Planning Commission Agendas

CITY OF MOSES LAKE, WASHINGTON CITY OF MOSES LAKE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES June 11, 2026 Commissioners Present: Nathan Nofziger (Chair), Charles Hepburn (Vice Chair), Howard Homesley, Gary Mann Commissioners Absent: Cody Davis Staff Present: Planning Manager Vivian Ramsey, Senior Planner Nathan Pate, Assistant Planner Amy Harris, Planning Division Technician Sandi Greer The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. Roll Call and Attendance: Sandi Greer confirmed that all Commissioners were present except Commissioner Davis. Commissioner Nofziger moved to excuse commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Hepburn. Motion passed. Vice Chair Hepburn moved to approve the minutes for the May 14th meeting, seconded by Commissioner Homesley. Motion passed. Workshop-Commercial Site Development Amendment Senior Planner Nathan Pate introduced the proposed Commercial Site Development regulations, which are part of the City Council 2026 Docket items. Mr. Pate provided an overview of the 2026 Docket items. 1) Applicability Threshold for Parking Improvements, scheduled for public hearing in July. 2) Commercial Site Development Regulation. 3) Architectural Design. 4) Conditional Use Permit process to consider whether a CUP would be reviewed by hearing examiner or be processed administratively. Also determining which types of CUP’s could be approved through a more effective process. Lastly there’s the proposal for open-air markets. Mr. Pate explained that the proposed amendment would allow the city to consolidate multiple permits into a single permit process for one site. As an example, he noted that while a developer may view a project as one comprehensive development, the city currently processes multiple permits for the same project, including fire permits for hydrants and hydrant locations, civil work permits, building permits, and right-of-way permits. Mr. Pate stated that the goal of the proposed amendment is to allow an overall comprehensive project to be processed in a more collective Page | 1 321 S. Balsam St. · PO Box 1579 · Moses Lake, WA 98837 Office: 509 764-3743 · Fax: 509 764-3739 · www.moseslakewa.gov manner. Mr. Pate stated that the proposed amendment is intended to apply only to commercial and multi-family projects initially, with the potential to expand to industrial projects in the future. Commissioner Mann stated that, based on his reading of the code, the Site Development Permit would need to be obtained prior to the Building Permit and suggested changing that requirement. Chair Nofziger stated his understanding of the code indicates the commercial Site Development Permit is a separate requirement and should not be replaced by other required permits. Mr. Pate suggested that the language be changed to allow the permits to be processed concurrently. The chair asked whether there would be any benefit to utilizing prior/concurrent, noting that some applicants prefer to have all approvals completed prior to applying for building permit. Commissioner Mann provided an example, stating that if a five-plex were proposed on a lot, it would be difficult to obtain a Site Development Permit without knowing the specifics of the proposed building. Mr. Pate responded that the Site Development Permit could be used to prepare the site by installing utilities such as sewer and water, completing site improvements, and initiating the SEPA process prior to building permit process. Chair Nofziger asked whether the Site Development Permit application language could be revised to allow for a SEPA-triggering event. He also noted that the code includes a purpose statement in Section 15.750.10 and suggested utilizing that section to clarify the intent and purpose of the standard. Mr. Pate agreed, stating that SEPA could go with the Site Development Permit. Also stating that the purpose statement could be revised to explain that the Site Development Permit may also be used as a site preparation permit up to flat work. Chair Nofziger asked about the submittal requirements for the Site Development Permit and suggested including a statement outlining the City's expectations for project plans and specifications, including grading, utilities, and structures, to provide a more comprehensive description of the required submittals. He also asked whether there is a way, through this process, to consolidate all building-related permits for a single project so that applicants can receive all permits necessary for the development at one time. He also suggested that the City consider an alternative payment process. He explained that, for organizations such as the school district, paying permit fees individually can be challenging because each payment requires school board approval before the Grant County Treasurer can issue a check. He suggested establishing a deposit account that the City could draw from as permit fees are incurred to help streamline the payment process. Mr. Pate stated he would investigate both suggestions. Chair Nofziger asked when the Site Development Permit would expire. Mr. Pate responded that, at this time, the proposed code does not include an expiration period and asked the Commissioners for their thoughts on establishing one. Discussion included the possibility of a one-year or three-year expiration period or allowing the duration to be negotiated based on the scope of the project, recognizing that some developments may have a five- to ten-year build-out. Commissioner Homesley asked whether the discussion was centered on a fixed calendar expiration or an expiration based on a period of inactivity. He commented that if a project is Page | 2 actively progressing, a permit should not expire solely because a specified amount of time has passed. Commissioner Mann provided an example from another jurisdiction, explaining that their permits would expire if there were no activity for six months. He also suggested phased periods, as long as you meet these phases the permit remains active. Such as completing required inspections at least every six months. Mr. Pate suggested utilizing the building permit language under Appendix J. Planning Commission discussed the upcoming public hearing on the proposed parking amendments, scheduled for July 16th. Mr. Pate suggested that the Building Official attend the next meeting to discuss building permitting and fees. Commission Comments and/or Questions Commission Nofziger asked if there were any commissioner/staff comments. Commissioner Mann stated that he and Vivian attended a stakeholders committee meeting with the Nexus consultant on Friday, June 5th. Vivian identified several attendees, including representatives from the EDC, Theresa from the Grant County Health District, Brian Thoreson from Hayden Homes, Bob Fancher, Kim Foster, and Houston Aho, who attended online. A joint meeting between the City Council and the Planning Commission is scheduled for July 21st. There were no further comments or questions from the Commissioners or staff. Chair Nofziger called for a motion to adjourn. M/S Homesley/Hepburn. Meeting adjourned at 7:01p.m. Page | 3