HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Economic and Community Development - 08/12/2013 (3) • Economic & Community Development
KENT wAsHINGToN Committee Agenda
Councilmembers: Bill Boyce • Deborah Ranniger • Jamie Perry, Chair
AGENDA
August 12, 2013
5:30 p.m.
Item Description Action Speaker(s) Time Pace
1. Approval of the May 13, 2013 Minutes YES Jamie Perry 5 min 1
2. Update of Small Business Assistance Center No Ben Wolters 15 min 5
Green River Community College Kirk Davis
Informational Only
3. Group Living Facilities Code Amendments YES Katie Graves 10 min 7
KCC 15.02 and 15.04 [ZCA-2013-1]
4. Cottage Housing Demonstration Project NO Katie Graves 15 min 26
Update
Informational Only
5. Meeker Street Revitalization Initiative (MRI) NO Ben Wolters 15 min 30
Informational Only Fred Satterstrom
6. Economic Development Report NO Ben Wolters 10 min
& Permitting Update
Informational Only
Unless otherwise noted, the Planning and Economic Development Committee meets
the 2nd Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers East, Kent City
Hall, 220 4th Avenue South, Kent, 98032-5895.
For information on the above item(s), the City of Kent's Website can be accessed at
http://kentwa.igm2.com/citizens/Default.aspx?DepartmentID=1025 on Thursday, August 8,
2013 or contact Julie Pulliam, Pam Mottram or the respective project planner in the Planning
Division at (253) 856-5454 or as indicated on the agenda.
Any person requiring a disability accommodation should contact the City Clerk's Office at (253) 856-5725 in
advance. For TOO relay service call the Washington Telecommunications Relay Service at 1-800-833-6388.
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KENT
ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES
May 13, 2013
Committee Members Committee Chair Jamie Perry, Deborah Ranniger, Bill Boyce.
Perry called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
1. Approval of Minutes
Committee Member Ranniger Moved and Committee Member Boyce Seconded a Motion
to approve the Minutes of March 11, 2013. Motion PASSED 3-0.
2. Growing Transit Communities Action Strategies Update
Planning Manager Charlene Anderson briefly introduced the difference between two projects that
affect the Midway area. One is the work by Sound Transit to analyze alignments and station
locations for light rail. The second is the work of the Growing Transit Communities Partnership
(GTCP) which is engaged in determining appropriate strategies for building communities around
station locations for mass transit.
Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) Planner Michael Hubner stated that the GTCP is a grant-
funded effort through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Federal Department of
Transportation (DOT), and Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Hubner stated that PSRC
received a five-million dollar grant in 2010 to undertake a 3-year work program focusing
specifically on transit-oriented development and communities around light rail stations. The
opportunity here is to build those communities around the $15 billion investments being made in
light rail, bus rapid transit and commuter rail investments.
Hubner spoke about the Regional Equity Network (REN), an effort to elevate the profile of equity
and fairness by building a regional coalition of nonprofits and governmental agencies to elevate
the issues of equity regionally, identify major community needs, and empower local community
groups through a small grants program. Hubner mentioned the 'Draft Growing Transit
Communities Strategy' (DGTCS) report which has just been released, and encouraged
comments during the public comment period which ends on June 7, 2013. The final document is
targeted for completion in July, 2013 with public outreach and implementation of the strategies
beginning in August, 2013.
Hubner spoke about an analysis by the REN to evaluate access to opportunities and stated the
Oversight Committee is making a series of recommendations to address inequities in access to
opportunities throughout the region.
Hubner spoke about recommendations made by the GTCP on strategies for attracting growth,
providing housing choices, and access to opportunities. He described 24 strategies and their
corresponding goals within the DGTCS.
Hubner mentioned a Regional Compact, described as a statement of commitment and support
for next steps within whatever form or with whatever resources are available that are
appropriate to each jurisdiction'. Signatories of the compact would continue to engage in the
effort and be part of an advisory group that would steer the work of the PSRC.
Hubner stated Kent would be asked to consider in their work program a menu of best practices
and approaches from the DGTCS report that would be the most applicable in Kent, implement
those practices, and work with the GTCP to document the practices as part of regional
monitoring of successes. The regional Transportation 2040' plan will include recommendations
from the DGTCS report.
The PSRC is discussing station area planned implementation grants to provide cities with some
resources that could, for example, enable Kent to implement portions of the Envision Midway
ECDC Minutes
May 13,2013
Page 1 of4
2
Plan. The regional council already provides tools and technical assistance and is fully armed for
regional partnerships.
Upon a request from Ranninger for clarification, Hubner stated that he would provide Kent City
Council with a narrative and slide presentation applicable to Kent regarding Growing Transit
Communities Action Strategies.
Informational Only
3. 2012 Building & Fire Codes Adoption
Building Official Bob Hutchinson stated that this item relates to the adoption and amendment of
the 2012 additions of the Fire, Building and other related codes according to the State Building
Code Act. The Act determines which codes will be in effect statewide, requires cities and counties
to enforce those codes, empowers the State Building Code Council to enact amendments to
those codes, and narrowly limits the authority of cities to amend them.
Hutchinson stated that the code editions include statewide amendments incorporated in the
Washington Administrative Code (WAC) which takes affect July lit. The WAC adopts the
International Energy Conservation Code with a number of statewide amendments. Most of the
other changes from the 2009 editions are relatively minor in impact as are most of the statewide
amendments. The two proposed ordinances adopt the fire code with amendments and adopt new
editions for the building, residential, mechanical, energy, and plumbing codes along with local
amendments. The local amendments primarily provide for administration of the code and carry
over provisions from previous editions. One amendment allows for an extra story of height for
apartment buildings, residential condos, and hotels. The proposed ordinance does not adopt the
requirement (from the 2009 editions) that allows local jurisdictions to require fire sprinklers in
new single family homes.
Fire Marshal Jon Napier stated that a fair amount of code amendments are administrative in
nature. Napier stated that after considering how the fire codes impact the development
community, the 7000 square foot fire alarm requirement was eliminated which means the base
fire code would not require smoke alarm systems to be installed in all buildings but rather just in
specific buildings that have life safety hazards/issues, such as apartments, daycares, or
institutional occupancies. There are sprinkler systems in all buildings.
