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2021-03-11 PC APPROVED SIGNED MINUTESMeeting Minutes Spokane Valley Planning Commission Council Chambers — City Hall March 11, 2021 I. Planning Commission Chair Bob McKinley called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. The meeting was held remotely via ZOOM meeting. II. Administrative Assistant Taylor Dillard took roll and the following members and staff were present: Fred Beaulac Erik Lamb, City Attorney Karl Granrath Jenny Nickerson, Building Official Walt Haneke Chaz Bates, Senior Planner Bob McKinley Taylor Dillard, Administrative Assistant Nancy Miller Marianne Lemons, Office Assistant Paul Rieckers Sherri Robinson IIl. AGENDA: Commissioner Rieckers moved to approve the March 11, 2021 meeting agenda as presented. There was no discussion. The vote on the motion was seven in favor, zero against and the motion passed. IV. MINUTES: Commissioner Haneke moved to approve the February 25, 2021 minutes as presented. There was no discussion. The vote on the motion was seven in favor, zero against and the motion passed. V. COMMISSION REPORTS: There were no Commission Reports. VI. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT: Building Official Jenny Nickerson commented that City staff presented the "Accomplishments Report" for 2020 to the City Council. She stated that the report showed a good year for the City. Senior Planner Chaz Bates showed the Comprehensive Plan area of Spokane Valley on the City website. VII. PUBLIC COMMENT: There was no public comment. VIII. COMMISSION BUSINESS: a. Public Hearing: Shoreline Master Program — Legislative Update. The public hearing was opened at 6:13 p.m. Senior Planner Chaz Bates introduced Alex Capron with The Watershed Company, who was hired by the City to assist with the periodic update of the Shoreline Master Program (SMP). Mr. Bates explained that Washington state law requires that the SMP be reviewed and updated every eight years so that it remains consistent with local and state laws. The original SMP was adopted comprehensively in 03-11-2021 Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 of 3 2015 through an in-depth process. Due to that process, the current update includes just the items that are required by state law. The changes will have very little impact on development within the shoreline jurisdiction. Mr. Bates also mentioned that the section regarding gravel pits is not be being amended. Gravel pits are not regulated by the SMP. However, once those areas go through the reclamation process, they will become a part of the SMP. None of the City's gravel pits are currently in the reclamation process. Mr. Capron gave a presentation explaining the proposed changes to the SMP. He explained that an SMP is a set of policies and regulations required by state law to protect the environmental resources of state shorelines, promote public access and enjoyment opportunities, and give priority to uses that require a shoreline location. The SMP applies to "Shorelines of the State", which are waterbodies that meet certain criteria and size. In Spokane Valley, this includes the Spokane River, Shelley Lake, and associated wetlands. Mr. Capron explained that the state Department of Ecology requires all SMP's to be reviewed every eight years. This periodic review is intended to keep SMP's current with amendments to state law, changes in local plans and regulations, and new or improved data and information. The updated SMP must be adopted by June 30, 2021. Mr. Capron stated that during the review process they looked at the 27 legislative amendments, critical areas regulations, and the Comprehensive Plan and Municipal Code. The proposed state legislative amendments include updating definitions, exemptions, and exceptions to be consistent with those in state law. The proposed amendments to the SMP critical areas will incorporate required City-wide critical areas ordinance updates. These will update wetland buffers within shoreline jurisdiction. It will also provide updates to the Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation areas by adding standards for habitat management plan requirements and will include riparian management zone buffers. Previously, the SMP did not have regulations set up for streams that weren't shoreline. This amendment will establish those stream regulations. The City received public comment from the Department of Fish and Wildlife stating that they have published an updated Priority Habitats & Species document regarding riparian ecosystem. They request that the City work with them during any future updates to possibly include their recommendations. Mr. Capron explained that there is an additional "suggested" SMP amendment that the City has decided to add to their regulations that ensures the Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) are permitted like single-family residences. This means that any ADU requests will have to apply for a shoreline exemption, just like a regular single-family home. Mr. Bates outlined the adoption timeline. The Planning Commission will make a recommendation on this matter at the March 25, 2021 meeting (after the public comment period which closes on March 12, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.). After the recommendation, the proposed amendment will be submitted to Ecology for initial determination. The initial determination response from Ecology should be received in April 2021. The Planning Commission will conduct the adoption of findings in May 2021. The City Council first and second reading will occur in June 2021 and local adoption of the SMP will occur in by June 30, 2021. Commissioner Haneke asked why ADU's are exempt from getting a permit. Mr. Bates answered that ADU's still have to meet all of the requirements and regulations of the SMP. The proposed amendment will just streamline the process. 2 03-11-2021 Planning Commission Minutes Page 3 of 3 Commissioner Haneke asked when the Planning Commission will receive the Ecology Report for review. He asked if it would be possible for the Commission to receive the report earlier than a week before the meeting to give additional time to review the documents. Deputy Attorney Lamb answered that staff will try to get those out as soon as possible but does want to make sure that staff has a chance to review and make their comments before sending it out. No requests to give public comment was received so the public hearing was closed at 6:54 p.m. However, written public comments can be received through March 12, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. b. Study Session: CTA-2020-0004: Title 24 Update Building Official Jenny Nickerson gave a presentation regarding the proposed update to Title 24 of the Spokane Valley Municipal Code (SVMC). The reason for the request is Title 24 adopts the Washington State Building Codes and the 2018 editions of all building codes replaced the 2015 editions as of February 1, 2021 in the state of Washington. The amendment will align the language of Title 24 SVMC with the state adoption of the codes. She explained that the proposed changes are predominantly housekeeping. The public hearing for this matter will be held on March 25, 2021. IX. GOOD OF THE ORDER: There was nothing for the good of the order. X. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Granrath moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:13 p.m. There was no discussion. The vote on the motion was seven in favor, zero against, and the motion passed. Bob McKinley, Chair Deanna Horton, Secretary Date signed