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HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-2006-173 2006 Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan UpdateRESOLUTION NO. R-2006-173 A RESOLUTION Item "A" - to direct the preparation of the Yakima City Council's findings of fact for specific recommended amendments to the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan, together with legislation setting forth the Council's determinations with respect to each of the proposed amendments, the application of said amendments being the basis for adoption of the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan 2025, as required by the Washington State Growth Management Act. WHEREAS, the City of Yakima adopted a new Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan in1997 in conformance with the Washington State Growth Management Act; and WHEREAS, the Growth Management Act requires the City to update its Comprehensive Plan at regular intervals; and WHEREAS, the City initiated its 2006 Comprehensive Plan update process in 2004, which included consideration of Future Land Use Map amendments, updated policies for urban area growth and specific requests by individual citizens and organizations; and WHEREAS, the Regional Planning Commission held public hearings on the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan update throughout 2006; and WHEREAS, the Regional Planning Commission adopted recommendations for the updated Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan on November 23, 2006, including proposed changes and amendments thereto; and WHEREAS, the Yakima City Council held a public hearing on November 14, 2006 to consider the recommendations of the Regional Planning Commission, said hearing being continued on December 4, 2006; and WHEREAS, City Council Finds: 1. The Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan 2025 is the result of extensive analysis and public outreach and participation throughout 2005 and 2006; and 2. The Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan 2025, as recommended by the Regional Planning Commission, is consistent with the requirements of RCW 36.70A and fulfills the requirements of the Washington Growth Management Act for updating the comprehensive plan; and 3. As an integrated SEPA/GMA document, the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan 2025 fulfills the requirements for environmental review as set forth in RCW 43.21C and WAC 197- 11; and 4. The Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan 2025 has satisfactorily considered all relevant and current information pertaining to growth in the City of Yakima and the Urban Growth Area through the Year 2025; and 5. The Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan 2025 has satisfactorily considered all citizen and public agency input; and 6. The Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan 2025 has integrated all current local plans as previously adopted by the City; and WHEREAS, CITY COUNCIL CONCLUDES: 1. The updated Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan 2025, as recommended by the Regional Planning Commission, meets all requirements of the Washington Growth Management Act, the State Environmental Policy Act and the needs and desires of the citizens of Yakima; and 2. Adoption of the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan 2025 complies with the procedural and substantive requirements of Washington state law and the Yakima Municipal Code; Now, Therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YAKIMA: That upon closure of the public hearing the Yakima City Council hereby directs City staff to prepare specific findings of fact supporting each amendment to the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Update, as stated during the Council's considerations, and to prepare legislation setting forth the Council's determinations with respect to each of the proposed amendments, the application of said amendments being the basis for the adoption of the GMA- consistent Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan 2025, and the Future Land Use Map. ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL this 4th day of December, 2006. ATTEST: a Ores/Comprehensive Plan 2 Update 2025 YAKIMA URBAN AREA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION IN THE MATTER OF ADOPTING A ) RECOMMENDATION TO THE YAKIMA ) COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS) FINDINGS OF FACT AND THE YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL ) AND CONCERNING THE 2006 GMA ) RECOMMENDATION UPDATE TO THE YAKIMA URBAN ) AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ) WHEREAS, the Washington State Growth Management Act (RCW Chapter 36.70A), hereinafter "Act", requires certain counties and cities to update their Comprehensive Plans every seven years; and WHEREAS, The County and City of Yakima are required to update their Urban Area Comprehensive Plan by December 1, 2006; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the Act, The County and City of Yakima have completed the draft of their updated Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan; and WHEREAS, The Yakima Urban Area Regional Planning Commission, hereinafter "RPC", is responsible for the review of this updated Plan and for recommending adoption, modification or denial of the same; and Whereas, Public Hearing and Commission discussions were conducted by the RPC on July 10, 2006, September 25, 2006 and October 23, 2006; Now therefore, the Yakima Urban Area Regional Planning Commission presents the following findings and recommendation to the Board of Yakima County Commissioners and Yakima City Council: 1. An integrated SEPA/GMA Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Plan will be final on November 15, 2006. 2. The Action Plan and Implementation Element of the Plan was reviewed by the RPC and recommended for adoption. 2006 Regional Planning Commission Comprehensive Plan Update Recommendation 1 3. The Land Use Element of the Plan was reviewed by the RPC and recommended for adoption. 4. The Economic Development Element of the Plan was reviewed by the RPC and recommended for adoption. 5. The Housing Element of the Plan was reviewed by the RPC and recommended fnr qdnntinn 6. The Transportation Element of the Plan was reviewed by the RPC and recommended for adoption. 7. The Capital Facilities Element of the Plan was reviewed by the RPC and recommended for adoption. 8. The Utilities Element of the Han was reviewed by the RPC and recommended for adoption. CI I D csnrcan+i"rt ii=ia-ructni° OT +he% I-Jintri thine rekwictutiekri e -tai the+ P and a heraa vu A.01 te if.411 was fr,y a recommended for adoption. 10. The Natural Environment Element of the Plan was reviewed by the RPC and recommended for adoption. 11.The Tables, Maps and Figures of the Pian were reviewed by the RPC and recommended for adoption. RPC CONCLUSIONS: The RPC is authorized to conduct meetings and hearings conceming the 2006 update of the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan and to make a recommendation to the Board of Yakima County Commissioners and Yakima City Council on the adoption of the Plan. All Notice Requirements for the adoption of the 2006 update of the 2006 update of the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan have been completed. All hearings and meetings necessary for the RPC to issue a recommendation upon the adoption of the 2006 update of the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan have been completed. All matters material to the issuance of a Final Environment Impact Statement on the Plan have been completed. 2006 Regional Planning Commission Comprehensive Plan Update Recommendation 2 MOTION Based upon the findings and conclusions outlined above, it was moved and seconded that the Regional Planning Commission recommend ADOPTION of the 2006 Update of the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan. The motion carried unanimously. ohn Hodkinson, Acting Chair Regional Planning Commission 2006 Regional Planning Commission Comprehensive Plan Update Recommendation 3 Date DEFAMER OF COMMUN1'1'YAN) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Office of Code Administration * codes ® ci.yakiima.wa.us Doug Maples, CSO, Cade Admin. and Planning Manager * www. ci yakima wa.as 129 -North Second Street, 2nd Floor Yakima, Washington 98901 (509)575-6126 or 575-6121 * Fax (509) 576-6576 Transmittal Memo Date: 11/29/2006 To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members Dick Zais, City Manager From: Doug Maples, Code Administration and Planning Manager RE: 2006 Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Update Summary of Corrections to the November 2006 Version and Additional Recommendations received since the Joint Board November 14, 2006 Public Hearing Please note the following policies were correct in the RPC matrix but incorrect and/or missing in the November 2006 Comprehensive Plan. The following items have been provided to the Joint City and County Elected Official Board to assist and identify the changes to the November 2006 version, which has been underlined for emphases. Page II1-28 in the November 2006 Comp Plan version and item # 23 in the Matrix: 3.10.8 Adequate buffering shall be provided between adjacent residential land uses, such as greenbelt, landscaped pathway, park -like buffer, etc. "Transitional zoning" may also be considered placing higher density residential uses between single-family residential and commercial areas. Page III -28 in the November 2006 Comp Plan version: 311.2 The typical size of a Community Commercial development is 5-30 acres and serves a population of 10,000-80,000 people. Page I11-29 in the November 2006 Comp Plan version and item # 25 in the Matrix: 3.11.7.Adequate buffering shall be provided between adjacent residential land uses. In some larger sites the need to use similar buffer found in the regional commercial designation might be encouraged. "Transitional zoning" may also be considered placing higher density residential uses between single-family residential and commercial areas. 1 The following three policy amendments were approved by the Regional Planning Commission, but the commission, after lengthy discussion, voted to exclude the word "reasonably" from any of the policies: Page III -31 in the November 2006 Comp Plan version and item # 31 in the Matrix: 3.14.7 Establish boundaries for institutions to protect established residential neighborhoods from further encroachment by institutions and allow the iril+`#Utions to plan for future growth. . Page III -31 in the November 2006 Comp Plan version and item # 32 in the Matrix: 3.14.8 Require development and expansion of institutions to be compatible with the adjacent residentiai neighborhoods, and to minimize the parking and traffic impacts on the adjacent residential neighborhoods. Page 111-31 in the November 2006 Comp Plan version and item # 33 in the Matrix: 3.14.9 Encourage institutions to develop master pians for their future development to ensure that future growth is planned and coordinated specific to the needs of the adjacent residential neighborhoods. Master plans may allow institutions develop more intensively reducethe amount property to develop more intensively v.y to the amount easaee is of property it necessary for their future growth. • Based on testimony from the November 14, 2006 pubic hearing the following policy issue was requested to be amended: ., 1. Change policy 10.9.6 from: Require on-site retention of storm water. • TO: Ensure compliance with stormwater regulations for onsite retention of stormwater. The comments from Clarence Barnett indicated the present policy for 10.9.6 is worded in a regulatory tone rather than policy and his recommendation is to delete the policy 10.9.6 language as it is written and add new policy language that says "Ensure compliance with stormwater regulations for onsite retention of stormwater." The reason Mr. Barnett is requesting this change for this policy is the regulation requirements will occur during the MS 4 permitting process for the retention of stormwater. He also wanted to reaffirm interest and support of enhancing natural environment additional policies that are provided in the comp plan. 2. Correct Chapter V page numbers from "VI" to 11V". 2 3. During the discussion on November 14, 2006, Councilmember Bonlender mentioned the need to address Skate Parks in the comprehensive plan. After reviewing the comprehensive plan and discussions with the Park & Recreation staff, it was felt this could be done by three different methods. 1). Add a policy to the Chapter IX — Parks and Recreation, 2). add an additional item in the Action Step Chapter within the Parks & Recreation Section or 3). do both. The following are samples and the location within the comprehensive plan for the Joint Board to consider. o Add to pagelX-10 9.6.5 Encourage development of non-traditional recreation venues including a white water park, BMX track, skate parks and other facilities for emerging sports and activities. AND/OR o Add to page 11-6 Add a skate park facility within Kiwanis Park site. 3 Page 1 of 2 Maples, Doug From: Benson, Bruce Sent: Monday, November 27, 2006 7:39 AM To: Cook, Bill; Maples, Doug Subject: FW: Urban Area Boundary changes Bruce Benson Supervising Planner City of Yakima 509.575.6042 voice 509.575.6105 fax bbenson@ci.yakima.wa.us Original Message From: Jerry Craig [mailto:kingj28197@msn.com] Sent: Sunday, November 26, 2006 11:50 PM To: Michael Kerns; Benson, Bruce; Dave Leitch; Christy Boisselle; Jerry & Jane Buxton; Ken Eakin; Lorance, Susie; Michael Kerins; Mike Leita; Nate & Kate Craig; Peter Ansingh; Phill Hodge; Commissioners Subject: Urban Area Boundary changes Jerry Craig 10802 Summitview Road Yakima, Washington 98908 Hello. My name is Jerry Craig. I am currently a Commissioner for the West Valley Fire and Rescue Department #12, and an appointed member of the Urban Area Planning Commission. However, more importantly, I am a citizen of the West Valley area and Yakima County. I am opposed to the change in the Urban Area Boundary for several reasons. I will attempt to convey them to you for your consideration before you approve the boundary changes. When the City of Yakima is able to adjust the Urban Area Boundary, it provides the first step to annexation of that property to the city. The area inside the Urban Area Boundary is subject to different development rules then the land controlled by the County. The West Valley Neighborhood Planning Committee has been given the responsibility of planning for growth in the West Valley Area. One of the most noteworthy difference between city and county is the reduction of minimum lot sizes and setback regulations. Smaller lot sizes makes providing some services more cost effective for the city. Those services provided by the city require annexation agreements between the property owners and the city. The city needs to address the situation that annexation requires more services than a sewer line. When the city annexes property, they are required to provide police and fire protection to the area. Using the city's definition of adequate fire protection it would be very costly (a new Station) requiring more equipment and manpower to provide fire protection. Given the fact that in the last election, the city asked the citizens for additional tax money to add needed police officers to provide adequate protection to the city, it would appear that adding additional areas would place an additional burden on the city taxpayers. In my opinion, the city of Yakima needs to concentrate it's efforts in providing the citizens currently in the city limits with the services they are entitled to. I am basing this opinion upon my understanding that water and sewer are currently not available in some parts of the city. Clearly, the need for more police officers has been requested and fire protection is in question as defined by the city standards. 11/27/2006 One area that will be enclosed by the proposed boundary change will be the Zier Road area with Dazet on the West Boundary. This proposed land area is currently being used for acjricu|hune (Fri lit fhP new VVeatVaUey Fire and R""is'''A Station #5 Administrative and Training Center ,and the proposed new West Valley High School. Before you agree to allow this property to be included into the Urban Planning Area please consider the following: 1. Does the West Valley School District need to be in the Urban Area for services? No. The Fire and Rescue Training Center will and can provide Fire and Rescue services. The Sheriff's office is considering a substation at the neighboring Administrative office of the Station #5 facility. Nob Hill water currently provides domestic and Tieton irrigation provides irrigation water to the site. The School District also has a dedicated sewer line from 72nd avenue to the existing High School. An extension to that line would be much less expensive than providing service to the entire area. 2. Does the City ofYakima need more space for high density housing? No. The city has land already in the urban area growth hqundariesthat rou|d be deve!nped for high density houeing' These properties already have limited services and in some situations all the services required by the citizens. Every indicator from the West Valley Neighborhood Planning Committee indicates that population density, open space and community areas are valued. The area enclosed in the proposed boundary change around Zier Road would allow high density deve!opment of that property. This is not what the citizens of West Vailey want. This is what a davei|ppervvho recently purchased the land would like to have happen. 3. Would the City of Yakima claim the West Valley Fire and Rescue Administrative offices and Training center? No, not immediately. However, if annexation follows the boundary changes annexation will hmppe//. The station and training center was built using funds from a|| the tax payers in the Fire District #12. It currently serves the entire district. Unlike Station #1 on Tieton Drive (now Yakima 92) which serves the taxpayers surrounding the station and therefore, belongs to the taxpayers surrounding the station, Station #5 belongs to all the taxpayers in the Fire District. 4. The community must avoid another Congdon like situation regarding land use in the West Valley area. l personally have had three notices of the possible Urban Area Boundary change. The first indication was an announcement in the local newspaper announcing an open house at the Convention Center. At the open house the process for approval of the bound ry change was announced and that the County Commissioners would provide the final decision. The third awareness of the efforts to change the boundary came in the editorial page of the local paper dated November 24th, 2006. The editoriai announced another meeting for public input on December 4th, 3:00 until 5:00 at the city hall. Thjs meeting is being called the second of two hearings. I must have missed the first hearing; however, I did attend the open house at the Convention Center, and was informed of a second open house to be held in Zillah. As a member of the Urban Area Planning Committee, l have not heard nor seen the issue of changing the Urban Area Boundary on any of our agendas. Had l not read this proposed change in the local newspaper, I would not have known of these changes. I think the citizens of West Valley have the right and need to be made aware of these proposed and possible changes to our community. I do not believe the articles in the local paper were sufficient to make all the citizens aware of all the possible changes in our community. As a member of the Urban Area Planning Committee, I am upset that this topic was never put on an agenda at one of our meetings. I would like the Commissioners to require that an additional meeting or hearing be held regarding these proposed boundary changes and that gathering be held after all the citizens of West Valley are made aware of the total effects of a boundary change. l would like that meeting to be held in the area being most directly effected by the boundary change at a time convenient to the citizens of West Valley. 11/27/2006 Maples, Doug Page 1 of 1 From: Brons, Vickey on behalf of City Council Sent: Monday, November 27, 2006 12:02 PM To: Maples, Doug; Cook, Bill; Paolella, Ray; Benson, Bruce; Zais, Dick; Zabell, Dave; Cutter, Jeff; All City Council; Moore, Debbie Subject: FW: Comprehensive Plan Update Original Message From: clarence barnett [mailto:cbarnett2756@charter.net] Sent: Monday, November 27, 2006 11:51 AM To: City Council; christina.steiner@co.yakima.wa.us Subject: Comprehensive Plan Update In accordance with the Legal Notice in the Yakima Herald -Republic, dated November 22, 2006, Clarence Barnett, representing the Central Washington Home Builders Association, located at 3301 West Nob Hill Blvd, Yakima, WA 98902, submits the following written comments on the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan, November, 2006. 1. Policy 3.3.2, Page I11-23 reads: "Ensure that new development is compatible in scale, style, density, use and aesthetic quality to an established neighborhood." Comment: The addition of the word USE in this Policy statement would be contrary to the purpose and intent of any Land Use Compatibility Chart and/or will make it impossible to have many new developments. Recommendation: Delete the word USE in Policy 3.3.2. 2.Policy 10.9.6, Page X-11 reads: "Require on-site retention of stormwater." Comment: The word REQUIRE is regulatory rather than policy. Recommendation: Delete Policy Statement 10.9.6 and add a new Policy Statement to read: "Ensure compliance with stormwater regulations for on-site retention of stormwater." 3. In the interest of enhancing the natural environment, the CWHBA supports the Policies in the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan that encourage Low Impact Development practices: e.g. Policies 3.1.1.7; 3.2.3; 10.7.11. 11/29/2006 Qurge Chest.nut Neighborhood Association November 28, 2006 Yakima City Council/ Yakima County Commissioners C/o City of Yakima 129 N. Second Street Yakima WA 98901 For a Safe, Viable and Historic Neighborhood Mayor Dave Edler, Commissioner Mike Leita, Commissioners and Council Members: On October 23, 2006, the Barge -Chestnut Neighborhood Association (BCNA) attended the Regional Planning Commission Public Hearing on the draft Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan (YUACP). BCNA had major concerns regarding the language in policy 3.14.2 (page 36) of the YUACP and two new policies submitted by Counsel for Yakima Memorial Hospital (YVMH) (page 37). The concern was for the use of the term 'unreasonable' in polio,/ % 1 u 2 and the term 'reasonably' s' the two new ii s suggested p+Vlfiti.T J. 1"T.L a,n t. `G rl l l rGa.7vnb11Ji in LnG polices by counsel for YVMH. A long discussion ensued in which all concerned aired their views. BCNA believed the terms 'reasonably' and 'unreasonable' to- be unquantifiable and therefore should be removed from the proposed poiicies. Counsel for YVMH argued for inclusion of said terms. Several motions were entertained with much discussion by RPC members before voting to delete the terms 'reasonably' and 'unreasonable' from the afore mentioned policies. The vote taken to delete 'reasonably' and 'unreasonable' by the RPC was nearly unanimous (one opposed). This was a complex discussion and much time was devoted to it by RPC, BCNA and Counsel for YVMH. While preparing the matrix for your study and vote, city staff mistakenly left the word 'reasonably' in the text of the two policies submitted by the YVMH Counsel. This mistake has thrown a cloud over the proceedings of the Joint Yakima City Council/Yakima County Commissioners Pubic Hearing on November 14, 2006. The intent of the RPC was very clear and completely the opposite of what was presented to you on November 14tH BCNA • c/o 211 S. 24th Avenue • Yakima, WA 98902 Therefore, BCNA respectfully requests that you accept the findings of the RPC in the above matters. We would also refer you to the letter submitted to you by BCNA Vice President Gary Forrest dated November 15, 2006. Thank you for your consideration. Cc,ei Ralph CaII BCNA Land Use Committee Chairman BCNA • c/o 211 S. 241" Avenue • Yakima, WA 98902 November 15, 2006 Yakima City Council C/o City of Yakima 129 N. Second Street Yakima, WA 98901 Mayor Dave Edier and Council Members: CITY OF YAKIMA CODE ADMIN. DIVISION NOV 1 Fi 2006 DRECVD FAXED ED ❑PAID FYI ❑ 1 am writing on behalf of the Barge -Chestnut Neighborhood Aceneiat3en (BCNA) to provide the Council with comments on and point out three errors within the attachment containing changes to the draft comprehensive plan as recommended by the RPC , this, as part of the resolution adopting the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan 2025 for the Yakima ijrhan Area. Although present at the November 14, 2006 Joint City -County Public Hearing, 1 was not ahle to offer enrnrnents at that time because was nn - —_ —_ - ---_- -- ---- _--^_...,................ .._s.,d., ..meal... .,...,.....e.,.. there .....�- ,...