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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1981 Comprehensive PlanPORT TOWNSEND COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE CHAPTER 2 THE PLANNING PROCESS CHAPTER 3 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PLANNING AREA Location, Boundaries and Size Topography and Geology Soils Glassifications Surf icial Soils Capability Elevations. . Slope Analysis Drainage Patterns and Watershed Basins Wind Power Potential Windstream Power Sites Monthly Windstream Power Potentials. . . Solar Potential Sun Angle Sky Cover 12-13 12 12-13 Precipitation and Temperature CHAPTER 6 GOALS AND pOLlClES. . . . . r r . r r . . . r . r . r . . . . r r r r . i r r . r r r r r . r r r . r . r . r . Housing and Residential Development 1 21 21 Commercial Development I nd ustrial Development Shorelines Critical Areas Transportat ion Gi rcu lation Open Space Parks and Recreation Areas . . . Buffer Zones Drainage Protection Zones Government CHAPTER 7 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND LAND USE PLAN Gomprehensive Plan 1 981 CHAPTER 8 IMPLEMENTATION CHAPTER 9 UPDATING THE PLAN . .21 2 22 22 22 23 25 24 25 25 25 25 3 3 4 5 6 7 8I 24- Energy 10 11 14 15 15 16 17 17 17 17 17 26 26 27 27 Domestic Water Resources Water Delivery System Development Suitabi lity. . CHAPTER 4 COM M U N ITY FACI LITI ES AN D CHARACTERISTICS Population Labor Force City Government Park and Recreation Facilities ....17 Post Office and Customs 17 17 18 19 Schools Library Water and Sanitary Sewer Systems Sanitary Sewers CHAPTER 5 GROWTH AND DEVELOPM,ENTTRENDS.... T r r r i r r r r r r,..rr. r... r r ...20 Building Patterns 20 CHAPTER 1 Olympia and Steilacoom were rough mill towns, the future Seattle was only a tiny settlement at Alki Point and San Francisco was considered the social and cultural center of the western United States in 1851. And, in this year, an impoverished Bostonian, Alf red Plummer, filed his claim in Port Town- send. The claim established him as the first settler in an area whose existence was chronicled in 1592 by Juan de Fuca, who mistook the straits he found for the legen- dary water link to the Atlantic, and that had been named two hundred years later by Cap' tain George Vancouver for the Marquis of Townshend. Plummer's Port Townsend gradually attracted new citizens and the farming pursuits of the first year were abandoned in satisfying the lumber hunger of a booming San Francisco. Another natural resource industry, a fishery, also appeared. lndustri' ally, the town was on the move and civic progress grew apace. A plat was drafted for a townsite in 1885, and Jefferson Gounty was formed with Port Townsend as the County seat. Two years later, the City became the port of entry for the Customs District of Puget Sound, a three'year'old entity previously headquartered in Olympia. The town added people and businesses - a store, a brewery and a newspaper. When the locations for legislative plums (the uni' versity, the penitentlary and customs head' quarters) were considered, Port Townsend vied with Seattle, Olympia, Vancouver and Walla Walla. Socially and culturally, the City had the same advantages as the others, and apparently the same drawbacks. Rail' roads were widely advertised as the major link between all parts of the United States, and the fiercely competitive cities of the Pacific Northwest each hoped to be made the rail terminal point that would establish it as the metropolis of the new region. Plans by the Northern Paclflc Railroad that would have made Port Townsend such a termlnal were abandoned in the economic collapse that followed the end of the Civil War. The prosperous Period of the late 1880's and the early 1890's again brought to life the dream of a railroad, this time the Union Pacific. ln the City, speculation was I INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE rampant, business was fantastic and land values were skyrocketing. City leaders con' f idently predicted 20,000 residents and constructed facilities needed to serve them; brick and stone buildings of three and four stories appeared in the commercial blocks and new subdivision plats f looded the County courthouse. Then came the collapse. Rail construc' tion stopped, and real estate prices dived. The thousands upon thousands of dollars of local capital invested in the establishment of industries were a complete loss. The population fel I drastical lY. The war years of 1917 and 1918 gave some relief from the economic slump, since Fort Worden and Fort Flagler were then active military installations, but the war's end again brought stagnation. The City's few remaining industries failed, for the incoming taxes of a diminishing citizenry were not enough either to help the faltering mills and canneries or even to maintain such services as the water sYstem. ln this region of plentiful timber and water, the solution to economic problems would logically come through capitalizing upon natural resources. When rumors floated into Port Townsend of a pulp and paper kraft millsearching for a possible site, the City fathers hastened to point out the perfection of their community for such an enterprise. Several years and $7 million in invested capital later, Port Townsend was the location of that kraft mill and had a new water system as an added bonus. From 1928 on, Crown Zellerbach functioned solidly and steadily in the economy, drawing nearly its entire work force from the ranks of Port Townsend residents. The Second World War for Port Town' send, as for the rest of the nation, spelled intense activity and growth. Fort Worden, as a coastal defense post, was important militarily. ln 1953, the Army deemed Fort Worden an outmoded installation and the military departed, leaving the empty barracks and gun emplacements behind as a ghostly memory. Again, the size of the City dwindled, but the spirit of the City stubbornly refused to follow suit. Massive community participation in meetings defied news and national magazine reports of a 1 n "ghost town," and in 1958, those efforts resulted in the attraction to Port Townsend of a diagnostic and treatment center for juveniles under the auspices of the State Department of lnstitutions. The diagnostic and treatment center operated as a vital part of the community's economy until 1971 when it was closed. ln 1973, Fort Worden State Park was established and, along with the CENTRUM Foundation's Center for the Arts, has become a major recreational and cultural facility not only for the City but for visitors from all across the nation. Today, the City is still extending an invi' tation to industry and, as with Crown Zellerbach in the late 1920's, displaying its favorable aspects as a location for industri' al endeavor. But the City has discovered something else - that not every town has such proof of a splendid past in a natural setting not yet touched by the steel and concrete of metropolitan America and that such a legacy is worth much in itself. Thus, tourism will continue to provide valuable economic growth and stability for the City. With the protection of this legacy in mind, the Port Townsend Planning Commis' sion was chartered by the City Gouncil in the early 1960's. That Commission, in conjun' ction with the consulting firm of Glark, Coleman and Rupeiks, lnc., and with a planning grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, undertook to develop and publish the Port Townsend Comprehensive Plan in 1968. In 1979, the City Council and the Planning Commission determined that the Plan needed to be updated. Following the completion and statistical evaluation of a community'wide survey of the Plan, the Planning Commission held neighborhood meetings throughout the City in an effort to obtain community-wide help in establishing a set of values to which the citizenry expected its Comprehensive Plan to respond. Those values are reflected in the Goals and Poli' cies Chapter of this plan. The Comprehensive Plan is intended to provide a general framework for public and private development. lt dhould not be con- sidered the ultimate plan but should allow flexibility in improving the relationship be- tween the people and the land. The diverse elements of the Plan should tie together visually and functionally all the major de' velopnients of the City and should serve the realheeds and desires of the community. A meaningful relationship between all planning areas should be established by the Plan, i.e., the central business district, residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas, streets, pedestrian walk' ways, parks, public services and open space areas. The Plan is intended to lntegrate all these elements. The Plan is intended to be aesthetically pleasing, economically