Planning Comm MINS 06-15-2011
K:\Planning Commission\2011\Meeting Summary 06-15-11.doc
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PLANNING COMMISSION
June 15, 2011 City Hall
7:00 p.m. Council Chambers
MEETING MINUTES
Commissioners present: Merle Pfeifer, Hope Elder, Wayne Carlson, Tom Medhurst, Lawson Bronson,
Tim O’Neil, and Sarady Long. Commissioners absent: None. Staff present: Planning Manager Isaac
Conlen, Principal Planner Margaret Clark, Assistant City Attorney Peter Beckwith, and Administrative
Assistant Tina Piety.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Pfeifer called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of May 18, 2011, were approved as presented.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
None
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Mr. Conlen stated the next Planning Commission meeting has not been set.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
PUBLIC HEARING – Proposed Amendments Related to Restaurants, Accessory Uses, and
Convention Centers in the Office Park (OP) Zone
Ms. Clark delivered the staff report. This is a request from a citizen (Roger Hazzard) to amend Federal
Way Revised Code (FWRC) 19.235.010 to increase the percentage of gross floor that can be used for
accessory warehouse use. While researching this request, staff found other items that should be addressed;
hence amendments to FWRC 19.235.030 (also addressing warehouse use), FWRC 19.235.020
(addressing seating capacity of restaurants), and FWRC 19.235.030 (addressing convention centers) were
added to this proposal.
There was no public comment. Ms. Clark stated that Mr. Hazzard had told her he supports the staff
recommendation.
Commissioner O’Neil asked if there was any logic behind the 20% regulation for accessory uses. Ms.
Clark replied she is unaware of the logic behind the 20% regulation. The City of Federal Way adopted the
Kirkland zoning code when we incorporated and that code had the 20% regulation. The city has not
received any question or complaint about the 20% regulation before this and therefore, the staff has never
researched the regulation before this time. Commissioner O’Neil asked if the 20% regulation is
monitored. Ms. Clark replied it is monitored when an applicant applies for a tenant improvement.
Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 June 15, 2011
K:\Planning Commission\2011\Meeting Summary 06-15-11.doc
Commissioner Bronson asked how many OP zones are in the city and what is the acreage. Ms. Clark
replied that she does not have the acreage with her at this time. The West Campus area has the largest OP
zone in the city. There is also a smaller one at 1st and 320th, another at 21st and 320th, and another opposite
the Federal Way High School.
Commissioner Carlson moved (and it was seconded) to recommend approval of the proposed amendments
to FWRC 19.235.010 and 19.253.030 to allow any accessory use subject to certain site design and
architectural features. The motion carried.
Commissioner Carlson moved (and it was seconded) to recommend approval of the proposed amendment
to FWRC 19.235.020 to remove seating limitations for restaurants. The motion carried.
Commissioner Carlson moved (and it was seconded) to recommend approval of the proposed amendment
to FWRC 19.235.030 to allow convention centers as a stand alone use. The motion carried.
The public hearing was closed.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
None
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m.