2020, 05-14 Agenda Packet 5/11/2020 Planning Commission Meeting
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Spokane Valley Planning Commission Meeting
Regular Meeting Agenda
City Hall Council Chambers, 10210 E. Sprague Ave.
May 14, 2020 6:00 p.m.
1. PLEASE NOTE: In response to Governor Inslee's March 24, 2020
Proclamation concerning our recent State of Emergency, which waives and
suspends the requirement to hold in-person meetings and provides options for
the public to attend remotely, all meeting guidelines contained in the City's
Governance Manual are hereby superseded until the Governor's order has been
rescinded or amended.
2. Public wishing to make comments will need to email
planning@spokanevalley.org prior to 4:00 pm the day of the meeting in order to
be to speak during the comments period during the meeting. Comments can
also be emailed. Send an email to planning@spokanevalley.org and comments
will be read into the record or distributed to the Commission members through
email.
3. Link to Zoom Meeting information: * Join Zoom Meeting:
* https://spokanevalley.zoom.us/j/93499064068?
pwd=NHZlb0hra2RgU2pmNkVoRIIzaW dXUT09
* Meeting ID: 934 9906 4068
* Password: 925758
* One tap mobile+12532158782„93499064068#US (Tacoma)
* Dial in number for audio only: 1 253 215 8782, toll charges could apply
4. CALL TO ORDER
5. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
6. ROLL CALL
7. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
8. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: March 12, 2020
9. COMMISSION REPORTS
10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
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5/11/2020 Planning Commission Meeting
11. PUBLIC COMMENT: On any subject which is not on the agenda.
12. COMMISSION BUSINESS:
a. Election of Officers: Election of Vice Chair
13. FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
14. ADJOURNMENT
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Regular Meeting Minutes
Spokane Valley Planning Commission
Council Chambers—City Hall
March 12,2020
I. Chair Johnson called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
II. Commissioners, staff and audience stood for the pledge of allegiance.
III. Secretary to the Commission Deanna Horton took roll and the following members and staff
were present:
Fred Beaulac Erik Lamb, Deputy City Attorney
James Johnson Jenny Nickerson, Building Official
Danielle Kaschmitter Mike Basinger, Economic Development Manager
Timothy Kelley Chaz Bates, Senior Planner
Robert McKinley Taylor Dillard, Administrative Assistant
Sherri Robinson Deanna Horton, Secretary to the Commission
Matt Walton
IV. AGENDA: Commissioner Walton moved to approve the March 12,2020 agenda as presented.
There was no discussion. The vote on the motion was seven in favor, zero against, and the
motion passed.
V. MINUTES: Commissioner Walton moved to approve the meeting minutes from January 9,
2020 as presented. There was a short discussion related to the removal of the minutes from
the February 27, 2020 meeting due to technical errors. The current minutes are accurate. The
vote on this motion was seven in favor, zero against and the motion passed.
Commissioner Walton moved to approve the meeting minutes from February 27, 2020 as
presented. Commissioner Johnson requested a date correction to in item five, a language
change to the second to last sentence in item six, and requested an addition in item five, section
four, to include Commissioner Kaschmitter in the last paragraph. Commissioner Johnson
moved to amend the meeting minutes as amended. The vote on this motion was seven in favor,
zero against and the motion passed. Commissioner Johnson moved to approve the meeting
minutes as amended. The vote on this motion was seven in favor, zero against and the motion
passed.
VI. COMMISSION REPORTS: Commissioner Johnson introduced new commissioner,
Commissioner Robinson. Commissioner Robinson introduced herself, noting herself as a
resident of Spokane Valley of 35 years. Commissioner Beaulac announced the Census forms
had been sent out and advised everyone the importance of completing those forms.
Commissioner Johnson reported he attended the City Council meeting on March 3, 2020. He
also attended two Spokane County Human Rights Task Force meetings.
VII. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT: Building Official Jenny Nickerson reported an update on
online access to Planning Commission information. She also reported the audio information
is a work in progress and audio thumb drives will be provided until the glitches are resolved.
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT: There was no public comment.
IX. COMMISSION BUSINESS:
03-12-2020 Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 of 5
i. Study Session: Proposed 2020 Comprehensive Plan Amendments
Economic Development Manager Mike Basinger gave some background and introduced
the 2020 Annual Comprehensive Plan Amendment process. Mr. Basinger explained that
applications were accepted through October 31, 2019. During this time period,pre-
application meetings were performed with those interested in submitting a
Comprehensive Plan Amendment. Mr. Basinger noted that City Council did choose to
remove two amendments this year, as recommended by staff.
a. CPA-2020-0001: A Privately Initiated Map Amendment to change the
Comprehensive Plan Land Use Designation from Single Family Residential(SFR)
to Corridor Mixed Use (CMU) and to change the Zoning District from Single
Family Residential Urban (R-3) to Corridor Mixed Use (CMU).