feasible, attainable and workable. Provisions to implement and to update the Plan are included. Priority scheduling of both minor and maior capital improvements and financing will help to determine the rapidity with which the Plan can be implemented. I rl il L_i CHAPTER 2- THE PLANNING PROCESS 2 I ln 1962, the City Council appointed the Port Townsend Planning Commission to make ongoing, policy-oriented recommenda- tions regarding the overall development of the City. Together with a private planning f irm, the Commission produced the f irst City of Port Townsend Comprehensive Plan in 1968. ln 1979, a comprehensive review of the Plan was undertaken by the Planning Commission with assistance from the Jefferson County Planning Department. The authority to carry on the City's planning program is granted by the Planning Enabling Act (RCW 35.63), first adopted by the Washington State Legislature in 1935 and amended a number of times since. The Act governs many aspects of local planning including the development, adoption and implementation of a city comprehensive plan. As def ined by the Act, the Comprehensive Plan is a compendium of policies and proposals designed: (a) To encourage the most appropriate use of land throughout the municipality; (b) To lessen traffic congestion and accidents; (c) To secure safety from fire; (d) To avoid undue concentration of populations; (0 To encourage the formation of neighborhood or community units; (g) To secure an appropriate allotment of land in new developments for all the requirements of communiti tite; (h) To conserve and restore natural beauty and other natural resources; (i) To facilitate the adequate provision of transportation, water, sewerage and other public uses and requirements. The 1935 Planning Enabling Act also allows the plan to be adoped in whole or in a number of functionally related parts, either on a subject basis or by geographical areas within the community. ln order to insure that the mandates of the Planning Enabling Act are carried out, it is necessary that all proposals for development or changes in land use, as defined by the Comprehensive Plan and the Comprehensive Zoning Ordlnance, b€ reviewed to determine whether or not they are in compliance with the goals and policies set forth in the Plan. Further, it is essential that such proposals be closely scrutinized vis-a-vis the Physical Characteristics chapter of this Plan to determine their possible impact in such matters as transportation circulation, drainage, slope stability, solar and wind power access, soils capabilities, and the delivery of city services. Zoning changes, Planned Unit Developments, Subdivisions and Short Subdivisions require particular attention in that approval of such land uses will inevitably result in some changes, however minimal, to the overall Plan. i! CHAPTER 3 - PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PLANNING AREA 3 LOCATION, BOUNDAR'ES AND SIZE TOPOGRA PHY AND GEOTOGY The Planning Area is composed of 6,635 acres, just over ten square miles, on the northeast tip of Quimper Peninsula, which is the northeastern portion of the Olympic Peninsula. The area is bordered on three sides by water - the Straits of Juan de Fuca, Admiralty lnlet and Port Townsend Bay - and on the fourth side by the heavily timbered, unpopulated lands that character- ize the far northwestern portion of the State of Washington. The Planning Area boasts of the mild winters and cool summers common to the Puget Sound region, and claims less rain- fall, about 18 inches annually, than is common. The area is 50 miles northwest of Seattle. The Planning Area extends out from the corporate limits of Port Townsend to about one-half mile beyond Miller Road on the west and to Glen Cove and the Port Town- send Paper Company mill on the south. The Planning Area has a generally agreeable ter- rain, with only about 360 acres either under water or with slopes in excess of 25 percent (25 feet rise in 100 horozontal feet) and not sultable for intensive urban development. CHAPTER 3 4 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS sorls cLAssrFrcArroNs The Soils Classifications Map uses the Port Townsend location and map symbols utilized by the Soil Conservation Service of the United States Department of Agriculture in their Soil Survey of Jefferson County, Wash i ngton (August 1 975). The actual soil survey report contains information that can be applied in managing farms, ranches and woodlands; in selecting sites for roads, ponds, buildings, and other structures, and in judging the suitability of tracts of land for farming, industry and recreation. For the purposes of the Comprehensive Plan, the referenced sections of soil suitability for septic/drain field, topsoil suit' ability and building suitability were incorpor- ated into the Development Suitability Map. There arc numerous coPies of this survey available either in the.County Plan' ning Department or County Public Health/ Sanitarian's Office and it would be recom- mended reading for builders, scientists, engineers, real estate agents, sportsmen, foresters and farmers or even back'yard gardeners. LEGEND Admiralty ln let %saB HUG HUD Gfc @fD 1_ SCALE S SOIIS GTASS[FilGAffil@ Port Townsend Bay CHAPTER 3 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS suRFrctAt sorts CAPAB'I-ITY The Surf icial Soils Capability Map indicates certain zones and their relative capability to accommodate septic effluent and a variety of plant material. Zone Septic TopsoilNo. Quality Quality Severe Slight Moderate Severe Severe Severe Good Poor Poor Fair Fair to Poor Poor A very large portion of the City does not have a highly permeable and percable soil. ln other areas, slopes or seasonal high water table levels prevent the successful utilization of septic tank/f ilter f ield facilities. While anomalies will turn up from time to time where septic systems may be allowed, it would seem prudent to assume that the entire City will eventually require sanitary sewers as well as expanded wastewater treatment facilities. In turn, as development and growth continues, the cost burdens for these sewer mains, laterals and connections should be borne by the developer/owner as a part of their overall infrastructure costs. Except in Zone No. 1, the texture of the topsoil is somewhat coarse, containing high percentages of sandy gravels. Where this condition is the determinant for a "poor" quality rating, it should be pointed out that these soil types are easily modified to a "good" category through the incorpora" tion of soil amendments and additives such as peat moss, compost, lime, fine sand where root crops are anticipated, along with normal nutrient needs. The high number of successf ul backyard vegetable and/or flower gardens which abound in Port Townsend attests to this condition. Strait of Juan De Fuca 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 Admiralty ln let CONTOUR INTEHVAL,IOf t SCALES: 0 !,2 1w '''''''.' ' "#oKrloftal6' |OOO 2OoO 5O0o- oPesl 1? ..-............ 1iMile SURFilGilAI S@ruS GAPABILilTVr=lffiLl M tTs Port Townsend Bay -t I G-CHAPTER 3 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS ELEVAT'ONS The Elevations Analysis Map depicts the distance above sea level of the Planning Area. Each contour line represents a change in elevation of fifty feet. Strait of Juan De Fuca Admiralty lnlet CONTOUR INTERVAL; 5 ft SCALES: ELtrVAff[@N ANADTSISI o-oolloo'15o t 5o- 1oo ffi 150 -200 zao-3oo Port Townsend BaY 200'250 CHAPTER 3 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS STOPE ANATYS'S The indicated slope categories have been se' lected due to their relationship with the conventional grid plat pattern found in Port Townsend and general construction practices associated with resi' dential development. Slopes ranging from slight to an eight percent gradient (8%) are usually reasonably easy to devel- op with walks, streets, gravity flow utilities and home sites not requiring extraordinary specific considera' tions nor significant disruption to the site. When gradients range between eight and fif' teen percent (8%-15%), roads, walks and gravity flow utilities pose particular problems. Sewer and drain manholes are far more costly to construct, while the lines themselves are subiect to scouring velocity flows. Roads and walks are less comfor' table, if not dangerous during the winter, and verti' cal curve driver sight distances become greatly im' paired. Homes of the half or full split level type may however be constructed without too much difficulty if the structure's orientation is respective of the slope and drainage conditions. Gradients exceeding fifteen percent (15%) usually cause prohibitive construction costs parti' cularly as they relate to site improvements. Exces- sive excavation, tree removal, retaining walls, slope erosion, numerous exterior stairs, yard uses, drain' age problems and utility easements are but a few of the contractor's problems. Sidewalks are usually eliminated and roads become awkward one point access connectors with parking provided only on the street. Construction on slopes over twenty'f ive percent (25%) should only be undertaken if the design and construction are, in fact, not undertaken in a con' ventional manner. Numerous engineering, soil, structural, and architectural requirements need close and careful coordination to produce a safe and successful project.' Examination of the Slope Analysis Map illus' trates that the majority of existing development has taken place in zones where slopes range from a 0% to a 15% gradient; and, it would appear that future growth will continue to spread into these zones except where dralnage retention or retardation char' acteristics are present; or where, on the other hand, the proximity of exisitng public utilities or services become advantageous and attractive stimuli. "!i iln 7 Admiralty ln let N_98f H CONTQUR 1|rlf[ft!