Loading...
2021-05-27 PC APPROVED SIGNED MINUTESMeeting Minutes Spokane Valley Planning Commission Council Chambers — City Hall May 27, 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 Cary Driskell, City Attorney Karl Granrath Caitlin Prunty, City Attorney Walt Haneke Jenny Nickerson, Building Official Bob McKinley Martin Palaniuk, Planner Nancy Miller Taylor Dillard, Administrative Assistant Paul Rieckers Sherri Robinson III. AGENDA: Commissioner Robinson moved to approve the May 27, 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 Beaulac moved to approve the May 13, 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 Planning Commission reports. VI. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT: There was no administrative report. VII. PUBLIC COMMENT: There was no public comment. VIII. COMMISSION BUSINESS: a. Study Session: CTA-2021-0001— Batch Code Text Amendment City Planner Martin Palaniuk gave a presentation on the proposed City -initiated text amendment to Title 19 of the Spokane Valley Municipal Code (SVMC). He stated that the amendment is to clarify that cargo containers are not allowed in residential zones as an accessory structure and reference the R-4 zone in applicable sections of the zoning code that were intended to address all residential zones. Mr. Palaniuk explained that SVMC 19.40.030(D)(6) has details regarding cargo containers under the Development Standards — Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) section of the code. 05-27-2021 Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 of 3 He stated that staff feels that the current code location causes ambiguity as to whether the provision applies to cargo shipping containers throughout all residential zones or only shipping containers used as an ADU. The proposed amendment will move the provision to SVMC 19.65.130 — Supplemental Use Regulations, Residential. This section of the code provides supplemental regulations that apply to accessory structures in all residential zones and will clarify that shipping containers are not permitted as an accessory structure in residential zones. Mr. Palaniuk also explained that in 2020, the City Council adopted a comprehensive plan amendment that created the R-4 zoning district. The amendment also included changes to Title 19, Zoning Regulations, which added development standards for the new zoning district. He stated that since the adoption of the amendment staff has found that several sections relevant to all residential zones were overlooked including sections related to battery charging stations, transitional regulations, adult uses, and marijuana uses. The proposed amendment will fix these items throughout the residential zones. He stated that there are no regulatory requirements being added to the zones and the proposed change is to keep the code consistent. Commissioner Haneke asked if the "POD" containers are allowed for temporary storage due to a remodel. Building Official Nickerson answered that they are allowed if the resident procures a "Temporary Use Permit". However, they are not allowed to be used for a long- term storage or as a storage shed. Actual cargo shipping containers would not qualify for a temporary use permit because they are prohibited by the code in all residential zones. Mr. Palaniuk said that the public hearing for this proposed code text amendment will be held on June 10, 2021. b. Presentation: Tiny Homes Building Official Jenny Nickerson gave an informational presentation regarding tiny homes. She explained that the Spokane Valley Municipal Code (SVMC) does not define the minimum size of a dwelling unit so a tiny home is just a single-family dwelling unit by classification. However, there are regulations regarding accessory dwelling unit stating that the unit cannot be smaller than 300 square feet. The International Residential Code (IRC) states that a dwelling is required to contain a habitable room of at least 70 square feet and it does not require that the bathroom be a separate room. In February 2021, Washington State adopted a portion of IRC Appendix Q which specifically addresses tiny houses. It states that a tiny house is defined as a home that is less than 400 square feet, excluding lofts. A loft is defined as a floor level above and open to the main floor with a ceiling height of less than 658". Ms. Nickerson explained that a tiny home constructed on -site requires a simple building permit. If a tiny home is constructed off -site, a permit is required at the construction location. If the tiny home is built onto a trailer, it is classified as a recreational vehicle (RV) and a permit from Labor & Industries is required. If a tiny home is built in a factory, it is classified as a manufactured home or park model RV. If a shed is converted to a tiny house, a simple building permit is required for both the shed and the conversion. Ms. Nickerson stated that a tiny home constructed on site must be designed in accordance with Washington Building Code and go through the typical building permit process (as long as it meets the zoning requirements and the building code requirements). The dwelling unit 2 05-27-2021 Planning Commission Minutes Page 3 of 3 may be as small as 70 square feet and can be designed to be removed from foundation and transported. A tiny home constructed in a factory is regulated by the Washington State Labor and Industries Factory Assembled Structures division. The local building department regulates the anchoring of the home to a foundation or footing system. Tiny homes constructed on a trailer rarely meet the minimum standards and are commonly licensed as an RV. Commissioner Miller commented that she thinks there should be a minimum square foot requirement on the primary dwelling unit on a property (like there is for accessory dwelling units). IX. GOOD OF THE ORDER: Commissioner Granrath commented that he was excited to see that the City of Spokane Valley purchased land to be added to the parks system. Commissioner Robinson stated that she is excited that the Balfour Park expansion and the Library construction is moving forward. X. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Haneke moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:53 p.m. There was no discussion. The vote on the motion was seven in favor, zero against, and the motion passed. i Bob McKinley, Chair Marianne Lemons, Secretary Date signed 3