HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Planning and Economic Development Committee - 01/25/1993 KENT PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
October 25, 1993
The meeting of the Kent Planning Commission was called to order by
Acting Chair Heineman at 7:00 pm on October 25, 1993 in the Kent
City Hall, Chambers West.
PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Edward Heineman, Jr. , Acting Chair
Gwen Dahle
Kenneth Dozier
Albert Haylor
Robert MacIssac
Janette Nuss
Raymond Ward
PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBER ABSENT:
Christopher Grant
Kent Morrill, excused
PLANNING STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
James P. Harris, Planning Director
Fred Satterstrom, Planning Manager
Matt Jackson, Planner
Kevin O'Neill, Planner
Laura Evezich, Assistant City Attorney
Ed White, Traffic Engineer
Chris Holden, Recording secretary
APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 27 , 1993 MINUTES
MOTION MADE and SECONDED to accept the September 27 , 1993 minutes
as presented. MOTION CARRIED.
NOTICE OF UPCOMING MEETINGS
Mr. Harris informed the Commissioners that a Capital Facilities
Plan meeting is sheduled to held on November 30, 1993 from 5-9 PM.
#CPA-93-2 CHESTNUT RIDGE
An amendment to add a newly annexed area of Kent to the City's
Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Map. The area is bounded by
S. 200th Street on the north, 100th Avenue S. on the east, S. 208th
Street on the south and 92nd Avenue S. on the west. City staff is
recommending that the area be designated as SF 6, Single Family,
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October 25, 1993 -
north of 208th Street and SF 1, Single Family, south of 208th
Street.
Matt Jackson, Planning, showed the newly annexed on the view foil.
The area was annexed on April 6," 1993 by Ordinance #3099. The
interim zoning for the area is R1-20, Single Family, 20, 000 square
feet minimum lot size. The area is mainly single family residences
with one school, Springbrook Elementary.
Most of the lot sizes can be put into two groups: 8 to 101000
square feet and 1 to 1= acres. However, there are some under-
developed parcels in the area as well as significant environmental
constraints. Some slopes in the area range between 3 and 4
percent and others exceed 25 percent. Slopes which are above 15
percent can have significant hazard area development restrictions.
Mr. Jackson pointed out on the view foil the location of the
significant slopes areas.
The Chestnut Ridge area was under the King County Soos Creek Plan
with designations of single family. The King County designation
for the area was Urban and the Soos Creek Plan designated the areas
as single family with a density of four to eight units per acre.
This area was also under the King County Phase 1 designation. _
Mr. Jackson commented that the majority of surrounding land use in
the area has been designated as single family. In addition, there
is a golf driving range being constructed in the area.
Mr. Jackson remarked that the Single Family Designated Area Overlay
should be amended to include this annexation area.
There are two alternatives recommended. Alternative 1 is SF 61
Single Family Residential, 4 to 6 units per acre north of S. 208th
Street and SF 1, Single Family Residential, one unit per acre for
the large parcel between S. 208th Street and S. 212th Street.
Alternative 2 designates the portion between S. 208th Street and
S. 212th Street and a portion north of S. 208th Street, extending
650 feet east of 92nd Avenue S. , and north 850 feet, as MF 12,
Multifamily Residential, 7 to 12 units per acre. The remaining
area should be designated SF 6.
Mr. Jackson commented the justification behind the SF 1 designation
is because of the significant slopes in the area as well as the
fact that Garrison Creek is in the area. About 29 acres are
located within this designation.
Chair Heineman asked if the public would like to comment.
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October 25, 1993
Ron Harmon, 20627 95th Avenue S. , commented that in the area
designated as SF 1, there are very steep slopes. In addition there
are also wetlands in the area.
Gale Harmon, 10627 95th Avenue S. , spoke about the development of
the valley over the years. She felt it was very important to keep
green belt areas. There are several animals and birds located in
this area. She favors having zoning of R1-9 . 6 or one unit per
acre. Ms. Harmon pointed out on the view foil where she resides.