Napier stated that the code was modified in order to provide flexibility for access in
developments. Some of the fire lane requirements have been modified to be less prescriptive on
where they are set next to a building, and allows Fire to work with the applicant to find the best
route around a building. Code language has been clarified in the areas of water supply.
Committee member Boyce MOVED and Committee member Ranniger SECONDED a
Motion to recommend adoption of the two ordinances amending various sections of
Chapters 13.01 and 14.01 of Kent City Code to adopt the 2012 editions of the
International Building, Residential, Mechanical, Energy Conservation and Fire Codes,
and Uniform Plumbing Code, together with the City's local amendments to those codes
as depicted in these ordinances, to revise Section 14.08.020 to refer to the newly
adopted codes, and to make other housekeeping amendments. Motion PASSED 3-0.
4. Neiahborhood Urban Centers Recommendation for Next Steps
Planning Manager Charlene Anderson spoke about the research staff undertook related to the
viability of corner stores, the analysis that staff conducted related to walkability, and the public
outreach meetings that were held where input was received from the business community, the
private sector, and the community residents.
Staff received a mix of responses with respect to corner stores, including concerns related to
congestion, trash, all night party noise, pulling unknown elements into neighborhoods and
graffiti. The community said they would prefer community centers rather than corner stores in
each of their neighborhoods and that perhaps those community centers could be used for a
combination of uses. The community stated that they would like infrastructure improvements
first, to be able to walk to existing commercial areas, and that they wanted neighborhood events
and interaction.
ECDC Minutes
May 13,2013
Page 2 of
3
Anderson stated that the Committee adopted planning principles in November, 2012 for moving
the project forward. Staffs walkability analysis indicated that Kent's walk score was 37 out of
100, meaning that Kent was auto dependent.
Staff reviewed the goals and policies in the comprehensive plan, stating most are supportive of
place-making, pedestrian orientation and a multimodal transportation systems approach that are
required for corner stores. One policy to "limit conversion of residential to commercial" will need
to be changed or reconfirmed if Kent wants to add additional commercial areas to the
comprehensive plan designations. Staff created a list of potential regulations for single corner
stores as well as for creating additional nodes of commercial related to the size of the lot,
building size, how the uses are going to be allowed, what parking might be required, separation
requirements from other commercial areas, hours of operation and design review.
Anderson stated that staff's research indicates that existing commercial areas need to be
intensified not necessarily enlarged, verifying what the community was saying. When Phase II of
the Economic Development Strategy and Analysis is completed, strategic investments and
recruitment will be performed based on that analysis.
Anderson stated that the City's efforts could concentrate on a few strategic areas, such as
Downtown, East or West Hills, before creating additional commercial areas or corner stores.
There is an impending growth management update on the comprehensive plan due to be
adopted by June 30, 2015. Anderson stated that staff recommends incorporating the analysis of
the commercial area corner store issue into the comprehensive plan update (CPU), and asked for
the Committee's support.
Economic and Community Development Director Ben Wolters stated that his propensity is to
focus on what Kent already has and make those areas more accessible. He stated that the Lake
Meridian Shopping Center (at Kent Kangley and 132n1) could be a great area for the City's
efforts; it has many opportunities as well as challenges. Wolters stated that one of Kent's
fundamental economic development goals is to attract a new investor who will turn the Lake
Meridian Shopping Center around and make it everything it can be as an attractive destination
providing more services and entertainment for the residential community there.
Wolters stated that one of the core goals of looking at creating more convenient locations for the
corner store was to provide easy accessibility. Research highlighted how auto-dependent the
City's infrastructure is. There are things staff can do now with what already exists, to foster the
Council's goal of improved connections. Between now and the work on the comprehensive plan,
staff can focus some attention on immediate opportunities, then as part of the comprehensive
plan look at whether the City should be planning for more concentrated centers within the
residential community.
Wolters stated Economic Development believes that building connections means attracting new
investment in those areas. On the public side it is prioritizing infrastructure improvements to
those areas, such as improved sidewalk connections or whatever the assessment identifies.
Then, planning can begin in a more comprehensive way for potentially adding new areas.
Ranniger stated that she would like to see a plan where some immediate progress could be
made, than look at ideas for implementing a more substantive change through the
comprehensive plan two years from now. Perry asked if staff could offer something similar to a
cottage housing demonstration project, which once built could be duplicated in other areas.
Boyce concurred with the concept of a pilot project. Wolters stated that his preference would be
to identify a site where the City might have a reasonable chance at success. Staff could
investigate possible sites, return to the Committee with this information, and assess whether the
Committee wants to consider it for a pilot project.
Perry asked that staff provide her with an action plan on how staff can make the city more
walkable and provide gathering places for the communities. Wolters stated that given where he
sees this project currently, his preference would be to pursue increasing and improving
connectivity to Kent's current centers.
Anderson stated that the Urban Land Institute recommends intensification of what currently
exists so as not to dilute the viability of existing commercial development. Research and
ECDC Minutes
May 13,2013
Page 3 of
4
feedback from the private sector and developers are saying something similar by stating create
connectivity first before expanding existing commercial.
Wolters stated that staff would return to the Committee with an outline of what a plan or
strategy would look like for making the community more walkable, with some short-, medium-
and long-term timelines and recommendations. The outline may include elements from the
options under discussion as well as elements that have been informed by this conversation with
the Committee.
S. LEAN Initiative
Planning Director Fred Satterstrom stated that Economic and Community Development is the
first department in Kent to go through the LEAN exercise, which refers to working leaner or
more efficiently. It is an exercise gleaned from a similar exercise employed by Toyota who took
people off the manufacturing floor, asking them how the process, can be improved, and how
corners can be cut without sacrificing quality. LEAN is a philosophy that gives a continuous
improvement and looks at efficiencies. It differs from other quality management processes in
that LEAN involves the people who are directly involved in doing the work.
Satterstrom stated that ECD held a 5-day workshop where they chose to look at two permits --
a new commercial building and civil construction. These permit types to some extent reach all
the different divisions in the permitting process. The workshop was sponsored by the Human
Resources Department Director. Permit staff was involved and the workshop was facilitated by
Gordy Anderson from Impact Washington who led ECD through looking at the permit process.
Satterstrom stated that the current permitting process was mapped out and the future process
subsequently mapped out. Small group discussions were held with staff regarding the permitting
process and consideration on possible process changes. Satterstrom stated that a significant
outcome was that the timelines for new commercial building permits was reduced from 9 to 4.5
weeks.
