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Planning Commission PKT 10-24-2018City of Federal Way PLANNING COMMISSION October 24, 2018 City Hall 116:30 p.m. Council Chambers Commissioners Wayne Carlson, Chair Lawson Bronson, Vice -Chair Dawn Meader McCausland Diana Noble-Gulliford Dale Couture, Alternate AGENDA 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL >. APPROVAL OF MINUTES September 19, 2018 4. AUDIENCE COMMENT — UNRELATED To COMMISSION BUSINESS 5. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT 6. COMMISSION BUSINESS • Public Hearing Proposed Text Amendments to Federal Way Revised Code (FWRC) Complete Streets Policy 7. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS 8. ADJOURN Tom Medhurst Hope Elder Tim O'Neil Anthony Murrietta, Alternate KAPlanning Commission\20MAgendaWgenda 10-24-18.doo City Staff Robert "Doc" Hansen, Planning Manager Margaret Clark, Principal Planner E. Tina Piety, Administrative Assistant 253-835-2601 www.citvo,[%ederalwav coin CITY OF FEDERAL WAY PLANNING COMMISSION September 19, 2018 City Hall 6:30 p.m. City Council Chambers MEETING MINUTES Commissioners present: Wayne Carlson, Lawson Bronson, Hope Elder, Tim O'Neil, Diana Noble- Gulliford, Dawn Meader McCausland, and Dale Couture. Commissioners absent: Tom Medhurst (ex) and Anthony Murrietta (ex). City Staff present: Planning Manager Robert "Doc" Hansen, Principal Planner Margaret Clark, Deputy City Attorney Mark Orthmann, and Administrative Assistant E. Tina Piety. CALL TO ORDER Chair Carlson called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The June 20, 2018, minutes were approved as presented. AUDIENCE COMMENT None ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT None COMMISSION BUSINESS PUBLIC HEARING — Flood Damage Prevention Planning Manager Hansen delivered the presentation. The purpose of the proposed amendments is to update the current code to meet current state laws, to identify exempt activities, and to require floodplain permits and habitat assessments for nonexempt projects. Previously, staff proposed adding a coastal hazard section mainly because it was expected that FEMA would release updated maps this fall. They have pushed back that release, so staff will not be proposing the addition. The proposed amendments will eliminate Chapter 15.15 FWRC; add and amend definitions; provide exemptions for normal maintenance; and require habitat assessments. Commissioner O'Neil asked if normal maintenance will require a permit. Planning Manager Hansen responded that applicants should check with the city, but while they will likely have to have a building permit, they will unlikely be required to have an additional floodplain permit. Commissioner O'Neil inquired when a property owner will be required to have a habitat assessment. Planning Manager Hansen replied that if it is determined that they need a floodplain permit; a habitat assessment will be required as KAPIanning Commission\2016Weeting Summary 09.19-18.doc Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 September 19, 2018 well. The habitat assessment is likely to be short report that will identify life on the shore land that could be impacted, as well as the flow of the water. Commission O'Neil asked if the amendments include any requirements beyond what the state requires. Planning Manager Hansen replied that the amendments only address the state's requirements. Vice -Chair Bronson moved to forward the proposed amendments as presented by staff and Commissioner Noble-Gulliford seconded. There was no further discussion and the motion passed unanimously. Chair Carlson closed the public hearing. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS Vice -Chair Bronson delivered an update of the Sound Transit proposed Tacoma Dome Link Extension (he provided a handout). He believes the Commissioners should be aware of what is going on. He noted there are five to seven possible routes. The handout shows the possible routes and proposed stops. The impact on business in Federal Way will be large. There will need to be a "laydown" area (where parts, etc. are held until needed) which will have a large impact on the area chosen. The process will bring massive change to southern Federal Way. He encouraged the Commissioners to review the handout and let Sound Transit know their thoughts and concerns. Commissioner O'Neil asked when they will start to acquire the land. Planning Manager Hansen responded that there is no set time for acquisition of land. They currently have three top choices of routes and likely won't start the acquisition until a decision of the route has been made. Commissioner O'Neil requested who made the decision of which routes to consider? Planning Manager Hansen stated that the routes where chosen from suggestions by staff, citizens, and stakeholders made at the different open houses. Commission Noble-Gulliford expressed a concern about zoning in the City Center. Currently, the city code discourages drive -ups and two national banks recently closed down their drive -ups. She doesn't know if it was due to zoning or business issues, but she is concerned about losing banks within the City Center. Losing full-service banks can affect the city's credit rating. She would like staff to consider this concern. ADJOURN The meeting adjourned at 7:15 P.M. KAPlanning Commission\2016Weeting Summary 09-19-18.doc