HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Land Use and Planning Board - 11/27/2000 PLANNING SERVICES
Fred N. Satterstrom, AICP, Manager
Phone 253-856-5454
K E N T Fax 253-856-6454
WA511ry Gl�l
Address 220 Fourth Avenue S
Kent,WA 98032-5895
LAND USE & PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
Public Heaung
November 27, 2000
The meeting of the Kent Land Use and Planning Board was called to order by Chair Jon Johnson at 7 00 p m on
Monday,November 27, 2000 in Council Chambers of Kent City Hall
LAND USE & PLANNING BOARD STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT
MEMBERS PRESENT
Jon Johnson, Chair Fred N Satterstrom, AICP, Planning Mgr
Ron Harmon, Vice Chair Charlene Anderson, AICP, Sr Planner
Brad Bell Diana Nelson, AICP,Planner
Steve Dowell Pat Fitzpatrick, Asst City Attorney
David Malik Pamela Mottram, Administrative Secretary
Sharon Woodford
Terry Zimmerman
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Terry Zimmerman MOVED and David Malik SECONDED to approve the minutes of the October 16 and 23
meeting Motion carried
ADDED ITEMS TO THE AGENDA
None
COMMUNICATIONS
None
NOTICE OF UPCOMING MEETINGS
Planning Manager, Fred Satterstrom stated that the Board's recommendation for CPA-2000-1 Urban
Separators would be brought before the City Council at their December 12 meeting
CPA-2000-2(A)/CPZ-2000-1 KENTVIEW POD H AMENDMENT
Planner, Diana Nelson stated that the property is located at 21800 Frager Road and 22002 Riverview
Boulevard She stated that the existing plan designation for the property is Agricultural for approximately 15
acres of the parcel and (SF-3) Single Family, 3 units per acre on the western portion of the property comprised
of approximately 7 5 acres Ms Nelson stated that the existing zoning is (A-1) Agricultural, 1 unit per acre
and (SR-3) Single Family Residential, 3 63 units per acre
Ms Nelson stated that the proposed plan designation is (SF-6) Single Family, 6 units per acre for all of the
parcel and the proposed zoning is (SR-6) Single Family Residential, 6 05 units per acre The subject property
is a 22 5 acre parcel composed of three tax lots that were formerly designated as tracts H, K and L of the
Kentview Planned Unit Development(PUD)
Ms Nelson stated that the subject property was set aside for development as a school and park site, as well as
the placement of a sewer lift station She stated that the wetlands in this area are being enhanced with
additional plants that are used for storm water retention for the Kentview PUD
Ms Nelson stated that the western leg of the site fronts on the recently constructed Riverview Boulevard
within the PUD and primary access to this site would be from Riverview Boulevard Ms Nelson stated that
Frager Road is designated as a scenic byway and no direct vehicular access to the site will be approved from
the eastern side of the site She stated that primary access to the property is from the 42nd Avenue south
corridor and the proposed level of density will add up to approximately 1350 additional daily and 135 p m
10
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November 27, 2000
Page 2
peak hour tnps to the local street system. Ms. Nelson noted an error in the staff report that says "13,500" and
should be corrected to read 1350 daily trips
Ms Nelson stated that during the development of the Kentview PUD, the development rights for residential
density on this 22 5 acre parcel of property (approximately 42 units based on the zoning), were transferred
within the PUD to allow increased density in other areas of this development
Ms Nelson stated that the applicant is requesting a land use designation and zoning classification that would
allow the development of approximately 94 additional dwelling units on this property She stated that the
City, of Kent has not yet adequately studied the appropriate pattern and intensity of development on or near
agricultural lands
Ms Nelson stated that the City of Kent is in the process of updating their comprehensive plan She stated that
an analysis of present and future uses of agricultural lands concerning the City's land use pattern and growth
needs would be a part of this study She stated that the land use element of the comprehensive plan currently
has several goals and policies directly relating to the protection of agricultural lands and the regulation of
adjacent development These include Land Use Goal 27 which states "ensure the conservation and
enhancement of productive agricultural land via regulation, acquisition and other methods"
Ms Nelson stated that Policy LU-27 2 under that goal states "Discourage incompatible land uses adjacent to
agricultural lands" and Policy LU-27 3 states "Mitigate development in order to minimize impacts on viable
agricultural lands"
Ms Nelson stated that this property before the fill activity by the applicant was composed of soils that were s
• the best agricultural soils found in King County This property is adjacent to currently cultivated property
Therefore, the development on this property can have impacts on continued economic viability both on
adjacent and surrounding lands
Ms Nelson stated that Planning Services staff is currently reviewing the agncultural lands Staff feels that it
is premature at this time to change the zoning and land use designation Therefore, staff recommends
DENIAL
Ms. Nelson stated in response to Ms. Zimmennan that the additional 42 units were allocated and built
elsewhere within the PUD Ms Nelson stated that land has been cultivated with row crops in several fields
north of this property.
Ms Nelson stated that through discussions with the Kent School District and the City of Kent Parks
Department. she was informed that the school district was offered approximately 13 5 acres of land to be set
aside for an intended school site Ms Nelson stated that the developer is creating a one acre BMX Park to be
given to the City of Kent.
Ms Nelson stated that she was not aware of any specific conditions or requirements of approval that would
mandate the applicant to sell, donate or otherwise develop the land Ms Nelson stated that this property has
been filled with gravel and other types of material, so that this soil can no longer be considered as Class 2
Agricultural soils Ms Nelson stated that the City of Kent issued a permit for the fill as part of the PUD with
the understanding that this property was set aside for development as a park or school
Chair Jon Johnson declared the Public Hearing open
John Green, 21839 Framer Rd., Kent, WA 98032 stated that the Cruz Johnson Farm is located directly
north of the property requesting a rezone He stated that this farm has been a productive farm for many years,
producing the best sweet corn in the valley as well as producing other vegetables which they offer for sale
through a road side stand.
Mr Green stated that his neighborhood contacted the Project Manager, Mr Gary Young of Polygon three
years ago to inquire about the proposed plans for the Riverview development He stated that after this call, he
Land Use and Planning Board Minutes
November 27, 2000
Page 3
hosted two community meetings at his home inviting Polygon to meet with the neighbors to look at their
maps and plans
Mr Green stated that throughout the duration of developing this PUD, this particular area in question has
been shown as A-1 zoned, a future school site, to be offered to the city or alternatively for a park or
recreational use such as a baseball or soccer field Mr Green stated that when asked, Polygon repeatedly
stated that this property would not be rezoned for residential use
Mr Green stated that his community believes that playground or park usage fits in better with the City of
Kent and King County's commitment to retain the west side of the river as a greenbelt and for agricultural
usage He stated that he would like the Board to deny this rezoning request
Jacque Davis, 4815 S. 216th, Kent, WA stated that she resides north of the property requesting a rezone.