Adiournment
Committee Chair Perry adjourned the meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Pamela Mottram, Secretary
Economic & Community Development Committee
PIAPlanningAECDCA20]3AMinutesV0311-13_Mln.doc
ECDC Minutes
May 13,2013
Page 4 of4
5
ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Ben Wolters, Director
PLANNING DIVISION
Fred Satterstrom, AICP, Director
Charlene Anderson, AICP, Manager
KENT
WASHINGTON Phone: 253-856-5454
Fax: 253-856-6454
Address: 220 Fourth Avenue S.
Kent, WA 98032-5895
August 8, 2013
TO: Chair Jamie Perry and Economic & Community Development Committee
FROM: Josh Hall, Economic Development Specialist
SUBJECT: Green River Community College Small Business Assistance Center
For the meeting of August 12, 2013
MOTION: None. For Information Only
SUMMARY: The City of Kent has been contracting with the Green River
Community College's Small Business Assistance Center (SBAC) to provide business
assistance to Kent businesses, such as marketing, access to financing, and
inventory control. The SBAC is located at Green River Community College's Kent
Campus. Kirk Davis and Leslie Moore from Green River Community College will give
an update on current efforts and results.
BACKGROUND: The Green River Community College Small Business Center
(SBAC) is designed to provide technical assistance to small businesses in South
King County and North Pierce County areas. The SBAC offers assessment, referral
services and business counseling at no charge as well as hands-on training to small
business owners and managers. Counseling sessions are at no cost to the client.
Workshops and classes are available at a low cost to the participant. Lending
options are available for those clients needing capital. The mission of the Small
Business Assistance Center is to improve the profitability of independent
businesses, thereby stimulating economic growth in our community.
Att: Attach A: GRCC SBAC Kent Overview
cc: Ben Wolters,Director
Kurt Hanson,Economic Development Manager
6
W ASNINGTO1 STATE NETWORK
400
0014tl'NGImIOsuNTV9;giy. CM
KENT
Growing Kent's Economy
Green River Community College SBDC Client Example
1 ,000 SBDC offices nationally Superior Steel and Iron Workers, LLC
26 SBDC offices in Washington State 21229 84th Avenue South
SBDC offices collaborate to help clients Kent, WA 98032
Green River Community College SBDC Structural Steel Erection
located in Kent Started 2006 relocated from Issaquah to Kent 2010
Kirk J. Davis, SBDC Certified Business . Attended SBDC social media marketing classes
Advisor, Center Director . Attended SBDC Business Development Group
Awarded Educator of the Year - 2008 by . Engaged SBDC for one-on-one business consulting
Kent Chamber of Commerce Community . Scope of Work is additional $2,000,000 revenue
Leadership Awards growth in 2013, add 10-20 employees, new building
Nominated for Educator of the Year 2009, purchase in Kent
2010, 2011 , 2012 . SBDC assisted with financial projections, financial
Green River Community College SBDC analysis, HR systems, business strategy, loan
has one of the highest economic impacts application, on-site management meetings
in Washington State with over . Funding will allow work on bigger projects
$80,000,0000 in business funding and an . Increase hiring
estimated $1 billion of increased revenue Volunteering to consult with City of Kent on bridge
to the community. reinforcement
Independent studies show $11 return on
investment to Communities for every $1
invested in the SBDC 6�0�
7
ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Ben Wolters, Director
PLANNING DIVISION
Fred Satterstrom, AICP, Director
• Charlene Anderson, AICP, Manager
KENT
WASH INcroe Phone: 253-856-5454
Fax: 253-856-6454
Address: 220 Fourth Avenue S.
Kent, WA 98032-5895
August 7, 2013
TO: Chair Jamie Perry and Economic & Community Development Committee
FROM: Katie Graves, Planner
RE: Group Living Facilities Code Amendments, KCC 15.02 and 15.04
[ZCA-2013-1]
Staff Report for the August 12, 2013 ECDC Meeting
MOTION: Recommend to the City Council approval of amendments to
KCC 15.02, Definitions and 15.04 Residential Land Uses related to
residential facilities, group care, and group living facilities, as
recommended by the Land Use & Planning Board.
SUMMARY: After holding a public hearing on July 22, 2013, the Land Use &
Planning Board recommended approval of code amendments to Title 15.02 and
15.04 of Kent City Code. These amendments address changes to the sections on
definitions and residential land uses related to residential facilities, group care, and
group living facilities. These sections of code need amending to clarify definitions
for different types of residential facilities, update the residential land use table,
remove ambiguity in the code, and update the code for consistency with state laws
and regulations. Group care or group living facilities may be broadly categorized as
single or multiple family residential, emergency and transitional housing, criminal
justice facilities, and group care facilities with or without health care.
BACKGROUND: Clarifying requirements, removing ambiguity in the code, updating
the code for consistency with state laws and regulations, and modernizing
standards provide consistency for applicants and city departments when proposed
development projects are being designed and reviewed. Furthermore, these
amendments are undertaken as part of the City Council's initiative to transform
regulatory processes in order to increase operating efficiencies. This group of
proposed code amendments includes items such as new definitions for "assisted
living facility", "family", "residential facility with health care", and "transitional
housing;" delete definitions for "congregate care facilities", "convalescent home",
and "group home class IC;" places individually defined residential living facilities in
the use table rather than under one catch-all category; and adds more minor
changes. The amendments are attached. Staff will be available at the meeting to
answer questions.
The SEPA Responsible Official has determined that the proposed amendments are
procedural in nature and thus categorically exempt from further SEPA review under
WAC 197-11-800(19) and 11.03.200 Kent City Code.
KG/pm S:\Permit\Plan\ZONING_CODE_AMENDMENTS\2013\ZCA-2013-1 Grou pRes iden tia IFa cil ities\EC DC\8-12-13StaffRe port.doc
Enc: Attach A: Draft Ordinance
cc: Fred Satterstrom,AICP, Planning Director
Charlene Anderson,AICP, Planning Manager
Project File
8
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE of the City Council of the
City of Kent, Washington, amending Chapter
15.02, entitled, "Definitions," by adding and
amending sections, and correcting a publishing
error in section 15.02.173; amending Chapter
15.04, entitled, "Residential land uses," amending
zoning districts and residential land use
development conditions; and updating the code for
consistency with state laws and regulations.
