HomeMy WebLinkAbout06142004 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP SESSION OF JUNE 14, 2004
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in workshop session this fourteenth
day of June, 2004, at 6:30 p.m. in the Port Townsend Council Chambers of City Hall,
Mayor Catharine Robinson presiding.
ROLLCALL
Council members present at roll call were Freida Fenn, Kees Kolff, Geoff Masci, Laurie
Medlicott, Catharine Robinson, and Michelle Sandoval. Frank Benskin was excused.
Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John Watts,
BCD Director Jeff Randall, Planner Jean Walat, Interim Fire Chief Dan Smith, and City
Clerk Pam Kolacy.
COTTAGE HOUSING: PROPOSED REVISIONS TO PORT TOWNSEND
MUNICIPAL CODE
Planner Jean Walat reviewed the history of the Cottage Housing Ordinance, originally
adopted in 2001 that established design standards and a review process for cottage
housing developments. The first cottage housing application was received in 2003, for a
development in the R-I Low Density Single-Family zone. Concerns have been raised
about the allowed density in relationship to the underlying zoning, as well as issues
related to stormwater, neighborhood character, and adequate existing infrastructure.
On October 6, 2003, the Council considered and rejected a propoSed moratorium on new
cottage housing developments, but referred the issue to Planning Commission for a
recommendation on possible revisions to the ordinance as well as for Planning
Commission to review two staff suggested code revisions: 1) codify the long-standing
practice of allowing only one detached residence per platted lot unless a binding site plan
is recorded; 2) clarifying that manufactured homes are allowed on individual lots, but that
manufactured home parks are not permitted.
The Planning Commission has finalized its recommendations to the Council and
recommended changes are listed in the council packet.
Council discussion included the following areas of concern:
City Council Workshop Meeting Page 1 June 14, 2004
1. Effect of measuring cottage size by extemal, rather than intemal "usable ground
floor area" - (results in a smaller footprint)
2. "Lot Coverage" - suggested adding "for existing non-conforming single family
residence"
Building Setbacks: clarified that many alleys in the City are unopened rights of
4. "Low impact development techniques" - whether that includes streets or the
development only; answer is it is primarily for stormwater but that isn't clear in the
ordinance (G.2)
5. Definition of"condominium style" - a way of allowing separate ownership if
more than one dwelling unit per lot; otherwise all would be rental units. Suggestion to
include other forms of cooperative living agreements that allow separate ownership of
units.
6. Allow choice of whether individual owners want to have separation from
common living space by fence or hedge (rather than having them required)
7. Required roof slope would not allow "green" roofs (vegetation on roof) - could
be encouraged or not subject to pitch requirements.
8. Conditional use process: can be used to "condition" but not to prohibit
development
9. Separation between cottage housing development - is it possible to consider
cumulative impacts and require a minimum separation, for example 1000 feet or four
blocks.
10. Implications of allowing ADU units with cottage housing and whether one owner
with all rentals would be prohibited.
11. Possibility of requiring one house per cottage housing unit development that must
be sold or rented as low-income housing (Ms. Fenn provided material from MRSC on
"inclusionary zoning," staff requested to do further research.) Noted that low-income
provision would have to be established in perpetuity.
12. Should transient housing accommodations be specifically prohibited?
13. What are possible incentives for supplying affordable housing?
A public hearing is scheduled for June 21, at which time Council may move for first
reading of the ordinance. Staff will bring forward the list of concerns and questions
identified at this meeting then.
City Council Workshop Meeting Page 2 June 14, 2004
RECESS
Mayor Robinson declared a recess at 8:15 p.m. for the purpose of a break.
RECONVENE
The meeting was reconvened at 8:25 p.m.
FIRE PROTECTION AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES REGIONAL
CONSOLIDATION
City Manager Timmons and Interim Fire Chief Dan Smith reviewed the packet materials
regarding consolidation of fire protection and emergency medical services between the
City of Port Townsend and Jefferson County Fire District #6. District #6 Commissioner
Rich Stapf was also present.
Topics covered included:
Various degrees and methods of sharing resources through consolidation.
Governance Board
Effect on operations staffing
Funding
Insurance ratings
Other examples of cooperation among fire districts
The Council discussed process for the decision. An advantage in linking to the fiscal
year was identified and a joint meeting with Fire District #6 was requested. Mr.
Timmons noted it would be helpful to have some indication of Council's desire by the
end of the month with the Fire Chief candidates will arrive for interviews.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:43 p.m.
Attest:
Pamela Kolacy, CMC O
City Clerk
City Council Workshop Meeting
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