Project overview The Tacoma Dome Link Extension (TDLE) is part of the 116 - mile voter -approved light rail system expansion that extends regional light rail approximately 9.7 miles from the Federal Way Transit Center to the Tacoma Dome Station area. The project travels through the cities of Federal Way, Milton, Fife and Tacoma, and the Puyallup Tribe of Indians Reservation. The project also includes an operations and maintenance facility (OMF) in either South King County or Pierce County. © Planning phase Alternatives development Benefits > 9.7 miles of fast, reliable light rail connections to dense residential and job centers throughout the region. > 4 new light rail stations: South Federal Way, Fife, East Tacoma and Tacoma Dome. > Parking garages at the South Federal Way and Fife stations, each with approximately 500 stalls. > Average projected TDLE daily riders by 2040: 27,000-37,000. > Open for service in 2030. Definition of a representative project For projects in the voter -approved system expansion, Sound Transit produced "representative projects" identifying the mode, station locations and related features, such as an OMF. The TDLE representative project formed the basis for the project's scope, schedule and budget. 19 Link Light Rail Tacoma Dome extension [111 Elevated M Surface Current/future service Federal Way extension (2024) Tacoma Link Q New station P Parking Co Transfer hub S 320th St Federal Way Transit Cent " i w Note. map not to scale '"'`� CD A CI. South N Feder Way S A 1 1 East 4,`` ,6, Tacoma M 01110��uuu �innr� P -- s Fife w Tacoma Representative project showing transit mode, route Dome Q and general station locations per ST3 Plan. Final project may reflect refinements. to 'Operations and Maintenance Facility (OMF) South is " also being located in the south corridor (South King or Pierce counties) to support the south corridor and the entire Link system expansion. Sound Transit plans, builds and operates regional transit systems and services to improve mobility for Central Puget Sound. SUUN�TRANS�T 401 S. Jackson St. I Seattle, WA 98104-2826 1 1-800-201-4900 / TTY Relay: 711 1 main@soundtransit.org I soundtransit.org scoping Early scoping starts public conversation about the project before the start of formal state and federal environmental studies. Sound Transit asks the public, elected officials, other agencies and tribal governments to take part in defining goals for the project and determining how it can best fit in with the communities and the environment. Purpose and Need Statement To guide decision-making during the alternatives analysis and to support the project's state and federal environmental reviews, Sound Transit has developed a draft statement of why this project is being proposed. The agency will use the Purpose and Need statement to evaluate alternatives leading to a preferred alternative as well as any other alternatives for further study in an EIS. The agency will continue to develop and refine the Purpose and Need statement to reflect public and agency comments as the project moves forward. The purpose of the Tacoma Dome Link Extension is to expand the Link light rail system from the Federal Way Transit Center to the Tacoma Dome Station area to: Provide high-quality rapid, reliable, accessible and efficient peak and off-peak light rail transit service connecting Federal Way, Milton, Fife, Tacoma, and the Puyallup Tribe of Indians to other destinations on the regional high-capacity transit system. Meet projected transit demand and offer an alternative to travel on congested roadways, better connecting people to where they live, work and play. Connect regional growth centers as described in adopted regional and local land use, transportation and economic development plans, and Sound Transit's Regional Transit Long -Range Plan. Develop a light rail extension and an operations and maintenance facility that are technically feasible and financially sustainable to build, operate and maintain, consistent with the regional system defined by Sound Transit's ST3 Plan and the Regional Transit Long -Range Plan. Expand mobility for people in the corridor and region, including this corridor's high concentrations of low income, minority and transit -dependent populations. Encourage equitable and sustainable urban growth in station areas through support of transit -oriented development, station access and multimodal integration, consistent with adopted local comprehensive or land use plans. Preserve and promote a healthy and sustainable environment by minimizing adverse impacts to people and the natural and built environments. Sound Transit plans, builds, and operates regional transit systems and services to improve mobility for Central Puget Sound. 