RECITALS
A. Local planning legislation arises from many sources — Federal,
State or regional mandates; changes to local community vision;
complaints; need for clarity; updated technologies, business operations or
strategies that make existing codes outdated; conflicts with updated codes
in other City departments; and many others. Furthermore, these
amendments are undertaken as part of the City Council's initiative to
transform regulatory processes in order to increase operating efficiencies.
B. Group care or group living facilities may be broadly
categorized as single or multiple family residential, emergency and
transitional housing, criminal justice facilities, and group care facilities with
or without healthcare.
1 Amend Title 15- Zoning
Ordinance
9
C. These sections of the code need amending to clarify
definitions for different types of residential facilities, update the residential
land use table, remove ambiguity in the code, and update the code for
consistency with state laws and regulations.
D. The City is also making a technical correction of an error
made during a prior code publication of subsection 15.02.173.C. On
January 2, 1991, the Kent City Council passed Ordinance No. 2958,
amending KCC Chapter 15.02 by adding a new section 15.02.173. In
1993, the Municipal Code changed its format and incorrectly printed
15.02.173.C. In 1999, the city of Kent contracted publishing of the city
code with Code Publishing and the error remained in the code. The error
went unnoticed from 1993 until now. The City is correcting that error by
republication of the Section.
E. The SEPA Responsible Official has determined that the
proposed amendments are procedural in nature and thus categorically
exempt from further SEPA review under WAC 197-11-800(19) and
11.03.200 Kent City Code.
F. On May 28, 2013, notice was sent to the Washington State
Department of Commerce and expedited review was requested. On June
4, 2013, the City was granted expedited review and was informed that it
had met the Growth Management Act notice requirements under RCW
36.70A.106. The required fifteen day waiting period prior to final
adoption has lapsed.
G. Staff presented proposed amendments to the Kent City Code
Title 15, "Zoning," at the May 13, 2013 and June 10, 2013 Land Use &
Planning Board Workshops.
2 Amend Title 15- Zoning
Ordinance
10
H. On July 22, 2013, after holding a public hearing, the Land Use
and Planning Board recommended adoption of the amendments to KCC
15.02 and KCC 15.04. The Economic and Community Development
Committee considered this matter at its August 12, 2013 meeting, and the
city council considered this matter at its August 20, 2013 meeting.
NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENT,
WASHINGTON, DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
ORDINANCE
SECTION 1. —New Section. Chapter 15.02 of the Kent City Code,
entitled, "Definitions," is amended by adding a new section 15.02.026_1,
entitled, "Assisted living facility," to read as follows:
Sec. 15.02.026.1. Assisted living facility. Assisted living facility
means an establishment that provides living quarters and a variety of
limited personal care and supportive health care monitoring to more than
ten (10) individuals who may be unable to live independently due to
infirmity of age, or physical or mental handicap, but who do not need the
skilled nursing care of a convalescent home or a residential facility with
health care. These facilities may consist of individual dwelling units, with
separate bathroom facilities, a full kitchen or no kitchen. In addition,
these facilities may have communal dining areas, recreation facilities
(library, lounge, game room), laundry facilities and open space. An
assisted living facility is not a group home or a residential facility with
health care.
SECTION 2. —Amendment. Chapter 15.02 of the Kent City Code,
entitled, "Definitions," is amended by deleting the following sections:
3 Amend Title 15- Zoning
Ordinance
11
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SECTION 3. -Amendment. Chapter 15.02 of the Kent City Code,
entitled, "Definitions," is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 15.02.125. Dwelling, multiple-family. Multiple-family
dwelling means a residential building designed for or occupied by three (3)
or more families, with the number of families in residence not exceeding
the number of dwelling units provided. This definition also includes
independent senior housing far individuals sixty (60Zyears ar alder.
Sec. 15.02.131. Emergency housing, emergency shelter.
Emergency housing, emergency shelter means a facility operated publicly
or privately to provide housing for individuals or families who are otherwise
homeless and have no immediate living options available to them. Such
facilities ma rovide subpart services, food and sanitation. Emergency
housing shall not exceed a ninety (90) day period per individual or family.
4 Amend Title 15- Zoning
Ordinance
12
Sec. 15.02.135. Family. Family means
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KGC1S.02-47-3-. an individual- two or more persons related by blood
marriage ar state registered domestic partnership under Chapter 26.60
RCV1(; a group of two ar mare disabled residents_protected under the
Federal Housing Act Amendments who are not related b b marriage
ar state registered domestic partnership under Chapter 26.60 RCV1(jiving
together as a single housekeeping unit; a group of six or fewer residents
who are not related by blood marriage ar state registered domestic
partnership under Chapter 26.60 RCV1(. living together as a single
housekee e six or fewer
residents receive supportive services such as counseling foster care or
medical supervision at the dwelling unit by resident or non-resident staff
excluding Class II and III group homes.
Sec. 15.02.173. Group home.
A. Class I group home. Class I group home means publicly or privately
operated residential facilities such as state-licensed foster homes and
group homes for children; group homes for individuals who are
developmentally, physically, or mentally disabled; group homes or halfway
houses for recovering alcoholics and former drug addicts; and other groups
not considered within class II or III group homes.
1. Group home, class I-A. A class I-A group home shall have a
maximum of sevensix (76) residents not including resident staff.
2. Group home, class I-B. A class I-B group home shall have a
maximum of ten (10) residents including resident staff.
5 Amend Title 15- Zoning
Ordinance
13
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B. Class II group home. Class II group home means publicly or
privately operated residential facilities for juveniles under the jurisdiction
of the criminal justice system. These homes include state-licensed group
care homes or halfway homes for juveniles which provide residence in lieu
of sentencing or incarceration, and halfway houses providing residence to
juveniles needing correction or for juveniles selected to participate in
state-operated work release and pre-release programs. The planning
fnanageMirector shall have the discretion to classify a group home
proposing to serve juveniles convicted of the offenses listed under class III
group home in this section as a group home class III, and any such home
shall be sited according to the regulations contained within the group III
classification.
1. Group home, class H-A. A class II-A group home shall have a
maximum of eight (8) residents including resident staff.
2. Group home, class H-8. A class II-B group home shall have a
maximum of twelve (12) residents including resident staff.
3. Group home, class H-C. A class II-C group home shall have a
maximum of eighteen (18) residents including resident staff.
