Planning Comm MINS 09-21-2005
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CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PLANNING COMMISSION
September 21, 2005 City Hall
7:00 p.m. Council Chambers
MEETING MINUTES
Commissioners present: John Caulfield, Dave Osaki, Dini Duclos, Merle Pfeifer, Bill Drake, and Lawson Bronson.
Commissioners absent: Hope Elder (excused). Alternate Commissioners present: Christine Nelson and Tony
Moore. Alternate Commissioners absent: Pam Duncan-Pierce (unexcused). Staff present: Development Services
Director Kathy McClung, Assistant City Attorney Amy Jo Pearsall, Senior Planner Margaret Clark, Associate
Planner Isaac Conlen, and Administrative Assistant E. Tina Piety.
Chair Caulfield called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Duclos moved (and it was seconded) to adopt the August 17, 2005, minutes with a correction to the
date under Additional Business. The motion carried (one abstain, five yes).
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Greg Coleman – He commented on the Cottages at Hoyt Road project. The neighbors had been told
there would be a certain amount of open space and were happy with that. Now the developer wants to
decrease the amount of open space. If a developer destroys open space, they then talk about remediation.
What is the point if the open space is already destroyed? Is there a way of protecting that open space?
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
None
COMMISSION BUSINESS
WORKSHOP – Cottage Housing Code Amendment
Mr. Conlen delivered the staff presentation. Cottage housing refers to small detached single-family units grouped
around a common open space. The proposed amendments would allow cottage housing in the Residential Single-
Family (RS) 7.2 and 5.0 zones and all Residential Multi-Family (RM) zones. The intent of cottage housing
includes providing affordable housing; providing options to a growing demographic desiring single-family setting,
but with smaller homes and lot sizes; providing opportunity for infill and reducing urban sprawl; and promoting
neighborhood interaction, sense of community, and safety. Staff is seeking the Commission’s input on overall
direction, development standards, procedural requirements, and public notice.
The Commission discussed the issue of affordability. Given today’s housing market, how can the City ensure the
cottages would be affordable? What tools and incentives are available to encourage affordable housing? The
Commission does not want to dictate affordable housing, but would like to encourage it. Given that other
jurisdictions allow only 12 units per acre, it was suggested the City allow 12 cottages outright, and up to four
additional ones if two of those are affordable.
Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 September 21, 2005
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The Commission suggested a minimum cottage size of 800 square feet. They also suggested that a homeowner’s
association (with dues) be required for cottage housing subdivisions in order to ensure the common open space is
maintained.
They discussed the parking requirement of 1.5 spaces. The question arose whether this would give enough visitor
parking. It was suggested that the requirement be reduced to one and the developer could decide if they want
visitor spaces. On-street parking could be counted towards the required parking. The Commission came to the
consensus that 1.5 spaces are adequate.
The Commission discussed the size of garages. The size limit of 200 square feet gives a size of only 10 x 20 feet. It
was stated that this applies only to attached garages and unattached garages could be larger. The Commission came
to the consensus that 200 square feet for attached garages is adequate. Additionally, attached garages can be larger,
but square footage exceeding 200 is counted towards the maximum cottage size.
The Commission discussed allowing carports and if they should have a roof pitch, and suggested they should be
allowed with a 6:12 roof pitch.
The Commission feels this issue could generate concern from citizens. It was suggested that public notice be made
through press releases, the City’s quarterly newsletter, send notices to the Federal Way Chamber of Commerce,
send notices to all homeowner associations, send notices to homeowners, send notices to the Master Builders
Association, send notices to developers, and place notices on the City’s Web site.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
Chair Caulfield informed the Commission that last week he had attended a meeting on the City Center. Although
there were only four people who were not staff or City Council in attendance, he felt the meeting was worthwhile.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Greg Coleman – He commented that cottage housing sounds exciting and he was glad he stayed for the
whole meeting. He noted that owner occupied homes are better cared for than others.
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.