Planning Commission MINS 06-20-2018CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PLANNING COMMISSION
June 20, 2018
City Hall
6:30 p.m. City Council Chambers
MEETING MINUTES
Commissioners present: Wayne Carlson, Lawson Bronson, Hope Elder, Diana Noble-Gulliford, Dawn
Meader McCausland, Anthony Murrietta, and Dale Couture. Commissioners absent: Tom Medhurst (ex)
and Tim O'Neil (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 6, 2018, minutes were approved as presented.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
None
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
None
COMMISSION BUSINESS
DISCUSSION — Flood Damage Prevention
Planning Manager Hansen delivered the presentation. He had introduced the topic to the Commission at
their May 161h meeting. Currently, the Federal Way Revised Code (FWRC) has two chapters that address
flood damage prevention (in titles 15 and 19). The city has spoken with the state's Department of Ecology
(DOE), who instructed the city to update our flood damage prevention regulations to meet the state's
regulations and include a floodplain permit. A floodplain permit will be required when a structure
encroaches on the floodplain. The floodplain is designated by FEMA's floodplain maps. Staff has
developed a number of amendments to meet state regulations and have discussed them with DOE, who
agrees with the proposed amendments. He went over the proposed amendments. Staff is proposing to
delete the duplicate chapter in title 15, leaving and updating the chapter in title 19. Proposed amendments
include definitions, miscellaneous (housekeeping) changes, adding exemptions, adding habitat
assessment, and adding a new section on coastal high hazard areas (this section will go into effect when
new FEMA floodplain maps are adopted; excepted in September).
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Planning Commission Minutes Page 2
June 20, 2018
Vice -Chair Bronson — Encouraged staff to include definitions for various terms; such as protected area
and how mean sea level is determined. Discussion was held on the difference on how mean sea level is
determined on the east and west coasts. Planning Manager Hansen noted that the protected areas will be
identified on a map.
Discussion was held on routine maintenance. It was noted that this will only be required of anyone proposing
work within a floodplain. It will allow a habitat assessment and if necessary, a habitat mitigation plan.
Commissioner Noble-Gulliford asked if all affected property owners will be notified. Planning Manager
Hansen responded that the city will not notify them individually. A notice regarding the proposed
amendments will be published in the paper and on the city's website. Commissioner Noble-Gulliford
encouraged the city to notify each affected property owner as the proposed amendments may have a
financial effect on them.
Chair Carlson commented that staff has done a good job and the proposed amendments will provide some
benefit to the development community. He suggests staff include how this benefits property owners
within the staff report (for example, they won't have to deal with Olympia in addition to the city).
Planning Manager Hansen responded that is a good idea.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
None
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 7:00 P.M.
KAPlanning Commission\2016Weeting Summary 06-20-18.doc