She would like this property preserved for agricultural, greenbelt areas and recreational land uses Ms Davis
submitted a copy of City of Kent Ordinance No 2489 for the record as Exhibit #5 encouraging the
preservation of agricultural lands
Ms Davis submitted copies of King County's Ordinance No's 6853, 6946 and 6650 for the record as Exhibit
#6 in support of preserving this land for agricultural purposes
Ms Davis stated that she and her neighbors have complied with the A-1 zoning requirements by preserving
their properties with pasture lands, gardens, orchards and evergreen tree areas She stated that the residents
have constructed their driveways and load-bearing roads with packed gravel rather than asphalt so that the
roadways would be permeable Ms Davis stated that approval of this rezone would erode the agricultural
environment of the area and she encouraged the Board to deny the rezone request
Steve Hansen, 21847 Frager Road, Kent, WA stated that there is a large demand for the produce generated
by the Cruz Johnson Farm The broad variety of produce grown in this area provides economic activity and is
irreplaceable He encouraged the Board to retain the agricultural zoning and deny the applicant's request for
a rezone
Brian Nicholson, 21831 Frager Road, Kent, WA stated that he supports the City's recommendations to
carry out further research on development and long range planning He stated that the applicant's desire to
change the zoning of this section of property is occurring too soon Mr Nicholson stated that the extent of
impact to the surrounding agricultural lands, traffic and the Valley would not be realized until the Kentview
PUD is complete and all homes are occupied Mr Nicholson supported staff s recommendation to deny the
rezone request
Gary Young, Polygon Northwest Company, 11624 SE 5th St., Suite 200, Bellevue, WA stated that the
Pod H property was purposely set-aside specifically for a school facility development or park use He stated
that both the Kent School District and the City of Kent Parks Department declined to purchase this property
Mr Young stated that Polygon has invested in the installation of a lift station facility constructed on the
eastern corner of the property with a gravel access road, which is an extension of the main access to Pod H
from within the community He stated that this road runs along the northern boundary of Pod H and separates
this property from the Dela Cruz Farm property
Mr Young stated that Polygon placed gravel fill on this property under permits issued by the City of Kent
with the intention of developing Pod H The fill altered this property so that it is no longer productive
. farmland He stated that Polygon has invested funds to provide for roads and other infrastructure to this
property and feels committed to recover their cost and provide additional low-density single family housing
on this property Mr Young stated that single family housing would be the most compatible use adjacent to
the agricultural land area
Land Use and PIanning Board Minutes
November 27, 2000
Page 4
Mr Young emphasized that the King County area has seen phenomenal job formation without providing
housing to meet those needs He stated that development of this property would provide the opportunity to
integrate both the needs for housing and at the same time develop a nice community
Mr Young stated that there would not be access to Frager Road from the Pod H development However, if
the City of Kent Public Works or Fire Departments desired a fire access road, this could be created using
restrictive measures so that only the Fire Department could gam access to this property from Frager Road
Mr. Young stated that Polygon would like to complete development of Pod H in concert with the
development underway,rather than wart several years to work through policy changes. He asked the Board to
consider all the factors presented.
Mr Young, in response to Ms Zimmerman, stated that it was Polygon's intent to recover their cost through
the sale of Pod H to either the school district or the City of Kent
Mr Young, in response to Mr Harmon, stated that the original master plan for build-out of the PUD indicates
680 units, approximately half of these units are constructed He stated that he could not determine if Polygon
would reach their 680-unit goal at final build-out based on a number of requirement restrictions Mr Young
stated that Pod H has the potential build-out for ninety homes but believes that this figure would decrease due
to wetland constraints, the construction of the BMX Bike Park and the lift station
i
Kimberly Voss, 22274 Russell Road, Kent, WA 98032 stated that she resides on the west side of the river,
across from Pod H She stated that she has a small orchard and favors retaining the agricultural zoning of this
area She voiced her support of staffs recommendation to deny this rezone request
Dan Moberly, 12033 SE 256th, Kent, WA 98031 stated that he is the Superintendent for Business Services
for the Kent School District He stated that he supports staff s recommendation to deny this rezone request.
Mr Moberlv stated that Mr Young approached the Kent School District in 1997 and 1999 after the school
district bond failed He stated that failure of the bond placed the school in a position where they were unable
to consider appraisal of the land nor negotiations towards purchase of the property Mr Moberly stated that
he believes that Polygon behaved in the best interest of the school district with the fill used on this site.
Mr Moberly voiced concern over the number of students generated with the initial development of 685 units.
He stated that the addition of 94 units on Pod H could create concerns as to where these students would be
housed as time goes on
Mr Moberly voiced his concern that this property might not be developable as a school site due to the
existing wetlands and based on the endangered species act However, he stated that the School District would
like the option in the future to be able to consider this property for a school site
Eric Wells, 11624 SE 5th Street, Suite 200, Bellevue, WA submitted a letter dated November 27, 2000 and
signed by Gary Young for the record as Exhibit #7. He stated that he worked with the City of Kent Parks
Department in an attempt to reach an agreement with the City to purchase Pod H for a park Mr Wells stated
that concurrently, the results of the I-695 proposal left the City without available funds for purchasing the
land
Mr Wells reiterated many of Gary Young's concerns He stated that one concern included mitigating the
financial impacts encountered through the infrastructure that Polygon has already provided on this site He
stated that neither the School district nor the City of Kent Parks Department is purchasing this land He stated
that as there is the potential that Polygon may not be able to reach their original build-out estimate of 680
units, it would be feasible to transfer the building of some of those units to Pod H
i
Mr Wells reiterated that constructing single family homes on Pod H would allow for viable use of the land
with the least impact for the area. He stated that 100 acres has been preserved within the PUD as open space
and cannot be developed
Land Use and Planning Board Minutes
November 27, 2000
Page 5
Mr Wells spoke about the road improvements relevant to the PUD on 42nd Avenue, 212th and 216th with a
traffic signal being installed at 42nd Avenue and 212th to mitigate some of the traffic impacts in the area He
stated that a pedestrian bridge has been installed to provide a pedestrian link to the recreational corridors Mr
Wells stated that sewer, water and all the dry utilities are installed to the site
Debbie Nicholson, 21831 Frager Road, Kent,WA voiced her concern over the traffic that will be generated
with the development of Kentview She stated that the existing road system is deficient for the homes that
Kentview is already going to place in this PUD let alone adding additional homes
Ms Nelson spoke to Polygon's economic arguments on recouping their costs on Pod H. Ms Nelson
questioned how much of the residential value of the land should be assumed by the School District, provided
they purchased the land She stated that Polygon has already used a portion of this land if not all of the value
of this property for residential purposes
Ms Nelson said that although Mr Young stated that Polygon is asking for the lowest single family density,
they are actually requesting the second highest single family density of(SR-6) 6 05 units per acre She stated
that none of the adjacent properties has a density of 6 units per acre but rather have densities of one or three
units per acre as well as single family residential zones of A-1, SR-1, SR-2 and SR-3 Ms Nelson stated that
if the Board were to recommend approval, staff is recommending that the Board choose one of the lower
density zones for this area to retain the character of the surrounding area along Frager Road
Mr Bell asked Diana to clarify her statement where she indicated that the School District and the City of Kent
would purchase the property if the price were low enough She stated that the correct interpretation should
have been that either the School District or the City of Kent would be interested in investigating the property
if the price is right
In response to Mr Dowell, Diana stated that there are still productive farms in the valley and they are
generally smaller than they used to be Mr Dowell indicated that the Board's recommendation could have a
far-reaching affect on the future of those agriculturally zoned areas Diana concurred with Mr Dowell She
stated that any decisions dealing with agricultural zoned properties and properties adjacent to agricultural
zoned property need to have a comprehensive city strategy so as not to create a ripple affect.
Terry Zimmerman MOVED and Ron Harmon SECONDED to close the Public Hearing Motion Carried.
Sharon Woodford stated that she would like the agricultural lands to remain and said that if homes are built
on this property it could lead to the disappearance of much of the Valley's agricultural lands in the future
Therefore, until the City has a set policy on agricultural lands, she voiced her concurrence with staff s
recommendation to deny this request
Steve Dowell concurred with Ms Woodford and voiced his support of staffs recommendation to deny this
request
Terry Zimmerman stated that Polygon's build-out would not be affected as a result of leaving Pod H alone
She stated that the school district would be interested in the land should money become available and the
same could be said for the City of Kent in their search for funding sources for future park development
Ms Zimmerman stated that the neighbors have objected strongly She stated that the neighbors want the land
left the way it is as they value their life styles and the farming land is a benefit to the community She said
that the City of Kent needs to formulate an agricultural policy. Ms Zimmerman agreed with staffs
recommendation to deny this request
Ron Harmon concurred that the City of Kent needs to set a policy before deciding to apply spot zoning He
stated that he takes exception with the City of Kent for issuing a fill permit to fill agricultural with disregard
to LU-27 2 and 3 Mr Harmon stated that alternative land use options need to remain open and voiced
support of staffs recommendation to deny this application
Land Use and Planning Board Minutes
November 27, 2000
Page 6
Brad Bell stated that although Polygon met some of the LU-27 policy requirements, in his opinion, they did
not meet the requirements of LU-27 3 to "mitigate development in order to minimize impacts on viable
agricultural lands " Mr Bell voiced support of staff s recommendation to deny this request
David Malik stated that traffic impacts on the two lane 42nd Avenue will become severe with the addition of
the current PUD of 650 houses, let alone the development of additional houses on the Pod H property He
reiterated concurrence with the other Board members statements and voiced support of staff's
recommendation to deny this request
Jon Johnson stated that he concurs with the Board members to support staff's recommendation of DENIAL.