She lives on three-quarters of an acre overlooking the valley.
Bill Scribner, 20424 92nd Avenue S. , commented there are water
problems in the area. He commented he's lived here for twenty
years. He resides below the Chestnut Ridge area. He stated there
has always been some water seepage in the area but since the hill
has been developed, there have been serious water problems. King
County put in a drain down the hill to help the water problem, but
the water problem became worse. In the past 20 years, two areas
have slid off the hill. One landslide block 92nd Avenue S. for
three days. Mr. Scribner pointed out where he resides on the view
foil. He felt that more development would create more problems.
Mr. Scribner pointed out on the view foil where some bulldozing had
been done. Since that time, the water flooding problem has become
even worse. Mr. Scribner was in favor on Alternative 1. He
submitted some three pictures to the record.
Randal Thomson, 9406 S. 205th Place, pointed out his residence on
the view foil. Mr. Thomson commented that since the Chestnut area
was developed, there have been two instances of flooding under his
house. Last year he redid his drainage system because of water
flooding his garage. Mr. Thomson remarked about water problems in
the areas. He felt there shouldn't be any building allowed on the
hillside because of the steepness of the slopes. Mr. Thomson
talked about exiting the area and the difficulty in getting onto
212th. He mentioned the 208th and 212th intersection is actually
a three-way intersection and if there' s an accident, which seems to
be about once a week, then all the traffic gets backed up. The
soil in the area is mainly clay.
Edward Schemeta, 9405 S. 205th Place, lives across the street from
Mr. Thomson. He showed his residence on the view foil.
Mr. Schemeta commented the area has been developing and changing
since 1977 when he moved into his residence. He was very pleased
about being informed by the City of what is happening as well as
being able to participate in the hearings and meetings regarding
the area. Mr. Schemeta talked about the development of high
density creating traffic problems. If any development is allowed
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on the hillside, traffic will become really terrible. He didn't
see how anyone could safely enter or exit that area. Mr. Schemeta
remarked that 208th would have to be expanded to be a four-lane
road with a left-turn lane. He mentioned Saar Cemetary and the
loss of a historical site. He is in favor of Alternative 1 but
would really prefer to have the entire area be zoned SF 1.
Jonn Kastien, 20609 94th Avenue S. , pointed out location of
residence on the view foil. Mr. Kastien commented they live on the
edge of the ridge and the slopes are quite steep. He recommends
that someone should come out and look at the area. Mr. Kastien
felt that SF 1, minimally, should extend up through the valley. In
the staff report on page 2 , paragraph 2 , there is a comment about
no wetlands are on the site. Mr. Kastien, however, had a letter
from the King County Conservation District stating there were two
wetlands on the site. Mr. Kastien submitted the letter to the
record.
Norma Kastien, 20609 94th Avenue S. , would like the SF 1
designation extended further and would like to see Alternative 1
approved. Ms. Kastien commented that there are several residences
located along the ridge. She stated the soil consists mainly of
Alderwood soil which is very erodible. She commented she has a
view from her lot. However, she wasn't concerned about the view.
Ms. Kastien was more concerned about the impact of major
development causing a disturbance to the soils and slopes which
would create problems. Their property is about a quarter of an
acre in size.
Mr. Harmon commented that the requests to extend the SF 1
designation would be where the MF 12 designation is being shown on
Alternative 2 .
Howard Woodward, 9623 S. 203rd Street, pointed out location of
property on the view foil. Mr. Woodward is also representing the
Chestnut Ridge Homeowners Association. He pointed out on the view
foil the slopes in the area. He mentioned another development in
the King County area that the driveways are very long and v-sloped
inward to catch the water because the slopes are very severe. The
Homeowners Association prefers the area be designated as shown
under Alternative 1. Mr. Woodward expressed concerns about the
traffic and water problems especially if further development takes
place.
