HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Economic and Community Development Committee - 06/13/2016 (2)Unless otherwise noted, the Economic & Community Development Committee meets at 5 p.m. on
the second Monday of each month in Kent City Hall, Council Chambers East, 220 4th Ave S, Kent,
98032.
For additional information please contact Julie Pulliam at 253-856-5702.
Any person requiring a disability accommodation should contact the City Clerk’s Office
at 253-856-5725 in advance. For TDD relay service call Washington
Telecommunications Relay Service at 1-800-833-6388.
Economic & Community Development
Committee Agenda
Councilmembers: Jim Berrios, Tina Budell, Bill Boyce, Chair
June 13, 2016
5:00 p.m.
Item Description Action Speaker(s) Time Page
1. Call to Order Bill Boyce 1 min
2. Roll Call Bill Boyce 1 min
3. Changes to the Agenda Bill Boyce 1 min
4. Approval of May 11, 2016 Minutes YES Bill Boyce 2 min
5. Patient Cooperatives YES Hayley Bonsteel 10 min
Code Amendment (ZCA-2016-5)
6. Complete Streets Ordinance NO Hayley Bonsteel 10 min
Information Only Lacey Jane Wolfe
7. Density Rounding NO Matt Gilbert 10 min
Information Only
8. Sound Transit Update NO Hayley Bonsteel 5 min
9. ShoWare Update NO Ben Wolters 5 min
10. Economic Development Update NO Bill Ellis 10 min
Andrew Corona
ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES
May 9, 2016
Committee Members Committee Chair Bill Boyce, Tina Budell, and Jim Berrios
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Changes to the Agenda
4. Approval of Minutes
Committee Member Berrios MOVED and Committee Member Budell
SECONDED a Motion to Approve the Minutes of April 11, 2016.
Motion PASSED 3-0.
5. Comprehensive Plan Amendment, 2016 Park & Open Space Plan –
Ordinance
Hope Gibson stated the Park & Open Space Plan has been worked on for
approximately one year. The four principal themes of the Plan include: quality
public spaces, provide a high quality parks system that provides growth within the
City; performance-based approach to planning and maintaining the system using a
performance-based assessment tool; transformation through re-investment; and
sustainable funding. Staff proposes adding a Park Systems Map to the Plan.
The Plan went through an extensive public process with several outreach efforts
last year, including public events with the help of the Parks Commission, an
informal web-based survey, and hiring a firm to do a statistical valid survey.
Updates on the Plan have been given to the Land Use & Planning Board, Parks
Committee, and the Parks Commission.
Long Range Planning Manager Charlene Anderson added the Park & Open Space
Plan will be incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan by reference. The data that
are included in the Park & Open Space Plan also update the Parks and Recreation
Element and the Capital Facilities Element of the Comprehensive Plan. The Land
Use and Planning Board held a public hearing and recommended approval
according to the draft ordinance which is in the packet. Staff is also
recommending approval to include the map of the Park System in the Plan.
Chair Boyce asked if the Plan came out of the Land Use & Planning Board
unanimously with no concerns. Anderson responded, yes.
Chair Boyce asked for a simple summary of what the Plan was before and what it is
now. Gibson responded the Plan adopts a different level of service; the level of
service used to be measured by acres per 1,000 residents. The new level of service
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will look at quantity but also quality and performance, not looking at just the
number of parks but how they are preforming. If residents would like to see a good
overview, it can be found in the executive summary of the Plan.
Chair Boyce asked if there is anyone who wants to speak on this item. Sandi
Lynden, East Hill North resident, has concerns this is creating a tiered system and
not looking equally at developed parks and open spaces, and that open space is
being neglected in this Plan. She pointed out the East Hill has 35 percent of the
population and is the most underserved. Lynden stated she doesn’t feel the Plan
looks at the Benson area where the population is. Gibson stated the reason the
tiered system was looked at was to not have the top preforming parks for
recreation to over-score the open space. The City wants a well-balanced park
system. In fact, the tiered system was created to protect open space. The City
was also divided into regions to give each their own performance-based approach
to see how each region is performing. The Park & Open Space Plan does note the
North East Hill has the largest park deficit.
Chair Boyce asked where the Plan goes next after it comes out of the Economic &
Community Development Committee. Anderson replied, on to Parks and Human
Services Committee then to full Council on June 7th.
Council Member Berrios MOVED and Council Member Budell SECONDED to
Recommend to the full City Council approval of amendments to the
comprehensive plan to incorporate the 2016 Park and Open Space Plan
with the concurrence of the Parks and Human Services Committee, along
with associated amendments to the Capital Facilities Element and Parks
and Recreation Element of the comprehensive plan as recommended by the
Land Use and Planning Board and adding a map to the Plan as further
requested by staff. Motion passed 3-0.
6. Community Wide Planning Policies Strategies for Affordable Housing –
Resolution
Long Range Planning Manager Charlene Anderson presented the topic to ratify an
amendment to the Countywide Planning Policies whereby jurisdictions may
consider mandatory as well as voluntary programs as they look to provide their
share of the countywide need for affordable housing. The amendment doesn’t
require the City of Kent to have a mandatory program; it just states the City can
do so if they wish.
Chair Boyce stated we need to acknowledge and understand it isn’t a required
program and we don’t have to adopt such a program. Anderson replied that is
correct.
Council Member Berrios MOVED and Council Member Budell SECONDEDto
Recommend to the full City Council ratification of an amendment to the
King County Countywide Planning Policies (CPPs) to provide that
jurisdictions can consider the full range of programs including mandatory
programs that will assist in meeting their share of the countywide need for
affordable housing. Motion passed 3-0.