Ron Harmon MOVED and Brad Bell SECONDED to accept staffs recommendation to DENY the application
request for CPA-2000-2A/CPZ-2000-1 Kentvicw Pod H Amendment Motion CARRIED
CPA-2000-2B/CPZ-2000-2 NGUYEN AMENDMENT
Diana Nelson stated that this property is located at 12819 Kent Kangley Road. The existing plan designation
is Low-Density Multifamily and the proposed plan designation is commercial The existing zoning is MR-G
Low-Density Multifamily Residential, 16 units per acre Ms Nelson stated that the proposed zoning is CC,
Community Commercial She stated that the property is one tax parcel of 35 acres configured in a triangular
shape with public roads on two sides A vacant single family residence currently occupies the site.
Ms Nelson stated that properties north and east of the site are zoned Community Commercial and developed
with the Meridian Plaza Shopping Center, Value Village and office buildings She stated that vacant property
west of the subject property is zoned Professional and Office Ms Nelson stated that property directly south
of the site is zoned MR-G and developed with a series of single family detached residences She stated that
the Sprngwood Apartment complex is beyond these residences, and directly east of the apartment complex a
new Safeway store, gas station and several retail buildings are to the process of obtaining building permits
Ms Nelson stated that there are no known sensitive areas located on the subject property. She stated that
primary and current access from the property is 128th Place Southeast with future access from Kent Kangley
Road being unlikely as it is a state highway and further access points would impede traffic flow Ms Nelson
stated that a similar request to change the land use designation to commercial was submitted in 1998 and
denied due to concerns regarding vehicular trip generation and safety
Ms. Nelson stated that in September and October 2000, the Washington Department of Transportation
constructed road improvements on Kent Kangley at the intersection of 128th The improvements included a
meridian barrier between the east and west bound lanes with a channel left turn lane for westbound traffic to
turn onto 128th
Ms Nelson stated that the new road configuration allows: a right turn onto 128th from the eastbound lanes of
Kent Kangley, a restricted left turn access from the westbound lanes to 128th Place, and a right turn exit from
128th into the eastbound lanes of Kent Kangley Ms Nelson stated that left turns from 128th into the
westbound lanes of Kent Kangley are no longer permitted
Ms Nelson stated that the site is located in an area of transition. Development and increased retail and
commercial activity in the area surrounding the subject property are changing the nature of the neighborhood
She stated that the Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan has several goals and policies directly
relating to the development of existing commercial areas including
Goal LU-12 - "Promote orderly and efficient commercial growth within the existing commercial
districts in order to maintain and strengthen existing commercial districts, to minimize costs
associated with the extension of facilities, and allow businesses to benefit from their proximity to one
another"and
Land Use and Planning Board Minutes
November 27, 2000
Page 7
Policy LU 12.3 `Develop regulatory incentives to encourage infill development in existing
commercial areas " and these regulatory incentives "may include urban, mixed-use zoning and
higher density zones, planned unit developments, transfer of density credits, and streamlined permit
processes "
Ms Nelson stated that amending the land use designation and zoning to allow commercial use of this site
would result in a minor expansion of the existing commercial area around the intersection of 132nd Ave SE
and Kent-Kangley Road She stated that though the commercial development will result in some increase to
the number of vehicle trips to the site, the recent traffic improvements including the addition of meridian
barriers to Kent-Kangley Road greatly reduces the accident potential associated with gaining vehicular access
to the subject property
Ms Nelson stated that staff recommends APPROVAL of this request
Gary Gill, City of Kent Engineer stated that the primary work completed by the State Department of
Transportation is to preclude the high accident problems that the city was encountering along the Kent-
Kangley corridor both east and west of 132nd Avenue Southeast
Mr Gill stated that the channelization, which restricts turning movements, was designed to address the types
of accidents,which were occurring most frequently He stated that the City felt that it would be appropriate to
allow this property to develop as a commercial zone as the type of turning movements you would see from
this establishment would be precluded, specifically the left turns out and the protected left turns in
Chair Jon Johnson declared the Public Hearing open
Roberta Marta, DBM Consulting Engineers,502 16th Street NE, Suite 312, Auburn, WA stated that she
represents the applicant Huy Nguyen who is requesting a change from Multifamily to Commercial in order to
accommodate a beauty salon She stated that commercial, office and professional surround the subject
property Ms Marta stated that the site configuration is too small for a multifamily development consisting of
3 5 acres She stated that a commercial zone would be entirely compatible from a zoning and planning
perspective
Ms Marta stated that the applicant intends to use the vacant single family structure on the site for his
proposed salon She stated that traffic improvements to Kent Kangley include curb cuts,right in and right out
only, a landscape island and access will remain off 128th Avenue.
Huy Nguyen, 24020 129th Court SE, Kent, WA 98031 as the applicant stated that he would encourage the
Board to consider approval of his request to develop this site for use as a beauty salon as a means to support
his family
Larry Flanary, 27021 128th Place Southeast, Kent, WA stated that he resides in the third house, south of
the site Mr Flanary stated that he did not oppose Mr Nguyen's request to develop his property for use as a
commercial beauty salon He voiced concern that if the subject property is zoned commercial that this could
potentially lead to a commercial rezoning of his and the other residential properties south of the site
Mr Flanary stated that he would not like to see his one-half acre lot rezoned as it would devalue the property
and make the potential for future sales and financing difficult if commercially zoned He stated that the way
the topography of his property lies, the wetlands reach far into his property decreasing the ability to use half
of his property
Dana Mower, DBM Consulting Engineers, 502 16 St. Northeast, Suite 312, Auburn, WA stated that this
area is in transition and there is Office zoning to the west and Commercial zoning surrounding the property to
the east and south
Land Use and Planning Board Minutes
November 27, 2000
Page 8
Mr Mower stated that Mr. Nguyen's property is the only site requesting a commercial rezone with residential
properties existing south of the site, which includes Mr Flanary's property MT Mower stated that Mr
Nguyen's property consists of one third of an acre and combined with the residential properties to the south
total two acres He stated that the geography of the land indicates that it would be difficult to develop those
residential sites in a multifamily configuration He stated that the residents would be able to retain their
current zoning at this time and perhaps convert to commercial in the future.
Ron Harmon MOVED and Terry Zimmerman SECONDED to close the Public Hearing Motion Carried
Board member, Brad Bell stated that DBM Consulting Engineers are clients of his to whom he provides
consulting services He stated that he has never spoken with them regarding these issues and does not provide
them with land use consulting services Mr Bell stated that he does not believe that his business relationship
with DBM constitutes a conflict of interest but would be willing to remove himself from voting on this rezone
request if anyone objected to his participation There were no objections from the Board
Ron Harmon MOVED and Terry Zimmerman SECONDED to accept staff s recommendation for APPROVAL
of CPA-2000-2B/CPZ-2000-2 Nguyen Amendment application Motion Carried
CPA-2000-2C/CPZ-2000-3 COBLENTZ AMENDMENT
Diana Nelson stated that this property is located at south 222nd Street and 88th Avenue South. She stated that
the site consists of four tax parcels covering an area of approximately 12 58 acres She stated that
approximately 3 5 acres of the subject property is currently zoned Commercial Manufacturing 1 (CM 1) with
a land use designation of industrial Approximately 9 08 acres is zoned SR-6, Single Family Residential, 6 05
units per acre with a plan designation of SF-6
Ms Nelson stated that the applicants are requesting a proposed plan designation of Low-Density Multifamily
and zoning of MR-G, Low Density Multifamily Residential, 16 units per acre This site is located at the base
of East Hill, adjacent to State Route 167,north of where the highway crosses over Central Avenue.