401 S. Jackson St. I Seattle, WA 98104-2826 1 1-800-201-4900 / TTY Relay: 711 1 main@soundtransit.org I soundtransit.org Roadway congestion is increasing on 1-5 and SR -99, the two primary highways connecting King and Pierce Counties, affecting reliability for transit as well as automobiles. There is not enough transit capacity to serve the corridor's riders today or in the future. Regional and local plans call for high- capacity transit (HCT) to serve long-term population and employment growth in the corridor consistent with VISION 2040 and the Regional Transit Long -Range Plan. The regional system does not have the operations and maintenance facility capacity to efficiently operate the long-term light rail vehicle fleet needed to serve South King and Pierce counties. South King and Pierce County citizens and communities, including its low income, minority and transit -dependent populations and residents, need better access to the rest of the region. Regional and local plans call for increased residential and employment growth and density in areas to be served by HCT and multi -modal transportation systems. Environmental and sustainability goals of the state and region include reducing total vehicles miles traveled and greenhouse gas emissions. Sound Transit plans, builds, and operates regional transit systems and services to improve mobility for Central Puget Sound. 401 S. Jackson St. I Seattle, WA 98104-2826 1 1-800-201-4900 / TTY Relay: 711 1 main@soundtransit.org I soundtransit.org 41k CITY OF Federal Way PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT DATE: October 16, 2018 To: Wayne Carlson, Planning Commission Chair FROM: EJ Walsh, Public Works Development Directoro�v� Rick Perez, City Traffic Engineer )1 Erik Preston, Senior Traffic Engineer SUBJECT' Proposed Text Amendments to Federal Way Revised Code (FWRC), Complete Streets Policy PUBLIC HEARING DATE October 24, 2018 I. FINANCIAL IMPACT There are no direct financial impacts to City budgets from the policy revision. The policy revision may impact future projects, but each project budget will be impacted differently (if at all) and those impacts will be determined during the planning and scoping of each project. Funding requirements for operations and maintenance of infrastructure is reviewed and adjusted as required during the budget process. II. BACKGROUND The City first created a Complete Streets Policy (FWRC 19.135.205) in 2012, adopted by Ordinance 12- 718. The purpose of the Complete Streets Policy is to assure that facilities will be provided for roadway users of all ages and abilities and that appropriate accommodations are made for bicyclists, pedestrians, transit users, motorists, passengers, and freight movement. The current policy allows exceptions to be granted relatively easily within the Public Works Department with no public process or notice. Recently grant funding agencies have recognized that such policies are ineffective in creating the type of complete streets we desire, ones that are safe and accessible for all users, particularly non -motorized modes. Increasingly, grant funding agencies have begun to require that jurisdictions have stronger complete streets policies in place in order to receive grant funding from some funding sources for non -motorized improvement projects. Strengthening the City's Complete Streets Policy will allow the City to be more eligible to receive grant funds and therefore build more sidewalks, bike lanes, shoulder walkways and other non -motorized facilities currently listed on the Transportation Improvement Plan and/or Capital Improvement Plan. The proposed policy update better defines the City's vision and intent for Complete Streets by showing a commitment in all project phases, including project selection and policy implementation. The proposal also creates well-defined, clear, and accountable exceptions that require high-level approval. Planning Commission Staff Report October 16, 2018 Proposed Text Amendments to Federal Way Revised Code (FWRC), Complete Streets Policy Page 1 of 7 Approval of this updated complete streets ordinance would allow the City to submit nomination forms to local non-profit organizations so they can nominate the City for a Complete Streets Award from the Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) before the December 14, 2018 cutoff. If approved by TIB, City staff would create a complete streets work plan with TIB in January/February 2019. Awards range between $100,000 and $1,000,000 and may be available as soon as March 2019. III. TIMELINE Following is the anticipated timeline for completion of the proposed code amendments: Process Date Issue SEPA Determination Sept 14th 14 -Day Comment Period Ends Sept 28th Notice of Planning Commission Public Hearing Oct 5th 21 -Day Appeal Period Ends Oct 19th Planning Commission Public Hearing Oct 24th Land Use/Transportation Committee Meeting Nov 5th City Council 0 Reading Nov 20th City Council 2nd Reading Dec 4th V. PROPOSED CODE AMENDMENTS FWRC 19.135.205 Complete Streets is proposed to be amended as follows: 19.135.205 Complete Streets. (1) Complete Streets Policy. The city of Federal Way will plan for, design, and construct all new and retrofitted transportation projects to provide reasonable and appropriate accommodation for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit passengers users of all ages and abilities, as well as tFue s, buses, and .,,,*,,.,,,..i i motorists, passengers, emergency responders, and freight, with a goal of street connectivity that creates a comprehensive, integrated, connected network for all modes because all users of the network are legitimate and equally deserving of safe facilities. (2) "Complete Street" means a road that is designed to be safe and accessible for motorists, bicyclists, school and public transit users, freight, emergency responders, and pedestrians of all ages and abilities. The complete street policy focuses not just on changing individual roads, but on changing the