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7. Building & Fire Code Codes Adoption and Amendments – Ordinance
Building Official Kimberlee McArthur recommended adoption of the two ordinance
for the new building codes which go into place July 1, 2016. The codes to be
adopted are the International Building Code, Residential Code, Fire Code, Energy
Conservation Code, Property Maintenance Code, Mechanical Code, Uniform
Plumbing Code, along with statewide amendments that have been approved by the
legislature which will replace the 2012 editions to these codes which occur every 3
years. Most of the amendments are housekeeping and minor in nature.
Chief Napier stated the fire code is also being updated on the 3 year cycle. Sky
lanterns have been banned the model code allows them to be tethered. The
recommendation is we still ban them. Commercial development need to have
access points being far apart we have added language if operations agrees there is
enough connectivity on both sides of the activity point and the access point is wide
enough a single access point would be usable. That has been built into the code
and will go into effect July 1, 2016. There were 2 projects affected by the old code
and we will reach out to them to see if we can help re-establish forward movement
of the project. The last item is a development issue; the rural area north of the
golf course on Frager Road. There was a project which wanted to build some
houses but the water main was all the way out on Meeker Street. Code did not
allow us to issue building permits where there were no hydrants. We have found
some criteria and alternative mitigation we can use if they are willing, and we will
be able to issue building permits for those homes. This just allows us to add some
flexibility.
Council Member Budell MOVED and Council Member Berrios to Recommend
adoption of the two ordinances amending various sections of Chapters
13.01 and 14.01 of the Kent City Code to adopt the 2015 editions of the
International Building, Existing Building, Residential, Mechanical,
Energy Conservation and Fire Codes, and the 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 changes to the
adopted codes, and to make other housekeeping amendments.
Motion passed 3-0
8. Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Appointment – Bryan Powell
Economic Development Analyst Andrew Corona brought forward the appointment
of Bryan Powell, General Manager of the Ramada Inn to the Lodging Tax Advisory
Committee. Mr. Powell has served on a Lodging Tax Committee in the past. The
position Mr. Powell has accepted is one of the new positions approved by the
Council to increase the membership of the committee to align better with the
increased population of the City.
Council Member Berrios MOVED and Council Member Budell 2nd
recommended to full Council the appointment of Bryan Powell to the
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. Motion passed 3-0
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9. Draft Transportation Improvement Program
Sr. Transportation Planner, Lacey Jane Wolfe presented the updates to the 6 year
Transportation Improvement Program and gave a brief review of the program and
summarize the recommended changes that have been put together for Public
Works Committee and Council for review and look at the timeline for moving
forward. The Transportation Improvement Program is a 6-year short range
planning document, by state law it has to be updated every year, and reflect
projected funding capacities and clearly identify sources of funding. It doesn’t
represent all the City’s goals, or needs just the ones where funding is allocated or a
reasonable assurance that funding allocated to the projects, as well as fit into the
City’s Comprehensive Plan and Budget.
Projects Staff Propose for Addition
Transportation Master Plan Update
132nd Avenue Pedestrian Improvements
Meeker Street Redesign (Meet Me on Meeker)
76th Avenue South
Willis Street Roundabout (Propose/plan for allow access to Naden)
Projects Staff Propose for Removal
Improvements at Neely O’Brien, Daniel, Meadow Ridge and Horizon
Elementary Schools
South 212th Street and 72nd Avenue Intersections Improvements
James Street Bicycle Lanes
Proposed Changes to Programs
Quiet Zone classified as project
Bicycle System Improvements classified as projects
Community Circulating Shuttles moved to operations (913, 914, and
916)
Other Projects
Southeast 248th Street Improvements
South 212th Street Grade Separation
The 2017 – 2022 6-year TIP
19 Street Capital Projects: $89 million
5 Citywide Programs: $93 million
Total: $182 million
Next Steps
May 16, 2016 going to Public Works Action Item
Public Hearing
Council adoption by Resolution by July 1, 2016
Transmit to the state by August 1, 2016
Information Only
10. Patient Cooperatives – Zoning Code Amendment [ZCA-2016-5]
Assistant City Attorney David Galazin spoke to the topic. State legislature has
responded to physician statements made by the Federal Government. We know the
collective garden system is a failing system and Kent was the first City to recognize
that and pass legislation. The City took that to the state supreme court and were
successful in upholding that finding. We have just went again a few months ago to
get an injunction for another who tried to violate the ordinance and we were
successful in getting the injunction. It is very clear through the state constitute
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authority to the City stating we can set up zones and zoning districts describing
what can and can’t be done in these certain zones. The Federal Government has
said they recognize the State of Washington has passed by initiative the
recreational marijuana system and it has been tasked to the State Liquor Cannabis
Board. The Federal Government expects the State to rein everything in. Right now
there is a recreational system that is highly regulated as well as a medical system.
In response the State Legislature has adopted a couple of bills. In Senate Bill 5052
which established patient corporative stating no more than 4 members at 1 time, all
4 members either have to be a qualifying patient or a designated provider
registered with the State Registry, with a provision if one member leaves there is a
waiting period of 60 days before another person can join, as well as the location of
the corporative has to be in the domicile of 1 of the 4 individuals; by default in a
residential area. This was amended by House Bill 2136 which clarified these
locations and the State Liquor and Cannabis Board cannot issue a license that is
with-in 1 mile of an existing licensed retailer; the other clarification is they need to
provide physical resources and contributions. The House Bill also states the State
Board cannot issue a license where it is banned by any City or County Ordinance.