Ms Nelson stated that there is a single-family residence and an accessory building currently occupying the
site She stated that a significant portion of the property is encumbered with slopes exceeding 25% Ms
Nelson stated that development of this eastern portion of the property would be severely limited due to the
severe slope hazard
Ms Nelson stated that the area to the south of this property is currently zoned MR-G and is under
development with the Silver Springs Apartment complex containing 251 units She stated that single family
detached zoning and land use designations are located north and east of the site with SF-6 north and east
Ms. Nelson stated that State Route 167 provides a barrier to the west of the property and the slopes on the
eastern one-third of the property provide a separator between this site and the adjacent properties on the hill
above She stated that several single family dwellings are in the area. zoned SR-6 to the north with two of
these properties having split land use designations of Industrial with CM-1 zoning in addition to the
residential designation.
Ms Nelson stated that the land use designations and zoning on a portion of the subject site were changed in
1997 to Industrial and CM-1 This change occurred because of difficulty marketing the property for single
family development due to the freeway noise
Ms Nelson stated that the applicant is now requesting a change to MR-G, Low Density Multifamily for the
same reason She stated that the average daily traffic along South 228th is approximately 8300 vehicles Ms
Nelson stated that this development would add approximately 2,000 additional daily vehicles and 198 p in
peak hour trips to the local street system
Ms Nelson stated that the proposed South 228th Corridor project will include a bridge across SR 167 to
connect in the general vicinity of the southwest corner of the parcel She stated that the precise alignment of
Land Use and Planning Board Minutes
November 27, 2000
Page 9
this corridor has not been determined so that the potential impacts to the subject property, because of the
corridor project, cannot be determined at this time She stated that the east leg of the proposed 228th Corridor
is planned to crossover SR-167 and connect to the East Hill somewhere in this location Ms Nelson stated
that noise from SR-167 has some impact on the site However, other residential development exists along this
corridor
Ms. Nelson stated that the applicant's request for this zoning would allow 201 multifamily units to be
developed on the property based on zoning alone She stated that the current maximum residential density of
this site would allow approximately 54 single-family dwellings However, the topography, slope setbacks,
the minimum lot size of 5700 square feet, dedication of public roads and the lack of clustering provisions for
single family development in the zoning code would effectively reduce this number by at least half.
Ms Nelson stated that the City wishes to increase home ownership opportunities and promote single family
residential development at all levels of affordability She stated that the City has recently created a
Multifamily Townhouse zone that is intended to be m fill and transition between multifamily and single
family zones and help to provide more affordable home ownership options
Ms Nelson stated that two-story condominium development in this area would act as a buffer and a transition
area between the single-family zones to the north and east and the four-story apartment complex development
to the south She stated that the Townhouse zone allows clustering which would maximize the density of 12
or 16 units per acre while preserving the area with steep slopes
Ms. Nelson stated that the comprehensive plan designation of Low Density Multifamily applies both to MR-
G, the zone the applicant is requesting, and MR-T, the zone that staff is recommending. Approval of the Low
Density Multifamily Land Use Designation and SR-8 zoning would allow the applicant to request a rezone to
MR-T 12, 16 or MRG,particularly when there is further information regarding the location of the corridor
Ms Nelson stated that staff recommends APPROVAL of SR-8 zoning and Low Density Multifamily land use
designation which would then allow the applicant to later apply for a rezone upon approval of this comp plan
amendment request
Ms Nelson clarified for Ms Woodford that staff is recommending a rezone of the applicant's property to SR-
8 without contingencies to change the zoning to MR-T at this time Ms Nelson stated that although staff
could tie the SR-8 zone to the MR-T zone, they do not specifically recommend taking this action in light of
the fact that the corridor is going to have major impacts on this property. Ms Nelson stated that staff believes
it would be more appropriate to let the City Council make the ultimate decision on the applicant's rezone
request, when the City may have additional information in respect to the corridor impacts.
Ms Nelson stated that by leaving the zoning options open with the applicant's request and staff s
recommendation for a land use designation of Low Density Multifamily, the applicant would have the option
to request MR-T 12, MR-T 16 or MRG zoning at a future date She stated that as staff gathers further
information from Public Works over the next few months, staffs recommendation on specific zoning might
change based on where the corridor is placed in conjunction with the subject property.
Gary Gill stated that the 228th Street Corridor Project is included in the City of Kent 2001-2006 Six-Year
Transportation Improvement Program Mr Gill spoke about the current plans for construction of the corridor
as well as the studies underway to analyze potential traffic impacts in the area of the proposed corridor that
could substantially affect the subject property
Jon Johnson declared the Public Hearing open.
Dana Mower, 502 16th St. Northeast, Suite 312, Auburn, WA 98002 submitted a copy of his summary
dated November 27, 2000 for the record as Exhibit#8
Land Use and Planning Board Minutes
November 27, 2000
Page 10
Mr. Mower stated that if the subject property is rezoned MR-G, this would limit structure heights to 35 feet
He stated that if the property is rezoned MR-T with a townhouse configuration, the structure would be
P p Y
limited to two stories.
Mr Mower stated that the Coblentz's property meets the criteria for development as low density multifamily
as outlined in the 1990 Growth Management Act's urban growth policy He stated that the urban growth
policy encourages development in urban areas where adequate public utilities and services exist or can be
provided in an efficient manner Mr. Mower stated that water, sewer, storm drainage and road system
infrastructures are in place and available to this site with the capability of supporting a high-density
development He stated that employment opportunities exist in close proximity.
Mr. Mower stated that there is a shortage of high quality affordable housing in Kent He stated that this
proposal meets the Growth Management Act's Policy #4 to "encourage the availability of affordable housing
for all economic segments of the population of the State Promote a variety of residential densities and
housing types, encourage preservation of existing housing stock "
Mr Mower stated that this proposal meets buffering criteria as indicated in the comprehensive plan Mr.
Mower stated that the top of the bluff reaches approximately 225 feet above sea level and that the highest area
of the site to be developed is about 125 feet He stated that there is approximately a 300 to 400 foot
horizontal separation between the single-family development to the east and the project. Mr Mower stated
that the Cit-v owns the five-acre site to the north and it is developed with a well
Mr Mower stated that the most significant health, safety and welfare concern with this site is the elevated
noise levels. He stated that Mr Carl Bloom, an environmental analyst metered noise levels on site, which
indicated levels substantially above the Washington Department of Transportation's (WDOT) minimum
requirements for single family residential ownership Mr Mower stated that WDOT has indicated that they
would only approve of commercial, multifamily or retail type of development on this site.