$l: 5 lt. SCALE S; [xFsrs l5o/o-2 CI'Y LIMITS IOrerz$a/o CHAPTER 3 - PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS I DRAINAGE PATTER'VS AND WATERSHED BAS''VS The land form and topographic relief in Port Townsend is atypical and the storm water drainage patterns have dis' similar attributes as a result. Some of these include: . There are no major rivers or streams within the City limits.. No surface runoff flows into the Gity from with- out the City limits. o Virtually half of the City's land area drains in- wardly to sink holes or other depressions formed during the terminal retreat of the last glacial period. o Overland flow in the southern and southeastern portions of the City spreads itself quite uniformly over the land and bluffs with minor f low concen- trations occurring only where roadway or other building construction increase the collection aspects. o To the west and southwest, overland flows are carried beyond the City limits. o To the north and northwest, very little runoff goes over the bluffs to the sea; instead, slowly f inding its way to the sink holes, depressions or other poorly drained low points. Except for culverts under State Highway 20 and street intersection sluice pipes (connected by roadside ditches in the older portions of the City), an overall storm drainage system is virtually non-existent within the City. Because the land form itself has not assisted in collecting and con- centrating overland storm runoff, serious consequences have not been felt in the older sections of the City. How- ever, if and as development continues in the northern and central portions of the City, dire problems, with serious economic and health ramifications, are more than likely due from the runoff concentration characteristics of this land form. The Patterns and Basins Map clearly illustrates the four internal drainage basins near the center of the City where storage, absorption and evaporation are the only means by which storm waters are dispersed. As develop- ment continues, turbidity, siltation and roadway contami- nants will increasingly deteriorate this land's character and value; and, new high water marks will become evident. Similarly, both the lagoon and the shallow pond at each end of San Juan Avenue are lmportant storm drainage features in their capacity as flow retardation basins. As such, they are major attributes of the City which require careful and cautious design/impact analysis so that water quality, aesthetics and other ecological benefits are not further compromised. CHAPTER 3 _ PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS I WIND.POWER POTENTIAL The winds of Port Townsend appear to come from two predominant directions. During the summer, the prevailing wester' lies are predominant, and due to the loca' tion and proximity of Port Townsend with respect to the Olympic Mountains, these winds drop their moisture as they rise over those mountains, placing the City in a "Rain Shadow Effect." ln the winter, the winds come out of the southeast and together with their greater velocities bring substantially more clouds and precipitation to the area. Windstream Power -Between January 1972 and December 1978, surface weather observations were conducted and recorded at the Point Wilson Coast Guard Station in Port Townsend. These observations yield the following: . There exists a significant and powerful windstream within the City limits. . Due to seasonal prevailing wind direc- tions, unique land form characteristics and longer durations of moderately strong winds, certain specific sites appear to hold great promise for the generation of power from the windstream. With an average annual velocity of 10.5 mph, the wind velocity bar graph indicates that a large portion of this average includes much stronger velocities than the "average" would indicate. These winds provide a generation op- portunity which increases geometrically (to the third power) as the velocity becomes greater and greater. The monthly power potential curves illustrate this phenomenon when compared against the velocity distri- bution curves. 10CHAPTER 3 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS I,Y,NDSTREAM POWER S'TES The interface of the monthlY Power potential curves with the wind direction chart allows for the selection of specific sites which optimize these opportunities. ln the gradation of these sites, seasonal demands have been considered along with the speed and directional characteristics. Of particular note is the fact that three primary sites are located on publicly held lands (i.e.: Morgan Hill Reservoir, High School Campus and Fort Worden State Park). For comparative purposes, the indicated power curves are initiated at the 8.5 mph speed category. Given differing sites, needs and generation equipment, the specific starting speed and resulting power curve would be somewhat different. Strait of Juan De Fuca sunnnnER WINDS Admiralty lnlet R s , " No,RTlt CONTOUR INTERVALT 5 lt SCALESi o 12 1. oxilonrel€t tOO0 2OOO 5OO(r ^Feet 1.2 |- Ml lc P@TtrNTIAL SITES FOR THE ENERAtril@)N O F WNN SUPERB @sGooDPort Townsend Bay EXEELLENT FA[R CHAPTER 3 - PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS 11 MONTHLY W''VDSTREAM POWER POTENT'AIS CHAPTER 3 - PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS 12 SOLA R POTENTIAL SU'V ANGLE SUN AZIMUTH AND ALTITUDE TABLE FOR PORT TOWNSEND, WASHINGTON AT48'NORTH LATITUDE Season/ Date A.M. P.M. Azlmuth Altitude Wlnter (Dac.22l Sprlng & Fall (March 21 & Sept. 23) Summer (June 22) 190" - 0' 142' - 12' 113"-10' 90"-00' 180'- 00' 148' - 30' 125'-05' 95'- 25' 53' - 05' Noon 10:00 2:009:00 3:008:00 4:007;52 4:08 Noon 10:00 2:008:00 4:00 6:00 6:00 Noon 11:00 1:00 10:00 2:008:00 4:007;52 7:52 180'- 0' '151 " .48' 139'- 18' 128"-06' 126'.55' 18'-30', 13'-35' 7"-55', 1'- 00' 0"-00' 42'-00' 35'- 35', 19'- 20' 0'- 00' sKv covER Skycover observations, conducted at the Point Wilson Coast Guard Station between January 1972 and December 1978, indicate that sole dependence upon direct solar heat could not be recommended in the Port Townsend area. However, valuable heat gain through passive design would certainly complement other heating methods and assist in energy conservation. With the local increase in wood heating, one could, for example, easily envisage the combination of wood and solar collector heating of domestic hot water in conjunction with seasonal needs. Actions should be taken to protect exis- ting solar access conditions where exposure and orientation are favorable. These actions might include both horozontal or vertical adjustments to current set-back or height restrictions on specific sites. Also, where new housing construction is to be under- taken, the opening of platted streets with an east-west pattern would be greatly favored to those running north/south if overall traffic, construction costs, lot orientation, and other development suitability conditions are satisfied. (For Sky Cover Chart, see next page.)4:08 65" - 30' 62' - 48', 55' - 42' 37' -'12' 0'- 00' I CHAPTER 3 _ PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS 13 MONTHLY AND A'V'VUAI SKY COVER CHAPTER 3 _ PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS 14 PREC/,PITAT'ON AND TEMPERATURE PRECIPITATION Protected by the "Rain Shadow Effect" of the Olympic Mountain Range, Port Town' send receives about one'half the annual amount of rainfall as nearby Seattle. The majority of this is released during the Winter months, along with May and June. While the May and June rains greatly assist early crop growth, they could also slow down site earthwork operations. Roofing, home painting or septic percolation testing