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Home My WebLink About041191 Min Ag 4 Port Townsent ' ":t • Planning Commission 540 Water St., fort Townsend, 'VSA 98368 2061385.3000 Meeting of April II, 1991 1, Roll Call' Ron Kosec called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m, other members present were Alan Carman, Karen Erickson, Jim. ' avernakis and Jim Roberts,. Also present were planners Dave Robison and Rick Sepler. II. Approval of Minutes: Mr. Tavernakis moved to approve the minutes of March 21, 1991 s written. Ms. Erickson seconded and all were in favor. III. Communications Mr. Tavernakis told the Commission that he had received a phone call and visit from Ted Simmons concerning earthquake preparedness and structural preparedness of buildings. Mr. Simmons has offered to present a slide show on the subect at a workshop meeting. Iv. old Business A. Short Plat Text Amendment and Lot Area Definition Revision 1* staff Review (Sepler) Mr, Sepler told the Commission that the ordinances had both been revised since packets were seat out. The Commission read the revised drafts. Mr. Sepler reviewed the summary short plat process. He reviewed the proposed ordinance relating to subdivisions which proposes an amendment to the municipal code to allow for summary subdivisions to parcels of 5,000 square-feet of lot area in areas of the city which are comprised of lots of a similar size, . Carman asked Mr. Sepler why the 5,000 square foot minimum lot area applied to only those properties in single ownership before t� Planning Commission - April 11, 1991 Page 2 of the effective date of the proposed ordinance. Mr. Sepler responded that this is one way to preserve some of the unused open spaces in the outlying areas of Port Townsend. Mr. sepler reviewed some possible land use situations where this particular pro is'ion would be beneficial , . Sherwood joined the Commission at this time. Mr. sepler reviewed the intent behind the provision in the proposed ordinance which states that properties separated by a public street right-of-way will not be considered abutting, Mr, sepl.er then reviewed the proposed ordinance relating to zoning, to amend the definition of lot area to include the area of private access and utility easements in the calculation of lot area. Mr., Tavernakis asked for a clarification on the definition on horizontal area. Mr. sepler responded that horizontal area is as if you are looking at the land from an airplane. 2 . Public Testimony Nora Porter stated that the proposed ordinances would allow her to divide property which she currently owns. She stated if she sola the property as one parcel the cost would be prohibitive for person with a moderate income. Mr. Carman stated that Ms, Porter's property i unplatted and the ordinance as written would not allow her to divide her property. Mr. sepler stated that it would be allowed under the proposed code because her property meets one of the criteria. Mr. Carman suggested that the ordinance be revised to read "the applicant rust Meet one of the criteria" , so as not to give the impression that all criteria must be met. Linda LeBrane stated that she owns property which would be salable s two parcels with the passage of these ordinances. she stated that the entire parcel would be very expensive but would be more reasonable as tato separate parcels. she also stated that other houses in the neighborhood have 5,000 square foot lots and so this proposal would not change the character of the neighborhood. Barbara Bogart stated she likes the idea of giving the neighbors an equal amount of lot area to work with. Ms. Bogart asked for a clarification on when easements were included in the total of lot area, Mr, sepler reviewed the requirements.. . Ms, Bogart stated that the ordinance as proposed will help to supply affordable land for affordable housing. Planning omni s i ori - April 11, 1991 Page 3 of 6 Public Testimony was closed. . Commission Discussion Mr. Tavernakis asked that some items be brought, to the attention of City Council for consideration: does "private easement" include