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2022-04-14 PC SIGNED APPROVED MINUTESMeeting Minutes Spokane Valley Planning Commission Council Chambers — City Hall April 14, 2022 I. Planning Commission Vice -Chairman Sherri Robinson called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The meeting was held in person. II. III. Planning Commission Secretary Lemons took attendance, and the following members and staff were present: Fred Beaulac Cary Driskell, City Attorney Susan Delucchi Chaz Bates, Planning Manager Karl Gramath Marianne Lemons, Administrative Assistant Walt Haneke Lori Barlow, Senior Planner Bob McKinley, absent Eric Robison, Homeless & Housing Coordinator Nancy Miller Sherri Robinson There was consensus from the Planning Commission to excuse Chairman McKinley from the meeting. IV. AGENDA: Commissioner Beaulac moved to approve the April 14, 2022 agenda as presented. There was no discussion. The vote on the motion was six in favor, zero against and the motion passed. V. MINUTES: Commissioner Delucchi moved to approve the March 24, 2022 minutes as submitted. There was no discussion. The vote on the motion was six in favor, zero against and the motion passed. VI. COMMISSION REPORTS: Commissioner Robinson stated that she went to the new library ground -breaking ceremony and is very excited to see that project finally moving forward. VII. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT: Planning Manager Chaz Bates reported that long-time Planner Karen Kendall has left the City. VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT: There was no public comment. I/t 011101u1hY.y1110t1a1.110*Rl a. Study Session: CTA-2022-0001— Community Services Interim Regulations Governing Transitional & Emergency Housing 04-14-2022 Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 of 4 Senior Planner Lori Barlow stated that staff is going to bring proposed permanent regulations governing transitional and emergency housing at the next Planning Commission meeting. The current presentation is to outline the interim regulations that are already in place based on House Bill (HB) 1220 that was passed by State Legislation in 2021. HB1220 requires that Washington cities plan for affordable housing in their next Comprehensive Plan update. It also states that the City cannot prohibit transitional housing and permanent supportive housing in any zones where residential dwellings or hotels are allowed and cannot prohibit emergency housing and emergency shelters in any zone where hotels are allowed. HB1220 does allow cities to adopt reasonable occupancy, intensity of use, and spacing standards to promote public health and safety but cities must allow enough transitional or emergency housing to meet current and projected needs. Ms. Barlow explained that the City regulations prior to July 20, 2021 allowed transitional housing only in the Multi -Family (MFR) zone through a conditional use permit process. This regulation is in direct conflict with HB1220. Therefore, the City adopted Ordinance 21- 009 regarding interim regulations that were to remain in effect for one year until permanent regulations are adopted. Ms. Barlow stated that the interim regulations established Chapter 19.45 "Community Services As Interim Regulations." It outlined definitions for the four types of required housing: Emergency Housing, Emergency Shelter, Permanent Supportive Housing and Transitional Housing. It also updated the "Permitted Use Matrix" in the code to provide for uses in zones required by HB1220. Ms. Barlow explained that based on the interim regulations, any application received for one of the four housing types would require a Type II permit that would be administratively approved with conditions based on specific criteria. The criteria includes that there will be no kids unless the facility is specifically licensed for children, or the child is with their parent/guardian and the facility must comply with record keeping in the Community Management Information System (CMIS) and Coordinated Entry. The contents of the application must include the qualifications of operators and a detailed operations plan that outlines information regarding staff, security, code of conduct, outreach with neighbors, record keeping, coordination plan with street outreach teams regarding bed availability, onsite supervision, and inside functions. The regulations also limit that occupancy to twenty individuals in the non-residential zones and eight per dwelling unit in the residential zones. There are also requirements stating that there is a minimum of one mile spacing between facilities and the City can implement conditions to minimize nuisance impacts and adverse operations characteristics. Ms. Barlow mentioned that the City adopted a Housing Action Plan (HAP) in 2021 and it identified a need for 6,660 new dwelling units needed by 2037. It also identified that of those new dwelling units, 2,900 units are needed for households under 100% of the Area Median Income (AMI). The HAP was designed to implement strategies to increase housing supply for all income segments. The City also adopted a Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA-2021-0004) that formalized the City's commitment to a regional approach in reducing homelessness and provided guidance on zoning regulations for homeless services. Ms. Barlow said the proposed permanent regulations will be presented to the Planning Commission for review and recommendation at the next meeting. Commissioner Miller asked what the current and projected demands are for this type of housing. Homeless and Housing Coordinator Eric Robison answered that there are currently 100-120 unsheltered