Planning Commission

Wednesday, July 22, 2026 6:00 PM Planning Commission Council Chambers, 190 SE Crestview Street Page A. ROLL CALL Chair: John Anderson Vice-Chair: Joe O'Callaghan Commissioners: Scott Hodge Jeff Joswig-Jones Lorena O'English Angela Taylor Page 1 of 11 B. MINUTES 1. Please review the attached minutes from the previous meeting for approval. 3 6.24.26 PC Regular Meeting Minutes Draft.pdf Recordings of the meetings can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1tgOnQy85tPVOr1I9D2MB94gexFIMvxW C. REGULAR BUSINESS 1. Discussion of Planning Commission Goals and Council Goals 9 On June 16, 2026, the City Council adopted its Goals and Priorities for 2026–2028. The Commission will discuss how the current goals align with the adopted Council Goals and Priorities. 2026-2028 Pullman Goals and Priorities.pdf In January 2025, the Commission discussed possible goals. Staff has included the goals discussed at that meeting. Planning Commission Goals_DRAFT.docx D. OTHER BUSINESS E. UPCOMING MEETINGS 1. August 26, 2026 2. September 23, 2026 3. October 28, 2026 F. ADJOURNMENT Page 2 of 11  CITY OF PULLMAN PLANNING COMMISSION Regular Meeting Minutes June 24, 2026 The City of Pullman Planning Commission held a regular meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in Council Chambers, City Hall, 190 SE Crestview, Building A, Pullman, Washington, with Chair John Anderson presiding. ROLL CALL: Present: Anderson, Taylor, O’Callaghan, O’English, Excused: Hodge, Joswig-Jones Staff: Lott, Medeiros, Carey ANDERSON Called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM and called roll. MOTION O’English moved to approve the May 27, 2026 regular meeting minutes as prepared by staff. Seconded by Taylor and passed unanimously. REGULAR BUSINESS The Planning Commission previously discussed moving the Adopt Bylaw Amendments start time of the regular meetings to earlier in the day. Staff completed a Bylaw update, changing the start time to 6 and making minor changes to better align with current procedures. The draft Bylaws were reviewed by the City Attorney prior to the last meeting. Attached is the draft document incorporating discussion from the last meeting. O’English had two corrections: 1. On the top of page 5, Section 9: Public Hearing Procedure, A, second paragraph, the sentence that reads “Quasi-Judicial public hearings it involves” should have the word “it” removed. 2. Section 11: Review of Record; the last sentence that reads “If the member has not listened to the entire recording or reviewed all exhibits, they will not participate in the continuation of the hearing.” The word “or” should be changed to “and”. Anderson said the document should refer to the “Chair” and not “Chairperson”. The Commission discussed the Quasi- Judicial Public Hearing portion and noticed that not all procedures are listed. Staff said these are in the rules of Page 3 of 11 Planning Commission June 24, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 6 procedure, so they aren’t required in the bylaws. O’English suggested adding “Additional policies and procedures are included in the Rules of Procedure”. O’English would like to add the statement “members serve 4-year terms” to the bylaws. MOTION Taylor moved to accept the bylaws as amended this evening. Seconded by O’English and passed unanimously. REGULAR BUSINESS This zone change application requests an amendment of the Conduct simultaneous public zoning classification from R4 High-Density Multi-Family hearings to review and Residential to C1 Neighborhood Commercial on property recommend action on the northeast of the intersection of NE California Street and NE proposed zone change and Monroe Street, on College Hill, and includes a request to Comprehensive Plan Land Use amend the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map from High Plan Map amendment involving Density to Commercial for the subject property. The the rezoning of approximately opinions expressed in the "Staff Analysis" section of the staff 15,980 square feet located in the report represent the professional judgement of Planning northeast corner of the Staff. There were no comments or concerns from the Fire intersection of NE California Department, Protective Inspections Division, or Public Street and NE Monroe Street. Works Department. Two additional comment letters, other than what was provided in the application, were provided from the College Hill Association and Timo Werronen. Staff answered a question from the Commission by stating that the slope on the Monroe side of the property is 60%; it is short but steep. Anderson read the rules of procedure for a quasi-judicial public hearing, administered the oath or affirmation for those wishing to provide testimony during the hearing, and asked qualifying questions; all Commissioners were deemed qualified. Anderson opened the public comment portion of the hearing. PROPONENT Wu introduced himself as the applicant. He answered Wei-Jyh Wu questions from the Commission, stating he currently has a 1615 NW Nicole Street business in the mall near campus, and he is anticipating Pullman, WA 99163 putting in an apartment above a market in the subject building. He opined that this market will be a benefit to the surrounding properties and college students walking to classes. He is not anticipating any