C. Class III group home. Class III group home means privately or
publicly operated residential facilities for adults under the jurisdiction of
the criminal justice system who have entered a pre- or post-charging
diversion program, or been selected to participate in state-operated
work/training release or other similar programs as provided in Chapters
6 Amend Title 15- Zoning
Ordinance
14
137-56 and 137-57 WAC. Such groups also involve individuals who have
been convicted of a violent crime against a person,.—or a crime against
property with a sexual motivation and convicted or charged as a sexual or
assaultive violent predator. Secure community transition facilities are
considered class III group homes. Secure community transition facilities
shall have a maximum of three (3) residents, excluding resident staff,
unless the state agency proposing to establish and operate the facility can
demonstrate that it has equitably distributed other secure community
transition facilities with the same or a greater number of residents in other
jurisdictions or communities throughout the entire geographic limits of
King County.
SECTION 4. —New Section. Chapter 15.02 of the Kent City Code,
entitled, "Definitions," is amended by adding a new section 15.02.335.3,
entitled, "Residential facility with health care," to read as follows:
Sec. 15.02.335.3. Residential facility with health care.
Residential facility with health care means a medically staffed facility
intended far the long term residential care of more than ten (10)
handicapped individuals who. because of age ar medical canditian
incapable of independent living. This definition also includes nursing
homes. as defined in RCW 18.51.010 and continuing care retirement
community as defined by RCW 70.38.025 but does not include group
homes.
SECTION 5. —Amendment. Chapter 15.02 of the Kent City Code,
entitled, "Definitions," is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 15.02.528. Transitional housing. Transitional housing
means a facility or
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7 Amend Title 15- Zoning
Ordinance
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A-Rublic housing-authority nonprofit organization ar other public interest
group, that provides housing to persons an a temporary is for a
duration not to exceed 24 months in conj-unctian with jab traininc7, self
sufficiency training life skills training human services counseling or other
similar services. Transitional accommodation.
Transitional housing does not include group homes.
SECTION 6. -Amendment. Chapter 15.04 of the Kent City Code,
entitled, "District Regulations," is amended to read as follows:
8 Amend Title 15- Zoning
Ordinance
16
Zoning Districts
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5=Special Uses b 9 0 b ir G G G
C=Conditional Uses t �-` -° -° it it _
A=Accessory Uses t 3 3 m t
0
qB It
E t tq
ri E E ir ° T V lit lit m E .� o
2 a >,
q9 0o a oo E Z 3 3 b qMr
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, r) ti ti a 0o
2 q q ? ? o 0 8 0 o
One single family dwelling per lot P P P P P P P P P P P P I I I I I P P I A A A A
O O O O
One duplex pen lot P P P P
(27)(27)(27)
Onemodularhomeperlot P P P P P P P P P P P P
Duplexes P P P P P P P P P
(27)(27)(27)(22)
P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P C
Multifamily townhouse units (27)(27)(27) (19)(19) (A U)C (A (A (I5)
(20)(20) (5)
P P P P P P P P P P P P P C
Multifamily dwellings (26)(26) (2) (4) (2) (2) (15)
(U
MalEi(kmily9we41ing"..{'gxtu P P P P R P C
Mobile homes and manufactured P
homes
Mobile home parks P P P P P P P
(13)(13)(13)(13)(13)(13)
Group homes class I P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P C P P CP CP C P
Group homes class I P P P P P P P P P P C P P C C C P
Pra�hornaseWssF6' C C C C fl li la fl la fl C C C C C 6' fl
Group homes class H A C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C
Group homes class H B C C C C C C C C C C C C 13)(C2
C C
Group homes class H C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C
Group homes class III C c c c c c c C c(23)(23)(23) (23)(23)(23) (23)(23) (24)
Rebuilddaccessory uses for existing P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P
dwelings (6) (6) (6) (6) (6) (6) (6) (6) (6) (6) (6) (6) (6) (6) (6)
P P P_ P PjnP P P P P C
(22)(22)(22) (2] ( (]) (2) (IS)
Transitional housing SK c f 0)
Zoning Districts
9 Amend Title 15- Zoning
Ordinance
17
If
If
If
xey If g q q = q q
P=Principally Permitted Uses m m t g U U
S=special Uses tl If H q' s° E° f b q q q q'
G=Conditional Uses If ; 3 t ip q q
A=Accessory Uses Y L] 6 H H a U o tl ?C-' ''' 6 m Iftp If
e Ifq q q T `�
q _ x E b N q
[] 2 d o S S o o q _
2 is
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kt `H c c c ip o w N 4
� z q — �' � � a a � � S
Q E! E! O � x U
A A A A A A A A
Guest cottages and houses (s) (s) (s) (s) (s) (s) (s) (s)
(20(20(20(20(20(20(20 (20
Rooming and boarding ofnot more A A A A A A A A A A
Han tluee(3)persons
F.vorker accommodations Q"!)A A A
Accessory uses and buildings A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A
customarily appurtenant toe Oa)Oa)Oa)Oa)Oa)Oa)Oa)Os) Os)Os)Os)
permitted use
Acoesso dwelling A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A
ry g units (ID (ID(ID(ID(ID(ID(ID(ID(ID 1(ID (ID 1 (ID(14)(14)(14) (ID(ID
Accessory living Varters A A A A A A A A A A A A A A
(14)(14)(14) (14) (14)(14)(14)(14)(14)(14)(14)(14)(14)(14)
Home occupations A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A
00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 0000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 0000 00 00
Se,ice buildings A
Storage buildings and storage of A A A A A A A A A A A A A
recreational v ehicles (16) (16)(16)(16)(16)(16)(16)(16)(16)(16)(16)(16)
Drive in churches+xsHt o C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C
GulAh.G '(iaeMding-enn,,ganey ) )
ahelWrs},'sb.'. nSf.,
- wales«rn61» d.rhies
welfar feeilitiee whelt prated,
.HUA,HH,sp.[.dT-fccs HS,,,{
rabilita&orwu+tu hu,,T 4,
D shelter
y housing;emergency c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c
shelter
Assisted l g fitn1hoss 29)29)(22) ([2) L L21
S[]
Residential facilities w ithhealth _C _C _C _C _C P F P F Fk4fP P P P _C _C P P C
tD
P5P25)Q P P P P P P P
(2—
Designated manufactured home P
(25)(25)(25)(25)(25)(25)(25)
SECTION 7, —Amendment. Section 15.04.030 of the Kent City
Code, entitled, "Residential land use development conditions," is amended
to read as follows:
10 Amend Title 15- Zoning
Ordinance
18
Sec. 15.04.030. Residential land use development
conditions.
