Advanced Plans Committee

Advance Plans Committee Summary of Meeting Thursday, May 6, 2021 Meeting is conducted virtually via GoTo Meetings Attendance AP Committee Members: Bill Johnson, (Chair), Chuck Warren, Joe Johnson (arrived late), Bob Dool, Rob Hartman (arrived late) and Ann Fox; Members Absent: Cindy Miles MAPD staff: Scott Wadle, Mary M. Hunt, Stephen Banks, Matt Williams, Paul Schiffelbein; Other: None; Discussion Summary 1. The meeting commenced at 10:31am with Chair Bill Johnson welcomed committee members. 2. Mary Hunt reviewed the agenda for today’s meeting. 3. Chairman Johnson asked for an approval of the April 8, 2021 meeting summary. Mr. Dool made the motion to approve; Mr. Warren second the motion; the motion was approved unanimously, 4 to 0 with three members absent for the vote. Chairman Johnson asked for approval of the April 22, 2021 meeting summary. Mr. Dool made the motion to approve; Mr. Warren second the motion; the motion was approved unanimously, 4 to 0 with three members absent for the vote. 4. Scott Wadle, Planning Director shared information on the duplex design standards proposed in the Places for People plan. The challenge we face is driven by design standards for duplex development on 50 foot wide lots. Scott reiterated the Places for People process and why walkability is an important part of the Places for People plan. He further explained that a recent case before the MAPC has prompted today’s discussion. The proposed zoning changes would shorten the approval process for duplex development in SF-5 (Single-Family) from the current 75-day process to approximately 2-3 weeks. Examples of possible duplex development layouts were presented to the Committee. The particular case in question was re-visited comparing the developers’ proposal and the overlay conditions agreed to for the zoning action. Various examples were presented including placing the garages in the back of the structure and a version with a carport placed in the front of the building. It was suggested that going forward it is necessary to have illustrations that illustrate the intention of the design requirements. Staff is interested in working with an architect to provide solutions to the challenge of working with 50 foot wide lots that are common in Wichita. Going forward, staff will not recommend the application of proposed guidelines until this is worked through. Furthermore, staff will work with MABCD on reviewing building applications where design standards are applied to an application. Advanced Plans Committee Meeting Summary – May 6, 2021 1  As staff works on this issue, we will keep the Advance Plans Committee apprised of developments. Commissioner Fox said buildings materials make a big difference in how buildings appear to the viewer; i.e. wood products vs other materials. 5. S. Wadle provided an update on the Incentives portion of implementing the Places for People plan. Staff has worked with consulting firm, Development Strategies with developing the next steps and exploring the use of the NRP (Neighborhood Revitalization Program) and the Affordable Housing Fund. Staff is working with the City Managers’ office for further direction. 6. S. Wadle shared information about a community meeting that took place recently regarding short-term rental issues. Mr. Wadle reviewed the current Bed and Breakfast (B&B) code requirements and compared it to Hotel/Motel land uses. Most Air B&B operating in the city is likely operating illegally. Mr. Wadle reviewed the code enforcement issues and challenges as investigations are conducted through a complaint basis only. Staff continues to examine the issue and will return to the Advance Plans Committee when there is news to report. 7. S. Wadle reviewed the heavy caseloads currently experienced in the Planning Department. Caseloads are exceeding 20 cases in the upcoming June 3, 2021 meeting of the MAPC. The concern is the limited staff to manage the quantity of cases coming into the department. Staff is working with a recruitment firm to fill the Current Plans Division Manager position. The department is currently recruiting for the Planning Tech and Administrative Aide positions. If the proposed reorganization is approved by the City Council, the department anticipates hiring a Division Supervisor for Administration. Should the pace of development cases continue, staff may enter in discussions with the Advance Plans Committee about placing a cap on the number of cases allowed per MAPC meeting. There are trade-offs with this option. S. Wadle has requested to do advance fill on two positions due to planned retirements in 2022. Recruitment will take place with the American Planning Association website, the State chapters of the American Planning Association and state universities. Currently the challenge is identifying applicants. 8. Chairman Bill Johnson reminded the members the next meeting of the Advance Plans Committee will take place on Thursday, June 3, 2021 beginning at 10:30 am. 9. With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:21 am. Advanced Plans Committee Meeting Summary – May 6, 2021 2