>, way a full review of the Agenda Statement for Item No.3 could be conducted during the public hearing portion of the meeting since the document was only made available during said portion of the meeting. The three errors are in the first two `new' Institutions Policies on page 37 (page 7 of the attachment). These two policies were proposed by Kirsten Pederson representing Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital. Both of these policies contain the word 'reasonably' as in "reasonably protect", "reasonably compatible" and "reasonably minimize" At their October 23, 2006 meeting, the Regional Planning Commission voted to accept these policies only after removing the word "reasonably" from both. Myself and three other BCNA members were present at the meeting in question and we know what we heard. The action by the RPC, where they removed the word "reasonably" was -taken shortly after they voted to remove the word "unreasonable" from Policy 3.14.2 (nage 36) after the RCNA ag erl the word `shout ' Container, sufficient flexibility as it represents a recommendation in government regulatory terms, whereas, the word `shall' represents a directive. It was at this time that the BCNA also pointed out to the RPC that the original wording for Policy 3,14.2 from city staff was without the word "unreasonable". The word was added only after city staff received a letter from Kirsten Pederson dated June 12, 2006 requesting the specific word insertion. Changes are about to be accepted by the City and the County that were not recommended by the Regional Planning Commission. I ask that you look into this matter immediately and take the necessary action to correct this- situation. Sincerely, c �d Gary Forr4st Vice -President, BCNA Cc: Mike Leita, Yakima County Commissioner Yakima County Courthouse Rm 416 Bill Cook, Community and Economic Development Director C/o City of Yakima, 129 N. Second Street Doug Maples, Planning and Code Administration Manager C/o City of Yakima, 129 N. Second Street Michael F. Shinn C/o Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital Maples, Doug Page 1 of 3 From: NORMAN LANDERMAN MOORE [njlm@verizon.net] Sent: Tuesday, November 14, 2006 11:35 AM To: Maples, Doug Cc: 'Greg Stewart; Cook, Bill Subject: RPC Comprehensive Piari Text Amendment - application of the word 'use' Doug': This is to advise that application of the word 'use' in context of the Comprehensive Plan text amendment is not appropriate (see pYevious correspondence below; dated 11-3-06). In behalf of State Fair Park, the Central Washington State Fair Association, we submit that the word 'use' as it has been suggested for inclusion in the statute, should not be adopted. Respectfully, Norman J. Landerman-Moore Original Message Sent: NORMAN LANDERMAN MOORE [mlaiito:njim@verizon.net] SenL: Friday, November 03, 2006 12:27 ri i To: 'Maples, Doug' Cc: 'Gregg. Stewart'; (Cook, viii Subject: RE: Comp Plan Amendment for your review RE: RPC Comprehensive P lan Text Amendment Doug: The word "USE" as applied to public policy has powerful yet often deleterious effects. My thoughts are drawn to the doctrines of Exclusionary Zoning, segregated uses and use classifications. While the intent of the individual recommending the word 'use' be inserted in the amendment may be to "preserve", its application, may result in a form of economic segregation. If one seeks to preserve "aesthetic quality" or scale, style, density, etc. in an established neighborhood, such as that which exists west of State Fair Park, there would be cause to wonder what justifies "preserving" such blighted conditions. Of what public, social, land use or economic value is that? How is quality of life ever to be enhanced? The introduction of "USE", as proposed, implies extended police powers and control. However, there is sufficient case law, resulting from similar judgment errors, to ensure that "USE", in its varied interpretations or applications, could not be exercised arbitrarily or capriciously; it could not be unreasonable; most important, it could not be confiscatory. 11/29/2006 Page 2 of 3 The adoption of the word "USE" as applied to zoning and land use compatibility measures must be done only with definition sufficient to remove all ambiguity and biased interpretation. To merely insert a word as a tool motivated by a desire to exercise control sets up a condition of convoluted debate, law suits, unwarranted contention and wasteful expenditure of time and resources. There are measures and procedures in place that qualify State Fair Park for new development within the zoning applied to the land. That thought is coupled with the fact of its existence since 1892....in the "neighborhood". I am not comfortable with inserting the word "USE" in the amendment. I have serious concerns that it will result in confusion, weak or misguided interpretations, divisiveness and wasted resources as jurisdictions, property owners and individuals attempt to comprehend its application to land use, new development and expansion, modernization and enhancement of existing developments. Regards Norman J. Landerman-Moore,President Landerman-Moore Associates Strategic Planning Original Message From: Maples, Doug [mailto:dmaples@ci.yakima.wa.us] Sent: Wednesday, November 01, 2006 4:57 PM To: njlm@gte.net Subject: Comp Plan Amendment for your review Importance: High After Bill Cook spoke to Greg S he indicated that I provide you a couple of comp plan text amendments that our Regional Planning Commission approved. The RPC's recommendation to the city council include several amendments to the 2006 Comp Plan Draft dated Sept 2006. Please review these changes with the Fair Grounds property in mind. The first amendment is to reinsert a table the planning staff was deleting from this version. The second amendment is to add the word "use" to one of the policies that is for "Preserve Existing Neighborhoods". Based on the second change, it is possible that if the Fair wanted to expand the Sun Dome, it would be evaluated against the existing neighborhood to the west across Fair Avenue. Therefore, because the use of the Sun Dome is a use not compatible with existing neighborhoods it would not be allowed to expand. This change is not just unique to the Fair grounds but this illustration will apply all 11/29/2006 Page 3 of 3 the the city. We have built into this comp plan several safe guards to ensure compatibility without harming development. If the city council passes these two amendments it could cause a ripple effect. Please review the attached documents to see if our concerns are correct as it is related to the Fair Ground property. Please let me know what you think or you are more than welcome to call me and discuss this matter. 1 I /29/20V5 111 ---wewsmssmssmagimp MIME xfkigor ii gb°41: `11111111111111 munto DASTLEvA(ERD r- 41;li -Nur -11-14C kr 11 -11%111=-0111,28,7_, miih1102. AIM, II I IIII4P-11 II d';n11 IIIIh VIMIlfmm iraim 111•111 lin dilrillqUIMUL... intim ippon iharc----k 1 idi 7:4! glialerill0111111111111 ImERIMInnilLIHNI6MIIIIIIIII Ir'--' in11111 !Nunn!, 11 111111111111111 1111. rojeir., WASH, T N AVE T W VA EY T Y;k11111 'l! LtL J? 0 1,050 2,100 4,200 6,300 8,400 Feet Low Density Residential Professional Office Medium Density Residential Neighborhood Commercial 11. High Density residential Arterial Commercial me CBD Core Commercial v4 Industrial Institutional Large Convenience Center NM Regional Commercial Urban Growth Area railroad Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Map III -2 Future Land Use BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL YAKIMA, WASHINGTON AGENDA STATEMENT Item No. a For Meeting of December 4, 2006 ITEM TITLE: Continuation of a Joint City -County Public Hearing, in the City Council Chambers at City Hall and consideration of adoption of the following Resolutions: Item "A": The 2006 Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Update and Item "B": Yakima Urban Area Transportation Plan 2025 SUBMITTED BY: illiam R. Cook, Director of Community and Economic Development Department CONTACT PERSON/TELEPHONE: Doug Maples, Code Administration and Planning Manager (509) 575-6121 SUMMARY EXPLANATION: This is a continuation of the joint Public Hearing of November 14, 2006, before the City and County elected officials regarding the Regional Planning Commission's 2006 Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan amendment recommendations. This Public Hearing also would include the consideration of legislation to approve the 2006 Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Update and the Yakima Urban Area Continued Resolution X (two) Ordinance Other (Specify) Comp Plan Contract Additional Other Transportation Plan and the RPC's Findings Of Fact Phone: Funding Source APPROVED FOR SUBMITTAL:�� � `‹,.,. AN City Manager STAFF RECOMMENDATION:Adopt the following Resolutions: Item "A" Approve the 2006 Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan, with two exceptions; and Item "B": Approve the Yakima Urban Area Transportation Plan, 2025 BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: The Yakima Urban Area Regional Planning Commission Recommends approval of the 2006 Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Update and the City of Yakima's Transportation Plan Update as presented. COUNCIL ACTION: Transportation Plan 2025, as required by State of Washington Growth Management Act. The Joint Board held a Public Hearing that took place on Tuesday, November 14, 2006, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 pm, in the City Council Chambers, 129 North 2"Q Street, Yakima, WA, but did not complete their review and deliberations. Since the review and deliberation was not completed during the November 14, 2006 Public Hearing, this matter was continued to December 4, 2006 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the same location. As a result of three years of work to update the comprehensive plan, the final action to adopt the 2006 Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Update for the City of Yakima is based on the Regional Planning Commission's recommendation for adoption. Many of their recommendations help improve the 2006 Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Update and the Yakima Urban Area Transportation Plan LVLV. During the November 14, 2006 Public Hearing, there was significant testimony on two specific RPC recommendations for changes in the 2006 Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan The specific changes include the insertion Figure 111 vvt . tl./t vt tvt wt r... Plan. The tc. two specific changes ty�io include the insertion t of Figure G � � �- 2 and the addition of the word "use" in Policy 3.3.2. There was considerable testimony presented concerning how these two proposed amendments may or may no..tewt in many comnmevrcuproperties becoming non-conforminy. possibly creating a condition that would prohibit them from changing or expanding their commercial use or purchasing additional adjacent property to expand their business. Staff would respectfully recommend that the Joint City and County elected officials approve the 2006 Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Update and the Yakima Urban Area Transportation Plan 2025, but 1). Without the insertion of Figure 111-2 and 2). Without the addition of the word "use" into Policy 3.32_ We appreciate the concern behind this recommendation that was received by the City and Regional Planning Commission from the community. However, there has been testimony provided by the development industry and commercial property owners that the issue of compatibility as currently proposed could put existing property owners and potential future development at risk. The magnitude of the risk and potential challenges to the comprehensive plan cannot be determined at this point, but it can be said these two amendments will have a definite affect upon the future .1L of the entire /1:1.. of Yakima's Urban 11-.__1L A- _t__J'___ the future gro'vvth City Urban Growth Area including ice City of Yakima, West valley and Terrance Heights. At the November 14, 2006, Public Hearing staff provided the Joint City and County Elected Official Board a matrix for each requested modification to the September 2006 draft of the 2006 Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan version that the RPC considered in their recommendation. For the convenience of the Joint Board's review, deliberation and voting on these items staff numbered each item and placed an asterisk next to the item number to identify items that could potentially be considered as a consent vote. Please note: a memo _is attached to this Agenda Statement that discusses corrections to and omissions found in the November 2006 version of the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan, as well as additional requested changes received since the November 14, 2006 Public Hearing. ATTACHMENT Sort PAGE SECTION/POLICY CURRENT WORDING PROPOSED WORDING PROPOSED BY: COMMENT RPC Recommendation 1* 2 in Sept 2006 version 1-2 in Nov 2006 version 6. Property Rights, 2nd paragraph The Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan has been developed over the years as a policy document that aims to achieve a quality community while respecting the rights of each business owner and property owner to develop his or her land to the fullest extent within those policies. The Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan has been developed over the years as a policy document that aims to achieve a quality community while respecting the rights of each business owner and property owner to develop his or her land to the fullest extent within those policies to the extent neighbors Wilma Koski Motion — to deny the amendment to add specific reference to protection of neighbor's interests. 2nd Passed to deny the amendment to add specific reference to protection of neighbor's interests. are protected 2* 2 in Sept 2006 version 1-2 in Nov 2006 version Table 11-1: Action Steps Wants noise ordinance added as action step Wilma Koski Motion — to deny request to add a noise ordinance to the action plan 2nd Passed to deny request to add a noise ordinance to the action plan 3* 4 in Sept 2006 version 1-4 in Nov 2006 version Yakima Since 1997, 4th paragraph (Figure 1) Census Tract 9, 15, 16, 28 and 31 had the largest increase in population. Delete Census Tract 31 Very rural Census Tract. Motion — to remove 2nd Passed to remove 4* 6 in Sept 2006 version 11-5 in Nov 2006 version Action Steps: Parks and Recreation Add action step to read: Explore park districts for neighborhoods wishing to own, develop, and maintain local parks. RPC Motion — to approve adding the action step 2nd Passed to approve adding the action step 5 10 in Sept 2006 version 111-20 in Nov 2006 version Chapter 111 Retain Table 111-2 from 1997 Plan (Compatibility Table) Michael Noble Motion — to include the modified Figure 111-2 compatibility land use chart with amendment to indicate "Generally not compatible", and applications would not be barred from consideration based upon compatibility uses. 2nd Passed to include the modified Figure 111-2 compatibility land Page 1 Sort PAGE SECTION/POLICY CURRENT WORDING PROPOSED WORDING PROPOSED BY: COMMENT RPC Recommendation use chart with amendment to indicate "Generally not compatible", and applications would not be barred from consideration based upon compatibility uses. 6* 14 in Sept 2006 version 111-7 in Nov 2006 version The Older Neighborhoods Remove "Older Neighborhoods" title Several Titles are misnomers and are creatingconfusion. Staff recommends they be eliminated Motion — to remove title 2nd Passed to remove title 7* 15 in t Sep 2006 version III -8 in Nov 2006 version The Newer Neighborhoods Remove "New Neighborhoods" title Ralph Call See Above Motion — to remove title 2nd Passed to remove title 8* 22 in Sept 2006 version III -10 in Nov 2006 version Institutions (Extremely Modified Category) "facilities" Institutions include existing and new large- scale institutional facilities such as hospitals, higher educational facilities, correctional facilities and airports that may have significant impacts to the surrounding land uses. Remove "correctional facilities and airports" Staff concurs. These two uses should not be included as "institutions". Motion — to remove "correctional facilities and airports" from the Institutional definitions 2nd Passed to remove "correctional facilities and airports" from the Institutional definitions 9* 22 in Sept 2006 version III -10 in Nov 2006 version Institutions "Correctional facilities and airports" Remove "correctional facilities and airports" Kirsten Pederson Staff agrees that "Institutions" should not include these uses. Motion to remove "correctional facilities and airports" from the Institutional definitions 2nd Passed to remove "correctional facilities and airports" from the Institutional definitions 10* 26 in Sept 2006 version 111-19 in Nov Table III -11 Leave "Arterial Commercial" category in. Citizen Citizen wants arterial commercial left in. Motion — leave AC until map modifications are done 2nd Passed to leave AC until map modifications are done Page 2 Sort PAGE SECTION/POLICY CURRENT WORDING PROPOSED WORDING PROPOSED BY: COMMENT RPC Recommendation 2006 version 11* 26 in Se006 t version 111-19 in Nov 2006 version Table III-11 Delete "Arterial Commercial Staff, citizen Motion — "Arterial Commercial" category will remain in use until future land use map is amended. 2nd Passed to "Arterial Commercial" category will remain in use until future land use map is amended. 12* 26 in Sept 2006 version 111-19 in Nov 2006 version Table III-1.1 Insert "Large convenience CTR (LCC)" Staff agrees that the LCC should remain until action is taken in 2007 to delete LCC zoning. Motion — to place LCC in Table III-11 and will remain in use until future land use map is amended 2nd Passed to place LCC in Table III-11 and will remain in use until future land use map is amended 13* 26 in Sept 2006 III-21 in Nov 2006 version Figure 3 Zero lot line standards Do not promote zero lot line or attached housing in single -family residential zones. Houses should be freestanding. g. Wilma Koski Motion — leave as is and not make the suggested change 2nd Passed to leave as is and not make the suggested change 14 26 in Sept 2006 version III-19 in Nov 2006 version Existing Table III-2 in 1997 Plan Deleted Retain table in 2006 update Michael Noble See discussion in Comment Section — Comment No. 4a. Staff recommends elimination of Table III-2 and addition of Table III-11. Motion — to deny the limiting Central Business District Support (CBDS) category application to "Arterial Commercial" uses only 2nd Passed to deny the limiting Central Business District Support (CBDS) category application to "Arterial Commercial" uses only 15* 27 in Sept 2006 version III-21 in Nov Traditional Neighborhood Development discussion Delete Staff TND is not an innovation concept. It is the typical p • yp' development allowed by the Plan and zoning. A TND discussion is confusing. Motion — to delete the entire paragraph concerning Traditional Neighborhood Development concept. 2nd Page 3 Sort PAGE SECTION/POLICY CURRENT WORDING PROPOSED WORDING PROPOSED BY: COMMENT RPC Recommendation 2006 version Passed to delete the entire paragraph concerning Traditional Neighborhood Development concept. 16* 28 in Sept 2006 version 111-23 in Nov 2006 version 3.1.1.7 New Development shall be encouraged to minimize impacts on surface water. Low impact practices are encouraged. Homebuilders Motion — to add the policy 3.1.1.7 regarding encouragement to minimizing development impacts on surface water. 2nd Passed to add the policy 3.1.1.7 regarding encouragement to minimizing development impacts on surface water 17 29 in Sept 06 verrs on 111-23 in Nov 2006 version 3.3.2 Ensure that new development is compatible in scale, style, density, and aesthetic quality to an established neighborhood. Ensure that new development is compatible in scale, style, density, use and aesthetic quality to an established neighborhood. Michael Noble Motion — to include adding compatible "use" as a condition of development in established neighborhoods 2nd Passed to include adding compatible "use" as a condition of development in established neighborhoods 18* 29 in Sept 2006 version 111-23 in Nov 2006 version 3.2.3 Innovative design, such as Cluster Development (CD), are encouraged to develop within the Residential PD zone. Innovative design, such as Cluster Development (CD) and other Low Impact Development ideas are encouraged to develop within the Residential PD zone. Homebuilders Motion — to add "and other low impact development ideas" to the policy 2nd Passed to add "and other low impact development ideas" to the policy 19* 30 in Sept 2006 versionMaintain III -24 in Nov 2006 version Policies 3.4.4 Maintain and preserve the existing single- family residential neighborhoods of Northeast Southeast areas of the City.TO anby Delineate the older historic neighborhoods between 16th and 30th Avenues. NOW READ: and preserve the existing single- family residential neighborhoods of Northeast, Southeast and Barge/Chestnut areas of the City. Ralph CaII There can be discussion of historic areas of City, but should not be confused discussion of "older" and "newer" neighborhoods. Motion — to add "Barge/Chestnut" as an additional area in this policyd 2nd Passed to add "Barge/Chestnut" as an additional area in this policy 20* 31 i.6.4 Septp 2006 version Place parking lots behind buildings or along the side of the buildings where feasible. Encourage placing parking lots behind buildings, or along the side of the buildings. Michael Noble Motion — to amend the policy 3.6.4 to read, "encourage placing" parking lots behind buildings or along the side of Page 4 Sort PAGE SECTION/POLICY CURRENT WORDING PROPOSED WORDING PROPOSED BY: COMMENT RPC Recommendation III -25 in Nov 2006 version buildings. 2nd Passed to amend the policy 3.6.4 to read, "encourage placing" parking lots behind buildings or along the side of buildings. 21* 33 in Sept v2006 III -27 in Nov 2006 version Goal 3:10 GOAL 3.10: PROVIDE AREAS ALONG EXISTING HIGHWAYS OR FREEWAYS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE LARGE SITES AND HIGH VISIBILITY TO SERVE THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY AND THE ENTIRE REGION. Wilma Koski Definition of heavy traffic will differ. Should be clear on location of Regional Commercial zones in relation to arterials. Staff believes that designation of RC on land use map will be based on community consensus on suitability of roads to handle development. Motion — to not make changes to Goal 3.10 regarding provision of areas along existing highways or freeways for commercial development. 2nd Passed to not make changes to Goal 3.10 regarding provision of areas along existing highways or freeways for commercial development 22* 33 in Sept 2006 version III -28 in Nov 2006 version 3.10 Regional Commercial location Do not restrict location of Targe commercial facilities Michael Shinn Motion — to make no change 2nd Passed to make no change 23 34 in Sept 2006 version III -28 in Nov 2006 version 3.10.8 Adequate buffering shall be provided between adjacent residential land uses, such as greenbelt, landscaped pathway, park -like buffer, and etc. Adequate buffering shall be provided between adjacent residential land uses, such as greenbelt, landscaped pathway, park -like buffer, and etc. "Transitional zoning" may also be considered placing higher density residential uses between single-family residential and commercial areas. Michael Noble Motion — to add "Traditional Zoning" as an additional buffering method between adjacent residential and commercial uses to the policy 3.10.8 2nd Passed to add "Traditional Zoning" as an additional buffering method between adjacent residential and commercial uses to the policy 3.10.8 24* 34 in Sept 2006 version III -28 in Nov 2006 3.11.1 Community Commercial center may include a lead business such as a discount or junior department store, building/home improvement store, drug store, or grocery store with an additional varietyof small retail stores to provide services to the surroundingstores neighborhoods. Community Commercial center may include a lead business such as a discount or junior department store, building/home improvement store, drug store, or grocery store with an additional varietyof small retail toprovide services to the surroundingcommunity neighborhoods. Lead businesses in Michael Noble Motion — to deny this change, which would have added a restriction of square footage for "lead businesses" in commercial centers. 2 Page 5 Page 6 Sort PAGE SECTION/POLICY CURRENT WORDING PROPOSED WORDING PROPOSED BY: COMMENT RPC Recommendation version Community Commercial areas would not exceed 50,000 square feet in size. Passed to deny this change, which would have added a restriction of square footage for "lead businesses" in community commercial centers. 25 34 in Sept 2006 version III -29 in Nov 2006 version 3.11.7 Adequate buffering shall be provided between adjacent residential land uses. In some larger sites the need to use similar buffer found in the regional commercial designation might be encouraged. Adequate buffering shall be provided between adjacent residential land uses. In some larger sites the need to use similar buffer found in the regional commercial designation might be encouraged. "Transitional zoning" may also be considered placing higher density residential uses between single-family residential and commercial areas. Michael Noble Motion — to add "Traditional Zoning" as an additional buffering method between adjacent residential and commercial uses to the policy 3.11.7 2nd Passed to add "Traditional Zoning" as an additional buffering method between adjacent residential and commercial uses to the policy 3.11.7 26 35 in Sept v2006 o10,000 III -29 in Nov 2006 version Policies 3.12.2 The typical size of a Community Commercial development is three to ten acres and serves a population of 3,000 — 40,000 people. The typical size of a Neighborhood Commercial development is three to five Michael Noble Staff Motion — to reduce community commercial typical development size to five acres and decreasing the served population from 40,000 to 10,000 for policy 3.12.3 2nd Passed to reduce community commercial typical development size to five acres and decreasing the served population from 40,000 to 10,000 for policy 3.12.3 acres and serves a population of 3,000 — people. 