increase in vehicular traffic; he mostly sees and expects college student foot traffic. Page 4 of 11 Planning Commission June 24, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 6 NUETRAL PARTY Munch-Rotolo introduced herself as a member of the College Allison Munch-Rotolo Hill Association (CHA), and the sender of the comment letter 635 NE Illinois Street with context about the property. She stated that they Pullman, WA 99163 conditionally support this request, but since this property is adjacent to a historic district, they are concerned that a rezone approves everything allowed in C1. Munch-Rotolo stated the CHA is on board with mixed use, but they don’t want delivery services, increased traffic, bright lights, and loud music outside. DISCUSSION The Commission discussed what types of businesses could be placed in the C1 zone and possibly putting limitations on this zone change. Anderson said there are a lot of letters supporting the market but not increased traffic/delivery drivers. The Commission agreed that even if they didn’t allow eateries, there would still be the potential for deliveries from any business. Staff answered questions from the Commission by stating:  The Planning Division has no issues with limiting the C1 zone.  Zones do extend to centerlines of roads.  C1 is the only zone that can be an “island” since it is supposed to be a neighborhood-sized commercial zone.  Staff doesn’t see any issues changing this to a C1 or limited C1.  If it is limited to exclude eateries, there wouldn’t be the ability for a coffee shop with a bakery.  There are two parking lots and possibly three if they turn the current basketball court into parking. PROPONENT Wu answered questions from the commission, stating he is Wei-Jyh Wu ok with the C1 zone being limited to retail businesses. 1615 NW Nicole Street Pullman, WA 99163 MOTION In the matter of Resolution PC-2026-04, O’Callaghan moved to adopt Findings of Fact 1-23 as prepared by staff. Seconded by O’English and passed unanimously. MOTION In the matter of Resolution PC-2026-04, O’Callaghan moved to adopt Conclusions 1-10 as prepared by staff. Seconded by O’English and passed unanimously. Page 5 of 11 Planning Commission June 24, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 6 MOTION In the matter of Resolution PC-2026-04, O’Callaghan moved to adopt as its formal decision that the proposed amendment of the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map change from R4 High-Density Multi-Family Residential to C1 Neighborhood Commercial-Limited, with the limitation being for retail services only, for the property described herein, is hereby forwarded to City Council with a recommendation of approval. Seconded by O’English and passed unanimously by way of roll call vote. MOTION In the matter of Resolution PC-2026-05, O’Callaghan moved to adopt Findings of Fact 1-23 as prepared by staff. Seconded by O’English and passed unanimously. MOTION In the matter of Resolution PC-2026-04, Anderson moved to add Finding of Fact No. 24 stating, “Allison Munch-Rotolo speaking on behalf of the College Hill Association, stated the opinion that the neighborhood would support only certain activities within the C1 zone that would likely not increase traffic significantly, including the retail establishment proposed by the proponent.” Seconded by O’English and passed unanimously. MOTION In the matter of Resolution PC-2026-05, Anderson moved to add Finding of Fact No. 25 stating, “In a letter dated June 17, 2026, the College Hill Association stated that part of Monroe Street on the edge of the property in question lacks a sidewalk that is necessary for enhanced pedestrian safety On this issue, the CHA concluded: "We urge the City to require sidewalk improvements along the Monroe Street frontage as part of any redevelopment."”. Seconded by O’English and passed unanimously. MOTION In the matter of Resolution PC-2026-05, O’Callaghan moved to adopt Conclusions 1-10 as prepared by staff. Seconded by O’English and passed unanimously. DISCUSSION Medeiros answered questions from the Commission, stating:  That sidewalks are a Public Works Department requirement that is likely triggered by right-of-way work or a certain dollar amount.  There are illumination standards in City Code.  If an environmental checklist is triggered, there is a historic preservation section and the Department of Page 6 of 11 Planning Commission June 24, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 6 Archaeology and Historic Preservation does have the chance to comment on all environmental checklists. Lott answered questions from the Commission, stating that site plan review could trigger sidewalks being required, not a zone change. MOTION In the matter of Resolution PC-2026-05, Anderson moved to add Conclusion 11 stating, “Pedestrian safety and suitability of the property for commercial purposes will be enhanced if the City requires construction of a sidewalk along Monroe Street as a condition for redevelopment.” Seconded by O’English and passed unanimously. MOTION In the matter of Resolution PC-2026-05, Anderson moved to add Conclusion 12 stating, “This property is suitable only for retail establishments among the uses allowed in the C1 zone.” Seconded by O’English and passed unanimously. MOTION In the matter of resolution PC-2026-05, O’Callaghan