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Agenda 02/28/2013 sookane Valle Y Spokane Valley Planning Commission Agenda City Hall Council Chambers, 11707 E. Sprague Ave. February 28, 2013 6:00 p.m. I. CALL TO ORDER II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE III. ROLL CALL IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: January 24, 2013 VI. PUBLIC COMMENT: On any subject that is not on the agenda VII. COMMISSION REPORTS VIII. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT IX. COMMISSION BUSINESS 1. OLD BUSINESS: a. Finding of Fact: CTA-01-13 Amendment to the Spokane Valley Municipal Code. 2. NEW BUSINESS: b. Study Session: CTA-02-13 Amendment to the Spokane Valley Municipal Code. SEPA Categorical Exemptions. X. FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER XI. ADJOURNMENT COMMISSIONERS CITY STAFF BILL BATES -CHAIR JOHN HOHMAN,CD DIRECTOR KEVIN ANDERSON SCOTT KUHTA,PLANNING MGR,AICP CHRISTINA CARLSEN LORI BARLOW,SENIOR PLANNER ROBERT MCCASLIN STEVEN NEILL JOE STOY-VICE CHAIR CART HINSHAW,SECRETARY W W W.SPOKANEVALLEY.ORG CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY Request for Planning Commission Action Meeting Date: February 28, 2013 Item: Check all that apply: ❑ consent ® old business ❑ new business ❑ public hearing ❑ information ❑ admin.report ❑ pending legislation FILE NUMBER: CTA-01-13 AGENDA ITEM TITLE: Findings of Fact—Amendment to the Spokane Valley Municipal Code DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSAL: A city initiated text amendment to amend Spokane Valley Municipal Code (SVMC) 19.120, Permitted Use Matrix, and Table 19.60-1, Commercial Development Standards,to allow Townhouses in the Neighborhood Commercial Zone as a permitted use. GOVERNING LEGISLATION: RCW 36.70A.106; SVMC 17.80.150 and 19.30.040 PREVIOUS ACTION TAKEN: Chapter 19.120, Permitted Use Matrix, was amended by City Council on September 25, 2012 (Ordinance No. 12-022). A study session with the Planning Commission was conducted on January 24,2013. BACKGROUND: On September 25,2012, City Council adopted a significant amendment to Chapter 19.120,Permitted Use Matrix,making a number of changes,mostly to the office and mixed use zones. Most of the changes expanded the uses allowed in these zones. One change recommended to the Planning Commission and Council was to remove Townhouses as a permitted use in the Neighborhood Commercial (NC)zone. This proposal would make Townhouses a permitted use in the NC zone. The Planning Commission conducted a study session on January 24,2013,followed by a public hearing on February 14,2013. Following the public hearing,the Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve the proposed amendment. RECOMMENDED ACTION OR MOTION: Move to approve proposed findings for CTA-01-13,to allow Townhouses as a permitted use in the Neighborhood Commercial zone. STAFF CONTACT: Scott Kuhta,AICP,Planning Manager ATTACHMENTS: A. Findings and Recommendations, CTA-01-13 CTA-04-12 RPCA for Study Session ATTACHMENT A FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE SPOKANE VALLEY PLANNING COMMISSION February 28,2013 The following findings are consistent with the Planning Commission's decision to recommend approval. Background: 1. Spokane Valley development regulations were adopted in September 2007 and became effective on October 28,2007. 2. The city-initiated code text amendment proposes to amend Spokane Valley Municipal Code (SVMC) 19.120, Permitted and Accessory Uses and Table 19.60-1-Commercial Development Standards, to allow Townhouses in the Neighborhood Commercial (NC)Zone as a permitted use. 3. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on February 14, 2013 and voted 5-0 to recommend approval of the amendment to City Council. Planning Commission Findings: 1. Compliance with SVMC 17.80.150F Approval Criteria a. The proposed city initiated code text amendment is consistent with the applicable provisions of the Comprehensive Plan; Finding(s): i. Land Use Goal LUG-1 Preserve and protect the character of Spokane Valley's residential neighborhoods. ii. Land Use Policy LUP-1.3 Review and revise, as necessary, existing land use regulations to provide for innovation and flexibility in the design of new residential developments, accessory dwelling units and in-fill development. iii. Land Use Goal LUG-2 Encourage a wide range of housing types and densities commensurate with the community's needs and preferences. iv. Land