Planning Comm MINS 07-19-2006
K:\Planning Commission\2006\Meeting Summary 07-19-06.doc
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PLANNING COMMISSION
July 19, 2006 City Hall
7:00 p.m. Council Chambers
MEETING MINUTES
Commissioners present: Hope Elder, Dave Osaki, Dini Duclos, Merle Pfeifer, and Lawson Bronson. Commissioners
absent: Bill Drake (excused) and Pam Duncan-Pierce (excused). Alternate Commissioners present: Richard Agnew.
Alternate Commissioners absent: none. Staff present: Senior Planner Margaret Clark, Contract Planner Janet Shull,
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 Bronson moved (and it was seconded) to adopt the June 7, 2006, minutes. The motion carried (four
yes, one abstain). Commissioner Duclos moved (and it was seconded) to adopt the June 21, 2006, minutes. The
motion carried (five yes).
AUDIENCE COMMENT
None
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
There will not be a meeting on August 2, 2006. The next Planning Commission meeting will be August 16, 2006.
The Management Services Director will deliver a presentation on the City budget.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
STUDY SESSION – Zero Lot Line Code Amendment
Ms. Shull delivered the staff presentation. She informed the Commission that in addition to the zero lot line
townhouses code amendments, the staff is proposing a number of housekeeping amendments, including some due
to changes in state law.
Zero lot line townhouses may look like multifamily development, but they differ from multifamily in that the
parking is located with the unit. In addition, the owner owns the land in addition to the unit, unlike condominiums
where the owner owns only the unit and the land is held in common ownership.
The proposed code amendments would permit zero lot line townhouse development in multifamily zones at similar
densities. The minimum lot size would be reduced to approximate the underlying density to allow for individual lot
ownership. In addition, amendments to the subdivision code are necessary to address townhouse development.
Ms. Shull commented that Community Development Services staff is working with Public Works staff on street
issues. One issue is whether alleys will be public or private, and to what standards they would be built.
Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 July 19, 2006
K:\Planning Commission\2006\Meeting Summary 07-19-06.doc
The Commissioners had a number of issues and concerns. One is whether accessory units would be allowed. This
is an issue the staff has not considered. A concern was that of fire-safety and concern that the units may be too
close together. Ms. Clark replied that the fire department has reviewed this proposal and had no concerns.
Commissioner Osaki commented that in Auburn, they had issues with driveways, street lights, and street trees due
to the narrowness of such lots. Ms. Shull noted that proposals would be subject to relevant community design
guidelines. Commissioner Bronson commented that if these are single-family residences, they should not be subject
to regulations for multifamily residences, such as the community design guidelines and discouraging garages in
front. Ms. Clark replied that staff will research this issue.
The Commission asked how the potential purchase of the Boy Scout camp could effect the open space requirement.
Ms. Clark said that the Parks Department is planning to adopt a park impact fee. In addition, there may not be an
issue if there are not multifamily zoned areas near the Boy Scout camp. Staff will research this issue.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
None
AUDIENCE COMMENT
None
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.