would also be affected by this condition. The precipitation chart is measured in inches. TEMPERATURE Tempered by the abutting waters, temperatures in Port Townsend do not undergo major deviations. Summer temper- atures normally range between 55o and 70o, with Winter temperatures ranging between 35 o and 45 o. The chart should assist in determining "R"-factor insulation requirements for new or retro-fit construction purposes and can also be used in association with several horticu ltural practices. The temperature chart is measured in degrees Fahrenheit. CHAPTER 3 - PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS 15 DOMEST'C WATER RESOURCES Gathered from within a 50 square mile watershed basin in the headwaters of the Big Quilcene River, the City's water supplyis derived from surface water run-off sources. Flow in the river varies with seasonal precipitation f luctuations. The average normal annual precipitation of 67.3 inches per year yields a six-month period of flow between 150 and 200 cubic feet per second, while a low flow of about 20 cubic feet per second exists during September. (See Dia- gram.) During years of average least precipi- tation (45.7 inches per year) and average most precipitation (84.8 inches per year), high f lows range f rom 100 to 125 cfs and 200 to 225 cfs respectively. Low flows average between 15 cfs and 30 cfs. As greater and greater demands are made of this resource, its capacity to service all of them becomes quite strained; particularly during the late summer and fall months, when the snow pack has melted and prevailing westerly winds diminish the quantity of rainfall within the catchment atea. While the indicated quantity of river flow necessary for maintenance of fish populations is an estimate anticipated bythe Department of Fisheries, it is noteworthy that the migratory return of several varieties is concurrent with the periods of low flow; and that in order to maintain the fish habitation requirements, water must be released over the dam as a first order function. Water supplied to the City through its trunk line would logically hold a second priority and possible hydro- generation projects would have third call. Some obvious concerns related to the Big Quilcene River Watershed which require closer future study include the following: o The operational time for power gener' ation facilities of the 4 - 10 megawatt class appear limited to seven or eight months of the year. o A late February through mid-March evaluation of the snow pack in order to alert all users of their possible use restrictions later in the year, along with conservative measures that could be initiated to lessen this impact. . Vegetative management of the catch- ment basin such that snow melt and premature runoff may be retarded to better accommodate the needs during periods of low f low. o River gauging data currently being collected at the Diversion Dam site, such that the characteristics of rain- fall to runoff may be placed in closer perspective. (Note: Seasonal credits for evaporation, transpiration, exf iltra- tions, soil absorbtion and water table recharge have been estimated and deducted from historical rainfall data for purposes of this plan.) o Other resource conservation and qual- ity control measures which should be exercised by the numerous agencies involved. o Growth and possible expansion of demand for existing or other new needs. WATER DELIVERY svsrEM Under a contractual arrangement of nearly fifty (50) years duration, Port Town- send Paper Company manages and is obliged to supply the City of Port Townsend with four and a half million gallons of water a day piped from the Big Quilcene River some 28 miles away. The water system is City-owned. Treatment is by f iltration (including chlorina- tion) and takes place at City Lake, about seven miles from the City. A new City reser- voir with a 5.0 million gallon capacity loca- ted in the West Central portion of the City has replaced the open-air 3.2 million gallon reservoir on Morgan Hill. The City water system does extend beyond corporate boundaries and is fairly complete for the developed area. New distri- bution lines, completed loops and resulting increased line pressures have greatly improved both the supply and f ire protection aspects of the system. Supply remains a problem, since in a dry yeat, water resources are strained by additional demands. However, the key supply problem is caused by the pipe size of the main distri- bution line entering the City as it relates to peak flow demands. The new reservoir is normally f illed during off-peak flow periods, and the consideration of a f uture second 5.0 million-gallon reservoir would further assist this problem. Lord's Lake, located within the delivery system, is actually the system's major reservoir with a storage capacity of 0.55 billion gallons. With proper management, this facility should be able to meet current consumption rates. CHAPTER 3 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS DEV ELO PM ENT SU IT ABILITY The Development Suitability Map is a compo- site of the number of possible difficult problems or conditions one might encounter during customary construction practices. Due to the scale of the mapping, subjective evaluations, anomalies within each category and other dynamic forces, the numerical suitability reference relates to a quantitative rather than a qua- litative analysis. That is, the figures lndicate the number of likely problems rather than providing a measure or rating of their severity and sensitivity. The following elements have been evaluated: . Soils suitability for the development of septic/ leaching facilities. o Soils suitability for the construction of slab- on-grade buildings, roads and utilities. o Topsoil suitability for small scale crop produc- tion or other quasi-agricultural purposes. o Severe slope conditions which relate to critical cost of construction burdens to the developer/ owner as well as excessive maintenance costs to be borne by the City. o Storm drainage sectors vulnerable to develop- ment pressures which would greatly increase run-off flows and resulting erosion, siltation and other surface water quality concerns. o North facing slopes where at least three months of sunshine (solar access) is restricted or de- nied annually creating less efficient and less comfortable I iving conditions. o Vegetative cover and other micro-climate con- ditions. o Hazard or high risk zones such as bluffs, swamps and non-surcharged or unconsolidated fills where specialized soils engineers, archi- tects and structural engineers should be en- gaged. Dealing strictly with physical capabilities and matters pertinent to the review and recognition of mutual public benefits, the Development Suitabi- lity Map purposefully disregards: o Real estate marketing issues such as neigh- borhood, views, comparative values and the like. o Extent and adequacy of existing City services, utilities, roads, power and telephone which are subject to continual revision and upgrading. o Existing land use patterns. Strait of Juan De Fuca t$ Admiralty lnlet SCALES(r 12 \ ogrianat^, r0CO zOo{J .. 5O0n- Ofae\ t2 1 i;r]SJffi€ffiWNffiWWNWWE 16 T)D[) Lrutts Port Townsend Bay CHAPTER 4 - COMMUNITY FAC ILITI ES AN D CHARACTERISTICS 17 't l l I I POPULATION The Current Populatlon. Reliable estimates over the years since 1970 have indicated a slow and steady rate of growth of about 1.5 percent annually. The National Census set the population of the City at 6,150 in 1980, a gain of 826 persons over 1960. An estimated 2,609 dwelling units housed the 1980 Planning Area residents at an average density of 2.4 persons per unit. The . Future Populatlon. The displayed trends toward increasing tourism and a greater proportion of retired persons within the City point to an expansion similar to that of the 1960 to 1980 period, or about 1.5 percent annually. The population of the Planning Area is thus expected to reach 6,550 by 1985 and 8,100 by the year 2000. The number of new units needed to house the anticipated population is estimated at 196 for a total of 2,804 by 1985. A reduced average household population, from 3.00 to 2.4 persons per dwelling unit, reflects the somewhat older population expected for the Planning Area. LABOR FORCE In 1980, the community's labor force totalled 1,765, approximalely 290/o of the total population. Based on current growth projections, the labor force should be 1,900 in 1985 and 2,375 in the year 2000: With a projected decrease in manufacturing .employment, an anticipated increase in tourism and an increasing retlrement community, it is expected that there will be a continuous growth in the percentage of the labor force employed in the service and retail trade industries. CITY GOVERNME'VT Port