Use Goal LUG-4 Provide neighborhood and community scale retail centers for the City's neighborhoods. v. Land Use Policy LUP-4.4 Encourage Mixed-use residential and commercial and office development in Neighborhood Commercial designations where compatibility with nearby uses can be demonstrated. vi. Housing Goal HG-1: Encourage diversity in design to meet the housing needs of the residents of the community and region. vii. Housing Policy HP-1.1: Consider the economic impact of development regulations on the cost of housing. viii. Economic Goal EDG-7: Maintain a regulatory environment that offers flexibility, consistency,predictability and clear direction. ix. Economic Policy EDP-7.2: Review development regulations periodically to ensure clarity, consistency and predictability. Findings and Recommendations of the Spokane Valley Planning Commission Page 1 of 2 ATTACHMENT A x. Neighborhood Policy NP-2.2: Review and revise as necessary, existing land use regulations to provide for innovation and flexibility in the design of new residential developments, accessory dwelling units, and in-fill development. b. The proposed amendment bears a substantial relation to public health, safety, welfare, and protection of the environment. Finding(s): i. Allowing Townhouses in Neighborhood Commercial zones will provide flexibility for property owners to develop their property with uses other than office or commercial. ii. The amendment will provide increased housing options and more opportunity for infill residential development. iii. The public health, safety, welfare, and protection of the environment are furthered by ensuring that the City's development regulations are consistent with goals and policies in the adopted Comprehensive Plan. 2. Conclusion(s): a. The proposed city initiated code text amendment is consistent with the City's adopted Comprehensive Plan and the approval criteria contained in SVMC 17.80.150F. b. The Growth Management Act (GMA) stipulates that the comprehensive land use plan and development regulations shall be subject to continuing review and evaluation by the City. Recommendations: The Spokane Valley Planning Commission therefore recommends City Council adopt the proposed city- initiated code text amendments to SVMC 19.120, Permitted and Accessory Uses and Table 19.60-1- Commercial Development Standards. Approved this 28th day of February,2013 Bill Bates,Chairman ATTEST: Can Hinshaw,Planning Commission Secretary Findings and Recommendations of the Spokane Valley Planning Commission Page 2 of 2 CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY Request for Planning Commission Action Meeting Date: February 28, 2013 Item: Check all that apply: ❑ consent ❑ old business ® new business ❑ public hearing ❑ information ® admin.report ❑ pending legislation FILE NUMBER: CTA-2013-0002 AGENDA ITEM TITLE: Study session—Amendment to the Spokane Valley Municipal Code DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSAL: A city initiated text amendment to amend Spokane Valley Municipal Code (SVMC) 21.20.040 SEPA Categorical Exemptions, to adopt the maximum exemption levels allowed by WAC 197-11-800(1)(d). GOVERNING LEGISLATION: RCW 36.70A.106; WAC 197-11-800(1) ( c ); SVMC 17.80.150 and 19.30.040 PREVIOUS ACTION TAKEN: None BACKGROUND: Washington State Department of Ecology was directed by the 2012 Legislature to complete two rounds of updates to the SEPA rules(Chapter 197-11 WAC). The Legislature directed Ecology to modernize the rules that guide state and local agencies in conducting SEPA reviews,in light of the increased environmental protections in place under Growth Management Laws (RCW 36.70A),the Shoreline Management Act(RCW 90.58) and other laws. The legislation set up two rounds of rule updates: A narrowly-focused initial round(targeted to be complete by December 31,2012 and a broader round of SEPA rule updates during 2013.The initial rule making considered two specific topics: • Increasing the thresholds for SEPA review of minor construction projects under Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 197-11-800(1) and(23)(c); and • Improving the efficiency of the environmental checklist in WAC 197-11-960. The update became effective January 28,2013, and allows the city to increase the maximum exemption levels requiring environmental review as described in the attached staff report,thereby reducing permit review times and eliminating redundancy in the review