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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/21/2026 - Minutes1/21/2026 - PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION 6:00 PM - Wednesday, January 21, 2026 Zoom and Council Chambers, 7th Floor, City Hall – 1055 S. Grady Way CALL TO ORDER Chair Artze called the meeting to order at 6pm. ROLL CALL Secretary Rochex called roll. Present: 1. Commissioner Andy Artze 2. Commissioner Josephine Bayan 3. Commissioner Mara Fiksdal 4. Commissioner Kevan Petek 5. Commissioner Dorsol Plants 6. Commissioner Kevin Poole 7. Commissioner Dana Rochex Absent: 1. Commissioner Jeff Kelly (excused) 2. Commissioner Shannon Matson (excused) STAFF PRESENT 1. Matt Herrera - Planning Director 2. Clark Close- Current Planning Manager 3. Angie Mathias- Long Range Planning Manager 4. Patrice Kent- Senior Assistant City Attorney 5. Katie Buchl-Morales- Principal Planner 6. Angelea Weihs – Senior Planner 7. Maya Simon – Associate Planner 8. Ashley Wragge – Assistant Planner 9. Margarette Bravo – Planning Technician 10. Jason Lederer – Parks Planning & Trails Manager 11. Ty Hairr – Associate Planner PUBLIC ATTENDANCE 3 CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED 1 email received on January 21, 2026 from Paul Dutton on Neighborhood Scale Retail 1/21/2026 - PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES AUDIENCE COMMENTS 1. Kevin Singh, owner of Forger Future Homes, commented on the City’s sidewalk and safe sidewalk policies, stating that the cost of sidewalk construction is being disproportionately borne by developers under the current code. He expressed concern that sidewalk requirements delay development timelines, noting that approval and construction of sidewalks can take several months before building construction may begin. Patrice advised Mr. Singh that his three-minute speaking time had expired. Chair Artze mentioned sidewalks sizing of Middle Housing and sidewalks as part of the Comprehensive Plan and we look forward to bringing up this topic again as it comes up, he also thanked Mr. Singh for his comments. Mr. Singh asked the Commission whether members had observed the existing sidewalk conditions in Kennydale and South Renton areas. Chair Artze responded that he was more familiar with sidewalk conditions in the Benson Hill and Highlands areas. Commissioner Poole noted that there is a unique sidewalk situation in Kennydale, stated that he understood Mr. Singh’s concerns, and encouraged him to submit any additional comments in writing to the City of Renton Planning Commission and City Planning and Development Committee as the city Council is responsible for considering potential legislative changes. 2. Ion Tamasan stated that he strongly supports neighborhood-scale retail, noting that it improves accessibility and convenience for residents and helps reduce car dependency by allowing people to meet daily needs without driving to the nearest grocery store. 3. Paul Routt commented on neighborhood-scale retail, expressing concern that the authorization could extend beyond coffee shops to include convenience stores, mini- marts, and alcohol sales. He stated that such legislation may be more appropriate for high-density areas like Seattle and Bellevue Downtown and raised concerns about potential impacts on homeowners, including property acquisition, increased commercial encroachment into residential areas, and rising property values and taxes. He concluded by questioning the need for such retail based on access to nearby grocery stores. APPROVE MEETING MINUTES FROM JANUARY 7, 2021 Minutes from January 7, 2021 was approved. Chair Artze and Secretary Rochex signed to approve. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS 1. Commissioner Fiksdal asked apologies for not being able to make it on time. DIRECTOR’S REPORT Matt gave Directors’ Report: 1. Welcomed new Planning Commissioner Kevan Petek. 1/21/2026 - PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 2. Mayor Pavone’s State of the Nation Address is scheduled March 25th at Southport Hyatt Regency Hotel, reception starts at 5:30 PM. 3. Working on scheduling Mayor’s visit to the Planning Commission (date to be determined). 4. Noted that work is underway on SB 6026 to make the bill more workable, explaining that cities may no longer prohibit residential uses in commercial and mixed-use zones and may no longer require ground-floor retail in multi-family buildings, effectively opening all commercial zones to residential development. 5. Willowcrest Townhomes Phase 2 project (19 units) is awarded $1,000,000 grant from Commerce Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program (CHIP). DELIBERATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS – Adoption of Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan 2026 Jason presented the PROS Plan 2026. Chair Artze opened the floor for deliberations and recommendations. DISCUSSION Commissioner Comments 1. Commissioner Poole thanked Jason for incorporating all comments from the last meeting. 2. Commissioner Fiksdal expressed appreciation for the community profile presentation, noting that it clearly conveyed the plan’s purpose and need. She also recognized that Duwamish Tribe comments were incorporated into the plan and encouraged continued and expanded tribal engagement. 3. Commissioner Petek appreciated how complete the document was. He asked on the criteria of identifying the type of park applicable to a certain area. Jason acknowledged the comment and mentioned they are doing continuing community engagement and the team is on the hunt for parcels that are developable as park. Chair Artze asked for a motion to approve the adoption of PROS Plan 2026. Secretary Rochex made a motion to approve the plan, seconded by Commissioner Fiksdal. All ayes, motion carried. BRIEFING a. Docket 20 Group A, D-241: Neighborhood Scale Retail b. Docket 20 Group C, D-246: Fences c. Docket 20 Group C, D-247: Indoor Recreation in IL and IM Zones Katie presented Docket 20 Group A, D-241: Neighborhood Scale Retail. DISCUSSION Commissioner Comments 1. Commissioner Petek asked whether the areas shown in purple on the presentation map were the locations where neighborhood-scale retail would be permitted. Katie responded that these areas are within one-half mile of a major transit stop and would 1/21/2026 - PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES be eligible for such uses. Commissioner Petek expressed concerns about potential parking, lighting, and safety impacts, noting that while the concept is positive, residents may not walk to grocery stores. Katie agreed and stated that the City will need to be intentional in mitigating potential negative impacts. 