Mr Mower clarified with Ms Woodford that as the developer for this site he intends to develop this property
as MR-G with no intention to reapply for a MR-T Town home zoning with the Board's concurrence
Greg Heath, 2214 Tacoma Road, Puyallup, WA stated that he owns Heath and Associates, a traffic-
engineering firm in Puyallup, which serves the Puget Sound area Mr Heath stated that under existing
zoning, the subject site could accommodate approximately 35,000 square feet of industrial development and
approximately 72 single-family units. He stated that based on this type of development, he calculated that
about 1000 daily trips and 100 p in peak hour vehicular trips would be generated Mr Heath indicated that if
this site were developed with a 175-unit apartment complex, that peak hour trips would increase to 112
Ken Koss, 600 108th Avenue NE, #600, Bellevue, WA 98004 stated that he develops multifamily projects
with the intent of building, managing and holding the developments as long term investments. Mr Koss
stated that when his company came to Kent they completed a ten-year feasibility study from 1995 to 2005,
which indicated the need for additional 1191 multifamily housing units
Mr Koss stated that his company hired the firm Hopson and Fermi who generate a quarterly housing need
assessment of the Seattle Metropolitan area He stated that Hopson and Ferini's report indicated that an
additional 300 multifamily units would be needed from second quarter 2000 to the second quarter of 2001
Mr Koss stated that his analysis supports a rezone to multifamily for the subject site
Betty Coblentz, 22320 88th Avenue South, Kent, WA 98031 stated that she owns the subject site and is a
real estate agent by profession She stated that a residential group home sits north of the property, then two
residences. Ms Coblentz stated that she represents the two neighbors north of the site, Wahlers and
Longstroms Ms Coblentz submitted a letter from the Longstroms for the record as Exhibit #9 She stated
that the neighbors support development of the subject site and are requesting that their properties blend into
the rezone as well She stated that marketing the Longstrom and Wahler's residences for resale has been
impossible due to the high noise volume. Ms. Coblentz stated that a property appraiser indicated that the
94
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November 27, 2000
Page 11
• neighboring residences would not sell residential due to the noise levels and was unable to attach a dollar
value to those properties
i
Ms Coblentz stated that she inquired if WDOT would erect sound barriers at the time the 228th Street
Corridor was constructed She stated that WDOT indicated that it is not cost affective to build sound barriers
for only three houses She stated that the City approved a rezone for the front portion of our site to Industrial
Commercial in 1997, with the back portion of the site remaining residential Ms Coblentz stated that this
rezone discouraged development of residential or commercial on this site as it meant that egress and ingress to
the residential area would have to run through the Industrial portion of the site
In response to Ms Zimmerman, Ms Coblentz stated that people would rent apartments rather then purchase a
town home in this area even with high noise levels She stated that because apartment dwellers typically
move more frequently than homeowners do, the effects of high noise levels would not be a deterrent
Carl Bloom, 422 30th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122 stated that he owns Environmental Analysis, an air
quality noise consulting firm Mr Bloom stated that he measured existing noise levels on the Coblentz
property over a 24-hour period, comparing those levels to existing noise regulations and criteria of other
cities Mr Bloom stated that results of his study indicated that multifamily housing such as apartment
complexes would best suit this site and is compatible with noise levels allowed in commercially zoned
properties
Mr Bloom stated that according to the WDOT, elevated noise levels affect the Coblentz property and would
not be compatible for residential development He stated that Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
analyzes noise levels over a 24 hour period and adds a penalty of ten decibels to night time hours Mr Bloom
stated that HUD typically would not lend money to develop properties with day/night noise levels higher than
75 decibels.
Mr Bloom stated that HUD would lend money for properties, which exhibit noise levels between 65 and 75
decibels when architectural enhancements are included in the development to reduce interior noise levels in
those developments Mr Bloom stated that some special enhancements could include enhanced windows or
using masonry or concrete panel facings Mr Bloom stated that the Coblentz property shows day/night levels
of 76 decibels
Mr Bloom stated that if WDOT were to identify noise levels along the 228th Street Corridor, they would be
required to mitigate noise impacts most likely with sound barrier walls
Ron Harmon MOVED and Brad Bell SECONDED to close the Public Hearing Motion CARRIED.
Steve Dowell voiced concern over traffic impact and trip generation increases to 228th and Central Avenue
based on development of the Coblentz property, including the currently developed MR-H properties, and the
multifamily development(currently under construction on the MR-G property)next to the Coblentz site.
In response to Mr Dowell, Mr Gill stated that Kent's traffic engineers estimate that development of the
Coblentz property would generate an increase of approximately 80 peak hour trips He stated that based on an
estimated final build-out of 1,000 units combining the Coblentz property and surrounding properties, this
could generate 600 peak hour vehicular trips in the area.
Mr Gill stated that currently 228th Street, East of Central Avenue handles approximately 8,300 daily
vehicular trips He stated that based on this statistic, he estimates additional 1,500 total daily trips and 80
peak hour trips could be generated Mr Gill stated that 228th Street is a collector arterial roadway and that
the estimated trips would not over tax that classification of road He stated that 228th could easily
accommodate over 10,000 to 15,000 vehicles a day on a road of that classification
Terry Zimmerman stated that it seems that there are ways to mitigate noise levels for apartment complexes as
well as ways to construct the 228th Street corridor,bridge and columns that would not impact development on
Land Use and Planning Board Minutes
November 27, 2000
Page 12
the Coblentz property She stated that Kent needs more apartments and housing for low income families and
voiced her support of staffs recommendation to approve the zoning change
Brad Bell MOVED and Sharon Woodford SECONDED to adopt staff s recommendation to APPROVE CPA-
2000-2(C)/CPZ-2000-3 Coblentz Amendment with SR-8 zoning and Low Density Multi Family land use
designation Motion CARRIED.
Chair Johnson stated that the Board needs to reconsider their previous vote concerning the Coblentz
Amendment
City Attorney,Arthur Patrick Fitzpatrick recommended tabling the Coblentz Amendment until the end of
the Public Hearing Session and then revisit the motion
Steve Dowell MOVED and David Malik SECONDED to table the Coblentz Motion until the end of the
Hearing Motion CARRIED
#CPA-2000-2(E)/CPZ-2000-5 Ranniger Amendment
Ms Nelson stated that the Ranniger property is located at the northeast and southwest corners of the
intersection of 132nd Avenue Southeast and Southeast 256th The existing plan designations is SF-6, Single
Family, six units per acre and the proposed plan designation is Commercial or Mixed Use Restricted The
existing zoning is SR 4 5, Single Family Residential, 15 units per acre for the two parcels on the northeast
corner and SR-6, Single Family Residential, 6 05 units per acre for the three parcels in the southwest corner
Ms Nelson stated that the proposed zoning is Professional and Office She stated that the total area is
approximately 4 15 acres and located on diagonally opposite corners of the intersection Ms Nelson stated
that there are four existing single family detached residences located on the property with two on each corner
She stated that there are no inventoried wetlands on the site Ms Nelson stated that the area surrounding the
subject property is residential in nature as all the zoning and land uses in the vicinity are residential
Ms Nelson stated that there are no abutting commercial or office zoning or existing developments on or near
the subject property She stated that existing commercial developments are located less than one mile away
both north of the site at the intersection of 132nd Avenue and Southeast 240th and south of the site at the
intersection of 132nd Avenue and Kent Kangley Road
Ms Nelson stated that existing office zoning is located approximately one mile to the south on the south side
of Kent Kangley west of the shopping center and 1 25 to 1 5 miles west of the site along southeast 256th
Street in several locations along 104th Avenue Southeast Ms Nelson stated that primary access to the site
would come from either or both Southeast 256th and 132nd Avenue Southeast She stated that both streets
are classified as minor arterials She stated that neither public street is improved to its design standard
Ms. Nelson stated that a project to improve traffic flow on Southeast 256th is currently under construction
with major work planned for the intersection at 132nd Avenue. She stated that current average daily traffic
along Southeast 256th is approximately 15,700 vehicles and along 132nd Avenue Southeast approximately
17,600 vehicles Ms Nelson stated that the proposed rezone has a potential to add an estimated 600 to 830
daily vehicle trips and 77 p m peak hour trips to the local street system.
