HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Land Use and Planning Board - 12/06/2010 (5) LAND USE & PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
December 6, 2010
1. Call to Order Chair Ralph Called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. Board Members Present/Absent: Chair Dana Ralph, Vice-Chair Jack Ottini, Steve Dowell,
Navdeep Gill and Barbara Phillips
Staff Members Present: Charlene Anderson, Gloria Gould-Wessen, Tom Brubaker and
Pamela Mottram
3. Approval of Minutes
Dowell MOVED and Phillips SECONDED a Motion to approve the September 27, 2010 Minutes.
Motion PASSED 5-0.
4. Added Items None
5. Communications None
6. Notice of Upcoming Meetings Planning Manager Charlene Anderson announced that the
DCE Height Limits item will be considered at the December 13tb Economic & Community Development
Committee meeting.
7. PUBLIC HEARING:
7.5 Midway Draft Environmental Impact Statement(DEIS) & Planned Action Ordinance(PAO)
Planning Manager Charlene Anderson stated that the DEIS evaluates environmental impacts from
alternative strategies for growth throughout the city and from Midway's Subarea Planning and
implementation actions. The DEIS provides an environmental analysis for the Planned Action in the
Midway Subarea. Anderson stated that the Board would not take action on the PAO this evening but that
public comments on the DEIS will be accepted and will be incorporated into the Final Environmental
Impact Statement.
Anderson stated that the PAO identifies the type, location, and the amount of development that the city is
planning for Midway. Anderson stated that includes over 8000 residential units, 700,000 square feet of
retail & commercial development, 1.5 million square feet of office services, government and educational
facilities, and approximately 250,000 square feet of lodging.
Anderson stated that the PAO addresses mitigation measures for the effects of that development. Once
the PAO is adopted, review of future proposals for development in that area (as long as it is consistent
with what has been adopted) will be simpler and more focused as those proposals will not be required to
undergo additional environmental review.
7.1 Midway Subarea Plan
Long-Range Planner Gloria Gould-Wessen stated that text has been added reinforcing public investment
in Sound Transit's Light Rail extension to Highline Community College (HCC). She stated that staff has
removed many of the details from the Growth Forecast section.
Gould-Wessen stated that Chapter Three: The Vision introduces the Midway Subarea Plan Land Use
Scenario 4.0 and expands it with a pedestrian and bike path framework moving through the Kent
Highlands area. She stated that the area north of Kent Des Moines Road along 306 Avenue would be
connected to the future SR-509/1-5 freight corridor project once it is fully funded.
Gould-Wessen pointed out changes to goals and policies in Chapter Four. Framework for Midway. She
spoke about added flexibility in land uses and densities that allow market transition from auto-oriented to
a more transit-oriented community. Gould-Wessen stated that policies establishing minimum and
maximum regulations for building heights have been removed. The transportation section supports
pedestrian friendly streets and manages curb cuts for business along Pacific Highway.
Gould-Wessen stated that the Land Use Map has been placed in the Subarea Plan and incorporates the
Kent Highlands area as a transit oriented-community. This expansion acknowledges the relationship
Kent Highlands has to the pedestrian-oriented transit station area around HCC. The Midway Subarea
Plan indicates that there is no change to existing land uses outside the Midway Subarea.
7.2 Midway Design Guidelines
Gould-Wessen stated that text revisions were made for brevity and clarity with a new section added on
definitions. Sign and landscape design guidelines have been moved to the development regulations in
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the Kent City Code (KCC). Language has been added to ensure a pedestrian friendly model for new
shopping centers. Surface parking is limited to 30 stalls for development along 301b Avenue South north
of 2401b Street which would result in structured parking within the most intense transit-oriented
development area in Midway. To implement the Midway Subarea Plan and the Design Guidelines, the
KCC must be amended.
