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Planning Comm MINS 06-21-2006 K:\Planning Commission\2006\Meeting Summary 06-21-06.doc CITY OF FEDERAL WAY PLANNING COMMISSION June 21, 2006 City Hall 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers MEETING MINUTES Commissioners present: Hope Elder, Dave Osaki, Dini Duclos, Bill Drake, Merle Pfeifer, Lawson Bronson, and Pam Duncan-Pierce. Commissioners absent: none. Alternate Commissioners present: none. Alternate Commissioners absent: Richard Agnew (excused). Staff present: Senior Planner Margaret Clark Senior, Planner Isaac Conlen, Assistant City Attorney Amy Jo Pearsall, and Administrative Assistant E. Tina Piety. Chair Elder called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Drake moved (and it was seconded) to adopt the May 3, 2006, minutes. The motion carried (seven yes). AUDIENCE COMMENT None ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT None COMMISSION BUSINESS PUBLIC HEARING – Cottage Housing Code Amendment Commissioner Duclos informed the Commission that she had conversations with Mr. Huffman during her campaign, but they did not discuss cottage housing. Mr. Conlen delivered the staff report. Cottage housing refers to small detached single-family units grouped around a common open space. Typical characteristics include community oriented design, construction characteristics of single-family housing, higher density, shared parking facilities, and architectural design standards. The purpose of cottage housing is to provide “more affordable” housing, provide infill, reduce urban sprawl, encourage social interaction, and promote safety. The proposed amendments include the suggestions made by the Planning Commission at their September 2005 study session. They also include input from a builder of cottage housing. Cottage housing is proposed to be allowed in the Single-Family Residential (RS) 5.0, RS 7.2, and all Multifamily Residential (RM) zoning districts. The provisions have been developed to be compatible with the surrounding residential uses. Commissioner Drake asked if there was demand for this type of housing and Mr. Conlen replied that he has talked to individuals interested in pursuing this type of development. Commissioner Drake asked if the City could require a homeowners association and Ms. Pearsall replied that the City does have that authority. Commission Duncan- Pierce asked for a larger scale map of potential sites for cottage housing. The meeting was opened for public testimony. Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 June 21, 2006 K:\Planning Commission\2006\Meeting Summary 06-21-06.doc Garrett Huffman, Master Builders Association South King County Manager – He commented that this is a unique housing style that is still developing. More and more people want smaller housing. He feels the proposal is too prescriptive and does not allow much flexibility, which will make it less attractive to builders. He suggested that if the City wants to encourage this type of housing, they should add incentives (i.e. waive the impact fee, expedite the permit, allow change to the size of the common area if there are wetlands on the property, and flexibility for design of the houses) to the proposal. Even so, this is a good draft. He commented that affordable housing seems to be long gone and this cottage housing may not be affordable. There have been bidding wars among buyers in other areas for cottage housing units. He commented that there may be opposition from neighbors at first, but once they see them, neighbors will see that cottage housing fits well within single-family neighborhoods. Mr. Conlen agreed the draft code is prescriptive, but noted the draft includes a modification section to provide flexibility as needed. Commissioner Duncan-Pierce expressed concern that these are being marketed as starter homes, but people are being priced out of the market. A discussion was held on affordable housing. Ms. Clark commented that the City is working on other code amendments (such as zero lot line) in order to address affordable housing. The public testimony was closed. Commissioner Duclos moved (and it was seconded) for adoption of the proposal with a request to staff to research incentives that may encourage developers to pursue cottage housing. Discussion and the vote was held (three yes, four no); the motion failed. Commissioner Drake moved (and it was seconded) for adoption of the proposal as recommended by staff. Discussion and the vote was held (six yes, one no); the motion passed. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS A study session on the zero-lot line code amendment will be held Wednesday, July 19, 2006. AUDIENCE COMMENT None ADJOURN The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.