1. Dwelling units, limited to not more than one (1) per establishment,
for security or maintenance personnel and their families, when located on
the premises where they are employed in such capacity. No other
residential use shall be permitted.
2. Multifamily residential use ar other residential facilities where
allowed, shall be permitted only in the mixed use overlay when included
within a mixed use development.
3. [Reserved].
4. Multifamily residential uses, or other residential facilities where
allowed, when established in buildings with commercial or office uses, and
not located on the ground floor.
5. Multifamily residential uses, or other residential facilities where
allowed, when not combined with commercial or office uses.
6. Existing dwellings may be rebuilt, repaired, and otherwise changed
for human occupancy. Accessory uses for existing dwellings may be
constructed. Such uses are garages, carports, storage sheds, and fences.
7. Transitional housing facilities, limited to a maximum of twenty (20)
residents at any one (1) time and four (4) resident staff.
8. Guesthouses not rented or otherwise conducted as a business.
11 Amend Title 15- Zoning
Ordinance
19
9. Farm dwellings appurtenant to a principal agricultural use for the
housing of farm owners, operators, or employees, but not accommodations
for transient labor.
10. Accessory dwelling units shall not be included in calculating the
maximum density. Accessory dwelling units are allowed subject to the
provisions of KCC 15.08.350.
11. Customary incidental home occupations subject to the provisions of
KCC 15.08.040.
residents and ,
[ReservedL
13. Subject to the combining district requirements of the mobile home
park code, Chapter 12.05 KCC.
14. Accessory living quarters are allowed per the provisions of KCC
15.08.359.
15. Multifamily residential use ar other residential facilities where
allowed, shall be permitted as a conditional use only when included in a
mixed use development.
16. Recreational vehicle storage is permitted as an accessory use in
accordance with KCC 15.08.080.
12 Amend Title 15- Zoning
Ordinance
20
17. Accommodations for farm operators and employees, but not
accommodations for transient labor.
18. Other accessory uses and buildings customarily appurtenant to a
permitted use, except for onsite hazardous waste treatment and storage
facilities, which are not permitted in residential zones.
19. The following zoning is required to be in existence on the entire
property to be rezoned at the time of application for a rezone to an MR-T
zone: SR-8, MR-D, MR-G, MR-M, MR-H, 0, O-MU, NCC, CC, GC, DC, or
DCE.
20. All multifamily townhouse developments in the MR-T zone shall be
recorded as townhouses with ownership interest, as defined in KCC
15.02.525.1, prior to approval of a certificate of occupancy by the city.
21. Subject to KCC 15.08.160(A) and (B), Accessory buildings.
22. One (1) duplex per lot is permitted.
23. Secure community transition facilities are permitted only in the GWC
zoning district.
24. Class II and class III group homes, other than secure community
transition facilities, are not allowed in this zoning district. A secure
community transition facility shall also comply with applicable state siting
and permitting requirements pursuant to Chapter 71.09 RCW. Secure
community transition facilities are not subject to the siting criteria of KCC
15.08.280 for class III group homes, but they are subject to a six hundred
(600) foot separation from any other class II or III group home. In no case
shall a secure community transition facility be sited adjacent to,
13 Amend Title 15- Zoning
Ordinance
21
immediately across the street or parking lot from, or within the line of
sight of risk potential activities or facilities in existence at the time a site is
listed for consideration. Within line of sight means that it is possible to
reasonably visually distinguish and recognize individuals. For the purposes
of granting a conditional use permit for siting a secure community
transition facility, the hearing examiner shall consider an unobstructed
visual distance of six hundred (600) feet to be "within line of sight." During
the conditional use permit process for a secure community transition
facility, "line of sight" may be considered to be less than six hundred (600)
feet if the applicant can demonstrate that visual barriers exist or can be
created that would reduce the line of sight to less than six hundred (600)
feet. This distance shall be measured by following a straight line, without
regard to intervening buildings, from the nearest point of the property or
parcel upon which the proposed use is to be located, to the nearest point
of the parcel or property or the land use district boundary line from which
the proposed use is to be separated. For the purpose of granting a
conditional use permit for a secure community transition facility, the
hearing examiner shall give great weight to equitable distribution so that
the city shall not be subject to a disproportionate share of similar facilities
of a state-wide, regional, or county-wide nature.
25. A designated manufactured home is a permitted use with the
following conditions:
a. A designated manufactured home must be a new
manufactured home;
b. The designated manufactured home shall be set upon a
permanent foundation, as specified by the manufacturer, and the space
from the bottom of the home to the ground shall be enclosed by concrete
14 Amend Title 15- Zoning
Ordinance
22
or an approved concrete product that can be either load bearing or
decorative;
C. The designated manufactured home shall comply with all city
design standards applicable to all other single-family homes;
d. The designated manufactured home shall be thermally
equivalent to the State Energy Code; and
e. The designated manufactured home shall meet all other
requirements for a designated manufactured home as defined in RCW
35.63.160.
26. Multifamily dwellings shall be allowed only within the Kent downtown
districts outlined in the Downtown Strategic Action Plan and shall be
condominiums recorded pursuant to Chapter 64.32 or 64.34 RCW or
similar dwelling units with ownership interest and recorded as such prior to
approval of a certificate of occupancy by the city.
27. Within subdivisions, as defined by KCC 12.04.025, vested after
March 22, 2007, or altered to comply with zoning and subdivision code
amendments effective after March 22, 2007, twenty-five (25) percent of
the total number of permitted dwelling units may be duplex or triplex
townhouse structures.
28. Live-work units; provided, that the following development standards
shall apply for live-work units, in addition to those set forth in KCC
15.04.190:
a. The unit shall contain a cooking space and sanitary facility in
conformance with applicable building standards;
15 Amend Title 15- Zoning
Ordinance
23
b. Adequate and clearly defined working space must constitute
no less than fifty (50) percent of the gross floor area of the live-work unit.