decision- making process so that all users are routinely considered during the scopingplanning, design, construction, and operation and maintenance of all roadways. "Complete streets infrastructure" means design features that contribute to a safe, convenient, or comfortable travel experience for users, including but not limited to features such as: sidewalks; shared use paths; bicycle lanes; automobile lanes; paved shoulders; street trees and landscaping_ planter strips; Planning Commission Staff Report October 16, 2018 Proposed Text Amendments to Federal Way Revised Code (FWRC), Complete Streets Policy Page 2 of 7 curbs,• accessible curb ramps• bulb outs; crosswalks; refuge islands; pedestrian and traffic signals including countdown and accessible signals, ls, signage• street furniture; bicycle parking facilities; mini - roundabouts; traffic calming devices such as speed humps and traffic circles and surface treatments such as paving blocks and textured pavement, narrow vehicle lanes; and raised medians. (3) The City of Federal Way shall incorporate complete streets infrastructure into the Transportation Element of the City's Comprehensive PlanADA Transition Plan Public Works Development Standards Parks and Recreational Master Plan and all other plans manuals rules regulations and programs as feasible and appropriate. (4) The City of Federal Way will foster partnerships with all Washington State transportation funding agencies including the Washington State Department of Transportation the Transportation Improvement Board, the Federal Highway Administration, King County Federal Way School District citizens businesses, interest groups, neighborhoods, and any fundin agency gency to implement Federal Way's complete streets policy. (5) The Public Works Director, or their designee shall modify, develop and adopt policies design criteria, standards, and guidelines based upon recognized best practices in street design construction and operations, including but not limited to the latest editions of the American Association of State Transportation Officials and Institute of Transportation Engineers guidelines and standards while reflecting the context and character of the surrounding built and natural environment and enhancing the appearance of such. (26) Exceptions. Facilities for bicyclists, pedestrians, transit users and/or persons of all ages and abilities are not required to be provided in new construction retrofit or reconstruction projects except in any of the following extraordinary circumstances: (a) Where estcblis une nt would be eefftfat=y to publiesafiaty The project involves a roadway on which non -motorized use is prohibited by law. In this case an effort shall be made to accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists elsewhere, including on roadways that cross or otherwise intersect with the affected roadway; or (b) Where there is no identified current or long-term need, as e..*.,blis1.e,7 in eity plans a*a future models;travel demand or Planning Commission Staff Report October 16, 2018 Proposed Text Amendments to Federal Way Revised Code (FWRC), Complete Streets Policy Page 3 of 7 (c) either- end, fesulfing in little pr-egr-ess en implemeffting multi fnedal networks as set fefth in the t...,..s..,. Ratio e ^ tef of the Feder -a! Way Gemp feheasive Plaa; Where the cost of accommodation is excessively disproportionate to the need or probable use; armor hi=t he p oiie works direetefper- €AIRC1-9.135.070 (d) Where routine maintenance and repair of the transportation network is performed that does not change the roadwayeg ometry or operations, such as mowing,ping, spot repair, surface treatments, re -paving_ pavement overlay, or interim measures; or (e) Where emergency repairs that require an immediate, rapid response; however, temporary accommodations for all modes should still be made. Depending on the severity of the repairs, opportunities to improve multimodal access should still be made; or (f) Where a reasonable and equivalent project along the same corridor is already_ programmed to rovide facilities exempted from the proiect at hand: or Any exception to this policv for public or civalifvin¢ private proiects reauires documentation and supporting data to be approved by the City Council upon review and recommendation from the Land Use and Transportation Committee. Supporting documents and data for all requested exemptions shall be made publicly available. Exceptions to this policy, as outlined above, may be granted by the Public Works Director for private development projects in response to a modification, deferment or waiver request under FWRC 19.135.070. Supporting documents and data for all such granted exceptions shall be made publicly available with abilitypublic comment. VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS No public comments were received. VII. REASON FOR PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION FWRC Chapter 19.80, "Process VI Council Rezones," establishes a process and criteria for zoning code text amendments. Consistent with Process VI review, the role of the Planning Commission is as follows: 1. To review and evaluate the zoning code text regarding any proposed amendments. Planning Commission Staff Report October 16, 2018 Proposed Text Amendments to Federal Way Revised Code (FWRC), Complete Streets Policy Page 4 of 7 2. To determine whether the proposed zoning code text amendments meets the criteria provided by FWRC 19.80.130. 