Minutes - 08/26/2004r0
Spokane Valley Planning Commission
Approved Minutes
Council Chambers - City llall 11707 E. Sprague Ave.
August 26, 2004
1. CALL TO ORDER
Planning Commission Chair Gothmann called the meeting to order at
6:40 P.M.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Commission, audience, and staff recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
lli. ROLL CALL
Fred Beaulac - Present Bill Gotlunann - Present
Bob Blum - Excused Absent Ian Robertson - Present
David Crosby - Excused Absent John G. Carroll - Present
Gail .Kogle - Present
IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Commissioner Robertson moved that the August 26, 2004 meeting agenda be
approved as presented. Commissioner Beaulac seconded the motion. Motion
passed unanimously.
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Commissioner Robertson and seconded by Commissioner
Kogle that the minutes of the August 12, 2004 meeting be approved as written.
it otion passed unanimously.
VI:. PUBLIC COIViMENT
Richard Harmon, 1.7610 E. Mission, Spokane Vallev, OVA
Mr. Harmon asked for clarification of the Greenacres Area Rezone request, which
has recently been proposed to change his neighborhood from UR-3.5 and ITIt-7*
zoning to UR-3.5 zoning exclusively. He has seen a Notice of Hearing before the
Hearing Examiner for a rezone application on Flora & Mission. This application
proposes to change the zoning of a parcel of land across the street from his
neighborhood to UR-7* exclusively, and he wished to understand how these
things work.
Mr. Greg McCormick, Planning Division Manager, explained that the rezone
request on Flora & Mission is a "site specific" rezone and is handled internally by
planning staff.. The Planning Commission deals only with "areawide" rezone
requests. It was suggested that Mr. Hannon make an appointment with Mr.
McCormick to discuss this issue in greater detail.
Wt. COl\tiV11SS10)\° REPORTS
` f1 Commissioner Beaulac reported that the Interim UR-1 Zone was adopted by the
City Council on August 24"i. He also wanted to publicly thank the Council for
their individual conununity service and involvement.
Commissioner Gothmann mentioned a petition recently submitted by people in
the Grccnacres area calling for a temporary moratorium against development of
densities of more than one house per acre until interim zoning is adopted; and for
a zone change that accommodates the recent rights under SR-l. Ms. Sukup
explained that the Greenacres Areawide Rezone will have the same effect, and is
scheduled for Public Hearing on September 23, 2004.
VIII. ADMIN TISTRATWU REPORTS
Ms. Sukup advised that the City Council approved to cap Building Plans Check
Fees at $35,000.
IX. CONINIISSION BUSINESS
A. OL,DUSIN.IZSS:
There was no old business.
B. NEW BUSINESS:
Public Hearing to Consider an Ordinance Amending Provisions in
Spokane Valley Ordinance Nos. 03-053 and 03-083 Relating to "Clear
` View Triangles"
The Public Hearing was opened at 6:55 p.m. Ms. Sukup presented an
overview of the purpose, background, and specifics related to the proposed
amendments. Staff recommended approval of the following:
• Establishment of Section 7.06 of the Spokane Valley Uniform
Development Code;
• Amendment of City Ordinance No. 03-083 to reference Section
7.06 of the Spokane Valley Uniform Development Code; and
• Deletion of provisions in the Interim Zoning Regulation Section
14.810.020 Fences which conflict with the Spokane Valley
Uniform Development Code and the International Building Codes.
Commissioners asked Ms. Sukup questions regarding the size of sign
poles in relation to tree size regulations, public/private responsibility for
removing weeds and debris, placement of electric fences inside of regular
fences, and a regulation for the height of barbed wire fences.
Public Testimony for Clear View Triangles was opened at 7:17 p.m.
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Mr. Gary Schimmels, 301.5 N. Joel Road, Spokane Valley, WA
Mr. Schimmels submitted a photograph from the corner of Driftwood and
Woodruff, where a recent scooter accident occurred. He challenged the
Commissioners to find the stop sign in the photograph, and urged them to
approve the recommended amendments.
Richard Harmon, 17610 E. Mission, Spokane Vallee, WA
Mr. Hannon spoke to the problems which might occur to a Clear View
Triangle if citizens build their fences before there are curbs on their
streets. He also mentioned the problem with shrubs on street corners.
There being no further continents, the Public Testimony portion of the
hearing was closed at 7:20 p.m.
Ms. Sukup explained to Mr. Harmon that fences are not supposed to be
built on the public right-of-way, but rather on private property. Therefore,
addition of curbs to a public street should not affect visibility around an
existing fence. She stated that shrubbery is always a seasonal issue, and it
is the responsibility of citizens to keep their shrubs trimmed down.
Commissioner Kogde moved that the Planning Commission recommend
Council adoption of the staff recommendations for Clear View Triangle
regulations, with inclusion of an amendment to prohibit use of barbed
wire on fences under six feet tall, and an allowance for electric fencing
to be placed inside an existing fence structure if a proper buffer is
provided between the two fences. Commissioner Robertson seconded the
motion. i1fotion passed unanimously.