Said working space shall be reserved for and regularly used by one (1) or
more persons residing there;
C. At least one (1) resident in each live-work unit shall maintain
at all times a valid city business license for a business on the premises;
d. Persons who do not reside in the live-work unit may be
employed in the live-work unit when the required parking is provided;
e. Customer and client visits are allowed when the required
parking is provided;
f. No portion of a live-work unit may be separately rented or
sold as a commercial space for a person or persons not living on the
premises, or as a residential space for a person or persons not working on
the premises;
g. The multiple-family design guidelines and development
standards do not apply to live-work units;
h. Construct all nonresidential space, to the maximum allowed,
to commercial building standards; and
i. Provide an internal connection between the residential and
nonresidential space within each unit.
29. Subiect to the maximum permitted density of the zaning district.
16 Amend Title 15- Zoning
Ordinance
24
30. Conditional use when the number of residents exceeds twenty 201
- —
at any one 11JUme and four (4)-resident staff.
SECTION S. - Corrections by City Clerk or Code Reviser. Upon
approval of the City Attorney, the City Clerk and the code reviser are
authorized to make necessary corrections to this ordinance, including the
correction of clerical errors; ordinance, section, or subsection numbering;
or references to other local, state or federal laws, codes, rules, or
regulations.
SECTION 9. - Severabilitv. If any one or more section, subsection,
or sentence of this ordinance is held to be unconstitutional or invalid, that
decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion of this
ordinance and that remaining portion shall maintain its full force and
effect.
SECTIONS. - Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect and
be in force thirty (30) days from and after its passage and publication, as
provided by law.
SUZETTE COOKE, MAYOR
ATTEST:
RONALD F. MOORE, CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
ARTHUR "PAT" FITZPATRICK, ACTING CITY ATTORNEY
17 Amend Title 15- Zoning
Ordinance
25
PASSED: day of 2013.
APPROVED: day of 2013.
PUBLISHED: day of 2013.
I hereby certify that this is a true copy of Ordinance No.
passed by the City Council of the City of Kent, Washington, and approved
by the Mayor of the City of Kent as hereon indicated.
(SEAL)
RONALD F. MOORE, CITY CLERK
F AC vlpord,nzn®\Zonln9 Rovls.on,15 02 And 15.04.D-
18 Amend Title 15- Zoning
Ordinance
26
ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Ben Wolters, Director
PLANNING DIVISION
Fred Satterstrom, AICP, Director
• Charlene Anderson, AICP, Manager
KENT
WASH INCTON Phone: 253-856-5454
Fax: 253-856-6454
Address: 220 Fourth Avenue S.
Kent, WA 98032-5895
July 5, 2013
TO: Chair Jamie Perry and Economic & Community Development Committee
FROM: Katie Graves, Planner
SUBJECT: Blueberry Cottages, Cottage Housing Demonstration Project
For the meeting of July 8, 2013
MOTION: None. For Information Only
SUMMARY: Bill Ruth, the applicant for the Blueberry Cottages Demonstration
Project, is withdrawing his project. After receiving preliminary plat approval in
2012, Mr. Ruth is unable to secure financial backing for a cottage housing design,
and would instead like to develop the property as a traditional subdivision, not
subject to the Cottage Housing Demonstration Ordinance. Staff would like to
discuss with ECDC the implications of this withdrawal, answer any questions the
committee may have regarding this project, and where to move forward with
Cottage Housing from here. Please find attached the withdrawal letter from Mr.
Ruth, and response letter from Fred Satterstrom.
BACKGROUND: In 2008, City Council adopted a Cottage Housing Demonstration
Ordinance, outlining development and design standards for cottage housing
development. Cottage housing development is defined as an alternative type of
development made up of detached small single-family residences (cottages)
clustered around a common open space with garages and parking located away
from the houses. The ordinance allowed the selection of up to two demonstration
projects, in which the Blueberry Cottages proposal was selected after extensive
review by the Cottage Housing Committee. Selection of a cottage housing
demonstration project is based on compliance with the predefined selection criteria,
design quality, and compliance with cottage housing development standards, as
outlined in the ordinance. Following selection, a preliminary plat application was
submitted to the City in 2010 and the project received preliminary plat approval by
the Hearing Examiner on September 26, 2012.
KGI S'.\Penno\PlanACOMP PU AMENDMENTS\2008ACPA-2008-2 CottageJiousing\PEDC ECDCA2013V070813_ECDCMemo.too
Att: Attach A:Withdrawal letter
Attach B:City response
cc: Fred Satterstrom,AICP,Planning Director
Charlene Anderson,AICP,Planning Manager
Kathi]ones,kathi'onee0 ohnlscott.com
Greg Byler,abaabylergaol com
Project Hie
w O
19400—108"Avenue S.E Phone:(252)852-4682
Suite 200 - n- 1oll Free:(800)326-4691
(Cent,WA 98031 Fax:!253)852-4342
June 12, 2013 CITY OF Y ENT
ECONOsJ!C r: dD
CCU PJUh!!'rY D'E1 EI.00'idIE !
Fred N. Satterstrom
City of Kent Planning Director
400 West Gowe Street
!Cent, WA 98032
Subject: Withdrawal of Blueberry Cottages Plat
Dear Fred:
It is with much sadness that our Development Team has found it necessary to abandon
the platting process on Blueberry Cottages. The reasons are many and varied. I will summarize
some of the major impediments.
A—History of cottage developments in the Greater Seattle and Puget Sound areas is that very
few have even gotten off the ground;most never left the planning stage. The scattered few
that "came out of the ground" suffered poor sales, minimum profits and usually showed large
losses. They sound good but end up bad!
B—Financing problems, a short but sad analysis is that banks, large, small, traditional and hard
money lenders, in total say NO, under any circumstances. Lending on Cottage Projects has ultra
bad history.
C—Builder reluctance is that Cottage Projects turn them totally off. True Cottage Homes are
VERY expensive to build per square foot. Builders then cannot be competitive with other
projects. Also builders are reluctant to vary much from their approved and proven plans. This
reluctance runs from our active national builders and through our strong local builders alike.
Page 1 of 2
D-Absorption history and buyer demographics are important reasons why cottage home sales
are historically (locally)very, very slow. Sluggish absorption rates turn off banks, (they've had
to repossess cottage projects). Builders and of course Developers show little local interest
here.
