Planning Commission

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON THURSDAY WORK SESSION 7:00 P.M. January 12, 2017 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS Video-taped www.cob.org CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Ali Taysi, Chairman of the Planning Commission. ROLL CALL: Tom Grinstad, Jeff Brown, Garrett O'Brien (VC), Ali Taysi (C), Phyllis McKee, Steve Crooks and Lisa Anderson Present: Ali Taysi, Tom Grinstad, Steve Crooks, and Lisa Anderson Absent: Garrett O'Brien, Jeff Brown and Phyllis McKee Staff Present: Rick Sepler, Director of Planning and Community Development Department (PCDD); Kurt Nabbefeld, PCDD Development Services Manager; Kathy Bell; Senior Planner; and Heather Aven, Recording Secretary. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes from September 22, October 20 and November 17, 2016 were all approved by general consensus. 15 MINUTE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD Mark Ambler, 4845 Guide Meridian, wanted to know if more information on the proposed amendments to the BMC related to the Marijuana regulations will be available. WORK SESSION A work session to discuss the proposed amendments to Title 18 BMC, the City's subdivision regulations, and associated amendments to other titles of the Bellingham Municipal Code determined necessary to support Title 18 BMC. STAFF PRESENTATION: Kathy provided some background information on the Subdivision Ordinance and explained why the decision was made to repeal and replace the existing ordinance. She pointed out the key changes and explained the proposed review process and spoke to the revised layout of the proposed ordinance. Kathy Bell reviewed the different sections of the Ordinance, highlighted new sections and explained how staff utilizes the information in the Ordinance when assessing an application. General Provisions Discussion (BMC 18.04): Section 18.04.080: There was a brief discussion on how condemnation could allow the City to actual purchase land that may not be used for 15-20 years, so that it was less expensive. Staff ensured the Commission that there were laws addressing this and requirements that must be met in order for condemnation to be allowed. Section 18.04.100: There was a suggestion to add language to this section stating that the City would provide the property owner with the reason that access is needed via appropriate notice. Final Copy - 1 Section 18.04.110: There was a conversation about what happens if the subdivision was not finished and partially developed buildings were left. Staff stated that they would consider some options to address this concern. Section 18.04.120: There was concern expressed that if this section were to apply to all subdivisions, instead of just short subdivisions, it may in fact discourage development depending on the size of the lot contiguous parcels would create. Staff indicated that although the application would require a "whole picture" approach, there is nothing to require all the property be developed. The rationale for this requirement is to have full disclosure and the opportunity to identify community concerns / issues that could arise in the future. Lot Line Adjustments Discussion (BMC 18.10): Kathy Bell explained that this is a new process for the City and is modeled after Whatcom County's process. Section 18.10.030: It was suggested that, regarding #5, there are in fact some reconfigurations where the side yard becomes the back yard, etc., which are appropriate. Staff agreed with the examples provided and stated that additional language will be considered. It was suggested that staff compare Decision Criteria #3 with the corresponding section in BMC 18.08 for consistency in messaging. Section 18.10.040: Kathy Bell explained the differences between the existing approval process and that which is being proposed. It was suggested that the required documents from # 2.b and 2.c be combined with the conveyance documents required in #3 to help reduce the recording fees for the applicant. Staff will explore this suggestion. Short and Cluster Short Subdivisions Discussion (BMC 18.12): Kathy Bell explained that currently a Cluster Chapter exists in the Subdivision Ordinance, and through this process staff is proposing that it instead be redistributed to the appropriate section with correlating regulations. She also pointed out those sections that are required by State law. Section 18.12.020: Related to #A.1 - it was suggested that different language be considered to replace "... significant neighborhood opposition", to remove the negative presentation of the intent.  such as "significant planning issues or significant community interest". Section 18.12.040: It was pointed out that #B is duplicative from Section 18.12.030 #C. It was decided that the language would remain under the "Review and Approval Process" section and be deleted from the "Decision Criteria" section. Section 18.12.080: Kathy Bell indicated that this section could change depending on the outcome of the Legal Department's review. GENERAL BUSINESS Nomination / Election of Chair and Vice-Chair tabled to next meeting. Final Copy - 2 NEXT MEETING - January 19, 2017 - Public Hearing for amendments to the Low-Impact Development Stormwater Regulations in the Bellingham Municipal Code. ADJOURNED: 9:15 p.m. Minutes prepared by: _____________________________ Heather Aven, Recording Secretary Minutes edited by Planning Commission members and various Planning Staff. Final Copy - 3