Council MIN 11-01-1989 Special (Land Use Retreat) - Draft DRAFT NOTES
CITY COUNCIL LAND USE RETREAT
November 1 , 1989 -- 6:00 P.M.
City Hall
INTRODUCTION
Councilmember Handmacher explained the process and indicated that the
purpose of the retreat was to enable the Council to reach consensus on
various land use issues. He then asked legal counsel to address the
Council . John Wallace and Wayne Tanaka from Ogden, Murphy & Wallace then
discussed zoning and interim rules with the Council .
VISIONS FOR THE FUTURE OF FEDERAL WAY
Joe Tovar, Planning Director of Kirkland and facilitator for the workshop,
asked the Council to identify future visions for Federal Way.
The Council discussed the following areas:
Natural Beauty: The Council indicated that retaining the natural beauty
of the area is important, including trees, green areas , and water and
mountain views . There is also a need for more open space and parks,
including passive/active recreation, neighborhood parks, trails, etc.
Preservation of the aquifer, wetlands, and streams is also a priority.
Transportation: The Council identified the following needs:
-- Create a grid to provide better transportation linkages
-- Improve east/west access
-- Provide alternatives to 320th and Highway 99
-- Add another exit from I-5 to funnel traffic from residential
communities
-- Consider locating a park and ride on the west side
-- Increase attractiveness of mass transit
Public Facilities: The Council indicated a need for public facilities ,
including a civic center, community center, senior center, cultural arts,
and discussed possible upgrading of existing school facilities to improve
their appearance. A brief summary of public lands indicated that the fire
district, water district, library and schools have some land available in
the City.
Development Amenities : The visual aspects of thoroughfares need
improvement via street trees and medium planters. The City also needs
entry landscaping, signing, etc. There needs to be better development
amenities in terms of landscaping, buffering, setbacks , sidewalks,
streetlights, etc.
CGS. 1821D
City Council Land Use Retreat -- Draft Notes Page 2
Livinc Environment: It was suggested that the City needs community pride
and a way to celebrate new ideas and new people, as well as a community
festival . Federal Way should also be a less of a bedroom community and
more of a city with cultural amenities , better restaurants, and evening
activities. There is also a need for higher-paying jobs and perhaps a
corporate headquarters. -
LAND USE ISSUES
A. Housing Mix - It was indicated that the current mix is 35% - 40%
multi-family and the consensus was to keep this percentage as it is,
but reduce the density. It was also agreed that more mixed use in the
community should be encouraged. Multi-family should remain as one
third of the total dwelling units .
B. Land Use Placement - It was agreed that high density multi-family
development belongs near the activity centers with lower density of
multi-family in the outlying sites . In addition, there should be
commercial development in the core areas with small centers in the
neighborhoods. This would create a mixture of disbursed and
centralized uses. It was also agreed to look at a policy that allows
commercial development in a neighborhood without encouraging strip
development.
B-1 Interim Zoning - The Council discussed interim zoning. The consensus
was to have legal counsel look at the issue and provide advice in
order to determine the proper course of action. Various options
relative to modifications to the current interim zoning were
discussed, but no further consensus was reached.
C. Industrial - It was agreed to leave industrial use as it is, but not
to preclude options for the future development. It was agreed that
perhaps the City could allow for other types of planned development as
appropriate, protecting commercial encroachment through the planning
process.
D. Transportation - The consensus was that the grid system needed to be
addressed and that the City should work with Metro to improve mass
transit.
E. Design Review - Consensus was that the City needs to look at design
review and have a consultant present alternatives. It was also
suggested that as many design standards as possible be codified in
order to clearly identify the City' s policies.
F. Landscaping - Consensus was to increase buffering and landscaping and
look at how to provide for ongoing maintenance, etc.
G. Timing of Services in Relation to Development - Consensus was that
service and development should be concurrent and that funding
alternatives for services need to be explored.
H. Pedestrian Plan - This item was deferred for future discussions .
CGS. 1821D
City Council Land Use Retreat -- Draft Notes Page 3
I . Parks and Open Spaces - The consensus was to look at both on-site
and/or fee-in-lieu options.
J. Coordinate Land Use Planning with Count - Consensus was that the City
needs to coordinate land use with Des Moines, Auburn, Kent, and
Tacoma, as well as King County and look at future agreements . At' the
least, notices, plans, and project documents need to be received from
the County and other jurisdictions.
K. Shoreline and Wetlands - Consensus was to watch sensitive areas -
closely. In addition, public access to areas needs to be examined,
and the adoption of a shorelines plan should be considered.
L. Changes in SEPA Process - Changes, especially in the area of
notification were discussed. It was agreed that notification, i .e.
mailing of notices and types of notices, must be done earlier in the
process and on-site notice needs to be more effective.
M. Changes in Enforcement Process - There was consensus that strong
enforcement of all regulations was needed.
CGS . 1821D