27* 36 in Sept 2006 version 111-30 in Nov 2006 version Goal 3.14 Policies 3.14.1.1 Policy language appears regulatory. Should be more "policy" language. Kirsten Pederson While it may appear regulatory, the language is important so that the City's intent is clear. Actual regulatory language will be discussed during amendment of the code. Barge -Chestnut neighborhood wants existing language to remain. (Comment letter No. 3A) Motion — to not change and no additional policy / regulation language concerning Institutions for policy 3.14.1.1 2nd Passed to not change and no additional policy / regulation language concerning Institutions for policy 3.14.1.1 Page 6 Sort PAGE SECTION/POLICY CURRENT WORDING PROPOSED WORDING PROPOSED BY: COMMENT RPC Recommendation 28 36 in Sept 2006 version 111-30 in Nov 2006 version Policies 3.14.2 Access to institutions shall be from a principal arterial and should not unreasonably increase traffic on local residential streets. Access to institutions shall be from a principal arterial and should no increase traffic on local residential streets. (Delete "unreasonably") Ralph Call Staff feels the language is appropriate. There will likely be some absolute increase in traffic. Barge Chestnut Neighborhood strongly opposed leaving the word "reasonably" in the policy statement. Motion — to remove the word "unreasonably" from policy 3.14.2 2nd Passed to remove the word "unreasonably" from policy 3.14.2 29 36 in Sept 2006 version 111-30 in Nov 2006 version Policy 3.14.2 Access to institutions shall be from a principal arterial and should not unreasonably increase traffic on local residential streets Access to institutions shall be from a principal arterial and should not increase traffic on local residential streets Barge Chestnut Neighborhood Staff recommends current wording. Motion — to take no action due to previous action 2nd Passed to take no action due to previous action 30* 37 in Sept 2006 version 111-31 in Nov 2006 version Policies 3.14.6 An 10 district allows institutions to freely choose design and development that best suit their facility and surrounding areas, as long as the pre-existing zoning district's requirements for the whole area are met. Delete Kirsten Pederson Staff agrees that this paragraph should be deleted. It runs counter to the concept of allowing a master plan approach to institutional site development. Motion — to amend the 3rd paragraph in the policy 3.14.6 regarding Institutional Overlays to delete "as long as the pre-existing zoning districts requirements for the whole area are met". 2nd Passed to amend the 3rd paragraph in the policy 3.14.6 regarding Institutional Overlays to delete "as long as the pre-existing zoning districts requirements for the whole area are met". 31 37 in Sept 2006 version 111-31 in Nov 2006 version Institutions Policies New Establish boundaries for institutions to reasonably protect established residential neighborhoods from further encroachment by institutions and allow the institutions to plan for future growth. Kirsten Pederson Barge Chestnut Neighborhood strongly opposed leaving the word "reasonably" in the policy statement. Motion — to add this as a new policy to the Institutional land use designation to establish boundaries to protect neighborhoods, but remove the word "reasonably". 2nd Passed to add this as a new policy to the Institutional land use designation to establish boundaries to protect neighborhoods, but remove the word "reasonably". Page 7 Page 8 Sort PAGE SECTION/POLICY CURRENT WORDING PROPOSED WORDING PROPOSED BY: COMMENT RPC Recommendation 32 37 in Sept 2006 version III -31 in Nov 2006 version Institutions Policies New Require development and expansion of institutions to be reasonably compatible with the adjacent residential neighborhoods, and to reasonably minimize the parking and traffic impacts on the adjacent residential neighborhoods. Kirsten Pederson Barge Chestnut Neighborhood strongly opposed leaving the word "reasonably" in the policy statement. Motion — to add this as a new policy to the Institutional land use designation to require institutional development / expansion to minimize impacts of parking and traffic on residential neighborhoods, but remove the word "reasonably". 2nd Passed to add this as a new policy to the Institutional land use designation to require institutional development / expansion to minimize impacts of parking and traffic on residential neighborhoods, but remove the word "reasonably". 33 37 in Sept 2006 versiondesignation III -31 in Nov 2006 version Institutions Policies New Encourage institutions to develop master plans for their future development to ensure that future growth is planned and coordinated specific to the needs of the adjacent residential neighborhoods. Master plans may allow institutions to develop more intensively to reduce the amount of property necessary for their future growth. Kirsten Pederson Motion — to add this as a new policy to the Institutional land institutional mastereplansagto ensure planned and coordinated growth 2nd Passed to add this as a new policy to the Institutional land use designation to encourage institutional master plans to ensure planned and coordinated growth 34* 58 in Sept 2006 version IV -12 in Nov 2006 version Policies 5.4.1 Consider tax -foreclosed properties as part of the affordable housing inventory. Delete RPC City should not compete with private sector. (Additional input sought from ONDS) Motion — to delete this policy 5.4.1 requiring consideration of tax -foreclosure properties for affordable housing inventory 2nd Passed to delete this policy 5.4.1 requiring consideration of tax -foreclosure properties for affordable housing inventory Page 8 Sort PAGE SECTION/POLICY CURRENT WORDING PROPOSED WORDING PROPOSED BY: COMMENT RPC Recommendation 35* 58 in Sept 2006 version Trans. Plan Chapter VI New Discussion Request for discussion of Yakima electric rail transit Paul Edmondson, Yakima Valle y Trolley No action because this discussion would be added to the Yakima Urban Area Transportation Plan 2025 36* 119 in Sept 2006 version X-8 in Nov 2006 version 10.3 New Policy: "to demonstrate leadership in reducing transportation related diesel engine emissions by retrofitting engines with appropriate exhaust control technology,using biodiesel blended fuels, eliminating unneeded idling of diesel engines, and performing regular fleet maintenance to insure that equipment is operating according to the manufacturer's specifications." Clean Air Authority Motion — to not change the air quality policy 10.3 related to diesel emissions 2nd Passed to not change the air quality policy 10.3 related to diesel emissions 37* 121 in Sept 2006 version X11 in Nov 2006 version Goal 10.7.11 New Policy Revise standards to provide construction methods that offset or mitigate stormwater runoff e.g. grass pavers in parking areas, pervious concrete on sidewalks, etc. Homebuilders Staff supports. Motion — to add a new policy in 10.7 regarding revising constructionprovide methods that offset/mitigate stormwater runoff. 2nd Passed to add a new policy in 10.7 regarding revising standards to provide construction methods that offset/mitigate stormwater runoff. 38* 121 in Sept version X-8 in Nov 2006 version Air Quality Policy Item10.3 New policy Develop a comprehensive air quality standard for the Yakima Valley Wilma Koski Motion — to not change the comprehensive air quality2006 standard for Yakima Valley be implemented via the comprehensive plan. 2nd Passed to not change the comprehensive air quality standard for Yakima Valley be implemented via the comprehensive plan Page 9 Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan 2025 December 2006 Final Adopted Version YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2025 YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL Dave Edler, Mayor Neil McClure, Assistant Mayor Ron Bonlender Micah Cawley Norm Johnson Bill Lover Susan Whitman Richard A. Zais, City Manager YAKIMA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Ronald Gamache Mike Leita Jesse Palacios YAKIMA URBAN AREA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION Deb Patterson, Chair Charlotte Baldwin Jerry Craig John Hodkinson Ted Marquis, Jr. Bernie Kline Rockey Marshall CITY OF YAKIMA COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT William Cook, Director Doug Maples, Code Administration & Planning Manager CITIZENS AND NEIGHBORHOODS OF THE YAKIMA URBAN AREA Adopted December 12, 2006 Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Fact Sheet - i YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2025 TABLE OF CONTENTS I-1 CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION 1-41 Yakima Since 1997 1-4 Comprehensive Planning History 1-4 The 1981 Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan 1-6 The Growth Management Act 1-6 The 2006 Comprehensive Plan 1.6 Public Involvement 1-7 The Planning Area Environmental Review I 1-8 1-8 CHAPTER II: ACTION PLAN AND IMPLEMENTATION 1 111-1 CHAPTER III: LAND USE 111-1 Introduction 111-1 Yakima Land Use in 2006 111-1 Physical Setting 111-2 Population Growth Trends 111-2 Current Population Population Projections 111-2 111-4 Population Density 111-6 Existing Land Use 111-6 Major Land Use Changes 111-6 Neighborhoods 111-7 Commercial and Office Areas -9 Institutional II 111 111 9 Industrial 111-10 Yakima Air Terminal 111-10 Residential Land Supply 111-12 Future Land Use 111-14 Future Land Use Designations 111-14 Low Density Residential 111-14 Medium Density Residential 111-14 High Density Residential 111-14 Professional Office Institutions (Extremely Modified Category) 111-1 4 111-14 Neighborhood Commercial 111-15 Large Convenience Center (To be removed in future update) Community Commercial (Name Change and blending of Neighborhood & General 111_15 Commercial) 111-15 Arterial Commercial (To be removed in future update) 111-15 General Commercial (New Category) III -15 Regional Commercial (New Category) 111-16 Mixed Use Planned Development (MU -PD) 111-16 Central Business District Core Commercial III -16 strial in future update. Industrial Wholesale/Warehouse (To be removed and/or combined with InduII �-7 Parks and Recreation 111-17 Comparing Future Land Use Plan and Current Zoning YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS - I YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2025 Zoning Classifications ,. III -1R Commerciai Planned Development (C -PD) !11.19 Mixed Use Planned Development (MU -PD) III -19 Goals and Policies Ill -20 Central Business District (CBD) III -23 Regional Commercial 111-24 General Commercial III -25 Community Commercial 111-26 Neighborhood Commercial III -26 Industrial 111-27 Institutions 111-27 Public Schools 111 -29 Siting Essential Public Facilities 111-29 CHAPTER IV: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ...................... ..,,...,,.........,......... IV -1 Goals and Policies 1V-2 CHAPTER V: HOUSING V-1 Introduction V- i Inventory and Analysis of Existing and Projected Housing Needs V-2 Population and Economic Conditions V-2 Existing Housinn Needs Housing Cost V-4 Projected Housing Needs V-5 Overcrowding V-5 Affordable Housing Solutions V-6 Goals and Policies V-10 CHAPTER VI: TRANSPORTATION VI -1 introduction VI -1 Existing Conditions � 1 �-I Traffic Volumes VI -1 Level of Service VI -2 Safety of Arterial Streets and intersections Preservation and Maintenance of Street System VI -2 Pedestrian Facilities VI -3 Bicycle Facilities VI -4 Transit Service VI -5 Freight — Truck V; V I-66 Freight — Rail and Air ...... _ -_ V. 6 v i -e Future Conditions And Deficiencies vi -f Future Roadway Traffic Volumes and Deficiencies VI -7 Two -Way Left Turn Lanes and the Road Diet m-6 Access Management VI -9 Future Intersection Traffic Volumes and Deficiencies VI -9 Economic Development and Regional Transportation Issues VI -1 1 2 V IL Finance Element VI -12 Implementation Measures VI -12 Goals and Policies Vi_14 Local Street Goals and Policies VI -15 Pedestrian and Walking Environment Goals and Policies VI -15 Bicycle Goals and Policies VI -1 7 YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS - II YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2025 VI -18 Arterial and Collector Street System VI -18 Signalized and Other Major Intersections Goals and Policies VI -19 Freight Transport Goals and Policies Public Transit Goals and Policies VI -29 VI -210 State and Regional Street System Goals and Policies VI -21 Plan Finance Goals and Policies Implementation Goals and Policies VIVI-22 22 CHAPTER VII: CAPITAL FACILITIES -1 VII -1 Introduction VII -1 Facility Planning Needs VII -2 Financial Consideration Summary VII -2 VIII -4 CHAPTER VIII: UTILITIES VIII -1 Introduction VIII -1 Existing Conditions and Future Needs VIII -1 Water RecommendationsVIII-6 and Capital Improvement Schedule VIII -6 Financing VIII -7 Wastewater System VIII -7 Capacity -8 Collection System VVIIIIIIll 9 Non -City Managed Facilities VIII -10 Goals and Policies VIII -11 Water VIII -11 Wastewater IX -1 CHAPTER IX: PARKS AND RECREATION IX -1 Introduction IX -1 Facilities IX -1 Mini -Parks IX -1 Neighborhood Parks IX -2 Community Parks IX -2 "Special Use" Parks IX -2 Non -City Community Parks IX -2 Future Needs Space and Number of Parks Required IX -4 IX -4 Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan IX -5 Trails and Pathways IX -5 Yakima County's Comprehensive Plan For 2015 IX -6 West Valley Plan IX -6 Greenway Master Plan IX -7 Funding Goals and Policies IX -8 X-8 CHAPTER X: NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 1 X-1 Introduction X-1 The City of Yakima's Natural Environment in 2006 X-1 Topography X-2 Fish and Wildlife Habitat X-2 Water Quality X-3 Air Quality YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS - III YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2925 Hazard Areas Environmental Management Direction for the Future '' ' X-5 Implementation X-5 Air, Water Quality and Vegetation X-6 Habitats and Species X-6 Endangered Species Act X-6 Shoreline Management X-6 Public Health and Safety X-6 Coordination X-7 Sustainability X-7 Environmental Policies X-7 Goals and Policies X-7 LIST OF TABLES Table 11-1: Yakima Urban Area Comp, Plan 2OO8-2O25|mno|anlentationSchedule ||-1 Table 111-1. Urban Gnowth/\reoGunnmary(2005) ' |||-2 1-2111A M-2: � Popu!aon and Housing byChnnsctehstica(ssnouaTr r� m ,_ „...„..... ... ............. |||-3 Table III -3: Population Change by Ethnic Origin, City ofYakima, 1990-2000 |||-3 Table 11|-4: Yakima Urban Area Population Projections (High Projection) 111-4 Table 111-5: Yakima Urban Area Population Projections (Intermediate Projection) 111-5 Table 111-6: PopulationOaneitx° 111-6 Table 111-7: LondUae 2OO� �"'"='u . 111-7 Table 111-8: Projected New Population and Housing Units, 2005-2025 111-12 Table |||-9� � Land Needs, 2005 2025 -111-12 Table 111-10:Gross Developable Land --' —. ' 111-13 Table U1-11: Future Land Use and Current Zoning Comparison 111-18 Table V-1: Average Annual Wage Yakima and Selected Counties. V-3 Table V-2: Housing Cost Burden City of Yakima, 2000 V-4 Table V-3: New Housing Units Needed 2OO5 2O�5 - V- �5 Table V-4: Overcrowded Housing, 2000 V-5 Table V1-1: Transportation Plan Improvement Projects, 2006-2028 VI -11 Table VII -1: Summary of Capital Improvement Needs by Function - Revenue V11-5 Table V11-2: Summary of Capital Improvement Needs by Function - Expenditure \/||-8 Table VII -3: Summary ofCapito| |n`prnvenlent Needs b 8peoific Revenue Source \/||-7 Table V111-1:WasteWater Treatment Plant Co9ac/ty/\/Inoation \/|||-O Table V111-2: Current and Future Capacity Summary \/|||-B Table V111-3: Terrace Heights Sewer System Proposed Expansions \/|||-1O YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS - IV YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2025 LIST OF MAPS Map 1-1 — Yakima Urban Area Vicinity 1-10 Map 111-1 — City of Yakima and Union Gap Airport Safety Zone 111-32 Map 111-2 — City of Yakima Future Land Use Map (FLUM) 111-33 Map 111-3 — General Land Use (Existing) 111-34 Map VI -1 — Sidewalk and Pathway Facilities VI -24 Map VI -2 — Bicycle Facility Map VI -25 Map VI -3 — Yakima Transit Routes VI -26 Map VI -4 — Proposed Functional Classification of Streets VI -27 Map VIII -1 — Water Service VIII -12 Map VIII -2 — Waste Water Service VIII -13 Map VIII -3 — Yakima Four Party Sewer Service Agreement VIII -14 Map IX -1 — Parks and Schools IX -11 Map X-1 — Wetlands X-14 Map X-2 — Habitat X-15 Map X-3 — Streams and Waterbodies X-16 Map X-4 — Floodplains X-17 Map X-5 — Geologic Hazards X-18 Map X-6 — FEMA X-19 Map X-7 — Aquifer Characteristics X-20 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 — Yakima Census Tracts 1-4 Figure 2 — Residential Planned Development 111-19 Figure 3 — Cluster Development 111-19 Figure 4 — Seasonal Unemployment IV -2 Figure 5 — Manufactured Housing V-8 Figure 6 — Yakima Greenway IX -7 APPENDIX A: APPENDIX A-1 APPENDIX B: APPENDIX C: APPENDIX D: APPENDIX E: APPENDIX F: FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT COMMENTS ON DRAFT EIS AND DRAFT PLAN GLOSSARY OF TERMS INFORMATION AND DATA SOURCES PLANS ADOPTED BY REFERENCE SITING ESSENTIAL PUBLIC FACILITIES COUNTY -WIDE PLANNING POLICIES YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS - V CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION This introductory section explains what a comprehensive plan is, why this update is being undertaken, the State planning laws under which it falls, and what vision of the City the citizens have. CHAPTER I - INTRODUCTION This Urban Area Comprehensive Plan (UACP) was developed in accordance with the Growth Management Act' to address growth issues in the City of Yakima and the adjacent Urban Growth Area. It represents the community's policy plan for growth over the next 20 years. It will assist the management of the City by providing policies to guide decision- making for growth, development and public services. Cities are required to update their plans every ten years. The original Yakima GMA Plan was adopted in 1997 and planned through the year 2015. This update will carry the community forward through 2025. _C MIVEI N T'Y IS_T_ LN THE VISION OF YAKIMA AS A VITAL, PROSPEROUS COMMUNITY WITH A HEALTHY ECONOMY AND QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL CITIZENS DEPENDS UPON COOPERATION AND COMMON GOALS. THIS PLAN IDENTIFIES THE STRATEGIES AND CHALLENGES TO GUIDE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT IN THE YAKIMA URBAN GROWTH AREA. THIS PLAN IDENTIFIES CURRENT TRENDS, CHOICES AND PREFERRED ALTERNATIVES TO ACHIEVE OUR COMMON VISION. THIS VISION WILL SERVE AS A FOUNDATION FOR ALL SUBSEQUENT PLANNING EFFORTS IN THE YAKIMA URBAN AREA. The Growth Management Act has thirteen planning goals that must be addressed in any city's comprehensive plan: 1. Urban Growth: "Encourage development in urban areas where adequate public facilities and services exist or can be provided in an efficient manner." Chapters VII and VIII discuss these service issues. Chapter III discusses how urban growth over the coming decades will occur. 2. Reduce Sprawl: "Reduce the inappropriate conversion of undeveloped land into sprawling, low-density development." 1 RCW 36.70A.070 YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE I-1 CHAPTER I = INTRODUCTION Chapter III discusses how growth will be accommodated in an orderly, quality manner. 3. Transportation: "Encourage efficient multimodal transportation systems that are based on regional priorities and coordinated with county and city comprehensive plans." Chapter VI summarizes the Yakima Urban Area Transportation Plan 2025 and how transportation will serve future land uses and the population. 4. Housing: "Encourage the availability of affordable housing to all economic segments of the population of this state, promote a variety of residential densities and housing and _ of existing housing stock." types, encourage preservation VI housing vwvn. Chapter V discusses the current housing situation in Yakima and future affordable housing needs through 2025 based on population projections. t- rrr.'--..- U development ... ent throughout the state that `5. Economic U@VelOpment:. Encourage Cc.ullumic, development throughout the state that is consistent with adopted comprehensive plans, promote economic opportunity for all citizens of this state, especially for unemployed and for disadvantaged persons, and encourage growth in areas experiencing insufficient economic growth, all within he capacities of the state's natural resources, puuis aGrvinca, and public facilities." Chapter IV addresses economic development challenges and opportunities for the community. 6. Property Rights: "Private property shall not be taken for public use without just having been made. The property rights of landowners shall be iiQviri- "�""""' y .,... moi:: � —r --`✓ „y,,, _.. .......�----'— protected from arbitrary and discriminatory actions." The Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan has been developed over the years as a policy document that aims to achieve a quality community while respecting the rights of each business owner and property owner to develop his or her land to the fullest extent within those policies. The public has been very accepting of this balance. As with other GMA communities, Yakima has an annual review process where adjustments can be made to the Pian based on changing circumstances. 7. Permits: "Applications for both state and local government permits should be processed in a timely and fair manner to ensure predictability." An up-to-date comprehensive plan, and the updated regulations to follow, are the best opportunity for a predictable permitting process. The updated plan strives to be as specific as possible to avoid the ambiguities that create controversy and delay. 8. Natural Resource Industries: "Maintain and enhance natural resource -based industries, including productive timber, agricultural, and fisheries industries. Encourage the conservation of productive forest lands and productive agricultural lands, and discourage incompatible uses." YAKIMA URBANAREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 1-2 CHAPTER I - INTRODUCTION Cities and counties must identify "resource lands" with long-term commercial significance. The City works closely with Yakima County in coordination of planning efforts so that the growth that often encroaches on our natural resource industries is accommodated within the Urban Growth Area. The City is supportive of Countywide Planning Policies intended to protect our local resource industries. 9. Open Space And Recreation: "Encourage the retention of open space and development of recreational opportunities, conserve fish and wildlife habitat, increase access to natural resource lands and water, and develop parks." Chapter IX of the Plan addresses Yakima's Park and Recreation, as contained in the City's Parks and Recreation Plan. 10. Environment: "Protect the environment and enhance the state's high quality of life, including air and water quality, and the availability of water." The Natural Environment Section of the Plan (Chapter X) speaks to these issues. 11. Citizen Participation And Coordination: "Encourage the involvement of citizens in the planning process and ensure coordination between communities and jurisdictions to reconcile conflicts." As stated, Yakima is cooperating with Yakima County to coordinate development of their respective Plan updates. The City will also be working with the Terrace Heights and West Valley communities — both within the Yakima UGA — as they develop neighborhood plans. The series of community workshops and the public hearings before the Regional Planning Commission and Yakima City Council have provided maximum opportunity for citizens to speak out on their community's vision and plan. 12. Public Facilities And Services: "Ensure that those public facilities and services necessary to support development shall be adequate to serve the development at the time the development is available for occupancy and use without decreasing current service levels below locally established minimum standards." Chapters VII and VIII discuss capital facilities and public services and how they will be expected to serve increasing growth in the Yakima area. 13. Historic Preservation: "Identify and encourage the preservation of lands, sites, and structures that have historical or archaeological significance." Policies are provide in Chapter III (Land Use) discusses the historic preservation implications of future housing growth. According to the Growth Management Act, all of the planning elements must be integrated into a single, internally consistent plan that balances the goals in each element. While each element is focused on its' specific topic, it must be done so within the context of the YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE I-3 CHAPTER I c INTRODUCTION whole plan. Done right, the Comprehensive Plan should be an effective tool in achieving the community's vision. YAKIMA SINCE 1997 1"viuil i has happened since the original UACP was developed in 1 1997. The City of Yakima grew in population by 31% between 1990 and 2000; and by 10.6% between 2000 and 2004. 24,653 people were added to the City between 1990 and 2004. The average annuai growth rate is 2.5%. in 2005, the State reported that population growth in Yakima County was slightly ahead of the 1990 "intermediate" forecast.2 The 1_I_._ 1_t_.___ 1_L:_._ Ar nA' 1 students /_�_ r A7\ L__J the I Ile older WUrKL0 Ce population (age group 4U-041 o1lU stl_JUt 1ILS (age group 0- 1 / 1 IIdU uIt r -r v- - v- group significant growth during the last decade. The Hispanic population grew 176% and added 15,300 people between 1990 and 2000. About 90% of the City's total population vain was frnm the Hisnanir nnnulation. The City of Yakima has begun to evolve from a primarily agricultural -based economy into a more diversified economy. Growth occurred most in the west and north, but remained stable in the south and east side 1 the rs:1 rs Tract r1 A_ o1 tI II City. Census I I ac.t 9, 1 5, 16 and 28 had the largest increase in population (see Figure 1 — Yakima Census Tracts). Figure 1 — Yakima Census Tracts Census Tract 9 in West Valley had the largest number of occupied housing units in 2000 and between 1990 and 2000, followed by Census Tract 28. had the largest gain ThThe physical n ,1f kh® f o+aa raroani frnm 0 Ann .mnroc ir, 1000 4n 1`) '2'zC. nnreac in 1007 to e IG NI IyO1VG1 size of gra. %.J1 y1 Gvv 11 v111 .