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
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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