Planning Commission

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON Thursday 7:00 PM April 19, 2018 City Council Chambers Video Recorded www.cob.org Call to Order / Roll Call Present: Ali Taysi (Chair), Mike Estes (Vice Chair), Lisa Anderson (Commissioner), Steve Crooks (Commissioner), Iris Maute-Gibson (Commissioner), Phyllis McKee (Commissioner) Absent: Garrett O'Brien (Commissioner) Approval of Minutes The minutes from March 22, 2018 were approved by general consensus. Public Comment Period Opportunity for citizens to speak informally to the Planning Commissioners on any subject not listed on the agenda. Speakers are allowed a MAXIMUM of three (3) minutes to address the Commission. Speakers will not be required to disclose their address. No public testimony was given. PUBLIC HEARING The consideration of a draft ordinance amending sections of the Bellingham Municipal Code regarding floodplain development regulations. STAFF PRESENTATION PUBLIC COM Jason Porter provided an overview of the proposed code amendments to the floodplain development No public te regulations. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS / QUESTIONS There was a brief discussion related to the erosion issues that are occurring along Squalicum Creek, and what the flood protection available to the houses in that area looks like. There was concern expressed about the safety of the homes and the lack of education the city is providing to these property owners. Staff spoke to the work that is being done is this area to mitigate for some of the erosion that is occurring. A brief conversation about the habitat assessment requirement that every flood permit must have was held. Staff provided some information on the City's proposed coastal velocity zones and the unlikeliness of future development in those designated areas; as well as what development could look like in base flood areas. MOTION: Phyllis McKee / Mike Estes moved to accept the Findings of Fact, Conclusions and Recommendations contained in the April 19, 2018 staff report as written and forward a recommendation of approval to City Council. AMENDMENT: Steve Crooks / Ali Taysi moved to include language in the code that addresses the fact that erosion areas should be studied or looked at and then assistance to the property owners in bellingham should be given so they are aware of the alternatives available to them so they can act in a sensible and financial responsible manner. Staff replied that erosion hazard areas are addressed in the Critical Areas Ordinance, as well as the Shoreline Master Program. He commented on the required setback scenarios and explained the process would be if someone wanted to develop in the buffer areas. Staff also noted that these flood- plain development regulations are intended for new development; however, community outreach is something for staff to consider. Steve Crook withdrew the motion. VOTE: CARRIED 6-0. Old/New Business Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 7:50 Minutes prepared by: ____________________________________________ Heather Aven, Recording Secretary Minutes edited by Planning Commission members and various Planning Staff.