Townsend is a third class city as defined by RCW 35.24. lt is governed by a Mayor-Council form of government with the Mayor and seven council members and the city attorney elected by the citizenry at large. The Glerk-Treasurer and the Public Works Director are appointed by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by the Council. The Mayor's Office, the Clerk-Treasurer's Office, the Public Works Director's Office and the Council Chamber are located in the City Hall at 540 Water Street. Law Enforcement is provided by the City Police Department located at 607 Water Street. With a Police Chief, seven full-time regular officers and eight reserve officers, the Department offers 24-hour police protec- tion with evening dispatch services provided through the Gounty Sheriff's Department. The City Fire Department, located at 1310 Lawrence Street, is staffed by seven full-time employees, including the Fire Chief, his assistant and five firemen/emer- gency medical technicians. ln addition to four pumping engines, a ladder truck, a tank truck and various other pieces of firef ighting equipment, the department operates two ambulances and an aid car. scHoors Port Townsend Public School District 50 encompasses the entire city of Port Townsend and an additional area of eastern Jefferson County. lt is estimated that eighty five percent of the October 1, 1982 enrollment of 1313 students live in city of Port Townsend. The district operates three campuses. K-3 students are housed at Grant Street School. The building has fourteen class- rooms, a library and multi-purpose room on a campus of 6.0 acres. Students in grades 4 - 6 are housed at the Port Townsend lntermediate School, Walker and 19th Streets. The building has eighteen classrooms, a library, a gymnas' ium, a cafeteria, a swimming Pool, on a campus of 7.5 acres. Secondary students are housed at the high school campus, Van Ness and Benton Streets. The campus includes four build' ings: Main, Annex, Gym/Shop and Stuart. The high school complex includes forty classrooms, an auditorium, library, cafeter' ia, central kitchen, gymnasium on a campus of 1 1.5 acres. The Superintendant's office, including the personnel and fiscal departments, is located in the Stuart building at 1610 Blaine Street. The facilities described above are in the process of being modif ied. With the completion of the modernization projects in 1985, each of these facilities will be in excellent condition. Unless an unpredicted industrial growth occurs, the district does not predict a significant enrollment increase within the near future. PARK AND RECREAT'ON FACIL'T'ES Within the accepted standard of one acre of park and recreation space for each 100 residents, the 495.7 acres within the Planning Area tar exceeds the acreage required to meet anticipated needs through the year 2000. ln addition to convention and seminar facilities, Fort Worden State Park offers camping, hiking, tennis, a Marine Sci- ence Center, and all forms of marine-related recreational activities. The Park is also home to Gentrum, a non-profit organization incorporated in the state of Washington for cultural and educational activities' Under Centrum sponsorshiP, thousands of painters, writers, actors and musicians come to Port Townsend every year to work with some of the world's most respeoted artists and thinkers. EXISTING PARK AND RECREATION FACILITIES Name Acres yes no yes no yes 'Memorlal Field ls developed for organlzed athletlcs only. LIBRARY The city library on Lawrence Street was built in 1913 with a ground floor area of about 2100 square feet and a full basement which houses the children's library as well as storage, office and meeting spaces. The library is currently open five days per week with a staff of three full-time and two part-. time employees. POST OFFICE AND CUSTOMS Constructed in 1891 on a 1.1 acre site, the three-story building was designed to serve about 20,000 customers. The Federal agencies occupying the building currently use only the first two floors and considerable space is available for expanslon. The building is in good condition both structural ly and f unctionally. Developed :l rl North Beach Park Sather Park Chetzemoka Park Memorlal Fleld Sprlng Valley Golf Course Cherry Street Park Blshop Park Marlne Park Kah Tal Park Fort Worden State Park .9 4.9 10.'l 4.1 55.7 4.0 4.0 2.0 80.0 330.0 llmlted rio yes y€s' I j !J CHAPTER 4 _ COMMUNITY FACILITIES 18 WATER AND sAwtrARv SEI,YER SYSTEMS The expansion of water and sewer services since 1968 are indicated on the res- pective maps. While the water reservoir and cross' country service to the North Beach area are the major new elements in the City's system, numerous other new services have been added and many capacity/pressure improvements have been realized through increased pipe sizes and looping. Also, the installation of water meters has greatly aided in deterring the indiscriminate use of water. ln addition to the replacement of ten or more fire hydrants in the downtown area, about fifty (50) new hydrants (a 34% in' crease) have been strategically located throughout the City, significantly improving the f ire protection in several neighborhoods. At the same time, it must be pointed out that the lack of specific design standards and implementation requirements have left several new or expanded developments without adequate fire protection facilities. Growth will undoubtedly continue to follow in the areas of higher development suitability where these public utilities exist or may be readily expanded/extended. CHAPTER 4 _ COMMUNITY FACILITIES 19 sAwrrARv SEWERS With the historic passage of several glaciers over the site of the City of Port Townsend, the presence of impervious gla' cial till at or near the ground surface is the general rule. While some limited soild groups do have well-drained permeable characteristics, these are commonly under' lain by till ("hard pan") and the successful treatment of sanitary waste through a septic tank/leaching field approach is extremely suspect. For this reason, the construction of sewage collection systems was common in Port Townsend at the turn of the century, and the completion in 1967 of a primary treatment facility along with subsequent new construction and/or repair of older inter' ceptors, laterals and collectors depicts the present status of the City's sanitary sewer system. Designed to service 7,500 people, the treatment facility could be operating at its design capacity within the next f ive to seven years. The November 1976 "Wastewater Facil' ities Plan" prepared by ENCON Corporation engineers addresses both the quantity and quality issues and presents some nine alter' natives, all of which would upgrade the existing treatment facility. Through the continued utilization and upgrading of oper' ating equipment, numerous cost/benef it relationships are indicated. CHAPTER 5 GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT TRENDS BUILD''VG PATTER'VS Residential and commercial building development trends are reflected by the Building Patterns Map. Commercial expan- sion has occurred primarily along Sims Way between the Kah Tai Lagoon and the city limits. Sufficient undeveloped, commercial- ly zoned, land exists to meet anticipated growth need through 1990. A proposed 33- acre site in the southwest section of the city is expected to meet any potential industrial development need when combined with the industrially zoned space held by the Port of Port Townsend. Strait of Juan De Fuca CONTOUR..TNTERVAL' 5 lt SCALE S: o 20 Admiralty lnlet l B{l'ilLDilING PAtr TtrRNS 21CHAPTER 6 - GOALS AND POLICIES fl HOUS'NG AND RES'DENTIAL DEVELOPMENT Housing, or the provision of residential dwelling units, will continue to be a basic need in Port Townsend. Housing is a tangi' ble commodity and, therefore, its produotion is generally responsive to the f luctuations of supply and demand. An adequate supply of housing can be constrained by such factors as land, labor, money and material costs; availability of land with suitable soil and slope conditions; the accessibility of utili' ties, streets, schools and commercial services. An overview of housing develop' ment in Port Townsend since 1968 is shown on the Building Patterns MaP. GOAL: To provide adequate housing for all Port Townsend residents and to insure that residential development is located, designed and constructed in a desirable and well-planned manner. POLICIES; 1. A broad range of housing types and densities should be available for Port Town' send residents. The diversif ication of housing types should satisfy a variation of lifestyles and economic capabilities. 2. Residential development should be located, designed and constructed with respect for such natural conditions as soil capability, geologic features, natural drainage patterns, and topography. 