HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-044
RESOLUTION NO. 04-044
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND,
WASHINGTON ADOPTING FINDINGS IN SUPPORT OF ORDINANCE 2857
PROHIBITING COTTAGE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS PENDING
REVISIONS TO COTTAGE HOUSING CODE
WHEREAS, the City of Port Townsend adopted a cottage housing ordinance
(Ordinance 2792, adopted 2001) providing for cottage housing developments;
WHEREAS, the first application for a cottage housing development proposed a
development in an area zoned R-l; and
WHEREAS, a number of citizens have voiced concern with the proposed project and
with the possibility that other projects could be allowed that would allow projects that are
incompatible with existing neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, on December 15, 2003, the City Council requested a recommendation
within 120 days from the Planning Commission on whether changes to the cottage housing
ordinance were needed; and
WHEREAS, on April 8, 2004, the Planning Commission determined that changes to
the cottage housing ordinance were needed, including changes which seek to lessen the impact
of cottage housing projects on existing neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, the City Council held workshops on June 14 and July 12, 2004, and a
public hearing on June 17, 2004; and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Ordinance 2857 (May 3,2004) which
prohibited applications for cottage housing projects pending Council action on proposed
revisions to the cottage housing code; and
WHEREAS, the City Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing on September 20,
2004, and take action on proposed final changes to cottage housing regulations at that meeting
or shortly thereafter; and
WHEREAS, the Council determines it appropriate pending action by the Council on or
shortly after September 20, 2004, to prohibit all applications for cottage housing projects on
an interim basis until the Council has taken action after the scheduled and reviewed the
I
Resolution 04-044
recommendation of the Planning Commission, and the record and comments made at the
Council's public hearing, in order to preserve the status quo and to prevent the vesting of any
new applications for projects under current regulations (which the Planning Commission says
need revision to minimize impacts of projects); and
WHEREAS, RCW 35A.63.220 (applicable to code cities such as Port Townsend) and
RCW 36.70A.390 (a part of the Growth Management Act) authorize cities to enact interim
regulations to preserve the status quo while new plans or regulations are considered and
prepared.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Port Townsend resolves as
follows:
For the reasons set forth in the above recitals, Council determines it appropriate to leave
the interim Ordinance 2857 in effect to preserve the status quo and not allow applications for
cottage housing projects to vest under existing regulations which the Planning Commission says
need revisions, until after Council has held a public hearing and taken action on proposed
changes to the cottage housing regulations.
ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Port Townsend at a special business
meeting thereof, held this ninth day of August, 2004.
~~;~,2L .~
Catharine Robinson, Mayor
Attest:
~?5~
City Clerk
Approved as to form:
V
John P. Watts
City Attorney
~
2
Resolution 04-044