Ms Nelson stated that the vast majority of development along both 132nd and Southeast 256th is residential
subdivisions with the backyards abutting these streets She stated that most subdivisions within the city abut
at least one arterial street Ms Nelson stated that city development patterns do not support the conversion of
residentially zoned property in the middle of a single-family neighborhood to an office zone based solely on
traffic concerns
Ms Nelson stated that a rezone of this property would effectively generate a significant amount of additional
traffic on both of these arterials beyond that which would be created by single family development She
stated that the Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan has several goals and policies relating to the
Land Use and Planning Board Minutes
November 27, 2000
Page 13
development of existing commercial areas rather than creating new ones. Ms Nelson stated that these goals
include Goal LU-12 to 'promote orderly and efficient commercial growth within the existing commercial
j distracts in order to maintain and en stren th existing commercial districts, to minimize costs associated with
g g
extension of facilities, and to allow businesses to benefit from their proximity to one another " and Policy
LU-12.3 'Develop regulatory incentives to encourage infill development in existing commercial areas
Regulatory incentives may include urban, mixed-use zoning and higher density zones, planned unit
developments, transfer of density credits, and streamlined permit processes "
Ms Nelson stated that the office zone allows a variety of office and service uses most of which are also
permitted in the Community Commercial (CC) zone She stated that the subject property is located between
two existing commercial areas which are not built out to maximum capacity Ms Nelson stated undeveloped
property with existing office zoning is located to the south as well as one to two miles west of the site. She
stated that along 104th Avenue several vacant parcels with existing office zoning are for sale Ms Nelson
stated that in addition, at least two developed medical dental offices/complexes have available space
advertised for rent or lease
Ms Nelson stated that other methods are available to generate additional office availability other than
creating an additional commercial node in the middle of a residential area She stated that the addition of the
office uses such as medical/dental clinics to the Community Commercial zone by a zoning code amendment
would allow for more office availability in locations more compatible with the City's desired development
patterns Therefore, staff recommends DENIAL of this request
Jon Johnson declared the Public Hearing open
• Jerry Klein, 823 Joshua Green Building, Seattle, WA 98101-2236 stated that he is the attorney
representing Leo Brutsche who is the owner of the properties on the southwest corner of this intersection He
stated that Mr Brutsche strongly supports the application for a rezone amendment.
Mr Klein stated that the applicant, Mr Ranniger is in the same position as Mr Brutsche who has lived in this
area for a long time He stated that Mr Ranniger has been a physician in the East Hill area for 30 years and
many people appreciate having access to his medical services in the community Mr Klein urged the Board
to consider this information in their evaluation
Mr Klein stated that the Kent Code Section 12 02 050 specifies three considerations in reviewing your
consideration of the proposed amendment.
• That the amendment will not result in development that will adversely effect the public health, safety or
general welfare, and
• That the amendment be based on new information from that which was available when the comp plan was
adopted, and
• That the amendment be consistent with the other goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan.
Mr Klein stated that he can not conceive of anything that would be more beneficial for the public health than
a physician He stated that the proposed amendment would not create any adverse environmental
consequences on the property
Mr Klein stated that with regard to new information, the entire Meridian, Soos Creek area was annexed in
1996 with substantial development following such as Bayberry Crest He stated that the most profound
change is the widening of 256th and 132nd, turning these roads into major arterials
• Mr Klein stated that the Soos Creek area is included within the Urban Growth Area He stated that based on
the aforementioned facts,there has been a plethora of development since adoption of the comprehensive plan.
Mr Klein spoke about the consistency of the proposed amendment as it relates to the comprehensive plan
He stated that LU-13 4 & 5 speak about having neighborhood facilities available while maintaining
convenient pedestrian oriented access to these facilities within the small neighborhood communities
Land Use and Planning Board Minutes
November 27, 2000
Page 14
Mr Klein stated that staff referred to land use Goal LU-12 that encourages infill development in commercial
areas He stated that he does not believe that this infill policy is applicable to this subject property and does
not agree with staff s report that there is any problem with our zoning code or with our comprehensive plan
Mr Klein stated that it is important to understand why medical facilities are not included within the NCC,
Neighborhood Commercial Centers or the CC, Community Commercial Centers Mr Klein stated that the
potential exists of having people with contagious diseases entering busy commercial areas, therefore, it makes
sense to provide neighborhood facilities such as the medical facility Dr Ranniger is proposing in less dense
areas
Fred Mendosa, 555 West Smith Street, Kent, WA stated that he represents Mr Ranniger as his attorney.
Mr Mendosa reiterated that Mr Ranninger has worked on the East Hill for thirty years as a family
practitioner with one other doctor in his office He stated that Mr Ranninger needs to expand his practice and
believes that East Hill could use two or three additional family practitioners as the burgeoning population
grows
Mr Mendosa stated that he could not expand his current location because of its zoning He stated that Mr
Ranninger has opted to sell a portion of his property where his medical practice is located and seek a new
location where he can expand his facility
Mr Mendosa stated that a medical office is not permitted in the commercial zone He stated that when staff s
report states that there are a variety of uses that can be placed in a commercial setting, a medical office is not
one of them Mr Mendosa stated that very little office space exists on East Hill that would be suitable for this
medical office
Mr Mendosa stated that the proposed site is not located in the middle of a major neighborhood He stated
that wetlands exist near the proposed site Mr Mendosa stated that the impending traffic improvements to
132nd and 256th would include channelization and curbing It is going to be difficult for anybody who owns
one of the single family residences on the proposed site, to apply for a permit that would allow them to build
anything that would provide access to the property other then a right-in or right-out access U
Mr Mendosa stated that there are major bus routes moving both directions on 132nd and 256th that could
provide access to a medical facility on the proposed site
Ted Nixon, 911 East Temperance Street, Kent, WA stated that a total of 6 1 square miles of city land is
j located east of the Benson Highway of which 68 8 acres is zoned "O" He stated that 25% of the "O"zoning
is designated wetlands, 30% of the land is Sequoia Junior High School and 55% of the "O" zoning on East
Hill is not buildable for office use Mr Nixon stated that "O" zoning was designed to be compatible with
residential neighborhoods per the Zoning Code He stated that the maximum site coverage for Office zoning
is 30% compared to CC or NC zoning at 40% or Downtown Commercial zoning at 100% Mr Nixon spoke
at length on setback and landscape requirements in the "O"zone
Mr Nixon stated that the current separation distances between the two major intersections, in relation to the
subject property, appear to be two miles He stated that current planning suggests that those separation
distances should be no more than a half-mile apart to maintain a village concept within walking distance from
the residential areas
Mr Nixon stated that the subject property should be developed in a manner compatible to the neighborhood
• He stated that Dr Ranniger is a valuable asset on East Hill and should be located in the heart of the
community that he serves.
Christopher Brown, 9698 Rainier Avenue South, Seattle, WA 9811E stated that he is a licensed engineer
He stated that if the subject property sites, located diagonally opposite each other on the intersection, are
developed with single family residences, it could be difficult to gam access to these properties Mr Brown
Land Use and Planning Board Minutes
November 27, 2000
Page 15
stated that the development of the northeast quadrant would generate about 57 vehicular trips per day and
approximately 134 vehicular trips in the southwest quadrant
Mr Brown stated that the northeast quadrant would generate 6 peak hour trips and the southeast corner
approximately 14-peak hour trips He stated that rezoning the northeast quadrant for use as a medical/dental
facility and the southwest quadrant for use as an office facility would increase the traffic volume by
approximately 567 vehicular daily trips Mr Brown stated that his calculations closely align with staff s
report of approximately 600 to 800 daily taps.
Mr Brown referred to Kent's Development Assistant Brochure Section 6 3, in elaborating upon minimum
corner clearance standards as they relate to the subject properties and how to eliminate adverse traffic flow
elements at signalized intersections that would impede traffic
Mr Brown stated that there is no way to access at least three of the lots on the northwest quadrant if
developed with single family other than right-in and right-out He stated that the same condition exists on the
southwest quadrant Mr Brown spoke at length on alternative design elements for access to the subject
properties He stated that the existing zoning and staffs proposal for the subject property creates an
impossible land use development situation as well as creating the potential for traffic movement hazards
James Marso, 34815 Pacific Highway, Federal Way, WA stated that he is a real estate broker for ReMax
Realty West representing Roy and Deanna Grtchel in the sale of their property located on the northeast corner
of 256th and 132nd Avenue Southeast He stated that he marketed the property in various venues displaying
a prominent sign identifying the zoning and development potential in the SR-4 5 zoning Mr Marso stated
that every inquiry was met with resistance to the plan that we proposed He stated that four months into the
process,Dr Dan Ranninger and his wife came along with a different concept for this particular intersection.