Joel Ross, 1662 Dahlia Lane, Tumwater, WA, representing the
property owner of the 29-acre parcel bounded by 208th and 212th
Street. He pointed out the property on the view foil. Mr. Ross
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commented that because of the extreme slopes of the hillside and
other sensitive areas on the site, the site's best developable use
would be to construct cluster housing instead of the single-family
housing. He mentioned that his presentation is focused on the
zoning portion because there is no appropriate zoning available to
develop the property in a low-density manner. He would like to
read into the record a letter he prepared stating the reasons for
the cluster housing zoning. Mr. Ross commented the property
owners do not desire either Comprehensive Plan designation which
would be more fully understood after hearing the letter.
At this point, Mr. Harris succinctly stated that this testimony
should be heard under the zoning portion of the hearing and not the
Comprehensive Plan portion. Mr. Ross retired until time for public
testimony on zoning.
Andrew Fuller, 20628 95th Avenue S. , pointed out the location of
his residence. Mr. Fuller commented that any increase in
development over the larger single-family housing developments
would be unfortunate. Kent already has a large proportion of
multifamily housing and there would have to be a very compelling
reason why more multifamily housing would be constructed in Kent.
Mr. Fuller felt the potential sliding of the hillside if there was
development, and the increase in traffic congestion should
determine that higher density is unacceptable. He understood that
cluster housing is a large number of dwellings are constructed in
one area and then more common yard area is provided. This would
make sense if the steep slopes or other sensitive areas were left
undisturbed. He was in favor of Alternative #1.
Anne MacTavish, 20437 94th Avenue S, pointed out where she resides.
Ms. MacTavish is in favor of Planning staff' s recommendation for a
Comprehensive plan alternative 1, although her preference would be
for a lessor density. This is mainly because of the steep slopes
in the area. Ms. MacTavish commented that when the Chestnut Ridge
development was constructed, their residence started having
flooding problems. They had. to put in a new drainage system that
would carry the water from their front yard to the back yard.
Ms. MacTavish pointed out the steep slopes in the area. she felt
any further activity in this area could possibly cause landslides.
The size of the lots in the their area range from one-half acre to
an acre.
Bruce MacTavish, 20437 94th Avenue S. , Kent, WA 98031, is in favor
of Alternative #1. He felt that the SF 1 area should also be
extended to include the steep hillsides. He had two concerns; one
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October 25, 1993
was the steepness of the slopes and the other was the limited
access to 208th.
Elaine Fleming, 20541 92nd Avenue S. , pointed out the location of
their property, across 92nd from the Chestnut Ridge development,
and they are also affected by water run-off in the area as well as
mud. In addition, 92nd Avenue S. is not straight and traffic is
quite heavy there. She wanted the least possible density placed on
the property.
Mr. Ross elucidated the reasoning why the property owners he was
representing didn't support either alternative recommended by
staff. This site wouldn't support a development of potentially 203
to 348 residential units. The flat benches on the property would
support the development 60 to 80 of townhouses, triplexes and
fourplexes. This clustered housing type of development would not
impinge on the sensitive areas located on the property.
The public hearing was closed.
A brief discussion followed concerning the surrounding zoning and
the property size around the annexation area. Mr. Jackson
commented that the east side of the annexed area is in King County -
and the exact zoning is unknown. He showed on the view foil the
lots that were less one acre. The City would like to avoid,
however, any situation of creating lots which would be
nonconforming. Mr. Jackson stated there is some smaller lot
development taking place in the surrounding area.
There was discussion about the feasibility of deciding the
Comprehensive Plan designation on the property at this time. It
was decided that the recommended zoning portion would be heard
first and then questions from the Commissioners would be heard and
discussion of the feasibility of both plans would be discussed and
a recommendation made.
