HomeMy WebLinkAbout101118CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR SESSION OF OCTOBER 11,
2018
CALL TO ORDER
The Port Townsend Planning Commission met in regular session on October 11, 2018 in
the City Council Chambers at 540 Water Street. Chair Paul Rice called the meeting to
order at 6:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners present at roll call were Bob Doyle, Rick Jahnke, Monica MickHager,
Aislinn Palmer, Paul Rice, and Lois Stanford with James Lagergren absent.
Staff members present were Planning Director Lance Bailey, and Deputy City Clerk
Haylie Clement.
ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA
There were no changes proposed to the agenda.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES — SEPTEMBER 27, 2018
Motion: Rick Jahnke moved to approve the minutes of September 27, 2018 with
typographical edits. Aislinn Palmer seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no general public comment.
OLD BUSINESS
Proposed Text Amendments:
Planning Director Lance Bailey introduced two proposed text amendments of the Port
Townsend Municipal Code with the first to allow up to 8 dwelling units per structure in
the R -II zone. Currently the code only allows 4 dwelling units in a single structure. Mr.
Bailey explained that even though the proposed code amendments have been
approved by City Council as interim regulations, it is important to do a full review to
determine if they should be implemented on a permanent basis.
Mr. Bailey goes on to explain that R -II zoning is considered to be a single family
designation and after exceeding 4 dwelling units in a single structure, it then is
considered to be a multi -family building. The proposed amendment would still require
the developer go through the conditional use permitting process which allows for
public notice and does not change the overall number of dwelling units allowed on the
property.
Planning Commission Meeting October 11, 2018 Page 1 of 3
The question was raised on how this code change would effect the number of parking
spaces required. After discussion and review of the code it was noted that if a
structure contains more than 4 units, it would result in less required parking.
There was consensus from the Commission to include the code amendment allowing
up to 8 dwelling units per structure in R -II zoning as part of the public hearing on
October 25, 2018.
Mr. Bailey then moved on to introduce the second proposed text amendment of the
Port Townsend Municipal Code to eliminate the 12 -foot ground floor ceiling height in
the C-I/MU and C-11/MU zones. The intent of this requirement was originally to
promote primarily commercial use on the ground floor with residential units above in
mixed use buildings. Mr. Bailey explains that the code does not require only
commercial use on the ground floor and this requirement is often described by
developers as being an obstacle in moving forward with their projects. Removing this
requirement would then leave the ceiling height to be determined by the building code
and the proposed use of the space.
The Commission discussed how this code change could potentially effect future
development specifically within the Rainier Street and Upper Sims Way Corridor.
Concern was expressed that with the Draft Subarea Plan currently in the works, this
code change could promote development that goes against the intent of the Subarea
Plan.
The Commission unanimously agreed to include the code amendment eliminating the
12 -foot ground floor ceiling height in the C-I/MU and C-11/MU zones as part of the
October 25, 2018 public hearing.
There was no other business.
OTHER BUSINESS
UPCOMING MEETINGS
There will be two public hearings on October 25, 2018. The Draft Rainier Street and
Upper Sims Way Subarea Plan will tentatively be scheduled in November.
Commissioner Jahnke will be absent October 25th and Commissioner MickHager will be
absent December 13th.
COMMUNICATIONS
Commissioner Jahnke announced a public open house is to take place at the newly
constructed Salish Coast Elementary School on October 19th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Commissioner Doyle commented on a letter from the Commission that was sent to City
Council in May 2018. The Commission responded with possibly addressing the letter at
an upcoming City Council Business Meeting.
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ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Attest:
Planning Co mission Chair
City Clerk's Office
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