people in the City at any given time. Also, based on numbers received 04-14-2022 Planning Commission Minutes Page 3 of 4 from the school districts in the area that one in every thirty-seven students are without a permanent home. Currently, the City helps fund homeless services throughout the County but does not have any services directly located in Spokane Valley. Commissioner Miller asked the percentage of people who would use the services if they were provided. Mr. Robison answered that there are no clear percentages of people who would use the services but there is a need for immediate services such as detoxification centers, transitional services such as clean and sober housing, and long-term solutions such as affordable housing options. Commissioner Beaulac asked about the notification process to adjacent property owners. Ms. Barlow answered that based on the current interim regulations, the City is required to notify property owners immediately adjacent to the proposed site. Commissioner Beaulac asked if the notification is sent to the property owner or the tenants of a multi -family location. Ms. Barlow answered that the regulations state the notice be sent to the property owner. Mr. Beaulac mentioned that the tenants should be aware of the proposals when they are received. Planning Manager Chaz Bates commented that there is a proposed outreach program that will be outlined in the permanent regulations that will be discussed at the next meeting. Commissioner Granrath asked how many of the different types of housing exist in the City limits currently. Mr. Robison answered that the City does not have any emergency shelters, emergency housing, or permanent supportive housing. There are a few transitional housing locations. Commissioner Granrath asked who will be overseeing the facilities for on -going compliance with the City issued criteria. Ms. Barlow answered that the facilities will be granted a "Type 2" permit which has a set of rules that must be followed. If the facilities are not following the outlined compliance rules, residents can file a complaint and the City will go through the process to bring the facility back into compliance. Commissioner Delucchi mentioned that these types of facilities must apply for a state license through the Department of Health and Social Services, and they will have to comply with regulations for those licenses as well. Ms. Barlow commented that if these entities are receiving public funds, there would be reporting requirements for those monies received. Commissioner Haneke commented that he would feel better about the issuance of these types of permits if they are monitored by additional authorities for compliance so it is known that they maintaining all of the conditions of approval in the future. City Attorney Cary Driskell responded that the City does not actively monitor all issued permits for compliance because the City just doesn't have enough staff to facilitate that type of project. However, when a complaint is received, the City will work with the facility to address the reported items and confirm that all other criteria is being met. Commissioner Haneke commented that he would like to make sure that there is some sort of reporting being done by each facility that the City can monitor. Commission Robinson commented that if the facility is receiving public funds, they will have to be tracked, regulated and licensed. She feels that the City only has the authority to monitor code items such as structural, correct use, and responding to neighbors as requested. Commissioner Delucchi asked if the Housing Needs Assessment/HAP is going to be updated. Mr. Bates answered that an update will be done and adopted during the periodic update in 2026. 04-14-2022 Planning Commission Minutes Page 4 of 4 Commissioner Beaulac asked if the City will know how many beds are available at any given time. Mr. Robison answered that one of the conditions of approval is reporting into the CMIS database. That program would provide information regarding bed availability. Commissioner Robinson asked if the database provides information on what types of beds are available (female, male, kids allowed, etc.). Mr. Robison answered that the database only includes shelters that are "low barrier," and they report by location which should give detail on what types of recipients they can house. Commissioner Granrath asked if the City has received any applications for the housing types outlined. Ms. Barlow answered that they City has not formally received any applications but there have been a few conversations with some entities that are interested in serving Spokane Valley. Commissioner Miller asked for regulation detail on the one mile spacing. Mr. Robison answered that the current regulations state one housing shelter type per mile. X. GOOD OF THE ORDER: Commissioner Robinson commented that she attends a local church and they have been significantly affected by the homelessness problem. The church has had to take steps to protect their property including changing their landscaping, posting "no trespassing/no camping" signs, and putting in security measures. She is happy that the City is taking steps to address the problem. She also mentioned that there was a fire at a local housing complex which caused several families to be displaced from their homes and there wasn't anything available in Spokane Valley to accommodate the people affected. XI. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Beaulac moved to adjourn the meeting at 7: 34 p. m. The vote on the motion was six in favor, zero against, and the motion passed. Bob McKinley, Chair Date Signed Marianne Lemons, Secretary