3. To forward a recommendation to the City Council regarding adoption of the proposed zoning code text amendments. XIV. DECISIONAL CRITERIA FWRC 19.80.130 provides criteria for zoning text amendments. The following section analyzes the compliance of the proposed zoning text amendments with the criteria provided by FWRC 19.80.130. The city may amend development regulations only if it finds that: 1. The proposed amendment is consistent with the applicable provisions of the comprehensive plan. The proposed FWRC text amendment is consistent with the following Federal Way Comprehensive Plan (FWCP) goals and policies: Goal 1 TG1 Maintain mobility through a safe, balanced, and integrated transportation system. Policies TPLI Reduce reliance on drive alone trips by prioritizing and implementing supportive local -level transit, high -occupancy vehicle (HOV), and non - motorized improvements. TP1.5 Enhance mobility using the existing footprint of the roadway and technological advancements. When widening roadways, impacts to non -motorized users and transit vehicles and passengers should be minimized. TP1.10 Coordinate with transit agencies to provide convenient non -motorized access to transit facilities. Goal 2 TG2 Be fiscally and environmentally sustainable. Policies TP2.3 Prioritize transportation projects considering concurrency, safety, multimodal enhancements, environmental impacts, and cost effectiveness. TP2.4 Assure cost-effective maintenance of transportation facilities under the City's jurisdiction, including non -motorized facilities. Planning Commission Staff Report October 16, 2018 Proposed Text Amendments to Federal Way Revised Code (FWRC), Complete Streets Policy Page 5 of 7 Goal 3 TG3 Enhance community health, livability, and transportation by providing a connected system of pedestrian, bicycle, and transit ways that are integrated into a coordinated regional network. Policies TP3.8 Encourage non -motorized improvements that minimize the need for residents to use motorized modes by extending the existing non -motorized system and providing: 1. Access to activity centers and schools; 2. Linkage to transit, park & ride lots, and school bus networks; 3. Completion of planned pedestrian/jogging or bicycle trails; 4. Designating a network of streets that can safely and efficiently accommodate bicycles; and, 5. Extend sidewalks to all streets. TP3.10 Provide a one -mile grid of bicycle facilities connecting major activity centers, recreational facilities, and schools. TP3.11 Incorporate pedestrian and bicycle features as design elements in the City Center as reflected in the Federal Way Comprehensive Plan Vision and City Center Street Design Guidelines. TP3.12 Include sufficient area in rights-of-way for bike lanes, sidewalks, and landscaped medians to provide separation from motorized traffic. Use landscaped medians to separate opposing traffic when safety and aesthetic purposes dictate the need. TP3.17 Coordinate development of the non -motorized system with surrounding jurisdictions and regional system extensions. Goal 4 TG4 Support the City's land use vision and plan. Policies TP4.4 Protect existing and acquire future right-of-way consistent with functional classification cross-section (transit, rail, bike, and pedestrian) needs. TP4.7 Enhance the viability of regional and local transit service by establishing design standards for streets that move transit, pedestrian, and cyclists in the City Center. Goal 5 TG5 Develop and implement transportation systems management strategies and programs that contribute to the overall effectiveness of the multimodal transportation system. Planning Commission Staff Report October 16, 2018 Proposed Text Amendments to Federal Way Revised Code (FWRC), Complete Streets Policy Page 6 of 7 Policies TP5.8 Encourage the provision of a robust transportation alternative rich environment so that all members of the community, including those with transportation disadvantages, have viable travel options or alternatives. 2. The proposed amendment bears a substantial relationship to public health, safety, or welfare. The proposed text amendment bears substantial relationship to the public health, safety, and welfare because it ensures that transportation improvements consider the safety and mobility of all modes of travel, and the varying abilities of citizens to move throughout the community safely and easily on foot and bicycle. 3. The proposed amendment is in the best interest of the residents of the city. The proposed amendment is in the best interest of the public and the residents of the City of Federal Way because complete streets are focused on the safe and convenient movement of people using all modes of travel. Complete streets also support economic development as access to commercial areas and access between neighborhoods and commercial areas is enhanced with greater emphasis on connectivity. Livability is improved as it becomes easier to move about the community. XV. MAYOR'S RECOMMENDATION Based on the above staff analysis and decisional criteria, the Mayor recommends the approval of the proposed amendments as outlined in Section V. Planning Commission Staff Report October 16, 2018 Proposed Text Amendments to Federal Way Revised Code (FWRC), Complete Streets Policy Page 7 of 7