#AZ-93-1 CHESTNUT RIDGE ANNEXATION AREA INITIAL ZONING
This area, which is approximately 187 acres, is generally bounded
by S. 200th Street to the north, S. 208th Street to the south, 92nd
Avenue S. to the west, and 100th Avenue S. to the east (see
attached maps) . Subsequent to the annexation of the area by the
City, the entire area was zoned R1-20 (Single-Family Residential) ,
pursuant to Section 15 .03 . 020 (E) (2) of the Kent Zoning Code. The
purpose of this process is to establish initial zoning for the
annexation area, as outlined in Section 15. 09 .055 of the Zoning
Code.
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The public hearing for AZ-93-1 is opened.
Kevin O'Neill, Planning Department, focused on the alternative
zoning recommendations and the rationale behind the
recommendations. Mr. O'Neill explained the Planning Department has
several areas in the City and nearby listed on a Hazardous Area Map
and even though this area was not in the City at the time the map
was done, the area is shown on this map. Several hazardous areas
are depicted. Development would be restricted on those parcels
due to restrictive regulations. Mr. O'Neill commented that
environmental constraints are considered when property is being
developed.
Mr. O'Neill commented the Kent Zoning Code does not currently allow
clustered development. He commented the previous King County
zoning on the site is RS-7200, one lot per 7, 200 square feet.
Another area was designated as RS-9600, one lot per 9, 600 square
feet, which would be a density of four units per acre. Another
area was zoned Growth Reserve, which is a holding zone, one lot per
five (5) acres until the end of 1994, at which time the lots would
revert to RS-5000. Mr. O'Neill explained that in single family
zoned areas, King County allows two types of development: Planned
Unit Developments and "cluster development" . King County in
determining the density of Cluster development would look at the
gross density of the parcel. For example, if the site was twelve
acre size and zoned RS-9600 zoning, under a Cluster development,
approximately 48 units could be developed on the site. However,
clustering means not every lot would have to be 9, 600 square feet.
It would be possible to make some of the lots smaller as long as
the overall density wasn't exceeded. The Chestnut Ridge area is
somewhat of a cluster development because when it was platted, the
King County zoning designation was RS-9600 but some of the lot
sizes in that area are less than 9, 600 square feet. The Kent
Zoning Code does not allow either of those two types of development
to occur. Mr. O'Neill commented that 9, 600 square feet equates to
approximately one-quarter of an acre. There are three zoning
alternatives recommended by staff and the community. However, the
Planning Commission can recommend any of the three or a combination
of the three or whatever it determines.
Alternative 1 would recommend RA, Residential Agricultural, zoning
for the area south of 208th, which is one unit per acre. This
would be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan designation of
SF 1. For one area to the north, the recommendation is R1-9. 6
which would be comparable with King County zoning of RS-9600. For
the remaining properties, the recommendation is for Ri-7 . 2, Single
Family Residential (minimum lot size of 7, 200 square feet) .
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October 25, 1993
Alternative 2 recommends R1-12, Single Family Residential, minimum
lot size of 12, 000 square feet which would allow about three units
per acre for the area south of 208th. For the area north of 208th,
the area is recommended to be zoned R1-7 .2, Single Family
Residential.
Alternative 3 is very comparable to the Comprehensive Plan
Alternative 2 . There are three recommended zoning designations:
MRD, Duplex Multifamily Residential, for the area south of 208th as
well as a portion to the north; R1-7. 2, Single Family Residential
for the area south of 202nd; and R1-5. 0, Single Family Residential
(minimum lot size of 5, 000 square feet) for the area to the north
of 202nd.
Staff is recommending Alternative 1. This would be consistent with
previous staff recommendations of Comprehensive Plan, Alternative
1. The rationale behind this recommendation is that the land is
heavily environmentally constrained with stream corridors, ravines
and steep slopes. Thus, this recommendations allows for the lowest
single-family residential density available under the Kent
regulations.
