2021-01-20 Planning Commission MinutesPlanning Commission Minutes Page 1 January 20, 2021
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PLANNING COMMISSION
January 20, 2021 City Hall
6:30 p.m. Zoom
MEETING MINUTES
Commissioners present: Lawson Bronson, Tom Medhurst, Wayne Carlson, Diana Noble-Gulliford, Tim
O’Neil, Hope Elder, Dale Couture, and Eric Olsen. Commissioners absent: none. City Staff present:
Principal Planner Robert “Doc” Hansen, Associate Planner Chaney Skadsen, City Attorney Eric Rhoades,
and Administrative Assistant II Tina Piety.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Bronson called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M.
MINUTES
The December 16, 2020, minutes were approved as presented.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
COMMISSION BUSINESS
Elections – Lawson Bronson was nominated as Chair. The vote was held and Lawson Bronson was voted
in as Chair. Tim O’Neil was nominated as Vice-Chair. The vote was held and Tim O’Neil was voted in as
Vice-Chair.
Discussion, Gaps in Our Regulations Potentially Inhibiting Housing Development – Planner Hansen
delivered a summary of the code audit done to support the Housing Action Plan (HAP). He stated that the
overall goal of the HAP is to provide attainable housing for all people. Discussion was held regarding
providing a more “flexible” code. It was noted that the city’s Protentional Annexation Area is not
included in the HAP. Discussion was held on lot size standards, Homeowners Associations, and parking
in the city center. Discussion was held on the effects of Covid. Commissioner Noble-Gulliford expressed
concern that subsidized housing may be skewing the results.
Discussion, Further Discussion/Questions on Housing Needs Assessment Provided in December – No
further discussion.
Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 January 20, 2021
STAFF BUSINESS
a. Staff Report –Planner Hansen introduced Planner Rogers. Chair Bronson expressed concern that
major projects are being planned in the Northeast Tacoma and Tideflats area. Many people who live
in this area must go through Federal Way to get anywhere else; therefore, development in this area
has a direct effect on Federal Way. Chair Bronson is concerned that city staff is not aware of this
proposed development. Director Davis stated staff will seek more information on these proposed
developments.
NEXT MEETING
February 3, 2021, 6:30 p.m., Zoom Meeting
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 7:55 P.M.
Planning Commission Minutes Page 3 January 20, 2021
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