This is why it makes sense to treat these and continue to treat these as land use
issues.
A qualifying corporative can grow up to 60 plants. So we are looking at going
before the Land Use and Planning Board Meeting on May 9, 2016 at 7 p.m. and
present them with the land use plans these gardens have with-in the residential
districts.
Information Only
11. Sound Transit Update
Long Range Planner Hayley Bonsteel updated the Committee that Sound Transit has
the comments staff submitted for the interim design review and the City Staff will
meet with them by the end of May to go over those comments. In the meantime
there was a meeting with Sound Transit and King County Metro to understand the
need for busses in the light rail station area and the large amount of bus traffic that
will be happening there, as well as looking at the compatibility of pedestrians and
busses. We are continuing to work with Sound Transit and King County Metro to
make sure all the users’ needs are addressed.
12. ShoWare Update
Economic & Community Development Director Ben Wolters gave an update on
ShoWare’s progress. This year the T-Birds are playing in the Western League
Championship at ShoWare on May 10, 2016. There will be a sold out 6000 seat
Dolly Pardon concert. We are showing a profit in the 1st quarter this year. The
Settlement on the ice plant was settled for 50 cents on the dollar later there will be
a full accounting given to the Operations Committee. We are also in a conversation
with a new company wanting to purchase the naming rights and it is a very positive
conversation, hopefully the Mayor will be signing that by the end of this year.
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Chair Boyce gave kudos to Ben Wolters and his team on the work being done at
ShoWare Center and the efforts to continue to promote ShoWare in the region
which is good for the City of Kent.
13. Economic Development Update
Economic Development Analyst Andrew Corona gave an update on Retail
Recruitment at the Panther Lake Albertson’s retail center. Just a few months ago a
company out of California united Albertson and KimCo and purchased the whole
retail center. Since then Economic Development has been working with them to
identify appropriate tenants for the center with the use of the Buxton tools
presented to the committee at a previous meeting. They have an LOI on the
Albertson Building and we should know who that is soon.
Looking at the new ownership at the Market Place at Lake Meridian, Trader Joes has
turned around the center and it is now a prosperous retail center.
Canyon Ridge where the Top Foods is located it is currently in the pre-investment,
pre re-vitalization phase more to come on that area.
Adjournment
Chair Boyce adjourned the meeting at 6:50 p.m.
_________________________________________
Julie Pulliam
Economic & Community Development Committee
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ECONOMIC and COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Ben Wolters, Director
Phone: 253-856-5454
Fax: 253-856-6454
220 Fourth Avenue S.
Kent, WA 98032-5895
Date: May 25, 2016
TO: Chair Bill Boyce and Economic & Community Development Committee
FROM: Hayley Bonsteel, Long Range Planner & GIS Coordinator
RE: Patient Cooperatives Code Amendment (ZCA-2016-5)
For Meeting of June 13, 2016
SUMMARY: Recent changes in state law will introduce a new category of medical
marijuana growing operation called a “patient cooperative,” replacing the existing
category of “collective garden” beginning July 1, 2016. The new category will allow
up to four qualifying patients and/or designated providers to form a “cooperative”
in which marijuana can be collectively grown for personal, medical use in the
domicile of one of the members of the cooperative. The Liquor and Cannabis Board
will have regulatory oversight of these cooperatives; however, the Board cannot
register a cooperative where prohibited by a local zoning provision. A patient
cooperative must be located within the domicile of one of the members; ergo,
cooperatives may only exist in residential areas. The law does not specify that the
domicile be owned by the member, meaning there is the potential for greater
impacts to rental properties.
Kent’s zoning code does not address this new category of patient cooperatives; the
draft ordinance attached rectifies this by repealing the regulations related to
collective gardens and adding a definition and similar zoning regulations for patient
cooperatives as the Council has previously adopted for collective gardens.
Given the potential impacts (particularly with respect to rental properties), as well
as the administrative nature of this change (repealing one type of collective medical
marijuana growing operation and replacing it with another), staff recommended
that this general category of land use remain prohibited in all zoning districts. The
Land Use and Planning Board recommended approval of staff’s recommendation
after holding a public hearing on May 23, 2016.
EXHIBITS: SEPA Checklist and Decision, Draft Ordinance
BUDGET IMPACT: none
cc: Ben Wolters, Economic &Community Development Director
MOTION: Recommend to the City Council approval of proposed
amendments to the Kent Zoning Code, related to medical marijuana
patient cooperatives, as recommended by the Land Use and
Planning Board.
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ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Ben Wolters, Director
Phone: 253-856-5454
Fax: 253-856-6454
220 Fourth Avenue S.
Kent, WA 98032-5895
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW REPORT
Decision Document
MEDICAL MARIJUANA PATIENT COOPERATIVES ZONING REGULATIONS
ENV-2016-15, KIVA# RPSA-2161700
ZCA-2016-5, KIVA #RPP6-2161614
Charlene Anderson, AICP Responsible Official Staff Contact: Hayley Bonsteel
I. PROPOSAL
The City of Kent has initiated a non-project environmental review for this
project, which proposes to amend the City of Kent Zoning Code to prohibit a
new category of medical marijuana grow operations called patient
cooperatives. There is also an option to permit patient cooperatives in single
family (SR-1) districts.
See attached for proposed draft amendment.
II. BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Compliance with Kent's Comprehensive Plan, the Washington State Growth
Management Act (GMA), The Local Project Review Act (ESHB 1724 and ESB
6094), Kent's Design and Construction Standards (Ordinance 3927) and
Concurrency Management (Chapter 12.11, Kent City Code) will require
concurrent improvements or the execution of binding agreements by the
Applicant/Owner with Kent to mitigate identified environmental impacts.
These improvements and/or agreements may include improvements to
roadways, intersections and intersection traffic signals, stormwater
detention, treatment and conveyance, utilities, sanitary sewerage and
domestic water systems. Compliance with Kent's Design and Construction
Standards may require the deeding/ dedication of right-of-way for identified
improvements. Compliance with Title 11.03 and Title 11.06 of the Kent City
Code may require the conveyance of Sensitive Area Tracts to the City of Kent
in order to preserve trees, regulate the location and density of development
based upon known physical constraints such as steep and/or unstable slopes
or proximity to lakes, or to maintain or enhance water quality. Compliance
with the provisions of Chapter 6.12 of the Kent City Code may require
provisions for mass transit adjacent to the site.
In addition to the above, Kent follows revisions to the Washington State
Environmental Policy Act, Chapter 197-11 WAC (effective November 10,
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1997), which implements ESHB 1724 and ESB 6094, and rules which took
effect on May 10, 2014 in response to 2ESSB 6406 passed by the State
Legislature in 2012.
III. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
A. Earth
The Proposal is unlikely to impact earth, as it prohibits a new type of
indoor marijuana grow operation.
Were patient cooperatives to be permitted in SR-1 zones, they would
be located indoors and would therefore also be unlikely to impact
earth.
B. Air
Adoption of the Proposal is a non-project action, and no impacts to air
are anticipated. Prohibiting patient cooperatives is unlikely to affect
air. Were patient cooperatives permitted in SR-1 zones, it is possible
that negligible odors could be created; however, SR-1 lot sizes are
large and therefore any impact would be unlikely to affect the air
beyond the immediate vicinity of the property.
C. Water
Adoption of the Proposal is a non-project action, and no impacts to
water are anticipated. Prohibiting patient cooperatives is unlikely to
affect water. Were patient cooperatives to be permitted in SR-1 zones,
it is possible that residential water use would increase—but the burden
of this would fall on the resident paying the water bill, and is unlikely
to affect water city-wide.
D. Plants and Animals
This proposal is not anticipated to have an effect on plants or animals.
Were patient cooperatives to be permitted in SR-1 zones, an increase
of up to 60 marijuana plants per residential household is possible—
however, the addition of marijuana plants to indoor residences does
not significantly impact existing plants or animals in any discernable
way.
E. Energy and Natural Resources
This proposal is not anticipated to have an effect on energy or natural
resources. Were patient cooperatives to be permitted in SR-1 zones,
an increase in residential energy use is possible—however, the burden
of this increase in residential energy usage would fall on the resident
paying for the energy, and would have negligible impacts on city-wide
systems.
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F. Aesthetics, Noise, Light and Glare
Patient cooperatives are indoors and therefore would not be likely to
have any significant effects on aesthetics, noise, light or glare, were
they to be permitted in SR-1 zones as is an option. It is possible that
patient cooperatives would contribute to mold or other internal
property damage, but this aesthetic impact would be limited to the
interior of the home and therefore not have any significant impact.
However, as drafted, this Proposal prohibits patient cooperatives, so
these effects are even less likely.
G. Land and Shoreline Use
Adoption of the Proposal is a non-project action that is not anticipated
to have significant environmental impacts. Prohibiting patient
cooperatives has no effect on land or shoreline use. Were patient
cooperatives to be permitted in the SR-1 zone, as is an option for this
project, a new use would be introduced to the zoning code; however,
the use would be internal to residences and therefore unlikely to have
significant environmental impacts on land or shoreline use.
H. Housing
The Proposal is not anticipated to impact housing availability. Were
patient cooperatives to be permitted in SR-1 zones, it is possible that
subsequent indoor grow operations would have negative impacts on
residential structures if improperly maintained; however, the burden of
this impact would mostly fall on the property owner to repair any
structural damage that occurs as part of an improperly maintained
patient cooperative.
I. Recreation
The proposal is not anticipated to impact recreation.
J. Historic and Cultural Preservation
Although this is a nonproject action, if archeological materials are
discovered with site work for any project action, the application must
stop work and notify the State Department of Archaeology and
Historical Preservation. Given that this Proposal prohibits patient
cooperatives or potentially permits them in the SR-1 zone internal to
residences, no historic or cultural preservation impacts are anticipated.
K. Transportation
The Proposal is not anticipated to impact transportation systems. Were
patient cooperatives to be permitted, a negligible increase in traffic
might be expected as members travel to and from the residential
cooperatives site; however, it is unlikely that this traffic would be
significant.
L. Public Services
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Patient cooperatives, if permitted in SR-1 zones, could become a
target for theft which could increase the number of police calls–
however, since they are inside homes, they would not be as visible
targets as outdoor grow operations. This lack of visibility renders any
potential increase insignificant. Regardless, this amendment prohibits
patient cooperatives, so impacts to public services are not anticipated.
M. Utilities
This proposal is not anticipated to have a significant effect on utilities.
Were patient cooperatives to be permitted in SR-1 zones, an increase
in residential utility use is possible—however, the burden of this
increase in residential utility usage would fall on the resident paying
for the utilities, and would have negligible impacts on city-wide
systems. If patient cooperatives are prohibited, as proposed, there
would be no impacts on utilities.