Mr. O'Neill pointed out that if the Commission recommends that a
lower Comprehensive Plan designation for the area north of 208th,
then the zoning designation should be the same. For example, any
area designated SF 1 on the Comprehensive Plan, it should be zoned
RA, because that zoning designation would be consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan designation.
Commissioner Haylor asked if the topography was different for the
area to the north of 202nd since both King County and the Planning
Department under Alternative 3 recommends a lower density that the
rest of the area.
Mr. O'Neill replied that area does not seem to contain any
environmentally sensitive areas. He explained that under the Soos
Creek Plan, any undeveloped or "underdeveloped" parcels of land
that were close to existing city limits were given higher density
zoning designations.
Mr. Harmon read a statement about the concerns about this area.
Mr. Harmon commented that the area should be designated as single
family zoning.
Ms. Harmon expressed concern about the access to the property that
is below hers. There is only one way in and out, and that is off
of 208th, onto a cul-de-sac. That property should either stay as
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Planning Commission
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October 25, 1993
a green belt or if it must be developed, zoned for one unit per
acre.
Robert Servoss, 9420 S. 207th Place, commented he had moved there
because of the uniqueness and privacy of the neighborhood. He
would like that preserved. His lot is about one-third to one-
fourth acre in size.
Several people who spoke during the Comprehensive Plan portion
spoke again concerning the appropriateness of less density based on
the problems with traffic, water, and the steepness of slopes.
Judy Shemeta, 9405 S. 205th Place, supported the previous
arguments. She felt the least possible density should be
designated for the slope area.
Ervin Fleming, 20541 92nd Avenue S. , commented he felt that the
area should be zoned for half acre lots with single dwellings and
cluster development should not be allowed.
Discussion ensued about parks in the area. There are no parks in
the area.
Mr. Ross read and submitted a letter into the record. The owner
intends on developing the property as lower density owner-occupied
townhomes. One portion of the letter mentioned that because of the
slopes, riparian corridor, and limited access, it appears that only
one-third of the site is suitable for development. Approximately
two-thirds of the site would be left in the natural state.
Mr. Ross commented that approximately 60-80 units of townhomes
could reasonably be developed on the site. These would be
constructed in different configurations but each would be
approximately 1400 square feet in size and have two plus parking
spaces per dwelling. This would density equals about 2 .1 to 2 .8
units per acre of the 29 acre property. This is the type of
density they are requesting and not the higher densities of the MRG
or MRD zoning. Mr. Ross requested that a zoning classification of
R1-12 be designated for this property. The intent is not to
develop the property with 12, 000 square foot lots, however. It is
felt that only a clustered type of development would be appropriate
for this site. Further, because of the site constraints, the RA
designation would effectively deny the owners any reasonable use of
the property. There would need to be soil engineering survey and
soil analysis done. In addition, more open space would be provided
with the clustering type of development.
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Planning Commission
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October 25, 1993
Commissioner Haylor commented that when you're talking about
clustering townhouses, it still means some type of multifamily
dwellings.
The public hearing was closed at 10: 20 PM.
A discussion ensued concerning continuing the meeting in order for
the Commissioners to consider the information presented at the
hearing and make a recommendation to the City Council.
MOTION WAS MADE and SECONDED to adjourn the hearing and continue
the meeting to November 8, 1993 at 7 : 00 PM. MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully submitted,
Ja es P. Har is, secretary
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KENT PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
January 25, 1993
The meeting of the Kent Planning Commission was called to order by
Chair Martinez at 7 :00 pm on January 25, 1993 in the Kent City
Hall, Chambers West.
PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Linda Martinez, Chair
Gwen Dahle
Kent Morrill
Kenneth Dozier
Raymond Ward
PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBER ABSENT:
Christoper Grant
Albert Haylor
Edward Heineman, Jr.
PLANNING STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
James P. Harris, Planning Director
Fred Satterstrom, Planning Manager
Chris Holden, Recording Secretary
APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 26, 1992 MINUTES
The MOTION was made to accept the October 26, 1992 minutes as
presented. The motion was SECONDED. Motion CARRIED.