Ms. Sukup will work on the best language for the requested amendments
before the issue is presented to City Council.
The Clear View Triangle Public Hearing was ended at 7:35 p.m.
Public Hearing: Street Vacation Request STV-03-04
The Public Hearing was opened at 7:36 p.m. Street Vacation Request
(STV-03-04) is being made for the remainder of David Road located
between Sprague Avenue and Appleway, west of Thierman Road. Chris
Linc Properties, L.L.C., 2320 N. Atlantic Street, Spokane WA, is the
owner of abutting Parcel No. 35242.0102. Spokane Utilities has noted
that the parcel is located over an existing sewer line which will require
establishment of an easement. Spokane County Engineering has also
indicated that the parcel for which vacation has been requested may
remain within the jurisdiction of WSDOT, precluding any vacation at this
time. WSDOT has been contacted concerning their interests in this
property. A copy of Mr. Richard 13irr's email response, dated 8/20/04,
l-~ was handed out to all Commissioners and will become a part of the
permanent record.
Staff recornniended that the Planning Conuiiission defer any decision
concernuig the proposed vacation request pending the reservation of a
sewer easement and confirmation of the City's authority, if any, to vacate
the right-of-way.
Public Testimony for STV-03-04 was opened at 7:33 p.m.
Richard Harmon, 17610 E. 1'lission, Spokane Valley, OVA
Mr. Harmon asked the Planning Commission if turning Sprague back into
a hvo-way again was an option for the Valley's future. If so, the City will
need that section of David Road.
There being no further comments, the Public Testimony portion of the
hearing was closed at 7:42 p.m.
It was moved by Commissioner Robei on, and seconded by
Commissioner Gothmann that staff recommendations be heeded in the
matter of STV-03-04. .The request will be tabled indefinitely, pending
reservation of a sewer easement and confirmation of the City's authority
to vacate right-of-way. Motion passed unanimously.
` Public Hearing on STV-03-04 was ended at 7:43 p.m.
Public Hearing: Street Vacation Request STV-04-04
Public hearing on STV-04-04 was opened at 7:44 p.m. The applicant,
McCollum Ford Sales, Inc., 8200 F. Sprague Avenue, Spokane Valley,
N' IA, is the owner of adjacent Parcel Nos. 45192.0101 and 45192.0102.
They are requesting vacation of a twenty-foot alley on Lewis Road,
located east of First Avenue in between its parcels. Property to the east is
fully developed. The alley is unimproved, but appears to have power lines
in place. Modern Electric Water Company has been contacted. The City
has no objection to vacation of the alley, but power easements may need to
be reserved.
Staff recommended that the street vacation request be submitted to City
Council, subject to reserving necessary private utility easements.
There was no public testimony on STV-04-04.
Corti m issioner Carroll moved that the Planning Commission
recommend Street Vacation Request IVo. STV-04-04 to City Council for
approval, subject to reservation of necessary private utility easement..
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The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beaulac. Motion passed
unanimously.
Public Hearing on STV-04-04 was ended at 7:45 p.m.
The Commissioners took a break from 7:45 p.m. to 7:54 p.m.
Briefing on Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2 - Land Use Element
Mr. McCormick presented an overview of the City of Spokane Valley's
Land Use Element. Information for this chapter was compiled fi•om a vast
number of resources, including the Washington State Growth
Management Act, Countywide Practices and Policies, transit studies, and
information obtained from Valley Citizen surveys. In drafting the plan,
staff used three land use alternatives: "Modified Existing Conditions",
"Urban Activity Centers", and "City Center Emphasis".
Long Range Planning Staff has been working with the Steering Committee
of Elected Officials to determine population projections for the City of
Spokane Valley. There will be a public hearing regarding population
allocations for the City of Spokane Valley and the City of Liberty Lake on
September 30, 2004. The results of this hearing will provide staff with a
number that can be used for Comprehensive Plan development purposes.
An environmental impact statement is also required.
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Staff members were praised for their good work on this element.
Commissioner Gothmann provided a number of continents and
suggestions for improvement of the chapter. Commissioner Beaulac asked
Mr. McCormick if a cost analysis could be applied to each of the land use
alternatives. Mr. McCormick responded that the City will be in a better
position to evaluate money when a direction has been determined. Other
issues of Commission concern were: a process for design review and
sewer system development.
X. FOR THE GOOD OF TH_ _E ORDER
Commissioner Robertson reminded staff of his willini riess to become
more involved with neighborhood groups during the Comp Plan
development process. He plans to work with the Weed and Seed program
as well.
Commissioner Carroll addressed a grave concern about individual
members of the Planning Commission sharing their personal opinions
aloud durng a public hearing before hearing from the public or allowing
the entire Commission to thoroughly discuss the matter first.
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Xl. ADJOURNNTENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:58 p.m.
SUBMITTED:
APPROVED:
ZV ~ vim.
Debi Alley, Administrative tint Viii iam -H. Gothma m, Chairman
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