process. This proposal would amend the current SEPA rules to reflect the maximum thresholds allowed by State Law. RECOMMENDED ACTION OR MOTION: No action recommended at this time. The Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing and consider the proposed amendment on March 14,2013. STAFF CONTACT: Lori Barlow,AICP, Senior Planner ATTACHMENTS: A. Staff Report and Findings CTA-2013—0002 B. Proposed Amendment CTA-2013-0002 RPCA for Study Session ATTACHMENT A COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT somiane/O0 F� PLANNING DIVISION STAFF REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION TO THE lle PLANNING COMMISSION CTA-2013-0002 STAFF REPORT DATE: Feb. 20,2013 HEARING DATE AND LOCATION: March 14, 2013, beginning at 6:00 p.m., Spokane Valley City Hall Council Chambers, Valley Redwood Plaza Building, 11707 East Sprague Avenue, Suite 101, Spokane Valley,Washington 99206. PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION: A city initiated text amendment to amend Spokane Valley Municipal Code (SVMC) 21.20.040 SEPA Categorical Exemptions, to adopt the maximum exemption levels allowed by WAC 197-11-800(1)(d). PROPONENT: City of Spokane Valley Community Development Department, 11707 E Sprague Ave, Suite 106, Spokane Valley,WA 99206 APPROVAL CRITERIA: Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan, Spokane Valley Municipal Code (SVMC) Title 17 General Provisions. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATION: The Planning Division recommends the Planning Commission approve the proposed amendment as put forth. STAFF PLANNER:LORI BARLOw,AICP, Senior Planner, Community Development Department ATTACHMENTS: Exhibit 1: Proposed text amendment to SVMC 21.20.040 A. BACKGROUND INFORMATION 1. APPLICATION PROCESSING: SVMC Chapter 17.80, Permit Processing Procedures. The following summarizes application procedures for the proposal. Process Date Pre-Application Meeting: N/A Application Submitted: N/A Determination of Completeness: N/A Published Notice of Public Hearing: 2/22/2013 and 3/8/2013 Sent Notice of Public Hearing to staff/agencies: To be completed by 2/28/13 Staff Report and Recommendation CTA-2013-0002 2. PROPOSAL BACKGROUND: The proposal is to amend Spokane Valley Municipal Code (SVMC) Chapter 21.20 State Environmental Policy Act(SEPA)to increase the thresholds for specific land use categories that would trigger environmental review under SEPA. SEPA is a Washington State law that requires the majority of land use decisions made by every state and local agency to be reviewed for environmental impacts. The Department of Ecology is the state agency responsible for SEPA oversight. Ecology was directed by the 2012 legislature to complete two rounds of updates to the SEPA rules(Chapter 197-11 WAC). The legislature directed Ecology to modernize the rules that guide state and local agencies in conducting SEPA reviews,in light of the increased environmental protections in place under Growth Management Laws(RCW 36.70A),the Shoreline Management Act(RCW 90.58)and other laws. The legislation set up two rounds of rule updates: A narrowly-focused initial round(targeted to be complete by December 31,2012 and a broader round of SEPA rule updates during 2013.The initial rule making considered two specific topics: • Increasing the thresholds for SEPA review of minor construction projects under Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 197-11-800(1) and(23)(c); and • Improving the efficiency of the environmental checklist in WAC 197-11-960. Senate Bill 6406 directed Ecology to convene a SEPA Advisory Committee to assist Ecology in updating the SEPA exemption thresholds and the environmental checklist. Scott Kuhta,Planning Manager,participated in the Advisory Committee representing the only jurisdiction from the east side of the state. The reason to increase the thresholds for SEPA review is to make the process more efficient and reduce redundancy. Each SEPA review process requires agency and public notice, followed by subsequent comment and appeal periods. The purpose of the review is to identify impacts that would not be addressed by city regulations. If impacts are identified,jurisdictions can "condition"projects with special requirements,or mitigation. Traffic impacts generated by new development are commonly mitigated through the SEPA process. However,with the resulting code requirements associated with GMA, SMA,and other laws protecting the