�-rvv GVI GV I11 1 sI,/V w 1 LGGV VAGI GV 1 1 1 vv 1 w 1 5,11 86 enres in 200A as rocs df of nnnavofinn In ')00 +hc (situ' nmmnriccc 1A `)nn �rrrcc IVV GVI G.7 111 LV VT as G 1GC MI I. V1 G111 IG/NGILIV I I. 111 LV VV, 1.I IG Viv VV II 11,11VGV 1V,LVV (25.3 square miles). The City occupies about 75% of the Urban Growth Area. COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING HISTORY As the City moves forward on updating its rnmprehenvlye Plan, it is he!pfil ±n roview past planning efforts. This gives context and continuity to the current effort. 2 Growth Management Population Projection Tracking Report, Office of Financial Management, Forecasting Division, August 2005 YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 1-4 CHAPTER I - INTRODUCTION During the past 40 years, the City of Yakima has developed a history of innovation and excellence in planning for its future. The first major policy on future land use planning was Resolution number D-791 adopted in 1965, addressing the extension of City water and sewer services beyond existing City limits. The Resolution states in part "...the City Council desires to encourage the orderly growth and sound development of the entire community, both inside and outside the corporate limits..." The Resolution described the area to be served as a basis for planning beyond its boundaries. During the 1970's, the City continued to plan for `orderly growth and sound development' both within the City and in areas near the City that were developing to urban densities. The Urban Yakima Area Planning and Development Agreement, Resolution D-3208 was adopted by the City, Yakima County and Union Gap in 1974 to "...establish a means of communication and cooperation among the parties concerning the planning and development of the urban Yakima area..." The agreement specifically addressed issues related to delineation of an urban Yakima area boundary, comprehensive land use, zoning and subdivision controls, and urban growth and utility policies, and created a Joint Board for Urban Yakima Area Planning and Development. During 1976 these same three jurisdictions, with the addition of the Terrace Heights Sewer District, adopted the 1976 Agreement for Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Service, "...for the purposes of providing wastewater treatment and disposal services to developed areas within the Yakima Urban Area." The agreement designated and legally described the urban boundary of the Yakima Urban Area. In January 1977 these jurisdictions adopted the Urban Yakima Area Regional Planning Agreement, to "... create an Urban Yakima Area Regional Planning Commission and provide for its administration by a Joint Board for Urban Yakima Area Planning and Development...", in order to "...provide for the planned growth and development of the Yakima Urban Area." The Yakima Urban Area boundary and Planning Boundary were a part of the agreement as indicated on the adopted map (Map 1-1 — Yakima Urban Area Vicinity) . The boundary of the urban area was based upon population projections for the 20 -year planning period specified by the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendment of 1972. This law called for the protection of water quality and elimination of pollution through the establishment of area -wide waste treatment. The Wastewater Agreement adopted the Yakima Wastewater Facilities Planning Study, and provided for implementing the Regional Wastewater Program. The newly formed Regional Planning Commission completed the Yakima Urban Area Growth Policy in 1977, which was subsequently adopted by each jurisdiction, establishing overall goals and policies for directing growth within the Yakima Urban Area. YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE I-5 CHAPTER I - INTRODUCTION THE 1981 YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN During the next two years, the 1976 Wastewater Agreement was amended in order to expand the Yakima Urban Area Boundary, and the stage was being set for development of the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan, jointly adopted in 1981 by the City of Yakima, Yakima County and Union Gap. Adoption of the 1981 Pian began a process unique to Washington State. The Plan set the standards for land use decision-making within the City and surrounding portions of the unincorporated area of Yakima County within the Yakima Urban Area. In 1986 the City of Yakima and Yakima County adopted the Yakima Urban Area Zoning (rriinanrA lisp imniamPntatinn tnni of thP_ 1 QT5 1 l .mmprPhPnsiVP Pian -MP i yrs i Plan additionally envisioned the adoption of an urban area subdivision ordinance, but one was never adopted. Although the City of Union Gap did not adopt the 1986 Zoning Ordinance, it continued to participate in the riecision_making prnrPcc accnriaterl with the Yakima I Irhan Area RPninnal Planning Commission- _. ..... .--�._.._..._.......J -------------... THE GROWTH MANAGEMENT ACT �-_ ccc State i_...-_.1__-_ adopted the Growth nF ..L Act. Ti.... Act In 1990, Washington lawmakers Maiiayenient Act. The Aci ushered in a new era of mandatory comprehensive planning for most of Washington's counties and cities. It was because of GMA that the 1997 Urban Area Comprehensive Plan was adopted, after more than a three-year process. THE 2006 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN GMA does not intend that communities "start over" with their plans. The Act encourages continuity from one planning period to another and requires oniy that communities update information and confirm their planning goals. That is the thrust of this 2006 Plan update. The 2006 Yakima Plan includes the following elements: ▪ Land Use (Chapter III) ▪ Economic Development (Chapter IV) • Housing (Chapter V) • Transportation (Chapter VI) • C'.anital FarilitiPc (C'.hantPr VIII ▪ I Itilities and Piihlir Servir:es (Chapter VIII) • Parks and Recreation (Chapter IX) ▪ Natural Environment (Critical Areas Protection) (Chapter X) This Plan updates those chapters from the 1997 Plan. The chapter on Economic Development and Critical Areas Protection was not a part of the Plan in 1997. The Critical Areas Protection element was added in 2006 to address "Best Available Science" requirements of GMA. YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 1-6 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT CHAPTER I - INTRODUCTION The GMA requires significant opportunity for public involvement in developing a comprehensive plan. In the original adoption of the UACP in the mid 1990's, the City held numerous public meetings within the City and the UGA for the purpose of obtaining input from the community. These included public meetings, a resident mail -in survey and public hearings. Citizen participation has played a key role in development and adoption of several critical planning documents that are a part of or have contributed to development of this 2006 Plan. These were a part of the 1997 Plan and included: • "Yakima Countywide Planning Policy (see Appendix F) • Vision 2010: Upper Yakima Valley Visioning Report • Vision 2010: Comprehensive Plan Policies • "Looking Ahead: Planning Yakima's Future", February, 1993. An award winning live call-in television program, broadcast on Yakima Cable TV. • "Urban Growth Area Concepts" Open House Meetings • "Neighborhood Open House" round table discussion meetings • "Report on Proposed Urban Growth Area for the Upper Yakima Valley" • "Neighborhood Yakima" A series of open house meetings. During the process of reviewing development regulations meant to implement the 1997 Plan, the Regional Planning Commission continued to be the forum for citizen participation. In addition, there have been public meetings and hearings on several land use issues (plats, rezones, etc.) since 1997. Recent annexations have also included community workshops and public hearings. These have all provided opportunities for citizens to weigh in on the community's growth and future. Each year since 1997, citizens have had the opportunity to submit requests for changes as a part of the annual amendment ("docketing") process. This process will continue after adoption of the 2006 Plan update. The current update process began in 2004 with workshops and meetings by the Regional Planning Commission (RPC) and planning staff. In some cases, direct contact was made with property owners to obtain their opinions on proposed policies and land use changes. From late 2004 to mid -2006 the RPC reviewed and commented on several draft changes. Public Meetings were also held as follows during the adoption process for the Plan: July 10, 2006 September 25, 2006 October 23, 2006 November 14, 2006 December 12, 2006 • Regional Planning Commission Public Meeting • RPC Public Hearing on SEPA/GMA Plan • Final RPC Recommendation • City Council Public Hearing • City Council Adoption YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE I-7 THE PLANNING AREA CHAPTER I - INTRODUCTION The unifying element for the UGA is that the City of Yakima's Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant serves them all. According to a 1976 agreement, the City of Yakima and unincorporated West Valley are to be served directly by the City. Union Gap and the Terrace Heights Sewer District are served as wholesale customers of Yakima's sewer treatment service. Because of the obvious relationship of sewer service to urban growth, these subareas have been brought together under the City's UGA for planning purposes. The City of Union Gap and Terrace Heights are considered to be part of the Yakima Urban Growth Area. The City of Union Gap has their own comprehensive plan, while Yakima County created a neighborhood plan for the Terrace Height area, which is in the City of :G n The entire e 1 mile the planning area is referred to The Yakima's 1 ISH, I f1F'. �i• I square miles of the alai ee ue ey area e.� referred v+.. w as the Yakima Urban Growth Area or "UGA". Map 1-1 — Yakima Urban Area Vicinity shows the Urban Growth Area and the Yakima City limits. To implement the Comprehensive Plan, the Yakima, Yakima County and Terrace Irn�Jl(.DfnCf 11 Comprehensive the City of u Yakima County •..•• •..• • -• • -•-- _,.__e subject a.. the inn ordinance (Urban Heights — which is unincorporated — are to same zoning c dinance Area Zoning Ordinance, or UAZO). The City of Union Gap has its own UGA and its own znninr. ordinanr+a stated it included in the Yakima UGA for planning coordination u:::a::a:>~. As .,z�bis included _.� ... Yakima _. , purposes only. The West Valley planning area is divided into two subareas: The unincorporated property within the UGA that also lies within the sewer treatment service area. This area, extending to about 88th Avenue, is subject to the Yakima UrbanArea Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance. The area hying beyond the sewer service boundaries area is considered to be area :y:::+,>. beyond _>>_ 7�,-5.• �.... ._.._.�... This area of the City of Yakima's future growth area. At the present time the City of Yakima can provide sewer service only to certain portions of this area because the sewer service boundary and growth boundary are not yet co -terminus. This portion of the UGA is currently subject to Yakima County's rural Comprehensive Pian and Zoning Ordinance. Yakima County is presently working on a West Valley Neighborhood Plan that will provide with 1 and zoning designations this portion of the UGA the same comprehensive plan ail r•c•i. .r currently used in other portions of the UGA making this area co -terminus with ail City of Yakima development regulations. The 2006 updated Comprehensive Pian presents a strategy for development within each of its future annexation areas so that urban services are capable of serving them as well as the existing residents and businesses of Yakima. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW This Comprehensive Plan was created as an integrated GMA/SEPA document. SEPA requires all State and local agencies to use an interdisciplinary, integrated approach to include environmental factors — both natural and built — in its long-range planning and day- to-day decision-making. Conducting the environmental review at the planning stage YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE I-8 CHAPTER I - INTRODUCTION allows the City of Yakima to effectively integrate the goals and requirements of SEPA and GMA, while coordinating individual development decisions as the Plan is implemented. The SEPA review of the Plan is a "planning level" analysis as opposed to a "project level" analysis. The latter is done for specific projects on specific sites and is much more detailed. A planning -level analysis is more general in nature. SEPA requires that analysis be as specific as the information available. Because the comprehensive plan is more general in its discussion of topics, so will the analysis be more general than what might be found in a project -level SEPA review. It is assumed that as specific projects or decisions are made in the future, more detailed information will be provided, and that the policies of this Plan will be considered in decision-making. This is referred to as "Phased Review" and will be a part of future decision-making using this 2006 Plan. A complete environmental review can be found in Appendix A of the Comprehensive Plan. Comments on the environmental analysis were gathered at the same time the overall plan was circulated for public review. Adjustments were made based on comments received. The result is a comprehensive plan that responds to environmental goals of the community and complies with the State Environmental Policy Act. The comments received and the City's response to those comments can be found in Appendix A-1. For this integrated EIS the Proposed Action (updating the Comprehensive Plan) and the No -Action Alternative (retaining the current Comprehensive Plan) are discussed. YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE I-9 »7777» u u 45 w x CO IBS rn RD SUMMITVIEW AV1f FCCUI NTA RD 1 IS n n n n n n ENGLEWOOD AVE wx 1— z wQ•z eelir 111 �11G3� wH w4 oo 4IIu!hhh'.hh''1 1 ral ■ IUII•JC lag iitin H x F �4. I ■.0 �+ �•W INCs NAVENMI IrI III I in., _..07��\•*.l$__; • i 0�••01�i 1 ‘4,1,,a W NO HILI BLVD ■■■■ SI■IIYII1� ..NOB 1111111111111111u1I11111111111111 EVIOLAA .IIIIIII;.iii: 111111 611 ■ 1 litU V���, a: _W WASHINGTON AVE COOLIDGE RD 1 ■ 11.1 0 LI j r�t1 Yakima � 'Ijji' 0 1,150 2,300 4,600 6 900 9,200 Feet I u O cL """ AHTANUM RD Yakima City Limits • Yakima Urban Growth Area TERR O 0) w i� 11! 1 •1n �1 �161111111I /11/11111 =we EER ST ■. City of Yakima Yakima Urban Growth Area Outside Urban Growth Area Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Map 1-1 Yakima Urban Area Vicinity CHAPTER II — ACTION PLAN CHAPTER II: ACTION PLAN AND IMPLEMENTATION This Chapter is devoted to an outline of action steps agreed to by the community as a means for implementing the policies of the Urban Area Comprehensive Plan. During the public review of this Plan, the Staff and the Regional Planning Commission will solicit opinions from the public on which actions should occur and what the timing should be. A prioritized list will be adopted as part of final UACP approval in November 2006. Actions could result in other plans being developed at the neighborhood or subarea level; new capital improvement projects; new regulations; or other specific measures to implement the Plan. The actions listed below are also intended to mitigate impacts identified in the "Environmental Summary" section of each chapter in the Plan ("Plan Elements and Impacts Addressed"). Because this Pian is an integrated SEPA/GMA document (see Chapter I discussion), the City must identify mitigation measures to deal with the impacts of Plan implementation. Table 11-1: Yakima Urban Area Comp. Plan 2006-2025 Implementation Schedule YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE II -1 Plan Elements and Impacts Addressed Action Steps Schedule Land Use Economic Development Housing Transportation Capital Facilities to o w :r Parks and Recreation , Natural Environment t ... :- Identify areas for study that are not zoned consistent with the Future Land Use Map, to be evaluated for potential rezone actions. X Study the potential use of the "Neighborhood Unit Concept" for planning new subdivisions. X X X Study code changes to provide incentives such as density bonuses in exchange for common open space for recreational use. X X X Establish an evaluation process to determine when and if rezoning is necessary to implement the Future Land Use Map. X Establish measurable criteria that can be used to evaluate the need for rezoning. X Designate Yakima Avenue as the gateway corridor to downtown Yakima. X X Expand the east side of CBD boundary to include the Convention Center, and lodging facilities. X X Improve standards for public and private development to reduce noise and keep light out of residential neighborhoods. X YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE II -1 CHAPTER 1 - ACTION, PLAN, 3 "Strip Commercial" development is usually described as commercial properties developed along a street in linear fashion (as opposed to the downtown or malls), where individual driveways, separated parking lots, different building designs and access points, can lead to problems including traffic safety, shopper confusion, higher failure rates among businesses, poor aesthetics, etc. YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE II -2 Plan Elements and Impacts Addressed Action Steps Schedule Land Use Economic evelopment c N c 0 m [Transportation Capital Facilities � 'a+ 5 ++ Parks and Recreation Natural Environment Develop or amend regulations to discourage new strip commerciai3 development. X X Establish a review process for Essential Public Facilities that achieves the goals of the Countywide Planning Policies Section V :3.3 through Section r' .J.v (see Appendix F) x Amend the Airport Land Use Compatibility Overlay Ordinance as necessary to ensure the master plan's X success and to protect surrounding uses from airport impacts X Amend the Future Land Use Map as necessary to prevent incompatible uses from being located within X noise or other impart areas X X Develop or amend regulations to require a X rlevelnnment plan regional commercial projects X X X _ A: �: Ec 0100.K relaprnettt Focus coordination on service to key industrial sites. Investigate successful public/private partnership models and advocate partnerships. Design an expedited review process. .s:.::-, vet"g'# ^" _ .�.�,,'. 7&3.. �>"'�.5''r>�'a�A; ' �>ve`x,^'-a�'�..;6' .,(� _-. ...���s:,; �.� ,�a,TrJn.� ak'.LatE.Qi�"'^i::n v � w,..:�.=�r;:',.r`��f3;�Sf:=.." 5[ .-.: �I _ Provide dedicated fundi n for street and P -i YJL iUG dedicated funding sources iL'r street aii:.i traffic signal maintenance uuI L.UU l V P. / !i Modify Municipal Code Street Development standards for common requirements between City and County, including sidewalk, street width and related issues 2007 X X X Develop and fund Neighborhood Traffic Management Program to reduce speeding and cut -through traffic 2008 X X X Update Transportation Concurrency Program to include revised capacity definitions, and traffic study guidelines for SEPA review 2007 X X Update Functional Classification system as outlined in the Transportation Pian, in cooperation with Yakima County, WSDOT and YVCOG 2007 X X Work with Yakima County to develop Transportation Plans for West Valley Reserve and Terrace Heights Neighborhood Areas 2007 X X Amend and update speed limit ordinance for Yakima Arterial Streets 2005 n Identify and plan for street improvements to encourage use of truck routes 2009 X X X X 3 "Strip Commercial" development is usually described as commercial properties developed along a street in linear fashion (as opposed to the downtown or malls), where individual driveways, separated parking lots, different building designs and access points, can lead to problems including traffic safety, shopper confusion, higher failure rates among businesses, poor aesthetics, etc. YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE II -2 CHAPTER II — ACTION PLAN Plan Elements and Impacts Addressed Action Steps i.. E E 0 o_ c W 0 0 x Transportation N r c OL > zw Improve trail -head connections from city streets to the Greenway, Canal Path and other off-street paths Develop Access Management policies or ordinances Develop corridor plans for major street safety and capacity improvements for 16h Avenue, 40th Avenue, Nob Hill Blvd and South 1st Street Prioritize Street Improvements as outlined in Transportation Plan for Capacity, Safety, and System needs Provide funding to preserve, re -construct, and maintain the existing street system Require sidewalks on both sides of all streets with all new development. Continue to improve the Sidewalk Inventory for location and condition of existing sidewalks. 2007 X X X 2008 X X 2009 X X X 2007 X X X X Create safe "Walk to School Routes. Implement ADA sidewalk ramp repair and construction program. Prioritize streetscape and pedestrian improvements. Implement an active sidewalk repair program. Modify design standards to provide gateway treatments on major arterials. Develop and maintain a map of planned bicycle route improvements. Improve connections between City streets and the Yakima Greenway. Implement grade separation of arterial street crossings with rail lines. Priority is given to the grade separation of B Street and Lincoln Avenue. Update the Transportation Concurrency Program to include project level coordination with SEPA mitigation. Amend Street Standards to increase flexibility in construction related to topographic and right-of-way constraints and neighborhood livability. Allow accessory housing units. X X Increase enforcement of housing codes to preserve housing and prevent blight. Review zoning ordinance for inclusion of development standards that encourage a range of affordable homeownership options. Work with existing housing providers and private lenders to provide homebuyer education seminars for potential first-time homebuyers; include outreach to X X X X X YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE II -3 CI:d::Tf37 1_ ACTION PLAN vast al 1 ani\ ii - l it.l iVtY YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE II -4 Land Use IS v E E CI r o > w®= Plan Impacts a g 7 ivy Transportation 0 m ro Capital I� 0 Facilitiies Q -' eV id Utilities y so c o. Parks and Recreantion Natural Environment Action Steps 01 z nn y -c CO current renters. Create an inventory of potential sites for affordable housing development and redevelopment. X X Consider formation of a Community Development Corporation whose primary function will be to land bank potentia! multi -family sites and housing for low and moderate -income persons. Provide sponsorship for agencies applying for State or federal housing funds targeted to Inw-mnrlarate incomes X Assist in the implementation or operation of programs that benefit low/moderate income groups. Y '° Kant ii=ct innre,e,n..1 il'.v3,;1 }.1 it 01.-.1'. .......4 1....1......1 . a,,a..I-4,,..JS it tv_.: 1tr9Q+..id il?=AILJIIIV ill ViW:U CRI IL: 1.".....ii GI matching fund requirements to allow more subsidies. X Explore cooperative public/private relationships to develop housing targeted to low -moderate income households X - Encourage site development throughout the community to disperse affordable housing units X Review and consider provisions that allow rezoning for increased residential densities X Identify historic neighborhoods eighuvrhweds withnin the Yakima Urban Area. X X Establish zoning ordinances for residential and adjacent areas that are designed to protect neighborhood integrity and to provide safety. X Allow for housing developments that promote multiple- level income occupancy. X Allow a mix of housing types in and around the downtown area to encourage a diversity of rental and ownership opportunities X X I x I Allow mixed uses in infill developments. X Encourage new housing developments to locate near existing municipal services and public facilities. X X X Encourage housing providers and lenders to create or expand existing outreach program to renters to promote first-time homeownership. X Identify units slated for demolition and/or removal. Seek possible alternatives to demolition. X Remove abandoned or dangerous buildings from housing stock quickly where retention/relocation alternatives have not been identified. X X Cite violations and maintain record of offenses by site location and owner/resident. X Develop and implement design standards for X YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE II -4 CHAPTER H - ACTION PLAN Plan Elements and Impacts Addressed Action Steps -o 0 c) N a) N .0 as -J N 0 x Transportation Nas 171 o as cu CL :as residential infill housing development that promote compatibility with existin• neighborhoods. Create residential development/historical preservation guidelines to foster good architectural design compatibility, and aesthetically pleasing streetscapes. Create a guideline to illustrate the development criteria of establishing an Institutions Overlay. Establish where appropriate neighborhood -based design review committees. Work with neighborhood associations to better define neighborhood boundaries and neighborhood needs. csi3 p F4?era Improve Iightings, sidewalks, ADA access & irri9ation along Yakima Avenue from N. Front Street to Bt Avenue. Consider adoption of tax assessment deferrals as an incentive for new downtown housing development. Improve building facades of the Historic North Front Street blocks. X X X X X X X X X 1 Connect areas with failed septic systems to sanitary sewer. X X q ea+ In addition to the Action Steps listed below, readers are also directed to the Goals and Policy section of Chapter 9. These goals and policies are taken directly from the adopted Parks and Recreation Plan, which has gone through environmental review and which will serve as the implementation guide for park and recreation facilities. Explore park districts for neighborhoods wishing to own, develop, and maintain local parks. Extend the Powerhouse Pathway from Chesterley Park to the Yakima Greenway at north along S.R. 12. Connect the Powerhouse Pathway between 24tH and 20th Avenues along Lincoln Avenue. Create the William O. Douglas Pathway from Davis High School north via 6th Avenue to the Greenway. Add mini -parks to neighborhood. Add neighborhood parks to neighborhoods Add a year round ice hockey/skating rink. Install water playgrounds at Martin Luther King Park and Miller Park. Study the feasibility of building a new aquatic center. Add field #4 to the Kiwanis Ballfield. Add a skate park facility within Kiwanis Park site X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE II -5 Tont r i 11.