Planning Comm MINS 08-16-2006
K:\Planning Commission\2006\Meeting Summary 08-16-06.doc
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PLANNING COMMISSION
August 16, 2006 City Hall
7:00 p.m. Council Chambers
MEETING MINUTES
Commissioners present: Hope Elder, Dave Osaki, Dini Duclos, Merle Pfeifer, Bill Drake, Pam Duncan-Pierce, and
Lawson Bronson. Commissioners absent: none. Alternate Commissioners present: Richard Agnew. Alternate
Commissioners absent: none. Staff present: City Manager Neal Beets, Management Services Director Iwen Wang,
Interim Public Safety Director Brian Wilson, Assistant City Attorney Amy Jo Pearsall, Senior Planner Margaret
Clark, Contract Planner Janet Shull, and Administrative Assistant E. Tina Piety.
Chair Elder called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved and seconded to adopt the July 19, 2006, minutes. The motion was carried.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
None
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Ms. Piety informed that Commission that the terms for three Commissioners are due to expire September 30, 2006.
The City is currently accepting applications for these positions. Applications are due September 15, 2006, and may
be found on the City’s website, or picked up at City Hall. Interviews are tentatively scheduled for a special meeting
before the first regular City Council meeting in October (10/3/06).
COMMISSION BUSINESS
BUDGET PRESENTATION
Ms. Wang, Mr. Beets, and Mr. Wilson delivered the staff presentation. The city is obligated to have a balanced
budget. There is a gap between revenue and expenses. Ms. Wang explained the action to address the gap. She
commented that the only long-term solution to the gap is a larger tax base, which means more economic
development in the city. Public safety is a top City Council priority. Mr. Wilson explained that in order to meet this
priority, the council is considering a utility tax increase of 1.75% for new police officers and support staff. The
council is considering placing this issue on the November ballot.
Commissioner Drake asked what was the utility tax originally planned for. Ms Wang replied that the tax goes to
parks and transportation improvements. The proposal would not reduce their funding. Commissioner Elder
commented that when it was adopted, people were told the tax would be phased out. She is concerned the city may
face stiff opposition because it will now not be phased out.
Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 August 16, 2006
K:\Planning Commission\2006\Meeting Summary 08-16-06.doc
STUDY SESSION – Small Lot Code Amendment
Ms. Shull delivered the staff presentation. This amendment would allow smaller homes and would add another
house type to the multiple family zones. She sees a lot of interest in this type of housing throughout the region. The
amendment calls for a demonstration project and staff is still researching how that might work.
Commissioner Drake asked if the alleys would be private. Ms. Shull replied that the Public Works staff is
researching this issue. Commissioner Drake asked if two houses would be allowed to share a common lot line. Ms.
Shull replied that staff does not intend for houses to share a common lot line. They would be zero lot line, but not
common. Commissioner Pfeifer commented that could be a problem for someone needing to do work on the side of
their house. Ms. Shull replied that a maintenance easement of three to five feet would be required. It is unlikely that
every house in the development would be placed right next to the lot line.
Commissioner Duclos asked if the developments would have covenants. Ms. Shull replied they would need them
for the open space. Commission Duclos stated that any covenants should have fees in order to ensure the property
is maintained.
In regards to the demonstration project, all the houses would be built to a particular style, Commissioner Bronson
asked what if a homeowner wants to remodel? Staff will research covenants to address this issue.
Commissioner Osaki stated that currently the amendment states single family can be done in multi family at 5000
square foot lots has the staff considered a maximum? Ms. Clark replied that staff will research having a maximum.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
The Commission discussed their concern for affordable housing. One concern with the proposed small lot code
amendment is that it will not likely have affordable housing; partially due to construction costs and demand. It was
suggested that the city research ways in which affordable housing could be promoted in Federal Way.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
None
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 8:54 p.m.