the area in turn arounds; is paring allowed n easements; are pedestrian and equestrian trails included as easements; -foot road on an easement can later be dedicated as, a city street; how will we regard a dead end street; what if property is adjacent to or abutting a vacated street with utility easements; what if easements or streets are adjacent to sensitive areas such as bluffs or view corridors; how will horizontal measurements affect lot coverage calculations; some private easements can allow parking and then be dedicated to the city. Mr. Tavernakis stated that the neighborhood concerns associated with a decreased lot area requirement are generally concerns of changing the character of the neighborhood and increasing density and circulation patterns in the neighborhood, He stated that he is comfortable passing these ordinances on to City Council provided that they consider the issues he listed. Mr. Tavernakis then stated that he is. concerned over having an easement through a vacated street and then allowing a 5,000 square foot lot. Ms. Sherwood asked if a provision could be added to protect the dedication of a street which would cause less; than the necessary lot size. M . Sepler responded that this provision already exists and that the City may not receive a dedication which causes nonconforming lot size. some discussion followed over the possibility of a dedicated street causing lots to be of less than the required lot area. Mr. Sepler stated that conditions, covenants and restrictions are reviewed on all subdivisions for compliance. Mr. Carman stated that the question of steep slopes as it relates to horizontal area is already considered undr .the design criteria .under the existing code. Mr. Sepler stated that summary short plats are assumed to be very easy, He stated that if any complexity, such as a variance requirement, is added to the division than it :must go through the short plat process in which it is reviewed by 'the Commission. Ir* Tavernakis stated that his concerns were for sensitive areas. Mr. Carman stated that the design criteria considers this as well. Some discussion followed. Planning Commission April 11, 1991 Page 4 of Mr. Carman moved to recommend adoption of the proposed amendments to title 17 and 18 of the Port Townsend Municipal Code as drafted by staff, with the added language to make it clear that the applicant must meet only one of the criteria of minimum lot area. Mr. Carman suggested that the language read ' For the purpose of this chapter, minimum lot area shall meet one of the following standards." and that "or" be added after items a and b. Ms . Sherwood seconded and all were in favor. The ordinances are likely to be heard in front of the City Council on May 7 , 1991. Gateway Discussion and Update 1, staff Update Mr. Robison distributed copies of the Gateway Project schedule. He told the Commission that staff has been out talking with the property owners and mapping the existing conditions. soon the traffic engineer will be in Port Townsend to further elaborate on the information and work that staff has done, The revised draft development plan should be ready for presentation on May 9 . 1991. The process has been prolonged to address the property owner's concerns and make a more detailed plan. Mr. Robison reviewed the Financing and Implementation strategy. Mr, Robison stated that the project has been broken in to "chewable chunks' which will allow the implementation of the plan, He stated that this plan is a strategy for the next 2-3 years although the actual complete implementation of the Gateway Plan may take to years. The City Council adopted the Gateway Concept Plan, Mr. Robison reviewed this plan and the milestones that have been achieved, will be achieved under the implementation plan or after the implementation plan, He also discussed those items that have not been addressed at all. The next step is to discuss the implementation of the plan. The First Federal Bank and The Gateway Plaza both used the Gateway Concept in developing their project. Mr. Robison reviewed the proposed demonstration