HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-26-2025 YPC MinutesCity of Yakima Planning Commission (YPC) Meeting Minutes
March 26, 2025
Call to Order
Chair Place called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
Roll Call
YPC Members Present: Chair Mary Place, Charles Hitchcock, Jeff Baker, Leanne Hughes -
Mickel, Colleda Monick, Philip Ostriem, Kevin Rangel, Shelley
White
YPC Members Absent: Frieda Stephens, Anne Knapp, Arthur Salido (all excused)
Staff Present: Trevor Martin; Planning Manager, Sara Watkins; City Attorney,
Eva Rivera; Planning Technician
City Council Liaison:
Before the Yakima Planning Commission meeting began, City Attorney Sara Watkins
explained the commission changes based on the Appeals Court Commissioner granting
the City's motion to stay, which maintains the status quo until the Court of Appeals reviews
the case.
Staff Announcements - Planning Manager Martin announced the following
• The first public engagement session for the Comprehensive Plan update will be in April 16
at the Henry Beauchamp Community Center.
Action Items:
Item
Update YPC Bylaws
Assigned
Trevor Martin
Status
In Progress
Approval of Minutes from February 12 and March 12, 2025 - It was motioned by
Commissioner Hitchcock and seconded by Commissioner Baker to approve the meeting
minutes of February 12 and March 12, 2025. The motion carried unanimously.
Public Comment - None
Discussion: Conceptual Site Plan- The Commission discussed the requirement for a
conceptual, non -binding site plan as part of the non -project rezone process. The provision,
added around 2017, aims to provide insight into potential future site use but has caused
confusion among the public There was discussion on how while it helps provide context, it can
mislead discussions by focusing on specific site plans rather than the broader zoning decision. It
was also highlighted that some applicants already have a clear development intent.
Suggestions included modifying the requirement from "shall" to "may" to provide flexibility. Staff
will research the original intent behind the requirement and return with recommendations at a
future meeting.
It was agreed to also discuss greenspace as part of the Comp Plan Update.
Comprehensive Plan Timeline - The Commission discussed the Comprehensive Plan timeline
and public engagement efforts, including an April 16 open house. Advisory groups are being
formed for the periodic update and climate resiliency. A Planning Commission workshop is
scheduled for July 8.
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03-26-2025 YPC Minutes
Commission Meeting Recap-
• Incorporating greenspace into R-3 projects
• Revisit application suggestion for Rezone applications
• Volunteers are needed for Comprehensive Plan committees, and members were
asked to check their schedules for availability
Other Business - Chair Place requested information on the three subcommittees to coordinate
with members for the Comprehensive Plan update.
Commissioner White advised the commission on her next presentation to the City Council.
A motion to adjourn to April 9, 2025, was passed with a unanimous vote. The meeting
adjo r at appro a ely 4:46 p.m
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Date
This mee g was filmed by YPAC. Minutes for this meeting submitted by: Eva Rivera, Planning Technician
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03-26-2025 YPC Minutes