IV. SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATION
A. It is appropriate per WAC 197-11-660 and RCW 43.21C.060 that the
City of Kent establish conditions to mitigate any identified impacts
associated with this proposal. Supporting documents for the following
conditions and mitigating measures include:
1. City of Kent Comprehensive Plan as prepared and adopted
pursuant to the State Growth Management Act;
2. The Shoreline Management Act (RCW 90.58) and the Kent
Shoreline Master Program;
3. Kent City Code Section 7.07 Surface Water and Drainage Code;
4. City of Kent Transportation Master Plan, Green River Valley
Transportation Action Plan and current Six-Year Transportation
Improvement Plan;
5. Kent City Code Section 7.09 Wastewater Facilities Master Plan;
6. City of Kent Comprehensive Water Plan and Conservation
Element;
7. Kent City Code Section 6.02 Required Infrastructure
Improvements;
8. Kent City Code Section 6.07 Street Use Permits;
9. Kent City Code Section 14.09 Flood Hazard Regulations;
10. Kent City Code Section 12.04 Subdivisions, Binding Site Plans,
and Lot Line Adjustments;
11. Kent City Code Section 12.05 Mobile Home Parks and 12.06
Recreation Vehicle Park;
12. Kent City Code Section 8.05 Noise Control;
13. City of Kent International Building and Fire Codes;
14. Kent City Code Title 15, Zoning;
15. Kent City Code Section 7.13 Water Shortage Emergency
Regulations and Water Conservation Ordinance 2227;
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16. Kent City Code Sections 6.03 Improvement Plan Approval and
Inspection Fees;
17. Kent City Code Section 7.05 Storm and Surface Water Utility;
18. City of Kent Comprehensive Sewer Plan;
19. City of Kent Fire Master Plan; and
20. Kent City Code Chapter 11.06, Critical Areas.
B. It is recommended that a Determination of Nonsignificance (DNS) be
issued for this non-project action.
KENT PLANNING SERVICES
May 17, 2016
CA:HB:pm S:\Permit\Plan\ZONING_CODE_AMENDMENTS\2016\ZCA-2016-5 Med Marijuana Patient
Cooperatives\SEPA_Decision.doc
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1 Amend KCC 15.02 and 15.08 -
Re: Patient Cooperatives
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE of the City Council of the
City of Kent, Washington, amending Title 15 of the
Kent City Code by repealing all sections pertaining
to medical cannabis collective gardens, and
adopting new regulations pertaining to medical
marijuana patient cooperatives.
RECITALS
A. Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 5052, known as the
“Cannabis Patient Protection Act,” was signed into law by Governor Inslee
on April 24, 2015. This Act allows qualifying patients and/or designated
providers who hold valid recognition cards to form a “cooperative” in which
marijuana can be collectively grown for personal, medical use, beginning
July 1, 2016. The Act also repeals the existing category of “collective
gardens,” as defined in RCW 69.51A.085, effective as of July 1, 2016.
B. Medical marijuana patient cooperatives are limited to four or
fewer members; must be registered with the state Liquor and Cannabis
Board; and must be located within the domicile of one of the members of
the cooperative.
C. Second Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2136, signed
by Governor Inslee on June 30, 2015, further clarified that the Liquor and
Cannabis Board must deny the registration of a proposed patient
cooperative if the location is prohibited by local zoning ordinance.
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2 Amend KCC 15.02 and 15.08 -
Re: Patient Cooperatives
D. Kent’s zoning code does not currently address this new
category of patient cooperatives, requiring an amendment to the city code.
E. On May 5, 2016, the City requested expedited review under
RCW 36.70A.106 from the Washington State Department of Commerce
regarding the City’s proposed code amendments. The Washington State
Department of Commerce granted the request for expedited review on
_______. No comments were received from State agencies.
F. On May 9, 2016, staff gave an overview of these proposed
amendments before the Economic and Community Development
Committee.
G. On May 9, 2016, during a workshop meeting, staff received
authorization from the Land Use and Planning Board (“LUPB”) to draft an
ordinance amending Kent’s zoning code to address collective gardens and
patient cooperatives.
H. On May 20, 2016, the City conducted and completed
environmental review under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).
The City’s SEPA Responsible Official issued a Determination of
Nonsignficance for the proposed code amendments.
I. On May 23, 2016, the LUPB moved to recommend to the full
City Council the adoption of the draft amendments, as prepared by staff,
at a regularly-scheduled public hearing.
J. On June 13, 2016, the Economic and Community
Development Committee considered the ordinance repealing collective
gardens and addressing the new category of patient cooperatives, and
recommended approval of the ordinance, as proposed by staff and
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3 Amend KCC 15.02 and 15.08 -
Re: Patient Cooperatives
approved by the LUPB. The matter was subsequently considered by the
full City Council at its June 21, 2016, meeting.
K. While collective marijuana growing has never been authorized
in Kent, the Kent Police Department (“KPD”) has investigated numerous
illegal marijuana grow operations in housing units in the City. KPD has
noted that residential “grow houses” often pose multiple environmental
concerns, including, but not limited to: excessive power consumption;
increased mold and mildew; pervasive odors; and structural damage.
L. Furthermore, these impacts are magnified by the fact that
these grow houses are often rental units that are rendered uninhabitable
after being used for the indoor growing and cultivation of marijuana.