projects. Mr. Robison stated on April 23 , Mr, Sepler will be holding a meeting or mini charrette to design the two gateway triangle parrs which will be implemented quickly. In relation to the Gateway Plan the Public Works Department also has improvements planned for Washington Street and Kearney Street, Mr. Robison stated that the financial strategy is the most difficult area. The Department of Transportation is willing to finance o f the project. Mr. Robison reviewed other possible financing opportunities. He stated that there are a lot of issues in front of the community all asking for additional funds. Mr. Robison stated that one option is a real estate excise tax of 1/4 of a percent. Planning commission April 11, 1991 Page 5 of Mr. Robison stated that the steeri City Townselfift Planning Commission ti 40 Nater St., fort Townsend, WA 98368 206/385.3000 01 2�X?z E IqDA-A6 (Revised) Workshop Meeting April ll, 1991 I. ROIL CALL---- .��..��_ � _ _ , . .�.. _�.--____� ___�. 7:30 PaMe I1. APPROVAL of MINUTES: Dated March 21 III, COMMUNICATIONS A. current mail l Iv. OLD BUSINESS: A. Short Plat Text Amendment and Lot Area Definition Revision L 1 . Staff Review (Sepler) 2, Public Testimony . Commission Discussion 4. Commission Recommendation , Gateway Discussion and Update 1 . Staff Review 2e Financing and Implementation Strategy 3 . Commission Discussion v. NEW BUSINESS A. Variance Application, 9104-01 , Michael A. Kelly, Trenholm Mouse 1 Scheduled: August 29, 1 2: Committee: Erickson/9?� 3 * Staff: Bloomfield VI, ANNOUNCEMENTS: Next Scheduled Meetings of the Port Townsend Planning Commission Ait 25. 1991 A. Street Vacation Application, 9101- , Mike Marson/Lee Wilburn (Committee: Roberts/Erickson) ( Sepler B. Street vacation Application, 9101-10, Virginia Dignan (Committee: Erickson/Sherwood) (Staff: Seler) �► May -9,,-- 1991 -Ajr 4:�,+-Ka, Gateway Workshop - Revised Draft Pian Presented I -Fiti, (Robison) May 23o 1991 Ae Special Meeting - Gateway Hearing May 30 , 1991 A. Conditional Use Permit, 9012-03 , William White. -rc.:� ES6�- o ittee: Tavernaki /Carman) (Staff: epier WY 774 DRAU)OJ B. Subdivision Application, 9009-03, Parkview, Vantage Homes (Committee: avernakis/Sherwood) (Staff: Sepler June 13 , 1991 Gateway Decision 44 zs191 June 2 .f 1991 A. Conditional Use Permit, 9102-01, Inn Deering (Committee: l ohert /McDole) (Staff: Sepler V" B, Variance Application, 9102- , Robert L. Force (Committee: avernaki / arman) (Staff: Sepl er J ay 254 1991 V, A. Street vacation Application, 9102-0 , George and Shirley Peterson (Committee: Carman/Erickson) (Staff:' Bloomfield B. variance Application, 9102-05, Robert E. McDole (Committee: Sherwood/Roberts) (Staff: Bloomfield August 29 ..: A Conditional Use Permit Application, 9103-02 , lipper- x. Navigation, Inc. (Committee: col /Sherwood (Staff: Sepl er B. Conditional Use Permit Application, 9104-01, Michael Kelly, ' renholm House Committee: Erickson/ ' is) (Staff: Bloomfield VII* ADJOURN REVHSED GATEWAY SCHEDULE APRIL 8-13 STAFF MAPPING OF GATEWAY CORRIDOR APRIL 11 PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSHOP (Implementation & Financing Strategy) APRIL 17-19 CONSULTANT TEAM FEILD WORK APRIL 22- MAY 9 REWRITE REPORT & GRAPHICS MAY 9 PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSHOP (Revised Draft Plan Presented) MAY 23 PLANNING COMMSSION HEARING JUNE 13 PLANNING COMMISSION DECISION JULY 2 CITY COUNCIL ACTION City ln Planning Commission 540 Vater St., Part Townsend, WA 98368 206/385,3000 April 4,, 1991 Dear Applicant, Your land use application-has been scheduled to appear in front of the Planning Commission. Please see the enclosed future dates list for your hearing date, The Commission requests that you or an authorized representative attend the hearing. If you are not able to attend the scheduled meeting please notify this office at your earliest convenience so that we may reschedule the hearing. 