moved that the Commission adopt as its formal decision that the proposed zone change from R4 High-Density Multi-Family Residential to C1 Neighborhood Commercial-Limited, with the limitation being for retail services only, for the property described herein, be forwarded to City Council with a recommendation of approval. Seconded by O’English and passed unanimously by way of roll call vote. OTHER BUSINESS Anderson said the City Council accepted the proposal for short-term rentals. According to the newspaper, three members of the public commented at the Council meeting who didn’t come to the Planning Commission’s public hearing with their opposition comments. He opined that the Council may be more influenced by in-person remakrs than by the fifty-plus letters and comments previously submitted to the Planning Commission. He suggested staff re-introduce information from the Commission and reinforce how many comments they receive. Staff did speak with the City Attorney because staff was under the impression that public comment was closed after the public hearing; however, since it is Legislative, the City Council can take additional Page 7 of 11 Planning Commission June 24, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 6 comments on it after the public hearing. With a Quasi- Judicial proceeding, they can’t. Staff can tell the City Council about previous public comments, including the number of written and verbal. Taylor announced that July 22, 2026, will be her last meeting. Staff said the vacancies have been posted on the website. One application has been received already. UYPCOMING MEETINGS July 22, 2026 – No conflicts noted. August 26, 2026 – No conflicts noted. September 23, 2026 – No conflicts noted. MOTION Taylor moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by O’English and passed unanimously. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:24 P.M. ATTEST: Chair Community Development Director Secretary Page 8 of 11  PULLMAN CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND PRIORITIES JULY 2026 – JUNE 2028 LONG-TERM PRIORITY AREAS CITY COUNCIL WORKGROUPS Business and Economic Development Promote a year-round business community and economic growth, including a vibrant and active downtown, which recognizes border realities, emphasizes Pullman’s strengths, and involves regional collaborations. Achieved by exploring business-supportive regulations and private public partnerships for advancing the arts, business incubators, and sports complex, and reviewing RV zoning. Housing Develop and advance a long-term attainable and affordable housing plan based on current and projected housing data, which includes the intersection of ownership, long-term rentals, and lodging. Include development, private public partnerships, responsible housing practices and assistance strategies. By December 2027, advance 30 new missing middle owner-occupied housing units per year. Influence & Partnerships Develop and advance a strategic influence and partnership plan which emphasizes the importance of influence and collaboration with local, regional, border, state and national entities. Tourism Increase tourism by evaluating and updating the Strategic Tourism and Marketing Plan and working collaboratively to improve tourism experiences, lodging opportunities, and game weekends. Welcoming Promote community connections and each individual’s value through neighborhood gatherings, block and hill parties, and community and cultural events. Adopted June 16, 2026 Page 1 of 2 Page 9 of 11 ADMINISTRATIVE WORKGROUPS Transportation Routes Reduce downtown pass-through traffic by collaborating on alternative freight and transportation routes. In-town Railways Repurpose in-town railways by collaborating on alternative utilization plans. TWO-YEAR GOALS Finances Develop and implement the financial strategies, revenue policies, budgeting tools, and grant emphasis necessary to achieve healthy, sustainable funding; establish an outcomes-based budget model with clear reporting and performance dashboards; evaluate equitable utility rate options, including sliding- scale structures; and support financially realistic goals with a focus on direct services, front-line operations, and program restoration. Community Engagement and Communications Increase community accessibility, engagement, and trust with an attitude of “getting to yes”, consistent customer experience, and increased communication between elected officials, staff, volunteers, and residents. Operations Advance city operational and process needs and efficiencies. Facilities Plan and provide for future facilities and equipment needs, including assessments of current resources, growth projections, and technological advancements. Staff Support Promote a supportive work environment which values our employees, promotes wellness, and celebrates successes. Enhance recruitment and retention rates through initiatives aimed at fostering a positive work environment and providing growth opportunities. Adopted June 16, 2026 Page 2 of 2 Page 10 of 11 Planning Commission Goals • Complete a study on parking and recommend changes to the City Council • Having more site visits and tours. • Try to increase public awareness ofthe Planning Commission. • Staying current with applications in regards to zoning and the Comprehensive Plan. Page 11 of 11