7.3 Midway Development Regulations
Gould-Wessen stated that Title 12 of KCC- Planning & Land Development defines the process for review
of applications in Midway and in the Midway Transit-Oriented Community (TOC). Most of the proposed
changes to the development regulations are found in Title 15- Zoning.
Gould-Wessen stated that language was added to the land use tables to reflect the electric vehicle
charging stations that have recently been adopted into KCC. The original land use map has been moved
to the Subarea Plan. The district development regulations have been simplified and the original district
overlay map is obsolete and has been removed. Gould-Wessen stated that staff is recommending Option
3 which illustrates four new zoning districts and amends Option 2.
7.4 Midway Land Use Plan and Zoning Map Designations
Gould-Wessen stated that the Midway Transit Community 1 (MTC-1) zoning district encourages
moderately dense and varied retail, office or residential uses in support of high capacity transit to
enhance the pedestrian-oriented character along the highway commercial corridor. The Midway Transit
Community 2 (MTC-2) zoning district provides a place and creates environmental conditions to promote
the location of dense and varied retail, office, residential and recreational uses in support of transit and
ensures a primarily pedestrian-oriented character. The Midway Commercial Residential (MCR) zoning
district encourages location of dense and varied uses like the first two zoning districts in support of mass
transit and enhanced pedestrian-oriented character. The Commercial Manufacturing 2 (MC-2) zoning
district expands the existing auto-oriented commercial uses to include light industrial uses.
Gould-Wessen stated that Option 3 proposes to expand the MCR zoning around the Kent Highlands area
and the rest of Military Road in an effort to add continuity to the adjoining uses, and proposes to expand
the MCR zoning district south of 240tb to provide flexibility and transition from the auto-oriented retail and
light industrial uses south of 246tb.
Gould-Wessen stated that a revised residential land uses table within KCC Chapter 15.04 District
Regulations clarifies that transitional housing is not allowed in transit-oriented communities. Staff has
added a "live-work" land use for the auto-oriented area south of 246tb where commercial and light
industrial uses are allowed in the CM-2 area.
Gould-Wessen stated that the MCR zoning district is intended to be a transitional area where autos and
pedestrians would have equal status. Retail and nonfood drive-thru's are allowed in the MCR zoning
district as well as along Pacific Highway South in the MTC-1 zoning district. Throughout the areas
designated as TOC, staff has limited the land uses that would typically require outdoor storage like auto
sales or lumber yards. Hotels along 301b Avenue in the MTC-2 zoning district would be conditioned to
ensure there would be commercial activities on that first floor to enliven the pedestrian landscape.
Gould-Wessen stated that the minimum and maximums for floor area ratios have been eliminated from
the Development Standards. The condition for a 2-story building height minimum has been removed and
the maximum impervious surface standard has been replaced with commercial standards for maximum
site coverage which is more appropriate for an urban form. Heights are restricted to five stories or 55 feet
along Pacific Highway for the MTC-1 zone and 16 stories or 200 feet in the transit-oriented communities
of MTC-2 and MCR zones, consistent with Des Moines proposed standards for Pacific Ridge.
Gould-Wessen stated that staff has conditioned development for heights adjacent to residential zoning
districts in the MTC-1 district along Pacific Highway. Fifteen development conditions associated with
parking configurations have been added to the Parking Standards which have also been reformatted to fit
the existing standards table. Minimum parking requirements have been reduced by half in anticipation of
an excellent transit system. Surface parking is allowed throughout the areas although within the MTC-2
zoning district located along 301b Avenue, more emphasis is placed on structured parking through the
Design Guidelines.
Gould-Wessen stated that Sign regulations were removed from Design Guidelines and placed in the
Zoning Code to ensure a more prescriptive approach in support of a pedestrian orientation along Pacific
Highway. Monument and blade signs are allowed and replaces pole signs. There is no reduction in the
number of signs allowed.
Gould-Wessen stated that Landscaping regulations were removed from the Design Guidelines and
placed in the Zoning Code. The Design Guidelines continue to shape the aesthetics of the landscapes.