M. The City Council recognizes that approved medical uses of
marijuana may provide relief to patients suffering from debilitating or
terminal conditions, but because of the potential secondary impacts, the
establishment of facilities for the collective growth, production, and
processing of medical marijuana in residential units is not appropriate for
any zoning district within the City.
N. The City Council further understands that while the medical
benefits of marijuana have been recognized by the state legislature,
marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance under the federal
Controlled Substances Act (CSA), and possession and use of marijuana is
still a violation of federal law.
O. The City Council has determined that the passage of a
permanent zoning code amendment that shall prohibit the establishment of
residential medical marijuana patient cooperatives in all zoning districts of
the City will serve the public health, safety and welfare.
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4 Amend KCC 15.02 and 15.08 -
Re: Patient Cooperatives
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENT,
WASHINGTON, DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
ORDINANCE
SECTION 1. - Repealer. Section 15.02.074 of the Kent City Code is
hereby repealed in its entirety.
SECTION 2. - Repealer. Section 15.08.290 of the Kent City Code is
hereby repealed in its entirety.
SECTION 3. - Amendment. Chapter 15.02 of the Kent City Code is
hereby amended by adding a new section 15.02.326 to read as follows:
Sec. 15.02.326 Patient cooperative, medical marijuana.
Medical marijuana patient cooperative means a group of four or
fewer qualifying patients and/or designated providers who share
responsibility for producing and processing marijuana only for the medical
use of the members of the cooperative, pursuant to, and in accordance
with, all the terms and conditions of RCW 69.51A.250.
SECTION 4. - Amendment. Chapter 15.08 of the Kent City Code is
hereby amended by adding a new section 15.08.295 to read as follows:
Sec. 15.08.295 Patient cooperatives.
A. Medical marijuana patient cooperatives, as defined in KCC
15.02.326, are prohibited in the following zoning districts:
1. All agricultural districts, including A-10 and AG;
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5 Amend KCC 15.02 and 15.08 -
Re: Patient Cooperatives
2. All residential districts, including SR-1, SR-3, SR-4.5, SR-6,
SR-8, MR-D, MR-T12, MR-T16, MR-G, MR-M, MR-H, MHP, PUD, MTC-1,
MTC-2, and MCR;
3. All commercial districts, including NCC, CC, CC-MU, DC, DCE,
DCE-T, CM-1, CM-2, GC, and GC-MU;
4. All industrial districts, including M1, M1-C, M2, and M3; and
5. Any new district established on or after July 1, 2016.
B. Any violation of this section is declared to be a public nuisance per
se, and shall be abated by the city attorney under applicable provisions of
this code or state law, including, but not limited to, Chapter 1.04 KCC.
C. Nothing in this section is intended to authorize, legalize or permit
the establishment or operation of a use that violates any city, county, state
or federal law or statute.
SECTION 5. – Severability. If any one or more section, subsection,
or sentence of this ordinance is held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such
decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion of this
ordinance and the same shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 6. – 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.
39
6 Amend KCC 15.02 and 15.08 -
Re: Patient Cooperatives
SECTION 7. – Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect and
be in force on July 1, 2016, which is more than five days from and after its
publication, as provided by law.
SUZETTE COOKE, MAYOR
ATTEST:
RONALD F. MOORE, CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
TOM BRUBAKER, CITY ATTORNEY
PASSED: day of , 2016.
APPROVED: day of , 2016.
PUBLISHED: day of , 2016.
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
P:\Civil\Ordinance\Patient Cooperatives Ordinance.docx
40
ECONOMIC and COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Ben Wolters, Director
Phone: 253-856-5454
Fax: 253-856-6454
220 Fourth Avenue S.
Kent, WA 98032-5895
Date: June 6, 2016
TO: Chair Bill Boyce and Economic & Community Development Committee
FROM: Lacey Jane Wolfe, Senior Transportation Planner and Hayley Bonsteel, Long
Range Planner & GIS Coordinator
RE: Complete Streets Ordinance
For Meeting of June 13, 2016
SUMMARY: Complete Streets is a policy and design approach that requires streets
to be planned, designed, operated and maintained to enable safe, convenient and
comfortable access for all users, regardless of age or ability. Complete Streets
concepts are becoming more crucial every day for planning and transportation
projects in the region, as traffic congestion worsens, transportation costs rise and
public health initiatives strive to increase people’s activity levels. To date, more
than 700 agencies at the local, regional and state levels have adopted Complete
Streets Ordinances; adopting such an ordinance in Kent would enable the City to be
more competitive for regional funding and steer future updates to plans and
standards, which would have real impacts on implemented projects.
The City of Kent’s existing pedestrian and bicycle network consists of sidewalks,
pathways, trails, bike lanes, shared off-street paths and striped shoulders. In the
past, many sidewalks and bicycle lanes have been constructed as part of individual
development projects. This has resulted in gaps, missing connections and
inconsistencies in the design and quality of facilities.
The City has a number of strong Complete Streets-supportive policies and plans in
place, including the Transportation Master Plan (which recognizes the need to
improve connectivity and identifies a network of streets to receive bicycle and
pedestrian facilities) and the Comprehensive Plan (which has policies in land use
and transportation chapters related to improving non-motorized access and
encouraging walking and bicycling). Complete Streets policies improve safety, lower
transportation costs, provide mobility alternatives, encourage healthy activity,
stimulate local economies, contribute to economic development goals through
creating a sense of place, improve social interaction and generally improve adjacent
property values.