THE FUTURE OF THE BLUEBERRY PLAT—
On June 4th, Matt Gilbert called a small group of city staff, including Ben Wolters, Katie
Graves and others acquainted with this project to a meeting to talk about what is going on,why
and then ........where do we go from here. Note—this group was tremendously helpful and
supportive of our thoughts of doing a re-formatting of this plat. J.B. Ruth and I, in turn,
described the reasons why we are unable to move forward and also about underlying causes
for lack of support of a Cottage Project. All of this I explained earlier in this letter.
Therefore we are now asking for a pre-application meeting to get down to what actually
has to be done to move ahead with a more traditional plat. We look for continued strong
support.from City staff.
Fred—our team has spent $100,000+trying to make Blueberry work. We shared this
vision with many on the Kent City Council. Had we known what we know now,we would not
have applied for the possible granting of this Pilot/Demonstration Project. We are all
chagrined over the outcome but now turn to "damage control' in the form of a re-formatting of
the Plat. The Leber Estate folks share these sentiments in this letter and support our efforts to
OBTAIN A SPEEDY RE-PLAT APPROVAL.
Very truly yours,
Bill Ruth
for Blueberry Cottages
Page 2 of 2
PLANNING SERVICES
Fred N. Satterstrom,AICP
Planning Director
220 e Avenue South
p Kent, WA 98032
`�. IT Fax: 253-856-6454
w..sxi, o+ou
PHONE: 253-856-5454
I
June 19, 2013
Bill Ruth
W. E. Ruth Real Estate, Inc.
19400 108a' Avenue SE
Kent, WA 98031
RE: Withdrawal of Blueberry Cottage Preliminary Plat (Cottage Housing Demonstration
Project)
Dear Bill:
I am in receipt of your letter dated 6-12-2013 wherein you request a withdrawal of the
Blueberry Cottages preliminary plat. I wanted to let you know that the City will honor your
wishes and note this in the record of the proposed Blueberry Cottages plat.
As mentioned in your letter, you expended great resources and time in exploring the
potential for cottage-type housing in Kent. Speaking for myself, I want to thank you for
that effort. The purpose of the demonstration ordinance was to examine just such a
possibility. Cottage housing had worked successfully in other communities and the City
wanted to test the waters here. Your experience - even though it was unsuccessful - has
given us insight to certain market and development conditions that will help the City to
evaluate the merits of continuing to pursue this unique form of housing.
The Economic &Community development Department stands ready to help you find a
suitable alternative plat design for the Blueberry site. The same kind of helpful and friendly
assistance you found in the impromptu meeting organized by Matt Gilbert on June 4ch will be
provided in any pre-application meeting you apply for.
I will be informing our City Council about your withdrawal of the Blueberry Cottages plat
application. Withdrawal of your application will mean there is no active demonstration
project. I anticipate a discussion about options the City may have including a revision of
the ordinance, waiting for a period of time, or abandoning the notion altogether. I will let
you know when we have that discussion so you may be a part of it.
Respectfully,
fc
/1//d, i
N. Satterstrom, AICP
Planning Director
cc: Ben Wolters, ECD Director
Tom Brubaker, Interim CAO
2 Charlene Anderson Planning Manager
v
3
3
Q MAYOR SUZETrE COOKED=�-•.--
City of Kent Economic 8e Community Development
Ben Wolters, Director
ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Ben Wolters, Director
PLANNING DIVISION
Fred Satterstrom, AICP, Director
Charlene Anderson, AICP, Manager
KENT
WASHINGTON Phone: 253-856-5454
Fax: 253-856-6454
Address: 220 Fourth Avenue S.
Kent, WA 98032-5895
July 5, 2013
TO: Chair Jamie Perry and Economic & Community Development Committee
FROM: Fred N. Satterstrom, AICP, Planning Director
SUBJECT: Potential Meeker Street Revitalization Initiative (MRI)
For the meeting of August 12, 2013
MOTION: None. For Information Only
SUMMARY: The Downtown Subarea Action Plan (DSAP) is scheduled for its first
public hearing on July 8, 2013. Once the Land Use & Planning Board (LUPB)
completes its review, the Plan will go to the City Council for consideration. When it
does, it will be accompanied by a proposed Planned Action Ordinance (PAO), which
is aimed at streamlining the environmental review process and providing an
incentive for development. At a later time, probably in the fall, the Council will be
presented with the recommendations of the Economic Development Strategy
conducted by CAI, Inc., some of which will be aimed at the downtown.
BACKGROUND: In addition to the above, the Economic & Community
Development Department is currently studying a proposal which would further
incentivize development in a designated area of downtown Kent. It would be
modeled after the program adopted by the City of Auburn in March 2013. In
Auburn's program, a special redevelopment area was identified in the downtown
(32 parcels) where permit and other development fees were either waived or
reduced. For example, permit fees were reduced by 75%, traffic impact fees were
waived altogether, and utility system development charges were deferred rather
than being collected up front. Auburn's redevelopment zone had a sunset clause;
only projects that could receive approval by December 31, 2013 were eligible for
the reduced fees.
ECD staff is considering a similar proposal for downtown Kent. It would be centered
on Meeker Street in the core area of downtown. There is a high vacancy rate in this
part of downtown. Several prominent storefronts that were formerly occupied by
retail users are now vacant; some have been vacant for years. Further, certain
landowners seem reluctant to invest in the improvement of their buildings and
property. These factors have combined to create a level of blight in downtown that
may need an extra boost to turn the situation around.
The City of Kent has taken a number of steps already to incentivize development in
downtown. For example, zoning has been changed to accommodate all the forms of
development that seek to achieve the vision for downtown. In furtherance of this
vision, the City has facilitated the development of Kent Station and the Town
Square Apartments (Platform project) through strategic property agreements. The
City has also adopted a multifamily tax exemption for downtown residential
development. And, underway at this time, is the PAO which will streamline the
SEPA process.
Staff would like to discuss with the ECDC the pros and cons of an Auburn-like
approach in downtown Kent. Insofar as reduced fees and charges may influence the
likelihood of development or redevelopment, such an economic development
strategy has merit.
FS/pm P:\Planning\ECDC\2013\Packet Documents\0]-08-13\0]0813_ECDC Memo MeekerStRevitInidad ve.doc
cc: Ben Wolters,ECD Director
Fred Satterstrom,AICP, Planning Director
Charlene Anderoon,AICP,Planning Manager