3. Ground water resources, ground water recharge areas and beaches should be protected from residential wastes. 4. Residential areas should be adequately buffered from adverse condi' tions originating from industrial operations, highways, commercial areas and the like. 5. Mobile homes should be restricted to mobile home parks, as defined by the City Comprehensive Zoni ng Ordinance. 6. A mixture of various tYPes and densities of residential dwellings is encouraged, particularly in planned unit developments. 7. lnnovative residential development with respect to architectural and structural design, utility systems and site layout is encouraged. Codes and standards should contain sufficient flexibility to permit inno' vation and experimentation. 8. The public and Private sectors should cooperate and take positive steps toward providing adequate housing in Port Townsend. 9. The upgrading and renovation of deteriorating structures is encouraged. 10. Residential developers should assume all direct costs of their individual projects such as roads, accesses, parking, surface drainages, water systems, sewer systems, etc. The general taxpaying public of Port Townsend should not be required to pay those costs in future years due to lack of, or inadequate, initial construction. 11. Disabled or dilapidated vehicles, machinery, or boats should be removed from, rather than abandoned in residential areas. 12. Public and/or private residential developments should provide adequate recreation and open space. 13. Multi-family housing should be permitted in the City if such housing meets the following performance and locational standards: a. lt should be compatible with sur' rounding neighborhood residential charac' teristics in scale, height, mass and material. b. lt should be located to minimize traffic generation and turning movements. c. lt should provide 100% on'site screened parking. d. lt should be restricted from being utilized as a buffer between other land uses as a determinant of location. e. lt should be located and constructed in such a manner as to preserve views of and from adjacent and surrounding structures. f. lt should be restricted from designa' ted sensitive areas. g. lt should be located in areas with suitable drainage, slopes, soils and utilities' h. lt should be located so as to have a minimum negative impact on adjacent and surrounding areas. 14. Residential areas should be planned to include adequate vehicular and pedestrial circu lation. 15. Higher intensity residential use of upper level CBD commercial structures should be encouraged and special revisions to zoning and building codes investigated to facilitate the efforts of building owners to meet health and safety requirements. 16. The preservation and restoration of historically significant structures should be encouraged. The natural inheritance of terrain, view sites and water exposure should be fully emphasized and developed in planning for residential areas. While providing maximum standards of safety, convenience, privacy and accessibility, adequate assurances should be included which will insure the protection of public and private view sites and scenic areas. The natural terrain slope in residential areas should not exceed 25 percent. Areas which have terrain in excess of 25 percent, or extremely low areas should be considered as fragile land, not suited to intensive residential development. COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT The Plan recognizes three tYPes of commercial development in the Planning Area: community retail (the Central Busi' ness District), general commercial retail areas and neighborhood retail areas. The Central Business District (CBD) is the major retail and service center for the Planning Area in addition to being the center of tourist-oriented activities. The GBD is characterized by the architectural distinc' tion of its buildings and an aura of days' gone-by which provides a unique identifica' tion for the City. Any expansion of the CBD is severly limited by the water boundaries on the south and east and the high bluff in the north. These boundaries also reinforce a tendency towards strip development along the highway into the city. The future vitality of the CBD is dependent upon diversifica' tion in order that it will become a more comprehensive center for the community in terms of goods and services offered. The Uptown ShoPPing Area, on Lawrence Street between Tyler and Filmore Streets, the Safeway Shopping Genter, located on the west end of the Kah Tai Lagoon flats, and the Castle Hill Shopping Genter, located at the intersection of Sims Way and Sheridan Street, represent the general commercial retail areas of the City. They have, and will continue to alter established shopping patterns in the City. The neighborhood shopping areas (at Kearney and Blaine Streets and at San Juan and "F" Streets) are considered adequate to meet the needs of their respective service areas. GOAL: To provide for the expansion of commercial development in response to market demand and to insure that commer' cial development is located, designed, constructed and operated in a desirable and well-planned manner. POLICIES: 1. Commercial development should be located in areas where a reasonable demand can be expected for community oriented needs or to provide tourist'oriented services. 2. Strip commercial development along roads and highways leads to unnecessary traffic congestion, automobile accidents, proliferation of signs and the diminishmentof adjacent property values; therefore, commercial development should be located adjacent to existing commercial develop' ment in a block-like fashion, or at the inter' section of two or more arterial streets, or within a planned unit development. 3. Commercial developments should provide parking and off'street loading areas sufficient to service the size and type of the proposed business. Such parking and loading areas should be well'lighted and well-drained. Parking and loading areas should be iointly used whenever possible as a means of conserving land and reducing commercial develoPment costs. 4. Driveway accesses for parking and loading areas should be located and designed in such a way that any vehicle entering or leaving such premises is clearly visible for a reasonable distance to any 22CHAPTER 6 _ GOALS AND POLICIES tl COM M EnC', AL DEV ELO PM E NT (contlnued) pedestrian or motorist approaching the access. 5. Parking areas and access Points should be located and designed in such a manner that any vehicle leaving the premises onto a road will be travelling in a forward motion. 6. Commercial development should be adequately screened, or separated from adjoining and differing land uses such as nearby residences. 7. Signs associated with commercial development should be kept to a minimum in size and number. Signs should be designed and located with regard to aesthe' tic considerations, and erected for the primary purpose of giving information or direction. 8. Commercial land or buildings should be used in a manner which does not create dangerous, injurious, noxious, or similar conditions which would adversely affect the use or value of adjacent areas or properties. 9. Commercial activiites should not emit dangerous or objectionable noise, odors, radioactivity, vibrations or glare. 10. Commercial developments should make adequate provision for removal of trash or rubbish, as well as dilapidated apparatus and vehicles. 11. Development of Port Townsend's visitor services potential should be encouraged. ,'VDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT Industrial development is commonly def ined as the commercial production, processing, manufacturing, fabrication or assembly of goods or materials. The warehousing and storage of the products is ordinarily considered part of the industrial process. The Plan proposes light manufac- turing use along the highway south of Sims Way. Thoroughfare access is excellent and both sewer and water lines can easily be extended into the area. lndustrial development should also be considered for the southwest section of the City, west of McPherson Street, north of Sims Way and south of 1Oth Street. Although land'based transportation may be somewhat of an obstacle, other factors may become more important in terms of new manufacturers assuming residence in Port Townsend. Ex' amples are the temperate climate and rela' ted energy costs; comparatively low taxes; an abundance of undeveloped land at com' paratively reasonable cost; and water'oriented transportation. GOAL: To provide for industrial expansion in Port Townsend for the net benefit of city residents. POLICIES: 1. New industry should be located either adjacent to existing industrial development, or in planned industrial parks, which afford neighboring properties protection from noise, vibration, drainage, dust, excessive traff ic, view blockage, etc. 2. lndustrial site-planning should internalize negative effects by incorporating greenbelt buffers, landscaping, adequate utilities, noise, air and water pollution control devices, attractive fencing, and similar measures. 