Planning Commission

Planning Commission Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Thursday 7:00 PM June 1, 2023 City Council Chambers Video Recorded https://meetings.cob.org Call to Order The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by the Chair at 7:00 PM. Approval of Minutes Public Comment Period During this time, citizens may take up to three (3) minutes to address the members about any topic not on the agenda. Citizens wishing to speak during this time will be recognized by the Chair for comment. Agenda Items Public Hearing 1. Samish Neighborhood Rezone p. 2 Anya Gedrath introduced the proposed rezone for Area 1, Samish Neighborhood and Area 21, Puget Neighborhood. She reviewed the existing issues, as well as staff’s recommended changes. She explained how the rezone meets the Comprehensive Plan amendment and rezone criteria and stated that staff recommends approval of the rezone. PUBLIC HEARING COMMENT No Public testimony given. Public Hearing Closed PLANNING COMMISSION DISCUSSION There was a brief conversation about what would be allowed to be developed if the rezone were to be approved. MOTION: ROSE LATHROP / BARBARA PLASKETT MOVED TO ACCEPT THE FINDINGS OF FACT, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAINED IN THE JUNE 1, 2023 STAFF REPORT AND FORWARD A RECOMMENDATION OF APPROVAL OF THE REZONES TO AREA 1, SAMISH NEIGHBORHOOD AND AREA 21, PUGET NEIGHBORHOOD TO CITY COUNCIL. VOTE: ALL AYES (MOTION PASSES 6-0) 2. Lindshier Avenue Rezone p. 71 Sydney Prusak introduced the proposed rezone for Area 1, Irongate Neighborhood. She shared some background information and site context. She reviewed staff’s analysis and recommended changes. She explained how the rezone meets the Comprehensive Plan amendment criteria and stated that staff recommends approval of the rezone. PUBLIC HEARING COMMENT Bill Geyer shared a written comment with the Commission that included nine key points that would support a recommendation of approval for rezoning the subject sight from industrial to residential. However, he requested that the Commission consider adding the site to Area 28 instead of Area 1, Barkley Neighborhood which would allow for more density. Public Hearing Closed PLANNING COMMISSION DISCUSSION There was a discussion about the differences in what each area would allow for development. Staff shared the reasons that this property could not be added to Area 28, but explained that if the Commission wanted to allow the subject site the same provisions as Area 28, a new subarea would need to be created for the property. Chris Behee commented on what would be allowed with HB1110 (Middle Housing Bill) when it is fully enacted. It was pointed out that since there are a lot of wetlands on the site, the cluster provision might be necessary to realize the desired density. MOTION: ROSE LATHROP / MIKE ESTES MOVED TO ACCEPT THE FINDINGS OF FACT, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAINED IN THE JUNE 1, 2023 STAFF REPORT AS MODIFIED TO HAVE STAFF CREATE A NEW SUBAREA IN THE BARKLEY NEIGHBORHOOD AS RESIDENTIAL, SINGLE; 7,200 SQ. FT. LOT SIZE; CLUSTER PROVISION AND ANY OTHER SPECIAL CONDITIONS STAFF DEEMS NECESSARY AND FORWARD A RECOMMENDATION OF APPROVAL TO CITY COUNCIL. VOTE: ALL AYES (MOTION PASSES 6-0) Other Business 1. Director's Report Staff reviewed the upcoming meetings. Adjournment Minutes prepared by: ____________________________________________ Heather Aven, Recording Secretary Minutes edited by both staff and Planning Commission members.