Planning Comm MINS 02-15-2006
K:\Planning Commission\2006\Meeting Summary 02-15-05.doc
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PLANNING COMMISSION
February 15, 2006 City Hall
7:00 p.m. Council Chambers
MEETING MINUTES
Commissioners present: Hope Elder, Dave Osaki, Merle Pfeifer, Dini Duclos, Bill Drake, Lawson Bronson, and
Pam Duncan-Pierce. Commissioners absent: none. Alternate Commissioners present: Richard Agnew. Alternate
Commissioners absent: none. Staff present: Assistant City Attorney Amy Jo Pearsall, Senior Planner Margaret
Clark, and Administrative Assistant E. Tina Piety.
Vice-Chair Elder called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Duclos moved (and it was seconded) to adopt the December 7, 2005, and January 18, 2006, minutes
with the correction to the January 18, 2006, deleting Commission Osaki from Commissioners present and adding
him to Commissioners absent (excused). The motion carried (seven yes).
AUDIENCE COMMENT
None
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Ms. Clark informed the Commission that the Planning Commission Work Program will go to the City Council on
February 21, 2006. They added a sign code amendment for signs for special events.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
ELECTIONS
Commissioner Pfeifer nominated Dini Duclos as Chair. Commissioner Drake nominated Hope Elder as Chair.
There being no other nominations, the vote was held with three votes for Commissioner Duclos and three votes for
Commissioner Elder, a tie. Commissioner Duclos withdrew, leaving only Commissioner Elder nominated, with no
other nominations. The vote was held with six votes for Commissioner Elder. Commissioner Duclos was
nominated Vice-Chair and with no other nominations, the vote was held with six votes for Commissioner Duclos.
The votes were unanimous as Commissioner Duncan-Pierce arrived after the elections.
PUBLIC HEARING – Off-Site Real Estate Signs Code Amendment
Ms. Clark delivered the staff report. In addition to some housekeeping changes, the proposed amendments are a
reduction in the 200 foot lineal separation requirement for off-site real estate directional signs when necessary to
indicate a turn or change in direction of travel, and an increase from six to ten signs per property per agent.
The public hearing was opened for public testimony.
Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 February 15, 2006
K:\Planning Commission\2006\Meeting Summary 02-15-05.doc
Marilyn Gates – She has been a real estate agent in Federal Way for 26 years. She had requested the City
make the proposed amendments. She stated that increasing the number of signs to ten sounds like a lot,
but that many signs would only be used to bring people in from two major arterial streets. Not many
agents are eager to put up ten signs.
Sam Pace, Housing Specialist for Seattle-King County Association of Realtors – He gave the
Commission two documents, one is an outline of his testimony and the other is a letter giving an analysis
of municipal ability to maintain real estate specific sign regulation in light of Ballen v. Redmond. He
supports the proposed code amendments. He stated that real estate signs are unique and placement is
different for each sale. They have a beginning and ending date. Research shows that real estate signs are
essential for prospective buyers to find houses. They are the third most common way of finding a listing
agent. The Seattle-King County Association of Realtors has a self-policing program. They invite the City
to take advantage of it. They would discipline brokers who do not follow the City’s regulations. He
stated that the analysis he handed out supports the proposed amendments.
Commissioner Duclos informed the Commission that while she was campaigning last year she talked with Mr.
Pace a number of times, but never about this particular issue. Commissioner Osaki informed the Commission that
he has worked with Mr. Pace regarding signs for the City of Auburn, but they have never discussed any Federal
Way issues. Mr. Pace commented that he has never spoken with any of the Commissioners or City Council
Members on this issue. The Seattle-King County Association of Realtors is very careful to keep all their dealings
open and above board.
Commissioner Duclos moved (and it was seconded) to adopt the proposed code amendments as written by staff.
The motion carried (seven yes).
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
None
AUDIENCE COMMENT
None
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m.