Mr Marso stated that if a developer were able to overcome all the mechanical details associated with locating
driveways close to intersections, this intersection is still unsuitable as a residential neighborhood He stated
that there is daily vehicular travel at this intersection of 15.000 cars in one direction and 17,000 cars in
another direction He stated that the speed at which cars travel in this area typically exceed the 25 mile per
hour speed limit posing safety risks to the children in the area He stated that the volume of noise at 132nd
and 256th would deter people from purchasing in this area
Mr Marso stated that the development of a medical office would create an excellent buffer for the residential
neighborhood surrounding it He stated that this type of development presents an excellent and orderly
transition for the community while recognizing the growth of the Kent area and the need for more office
space on East Hill He stated that he supports the applicant's request for a rezone
Dr. Ranninger, Kent, WA stated that he and his partner, Dr. Linda Geer, in contemplating the need for two
additional partners, they estimated the need for twice the square footage as they currently have He stated that
the present plan drawn up by Mr Nixon includes lust 2200 square feet Mr Ranniger stated that he felt the
lot at the intersection of 132nd and 256th would be a good location to construct his facility He stated that in
looking at the Gitchel's home, he determmed that it would not be suitable for conversion to an office
Mr Ranniger stated that he entered an earnest money agreement with Mr Grtchel contingent upon approval
of a 2200 square foot office Mr Ranniger stated that he did not intend to become embroiled in controversy
He stated that the addition of a medical facility on the subject property would be an amenity to the
community
• Mr Ranniger stated that at the time he prepared his proposal to the City of Kent for a rezone request, he was
informed that you could not spot rezone He stated that he was told to include a bigger plan, which would add
to the comprehensive plan He stated that at the inception of this application, he was advised to include Mr.
Brutsche's property as part of the application proposal, therefore encompassing parcels of land on two
corners.
Land Use and Planning Board Minutes
November 27, 2000
Page 16
• Roy Gitchel, 18703 Southeast May Valley Road, #A, Issaquah, WA 98027 stated that he has resided on
the property at the intersection of 132nd and 256th since 1979 He stated that his property has been reduced
from 1 5 acres to less than lacre due to the widening of 132nd and 256th Mr Gitchel stated that his property
has deteriorated as a single-family residence and the zoning has changed from multiple units and apartments
down to 4 5 units per acre
Mr Gitchel stated that the only available access to his property is right-turn in and right-turn out. He stated
that once the city completes its street improvements, a solid island would be constructed past the property
with no possibility of access to the property Mr Gitchel stated that Mr Ranniger is the first person who has
shown interest in his property since it was listed for sale in May He voiced his support of the Ranninger's
rezone request
Beverly Riedler, 13110 SE 258th Street, Kent, WA 98031 stated that her residence abuts the southwest
corner of the Brutsche property She stated that the Brutsche's are requesting a rezone to Commercial as they
did two years ago, at which time their rezone request was denied
Ms Riedler stated that traffic continues to increase and accessing 132nd Avenue from her community from
258th Avenue has become dangerous She stated that the addition of a commercial development would
increase traffic congestion and disrupt the quiet nature of their traditional neighborhood where she has resided
for 12 years She stated that the Bayberry Crest community located west of her neighborhood is quiet and
would like to see that the nature of that community be maintained
Ms. Riedler spoke about her concerns with increased noise, pollution and water drainage run off if
commercial development were to occur on the subject site She stated that commercial business traffic would
• pose safety factors for children walking to and from Meridian Elementary School
Ms Riedler stated that many of Dr Ranniger's patients would be traveling from outlying areas to his facility
as many HMO insurance plans dictate the preferred care provider that a patient can use She stated that she
could not see how Dr Ranninger would increase his patient base by locating his medical office within this
community.
Ms Riedler stated that commercial facilities are already easily accessible from their residential community
without the need to add additional commercial development
Ms Riedler submitted Letters signed by her neighbors, for the record as Exhibits #11 through #18.
Lee Robertson, 13104 SE 258th, Kent, WA 98031 spoke of his concerns over traffic issues and the
difficulties experienced by the residents in accessing 132nd Avenue from their respective neighborhoods
Mr Robertson stated that Dr. Rammnger currently owns property at 116th and 240th where he could apply for
a rezone for a medical office He stated that medical facilities currently exist at 240th and 132nd Avenue
Mr Robertson stated that commercial development does not guarantee what will end up in your community
as eventually businesses may convert to other uses He stated that he has resided in this community for 13
years and voiced his support to retain current zoning
Kathy Baskin, 25630 130th Avenue Southeast, Kent, WA submitted a letter she had addressed to the Land
Use and Planning Board for the record as Exhibit #19 and a letter signed by Dana and Robert Cox and
Shelley Lindsay for the record as Exhibit #20. She stated that she resides in Bayberry Crest Ms Baskin
• stated that although she does not believe it was Dr Ranninger's intent to offend anyone, she is offended
Ms Baskin stated that her community has been dismissed as insignificant and unsubstantial which is not true
She stated that she sat on a City of Kent School District committee to consider expanding their boundaries as
the number of residential neighborhoods on East Hill have increased Ms Baskin stated that new schools
have been constructed to accommodate the increase She stated that this does not imply insignificance.
Land Use and Planning Board Minutes
November 27, 2000
Page 17
Ms Baskin stated that improvements to the roadway has been to increase it to a three lane road with a two-
way left turn lane from 116th to 132nd Avenue which includes a bike lane that accesses the Soos Creek Trail
Ms Baskin stated that she is concerned for the safety and welfare of her children as well as all the children in
her community specifically with the increase in traffic that would occur with a commercial development She
stated that the southwest corner of the subject property backs up to a storm water retention pond She stated
that the pond backs up to some of my neighbors and is located 20 feet from her deck She voiced concern that
if the subject property was developed as a commercial site, the water volume in the water retention pond
could increase, thereby flooding their land decreasing property values
Ms Baskin stated that a commercial business could not be contained in an 8.00 a in to 5:00 p.m scenario, as
the potential exists for alarm system activation 24 hours per day with the possibility of no response This
scenario exemplifies the fact that quality of life would be compromised and that stress levels could elevate for
the residents living in the adjoining communities She asked the Board to consider staff's recommendation to
DENY this rezone request
Darrell Baskin, 25630 130th Avenue Southeast, Kent, WA 98031 submitted a letter and map of the
Bayberry Subdivision addressed to the Land Use and Planning Board for the record as Exhibit#21.
Mr Baskin stated that he resides in Bayberry Crest and is the president of their homeowner's association He
stated that he represents their community in stating that a commercial development is not warranted, not
needed and not desired by their community He stated that the Bayberry Crest is an upscale community
consisting of 48 homes ranging in value from $200,000 to $300,000 and this area needed to be retained
solely as single family residential A commercial development would devalue these properties and affect
quality of life
Mr Baskin stated that he believed when the City of Kent planned the road improvements from 116th easterly
just beyond 132nd, they did not consider the development of commercial office buildings nor a zoning
change He believes that a commercial project would be incompatible with the current roadway system
Mr Baskin reiterated his concern over the storm water retention pond and how water run off from a potential
commercial development could be an issue for mitigation Mr Baskin stated that he would urge the Board to
retain this area as residential and voiced his support of staff s recommendation to DENY this request
Mike Wilcox, 25506 132nd Avenue Southeast, Kent, WA 98042 stated that his residence is north of the
subject property He stated that he and his wife are raising 10 children and voiced concern that the quality of
life would diminish with the development of a commercial center and that traffic would increase dramatically.