Senior Planner Chaz Bates introduced Comprehensive Plan Amendment CPA-2020-
0001. Mr. Bates stated that the property is located along McDonald Road, east side of
McDonald Road and south of Mission Avenue. The applicant is Land Use Solutions
and Entitlement and the owner is Tucker Roy LLC. The proposal is to change the Land
Use Designation from Single Family Residential(SFR)to Corridor Mixed Use(CMU).
Mr. Bates reviewed the approval criteria, which included the expansion of the CMU,
no critical areas, it supports development of vacant properties, it provides land for
employment,the transportation network supports it, and it is generally compatible with
the surrounding uses.
Commissioner Johnson requested clarification that the change is only being made to
the property with the existing house or if it includes the vacant lot next to it as well.
Mr. Bates confirmed it is only the property with the existing house as the lot next to it
is already zoned CMU.
b. CPA-2020-0002: A Privately Initiated Map Amendment to change the
Comprehensive Plan Land Use Designation from Industrial (I) to Regional
Commercial (RC) and to change the Zoning District from Industrial (I) to
Regional Commercial (RC).
Mr. Bates introduced Comprehensive Plan Amendment CPA-2020-0002, stating the
applicant as LB Stone Properties and the owner as LB Stone Properties. The proposal
is to change the land use designation from Industrial (I)to Regional Commercial
(RC). Mr. Bates provided details related to the site. Mr. Bates went on to review the
approval criteria, which included the expansion of the RC, no critical areas, it
supports redevelopment of underused properties, it provides land for employment, it
is supported by the transportation network, and it is generally compatible with the
surrounding uses.
c. CPA-2020-0003 A Privately Initiated Map Amendment to change the
Comprehensive Plan Land Use Designation from Multifamily Residential (MFR)
to Corridor Mixed Use (CMU) and to change the Zoning District from
Multifamily Residential (MFR) to Corridor Mixed Use (CMU).
Mr. Bates introduced Comprehensive Plan Amendment CPA-2020-0003, listing the
applicant as Jay Rambo and the owners as Revere-Dece III, LLC and Brill Properties,
LLC. The proposal is to change the Comprehensive Plan Land Use designation from
Multifamily Residential (MFR)to Corridor Mixed Use (CMU). Mr. Bates reviewed
the approval criteria, which included the expansion of the CMU, no critical areas, it
supports redevelopment of underused properties, it provides land for employment, it
03-12-2020 Planning Commission Minutes Page 3 of 5
is supported by the transportation network, and it is generally compatible with the
surrounding uses. He describes where you can find the location of this property, as it
can be difficult to locate.
Commissioner Robinson asked a question on the CMU zone and what it allows. Mr.
Bates explained the CMU zone is a more flexible zone, allowing a retail component,
multi-family development, and light industry. Commissioner Robinson asked if it
could increase the walkability of this neighborhood. Mr. Bates confirmed that it
could.
Mr. Basinger offered more background, detailing meetings held with developers
during the Periodic Update of the Comprehensive Plan. He stated that these
developers were interested in having a retail component as part of their multi-family
development. CMU allows this to happen.
d. CPA-2020-0006 A City Initiated Map Amendment to change the Comprehensive
Plan Land Use Designation from Industrial(I)to Corridor Mixed Use(CMU) and
to change the Zoning District from Industrial (I) to Corridor Mixed Use (CMU).
Mr. Bates introduced Comprehensive Plan Amendment CPA-2020-0006, explaining
where this location can be found. Mr. Bates reviewed the approval criteria. Mr. Bates
mentioned that through the pre-application discussions the school district explained
their plan to move their parent child partner program to this location. However; the
Industrial zone does not allow any K-12 education components,which is the reason
for this request.
There is discussion on the zoning of the surrounding area, the operations happening
on the surrounding industrial lots, and how the proposed lot is currently being
utilized.
e. CPA-2020-0007 A City Initiated Text Amendment to amend Chapter 2 Goals
and Policies to provide policy guidance for increased housing density with access
to support services like transit and commercial services; and provide
implementing regulations.