EXHIBITS: Draft Complete Streets Ordinance
BUDGET IMPACT: none
cc: Ben Wolters, Economic &Community Development Director
Information Only
41
42
1 Amend KCC Title 6
Re: _Chpt. 6.14: complete streets
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE of the City Council of the
City of Kent, Washington, amending Title 6 of the
Kent City Code by adopting a new chapter 6.14
pertaining to “complete streets”.
RECITALS
A. The complete streets concept promotes streets that are safe
and convenient for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit
riders, freight haulers and motor vehicle drivers of all ages and abilities.
B. Streets constitute a large portion of public space generally,
and should be corridors for all modes of transportation.
C. Streets that support and invite multiple uses are more
conducive to the public life and efficient movement of people than streets
designed primarily to move automobiles and freight.
D. Trends in energy and transportation costs, air quality, public
health and economic development necessitate a more comprehensive
approach to mobility.
E. The City of Kent engaged residents during the Let’s Go Kent
project in 2010, which focused on improving the walking and biking
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2 Amend KCC Title 6
Re: _Chpt. 6.14: complete streets
network. Residents repeatedly expressed the desire for better walking and
biking options.
F. There are practical limits to the expansion of roadways in
response to traffic congestion. Promoting pedestrian, bicycle and transit
travel as an alternative to automobile usage can reduce congestion, reduce
the negative environmental impacts of automobiles, and also reduce
transportation costs for residents and commuters.
G. A 2007 Washington State Department of Transportation
survey found that a lack of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, such as
sidewalks and bicycle lanes, is a primary reason why Washington residents
do not walk or bicycle more frequently.
H. The United States Congress and the National Association of
Local Boards of Health specifically recommend complete streets policies as
a strategy to increase pedestrian and bicycle travel modes. Complete
streets legislation has been adopted by the United States Department of
Transportation, numerous state transportation agencies, as well as cities
such as Seattle, Kirkland, Redmond, Portland, San Francisco, San Diego,
Boulder and Chicago. The complete streets concept is also supported by
the Institute of Traffic Engineers, American Planning Association, United
States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Public Health
Association and many other transportation, planning and public health
professionals. Washington State’s Complete Streets grant program is
described in RCW 47.04.320 and .325.
I. The Strategic Plan adopted by the City Council includes a
vision of a safe, connected and beautiful city, culturally vibrant with richly
diverse urban centers. Safety and connectivity can only be achieved if all
44
3 Amend KCC Title 6
Re: _Chpt. 6.14: complete streets
users’ needs are taken into account during planning and implementation of
roadway projects.
J. The Comprehensive Plan and Transportation Master Plan for
the City of Kent both contain policies and goals supportive of complete
streets concepts, including policies to promote walking and bicycling;
policies regarding level of service for pedestrians, bicycles and transit;
policies to provide non-motorized facilities; and many more.
K. Planning staff introduced a description of and the need for
complete streets at a regularly-scheduled Land Use and Planning Board
(“LUPB”) workshop on May 23, 2016, and received authorization from the
LUPB to draft a policy and ordinance to implement the complete streets
concept for new development within the City of Kent.
L. The City determined that due to the procedural nature of this
amendment (which includes no development regulations), neither
notification to the State nor State Environmental Policy Act review is
required.
M. Planning staff presented the draft ordinance and policy at a
public hearing held by the LUPB on June 13, 2016. The LUPB moved to
recommend to the City Council adoption of the ordinance and policy as
presented by staff.
N. The Public Works Committee, at its regularly-scheduled
meeting on June 20, 2016, moved to accept the recommendation of the
LUPB, and forward the matter for consideration by the full City Council.
O. The full City Council, at its regularly scheduled meeting on
July 19, 2016, adopted the ordinance and policy as presented by staff.
45
4 Amend KCC Title 6
Re: _Chpt. 6.14: complete streets
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENT,
WASHINGTON, DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
ORDINANCE
SECTION 1. – Amendment. Title 6 of the Kent City Code is
amended by adding a new chapter 6.14, entitled “Complete Streets”, to
read as follows:
Sec. 6.14.010 Vision.
The City endorses the concept of complete streets, which promotes
roadways that are safe, convenient and attractive for all users regardless
of age and ability, including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, freight
haulers and motor vehicle drivers. The vision of complete streets is a
community in which all residents and visitors can safely and efficiently use
the public right-of-way to meet their transportation needs regardless of
their preferred mode of travel.
Sec. 6.14.015 Policy.
A. The City will plan for, design, construct, operate and maintain an
appropriate and integrated transportation system that will meet the
needs of pedestrians, bicyclists, wheelchair users, transit riders,
freight haulers, motorists, emergency responders and residents of
all ages and abilities.
B. Transportation system facilities that support the concept of complete
streets shall include, but are not limited to: pavement markings and
signs; street and sidewalk lighting; sidewalk and pedestrian safety
improvements; Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) and Title VI
compliance; transit accommodations; bicycle accommodations,
including signage and markings; and, as appropriate, streetscapes
46
5 Amend KCC Title 6
Re: _Chpt. 6.14: complete streets
that appeal to and promote all modes of travel. The system’s design
will be consistent with and supportive of local neighborhoods,
recognizing that transportation needs vary and must be balanced in
a flexible, safe and cost-effective manner.
Sec. 6.14.020 Applicability.
Those involved in the planning and design of projects within the public
right-of-way will give consideration to all users and modes of travel from
the start of planning and design work consistent with approved plans.
