Planning Commission MINS 09-19-2018CITY 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
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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.
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