environment,most jurisdictions have the codes in place to ensure impacts are addressed and/or prevented. As this is the case with Spokane Valley,the SEPA review for minor construction projects is an exercise in redundancy and does not result in any meaningful project modifications or mitigation. The resulting impact of the review is an increase in the time period necessary to complete project review and issue permits by 4—6 weeks. Reducing the amount of review time is advantageous to the development community in many ways,including financing, facilitating construction windows,maintaining project schedules,etc.. SEPA rules identify default thresholds for"Minor New Construction"that exempt a project from SEPA review. If the project is equal to,or smaller than the exempt level,environmental review is not required. The default thresholds are identified in the table below. The rules,even prior to the recent legislative update, allowed jurisdictions to adopt flexible thresholds and increase the applicable project threshold that would exempt a project from SEPA review. These are the thresholds being modified by the legislative update, as well as the city's code text amendment. The City adopted the flexible thresholds in the 2007 Spokane Valley Municipal Code. The current"Minor New Construction-Flexible Thresholds" adopted by the City and identified in SVMC section 21.20.040 Categorical exemptions are identified in the table below. Page 2 of 5 Staff Report and Recommendation CTA-2013-0002 Minor New Construction— Minor New Construction -Default Thresholds Flexible Thresholds(Current City Regulations) (i)The construction or location of four detached single family residential (i)20 dwelling units. units. (ii) 30,000 square feet. (ii)The construction or location of four multifamily residential units. (iii) 12,000 square feet; 40 (iii)The construction of a barn, loafing shed, farm equipment storage automobiles. building, produce storage or packing structure, or similar agricultural structure, covering 10,000 square feet, and to be used only by the (iv) 40 automobiles. property owner or his or her agent in the conduct of farming the property. This exemption shall not apply to feed lots. (v) 500 cubic yards. (iv)The construction of an office,school, commercial, recreational, service or storage building with 4,000 square feet of gross floor area, and with associated parking facilities designed for twenty automobiles. This exemption includes stand-alone parking lots. (v)Any landfill or excavation of 100 cubic yards throughout the total lifetime of the fill or excavation not associated with an exempt project in subsection (b)(i), (ii), (iii), or(iv); and any fill or excavation classified as a Class I, II, or III forest practice under RCW 76.09.050 or regulations thereunder. The legislative update to the rules revised and clarified language relating to the "residential", "parking lot" and"landfill and excavation" categories of minor new construction by separating thresholds for single family projects from multi-family projects, and eliminating the differentiation between stand alone parking lots and parking lots associated with primary uses. As a result of the new categorization, the changes to the flexible thresholds are not just an increase to the units, area, automobiles, etc. The update became effective January 28, 2013, and allows the city to increase the maximum exemption levels requiring environmental review as indicated in the table below. These are the new thresholds proposed for adoption by this amendment. Fully planning GMA counties All other counties Other Incorporated and unincorporated Incorporated and Project types unincorporated UGA areas unincorporated areas Single family residential 30 units 20 units 20 units Multifamily residential 60 units 25 units 25 units Barn, loafing shed, farm 40,000 square feet 40,000 square feet 40,000 square feet equipment storage, produce storage or packing structure Office, school, 30,000 square feet and 12,000 square feet 12,000 square feet commercial, recreational, 90 parking spaces and 40 parking and 40 parking service, storage building, spaces spaces parking facilities Landfill or excavation 1,000 cubic yards 1,000 cubic yards 1,000 cubic yards Page 3 of 5 Staff Report and Recommendation CTA-2013-0002 B. FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS SPECIFIC TO THE MUNICIPAL CODE TEXT AMENDMENT 1. Compliance with Title 17(General Provisions) of the Spokane