Mr Wilcox stated that his property is close to the northern boundary of the subject property and if
commercial development is approved, their property could be devalued He stated that a five-acre parcel of
land exists north of our site Mr Wilcox said that he could foresee a developer purchasing the five acres, his
land, and the subject corner property to develop a well-planned single family community
Mr Wilcox voiced his support to DENY this application request.
Shelly Lindsay, 12927 SE 257th Street, Kent, WA 98031 submitted a letter from the Gisth Family as
Exhibit #22, from the Greening Family as Exhibit #23 and from the Teasley Family as Exhibit #24 for the
record
Ms Lindsay stated that road improvements which have occurred near the subject property did not take into
• consideration impacts to the area If this property were rezoned to commercial, vehicular traffic would
increase on a road system that already experiences high volumes of vehicular travel The ambience of the
residential community would be threatened Noise levels would increase.
Ms Lindsay spoke on behalf of her neighbor who is an office manager for a thriving dental business in Kent
on Central Avenue She stated that none of the patients who use this dental service lives near that business
Land Use and Planning Board Minutes
November 27, 2000
Page 18
Ms Lindsay emphasized that the success of a medical or dental practice does not depend on the proximity of
its patients but the professional skill of those who practice there
Ms Lindsay stated that she is a nurse and sensitive to the needs of office or medical personnel She stated
that a medical facility in their neighborhood would have negative impacts to the residents, reiterating some of
the same concerns spoken of by her neighbors Ms Lindsay stated that their residence would suffer from
decreased property values and the ability to sell their home
Ms. Lindsay urged the Board to protect the quality of their neighborhood and voiced her support to
recommend DENIAL of the applicant's request for a rezone
Ken Teasley, 25716 130th Avenue Southeast, Kent, WA 98031 stated that he has lived in Kent 16 years
and resides in the Bayberry Crest community He stated that his family made a sizeable investment when
moving to Bayberry Crest and would like to see that this areas is maintained as residential only
Mr Teasley stated that the any commercialization in this area is in direct conflict with the quality of life that
they experience as a residential community He stated that if the subject property were developed with fast
food restaurants, providing all night drive through windows, he and other residents would be subjected to the
noise and would no longer have the freedom to keep their windows open at night.
Mr Teasley asked the Board to consider staff s recommendation to DENYthe applicant's request.
Ron Harmon MOVED and Brad Bell SECONDED to close the Public Hearing Motion carried
• Sharon Woodford empathized with Mr Gitchel's concern that his property would potentially be difficult to
develop She stated that it would not benefit the community to incorporate a medical facility on the subject
property as the potential for disease exposure to the surrounding residents would increase and vehicular traffic
would increase congestion in this area
Ms Woodford stated that she is concerned about what would be proposed for the southwest comer of the
subject property, as this property could be developed with something other than office.
Ms Nelson stated that the City of Kent's Professional and Office zone functions under two land use
designations, Mixed Use Restricted with a Professional and Office zone as well as Commercial with a
Professional Office zone Ms Nelson stated that if the land use designation was commercial, the potential
exists to rezone the Professional and Office zone to Community Commercial or General Commercial
Ms Woodford voiced her support of staff s recommendation to DENY the applicant's request.
Steve Dowell stated that he concurs with Ms Woodford in recommending DENIAL of the applicant's
request
Terry Zimmerman said that she is a former resident of this neighborhood stating that she was impressed with
the high caliber of the Bayberry Crest Community She stated that she would not support commercial
development for this area Ms Zimmerman stated that she supports staff s recommendation to DENY the
applicant's request
Ron Harmon stated that he supports staff s recommendation for DENIAL of the applicant's request.
Brad Bell said that he resides by Lake Meridian and is familiar with the area. Mr Bell acknowledged Dr
• Ranniger's value to the community but voiced his concurrence with the residents in supporting staff s
recommendation for DENIAL.
David Malik stated that he supports staffs recommendation for DENIAL.
Land Use and Planning Board Minutes
November 27, 2000
Page 19
Jon Johnson stated that it has been proven that single family development is compatible along major arterials
and felt that the subject property could be designed to accommodate attractive single family parcels Mr
Johnson stated that he supports staff s recommendation for DENIAL.
Ron Harmon MOVED and Terry Zimmerman SECONDED to support staffs recommendation to DENY-
CPA-2000-2(E)/CPZ-2000-5 Ranger Amendment Motion CARRIED
CPA-2000-2(C)/CPZ-2000-3 COBLENTZ AMENDMENT
Mr Fitzpatrick stated that after careful consideration and consultation with another attorney, this amendment
has already been heard and considered by the Board He stated that the purpose of the public hearing is to
allow for public testimony, which occurred.
Mr Fitzpatrick stated that the Legal department recommends if the Board wishes to reconsider their motion
they will have to move to reopen the matter, then move to withdraw the prior decision and finally move to
make a new decision
David Malik MOVED and Terry Zimmerman SECONDED to remove CPA-2000-2(C)/CPZ-2000-3 Coblentz
Amendment from the table Motion CARRIED
A motion to reconsider the Board's ongmal action failed. The Board's previous motion STANDS as follows:
Brad Bell MOVED and Sharon Woodford SECONDED to adopt staff s recommendation to APPROVE CPA-
2000-2(C)/CPZ-2000-3 Coblentz Amendment with SR-8 zoning and Low Density Multi Family land use
designation Motion CARRIED
• CPA-2000-2(t) KENTIFEDERAL WAY SCHOOL DISTRICT CAPITAL FACHITIES PLAN
AMENDMENT
Senior Planner, Charlene Anderson stated that this plan requires a yearly update. She stated that the Federal
Way School District is proposing an amendment to their school impact fees Ms Anderson stated that staff is
recommending approval of the Kent and Federal Way School District's Capital Facilities Text Amendment.
CPA-2000-2(G) CITY OF KENT CAPITAL FACILITIES PLAN AMENDMENT
Charlene Anderson stated that this plan requires a yearly update She stated that the capital facilities element
goes into the city's annual budget and is approved for cost and revenue issues Ms Anderson stated that there
were some changes from the November 8 Capital Facilities Plan for the City of Kent with the addition of
some transportation and utilities projects Ms Anderson stated that staff is recommending APPROVAL of the
City of Kent Capital Facilities Text Amendment
Jon Johnson declared the Public Hearing open.
Fred High, Executive Director for Kent school district, Kent, WA stated that in deference to the late hour
he would not present a summary but would answer any questions from the Board.
Steve Dowell MOVED and Terry Zimmerman SECONDED to close the Public Hearing Motion CARRIED
Steve Dowell MOVED and Terry Zimmerman SECONDED to send CPA-2000-2(F) Kent/Federal Way
School District Capital Facilities Plan Amendment and CPA-2000-2(G) City of Kent Capital Facilities Plan
Amendment on to City Council without a recommendation Motion CARRIED
• Fred Satterstrom announced Diana Nelson's departure from the City of Kent to accept a principal planner
position with the City of Lakewood and wished her well
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Chair Johnson opened the meeting for nominations.
Land Use and Planning Board Minutes
November 27, 2000
Page 20
Brad Bell NOMINATED and David Malik SECONDED a motion to appoint Terry Zimmerman to the
position of Chair Terry Zimmerman accepted
Ron Harmon NOMINATED and Brad Bell SECONDED a motion to appoint Sharon Woodford to the
position of Vice Chair Sharon Woodford accepted.
ADJOURNMENT
Terry Zimmerman MOVED and Sharon Woodford SECONDED to adjourn the meeting Motion CARRIED
Chair Jon Johnson adjourned the meeting at 1135 p in
Respectfully Submitted,
F d N Satterstrom, AICP
Secretary