HomeMy WebLinkAbout040915CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR SESSION OF APRIL
9, 2015
CALL TO ORDER
The Port Townsend Planning Commission met in regular session on April 9,
2015, in the Council Chambers at 540 Water Street. Chair Mick -Hager called
the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners present at roll call were Nan Evans, Douglas Frick, Rick
Jahnke, Monica Mick -Hager, Dwight Nicholson, and Jack Range with Kirit
Bhansali excused.
Staff members present were Planning Director Lance Bailey, Planning
Manager/Senior Planner Judy Surber, City Attorney Steve Gross, City Clerk
Joanna Sanders, and Deputy Clerk Amber Long.
ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA
Motion: Jack Range moved to approve Acceptance of Agenda with one
addition under New Business to welcome new Commissioner Rick Jahnke.
Douglas Frick seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: JANUARY 8, 2015 AND JANUARY 22, 2015
Motion: Rick Jahnke moved to approve Minutes for January 8, 2015 and
January 22, 2015. Nan Evans seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 5-0 by voice vote.
Commissioner Jahnke abstained.
NEW BUSINESS
Welcome New Commissioner Rick Jahnke
New Commissioner Rick Jahnke introduced himself.
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT - NONE
OLD BUSINESS
Planning Commission Meeting April 9, 2015 Page 1 of 3
Expansion of Applicability of Planned Unit Development Provisions
Planning Director Lance Bailey gave background and an overview on the
Planned Unit Development Regulations. He noted that at the joint Council
meeting, there was discussion about creating flexibility for commercial and
manufacturing businesses. He then reviewed specific sections of his
memorandum leading to staffs proposed recommendation to pursue zoning
code amendments to allow PUDs in the C -ll and M/C zoning districts.
He then addressed the following issues on which staff is basing its
recommendation: how the City would address split -zoned property,
minimum lot area, density bonuses, and design review standards. At this
point, no amendments to the existing list of design review standards are
proposed. Mr. Bailey distributed a map showing Potential Expansion of PUD
Provisions. He solicited Planning Commission recommendations.
Mr. Bailey responded to questions about the following: timing for PUDA
approval by Council; split zoning (which is by parcel but could be
clarified); list of uses, future expansion of uses, receptiveness to new
ideas/uses, or perhaps listing what is prohibited versus allowed. Mr. Bailey
said that flexibility in uses is a priority. The Planning Commission is not
constrained and could make certain changes throughout the year.
Commissioners asked for clarification of the term "bonus density" and
examples of prior uses. It was thought to refer to residential housing as it
applies to mixed -used areas. Ms. Surber noted that the C -II designation
allows for residential units on upper floors, so bonus density may apply.
Also, floor area ratio flexibility might be an area staff could explore related to
bonus density.
Motion: Nan Evans moved to approve to direct staff to prepare a formal
recommendation to consider at a public hearing on May 14, 2015. Dwight
Nicholson seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
2016 Growth Management Periodic Update (Trends Data Discussion)
Senior Planner/Planning Manager Judy Surber gave background on trends
data needed for the Planning Commission as it considers revisions to the
Comprehensive Plan. This snapshot is being used by work groups and is an
information item to explain emerging trends. A more in-depth memo is still
under staff review but is forthcoming. Judy gave an overview of the data sets
being used. It was thought that by the next meeting the memo might be
available.
Planning Commission members had the following questions and comments
about the trends data snapshot:
- Question about who the audience is for the document.
Planning Commission Meeting April 9, 2015 Page 2 of 3
- A desire for data about rentals, if housing affordability is an issue.
- A desire for data about climate refugees
- More general contextual data
- Regarding personal income data, if earned income includes investment
income or transfer income.
Judy Surber reviewed workgroups and the dates for the upcoming meetings.
OTHER BUSINESS
Training on Open Public Meetings Act and Public Records Act
City Clerk Joanna Sanders presented a video training regarding the Open
Public Meetings Act as required by the Open Government Trainings Act.
There was a question about whether this video training replaces the training
handbook presented to new Committee Members. Ms. Sanders stated that it
does not.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
The next scheduled meeting is April 23, 2015.
COMMUNICATIONS - NONE
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
Attest:
Planning Commission Chair",
City Clerk's Office
Planning Commission Meeting April 9, 2015 Page 3 of 3