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Minutes - 01/22/2004ti Spokane Valley Planning Commission Approved Minutes Council Chambers - Cite Hall 1.1707 1J. Sprague Ave. January 22, 2004 CALL TO ORDER Bill Gothmarn, Planning Commission Chair, called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. It PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Commission, audience, and staff recited the Pledge of Allegiance. _ 111. ROLL CALL Fred Beaulac - Present Bill Gothmann - Present Bob Blum - Present [tin Robertson - Present David Crosby - Present John G. Carroll - I3xcused Absence Gail Kogle -Present IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Conunissioner Robertson proved that the agenda be approved as presented Commissioner Blunt seconded the motion. Motion passed unanitnoust~~ V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Commissioner Beuuhtc and seconded by Cott, i.scioner Kogle that the ntinutec of the Januaty 8, 2004 Planning Connntssion meeting be approved as presented. iVIotion passed uttattintouslp. NCI. PUBLIC CONEN'tEl\T There was no public comment. V11. COrMINUSSION REPORTS Commissioner Beaulac reported on the Transportation-Oriented Development Committee meeting on January 2151. Crandall Arambula, PC, passed out its proposal for the Spokane Regional Light Rail Project, which included an excellent development plan for a Spokane Valley City Center at the former site of University City. A copy of the proposal was given to all Comnussioners. Commissioner Gothmann just returned from a visit to Arizona, and he reported on the City Centers in Scottsdale and Mesa. He was impressed with Mesa's integrated design. WIt. ADMI-NISTRATIVE REPORT The Joint Planning Commissioners meeting is scheduled for January 28 b from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Downtown. Library, Meeting :Room I B. Director Sukup asked Commissioners to let staff know if they planned to attend this meeting so a Notice of Public Meeting; can be posted 24 hours in advance. Kevin Snyder, Current Planning Manager, presented the Commission an infortnational overview of the Street Vacation Ordinance, which was approved by City Council on.lanuary 20`h. Street Vacation is a request to remove a portion of street from public ownership and place it into private ownership. The City began working on this issue last summer. The new ordinance will take effect five days after publication. The Commission was briefed on the background of the Street Vacation Ordinance. Since Street Vacations are a land use issue, the Planning Commission will hold hearings and forward recommendations to the City Council for adoption. Street Vacation requests will likely be a frequent item of business on Planning- Commission agendas in the near future. IX. COiWAIISSION BUSINESS A. OLD BUSI-NESS: Continuation of>Hloodplain Ordinance Public Hearing Conclusion Chairman Gothinann called the continuation of Planning Commission deliberation to order at 6:45 p.m. Public Testimony was concluded on January 8'1'. f._ 1 Director Sukup explained to Commissioner Blum that she had responded to Mr. F'rost's concerns with a letter; copies of which were sent to the Planning Commission. She recommended that two words be added to the document that the Commission discussed at the last meeting. Commissioner Gothmann gave the Planning Commission a brief overview of a professional engineer's obligations with regard to the certitieation process and standards of practice. Commissioner Blum asked if citizens will be allowed to go to staff instead of the Hearing Examiner with FEtMA neap errors. Director Sukup explained that FEMA map errors are normally handled by the Floodplain Administrator, and they go to the Hearing Examiner only if the Floodplain Administrator's decisions are appealed. Commissioner Blum requested a change in language to make this matter clearer. Director Sukup suggested the following amendment to Section 5.04.04.5 Interpretation of Firm Boundaries (last sentence): "The person contesting the interpretation ofthe.Floodtalait7,lclrrlinisu-utor in relation to the location of the boundary shall be givers a reasonable 11 1211rsuant to the opportrunity to appeal 14 j)rocedures outlined in Section 5.05. " Commissioner Robertson fuoved that the Planning Commission amend the last. sentence in Section 5.04.04.5 - Iitterpretatiott of 1 irnr Boundaries, as per Director Sukup'.s suggestion. Commissioner Roble seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimouslj,. It was moved by Commissioner Robert_ron and seconded kp Commissioner.Beaulac that the Planning Commission recommend the hloodplain Draft Ordinance, as amended, to the City Council. Motion passed unanintously. Commissioner Beaulac commended Director Suk-up for her excellent work in addressing iMr. Frost's concerns. NEW BUSINESS: Public Hearing - Sign Code Revision Conu-nissioner Gothmann called the Public Hearing for a Proposed Amendment to Chapter 14.804 - Signage Standards - Interim Spokane Valley Zoning Code to order at 7:07 p.m. Scott Kuhta, Associate Planner, presented a staff analysis and recommendation to the Planning Commission. The applicant, Valley Hospital and Medical Center, requested code changes that would provide greater flexibility in the UR-22 Zone for hospitals. These chwiges included