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The pedestrian environment is improved as the zoning code specifies that deeper landscapes are
required for parking that abuts right-of-ways, public parks or recreational facilities.
Gould-Wessen stated that the Design Guidelines require design review for development within the TOC
land use plan designations. Language has been added to KCC Chapter 15.09 Administration for
residential design review.
7.5 Midway Planned Action Ordinance
Charlene Anderson stated that staff is asking that action be taken on all elements of the Midway project
with the exception of the PAO.
Gould-Wessen stated that comments defined as Exhibits Nos. 1 -6 received on the Midway Subarea Plan
were previously submitted to and accepted by the Board for the record. Gould-Wessen submitted
additional comments for the record defined as Exhibits Nos. 7-12, Exhibit No. 7 from Mike McMann,
Exhibit No. 8 from Chris Picard with Washington State Department of Transportation (WDSOT), Exhibit
No. 9 from Gary Kriedt with Metro Transit, Exhibit No. 10 from Bob McOmber concerning wetlands,
Exhibit No. 11 from Melvin Roberts with Kent Bicycle Advisory Board supporting Scenario 4.0, Exhibit No.
12 from Karen Williams Suburban Outreach Director with the Housing Development Consortium
proposing four recommendations for affordable housing in Midway.
Gould-Wessen submitted comments for the record received on the Midway DEIS and PAO defined as
Exhibits Nos. 1-3, No. 1 from Patrick McGraner with the Department of Ecology (DOE) Wetlands
Specialist, No.2 from the City of Des Moines, Planning, Building & Public Works Department that included
a series of 38 comments, No. 3 from Larry Rabel with the Kent Fire Department Regional Fire Authority.
Gould-Wessen submitted comments for the record received on the Development Regulations defined as
Exhibits Nos. 1-2, Exhibit No. 1 from Steve Rodrigues with Olympic Forum, and Exhibit No. 2 from Karen
Williams Suburban Outreach Director with the Housing Development Consortium.
Ottini MOVED and Phillips SECONDED a Motion to accept all the Exhibits submitted into the
record. Motion Carried 5-0.
Ralph Opened the Public Hearing.
Betty Lou Kapela, 5652-132nd Ave NE, Kent, questioned if Kent or Sound Transit had reached a decision
as to where light rail would be located. She stated that she owns 13 acres behind Lowes and that the
Plan shows that over half her property would be used for a park and watershed. Kapela voiced concern
that her land would be devalued and huge tax increases would occur if rezoning of her property happens.
Jim Seymour, 800 S 249tb St. Des Moines, Kent, stated that he has worked in the Midway area for 40
years. He spoke of his concerns associated with heavy traffic volumes and safety issues along 30tb
Avenue. He stated that school buses unload along that street and there are no turnout bus lanes,
sidewalks or safety crossings marked for the children. Seymour stated that 301b Avenue serves as a
conduit for hundreds of cars traveling up 240tb from the college and turning north onto 30tb Avenue to
reach I-5 or the Kent Des Moines Road. Board member Ottini encouraged Seymour to contact Kent's
Public Works Department concerning these safety issues.
Bob Loeliger, 4126 S 243rd PI, Kent, stated that he was involved with the Envision Midway Stakeholders
Group where discussion was held on the possibility for a bridge crossing over I-5 at 240tb which would
impact the previous two speakers.
Karen Williams, South King County Housing Consortium (SKCHC), 1402 3rd Avenue, #709, Seattle,
stated that her agency consists of a coalition of nonprofits, city representatives and businesses interested
in making sure there is affordable housing in South King County. Williams stated that when a City is
planning for the transformation of a community like Midway, there are economic, land use, transportation
and housing goals to consider.
Williams stated that over the last 10 years the SKCHC has seen affordable housing as a goal in
communities, but unless clear provisions are in place, affordable housing goals are not being met. She
stated that Kent is expected to attract economic development and generally improve the property value
and household income as part of their investment in the Midway area.