'o!!owing the Planning Commission's recommendations the City Council will schedule your application for the next available public hearing date. At this meeting the City Council will consider your request and make a final determination. If you have any questions concerning the scheduling of the hearing please call me on 385-3000. Thank You. ` Sincerely, Darlene Bloomfield Administrative Assistant r r; !w an VI , ANNOUNCEMENTS: Next Scheduled Meetings April-.25.,_1221 i. A. Street Vacation Application, 9101-08,, a Mar /Lee Wilburn (Committee: Roberts/Erickson (S off: Sepler P0. P, 2 A65- B Street Vacation Application, 9101-10:, Virginia Dignan (Committee: Erickson/Sherwood) (Staff: Sepier- May 3 0 9 A. Conditional Use Permit, 9012-0 , William White (Committee: Tavernakis/Carman) (Staff: Ad B. Subdivision Application, 9009-03 , <Carklviewl V to e domes Committee: Taver akin/Shera : Kepler June A. Conditional Use Permit, 9102-01, Inn Deering(Committee: Roberts/ oDole) (Staff:', Sepler) B. Variance Application, 9102-03, Robert L. Faroe (Committee: Tavernakis/Carman) (Staff: Seple 1921 A. Street Vacation Application, 9102-04, George anc �1A--P- Shirley Peterson X 7 6VXWjZCK (Committee: Carman/Erickson) (Staff: Bloomfield) I CA f Befi Variance Application, 9102-05, Robert F. McDole A�ry V (Committee: Sherwood/Roberts) (Staff: Bloomfield August.-.22,,199.1 A. Conditional Use Permit Application, 9103-02 , Clipper Navigation, Inc. (Committee: McD le/Sherwood) 2--z-6 ) 1 eR- (Staff: epler) R-e� B, Conditional Use Permit Application, 9104- 1 , Michael Kelly, Trenholm House (Comm ittee: rickson Tavernakis (Staff: Bloomfield) OC> 37 i DTII. ADJOURN 5&0'W7- 0,4- A44-&,�A�4 A1077oci eoi#noA -7-D �� T '4 'I •••� �� ■ f � •!4 rr a rr �i � i w.r�f Z.- AIII i� .I� ■uw••F�i� �slW1'i �� rf �� f t � .�5 A � � - �� +�� !��+��r� ■i.l�■.■Y�YlYrilr�iirf� I ! '4•i.�i 1.■�1.�. Mii�•P■y��q�a�•r��y�F.� . + F ` T 66 _ y -.-I m MIMI 0 61rdb 4 0;11+--tom--�-rte ,i« � � � �.�.•wr■•�•rr ��rf�� +-�••�A��■��•-.r��■rr�.l��4*��r.�■-I■:�. �I ��i �� a�Fi•M� �. � f moi! � •.M �••■Y rY.� w..�r - �� Yr.•��.iifw Few �► �■_i �7 y . f t ,110 11,111, Sh .Lob- WLI eL 9- # t �t` yli r �i in �� r. �� f. �� .�nF r� .�_� ✓�ra �..�� y . I ■�#", �y�.,r�. ri��••!•�rs rr �r�r. #MW ..� w x M+�rYr� � ,rrr•i�ir r r F t .a■�trr.r-� � � � .��r..rf�r � � •��r � r �� } ��. �rrr,lr...�.� 4m arwf -41 f r r F. r April 1 , 1991 Port Townsend City Council City Hall City of Port Townsend RECEIVED Attn: Planning Commission APR 01 1991 Shiela Westerman Richard M. Sepler Planning and it i Re; Proposal ordinance for planning department to dealt with simple matters such as porch and fence variances, conditional use permits and short plats . To whore it may concern I am writing this letter in response to the article written in "The Port Townsend Leader" , March 27, 1991 , concerning a otential � � four month backlog of business ac.inc the planning commission, It appears that the responsibilities set forth for the plann- ing commission are outgrowing their volunteer status, To squeeze simple and uncontroversial matters into extrameet- ings, seems lice increasing the stress and work-load rather than addressing the problem. Since we have professional and qualified persons within the planning department, it seems reasonable that an ordinance which would allow there to approve simple matters would reduce the workload of the planning commission; allowing them to focus on the issues of growth and development which face this commun- ity and to deal with the projects of builders and developers which demand their attention, An ordinance would reduce the four month delay and allow small projects to be taken care of by the staff of the planning department, I ars a homeowner who simply awaits a variance to build a higher fence exactly where an existing fence is now positioned. l desire 'it to provide privacy and block and undesirable view_ which would allow my family to once again work, play, and garden in our back yard with privacy and without harrassment, l would prefer not to wait until late August as that is essent .aI 2 another Spring and Summer in which we would be deprived o "enjoy- ment of our yard. Please consider this ordinance to facilitatei:s * mple matters being dealt with expeditious)y. cerely►