HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/11/2009 - Minutes
RENTON PLANNING COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes
March 11, 2009 Renton City Hall
6:00 p.m. Council Chambers
Planning Commissioners Present: Lisa Brines, Michael Chen, Michael Drollinger, Shawn Duffee, Gwendolyn
High, Nancy Osborn, Kevin Poole, Ed Prince
Planning Commissioners Absent: Ray Giometti
City Staff Present: Chip Vincent, Planning Director; Angie Mathias, Associate Planner; Kris Sorensen, Assistant
Planner; Judith Subia, Administrative Secretary
1. CALL TO ORDER: Commission Vice Chair Osborn called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL: Commission Secretary Prince called roll. Commission Chair Giometti was absent and excused.
Commissioner Brines arrived at 6:51 p.m.
3. AUDIENCE COMMENTS: None
4. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS: None
5. DIRECTOR’S REPORT:
The schedule for Development Regulations (Title IV) and Comprehensive Plan Amendments was
distributed and discussed. All items will be presented to the Commission for a briefing, and then be
presented at a public hearing. At meetings following the hearing, the Commission will deliberate and
make their recommendations.
The Finance Committee approved the contract for Henderson, Young & Company for impact fees.
Three island annexations, Duvall South, Honey Creek Estates, and Sunset East were accepted by Council.
Honey Creek Estates and Sunset East have not been prezoned. The Planning Commission will hold the
public hearings for prezoning.
The Community Planning Initiative was presented to the community at the Neighbor to Neighbor meeting.
The community participated at the meeting by creating Community Planning Area boundaries. At
Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday, Chip will be laying out the Community Planning Initiative. A
Request for Proposals was published looking for qualified consultants. Staff evaluated proposals received
and are recommending John Owen from MAKERS to oversee the development of the plan.
6. DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS (TITLE IV) AMENDMENTS DOCKET BRIEFINGS:
#D‐11: Allow Live Work Units
Kris presented this docket request regarding live work units. This proposal would allow live work units in
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March 11, 2009
the CN and R‐14 zones. These zones are closer to CA areas with more intense commercial. The Staff
recommendation is to create a definition, add the use to the Zoning Use Table, add conditions, and create
a parking standard.
Planning Commission Discussion
There was discussion about taking other zones into consideration, including the CV and CA zones. Chip
said that this was a starting place. Staff reviewed residential zoning classifications and was comfortable
with allowing in R‐10 or R‐8 with design standards. This is a conservative approach and would fit in with
the zone’s existing character.
There was discussion about allowing live work in a residential zone. There was concern that the character
of the neighborhood would change from residential to commercial. Chip explained that there are minimal
commercial uses allowed in the R‐14 zone. A coffee shop and home occupation is smaller than a coffee
shop that would be allowed outright in this zone. This proposal creates opportunities for smaller type
business activities than a larger commercial use.
The meeting recessed at 7:31 p.m. and reconvened at 7:43 p.m.
#D‐14: Create Tier System for Temporary Uses
Kris presented this docket request regarding temporary use permits. Currently, an applicant goes through
a Type II land use permit review process which includes receiving a letter of complete application (14 days
maximum from submittal), going through the public notice process and staff review (14 to 120 days), and a
14‐day appeal period.
The Staff recommendation is to create a tiered system for administering temporary use permits. For uses
not listed in the code, flexibility in determining the applicable category should be provided. Tier I should
be processed as a Type I permit that is over the counter and no notice is required. Tier II should be
processed as a Type II permit using the current process. Temporary uses should be listed in the Temporary
Uses section and be allowed up to a maximum of one year.
#D‐23: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Angie presented this docket request regarding detached accessory dwelling units in residential zones. The
proposed change allows ADUs in the RC, R‐1, R‐4, R‐8, R‐10, and R‐14 zones as an Administrative
Conditional Use. Each proposed ADU will be evaluated to ensure consistency with the character of the
primary dwelling and must be associated with a detached single‐family dwelling.
Planning Commission Discussion
Commissioners asked what prompted this request. Angie explained that it is a fulfillment of the Growth
Management Act and the Comprehensive Plan. Due to the economic decline, the City is putting measures
in place for when ADUs are developed. Chip added that the affordability of housing is driving this
amendment. The Commission also discussed different scenarios regarding the height. Other building
standards will be the same as the primary dwelling. Rear yards will be determined through Administrative
Review and to range no less than five feet to no greater than the standard for the primary dwelling.
The Commission discussed different scenarios regarding the height. Angie explained that the standards in
place for the primary dwelling would be used for the ADU.
There was discussion about CC&Rs. Angie explained that CC&Rs would be the governing document, not
the City’s code. Chip added that CC&Rs are a private contract between the property owners and the
subdivision, and not enforceable by municipalities.
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March 11, 2009
#D‐31: Extension of Period of Validity for Subdivisions and Land Use Applications
Chip presented this code amendment allowing a two year extension of land use permit application and
platting deadlines. The staff recommendation is to amend Title IV to allow the Planning Director to extend
the period of validity for subdivision and land use permit applications for an additional two years. This has
a sunset date of two years.
Planning Commission Discussion
There was discussion about current projects that have stopped half way into their infrastructure work.
Chip said that this allows for two additional years beyond any deadlines/extensions currently authorized
under the code. There was also discussion about the bonding of projects. Chip explained that this issue
hasn’t been looked at. This amendment only grants administrative authority and all circumstances will be
looked at.
MOVED BY POOLE, SECONDED BY PRINCE to accept the Staff recommendation. COMMISSIONERS
CONCUR. MOTION CARRIED.
7. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS: The next meeting will be on March 25, 2009.
8. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:01 p.m.
Nancy Osborn, Vice Chair
Ed Prince, Secretary