2. Commissioner Plants asked whether there is strong demand from the commercial and retail sector to pursue neighborhood-scale retail. Katie responded that the proposal is driven more by community interest and small entrepreneurs seeking affordable neighborhood locations, rather than by the retail sector itself. Commissioner Plants clarified that this input came from business owners and potential retailers, which Katie confirmed. Commissioner Plants also asked why marijuana uses were explicitly prohibited. Katie explained that similar prohibitions exist in other cities’ residential zones. Angie added that the restriction reflects the City’s limited number of marijuana licenses and noted that the issue could be revisited in the future if needed. 3. Secretary Rochex stated that she strongly supports the plan and believes it will help strengthen community connections. She asked whether there had been discussion about the location of sidewalks in relation to retail stores. Katie responded that this had not yet been addressed and explained that required sidewalk and street improvements are typically based on the value of proposed improvements and whether they meet established thresholds for infrastructure upgrades. Secretary Rochex also asked whether there are regulations limiting the number of retail uses in a single area. Katie noted that the City of Anacortes previously had such a provision but is considering removing it, and that she was not aware of other cities that limit the conversion of residential spaces to retail uses in this manner. 4. Commissioner Fiksdal expressed interest in encouraging small “mom-and-pop” neighborhood businesses such as bakeries and cafés, while also voicing concern about preserving existing neighborhood character. Katie responded that limiting retail size to 1,800 square feet is intended to encourage small-scale businesses and discourage larger chain retailers from locating in these areas. 5. Chair Artze expressed strong support for neighborhood-scale retail, noting the convenience of nearby stores and the reduced need to drive. He added that locating these uses near parks could help create valuable “third spaces” for the community and asked how the City would support these efforts through standard permitting processes. Katie responded that encouraging the conversion of existing spaces could help maintain neighborhood character and preserve a residential feel. Ashley presented Docket 20 Group C, D-246: Electric Fence Code Update. DISCUSSION Commissioner Comments 1. Commissioner Petek asked whether the City was adopting state legislation related to livestock and animal regulation fences. Ashley clarified that the City is not adopting the state code, but is updating local code to address discrepancies and improve clarity. 1/21/2026 - PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 2. Chair Artze recommended that, for the public hearing, staff provide a comparison of the current code and the proposed amendments for reference. Ashley indicated that she could prepare this for the Commission. Maya presented Docket 20 Group C, D-247: Indoor Recreation in IL and IM Zones. DISCUSSION Commissioner Comments 1. Commissioner Petek recommended that the map clearly identify the location of Rainier. Maya agreed that this was a good point and stated that she would update the map accordingly for the public hearing. 2. Chair Artze noted that the topic is broad and asked whether gyms located within condominiums and apartment buildings are included or considered indoor recreation. Maya responded that gyms which restrict the use of a building to fitness activities are considered indoor recreation uses. 3. Commissioner Petek asked why the use is not permitted in the Valley. Maya responded that the City will be initiating a Valley Subarea Plan and is evaluating future uses and development patterns in that area, so it is preferable to maintain existing zoning and not expand indoor recreation uses at this time. 4. Commissioner Fiksdal asked why Park Avenue was specifically identified under UC-1 and UC-2 for required pedestrian entrances and whether the same conditions would apply. Maya explained that this condition applies to many uses within the UC zones and confirmed that this remains the current approach. Matt added that urban design regulations will be reviewed as part of a future work program to address these requirements more holistically, as many were adopted years ago and predate current staff. 5. Commissioner Rochex commented that the concept reminded her of an older planning idea in which parks function as a trolley street connecting neighborhoods to downtown. 6. Commissioner Fiksdal noted that it felt unusual to require all entrances to be pedestrian entrances. Matt explained that the condition reflects earlier urban design assumptions for large, mixed-use buildings in the UC zone, where pedestrian entrances were not always prominent or distinct from commercial and vehicle access, and that the issue stems from broader, older design regulations. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS 1. Commissioner Fiksdal expressed appreciation for the public participation and noted that she was pleased to hear from three members of the public who provided comments at the meeting. 1/21/2026 - PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES ADJOURNMENT 1. Motion to adjourn made by Secretary Rochex, seconded by Commissioner Fiksdal. All ayes, motion carried. 2. Meeting adjourned at 7:56 PM. Margarette Bravo Recording Secretary