Valley Municipal Code a. Findings: SVMC 17.80.150(F)Municipal Code Text Amendment Approval Criteria i. The City may approve Municipal Code Text amendment,if it finds that (1) The proposed text amendment is consistent with the applicable provisions of the Comprehensive Plan; Staff Analysis: The proposed amendment is consistent with the applicable policies of the Comprehensive Plan which direct the city to provide effective,predictable,and clear customer service. Relevant Comprehensive Plan goals and policies are shown below: Introduction Goal G-1: Create a government that places a premium on providing effective customer service. Introduction Policy IP-1: The City should periodically evaluate programs, procedures,processes and other opportunities of reaching the customer service goal. Economic Goal EDG-7: Maintain a regulatory environment that offers flexibility, consistency,predictability and clear direction. Economic Policy EDP-7.2: Review development regulations periodically to ensure clarity,consistency and predictability. (2) The proposed amendment bears a substantial relation to public health,safety, welfare, and protection of the environment; Analysis: The amendment bears substantial relation to public health, safety,welfare and protection of the environment. The proposed amendment will provide efficient, predictable, and clear customer service while meeting the requirements for environmental review contained in WAC 197-11-800-(1)(d). b. Conclusion(s): The proposed text amendment is consistent with the approval criteria contained in the SVMC. 2. Finding and Conclusions Specific to Public Comments a. Findings: No public comments have been received to date. b. Conclusion(s): Public noticing has not been initiated for CTA-1-13 as of this date. 3. Finding and Conclusions Specific to Agency Comments a. Findings: No agency comments have been received to date. b. Conclusion(s): No concerns are noted. Page 4 of 5 Staff Report and Recommendation CTA-2013-0002 C. OVERALL CONCLUSION The proposed code text amendment is consistent with the Comprehensive Plans policies and goals. D. STAFF RECOMMENDATION The Planning Division,after review and consideration of the applicable approval criteria,recommends the proposal to adopt the maximum to adopt the maximum exemption levels allowed by WAC 197-11-800- (1)(3). Page 5 of 5 CTA-2013-0002 Proposed Changes increasing the Flexible Thresholds in the Categorical Exemptions Section of SVMC 21.20.040 consistent with WAC 197-11-800 21.20.040 Categorical exemptions. Categorical exemptions are set forth in WAC 197-11-800. A. Application. If a proposal fits within any of the exemptions set forth in this section, the proposal shall be categorically exempt from the threshold determination requirements of WAC 197-11-720, except as follows: 1. The proposal includes an activity that is not exempt under WAC 197-11-908, Critical areas; or 2. The proposal is a segment of a proposal that includes a series of actions, physically or functionally related to each other, some of which are categorically exempt and some of which are not; or 3. The proposal includes, or is a part of, a series of exempt actions that are physically or functionally related to each other and that together may have a probable significant adverse impact in the judgment of an agency with jurisdiction. B. Flexible Thresholds. The City adopts the following exempt levels for new construction pursuant to WAC 197-11-800(1)(c): 1. For single family residential dwelling units, up to 22 30 dwelling units. 2. For multifamily residential dwelling units, up to 60 units 23._For agricultural structures, up to 30,000 square feet. For barn, loafing shed, farm equipment storage, produce storage or packing structure buildings up to 40,000 square feet 43. For office, school, commercial, recreational, service or storage buildings, up to 12,000 30,000 square feet of gross floor area and with associated parking facilities designed for up to 40- 90 parking spaces. 4. For parking lots, up to/10 parking spaces. 