs so
Commissioners could take a personal fieldtrip.
The Commission would like staff to consider allowing 300 feet per sign face.
It was m/s/c to continue the public hearing to July 27, 2005, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
The first Wednesday in August will be a public hearing on the proposed Neighborhood Business zone
code amendments. The staff has started on the cottage housing amendment. The City has received a grant
for updating our Shoreline Master Program. In addition, code amendments must be made for the Interim
Zoning Ordinance. These last two issues are not currently on the Planning Commission’s Work Program,
and therefore, they must go to the City Council for approval to be added. Commissioner Pfeifer requested
that Ms. McClung provide the Commission with the presentation she gave to the Council and Chamber on
the Interim Zoning Ordinance.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
None
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.