Williams stated that it is imperative that the underlying land use provisions and policies Kent is using to
spur development and change includes provisions to ensure affordable housing. Affordable housing
provisions are important to support HCC students, seniors on fixed incomes, families with lower incomes
supporting the service industry, and current residents.
Williams stated that Kent estimates approximately 700 residents living in the planned area will be
displaced because their housing will be redeveloped as part of the housing density plans. She stated that
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a plan needs to be in place for relocating these families and to ensure that affordable residential units will
be available. Kent needs to add code language for affordable housing through the Midway Subarea's
development standards.
Williams stated that most cities in King County when creating a subarea plan are including a requirement
that 10 percent of all new construction be considered affordable units. Williams stated that Kent needs to
look at housing market fits when planning targets for the Midway area. In Kent about 23% of jobs are
service jobs that pay about $35,000 annually. She stated that Kent should think about matching up
affordability with salaries paid by local employers.
Williams stated that Kent should seek support from nonprofit partners. She stated that there are plenty of
nonprofit affordable housing developers who have access to capital that isn't out there for the market
redevelopers. These developers can serve as the catalyst to launch project redevelopment and
transformation as well as ensure affordability in the community.
Bob Kapela 5652 132nd Ave NE, Bellevue, spoke about his concerns with what he defined as unintended
consequences such as property taxes increasing as a result of rezoning. He stated that he owns property
along I-5 and Highway 99 and asked the City to consider implementing some provisions to allow property
development under current zoning during the transitioning of the Midway area to other zoning.
Robert Pond, 23116 30th Ave S, Des Moines, stated that he has invested in the Kent Des Moines area
and resides on a narrow section of property north of the Kent Des Moines Road where most of the
properties are undeveloped. Pond stated that in order to retain the property north of the Kent Des Moines
Road as a residential area that would attract condominium development, it would not be affective to link
the Kent Des Moines Road to the 509 or to allow access onto 301b Avenue from those roads. A
community needs to be for people and not become a hub for traffic or parking.
Brad Corner, 14205 SE 36tb St., #100, Bellevue, stated that he is a managing general partner of the
Military Road Highway Commercial Partnership and Kent Highway Commercial Partnership who owns
approximately two contiguous parcels consisting of 5 acres of land located in the northeast quadrant of
231s' and Military Road in the City of Kent.
Corner thanked the Board and staff for their dedication and for listening to the public. Corner spoke in
support of Option 3 stating that he believes it provides more flexibility and addresses what the
development community and property owners were looking for under the different options. He stated that
he concurs with the former speakers with respect to unintended consequences. Corner suggested that
staff consider a mechanism (within the Planned Action Ordinance or elsewhere) to allow for the
development of parcels of land if the opportunity were given. Corner stated that developers would not be
required to undergo an additional three year exercise for dealing with zoning, design review and other
aspects associated with development were the City to allow some leeway with regard to zoning.
Dana Kapela, 24426 Highway 99, Kent, voiced her concerns with the impacts of rezoning for property
owners and her properties including a 12 acre parcel of vacant land. She spoke about her concerns on
how the rezone regulations would guide development in this down economic climate. Kapela questioned
if there was a mechanism in place for those people who want to do something with their vacant land or
who own property that they wish to redevelop. Kapela suggested that the City provide some flexibility.
Kapela stated that she supports the talk to allow current zoning to remain while giving incentives to
developers and property owners to transition their property. Kapela questioned if incentives would allow
owners to maintain and continue their current uses, as well as allow them to develop an office building
with retail down below, residential up above, and some office in between if the opportunity came along.
She stated that she does not envision her 12 acre parcel as a water retention area for the remainder of
the Midway area. Kapela questioned if she would be required to go through a conditional use permit
process to trade out trailers from a mobile home park she owns if it is rezoned.
