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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.