(1.1.- LIN. LIN. dl "" /ALL-11L/DI 1-L1i:1V YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE II -6 Plan Elements and Impacts Addressed Action Steps Schedule Land Use Economic Development 5 7) x° Transportation _ a) = O u m m 7-1 D Parks and Recrantion Natural Environment Establish improved watershed surface and groundwater management programs. X X Create and implement water conservation programs. X Develop a local Wellhead Protection Prograri1- - X Develo. p.__a...regiv, i.. g. l salmon a U. recovery X vAm -i.pid1. M _• •s tt ';.. .0.s/Q(0n.,.tRCi��irn ,:_:.'.�; Review and update the City's development regulations to include best available science standards " , 04 I Pursue general rezoning in areas that are zoned CBDS but are not contiguous to CBD zone. Amend the Residential PD regulations to allow i in residential development design. XfeXibili An -land --•v the Residential PD✓ Ordinances to include new regulations for Cluster Development (CD). - X Create an institutional Pla erla . Or.di f, -•-•-••.. ..wuau aivuaai vv�.iigy v:UUIgIII,C for new development of expansion of hospitals and higher educational facilities X Revise commercial off-street parking standards by providing parking space bonuses in exchange for enhanced landscaping to the parking lot. X X Evaluate off-street parking standards to add the maximum space to _ maximum sass: parking requirements cXlaiiiiU standards i X i x YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE II -6 CHAPTER III: LAND USE INTRODUCTION The Land Use Element is one of the six mandatory elements required by the Growth Management Act4: [The City must adopt a] Land Use element designating the proposed general distribution and general location and extent of the uses of land, where appropriate, for agriculture, timber production, housing, commerce, industry, recreation, open spaces, general aviation airports, public utilities, public facilities, and other land uses. [It] shall include population densities, building intensities and estimates of future population growth. The land use element shall provide for protection of the quality and quantity of groundwater used for public water supplies. Where applicable, the land use element shall review drainage, flooding, and storm water run-off in the area and nearby jurisdictions and provide guidance for corrective actions to mitigate or cleanse those discharges that pollute waters of the state... This section establishes the framework for the City's future land use development. It represents the community's policy plan for growth over the next 20 years in a very tangible way. It considers the general location, intensity and density of land uses, how traffic, drainage, community services, etc. will be affected and controlled by regulating development. It has a high emphasis on how citizens will be able to use their land and therefore is among the most sensitive topics of government regulation. Throughout this Plan there is discussion of groundwater, drainage, flooding, storm water run-off and other elements mandated by GMA. These, along with traffic, community services, etc. are all related to land use. So, while there may not be extensive discussion of these issues within this Land Use section, they are basic considerations in deciding the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) for the City. CHAPTER III - LAND USE YAKIMA LAND USE IN 2006 Physical Setting Located in south central Washington, the City of Yakima covers approximately 24 square miles south of the confluence of the Naches and Yakima Rivers. The City is bounded to the north and east by these two rivers and is characterized by the gentle slopes and rich silt -loamy soils of a river basin. Irrigation is a necessary factor throughout the Yakima Valley due to the dry semi -arid climate. 4 RCW 36 70A.070(1) YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE III -1 Population Growth Trends rrir 7 TIT _ T A Am p T L.A.. 1 1 Ll\ 111 LI11YL 61,14 T=1.11...111-1: Urban Growth Area Summar.. (2005) Source: Office of Financia! Management, Forecasting Division, June 28, 2005. "" Includes the water area, which is neither counted as developed nor vacant. Current Population '�rh® City of Yakima 1886 and z ..e of a r-ra blocks a The I akima was incorporated in consisted 1 59 blocks on the east side of Northern Pacific Railroad. The 1890 I_ the City .+, the Northern eve a e e e�s,eeeer„ Railroad. va6f. I I Ie population I11 1 C7aV was 1,535. In 2004, City encompassed apps VAill lately 24 square miles with an estimated population of 79,480 comprising 35% of the County's population. In the 1997 UACP the City's projected 2005 population was 64.351 The 19_97 forecast for the entire i irzA in 1QQ7 ee was between 85,000 (low) and 103,000 (high). The actual 2004 figure is 91,769. ..M� q �� Hispanics are the fastest growing ethnic group in the Yakima Urban Area. In 1990, Hispanics comprised 16% of the City's population. In 2000, with a gain of 15,299 people and a growth rate of 171.6%, thQ Hispanic population coiprised 34oof the City's population. In contrast, the non -Hispanic population dropped from 84% of the City's population in 1990 to 64% in 2000, (see Table 111-2: Population and Housing Chara- rteristrc by Ce_ ncu�c Tract a-.n�d. Tab!e. 111=3�: Population Chance by Ethnic Origin, City of Yakima, 1990-2000.) YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE III -2 City of Yakima Unincorporated Area Total Urban Growth Area Total Area** (Sq. Mi.) (Acres) 24 17 41 15,337 10,835 26,173 Developed Areas (acre) Vacant Land (acre) 2004 Population Estimate* 13,985 8,464 22,450 1,n99 2,192 3,291 79,480 12,289 91,769 Source: Office of Financia! Management, Forecasting Division, June 28, 2005. "" Includes the water area, which is neither counted as developed nor vacant. Current Population '�rh® City of Yakima 1886 and z ..e of a r-ra blocks a The I akima was incorporated in consisted 1 59 blocks on the east side of Northern Pacific Railroad. The 1890 I_ the City .+, the Northern eve a e e e�s,eeeer„ Railroad. va6f. I I Ie population I11 1 C7aV was 1,535. In 2004, City encompassed apps VAill lately 24 square miles with an estimated population of 79,480 comprising 35% of the County's population. In the 1997 UACP the City's projected 2005 population was 64.351 The 19_97 forecast for the entire i irzA in 1QQ7 ee was between 85,000 (low) and 103,000 (high). The actual 2004 figure is 91,769. ..M� q �� Hispanics are the fastest growing ethnic group in the Yakima Urban Area. In 1990, Hispanics comprised 16% of the City's population. In 2000, with a gain of 15,299 people and a growth rate of 171.6%, thQ Hispanic population coiprised 34oof the City's population. In contrast, the non -Hispanic population dropped from 84% of the City's population in 1990 to 64% in 2000, (see Table 111-2: Population and Housing Chara- rteristrc by Ce_ ncu�c Tract a-.n�d. Tab!e. 111=3�: Population Chance by Ethnic Origin, City of Yakima, 1990-2000.) YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE III -2 CHAPTER III - LAND USE Table III -2: Population and Housing Characteristics by Census Tract Census Tract Total Population 1 2,778 2 5,374 3 3,905 4 6,543 5 5,011 6 6,485 7 6,684 8 4,614 9 10,560 10 5,725 11 6,418 12 9,048 15 9,617 28 10,133 31 9,183 Yakima 71,845 Source: U.S. Census % Non - Hispanic 53.00% 39.40% 76.00% 94.90% 85.00% 34.90% 72.10% 93.50% 91.80% 83.30% 84.50% 68.10% 32.80% 90.90% 90.70% 59.80% Hispanic 47.00% Median Household Income $12,269 Total Housing Unit 898 % Owner occupied 13.30% % Renter occupied 60.60% $20,724 1,630 34.50% 86.70% 65.50% 24.00% $25,054 1,951 42.60% 57.40% 5.10% $57,219 2,742 82.00% 18.00% 15.00% $31,380 1,984 60.20% 39.80% 65.10% $21,189 1,901 34.40% 65.60% 27.90% $25,693 2,615 42.70% 57.30% 6.50% $54,795 1,899 79.90% 20.10% 8.20% $43,750 4,180 71.40% 16.70% $37,880 2,345 52.60% 28.60% 47.40% 15.50% $43,714 2,475 68.90% 31.90% $27,378 3,343 57.20% 31.10% 42.80% 67.20% $19,830 2,647 43.20% 56.80% 9.10% $52,455 3,427 84.90% 15.10% 9.30% $46,924 3,263 81 60% 18.40% 33.70% $29,475 28,643 53.20% 46.80% •Population Change by Ethnic Origin, City of Yakima, 1990-2000 ' a�Ethnic Origin 1990 2000 Change % Change Hispanic 8,914 24,213 15,229 171.6% Non -Hispanic 45,913 47,632 1,719 3.7% Total 54,827 71,845 17,018 31.0% Source: U.S. Census Figure 1 — Yakima Census Tracts A study of the.. Hispanic population by census tract within the Yakima Urban Area shows that 75% of the Hispanic population resided within seven census tracts (Tracts 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 12, 15) located on the east side of Yakima. These seven tracts also had the lowest median household income and highest percentage of renter occupied housing among all 17 tracts within the Yakima Urban Area (see Table 111-2: Population and Housing Characteristics by Census Tract). YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE III -3 Population Projections CHAPTER 111 — LAND USE Table Hi -4: Yakima Urban Area Popuiation Projections (High Projection) Area 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 Change 2005-25 Urban Service Area* 85,387 88,686 93,088 97,295 101,499 22,513 16,111 15,299 West Valley Neighborhood Plan 7,215 10,347 14,527 18,522 Terrace Heights Urban Area 7,454 8,689 10,337 11,913 13,487 6,033 Urban Growth Area 100,056 107,721 117,952 127,730 137,499 37,443 ource: Washington State OFM, City of Yakima Planning Division The City of Yakima and the Urban Growth Area (UGA) (see Map 1-1 — Yakima Urban Area Vicinity) will be discussed throughout this section as the two main boundaries of study in this update. However, in some there are two other boundaries of significance that will be mentioned to signify they will not be completed in this update bait in a future update starting in 2007. Those areas are the Terrace Heights area east of the Yakima River and the West Valley Neighborhood Pian area on the western boundary of the UGA. Yakima County is in the process of completing the West Valley Neighborhood Plan by the end of 2006. Once the West Valley Neighborhood Pian has been completed by Yakima County; the City of Yakima V4:ini Start thli:Ati ti] liOil the \KiHtif -_ V Neighborhood Plan area and Terrace Heights into the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Pian. Population projections are important to planning for future public service needs such as roads, parks, schools, infrastructure (transportation, utility services, etc.), and social services. It also identifies needs for new facilities and services for the growing population of different age groups, from school-age students to workforces and retirees. The population projections for the Yakima Urban Area are based on the projections for Yakima County developed b 'Washington' State's :ice sof Financial Management The High Growth Scenario projects that between 2005 and 2025, approximately 16,000 people will be added to the City of Yakima and approximately 37,000 people will be added to the Yakima Urban Growth Area (UGA). The intermediate Growth Scenario, projects that approximately 10,000 people will be added to the City of Yakima and approximately 23,000 people will be added to the Yakima UGA [see Table 1I1-4: Yakima Urban Area Population Projections (High Projection) and Table 111-5: Yakima Urban Area Population Projections (Intermediate Projection)]. In comparing the two growth scenarios, the Intermediate Projection is assumed to be the more likely scenario for the next 20 years, and will be used for further analysis in the Comprehensive Plan. 1 The Washington State's OFM population projections (High and Intermediate Projections) for Yakima County, 2005-2025 are used as basis for these projections. The two population projections were developed utilizing the Growth Shared projection techniques for areas between the West Valley Neighborhood Plan, Terrace Heights, the UGA and Yakima County within the period between 2000 and 2004. YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE III -4 CHAPTER III — LAND USE Table III -5: Yakima Urban Area Population Projections (Intermediate Projection) Area 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 Change 2005-25 Urban Service Area* 83,864 85,392 88,442 91,188 93,815 9,951 West Valley Neighborhood Plan 5,768 7,219 10,115 12,723 15,217 9,449 Terrace Heights Urban Area 6,884 7,456 8,598 9,626 10,609 3,726 Urban Growth Area 96,515 100,066 107,155 113,537 119,641 23,125 Source: Washington State OFM, City of Yakima Planning Division Population projections by age group can indicate future public service and facility needs for specific age groups, as well as predict the different ages of new residents. Most notably, the Student (Age group 5-19) and the Younger Workforce (Age group 20-44) will have the largest population gain between 2005 and 2025. These two age groups are projected to account for over 57% of the total population gain in the next 20 years, and will demand a higher employment growth rate. The baby boomer generation, including the Older Workforce (Age group 45-64) and the Retirees (Age Group 65-74) are projected to share about 32% of the total population gain within the same period. The service demands for the aging population includes health care, housing, transportation, etc. Population Density Population density is the average number of people occupying an area relative .to the area's size. Density is an important factor in determining how much land will be needed to accommodate the estimated 2025 population. Historical trends help to understand how Yakima has developed in the past as an indicator of how it will develop in the future. A review of the population densities of the Yakima Urban Area by census tract between 1990 and 2000 showed that Census Tract 6, located on the northwest edge of the Central Business District (CBD) core area, had the largest gain in population density among all tracts due to the increase of multi -family residential development during the last decade. Census Tract 6 gained 3,199 people per square mile between 1990 and 2000. Census Tracts 2 and 15, located on the east side of the City, added over 800 people per square mile in the last decade. They are the oldest neighborhoods in the City and gained a large percentage of Hispanic population between 1990 and 2000. Census Tract 9, located on the west side of the City was the fastest growing tract in new residential development and added 629 people per square mile between 1990 and 2000. Census Tract 28, generally named West Valley and located on the western boundary of the Yakima Urban Area, represents the fastest growing residential tract outside the Yakima City limit. It is predicted that both Census Tracts 9 and 28 will continue gain in population density in the future due to the large availability of vacant land for future development (see Table 111-6: Population Density and Figure 1— Yakima Urban Area by Census Tract). YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE III -5 Table 111-6: Population Density* Census Tract 1990 2000 Change Tract 1 2,132 2,475 344 Tract 2 3,124 3,981 857 Tract 3 1,452 1,953 501 Tract 4 1,542 1,588 46 Tract 5 5,149 5,220 71 Tract 6 7,793 10,992 3,198 Tract 7 5,655 5,863 208 Tract 8 4,871 4,661 -210 Tract 9 1,903 2,532 629 Tract 10 5,727 AC -4 -- Tract 11 1,199 1,310 111 Tract 12 5,057 5,763 706 Tract 13 725 787 62 Tract 14 1,395 1,558 163 Tract 15 4,462 5,343 881 Tract 28 166 215 49 Yakima Y 4,558 3,488 =1,070 S_u U.S.Census Number of people per square mile. USE TTT T CHAPTER L1(R L 111 - 1IiVL' Figure 1 - Yakima Urban Area by Census Tracts EXISTING LAND USE Availability of land resources in the community affects the location and nature of new development, as well as opportunities for redevelopment of existing areas. Existing land use directly impacts the community's future growth, transportation and public facility needs. An analysis of existing land use is important prior to the preparation of the Future Land Use Map. Yakima's present land use pattern is a result of the City of Yakima's unique valley location in south-central Washington where dry semi -arid climate, rich volcanic soil, an extensive irrigation system and the location of the railroad corridor fostered the growth of an agricultural industry. Today, Yakima is the largest. community in the central Washington region with diverse land uses that provide chop, servic.Ps and jobs for local residents and those within the region. iv1,. Major Land Use Changes Residential uses - predominantly single-family - occupy approximately one-third of the existing the Yakima Urban Growth Area. Agriculture/forestry/mining is the second land in �,,., Yakima largest land use but this will change over time to other uses as urbanization continues in the Urban Growth Area. There has not been much new industrial development in the Urban Area since the last plan was adopted. in 2005, the Boise Cascade lumber facility adjacent to 1-82 announced a planned closure as of August 2006. Retail businesses grew in neighborhoods with the addition of several new shopping YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN. PAGE II1-6 CHAPTER III - LAND USE centers (Rosauers, Gateway). The Yakima Mall closed February 2004 reducing the retail base in downtown. In spite of the Mall closure, the employment in the downtown has increased by 1,000 employees between 2005 and 2006. In 2006 a new 50 -acre shopping center, with over 500,000 square feet of retail space, has been proposed near the intersection of Old Town Road and S. 1St Street in the south end of the City. Plans have also been discussed for redevelopment of the Boise Cascade (Yakima Resources) land. Office development was a fast growing land use, particularly in the Englewood/40th Avenue area, and the Washington/40th Avenue area. Neighborhoods Yakima is comprised of numerous neighborhoods. The Older Neighborhoods cover the east side of the City, from the Yakima River to approximately 1r Avenue. This area includes the original City and the growth occurring prior to World War II. This area also contains some of the more architecturally significant, historic neighborhoods in the City. The original layout of the City was characterized by a "grid" street pattern, wide streets, wide alleys, rows of shade trees on both sides of the streets, and an extensive system of sidewalks. This area, including the Central Business District (CBD), is the largest employment center in the City and includes offices, retail stores, the warehouse storage district, a hospital and a lumber mill. The CBD provides a wide range of cultural and civic entertainment activities, and retail services to the residents and visitors. Many houses located adjacent to northeast downtown have been gradually converted to offices and serve as an effective transitional use between commercial development along First Street and the Northeast Neighborhoods. Table III -7: Existing Land Use, 2005 Source: Yakima County Tax Assessors, City of Yakima Planning Division, Yakima Information Services, At the same time, this area continues to be challenged by issues that occur in older, inner- city neighborhoods. The six census tracts that covered this area are generally low-income neighborhoods with high unemployment rates and low education attainment (see Table 111- 2: Population and Housing Characteristics by Census Tract). Some neighborhoods, YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE III -7 City Unincorporated Area Urban Growth Area Land Use Acreage % Acreage % Acreage Single Family Detached 4,875 31.8% 3,570 33.0% 8,445 32.3% Single Family Attached 379 2.5% 16 0.1% 395 1.5% Multi -family 420 2.7% 232 2.1% 653 2.5% Manufacturing/Industrial 789 5.1% 60 0.6% 849 3.2% Transportation/Utilities 2,902 18.9% 281 2.6% 3,183 12.2% Wholesale/Storage 173 1.1% 37 0.3% 210 0.8% Retail Trade & Services 913 6.0% 42 0.4% 955 3 7% Office 379 2.5% 133 1.2% 512 2.0% Public/Semi-Public 917 6.0% 306 2.8% 1,223 4.7% Parks & Recreation 544 3.5% 435 4.0% 980 3.7% Agricultural/Forestry/Mining 1,693 9.0% 3,351 30.9% 5,045 19.3% Vacant/Undeveloped 1,099 7.2% 2,192 20.2% 3,291 12.6% Water Area 253 1.7% 179 1.7% 432 1.7% Total 15,337 100.0% 10,835 100.0% 26,173 nninc 100.0% Source: Yakima County Tax Assessors, City of Yakima Planning Division, Yakima Information Services, At the same time, this area continues to be challenged by issues that occur in older, inner- city neighborhoods. The six census tracts that covered this area are generally low-income neighborhoods with high unemployment rates and low education attainment (see Table 111- 2: Population and Housing Characteristics by Census Tract). Some neighborhoods, YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE III -7 CHAPTER LAND tN 7.E particularly in the Northeast and Southeast areas have numerous single-family homes converted to multi -family units, resulting in a shortage of parking on properties. Vehicles are often seen parked on sidewalks or on the iawn. Substandard housing, both vacant and occupied, with poor exterior conditions is sporadic in these two neighborhoods. Incompatible land uses exist where residential, commercial and office uses are intermixed along Second Street and Third Street, south of East Spruce Street. Future growth in these neighborhoods will likely involve development of vacant lots and redevelopment of parcels with underused or substandard uses and structures. The newer neighborhoods extend westerly from 16th Avenue to about 40th Avenue and the northwesterly City limit. Most of the houses in these areas were built after World War II. The post-war suburban housing, where subdivisions, curved roads, cul-de-sacs, larger Intc and ranch ctvia hnllcinn \A/Ith driVAWa\/c anti naranac haninc innrnYimtal\/ \A/act of South 24th Avenue. Many of the neighborhoods in this area have better maintained streets and the houses are generally in good condition. The average density in this area is 3-4. residential units per acme In this area,there are stili a fern; Iargae tracts of vacant land anti snmP anrirllltllral land that ran ha rlavalnnPrl It is antirinatarl that mnrlact nrnnnth in this area continue. .ih..wIrhan acvclnnmcvnt generally requires Iurncvr development costs than traditional neighborhood housing due to the need for sidewalks, utility lines, and greater street length. The commute to the City's downtown employment center is longer. Suburban housing also generates more stormwater runoff per housing I nit, to Mora Stra.,a,.t .a.nd d�riva.,Ada.v pn.,.va..ma..nt, ,n/hir...h m...ctht.a..ka...n into r...nMir .,d,aatinn for environmental impacts. West Valley extends to the westerly City limits. The area contains the fastest growing residential areas within the Urban Growth Area during the last decade. Census Tract 9 (see Table III -2 — Population and Housing Characteristics by Census Tract), located on the west side of the City, had about one-third of the total housing units built after 1990, and Tract 28, consisting of the unincorporated West Valley Neighborhood Pian Area had over one-quarter (26.3%) of the total housing units built after 1990. Continued growth of the West Valley area is anticipated due to the abundant vacant and agricultural land that can be developed for urban use The continuous growth of the West Valley area brought the same issues as the Newer Neighborhoods — higher development costs and greater distance from the major employment center. The availability of developable land for various land uses raised concerns in neighborhood groups that intense non-residential future development would generate high traffic volumes, negatively affecting the existing residential neighborhoods. Another concern is the lack of direct road access to the West Valley area for commercial traffic. Increased truck and automobile traffic often has to pass through existing neighborhoods along arterials such as 40th Avenue, Nob Hill Boulevard and Summitview Avenue corridor to reach the West Valley area. Automobile oriented commercial development is located along major arterials including First Street, Fruitvale Boulevard, Yakima Avenue and Terrace Heights Drive. These arterial streets are currently constructed to accommodate commercial traffic and generally have minimal impacts on residential neighborhoods. YAKIMA URBANAREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 111-8 CHAPTER HI - LAND USE COMMERCIAL AND OFFICE AREAS Commercial areas include retail establishments and commercial services. Major commercial areas include the Yakima downtown and arterial corridors such as First Street, 40th Avenue, Nob Hill Boulevard, Fruitvale Boulevard and Terrace Heights Drive east of I- 82. The Yakima Downtown area is the regional center for commerce, cultural and governmental land uses. This area is the oldest commercial district and provides a variety of intense retail, office, institutional and high-density residential land uses. Downtown has been in an economic decline since the Yakima Mall closed and numerous large retail stores departed the area. The ripple effect caused the closure of many smaller retail establishments surrounding the mall area. The mall