Planning Commission

Planning Commission Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Thursday 7:00 PM November 16, 2023 City Council Chambers Video Recorded https://meetings.cob.org -Call to Order The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by the Vice-Chair at 7:00 PM. Present: Jed Ballew, Barbara Plaskett, Mike McAuley, Russ Whidbee, Rose Lathrop and Scott Jones Absent: Mike Estes 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 Chris Behee introduced the public hearing topics and explained that most proposed amendments are coming forward to correct, clarify and simplify. It was pointed out that the code changes coming before the Commission are minor in nature, and there are a few new standards being introduced. Kathy Bell reviewed the proposed corrections and clarifications, as well as the new code provisions being introduced, across all four titles. There was a conversation about the extension of the expiration dates of permits. It was clarified that if there was an extension granted, under the proposed amendment, it would extend the vested status of the entire project to the longest approved duration of time. There was a brief discussion about why the lot transition amendment is being proposed. Staff shared some examples to help explain. There was a comment concerning the proposed amendments to the impact fee provision about the one-year time limit for reconstruction or rebuilding a damaged or destroyed dwelling and it was suggested that this time limit is very restrictive and should be reconsidered. Public Comment Darcy Jones shared some concerns about the grading ordinance, which made it hard to move dirt around on a project site. He mentioned that when they cannot stock-pile it onsite they have to truck it away. He also mentioned that the PUD Ordinance was deemed unnecessary and no longer needed by a previous planning director. He would like to see a master-planning ordinance re-instated even though there is a development agreement process. Perry Eskridge also spoke to the grading ordinance and the storage of dirt. He stated that this work should have been done previously, as he has notes that date back to 2018 stating that it will be a top priority. Staff responded to the public comment. 1. BMC Chapter 19 p. 2 The concern about the one-year time limit was reiterated. It was pointed out that sometimes it could take months for a property owner to secure professional design assistance. There was a brief conversation about why a house can be abandoned and still standing for longer than one-year, but a destroyed home needs to be rebuilt in one-year. MOTION: Rose Lathrop/Mike McAuley moved to accept the Findings of Fact, Conclusions and Recommendations as modified to extend the proposed one-year limit to two years and forward a recommendation of approval to City Council. VOTE: Motion fails 2-4 (McAuley, Jones, Plaskett, Whidbee opposed) MOTION: Mike McAuley moved to accept the Findings of Fact, Conclusions and Recommendations as modified to remove the time limit for rebuilding all together and forward a recommendation of approval to City Council. No second to the motion. MOTION: Scott Jones/Barbara Plaskett moved to accept the Findings of Fact, Conclusions and Recommendations as proposed in the November 16, 2023 staff report and forward a recommendation of approval to City Council. VOTE: Motion passes 4-2 (Lathrop and McAuley opposed) 2. BMC Chapter 20 p. 12 MOTION: Barbara Plaskett/Mike McAuley moved to accept the Findings of Fact, Conclusions and Recommendations as proposed in the November 16, 2023 staff report and forward a recommendation of approval to City Council. There was general support for the proposed changes. VOTE: Motion passes 6-0  3. BMC Chapter 21 p. 53 MOTION: Rose Lathrop/Barbara Plaskett moved to accept the Findings of Fact, Conclusions and Recommendations as proposed in the November 16, 2023 staff report and forward a recommendation of approval to City Council. There was general support for the proposed changes. VOTE: Motion passes 6-0 4. BMC Chapter 23 p. 71 There was some concern expressed that what someone can do on their private property is influenced by the lot next door. MOTION: Scott Jones/Barbara Plaskett moved to accept the Findings of Fact, Conclusions and Recommendations as proposed in the November 16, 2023 staff report and forward a recommendation of approval to City Council. VOTE: Motion passes 4-2 (Lathrop and McAuley opposed) There was a brief discussion on HB1110 and how it will impact the work done on the Comprehensive Plan. Other Business 1. Director's Report Chris Behee shared an update on the work that has been considered by the Commission and also has moved through City Council. Adjournment Minutes prepared by: ____________________________________________ Heather Aven, Recording Secretary Minutes edited by both staff and Planning Commission members.