Planning Commission

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON THURSDAY WORK SESSION 7:00 P.M. September 7, 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: Ali Taysi (C), Garrett O'Brien (VC), Phyllis McKee, Steve Crooks, Lisa Anderson, Mike Estes and Iris Maute- Gibson Present: Ali Taysi, Steve Crooks, Lisa Anderson, Mike Estes, Garrett O'Brien, Phyllis McKee and Iris Maute-Gibson Absent: Staff Present: Greg Aucutt, Assistant PCDD Director; Kurt Nabbefeld, Development Services Manager; Chris Koch, Planner; and Heather Aven, Recording Secretary. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes from August 3, 2017 were approved by general consensus. 15 MINUTE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD Howard Cummings spoke to the Resident Action Project and encouraged the community to get involved and make their voices heard, especially those that are affected the most by the issues. WORK SESSION To continue reviewing the City's existing accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations. Staff will present background information, current city regulations and regulatory approaches used by other jurisdictions, a summary of Focus Group meetings including identified issues and opportunities, and a summary of changes proposed by staff. STAFF PRESENTATION: Staff presented information on accessory dwelling units, explained the reasons for reviewing the ordinance at this time and reviewed the existing standards, the proposed changes and the next steps in the process. REVIEW OF CHANGES PROPOSED BY STAFF (Attachment 2 of the Staff Report) The following changes would be applicable citywide: - Consolidate standards: There was general consensus that this would provide good consistency. - Minor Modifications through administrative review: o It was suggested that the ordinance outline which minor modifications would allow for administrative approval vs. those that would be required to go through the public process. - Where ADU / D-ADU would be allowed: o It was stated that the allowance of D-ADU should not be made on a "per neighborhood" basis, it should be allowed city-wide. There was general consensus for this approach. Final Copy - 1  o It was suggested that, rather than limit the number of ADUs a single neighborhood can have; using the conditional use permit process should be considered. o There was concern expressed regarding the lack of enforcement language included in the ordinance. o Staff explained the different ways an ADU can come into compliance if needed. Staff also indicated that, at this time, there is no plan to change the amnesty program. o It was questioned if the City has considered including incentives in the ordinance. o Dispersion should be part of the discussion. There was a discussion about moving forward with a city-wide ordinance vs. keeping the existing regulations as they are and allowing Happy Valley to pilot their ADU / D-ADU program. It was pointed out that the multi-family zoned areas should be realizing more density than ADUs provide. There was concern expressed over the increase in cost that could be realized if additional units / rooms were allowed city-wide. There was general consensus, with one Commissioner opposed, to recommend the city pursue allowing D-ADU in all single-family zones city-wide. - Consideration for neighborhoods with smaller lots must occur - It was pointed out that some neighborhoods have CC&Rs that could prevent ADU / D-ADUs from being allowed PUBLIC COMMENT Twenty-one citizens addressed the Commission and shared their thoughts on the ADU Ordinance. Public Comment Closed GENERAL BUSINESS ADJOURNED: 10:15 p.m. Minutes prepared by: _____________________________ Heather Aven, Recording Secretary Minutes edited by Planning Commission members and various Planning Staff. Final Copy - 2