closure also left a vacant parking garage and a vacant parking lot that had been used to serve the mall customers. In 2005, redevelopment of the former Mall began by converting the Mall into mixed-use buildings and a hotel. The First Street commercial corridor is the longest commercial corridor in the City. It is characterized by business developments with individual curb cuts for access to their lots and lack visual landscape buffers. This corridor was developed in the early 20th century when zoning codes were less restrictive. Though sidewalks were built along the street, the corridor was designed to attract customers who were driving an automobile, and oversized signage can be seen along the corridor. The results led to multiple curb- cut/driveways crossing the sidewalks that further contributed to traffic delays. Nob Hill Boulevard is the second longest commercial corridor in the City. It is also the major arterial that connects the east and the west sides of the City. Restricted by the City's zoning codes, a majority of the commercial uses were developed for neighborhood services. Multiple driveways are commonly found along the corridor and cause traffic delays during peak hours. Office development has seen continuous growth in the last ten years. Downtown Yakima continues to provide the largest concentration of office space in the Yakima Urban Area. Many houses located north of Lincoln Avenue and east of First Street have been converted to professional offices. The offices serve as effective transitional use between housing in the Northeast Neighborhood and commercial uses along First Street. Two areas in the City have seen significant growth in office development in the last ten years. The area between Powerhouse Road and Englewood Avenue along N. 40th Avenue has seen tremendous development of new offices and business parks. Another new growth area for office development is on S. 40th Avenue and north of Washington Avenue where high quality office parks were built within the last five years. INSTITUTIONAL Institutional uses include colleges; and health care facilities including hospitals. There are two hospitals located in Yakima. Each is located either adjacent to or in close proximity to residential areas. While providing many benefits to the community, these medical -related land uses also have impacts upon the residential areas including increased traffic and YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE III -9 f.HAP1 ER ii1 - LAND USE parking congestion, and elimination of housing stock through expansion. Similarly, Yakima Valley Community College is located in a residential area along S. 16th Avenue and has plans for future expansion. Other governmentai facilities sometimes considered to be "institutions" (jails, City Hall, airport, etc.) are located in the downtown or other commercial/industrial areas and their expansions have little, if any impact on local neighborhoods. Where necessary institutions (e.g. hospitals, YVCC) are located in more sensitive residential areas, then special processing and conditioning are warranted. This provides predictability to the institution as it plans for future growth; and security to neighborhoods by assuring that expansions are properly mitigated. INDUSTRIAL Inds strial areas include large and scale manufacturing plants, large ���. smallscale pIUIIIJ. warehousing and distribution facilities. The agricultural industry remains the largest economic sector in Yakima County although much agricultural land within the Yakima Urban Area has been changed gradually to other uses. The County's agricultural base remains strong, however, and agriculture -related industry — including food processing, packaging supplies and fruit packing and storage — remain core industries within the Yakima Urban Area New industries developed after World War II utilized trucks rather than the railroad for their transportation needs. Concentrations of new industry are found along Washington Avenue close to the Yakima rVILr iLipai Airport. There has not been a significant amount of new industrial development located in the Yakima Urban Area since the last Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 1997. The largest tract of industrial land in the City is the 230 -acre plywood and sawmill facility located on the northeast side of the City. The sawmill was closed in 2005 due to a slow economy. The entire site would be considered a brownfield (Le. would require environmental clean up of contaminated soils) as new uses for the land are explored. The land does, however, present an attractive location for future regional large mixed-use growth. Yakima Air Terminal The Yakima Air Terminal (YAT) is located on the southern boundary of the City. It has an air traffic control tower, which is staffed on a part-time basis for 18 hours a day. There are two runways, one being 7,603 feet long; the other being 3,835 feet long. The Airport has 115 privately owned aircraft housed on the site. In 2002, Yakima Air Terminal had 57 67n operations (takeoffs and landings). The airport , . _I.. ��.... �......��... The ��. uu Nva � is classified as a primary commercial service airport. Horizon/Alaska Airlines provides service to Seattle. Cargo carriers serving the Airport include FedEx and United Parcel Service. At the time of this update to the City's Comprehensive Plan, the Yakima Air Terminal Master Plan has not been adopted by either the City of Yakima or Yakima County. The FAA has established a comprehensive process for airport planning to ensure the rational and uniform development of the national aviation system and the efficient use of federal funds for airport improvements. The airport master plan identifies the impact of airport operations on land use in the vicinity, the surrounding community, and recommends actions to alleviate negative impacts. Airport Safety Overlay (ASO) designations identify YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE III -10 CHAPTER III - LAND USE those areas where special land use restrictions may be imposed. These are shown on Map 111-1— City of Yakima and Union Gap Airport Safety Zone. In absence of an adopted Master Plan, the City has made certain assumptions regarding its eventual content and has developed policies for integrating the Yakima Air Terminal operation into other aspects of community development. The Growth Management Act includes specific requirements for regulation of airports and also includes requirements regarding what uses may be permitted in an urban area. These GMA requirements are applicable to the Yakima Air Terminal (YAT), and City of Yakima. The City supports continued development of the Yakima Air Terminal as an economic asset to the community since the City is one of the owners of the airport. Along with this support, the City's adopted land use policies must be geared to reducing impacts on the airport operations by incompatible land uses. A number of factors underlie the need for controlling land uses around airports. Among these factors are safety, airport growth constraints, traffic, and environmental concerns, but the most prominent issue is that of aircraft noise. Most commercial and industrial uses, especially those associated with the airport, are good neighbors. Land uses that are associated and considered compatible with airport activity are motels, restaurants, warehouses, shipping agencies, aircraft related industries, and other industries that benefit from airport and airport related land uses. Because businesses with these types of interests are drawn to land in and around the airport, the City may find it desirable to promote these uses through appropriate zoning and incentives. Residential housing is recognized as the largest overall urban land use. However, it is also the land use most incompatible with aircraft operations and airports. During periods of rapid growth, residential land uses have often developed too close to airports. Where residential land use has already expanded into the area around the airport, homeowners have inevitably expressed concerns, primarily regarding high noise levels. There are a number of measures that are presently used to lessen the undesirable effects of noise in the vicinity of airports. The continued effort of the aviation industry to develop methods to reduce the noise of aircraft operations by updating design standards for both aircraft and airports will further reduce the noise impacts. Therefore, the effect of commercial aircraft today versus the effect of commercial aircraft of yesterday is significantly different. The only area outside of the airport with a significant noise level (i.e. above 65 DNL) is the area just outside of the runway but primarily on airport property. Noise impacts from aviation activity are expected to remain moderate (no significant increase over current levels) over the next several years. Uncontrolled residential growth restricts the airport by acquiring the land needed for airport expansion. It also removes the buffer between airport and established residential neighborhoods. This buffer is important because by increasing the distance between residential dwellings and airport activity, the impact of aircraft noise, traffic and other potential airport hazards are diminished. As residential development fills the vacant or former agricultural land around the airport, the possibilities of airport growth restrictions increase. YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE III -11 RESIDENTIAL LAND SUPPLY TTT T - CHAPTER 111 — LAND fl.LSE In .-..J..k�... Via.. Comprehensive n�-� the City In updating its Comprehensive Plan, must show that it has adequate buildable land to accommodate the projected population through 2025. It is estimated that the Yakima wastewater service area will have a range of population between 93,815 and 101,499 per sons by the year 2025. To plan for the maximum growth, approximately 4,000 to 6,400 new housing units will be needed to accommodate the growth over the next 20 years. The Urban Growth Area, including the West !alley Neighborhood Plan Area and Terrace Heights Area, is projected to have a new population between 29,000 and 37,000 persons by the year 2025 and will add approximately 9-300 to 15 0ii01 new housing units within the same period (Table 111-8: Projected New Population and Housing Units, 2005-2025). An inventory of the City of Yakima shows that about 86% of the residential land was developed for low-density residential; about 6% was for medium density resiriential• and another 8% was for high-density, residentiai The current average density in the City of Yakima is estimated to be 5.7 dwelling units per acre. It is predicted that there will be a demand for land suitable for medium and high-density residential uses to provide more affordable housing for low to medium income families in the next 20 years. Based on an assumption that 60% of the new housing units will he riovelnnod for Inw_rionsity residential, 15% for medium density residential, and 25% for high-density residential through 2025, the City of Yakima will need a total of 710 to 1,144 acres of vacant land for future residential development based on the two population projections. The Urban Growth Area will need a total of 1,650 to 2,660 acres of vacant land within the same period (see Table 111-9: Land Needs, 2005 - 2025). Table 111-88: Projected New Population and Housing Un-s2PV00VJ -202J%ii Projections City of Yakima Urban Growth Area Intermediate Projection High Projection Intermediate Projection High Projection Projected New Population 10,000 16,100 29,130 37,443 Projected New Housing Units 4,000 6,444 9,252 14,977 ource: City of Yakima Planning Division, 2005 Table III -9: Land Needs. 2005 - 2025 Urban Service Area Average Density u:�criiiCuiate rrv�rrction Intermediate Projection High Projection New Units o New Residen`i+: al Land New Units New Residential Land Low Density Residential 4 du/ac. 2,400 600 ac. 3,866 967 ac Medium Density Residential 10 du/ac. 600 60 ac. 967 97 ac. High Density Residential 20 du/ac. 1,000 50 ac. 1,611 81 ac Total - Urban Service Area 4,000 710 ac. 6,444 1,144 ac. Urban Growth Area 9,252 1,642 ac 14,977 2,628 ac ource: City of Yakima Planning Division, 2005 YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 111-12 CHAPTER III — LAND USE Table 111-10: Gross Developable Land shows that with the above projections, residential land will consume 25%-40% of the gross developable land within the City of Yakima and 33%-53% of the land within the Urban Growth Area. The remaining developable land can and will be used for future non-residential development. These figures indicate that there will be sufficient land to accommodate the future growth of the Yakima Urban Growth Area within the next 20 years. Table III -10: Gross Developable Land Developable Land Urban Service Area Urban Growth Area Vacant/Undeveloped 1,996 ac. 3,291 ac. Agricultural Not in Current Use 862 ac. 1,658 ac. Total 2,858 ac. 4,949 ac. Projected Percentage Use of Residential Land 25% - 40% 33% - 53% Source: City of Yakima Planning Division, 2005 FUTURE LAND USE The Future Land Use Map (FLUM) (Map 111-2) shows the proposed distribution and location of various land uses anticipated during the next 20 years. The map serves as a guide for development and land use planning; and outlines where development is expected to occur. The City of Yakima map [Map 111-3 — General Land Use (Existing)] also shows the mixture of land uses, which are necessary for the future community. For example, the map shows land for residential areas of different densities, and commercial service centers located to serve existing neighborhoods. These indicators of Future Land Use show the preferred use of lands within a particular area and include facility planning for all necessary urban services within the study area. This is important because GMA requires development regulations to implement the comprehensive plan. Based upon the 2006 Comprehensive Plan update, the City of Yakima foresees the need to modify some of some of the development regulations to a minor degree and others possibly might be modified entirely. The development regulation updating process will begin the first part of 2007. The City of Yakima's current Zoning Map will remain in place until modified through the public hearing process. There will be an evaluation to determine when and if rezoning of land will be necessary. Some of the factors considered in this evaluation are: existing residential densities; water/sewer availability; street capacity; neighborhood characteristics; vacant land; and existing institutions (schools, hospitals, etc.). The Future Land Use Map proposes long-range general use of property for the next 20 years. In contrast, the City of Yakima Zoning Map indicates the specific type of land use that the property is currently suited for based on existing conditions. The Zoning Map is subject to continuous amendments so that land, over time, will gradually and systematically be rezoned to be consistent with the planning policies and long-range objectives of the Comprehensive Plan. There may be more than one appropriate zoning category within a particular area if it meets environmental and other regulations and if it fits the needs for that area as well as the betterment of the community. If the Future Land Use Map indicates a land use that current zoning in that area does not allow, a rezone may be considered appropriate. YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE III -13 FUTURE LAND USE DESIGNATIONS CHAPTER 111 - LAN!) LUSE Following is a brief description of each designation on the Future Land Use Map. Again, these are land use designations, not zoning districts. For a zoning designation or district to be allowed on a piece of land, it must be compatible with these land use designations on the Future Land Use Map. Conversely, once the FLUM is adopted, it can be assumed that zoning will be applied that results in land being developed as described in the following. The relationship between the FLUM and Zoning Map is described on Table 111- 11: Future Land Use and Current Zoning Comparison. Low Density Residential Primarily free standing s:ngie_famiiy resiriencee Rosi entia1 density is less than 7 0 dwelling units per acre. This is considered the lowest possible residential density that can efficiently support public services. 11Ar.rlioevon 11r_rwci+aa D®cirl®n+i71 e®e6f4e6AIa1 1.06e11.0emp ea6.7e..ewee....... Characterized by a mixture of single-family detached residences and duplexes, with a variety of other housing types at a residential density ranging between 7.0 and 11.0 dwelling units per acre. High Density Residential Multi -family residential development may include apartments, condominiums and townhouses, containing 12 or more dwelling units per acre. A limited range of other mixed land uses may be permitted, such as some professional offices and community services. Professional Office A wide range of office uses, such as financial institutions, real estate, insurance, engineering, legal, medical offices and other similar business uses, specifically permitted by the applicable zoning district. Institutions (Extremely Modified Category) I.nes+it 144•,1,9E, ;Medi Deck, existing and new large-cra!e inctitl Lie Itinnal far-ilities such as hospitals and higher educational facilities that may have significant impacts to the surrounding land uses. Institutions such as hospitals and higher education facilities play an important role in the community, providing needed health and educational services to the citizens of the community and region. Hospitals and higher educational facilities also provide major employment in the Yakima Urban Growth Area and contribute to the growth of Yakima's economy. However, when these institutions are located in or adjacent to residential or pedestrian oriented commercial areas, their activities and facilities can generate noise, traffic, and other effects that could be potentially incompatible with the surrounding land uses. Other Yakima institutions that are in smaller scale such as churches, schools, libraries, museums, public utilities and government buildings may not be designated as Institutions YAKIMA LIRBANAREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 111-14 CHAPTER III - LAND USE on the Land Use Map. These uses have lesser effects on the public and are accepted outright in other land use designations. These can be developed under the procedures established in the Yakima Urban Area Zoning Ordinance. It is anticipated that uses shown, as "institutions", on the FLUM will be regulated under an "Institutional Overlay (10)" zone. Designation of an 10 on the City's Zoning Map would occur only after approval of a detailed master site plan by the City following the public process, which includes public hearings. The site plan approval would include specific development standards that allow for appropriate growth and development of new or expanding an institution, along with methods for mitigating identified impacts. It should be mentioned when an institutional use is placed in a commercially zoned district the conditions associated with the approval would be the minimum. But as the institutional use moves toward residential uses the conditions would increase significantly. Neighborhood Commercial Small scale, neighborhood convenience commercial uses and services primarily for residences of adjacent neighborhoods. These areas are typically located along a minor arterial, or at the intersection of a minor arterial and a collector arterial street. Large Convenience Center (To be removed in future update) Provides areas for commercial activities to meet retail shopping and service needs of the community. Accommodates clusters of retail, financial, professional service business and entertainment activities that attract shoppers from an area significantly larger than neighborhood. Regional centers may be considered appropriate when they demonstrate that they will complement, and not have a detrimental impact on existing commercial areas or surrounding land uses. Community Commercial (Name Change and blending of Neighborhood & General Commercial) Community Commercial provides medium scale commercial uses that serve multiple neighborhoods and residential areas in the community. These areas are typically located along a principal arterial, or selected minor arterial or at the intersection of a principal arterial and a minor arterial street. Arterial Commercial (To be removed in future update) Land uses which require high auto visibility such as restaurants, service stations, car washes, as well as wholesale and retail activities. General Commercial (New Category) General Commercial provides a wide variety of commercial retail and services that are heavily dependent on convenient vehicle access along major travel routes. General Commercial land uses may include those uses identified in Neighborhood Commercial or Community Commercial, but do not serve only the adjacent neighborhoods. General YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE III -15 ("TT n T'iTT" ITT TT,71, 1.11rir1 LL 111 — LAIVL IAJE Commercial includes uses such as fast food restaurants, auto -oriented services and other commercial services. The City has designated these areas with the intent that each will be intensively lsively developed within designated boundaries and that undesirable strip commercial development is avoided. ("Strip Commercial" development is usually described as commercial properties developed along a street in linear fashion (as opposed to the downtown or malls), where individual driveways, separated parking Tots, different building designs and access points, can lead to problems including traffic safety, shopper confusion, higher failure rates among businesses, poor aesthetics, etc.) Regional Commercial (New Category) The Regional Commercial designation is intended to provide the community with a mix of retail, service and business establishments on a medium to large scale. Commercial firms span a wide range of activities such as retail stores, business and professional services, hotel/motel operations, restaurants, theaters and gas stations. Generally, regional commercial uses are the source of consumer goods and services for the community and the traveling public. Their locational, market area and site requirements tend to be as diverse as the mix of activities. In common, these firms are generauv dependent upon visibility for customer attraction, and prefer locations with heavy traffic flows. The typical size of a regional commercial development is 10-60 acres and serves a population of 100,000-200,000 people. Mixed Use Planned Development (MU -PD) The purpose of this overlay district is to recognize and accommodate umodate the changing commercial/residential marketplace by allowing commercial and residential mixed uses that1. 1. .._:1.. the J.. ._1.._._ of create an opportunity for redevelopment underdeveloped or redeveloping sites into more intensive uses in the core of the urban area. It is intended that development on designated sites would be implemented in conjunction with the approval of a Master Planned Development application. Possible future application of the Mixed Use Planned Development District can be implemented through a rezone process that is consistent with Table 111-11: Future Land Use and Current Zoning Comparison and the land use designation as Regional Commercial. The MU -PD zone would allow for a mixture of industrial, commercial, and residential uses within a framework that protects existing uses and provides compatibility through a Master Pian process. The Planned -...-,. �.,............ .......r.............� .....,wy.. ... .......,w. Plan 1 The It.. Mixed Use Planned Icu Deve!opm ent \A/oulid allo:n: flexibility in the twes permitted properties. � .. permitted for NI vp,.a ua..