Mr. Basinger introduced Comprehensive Plan Amendment CPA-2020-0007 by
providing background. He explained the objective of this amendment is to address the
concern about the influx of duplex developments expressed by residents in several
areas around the City. Mr. Basinger continued by offering research gathered from the
Spokane-Kootenai Real Estate Research Committee 2020 Market Forum showing
that the housing inventory is low, creating a high demand. Mr. Basinger reviewed the
two goals for alternative housing types. First, enable a variety of housing types at
increased densities within 1/2 mile of the high performance transit network. Second,
preserve and enhance the City's established single-family neighborhoods by
minimizing the impacts of more dense housing typologies such as duplexes and
cottage development. Mr. Basinger referenced the map representing the zoning code
changes, expressing the intent is to see this kind of development in an area that offers
more walkability. Mr. Basinger moved on to explain the code text amendment that
would add a new Single-Family Residential Urban (R-4) zone. He noted the changes
made to the 19.60.050 Permitted uses matrix.
There is a short discussion on requirements for cottage development.
03-12-2020 Planning Commission Minutes Page 4 of 5
Mr. Basinger moved forward in explaining the R-4 19.70 Residential Standards.
There was a short discussion on accessibility to green space and parks. Mr. Basinger
explained that the Appleway Trail is a linear park that would be within walking
distance from most of this proposed rezone. There are plans for the trail to expand
from University Road to Dishman Hills. He explained for those that are further from
the trail, that there are plans within the Parks Master Plan to increase development of
parks. Mr. Bates offered additional insight on the 20-year plan outlined in the Parks
Master Plan. This 20-year plan outlines various acquisitions to increase the City's
level of service for parks. Mr. Basinger explained how cottage development would
offer a density bonus. Cottage developments require an open space for people to
gather and recreate. Mr. Basinger explained there is a shortage of parks in portions of
the City where some of the properties are located.
There was a lengthy discussion regarding the cost of housing and property values.
Commissioner Kelley asked a question regarding the cost of housing and property
values. Mr. Basinger explained that when there is a low supply, that housing costs are
higher. He described that there is fair amount of vacant and partially used land that
could be redeveloped within the proposed area-wide rezone. He further explained,
that the proposed rezone would allow for higher density and more opportunity for
housing increasing supply and potentially lower the cost of housing in the area. Mr.
Basinger clarified that the area-wide rezone should not lower property values. He
stated that it would increase density and the opportunity to develop more lots on
parcels of land and therefore it should increase the value of property with the
proposed area-wide rezone.
There was a discussion clarifying what lots would be changing to the R-4 zone.
Commissioner Johnson requested the map be updated for further clarification.
Commissioner McKinley expressed his concern for the agricultural areas changing
due to the addition of smaller lots. The agricultural areas have been the culture of
Spokane Valley for many years and he has seen that go away with denser housing
developing. He does not want to see a decrease in these agricultural areas. Mr.
Basinger explained staff want to preserve the character of the Valley, but that there
needs to be a balance. He stated the City is preserving the character of Spokane
Valley with estate zoning, one-acre lots in areas like Ponderosa, and the 10,000
square foot lots in the Single-Family Residential Suburban (R-2) zone. He noted that
there needs to be a variety of opportunities for development and that the areas
surrounding the Sprague corridor, where there is transportation and services, the City
would like to promote infill development. Mr. Bates explained that animal raising and
animal keeping is still permitted in this area to help preserve the character.
Commissioner McKinley asked for the median income for the area. Mr. Bates stated
they can provide a number at the next meeting.
There was a lengthy discussion regarding how the access to transportation will benefit
those that would be living in the affordable housing within this proposed zone. The
access to transportation will allow these residents to reach jobs in different areas.
Commissioner Kaschmitter pointed out that having more rooftops in this area would
increase our high frequency bus service to help more people to where they need to go.
She also described how the high performance transportation network connects to the
Valley Transit Center allowing for residents to travel to their jobs throughout the
County.
03-12-2020 Planning Commission Minutes Page 5 of 5
The study session ended with a conversation on what plan B will be if public
meetings are cancelled or postponed due to the coronavirus. Mr. Basinger offered
insight on staff's plans moving forward and how information will be shared to
citizens.
X. GOOD OF THE ORDER: Secretary to the Commission Deanna Horton announced a
Department of Commerce planning short course on April 16, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. Commissioner
Walton encouraged the community to check in with neighbors and elderly, as the efforts to
slow down the coronavirus increase. Commissioner Robinson stated she is delighted to be at
this first meeting. Commissioner Johnson added to Commissioner Walton's statement and
expressed that COVID-19 should be a wakeup call. He hopes everyone encourages our
leadership to make real workable plans to keep us safe.
XI. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Walton moved to adjourn at 7:35 p.m. The vote on the
motion was seven in favor, zero against, and the motion passed.
James Johnson, Chair Date signed
Deanna Horton, Secretary