REQUEST FOR A REGULATORY REVIEW: SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCES IN THE
CM, COMMERCIAL MANUFACTURING, ZONE - JZCA-93-1
Fred Satterstrom, Planning Department, gave a brief summary of the
requested Zoning Code Amendment. The businesses already located in
the CM zones would not be detrimentally impacted if single-family
residences were allowed to be constructed. Mr. Satterstrom
commented this amendment would also meet City Council objectives of
promoting single-family residential uses in the City. The Planning
staff is recommending approval of this request.
David Carter, applicant, commented he plans on developing his
property as a tool and die business with a residence above the
business. Mr. Carter felt this would enhance the area as well as
provide security for the business. He expressed the opinion that
this type of mixed-use development could encourage other businesses
to move in the area who would need the same type of mixed use.
Bob Halstead commented he lives in a neighborhood that allows both
business and residential uses. Mr. Halstead opined that businesses
and residences can support one another in the same neighborhood.
MOTION made to close the public hearing. Motion SECONDED. Motion
CARRIED.
Commissioner Ward MOVED to change Section 15. 04 . 130 A (7) of the
Zoning Code to allow new single-family residences to be constructed
in the CM, Commercial Manufacturing, zone as a principally
permitted use. Motion SECONDED. Motion CARRIED.
Chair Martinez remarked this matter will be forwarded to the City
Council on February 16, 1993 for final approval.
ADJOURNMENT
A MOTION was made, SECONDED and CARRIED to adjourn the meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
A�t - I
Ja es P. Harris, Secretary
JPH/ch:a:pncminl. 25
KENT PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
January 25, 1993
The meeting of the Kent Planning Commission was called to order by
Chair Martinez at 7: 00 pm on January 25, 1993 in the Kent City
Hall, Chambers West.
PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Linda Martinez, Chair
Gwen Dahle
Kent Morrill
Kenneth Dozier
Raymond Ward
PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBER ABSENT:
Christoper Grant
Albert Haylor
Edward Heineman, Jr.
PLANNING STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
James P. Harris, Planning Director
Fred Satterstrom, Planning Manager
Chris Holden, Recording Secretary
APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 26, 1992 MINUTES
The MOTION was made to accept the October 26, 1992 minutes as
presented. The motion was SECONDED. Motion CARRIED.
REQUEST FOR A REGULATORY REVIEW: SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCES IN THE
CM. COMMERCIAL MANUFACTURING. ZONE - #ZCA-93-1
Fred Satterstrom, Planning Department, gave a brief summary of the
requested Zoning Code Amendment. The businesses already located in
the CM zones would not be detrimentally impacted if single-family
residences were allowed to be constructed. Mr. Satterstrom
commented this amendment would also meet City Council objectives of
promoting single-family residential uses in the City. The Planning
staff is recommending approval of this request.
David Carter, applicant, commented he plans on developing his
property as a tool and die business with a residence above the
business. Mr. Carter felt this would enhance the area as well as
provide security for the business. He expressed the opinion that
this type of mixed-use development could encourage other businesses
to move in the area who would need the same type of mixed use.
Bob Halstead commented he lives in a neighborhood that allows both
business and residential uses. Mr. Halstead opined that businesses
and residences can support one another in the same neighborhood.
MOTION made to close the public hearing. Motion SECONDED. Motion
CARRIED.
Commissioner Ward MOVED to change Section 15. 04. 130 A (7) of the
Zoning Code to allow new single-family residences to be constructed
in the CM, Commercial Manufacturing, zone as a principally
permitted use. Motion SECONDED. Motion CARRIED.
Chair Martinez remarked this matter will be forwarded to the City
Council on February 16, 1993 for final approval.
ADJOURNMENT
A MOTION was made, SECONDED and CARRIED to adjourn the meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
��9�bqoc_�_�
AZod P. Harris, Secretary
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