�. Central Business District Core Commercial Central Business District Core Commercial designation is a wide variety of intense retail, office institutional and high-density residential land uses with the broadest range of mixed uses and flexibility. Land uses to be encouraged in this area are those new developments that foster the unique, regional nature of the Yakima Central Business District. Industrial The Industrial designation is a range of activities, including construction businesses, YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 1I1-16 CHAPTER III - LAND USE manufacturing, transportation, communication, utilities, and wholesale and warehouse activities, which may include some accessory office and retail use. Wholesale/Warehouse (To be removed and/or combined with Industrial in future update.) Quasi -industrial areas, which provide for a mixture of wholesale and warehousing activities, as well as some limited office and retail land uses. Parks and Recreation Includes all existing public parks, playgrounds, recreation areas, greenways, pathways, golf courses, conservancy and designated open spaces. This designation may also include land that is preserved by Yakama Nation, State and or Federal agencies and private entities. Comparing Future Land Use Plan and Current Zoning The Future Land Use Map (FLUM) (see Map Ill -2) recommends the best use of land over the next 20 years. The Yakima Urban Area Zoning Ordinance implements the Future Land Use Map. The Yakima Urban Area Zoning Ordinance tells the property owner what legal use can be made of his or her property and what development requirements are attached to the land. For a piece of property to be zoned a certain way, it must be consistent with the Future Land Use Map. There may be several types of zoning districts that implement a particular FLUM designation. Conversely, if a particular zoning district is not considered to be an "implementing zone" of the FLUM designation, it cannot be allowed. For instance, according to Table III -11: Future Land Use and Current Zoning Comparison (following), the "Medium Density Residential" FLUM designation could have R1, R2 or R3 zoning as an implementing zone. However, a property owner could not request a B1 (Business) zoning for his or her property if the FLUM shows the Medium Density Residential category. Table 111-11: Future Land Use and Current Zoning Comparison will be used to determine the consistency of the zoning district with the Future Land Use Map designation. The City's Zoning Map will be updated as necessary to ensure this consistency. In the future, property owners wishing to rezone land to a different category (e.g. from R1 to R3) must show that the rezone will be consistent with Table 111-11: Future Land Use and Current Zoning Comparison. Because actual zoning is based on factors in addition to the Land Use Map (e.g. land use compatibility, location, availability and capacity for public services and facilities, market demand, environmental features, etc.), consistency with Table 111-11: Future Land Use and Current Zoning Comparison will not guarantee rezone approval. However, inconsistency of a request with Table Ill -11: Future Land Use and Current Zoning Comparison will preclude approval. If the Table 111-11: Future Land Use and Current Zoning Comparison zoning column does not indicate an "X" with the Future Land Use designation, then the property owner would request a change to the Future Land Use Map before a rezone could be approved. Both changes could occur concurrently during the annual Comprehensive Plan amendment YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE III -17 CHAPTER 111 — LAlvL' USE process. As long as the Future Land Use Map change and the rezone request were concurrently done during the Comprehensive Plan amendment process, both requests would be considered a legislative action. For the 2006 Plan update, three new FLUM designations and four new zoning categories have been developed. These changes are in response to new methods of encouraging innovative development, to citizen requests or to changed circumstances since 1997. Each is summarized as follows and is the basis for policies listed later in this chapter. Drafting and adoption of the amendments to the zoning code will occur after adoption of the updated Comprehensive Plan. Table III -11: Future Land Use and Current Zoning Comparison Zoning Land Use [ CBDS _1 E:. Low Density Residential X X X Medium Density Residential X X X Nigh Density Residential X X X X nstitutions. `X,:.::.X::. <X` .X� °r?C' .X:.�., X `SX:..=.wX`== P9--L---°---I Office T FIJI E.'S31UII�i fJllii:l-'-' V A V A V A %., I A I 1 Neighborhood Commercial X X X X Community Commercial I X X XI omme,.c ;:..�k>F:�x ,-<- . _ �:,�',.. .' ..Rei �:� ,3 - �� f' ��; _ �. - -�C�,��>. �_,,�£ 4 - ,��<.of +- -.^v.- .5, ,.. e.::. :, .-...,..,: ry,r�+ :.,, -vim.. . _ _ - f��^ . ;a€..:. '- Re rottatGo ear �at:,�: :,�:�.:<,:�. ,wo-ac:' .. '''+%Y -"r ,��. <��.,�_ - •e=> t ' .*y,3:;.,r :X sy , :y -'j -�T-� �)� _ s ..` "4 .:��X.,:X����s Arterial Commercial** X X XX X CBD Commercial X Industrial A „ fin Large Convenience Center** X X X X Compatible with Master Plan (ins itutionai Overlay) Institutional O7eria..yzoning Will be applied afar SPian approval. Underlying zoning will remain. To Be Removed: ** In 2007 Comp Plan update this designation will be removed. ZONING CLASSIFICATIONS The Urban Area Zoning Ordinance (UAZO) and the Zoning Map will determine the actual use that can be made of land within the City and Urban Area. Using Table 111-11: Future d and !lags anal rnrrant 7nninn rnrnnaricnn fi iti iro rani IActc for rPannPs may alcn hP ciihmittArl and nnccihly annrnvArl by the City. ThP intent will hP to have 7nrtirtn i mmply with the policies of this Plan, other ordinances of the City and the Future Land Use Map. Four new zones are proposed as part of this Comprehensive Plan update process. R -PD zone be applied to parcel request the owner The 1�-1 v would a development upon a It.�uliVt by ����, owner and upon submittal of a master site plan (see Figure 2 — Residential Planned Development). Cluster Development (CD) and other innovative residential development can be implemented in any residential designation through an approval of R -PD rezoning. A Cluster Development (CD) promotes designing development to fit the natural landscape and protect critical areas. It supports the goals of respecting nature, protecting hillsides YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 111-18 and wetlands, preserving open space, and minimizing the Toss of woodlands and wildlife habitats. Cluster Development shall be developed according to regulations provided through Residential PD zone in the Yakima Urban Area Zoning Ordinance (see Figure 3 - Cluster Development). Commercial Planned Development (C -PD) The Commercial Planned Development zone would encourage in commercial zones what the cluster subdivision or other techniques provide in residential zones. It is intended to encourage clustering of office development in concentrated areas and to assist in the transitioning of uses from commercial to residential areas. It could include high quality, campus style office parks or smaller, more conventional office developments. Figure 3 — Cluster Development The Neighborhood Unit Concept uIMlamny retiaantlal °Learn maalty Imam" CHAPTER III — LAND USE Collector streets CanIngrelktta utrtl • dtspeugh.bhatkm na;a hiskangee nekhbarboof SkrnLL< shkgg a prided raaafe I agaksYhook and puts gewnbea'e' ublle apace Pout sp ceskald beamed In the raga of Jx residential area ateIgboilaalpark. itapsp(vtemth the gm th of the cavesnikan elementary saki $bas damn w,.nmplay apate akmdamrra m, kg to rig.* macaawis —.abe.eb %IIIc./multitamIIy aemial ILII muag milykk.oltke to awtl buff,voin;aerF. raied tara,neair thvy w i' ingmextinghe gul at tgremervsingle n am,w,pkaratk<l�,x Whig vgkntlilaraas '4ownhoa'ae ��om relai n,arc center saki Inter... pkiging good bakkign amh thaxigtaahooa lk,idene aEder arks anro.hthe Ibo* iIu kaki Trawling itmyp the neige Malar streets Miner 'Inlets Mjormenaalocked. ,kkgreg<p egood tltepwteeierohhe r Ia iegkmtal calk Wt nelghtulwd.Sidrnbk< gr¢pikned»tAuthe, rig ehedd be pmWed den8vuh roomhtaRi bewe]askm c thakkhfues `z'CIIIea or mellllamlly re ddentlel Figure 2 — Residential Planned Development As an inducement to owners to provide well- designed commercial centers, incentives such as increased floor area, increased height, etc. would be allowed. As with the residential techniques, a master site plan would undergo review and approval by the City and would involve the public in the review process. Mixed Use Planned Development (MU -PD) The Mixed Use Planned Development Zone would allow a greater mix of uses than the "purer" residential, commercial or industrial planned development zones. Developers of Regional Commercial or Targe size commercial or industrial designated lands could propose industrial, commercial, residential, open space, recreational or virtually any combination of uses according to an approved master plan. This would be a market- driven land development concept where the proponent could design a plan around new and creative design themes, with the City having review authority and the ability to attach conditions to mitigate impacts. The process, as with other Planned Development zones, would involve significant public outreach. The third type of cluster development, the I -PD, would be located in industrial areas and would promote development of compact, small-scale high quality industrial parks. It could be a required approach where industrial areas lie adjacent to residential zones, but would provide incentives as well in exchange for buffering or other types of mitigation. YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE III -19 CRAFTER 11 e.ANn USE Both the commercial and industrial planned development tools will assist in bringing jobs closer to residents in a manner that serves the needs of business and residents. GOALS AND POLICIES Goals and Policies will serve two principal purposes: to guide development decisions in the UGA, such as rezone requests, development reviews, etc. or to outline specific actions or programs that implement the Plan. The latter are presented in Chapter II — Action Plan, both as a means of implementation and to meet the mitigation requirements of this integrated SEPHNGMA document. GOAL 3.1: PROVIDE FOR A BROAD DISTRIBUTION OF HOUSING IN YAKIMA THAT MFFTS THF AFFORDABii I T v AND NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN NEEDS OF THE PUBLIC.----- •---... ...._ .._._......_.._ ..�........ Policies 1.1.1 High fancity RGc1!•icntini 3.1.1.1 Development shall be at an overall density of 12 dwelling units per acre or more-. a.:.1 1w1Cr. 11rCU T.V o-Cw..1...1.lil.y. RC...7.iJ...1....Lid..i (R-2) a.U Multi -Family Residential (R-3), Professional Business District (B-1), and Central Business District (CBD). 3.1.1.2 Permitted housing types include townhouses, condominium, multi -family and manufactured housing. 3.1.1.3 Provide high-density residential as a transitional use between commercial/office and medium density residential areas. 3.1.1.4 Development shall be located along arterials or collector streets and should have good access to public transit. 3.1.1.5 Sidewalks shall be provided in the development site with connections to existing and proposed pedestrian sidewalk systems. 3.1.1.6 Connect schools, parks and meeting places with neighborhoods through a system of pedestrian network such as sidewalks, greenways and pathways. 3 1 1.7 Development shall be encouraged to minimize impacts on surface water. Low impact practices are encouraged. 3. i .2 Residential Planned Development (Residential PD) 3.1.2.1 Residential PD can ue developed i1 LII size of cl development exceeds 20 acres. 3.1.2.2 Residential PD allows new development to provide a mixture of housing sizes and prices and to provide incentives for developers to include affordable units in higher cost developments. 3.1.2.3 Residential PD requires a new development to include open space, recreation areas, trails, sidewalks, streetlights, landscaping and underground utilities in exchange for site design flexibility and density bonus. This allows neighborhood commercial uses to be located within a Residential PD. YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 1II-20 CHAPTER III - LAND USE GOAL 3.2: BUILD SUSTAINABLE NEW NEIGHBORHOODS. Policies: 3.2.1 For large-scale residential projects, encourage development through Residential Planned Development (Residential PD) zone. 3.2.2 Provide incentives such as allowing developers a density bonus in exchange for common open space for recreational use and a legally binding commitment to continue to protect environmentally critical areas within a Residential — PD development. 3.2.3 Innovative design, such as Cluster Development (CD) and other Low Impact Development ideas are encouraged to develop within the Residential PD zone. GOAL 3.3: PRESERVE EXISTING NEIGHBORHOODS. Policies: 3.3.1 Preserve the character of neighborhoods such as historical character, architecture, natural features and layout. 3.3.2 Ensure that new development is compatible in scale, style, density, and aesthetic quality to an established neighborhood. 3.3.3 Integrate historic preservation by ensuring new construction and development integrate the existing historical buildings and landscaping to help create a distinctive identity for the neighborhood. GOAL 3.4: RESTORE OLD NEIGHBORHOODS AND REVITALIZE DECLINING NEIGHBORHOODS. Restoration and revitalization of older neighborhoods will increase property values, provide housing close to work and preserve historic structures. Since older neighborhoods are already served with roads, sidewalks, utilities, schools, parks and landscaping, upgrading of these services and features is important to keeping the neighborhoods desirable and livable. Many policies under the goal "Build Sustainable New Neighborhoods", and the goal "Preserve Existing Neighborhoods" can also be applied to improving old and declining neighborhoods. In addition, the following policies also apply: Policies: 3.4.1 Encourage preventive maintenance and appropriate reinvestment in older and declining neighborhoods. Improve the infrastructure including, but not limited to: park improvements, sidewalks, alleys, street maintenance, street lighting, trees and other landscaping within the right-of-way. 3.4.2 Maintain neighborhood upkeep through strict City code compliance. 3.4.3 In the residential areas where commercial and residential uses are heavily mixed, encourage the establishment of neighborhood commercial services and foster mixed uses including retail, office and apartments. This is particularly important in areas on South Second Street and South Third Street YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE III -21 Cr-TAPTFR 111! - I.A1\TI7 11.'F. north of East Race Street. Discourage commercial uses that are non - neighborhood related. 3.4.4 Maintain and preserve the existing single-family residential neighborhoods of Northeast, Southeast and Barge/Chestnut areas of the City. 3.4.5 Minimize the overcrowding/over-parking issues in old neighborhoods through: ▪ Discouraging the conversion of single-family detached structures to multi- family structures through zoning control. Limit, and in some cases restrict, rezoning of R-1 to R-2 for individual single-family detached structures. ▪ Encouraging development of multi -family projects as infill or redevelopment projects in old neighborhoods as a means to provide affordable housing. ▪ Encouraging the conversion Of residential houses to o ce-s in areas that servetransitional uses bet��ieen commercial and residential as al al L�nlv�.aa. s particularly along North Second Street north of Lincoln Avenue in the Northeast Neighborhood area. ▪ Encouraging uuii Veiiamong neighborhood residents and community, and encourage interaction between neighborliuuds and the government. 2 A aPreserve and restore historic houses within the neighbn,o�.rhob.odisc, ming private_ and public partnership when possible. 3.4.7 Allow home occupations that would not generate excessive traffic, create parking problems, or degrade the livability or appearance of the neighborhood. GOAL 3.5: PROTECT AND PROMOTE IDENTIFICATION OF ARCHEOLOGICAL AND SIGNIFICANT HISTORICAL SITES AND STRUCTURES. Policies 3.5.1 integrate historic preservation planning with plans for land use, economic development and capital improvements. 3.5.2 identify historic neighborhoods within the Yakima Urban Area and assist in obtaining an official classification as historic by the Local or National Register of Historic Places. 3.5.3 Develop a process, in conjunction with State agencies and the Yakama Nation, to evaluate significance and ensure identification of historic, cultural and archeological resources. 3.5.4 Maintain a process to evaluate impacts of proposed land use on archeological and significant historical sites. 3.5.5 Provide for adaptive reuse of archeological or significant historical sites when the original or present use of a site ceases to be feasible. GOAL 3.6: PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFFICE DEVELOPMENT TO PROMOTE ECONOMIC GROWTH AND TO MEET THE NEED FOR OFFICE SPACE IN THE YAKIMA URBAN AREA. Policies: 3.6.1 Encourage clustering of office development in concentrated areas. YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 111-22 CHAPTER III - LAND USE 3.6.2 Use offices as transitional uses between commercial and residential areas. 3.6.3 Promote small-scale office development that will not have significant adverse impacts on adjacent neighborhoods. 3.6.4 Encourage placing parking lots behind buildings, or along the side of the buildings. 3.6.5 Low to mid -rise office buildings should be located next to commercial or industrial areas, along expressway corridors, on or around hospital areas, and in the Central Business District. High-rise office buildings should be limited to the Central Business District or when associated with a master plan development utilizing the visibility of a freeway or State highway. 3.6.6 Encourage the development of a high quality, campus style office park through Commercial Planned Development (Commercial PD) or when associated with a master plan development and/or Regional Commercial designation. Central Business District (CBD) The Yakima Downtown area is the regional center for commercial, cultural and governmental land uses. This area provides for a wide variety of intense retail, office, institutional and high-density residential land uses. Encouragement should be given to support land uses, which foster the unique, regional nature of the Yakima CBD. GOAL 3.7: MAINTAIN THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (CBD) AS A VITAL AND PRIMARY BUSINESS AREA. Policies: 3.7.1 Designate Yakima Avenue as the gateway corridor to downtown Yakima and the community with improved streetscape such as sidewalks, street furniture, lighting, landscaping, etc. 3.7.2 Expand the east side of CBD boundary to include the Convention Center and lodging facilities as part of the CBD district. 3.7.3 Encourage a diversity of uses and activities and cluster complementary activities and businesses together in specific areas of the downtown. Among the identified activities are: government and institutional, historic and retail, cultural, arts and entertainment, and hotel and convention center, etc. 3.7.4 Promote multi-level development that combines multiple uses, such as office, retail and housing in single buildings. 3.7.5 Encourage uses that will provide both daytime and evening activities. 3.7.6 Support civic, cultural, and entertainment activities. 3.7.7 Provide public open space and recreational opportunities for downtown users. 3.7.8 Provide pedestrian linkage to the surrounding neighborhoods through sidewalks, Yakima Greenway and the City's pathways. 3.7.9 Encourage efficient use of land in the downtown area by reducing off-street surface parking areas with parking garages. 3.7.10 Encourage main governmental and civic uses serving the entire community to locate in the downtown area. 3.7.11 Provide incentives for residential development of vacant downtown buildings. YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 1II-23 CHAPTER 111 - LAND USF, 3.7.12 Promote and encourage restoration of existing buildings when feasible to preserve original buildings. GOAL 3.8: MAKE COMMERCIAL AREAS A DESIRABLE PLACE TO SHOP AND WORK. Policies: 3.8.1 Commercial uses and developments should be designed to be compatible with surrounding land uses, especially to avoid encroachment into residential areas. 3.8.2 Allow and encourage transitional uses or development, such as office, multi- family or buffer areas, such as open spaces 3 K 3 placing land that create _1___ the v. v.V Avoid placing land uses excessive noise, unless noise level can be mitigated, in locations that are close to residences or noise_ mitigated, other noise= sensitive land uses. `d Q � Improve + .-! .Js for L,1;.. ae 1 3.8.4 Improve standards public and private development to reduce noise and keep light pollution residential neighborhoods. light pollution out of 1 eJ1U G1ILl ql lie ll�.I IA.JUI I IV41UJ. 3.8.5 Ensure compatibility between commercial structures and adjoining residential uses. Require commercial structures to use building scale, roof style, and building materials similar to nr compatible with, the adjoining residential structures. 3 Q 6 C ommereial 1 ,see .. djacent to ,.:.J .....tial -1--'-1-1 v.V.v vv1111ncIu1g1 Uaca aujaee IL to residential areas Should use effective landscape buffers with living plant vegetation such as evergreen trees, bushes, open space or other design controls to minimize noise, glare, and other impacts associated with commercial land use to ensure that their heil location will not adversely affect the residential areas. 3.8.7 Parking lots for commercial land uses that are adjacent to residential housing shnlllrl be screened from the view of residents using vegetative, _7, z, �..,v .r. from the view .: ...J::.: �.::Y.7 using Letjvtgtivii, iCiILb.3. berms or other screening devices. Regional Commercial GOAL 3.9: PROVIDE AREAS ALONG EXISTING HIGHWAYS OR FREEWAYS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE LARGE SITES AND HIGH VISIBILITY TO SERVE THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY AND THE ENTIRE REGION. rvucieS: 3.9.1 Regional Commercial may include uses such as large-scale shopping centers, discount "club" stores, factory outlets, specialty stores, restaurants, offices, recreation complexes, theatres, entertainment activities, auto-plexes and travel accommodations that may attract people from other communities and outside of Yakima County. 3.9.2 Regional Commercial uses shall be located along a freeway or highway or at the intersection of a principal arterial with a freeway or highway. Access to the center shall be located a sufficient distance from any freeway interchange to minimize traffic congestion. If feasible, a frontage road along the freeway or highway would be encouraged. YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 111-24 CHAPTER III - LAND USE 3.9.3 The typical size of a regional commercial development is 10 — 60 acres and serves a population of 100,000 - 200,000 people. 3.9.4 Regional commercial may be allowed when water and sewer service, street improvements, traffic control devices, municipal services and other development -related improvements are in place or other financial securities have been obtained. 3.9.5 Provide for tourist commercial uses in clusters at highway interchanges or in areas with special tourist attractions. 3.9.6 Require a development plan for regional commercial projects. A master development plan is required if the proposed development exceeds 10 acres in size. 3.9.7 Transit service and safe bus stop areas should be provided and placed on streets that would accommodate the transit route. 3.9.8 Adequate buffering shall be provided between adjacent residential land uses, such as greenbelt, landscaped pathway, park -like buffer, etc. 3.9.9 Motor vehicle access and circulation from local access functional classification roads to the commercial site shall be restricted through residential areas and may be subject to additional mitigation measures to limit potential impacts. 3.9.10 A traffic impact assessment may be required. 3.9.11 "Transitional Zoning" may also be considered placing higher density residential uses between single-family residential and commercial areas General Commercial General Commercial land use may include those uses identified in Neighborhood Commercial or Community Commercial, but do not necessarily serve the adjacent neighborhoods. General Commercial includes uses such as fast food restaurants, auto - oriented services and other commercial services. GOAL 3.10: PROVIDE WIDE VARIETY OF COMMERCIAL RETAIL AND SERVICES THAT ARE HEAVILY DEPENDENT ON CONVENIENT VEHICLE ACCESS AND SERVE SECTIONS OF THE URBAN AREA ALONG MAJOR TRAVEL ROUTES. Policies: 3.10.1 General commercial uses and services that are heavily dependent on convenient vehicle access shall be located along major travel routes. 3.10.2 Discourage new strip commercial development. Strip commercial land uses shall only be allowed as infill of existing strip commercial areas, and will not extend the existing strip commercial areas. 3.10.3 Encourage the "infill'/new development within existing commercial districts to share access and parking with adjacent commercial development to minimize multiple curb cuts. 3.10.4 Improve the appearance of existing commercial strips by encouraging better landscaping in pedestrian sidewalks and parking lots, and fewer signs and billboards. YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE III -25 CHAPTER PTY'R 11 = T AND IJSE i..Yll1 1 Ll\ 1 8 8�S11Y TSE 3.10.5 Improve the appearance of commercial corridors by encouraging new development to place parking lots behind buildings, or along the side of the buildings 3.10.6 Require a development plan if the proposed development exceeds five acres in size. Community Commercial GOAL 3.11: PROVIDE MEDIUM SCALE COMMERCIAL USES THAT SERVE MULTIPLE NEIGHBORHOODS AND RESIDENTIAL AREAS. Policies: Community Commercial center include a lead business such as a Community 1 � V V I II I IVI V center may V discount or junior department store, buildingihome improvement store, drug store or grocery store with an additional variety of small retail stores to provide services to the surrounding neighborhoods. 3.11.2 The typical size of a Community Commercial development is 10-30 acres and serves a population of 10,000-80,000 people. 3.11 .3 Community Commercial uses shall be located along principal arterials, or at the fi ILLIsLL: L_iiJi i of d principal ll.iUal al LCI Ifil 0110 minor al LCi iai. 3.11.4 Community Commercial may be allowed when water and sewer service, street improvements, traffic control devices, municipal services and other development -related improvements are in place or other financial securities have been obtained. 3.11.5 A development pian is required if the proposed development exceeds ten acres in size. 3.11.6 Transit service and safe bus stop areas should be provided and placed on streets that % in'iiid accommodate the transit route. 3.11.7 Adequate buffering shall be provided between adjacent residential land uses. In some larger sites the nPed to use similar buffer found in the regional commercial designation might fight be encouraged. 3.11.8 No motor vehicle access to the commercial site shall be routed through residential areas using local access functional classification roads. 3.11.9 A traffic impact assessment may be required. 3.11.10 "Transitional zoning" may also be considered placing higher density residential uses between single-family residential and commercial areas. Neighborhood Commercial GOAL 3.12: PROVIDE SMALL SCALE, NEIGHBORHOOD CONVENIENCE COMMERCIAL USES AND SERVICES, PRIMARILY SERVING RESIDENTS OF ADJACENT NEIGHBORHOODS. Policies: 3.12.1 A Neighborhood Commercial center will provide land uses for businesses such as grocery stores, convenience stores, drug stores, restaurants and small retail stores. YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 111-26 CHAPTER III - LAND USE 3.12.2 The typical size of a Neighborhood Commercial development is three to ten acres and serves a population of 3,000 - 40,000 people. 