the size of both wall signs and freestanding signs. In keeping with Comprehensive Plan requirements, staff recommended the Following changes to the UK-22 Signiage Standards: • The city not separate hospitals out from other public use businesses in the UR-22 Zone. • Maximum wall Signage would be increased up to 250 square feet. • No changes will be made to the freestanding sign standards. The Hearing was open to applicant testimony at 7:17 p.m. Doup- Hevamoto, 120:3 W. Riverside, Northwest Architectural Compariy Spokane, OVA: Mr. Heyamoto gave a brief PowerPoint presentation to the Planning Commission showing them what type of new wall signage is being proposed for the Valley Hospital and Medical Center. Providing larger wall Signage will enable people unf tmiliar with the Spokane Valley to find the Hospital more easily in an emergency situation. The applicant has read the staff recommendation and is in favor of other public use businesses benefiting from the amended UR-22 sign code. The applicant is also in favor of not changing the freestanding sign size at this time. Chairman Gothmann opened the Hearing; to Public Testimony at 7:30 p.m. David Tanner, 429 I K.. Spra(-Yue, L .C L Architectural :Sian, Spokane, OVA : Mr. Tanner spoke in favor of the Sign Code `fert Amendment. Dave Martin, Valley Hospital and 1'ledical Center, Spokane Valley, OVA : Mr. Martin spoke in favor of the Sign Code Text Amendment. He serves as the Director of Suppol-t: Services and Risk Management at Valley Hospital and Medical Center (Vl -MC). He noted the Medical Center will conclude construction this Spring with new signage as the last portion of its remodeling project. He believes that enhanced signage would add to the public safety of Valley citizens. V-HMC supports the City Staff Analysis and Recommendation. Commissioner Gothmarul also placed a handwritten letter from Jan Hannink, .1.321 S. Wilbur Road, Spokane Valley, WA into the public record supporting the proposed revisions for wall signs. She does not favor changing the code to enlarge freestanding signs. The Public Testimony portion of this Public Hearing was closed at 7:33 p.m. Commissioner Gothmann stated that since the area sun•ounding the Medical Center is becoming an extended medical community, the Planning Conunission may want to encourage a rezoning of that area to reflect its unique function. Commissioner Robertson ntoi~ed that the.Planning Conunission recommend Stag'Reconrtttettdatiotts for amendment to Chapter 14.804 - Signage Slandards - Interim Spokane Valley Zoning Code to City Council. the motion was seconded by Commissioner Blunt. Motion passed unanitnously. The Planning Commission took a five-minute break. Publie Hearing -International Building Codes Commissioner Gothmann called the Public Hearing on the International Building Codes to order at 7:42 p.m. Tom Scholtens, Building Official, gave an overview of the proposal to adopt Establish Article III of the Spokane Valley Uniform Development Code adopting the International Building Codes and certain appendices. Mr. Scholtens recorrunended that the ordinance be made effective on the July I" statutory deadline. This will allow both builders and City Staff to 4 become familiar with the new requirements. Mr. Scholtens also proposes to amend the existing code relating to sprinkler systems as an interim treasure. Commissioner Beaulac asked Mr. Scholtens to describe a `'blighted structure'''. Mr. Scholtens responded that these are ".junk buildings", similar to junk autos. The new Building Code brings the City Council into the solution of this problem. Chairman Gothmatln opened the Hearing to Public Testimony at 5:02 p. in. Edwin "Larry" Andrews ll, 1.503 E. Wabash, Spokane. WA Mr. Andrews asked to speak against adoption of the International Building Code as the new Spokane Valley Building Code. Mr. Andrews provided the Planning Commission with a 22-page document detailing the objections of a number of Washington State companies, contractors, unions and associations opposing adoption of the MC. Mr. Andrews spoke to the following issues: Only code officials will have the right to vote on any changes. 2. The International Mechanical Code has no propane code and no oil code. Mr. Andrews does not feel the National Electrical Code to be as safe at the Uniform Code, and he finds the Ul. requirements restrictive. 3 Statewide Contractors did not succeed with their fight against Washington State's adoption of the International Building Code because they could not afford to fight the powerful lobby hi favor of HB 1734. 4 The cost to his company for changing over to the International Building Code standards will be over $5,000 for retraining and purchase of books. There will also be a significant cost to contractors for new materials. 5 Sheetrock standards are reduced in the International Building Code. G The existing code prevents storage of "heavier than air" gases in basement areas. He believes the new code does not address this issue satisfactorily. 7 iVIr. Andrews is not in favor of the City putting unnecessary cotnrnercial restrictions on commercial businesses. 