3. The costs of industrial park or site preparation, such as roads and utilities, should be borne by private enterprise whenever possible. Public funding arrange' ments for such improvements should include means by which public investments can be recovered. 4. The endorsement by city government of proposed industrial development should only be given after a thorough economic, evnironmental and social analysls has been conducted which indicates a net positive effect to the citizens of the city. 5. Recruitment of new industries into the city should be aimed toward those which add balance to the local economy, do not deteriorate local natural resources, and whose labor requirements are compatible with local skills, particularly the unem- ployed. 6. Wholesale/warehousing facilities should front primarily on streets having good access to the major thoroughfare system. SHORET'NES Shorelines include all water areas bounding or within the City including their associated wetlands, as def ined by the Shoreline Management Master Program for Port Townsend. GOALS: 1. To carry out the responsibilities imposed on the City of Port Townsend by RCW 90.58, the Shoreline Management Act of 1971. 2. To promote the public health, safety and general welfare by providing policies for the f uture development of the shoreline resources of Port Townsend. POLIGIES: 1. Policies and procedures relating to Shoreline Management in the City of Port Townsend are set forth in the Shoreline Master Management Program for Jefferson County and Port Townsend. In addition, the following policies are adopted: a. To protect the waterfront area from pollution and restore, where feasible, natural waterfront areas. b. To assure the long-term protection and conservation of the shoreline acquatic environment throughout the urban waterfront area. c. To support a continuing planning process dedicated to quality community' oriented waterf ront access and use. d. To encourage the growth of compati' ble water-oriented uses such as pleasure craft moorage, boat repair and service, and water-related commercial and industrial faci' lities in the area between Sims Way and the Port of Port Townsend Marina. 2. The use of the city's shorelines for public recreational activities is encouraged. CRITICAL AREAS CRITICAL AREAS. Critical areas are those in which existing flooding, drainage, erosion and/or stability conditions present an immi' nent likelihood of harm to the welfare and safety of the community should their integrity be threatened. GOAL: To protect designated critical areas from construction or development practices which would exacerbate existing flooding' drainage, erosion and/or stability conditions and thereby endanger the health, safety and welfare of the communitY. POLICY: No construction or development should be permitted in designated critical areas unless, and until, the developer has submitted, and the city has approved, plans which will result in a zero impact on existing f lood, drainage, erosion and/or stability characteristics of the site and adJacent properties. All costs incurred in the imple' mentation of such plans should be borne by the developer with no future costs accruing to the public. t-/ CHAPTER 6 - GOALS AND POLICIES 23 TRA'VSPO RTATION CIRCULATION Transportation circulation is that net- work of delivering people, goods and services to various points within, to and from the city. Transportation facilities include roads, bus terminals and ferries. GOAL: To maintain and expand the city's transportation circulation network to the highest level of convenience, safety, reliabi- lity and efficiency while conserving energy and natural resources. POLIGIES: 1. The City's arterial street system shall be configured, as closely as possible, as indicated on the Transportation Circulation Map. 2. Transportation circulation corridors should be multi-f unctional and include roads and utilities, as well as equestrian, pedestrian and bike routes in integrated systems. 3. Transportation circulation networks and facilities should be commensurate with existing and future land use and develop- ment patterns. 4. Facilities associated with transpor- tation circulation should be located and designed with respect for such natural features as topography, soils, geology, flood- plains, streamways, shorelines, marshes and aquifer recharge areas. 5. In order to provide for public safety and to minimize public expenditures, traf- fic circulation routes should incorporate I irn ited-access provisions whenever possi ble. CHAPTER 6 _ GOALS AND POLICIES 24 OPEN SPACE Open space, as described in this Plan, falls into three general categories: (1) Parks and Recreation Areas; (2) Buffer zones; and, (3) Drainage protection zones. PARKS AND RECREATION AREAS As indicated in Chapter 3 of this Plan, Port Townsend currently encompasses some 495 acres of park and recreation space. This acreage is considered sufficient to meet community needs well beyond the yeat 2000; however, any moderate to large scale housing development should include suffi- cient open space to meet the needs of the residents thereof for recreational purposes. GOALS: 1. To develop park facilities that are responsive to the needs and desires of residents and property owners. 2. To develop facilities within an equi- table framework of taxation and prudent financial management. 3. To use, but not destroy, the many natural features of Port Townsend which are available for park and recreation activities. POLIGIES: 1. Parks and recreational facilities should accommodate a diversity of age groups and interest groups. 2. The location, type and amount of park and recreation facilities should be consistent with the needs and desires of the citizens in the area where the facilities would be located. 3. Park design and operation should deal with the impact such activities have, not only within park boundaries, but also on adjacent properties as well. 4. Development of park and recreation facilities should be encouraged in the park and recreation industry. Publicly financed and operated facilities should not be enter- tained as the only alternative to meeting recreational demands. 5. Recreation facilities should make adequate provisions for: (a) traffic, both inside and outside the facility, (b) proper I i CHAPTER 6 - G OPEN SPACE (.ontinued) water and sewage disposal, (c) law enforce' ment, (d) garbage disposal, (e) vehicular par' king, and (f) prevention of activity overflow onto adjacent ProPerties. 6. Recreation facilities should make adequate provision such as screening, buffer strips, fences, and signs to prevent park overflow and to protect the value and enjoyment of adiacent or nearby private or public properties. 7. Signs associated with recreation facilities should be kept to a minimum in number and size, and should be erected as information or directional aides only. 8. Parks and recreation facilities along marine shores should be compatible with the goals, policies and performance stan' dards of the Jefferson Gounty/Port Town' send Shoreline Master Management Program. BUFFER ZONES GOAL: To provide for aesthetically pleasing visual buffers along the principal thorough' fares of the city. POLICY: 1. New commercial and industrial development adjacent to principal thorough' fares should provide for visual buffering in the form of landscaping, screening or fencing which is compatible with other natural materials in the area. Such buffering should be lncluded in any develop' ment plan approved by the city and all costs associated therewith borne bY the developer. OALS AND POLICIES D RAI N AGE PRO T ECT I O'V ZONES GOAL: To promote sound development and construction procedures which respect and preserve the city's water courses and drainage patterns. POLICIES: 1. Developers and builders should be required to have approved, prior to com' mencement of construction, a plan which will: a. Minimize water quality degradation; b. Minimize sedimentation of creeks, streams, ponds, lakes and other water bodies; c. Protect property owners of lands adjacent to developed and developing land from increased runoff rates which could cause erosion of abutting property; d. Preserve and enhance the suitability of waters for contact recreation and f ishing; e. Maintain and protect groundwater resources;f. Minimize adverse effects of altera' tions in groundwater quality, location and flow patterns; g. Ensure the integrity of city roads and rights-of-way; h. Decrease drainage'related damage to public and private ProPertY. 