Transportation system improvements shall be viewed as opportunities to
create safer, more accessible streets for all users. This shall apply to new
construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation. The City may create a
checklist that will assist in considering modes of travel in the planning and
design of transportation system improvements. Installation of ADA-
compatible ramps or other ADA-compliant improvements required for
improved accessibility are exempt from complete streets consideration, as
are ordinary maintenance activities such as mowing, sweeping, spot repair,
joint sealing, pothole filling, and installation of raised pavement markers.
Sec. 6.14.110 Plans and standards.
As City plans, guidelines and standards are updated, consideration shall be
given to complete streets concepts to ensure that new regulations and
practices comply with this chapter and the latest in applicable complete
streets research and best practices. Examples of plans and standards
include, but are not limited to the Design and Construction Standards and
the Transportation Master Plan. Resources to be referenced in developing
these standards and plans shall include, but not be limited to the latest
editions of National Association of City Transportation Officials’ Urban
Street Design Guide and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
Sec. 6.14.200 Exceptions.
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6 Amend KCC Title 6
Re: _Chpt. 6.14: complete streets
A. The public works director and the economic and community
development director may jointly determine that there are
exceptions to the provisions for these facilities, under the following
circumstances:
1. The project would require the accommodation of street uses
prohibited by law;
2. The accommodation of a specific use is expected to have adverse
impacts on environmental resources such as streams, wetland
floodplains, or on historic structures or sites, above and beyond
the impacts of currently existing infrastructure;
3. Topographic challenges make accommodation of a specific use
infeasible;
4. Their establishment would be contrary to public safety;
5. The cost would be excessively disproportionate to the need or
probable future use; or
6. Their inclusion in a small project would create a very short
section of improvements with problematic transitions on either
end or unlikely similar improvements at either end.
B. Where the above exceptions allow complete streets facilities to be
omitted from a roadway project, the City shall consider whether
bicyclists, pedestrians, transit users and persons of all abilities can
be accommodated by nearby facilities, and strive to provide
complete streets connections to those facilities.
Sec. 6.14.240 Intergovernmental cooperation.
The City will cooperate with other transportation agencies, including the
Washington State Department of Transportation, King County Metro and
Sound Transit to ensure the principles and practices of complete streets
are embedded within their planning, design, construction and maintenance
activities. The City will specifically cooperate to ensure the transportation
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7 Amend KCC Title 6
Re: _Chpt. 6.14: complete streets
network flows seamlessly between jurisdictions in accordance with local
and regional road, transit, bicycle and pedestrian plans.
SECTION 2. – Severability. If any one or more section, subsection,
or sentence of this ordinance is held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such
decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion of this
ordinance and the same shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 3. – 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 4. – Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect and
be in force 30 days from and after its passage, as provided by law.
SUZETTE COOKE, MAYOR
ATTEST:
RONALD F. MOORE, CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
TOM BRUBAKER, CITY ATTORNEY
PASSED: day of , 2016_.
APPROVED: day of , 2016_.
49
8 Amend KCC Title 6
Re: _Chpt. 6.14: complete streets
PUBLISHED: day of , 2016_.
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
50
ECONOMIC and COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Ben Wolters, Director
Phone: 253-856-5454
Fax: 253-856-6454
220 Fourth Avenue S.
Kent, WA 98032-5895
Date: June 7, 2016
TO: Chair Bill Boyce and Economic & Community Development Committee
FROM: Matt Gilbert, Current Planning Manager
RE: Density Calculations
For Meeting of June 13, 2016
SUMMARY: In 2010, based on public concern regarding the impact of short plats
in existing larger-lot neighborhoods, the City Council raised the density rounding
threshold, which is used to determine the amount of land necessary for creation of
additional lots and housing units. This change made the zoning code more
restrictive for smaller developments in all single-family and multi-family zoned
areas of the City.
Council members and staff were recently contacted by a person in the land
development industry who requested that the issue be reexamined, and that a less
restrictive rounding threshold be considered.
BACKGROUND: In order for any housing development project to be approved in
residential zones, the land area of the development parcel must be sufficient to
support the number of proposed units, according to the City's density
limitations. The number of new units that can be created on a given piece of land (
i.e. density) is determined by multiplying the acreage of the existing parcel by the
allowed units per acre listed in the zoning code. Prior to 2010, if the resulting
number ended in a fraction of greater than .5, an additional lot could be created.
In 2008, a two-lot short plat was approved where the density calculation resulted in
1.51 units allowed for the property. Neighbors of the project questioned the
appropriateness of the rounding threshold, based on their concern that the new,
smaller lot development would be out of character with the larger lots in the
existing neighborhood. The neighbors brought this issue to the City Council, who
subsequently eliminated the rounding allowance for projects of less than 4 lots, and
implemented higher rounding thresholds for larger projects.
While the underlying land area must be sufficient to support the proposed density
of a development project, it is not the sole factor that determines whether
development will occur. Physical characteristics of the land, development economics
and other regulatory limitations are also part of the decision. With that said, staff
estimates that over 2,000 small parcels that would have been large enough to
Information Only
51
divide prior to the change in the rounding calculation were rendered undividable by
the 2010 amendment.
Options for revising this standard could include limiting the more restrictive method
of calculating density to certain zones, changing the rounding thresholds, or going
back to the pre-2010 rounding method. Staff is seeking feedback from the ECDC
regarding whether or not to proceed with developing these or other options.
EXHIBITS: None
BUDGET IMPACT: None
cc: Ben Wolters, Economic &Community Development Director
52