5. For landfills and excavations, up to 5-09 1,000 cubic yards. C. Procedure. The agency or applicant may proceed with the exempt aspects of a proposal prior to conducting environmental review of the nonexempt aspects of a proposal; provided, that the requirements of WAC 197-11-070 are met. D. Written Findings. The lead agency is not required to document that a proposal is categorically exempt; however, the lead agency may note on an application that a proposal is categorically exempt or place such a determination in the agency's files. (Ord. 07-015 § 4, 2007). Spokane Valley Planning Commission DRAFT Minutes Council Chambers— City Hall, 11707 E. Sprague Ave. February 14, 2013 I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Bates called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioners, staff and audience stood for the pledge of allegiance III. ROLL CALL COMMISSIONERS Present Absent CITY STAFF Bill Bates-Chair Erik Lamb,Deputy City Attorney Joe Stoy—Vice Chair Scott Kuhta,Planning Manager Steven Neill Kevin Anderson r ' Christina Carlsen r E Robert McCaslin p r Can Hinshaw, secretary Commissioner Neill was excused from the Planning Commission Meeting. IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Stoy made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. This motion was passed unanimously. V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner McCaslin made a motion to approve the January 24, 2013 minutes as presented. This motion was passed unanimously. VI. PUBLIC COMMENT There was no public comment. VII. COMMISSION REPORTS Commissioner McCaslin stated that he attended his father's memorial in Olympia. Chair Bates stated that applications are being accepted by March 4, 2013 for the vacant Planning Commission seat. March 12, 2013 the City Council decides who will take the seat. Planning Commission Minutes Page 1 of 3 VIII. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Planning Manager Scott Kuhta reviewed the Commission's Advanced Agenda. IX. COMMISSION BUSINESS A. Unfinished Business: There was no unfinished business. Public Hearing: Opened at 6:14 PM. Seeing no one testified the Public Hearing closed at 6:20 PM. B. New Business: Planning Manager Scott Kuhta provided an over view of CTA-01-13, a proposal amendment to allow Townhouses in the Neighborhood Commercial zone. Mr. Kuhta reviewed the proposed setbacks and maximum height standards for Townhouses in the NC zone, specifically that the standards in the R-4 would be used. The following sections would be amended if approved: 1. 19.60.070 Supplemental Permitted Use Regulations. 2. Table 19.60-1 Commercial Development Standards. 3. Table 19.40-1 Residential Zone Dimensional Standards (in feet). Commissioner Carlson asked about lot coverage standards. Mr. Kuhta stated that the NC zone does not have maximum lot coverage standards and that the open space, storm water, parking and setbacks would limit lot coverage. Commissioner Anderson pointed out that the R-4 zone requires a minimum 5-foot setback while the regulations in 19.40-1 specify a 6-foot minimum setback and asked which one is correct. Mr. Kuhta responded that the 6-foot setback would be between the Townhouse buildings and the 5 foot setback would be from the adjacent lot. Mr. Anderson then asked why the definition of a Townhouse states that it must have 3 attached units while the standards in 19.40-1 says 6 units attached together. Mr. Kuhta responded that the two sections must read together, that a Townhome must have at least 3 units attached by definition and not more than 6 units attached per the standards in 19.140-1 Commissioner Anderson then inquired about the zoning difference between a Townhouse and a duplex. Deputy City Attorney Erik lamb stated a duplex is a single building on one lot. A town house is a separate lot and separate ownership. Chair Bates had concerns that if a developer came to the city and wanted to put townhouses in a Neighborhood Commercial zone that we would have to go thru this whole process again. Mr. Kuhta reassured Chair Bates that once the permitted use is put back in the code, then the property owner would only need a building permit. Commissioner Anderson was curious why the legends are different colors on the Municipal map and zoning maps. Mr. Kuhta stated he will take a look at that and make sure it's consistent within the map. Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 of 3 Commissioner Carlsen made motion to allow Townhouses houses in the Neighborhood Commercial Zone as a permitted use. Planning Commission voted unanimously 5-0 to recommend approval of CTA-01-13. GOOD OF THE ORDER There was nothing for the good of the order. X. ADJOURNMENT The being no other business the meeting was adjourned at 6:25 p.m. Bill Bates, Chairperson Can Hinshaw, PC Secretary Date signed Planning Commission Minutes Page 3 of 3