5 Commissioner Kogle asked Mr. Andrews why coffee roasters use unlisted ` - - equipment. Mr. Andrews responded that many coffee roasters purchase their equipment overseas for around 560,000. They are unique pieces of equipment and typically remain unlisted. To have them listed would cost the coffee roasters up to 5500,000. The Public Testimony portion of this Public Hearing was closed at 8:22 p.m. Commissioner Blum asked Mr. Scholtens if there was an alternative to adoption of the Building Codes. Mr. Scholtens responded that the Washington State Legislature has required the International Codes and that Mr. Andrews' objections had been raised during public testimony last year in Olympia before passage of HB 1734. Commissioner Gothmann asked if the community had been given an opportunity to be involved in the development of the proposed Building Code. Mr. Scholtens responded that the proposed code is mandated by the state and there is little room for discussion. The Spokane Homebuilders Association, 5813 E. 4'" Avenue, Suite 201, Spokane Valley, WA submitted a letter with the following recominendations (attached): • Adoption of the Iriternational Code effective July 1, 2004. • Allow contractors to operate under the current code until July l; 2004 or allow them the option of operating under the International Codes. Following discussion, the Public Hearing was closed at 8:34 p.m. It was moved bl, Commissioner Klum that the Planning Committee delay a vote on the adoption of the In tern ational.Quilding Code until the next neeeting. Commissioner Croshy seconded the motion. jVotion passed unanimously. Director Sukup noted that proposed amendments will include an amendment to the existing ordinance revising sprinkler requirements between now and July 1, 2004. X. FOR THE GOOD OF THE 0KDER Mr. McConnick reminded Commissioners to let staff know if they plan to attend the Joint Planning Commissioners meeting next week. He will be emailing them a lunch menu. 6 C. CI Xf. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. SUBMITTED: APPROVED: 61'' 0.~ Debi Alley, Administrative A tart William H. Gothmann, Chain-naa HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION 5ai9 Easl 4;h Averwu-, Skate M1 SP,kamo Wiley, We 99212 • (509 532.4,190 • Fax (Pry^) 53.?-4930 • %Ymov.:ilibes n, Written Testimoliv Concerning the Spokane Malley 13iiil.din Code Gus Koedd.in Cora. Affairs A.W., Before the Spokane Valley Cite Council ;jaim ary 21, 2004 Members of the City Gouncil and Spokane `alley Building Official: After review of the proposal to adopt specified appendices of the 2003 International Building Code, the 2003 International Residential Code, the 2003 ltaternabonal Mechanical Code, the 20031ntejnational Fire Code; and the 2003 International fuel Ga<s Code there was one specif,.c is" uc Iltatwe Saw as possiblyba.ving a negalive impact on the building industry. Our concern is one of timing. 'fheState has mandated that local'juu-isdictions adopt the intern,ttiona.l Codes hy)uly V of 2004- Predictably, the State I.egislature's rational for the. delay of 1 the flew code is to allows local jurisdictions, as welt.as the building conUnunity at large, to C-dUCalu thenrsc;lvcs OTI the changes prior to the adoption. of new policies and procedures. Our contention is simply to encourage tlae building community to begin. to phase in the use of the Intemtrtional Cede, but maintain the ability for them to operate under the currant guidetlities until ~ttl~~ lQ The Spokane 110111e.Bui.lders Associalion, Spokane County, and the surrounding iurisdictions have in place a committee called the ; poktute Regional Codes Croup (SRCG). The group consists of Building 0€ficiAs, insj.ectors,.and the building.industry'and. was designed and created in alt effort for SHBA membet-s and the 0.)unty and City building Departinent Officials could work together to solve problematic, building code issues. We believe that the N~indow between now and )uly I" gives both building officials and builders time to establish a solid understanding of the . new code. The SRCG is currently MCClittg once a month as Spol ine CUnty building officials are ntal:ing their !Tay through the international Cotl.e and ed.Ucaa.ing the industt), of changes between the current code and the I - Codes, tlntd such a time as Nve are able to sufficiently educate our raetribership on how to stay within the compjance of the international Codc, we would encourage the council to give Contractors the opportunity to (uncti.o:n under the guidelines currentlyin place until jidy 1"of 2004 or to begin to use sections of the 1'nternadonal Code to begin to familiarize'thiattselves with those policies and procedures. In summary we request that the (pity of Spokume Palley: . • Adopt the Intuo.aiiortal Code and concurrently maintain dint contractors may operate und.cr the guidelines of the curruut code unli.1 July 1" 2004 M Allmv contractors to operate under the current cock, until July 200141 Give contractors the option to operate under the Jntern"onal Odes I look far. mrd to continuing to work tivith you to amak sm-e that Nve continue to provide a balance between responsible growth -and environmental issues and promote a positive lisior1 quid economic outlook for the City of Spobne Walley. 'thank yon for the opportunily to testify tod,,j . I am pleased to respond to any questions the Council rnav, have. Sia~ccrel~. GUS Koedding Go~I.:lflairs asst. Spokane flomC Builders Association (509) 532-4990 (509) 5324980 fixx