Planning Commission

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON Thursday 7:00 PM February 17, 2022 City Council Chambers Video Recorded www.cob.org Call to Order / Roll Call Mike Estes (Chair); Barbara Plaskett; Jed Ballew (Vice-Chair); Mike McAuley; Rose Lathrop; Russ Whidbey; Scott Jones Approval of Minutes Minutes from December 2nd & 16th 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. It was suggested that the Planning Commission work with the City Administration on the list of items that the public would like to see the Planning Department work on. It was pointed out that if the reason those items are not to be addressed is a matter of resources, the city should find more. Presentation Design Review Presentation Kurt Nabbefeld, Kathy Bell and Lindsay Kershner provided an overview of the Design Review process. Lindsay shared that this process includes what design review is; why the city has this requirement; where (and to what development) the design review requirement apply; what the criteria is for each specific district; and the process an applicant follows to obtain a design review permit. Staff also shared that the Design Review process will be updated in an effort to clarify and standardize the requirements. PUBLIC HEARING #1 Cordata Area 1 Comprehensive Plan Amendment. McKayla Dunfey introduced the docketed application that originally requested Area 1 of the Cordata Neighborhood be rezoned and the reference to “Town Center” be removed; however, she noted that staff prepared an alternative option that would allow residential uses outright and retain the full range of uses permitted under the “Town Center” designation for the Commission’s consideration. She pointed out that the applicant has expressed support for this option. McKayla provided some background for this proposal and shared the site location in Area 1 of the Cordata Neighborhood, as well as the existing uses of this area. She stated the proposal is consistent with the Growth Management Act (GMA) and achieves the goals and polices in the Comprehensive Plan. She stated that staff recommends approval of the amended proposal. There was a brief discussion on why staff chose to recommend the “Town Center” designation be retained and how they came to the determination that the proposal meets the GMA goals specified in the staff report. Brad Swanson addressed the Commission as the applicant’s representative and expressed their support for staff’s recommendation. Public Hearing Opened Kate McDonald expressed concern about the “Town Center” references being removed from the Cordata PUD for this area and would encourage the Commission to move staff’s recommendation forward to City Council. Public Hearing Closed There was concern expressed that by allowing residential outright, there will be no development of commercial for the surrounding community to enjoy. It was pointed out that although this area is a good distance away from grocery options, there is no guarantee that a grocery store would be built if the commercial use was required. Staff shared that this area is approximately 50% critical area, which will make for commercial development very challenging given the parking that would be required. MOTION: Jed Ballew / Rose Lathrop moved to adopt the findings of fact as written in the February 17th staff report and forward a recommendation of approval to allow residential outright in Area 1 of the Cordata neighborhood to City Council. VOTE: Motion Passes 6-1 (Plaskett opposed) PUBLIC HEARING #2 Sunnyland Area 1A Comprehensive Plan Amendment McKayla Dunfey introduced the docketed application that requested to rezone the property located at 2948 James Street (Area 1, Sunnyland Neighborhood) from Residential, Single to Residential Multi (RM) Multiple/Mixed. She mentioned that after applying the RM regulations to this site, staff determined that a Residential Multi, Planned designation was more appropriate. She pointed out that the applicant has expressed support for staff’s proposed alternative designation. McKayla explained that the Planned use qualifier will help to ensure that the impacts to surrounding areas are lessened and site specific concerns are addressed due to the Director approval requirement. She provided some background for this proposal and shared the site location in Area 1 of the Sunnyland Neighborhood, as well as the historical uses of this area. She stated the proposal is consistent with the Growth Management Act (GMA) and achieves the goals and polices in the Comprehensive Plan. She stated that staff recommends approval of the amended proposal, including the new creation of an Area 14. There was a brief discussion about the proposed language in the zoning table. Brad Swanson addressed the Commission as the applicant’s representative and expressed their support for staff’s recommendation. Public Hearing Opened No comment Public Hearing Closed There was a brief conversation about the proposed traffic control of a no left turn. Staff clarified that these types of decisions would be worked out when a development proposal was submitted. MOTION: Rose Lathrop / Mike McAuley moved to adopt the findings of fact as written and amended in the February 17th staff report and forward a recommendation of approval to rezone this site to Residential Multi, Planned to City Council. VOTE: Motion Passes 7-0 Old/New Business Greg Aucutt announced that the new Planning Director will be joining the Department on March 1st. Adjournment Minutes prepared by: _ Heather Aven________________ Heather Aven, Recording Secretary Minutes edited by Planning Commission members and various Planning Staff.