Planning Commission

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON Thursday 7:00 PM August 1, 2019 City Council Chambers Video Recorded www.cob.org Call to Order / Roll Call Present: Ali Taysi (Chair), Mike Estes (Vice Chair), Garrett O’Brien and Lisa Anderson Absent: Steve Crooks (Commissioner) and Phyllis McKee (Commissioner) Approval of Minutes The minutes from June 6 and June 20, 2019 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 testimony given. PUBLIC HEARING Accessory and Incidental Alcohol Service A draft ordinance amending Bellingham Municipal Code (BMC) Title 20 to allow on-premise accessory and incidental alcohol service at eating establishments by amending BMC 20.08.020, BMC 20.16.020, and various other applicable sections of the land use development code. STAFF PRESENTATION Staff introduced the proposed code amendment regarding accessory alcohol service in eating establishments and reviewed the proposed changes being considered to the definitions section as well as several chapters of the Bellingham Municipal Code. Staff reviewed the rationale for these changes and pointed out that many of them are in an effort to make the code clearer and more consistent. Staff suggested that the amendment be accepted, and a recommendation of approval be forwarded to City Council. PUBLIC COMMENT No testimony given. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS / QUESTIONS There was a brief discussion about the areas of the city that would be affected. MOTION: Mike Estes / Garrett O'Brien moved to accept the Findings of Fact, Conclusions and Recommendations included in the August 1, 2019 staff report and forward a recommendation of approval to City Council. VOTE: CARRIED 4-0. Recycling Collection and Processing Centers A draft ordinance amending Bellingham Municipal Code (BMC) Title 20 to allow recycling collection and processing centers in certain industrial zones and modify special requirements for such uses by amending BMC 20.08.020, BMC 20.16.020, and various other applicable sections of the land use development code STAFF PRESENTATION Staff introduced the proposed code amendment regarding the allowance of recycling collection and processing centers in certain industrial zones and reviewed the proposed changes being considered to the design standards; as well as the definitions section and several chapters of the Bellingham Municipal Code. Staff reviewed the rationale for these changes and pointed out that many of them are in an effort to make the code clearer and more consistent. Staff suggested that the amendment be accepted, and a recommendation of approval be forwarded to City Council. PUBLIC COMMENT No testimony given. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS / QUESTIONS There was a brief discussion about what facilities could look like “inside the district” verses “outside the district” where a Conditional Use Permit would be required. There was also a conversation about hours of operation and what some of the appeal opportunities are available to the surrounding neighbors if an administrative or Hearing Examiner decision is not agreed with, or if something is amended after the facility begins operations. A discussion was held on the special conditions included in the ordinance and some of the design standard requirements. MOTION: Garrett O'Brien / Mike Estes moved to accept the Findings of Fact, Conclusions and Recommendations included in the August 1, 2019 staff report and forward a recommendation of approval to City Council. VOTE: CARRIED 4-0. Old/New Business Adjournment Minutes prepared by: ____________________________________________ Heather Aven, Recording Secretary Minutes edited by Planning Commission members and various Planning Staff.