Seeing no further speakers, Ottini MOVED and Phillips SECONDED a Motion to close the public
hearing. Motion CARRIED 5-0. Chair Ralph declared the public hearing closed.
Gould-Wessen addressed Betty Lou Kapela's concerns regarding the placement of the light rail station
and the proposed use for her property located south of 240tb Gould-Wessen stated that the Subarea
Plan and Scenario 4.0 is conceptual in nature with respect to the placement of the light rail station,
including overpasses, new road grids, parks, bike trails and water retention areas.
Gould-Wessen addressed Dana Kapela's concerns regarding maintaining existing uses and allowing for
transition when an economic turnaround occurs. Gould-Wessen stated that all active mobile home parks
will not be rezoned but that the Land Use Map Designation will change to TOC to facilitate rezoning in the
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future. She stated that the TOC designation will not alter the capability for moving trailer homes to or
from sites and mobile home parks will continue to operate as they do today.
Gould-Wessen stated that after all the rezones take place, if there is a use that is not allowed, it can still
operate under the City's grandfathering of uses. Once that business leaves, new business would have to
conform to the new zoning regulations.
Anderson clarified that most of the mobile home parks do not conform to development standards, stating
that the City has provisions to allow mobile homes to be moved to and from the parks.
Gould-Wessen stated that the King County's Assessor's Office calculate taxes for residential and
commercial property on the highest and best use for that property and on sales value of similar
properties. In a stagnant economy, there would be no changes to the assessed value.
Anderson clarified that the minimum development heights requirement has been removed providing more
flexibility. Gould-Wessen described Transitional Housing as housing for the homeless, group homes for
the mentally or physically impaired, and housing for the elderly. Transitional Housing is presently allowed
in CM-2 and GC zones.
Gould-Wessen stated that MHPs are regulated under the State and that Kent has regulations associated
with closing or changing MHP zoning. She stated that the City does not fund the moving of mobile homes
but helps people find resources to relocate to a new MHP. Mobile Home Park owners are required to
give mobile home owners in their parks a one year advanced notice of park closure or rezoning.
Gould-Wessen stated that Des Moines has been involved throughout the Envision Midway process,
stating that the regulations for the MTC-1 zoning district reflect conversations with the City of Des Moines.
The zoning and regulations are close to what exists in Pacific Ridge in Des Moines. She spoke about
height regulations next to residential development.
Gould-Wessen stated that the Subarea Plan edited out specifics regarding affordable housing. The Plan
indicates that the City will establish a Housing Task Force next year for the whole city. At that time staff
will begin to evaluate the housing issue.
Ralph stated that the purpose of the Midway Subarea Plan is to act as a guiding vision or overview for
what the City would like to see happen for the Midway area, to have the pieces in place so that it is
desirable to developers and helps to guide Sound Transit as they move forward with a plan for a light rail
station location. She stated that tonight's action is just a recommendation.
Anderson clarified that Kent's regulations allow group homes and that people can reside in transitional
housing up to 24 months.
Phillips MOVED to recommend Approval of the Midway Subarea Plan Option 2 as presented by
staff and to forward said recommendation to the Kent City Council for adoption. Gill SECONDED
the Motion which PASSED 5-0.
Ottini MOVED to recommend Approval of the Midway Design Guidelines Option 2 as presented by
staff and to forward said recommendation to the Kent City Council for adoption. Phillips
SECONDED the Motion which PASSED 5-0.
Ottini MOVED to recommend Approval of the Kent City Code Title 15 Zoning Option #3 and within
said Title 12 Planning and Land Development, KCC Chapter 15.05 Option #2 as presented by the
staff and to forward this recommendation to the Kent City Council for adoption. Phillips
SECONDED the Motion which PASSED 5-0.
Ad lou rn ment
Chair Ralph adjourned the meeting at 8:45 p.m.
Charlene Anderson, AICP, Planning Manager
Secretary of the Board
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