25 11. The location of oil refineries, oil ports, thermal or nuclear power plants is contrary to the environmental and socio' economic best interests of the people of Port Townsend and such facilities should not be located within the Planning Area' 1. The design and construction of buil' dings should be improved with a view towards energy conservation. 2. lnnovative and energy'efficient designs for residential development, commercial and industrial facilities arc encouraged. 3. Advantage should be taken of planning concepts such as residential clus' tering, planned unit developments, commer' cial pockets and malls (as opposed to strip commercial development). Efforts should be made to concentrate neighborhoods toward "self-containment" so that employ' ment, housing, utilities, commercial areas, recreation and transportation can be more compact and, therefore, more energy effi' cient. 4. Programs and efforts to renovate and rehabilitate older structures are encour' aged. 5. The Public and Private sectors should cooperate in "energy audits" and educational programs aimed at energy conservation. 6. Roads and other transPortation systems should be designed with energy conservation in mind. Bikeways, horse trails and pedestrian paths should be inte' grated with motor vehicle routes, or should serve as alternatives to automotive trans' portation systems. 7. Carpooling and other forms of multi' person transportation is encouraged. 8. Energy conservation should be promoted through recycling programs, solid waste conversion programs and industrial head recovery. 9. Commercial and residential lighting should be used in moderation. Lighted commercial advertising signs should be turned off during non'business hours. All lighting, including residential, commercial, industrial and street-lighting should be kept to a minimum so long as safety and security are not unreasonably compromised. 10. Both the public and private sectors should strive to purchase equipment and materials which consume the least amount of energy for the nature of the work or func' tion that they will Perform. POLICIES: GOVERNMENT Government is the administration of public policy or laws by a political unit such as the city. Government is basically funded by public money, generally taxes, and is ciraigeO with protecting and enhancing the health, safety, and welfare of the citizenry' ENERGY Energy is technically defined as "inher' ent power." Typically, that power ls used to propel machines related to production or transportation, and to heat and cool struc' tures. GOAL: To assure the highest degree of public health, safety and general welfare for all the citizens of Port Townsend without unduly ieopardizing the rights of individuals' POLICIES: 1. Meaningful and timely citizen parti' cipation should be an integral part of government's planning and decision'making processes. 2. Coordination and cooPeration among city, county, state and federal go- vernments and agencies should be continu' ally improved to avoid deplication of efforts and foster efficient expenditure of public funds. 3. City government should assume that the "public interest" pertains to that which promotes or enhances the well'being of the citizens of Port Townsend. 4. Permit procedures and decision' making processes which affect specific private and/or public projects should be streamlined to assure efficiency and to avoid unnecessary and costly delays. 5. The city should continually strive for more equitable and efficient means of collecting and expending public funds. GOALS: 1. To assure an adequate suPPlY of energy for Port Townsend residents, busi' nesses and industries. 2. To assure that energy production' transmission or distribution is done in a manner that does not adversely affect the people or natural resources of Port Townsend. CHAPTER 7 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND LAND USE PLAN COMPREHENS'YE PLAN '983 Y TIMITS 26 Admiralty lnlet t) ffi I 27 I CHAPTER 8 - I CHAPTER 9 - UP MPLEMENTATION TING THE PLAN ation (as modif ied by City Ordinance) concern themselves primarily with the speci- fic design and structural standards of indivi' dual buildings and have been adopted by the City. STORM DRAINAGE The city has enacted a Drainage Plan ordinance the purpose of which is to promote sound development policies and construction procedures which respect and preserve the city's water courses; minimize water quality degradation and control sedimentation of creeks, streams, ponds, lakes and other water bodies; protect pro' perty owners adjacent to developing and developed land from increased runoff rates which could cause erosion of abutting properties; protect downstream owners; preserve and enhance groundwater iesources; minimize effects of alterations in groundwater qualities, locations and flow patterns; ensure the safety of city roads and rights-of-way; and decrease drainage' related damage to public and private property. SHORELINE MANAGEMENT The city has adopted the Shoreline Master Management Program for Jefferson County and Port Townsend. CAPITAL IM PROVEM ENT PROG RAM. The city should adoPt a CaPital lm' provements Program with sound financial planning based on cost and revenue consi' derations. Listing needed capital improve' ments according to priority and estimating anticipated costs and revenues makes it possible to assure municipal services while providing capital improvements on a basis of relative necessity and ability to pay' Periodic review allows flexibility in such advance planning and thus prevents detrac' tion from the authority and responsibility of the City Council to determine capital spending. Such a long'range program with a six-year capital budget would allow an ad' justment of expenditures to the fiscal capa' city of the City, thus preventing taxes and fees of services from rising at an unreason' able rate. DA IMPLEMENTAT'O'V The Gomprehensive Plan describes a desirable and coordinated development plan for the future for the Port Townsend itlanning Area. The true value of the plan will be determined by its use as a policy statement and the effectiveness with which it is implemented. lmplementation is effec- ted through the adoption of appropriate land use regulations and the establishment of an effective capital improvements program. LAND USE REGULATIONS 1. ZONING. Zoning is one of the most important legal devices available for implementing the Comprehensive Plan. The goals of the Plan are achieved by regula' iions in height, bulk of buildings, density of population, percentage of lot covered, size of open spaces and the use of buildings and land. The Zoning Map, delineating the zoning districts, and the zoning text, defi' ning the regulations for each district, are legGlative enactments which exercise the potice power or that power which regulates the use of private property for the purpose of promoting the health, safety and general welfare of the community. While these regu' lations may appear restrictive, they allow every property owner the enjoyment of his property rights so long as he does not infringe upon the rights of others. 2. SUBDIVISIONS AND SHORT SUB. DIVISIONS. Subdivisions and short subdivi' sions are governed by city ordinances which provide rules, regulations and standards for ihe partitioning of land parcels in the city. They are designed to insure growth and development, the conservation and proper use of land, and require adequate provision for circulation, utilities, drainage and services. BUILDING, PLUMBING, FIRE AND ME. CHANICAL CODES. The current editions of the Uniform Building Code and Related Standards (as modified by City Ordinance) and the current edition of the Fire Prevention Code recom' mended by the American lnsurance Associ' ITPDAT'NG THE PLAN The ComPrehensive Plan, while intended to provide a general framework for public and private development, should not be consideied a static document. As land' form conditions change and as economic, technological, social and personal circum' stances change, the plan must be updated to take such changes into consideration' The City Planning Commission should review the plan annually to determine if, and where, changes need to be made and the form ihose changes should take. The City Council, in public hearing, should act on the Planning iommission's recommendations and, if needed, adopt modifications to the Plan.ln addition, any Planning document produced by any city department or advisory board or commission which might impact on the Plan or any of its implementing regula' tions should be referred to the Planning Commission for review prior to adoption' !