3.12.3 Neighborhood Commercial uses shall be located at the intersection of a principal arterial, minor arterial or collector arterial. 3.12.4 Neighborhood Commercial may be allowed when water and sewer service, street improvements, traffic control devices, municipal services and other development -related improvements are in place. 3.12.5 Adequate buffering shall be provided between adjacent residential land uses. 3.12.6 No motor vehicle access to the commercial site shall be routed through residential areas. 3.12.7 Neighborhood Commercial uses shall be located in areas that will enhance, rather than hinder, the stability of residential areas. 3.12.8 The predominant uses of Neighborhood Commercial shall be small-scale business that will not have significant adverse impacts on adjacent neighborhoods. Industrial Industrial provides a range of activities, including construction businesses, manufacturing, transportation, communication, utilities, and wholesale and warehouse activities. GOAL 3.13: PROVIDE SUFFICIENT AND SUITABLE LAND FOR INDUSTRIAL USES TO HELP CREATE JOB OPPORTUNITIES AND TO PROMOTE ECONOMIC GROWTH. Policies: 3.13.1 Locate industries in areas where public utilities are available and have adequate transportation access. 3.13.2 New industrial development should be located in areas that take advantage of access to 1-82, Highway 12, SR -24, and existing rail and airport facilities. 3.13.3 Encourage infill and promote efficient utilization of vacant land within areas that are designated for industrial.uses. 3.13.4 Encourage development of compact, small-scale high quality industrial parks through Industrial Planned Development (Industrial PD). 3.13.5 Allow high quality industrial park or Industrial PD for light industrial uses to be located adjacent to residential neighborhoods, with adequate buffers. 3.13.6 New storage, warehousing, and light industrial development shall be located in clusters with existing development. 3.13.7 Industrial uses which locate adjacent to residential areas should use effective landscaping of living plant vegetation such as evergreen trees and bushes, open space or other design controls to mitigate noise, glare, and other impacts associated with the uses to ensure that their location will not adversely affect the residential areas. Institutions GOAL 3.14: MAXIMIZE THE PUBLIC SERVICE AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF INSTITUTIONS, WHILE MINIMIZING THE ADVERSE IMPACTS YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE III -27 CHAPTER HI m LAND D USE ASSOCIATED WITH THEIR DEVELOPMENT GROWTH AND EXPA NCION Policies: 3.14.1 New institutions should be placed where they are compatible with surrounding land uses, and existing institutions should be developed to be compatible with adjoining land uses. 3.14.1.1 Institutions within established commercial and industrial areas will be regulated under the codes affecting those land use zones. 3.14.1.2 Institutions proposed for location in or adjacent to residential areas will be reviewed under the "Institutional Overlay" zoning requirements, when adopted. 3.14.2 Access to institutions shall be from the nearest arterial and should not increase traffic on local residential streets. 3.14.3 An impact analysis of how improvement to institutions will affect traffic, parking and other qualities in surrounding areas will be prepared as part of an Institutional Overlay request. 3.14.4 Institutions that are identified as essential public facilities should meet the policy requirements under the section "Siting Essential Public Facilities" in _,_ - Plan. this Comprehensive Plan. 3.14 5 All new development or expansion of hospital and higher educational facilities can be developed through establishing 10 districts. 3.14.6 The establishment of an Institutional Overlay (10) district on the Zoning Map will provide specific development standards that allow for appropriate growth and development for new institutions, or for the expansion of existing institutions within their existing or proposed development boundaries. • The purpose of establishing an 10 is to reduce or eliminate land use conflicts between the prupused use and the surrounding areas. • An 10 provides additional new regulations to the existing underlying zoning district provisions. • An 10 district allows institutions to freely choose design and development that best suit their facility and surrounding areas. • Citizen participation will be encouraged throughout the planning process. • A Public Hearing before the Hearing Examiner using the Class (3) review process will he required prior to the approval of the establishment of an 1 C'1 Iv. criteria will become more restrictive the closer the institution • Review will ...........���... ��...... ....--••- siting gets to the residential uses. 3.14.7 Establish boundaries for institutions to reasonably protect established residential neighborhoods from further encroachment by institutions and allow the institutions to plan for future growth. 3..8 Require development and of institutions to be reasonably 14 ompatiblewith the adjacent residential neighborhoods, and to reasonably minimize the parking and traffic impacts on the adjacent residential neighborhoods. 3.14.9 Encourage institutions to develop master plans for their future development to ensure that future growth is planned and coordinated specific to the needs of the adjacent residential neighborhoods. Master plans may allow institutions YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE I1I-28 CHAPTER III - LAND USE to develop more intensively to reduce the amount of property necessary for their future growth. Public Schools Goal 3.15: WORK WITH SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND PRIVATE SCHOOL OFFICIALS TPROPERLY L QUALITY EDUCATION FOR YAKIMA RESIDENTS. MAINTAINSCHOOL FACILITIES AS NECESSARY TO HIGH Policies 3.15.1 Encourage the location of new elementary and middle schools within the residential neighborhoods the schools will serve. 3.15.2 Encourage the location of new high schools on the periphery of residential neighborhoods, where access to major roads is available. 3.15.3 Public schools shall be accessible by sidewalks and bikeways. 3.15.4 Locate schools on relatively flat land that is in the center or on the borders of the neighborhoods being served. Elementary schools should be located on collector streets, middle and high schools should be located on arterial roads. Siting Essential Public Facilities Essential public facilities include those that are often difficult to place because no one wants them in or near their community. These include airports, State education facilities, State or regional transportation facilities, correctional facilities, solid waste handling facilities and in-patient facilities including hospitals, substance abuse facilities, mental health facilities and group homes. The Growth Management Act requires the Comprehensive Plan to include a process for identifying and siting essential public facilities. The GMA also states that no local comprehensive plan for any neighborhood may forbid the placement of essential public facilities within that neighborhood. It is important to recognize that the location of these facilities may have negative impacts on surrounding land use areas and different essential public facilities may have different needs in terms of their physical location. GOAL 3.16: PROVIDE ADEQUATE LOCATIONS FOR SITING ESSENTIAL PUBLIC FACILITIES. Policies: 3.16.1 All essential public facilities shall be located and developed to be compatible with adjoining land uses to the greatest possible extent. 3.16.2 Essential public facilities shall be located in areas where they are best able to serve the individuals they are intended to serve. 3.16.3 All essential public facilities providing County -wide or Statewide services shall be identified according to the requirements under the Yakima County -wide Planning Policies Section C.3.1 through C.3.2 (see Appendix F). 3.16.4 A review process for siting or the expansion of essential public facilities shall be established according to the requirements under the Yakima County -wide Planning Policies Section C.3.3 through Section C.3.6 (see Appendix F). YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE III -29 CHAPTER HI 1,ANn USE 3.16.5 The criteria for determining the location of essential public facilities should be coordinated and consistent with other planning goal requirements, such as - reducing sprawl, promoting economic development, protecting the environment, and supporting affordable housing. GOAL 3.17: SUPPORT GROWTH OF THE YAKIMA AIR TERMINAL SUBJECT TO MITIGATION OF IMPACTS ON THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITY. Policies 3.17.1 The City will support efforts to update the airport master plan to ensure the airport's long-term vitality as an economic asset to the community. 3.17.2 The Airport Overlay Ordinance will be amended as necessary to ensure the Yekime Air Terminal Master Plan's J„ UI,I,Cdl Id LU pr [)tett surrounding ing I ses from airport impacts. 3.17.2.1.1 The purpose of the airport overlay is to identify noise levels associated with the airport development at Yakima Air Terminal and ensure minimized impacts on the community. _ .,.1"x.1., adverse I.:VIIIIIIUIIIiy. 3.17.2.1.2 The r- --i; i. ..IJ 1_:I_:1 buildings, _ p The iG Ll Lill iQl IL'G should prui ibit buildings, structures, or other objects from being constructed or altered such that those buildings, structures, nr nther objects tin not penetrate the v _—. —•• •�• .. ...�vwew env not penetrate i6.s t1 uLt. ii IL imaginary surface airspace. 1.17.0.1.3 plan mustinclude �The master plan 3.17.3 land acquisitions and easements to ensure exclusion of non -noise -sensitive uses. The following uses will serve as examples of uses considered compatible with Yakima Air Terminal operations: AVIATION INDUSTRIES: Air Freight Terminals Air Cargo Forwarders Aircraft and Parts Manufacturers Aircraft Repair Shops Aerial Survey Companies Aviation Schools Aviation Research and Testing OTHER USES: Storage Facilities Warehouses Wholesale Distribution Center Shopping Centers Banking Services Office Buildings Factories Large Store Retail Sales AIRPORT RELATED USES: Trucking Terminals Taxi and Bus Terminal Parking Facilities and Auto Storage Car Rental Agencies Gas Stations Motels and Hotels Restaurants Convention Centers/Museums l' ViIL Cii.ibS OPEN SPACES: Golf Courses o e . n 1 1'.1111', r '.I 000 Forests Landscape Nurseries Arboretum Farming Mining and excavation Cemeteries 3.17.4 The following uses will serve as examples of uses considered incompatible with Yakima Air Terminal operations: RESIDENTIAL: Residential development > 1 DU per acre Mobile/Manufacture Home Parks Multi -family Large Complexes INSTITUTIONAL: School Church Hospital YAKIMA URBANAREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE III -an CHAPTER III - LAND USE 3.17.5 The Future Land Use Map may need to be amended as necessary to prevent incompatible uses from being located within noise or other impact areas. 3.17.6 Noise -sensitive uses, such as residential development or noise -sensitive businesses, may need to be excluded from being located in the 65 DNL noise contour. YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE III -31 Nursing home Day care Facilities SANITARY: WILDLIFE: Landfill Water Reservoir Transfer Station Feed Lot Sewage Pond Slaughter House Sludge Disposal Waterfowl Production Wildlife Refuge/ Sanctuary Fish Pond Lake/Pond Wetland Pond Sanctuary 3.17.5 The Future Land Use Map may need to be amended as necessary to prevent incompatible uses from being located within noise or other impact areas. 3.17.6 Noise -sensitive uses, such as residential development or noise -sensitive businesses, may need to be excluded from being located in the 65 DNL noise contour. YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE III -31 cc w a QI I zl n n tt rf" SUMMITVIEW AVE y at —111111111-111111-1111111-111111 _.1ice. 44" • J tq RIVER RD 1 1 = EI ST }. 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IASI Mira all 1111 U !OHM ;Ma- htisl -qmprinut ium poi 11116.1d11111ku m111111 1111111111 111111 42 . 1 1 ILRl 1.111111 11111111 hill Yakima riff p 1,41 0 950 1,900 Feet 3,800 5,700 7,600 I=1 City of Yakima Yakima Urban Growth Area l= Yakima Urban Growth Area Single Family, Detached Single Family, Attached (2-4 Unit) EN Multi-Family/Mobile Home ME Manufacturing Industries Transportation, Communication, Utilities Wholesale MI Retail Trade/Service Offices Public/Semi-Public ME Parks & Recreation Agriculture, Forestry, Mining Vacant/Undeveloped Water Area Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Map 111-3 General Land Use(Existing) 2005 Survey CHAPTER IV — ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CHAPTER IV: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The 1990 Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA) established the following statewide economic development goal: Encourage economic development throughout the state that is consistent with adopted comprehensive plans; promote economic opportunity for all residents of the state, especially for unemployed and disadvantaged persons; and encourage growth in areas experiencing insufficient economic growth all within the capacities of the state's natural resources, and local public services and facilities. Among other things, the Economic Development Element of the Comprehensive Plan establishes an economic vision for the community and expresses support for the core goal of the local and State planning principles. In 2006, there were 78,100 jobs in the Yakima area. There are over 250 manufacturing firms in the Yakima area along with an agricultural industry with the State's highest value of farm output, sixteenth highest in the nations. The Yakima Valley is emerging as one of Washington State's, and soon one of the nation's top wine producing regions. Historically, agriculture, forest resources, manufacturing and associated industries have provided the "primary jobs" for the community. Agriculture has always been considered a foundation for a strong local economy because it generates local jobs for the production and processing of commodities and products destined for consumers outside the area. It is recognized, however, that long-term strength of a local economy is built upon diversification of a community's business base and establishment of a planning process that allows for timely and efficient response to changing market conditions and demands. Figure 5 shows that the agriculturally based Yakima Valley is subject to significant seasonal variations in unemployment. Stabilization of the employment base, particularly in the urbanizing UGA is very important to the stability and quality of life in the Yakima community. In 2005 Yakima Resources', owner of the Boise Cascade lumber sawmill, announced its closure with the loss of 250 jobs. This followed the closure of the Layman Lumber Company in Naches along with other timber -related industry. In addition, Yakima Resources closed the plywood mill in August 2006 with a loss of an additional 250 jobs. These closures signal a decline in one historical natural resource industry in Yakima and make available large land areas for redevelopment. Yakima Resources is pursuing plans for the Boise Cascade Lumber site, and other statewide and regional companies have expressed interest in other large tracts within the City. 5 Yakima.net (Virtual Valley) web site Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page IV -1 CHAPTER V — d-�c1iNtitMIcc TIFVET !DP FTTF' Historically, Yakima has served as the regional center for professional services including medical, dental, legal, accounting, engineering and architecture. Over the past year 700 new jobs have been added in the health care industry. Additionally, the downtown core 1 1 A' 1 A AAA I.. � last /"� technology I ..1 area has increased an estimated 1,000 jobs in the last year. Growing technology and service -based industries offer an opportunity for continued job growth as the more resource-based industries within Yakima's UGA decline. Economic development programs depend on supporting land use, transportation, and capital facilities initiatives. The Economic Development Element is an integral part of the i ity's 20 -year Comprehensive Pian LOCEil jurisdictions, including the City and County, seek to promote economic development as a way to stabilize tax base. The focus of these programs is to create a flexible and supportive permitting process, expansion of hllsiness and employment opportunities, maintenance of the current job base, and flexibility in responding to market conditions and opportunities. Combined with the new zoning mechanisms (Chapter ill) such as Pianneri Cnrnrperciai Planned industry overlays and Regional Commercial zoning, redevelopment of several large tracts of land into mixed-use centers will increase the marketability of Yakima to a wide range of economic development interests. In April 1997, Yakima had a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 10.6%. In 2006, this number had dropped to 7.6%6. According to a recent article the County's unemployment rate increased in 2006 from the previous year About 8,000 people were unemployed in June, about 100 more than a year earlier. As shown in Figure 4 employment — and unemployment — are very seasonal. Efforts are being encouraged to balance seasonal employment through increased year -around job creation. eartA a e A Pan Dna arsicc vvri.`v r►Ialy %/11..11,401•,,O 15,000 10,000 unemployment 11 (� h 1�I L l h11 \,1` A A V y V v .at' 6 u It/ t 5,000 01196 01197 01198 01199 01100 01/01 01102 01/00 01104 01105 01106 Month Figure 4 — Seasonal Unemployment GOAL 4.1: ENSURE THAT THE LOCAL ECONOMY CONTINUES TO REVITALIZE AND THAT NEW 21ST CENTURY JOBS IN ALL WAGE LEVELS ARE AVAILABLE FOR RESIDENTS. Policies 4.1.1 The City and County will demonstrate their commitment to long-term economic growth by promoting a diverse economic base, providing opportunity for all residents. Growth that helps raise the average annual 6 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Yakima Herald Republic, July 19, 2006 Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page IV -2 CHAPTER IV - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT wage rate of community residents and preserves the environmental quality and livability of the community is viable growth and will improve the lifestyle of residents. 4.1.2 Economic growth will be supported by master planned and mixed use developments in existing nodes (such as downtown) and redevelopment opportunities (such as the Boise Cascade lumber sawmill site, race track, etc.). 4.1.3 Stimulate economic development that will diversify and strengthen economic activity and provide primary and secondary job opportunities for local residents. 4.1.4 Encourage redevelopment of key properties in the City through use of local, State and federal funding opportunities and public/private partnerships to strengthen Yakima's position as a regional economic center through redevelopment and revitalization. 4.1.5 Create a long-term development program for the downtown business core. GOAL 4.2: PROVIDE ADEQUATE SERVICES TO PROPERTIES TO PROMOTE DIVERSIFIED ECONOMIC GROWTH 4.2.1 The City will work in public-private partnerships to ensure that infrastructure investments are undertaken to support economic development. 4.2.2 Coordinate land use planning to insure that industrial and commercial uses are placed where transportation accessibility is or is planned to be greatest. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page IV -3 CHAPTER V: HOUSING INTRODUCTION The future demand for housing is a crucial element of this plan. There is a need for additional affordable housing units to accommodate current and future population demands. The City of Yakima developed an affordable housing strategy for its Visioning 2010 process in the early 90's. This Housing Element continues the goals, policies and initiatives contained in the 1997 Plan and the affordable housing strategy. CHAPTER V - HOUSING Countywide planning policies establish a countywide framework from which county and municipal comprehensive plans are developed and adopted. Within Yakima County the term "affordable housing" applies to the adequacy of the housing stock to fulfill the housing needs of all economic segments of the population. The underlying assumption is that the marketplace will guarantee adequate housing for those in the upper economic brackets, but that some combination of appropriately zoned land, regulatory incentives, financial subsidies, and innovative planning techniques will be necessary to make adequate housing provisions for the needs of middle and lower income persons. According to the Growth Management Act, a Housing Element must, at a minimum, include the following: (a) an inventory and analysis of existing and projected housing needs; (b) a statement of goals, policies and objectives for the preservation, improvement and development of housing; (c) identification of sufficient land for housing, including but not limited to, government - assisted housing, housing for low-income families, manufactured housing, multi -family housing, group homes and foster care facilities; (d) adequate provisions for existing and projected housing needs for all economic segments of the community. A major objective of the Housing Element is to encourage development of affordable housing throughout the Yakima Urban Area. It includes: • an inventory and analysis of existing and projected housing needs; • a statement of the goals, policies and objectives for the development of housing; • identification of sufficient land for housing, including, but not limited to, government - assisted housing, housing for low-income families, manufactured housing, multifamily housing, group homes and foster care facilities; and • adequate provisions for existing and projected housing needs of all economic segments of the community. In addition to information provided in this section, the Land Use Element (Chapter III) provides further information regarding vacant land availability for residential purposes. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page V-1 CHAPTFR V The goals and policies in this section have considered, along with other information, other housing policy documents, including the 1992 "Visioning 2010: Upper Yakima Valley Visioning Report" and the City of Yakima's Consolidated Plan (Fiscal Year 2005-2009). Thie1 lousing component. of the Visioning 2010 repoi t. outlines the need for public and private partnerships to promote housing affordable to all income levels, conservation and rehabilitation of the existing housing stock, and the elimination of geographic and economic barriers in the patterns of housing development that suppress opportunity for the integration of housing types and ethnic groups within the Upper Yakima Valley. The City -of Yakima's Consolidated Plan, (FY 2005-2009) provides an assessment of current and projected housing needs of low and moderate income families, the homeless and other special needs populations; housing market and inventory conditions; present barriers to the provision of affordable housing; as well as a list of current housing providers within the Yakima Urban Area — their service areas, goals, priorities, and resources. The Consolidated Plan (FY 2005-2009) contains a five-year strategy for the provision of affordable housing for Yakima Urban Area residents. The Consolidated Plan document serves as the lamplight to guide housing policies within the City's jurisdiction and is intended to work in concert with this Housing Element. INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS OF EXISTING AND PROJECTED HOUSING NEEDS Population and Economic Conditions Two important factors invelved in projecting future housing needs are population and economic conditions. The 2000 population for the urban service area was 82,698. The Vnieimin'n VSO'S 1,1 i +I rt 9ririfi 77, '10A finesnrrlinri i•rs i i iinct viLy 1 01 111 i Q 0 p 1.110 LI JI 1 11 i VII G.40 1 L. , s-# 1 10 t10 G Hispanic population in the Yakima Urban Area increased 157% during the ten-year period of 1980 to 1990. The population in 1990 for people of Hispanic origin ;Alas 8,914, approximately 16% of the City's total population. U.S. Census 2000 data reported a City of Yakima total population for those of Hispanic origin as 24,435, approximately 33.8% of the City's total population. This significant increase can in part be attributed to the 1986 Immigration Reform Act that provided an opportunity for Hispanic agricultural workers to obtain permanent residency in this country. The Yakima Valley as a whole has a strong agricultural economy. There has also been a steady increase in the services and retail markets, which usually means lower wages. The Bureau of Labor Statistics average annual wage rankings for Washington's top five - ranked counties and Yakima County for the period of 2001 — 2004 are shown in the following table, Table V-1° Average Annual Wage Yakima and Selected Counties. While the table shows that wages continue to fall below the statewide average, the situation for Yakima continues to improve, from a ranking of 27th out of 39 counties in 2001 to a ranking of 18th in 2004. In 1992 the Yakima Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) was ranked in the bottom third (213 out of 315) for MSAs nationwide for annual pay. In 2004, it ranked 318 out of 361. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page V-2 CHAPTER V — HOUSING -1: Average Annual Wage Yakima and Selected Counties Data Source. Bureau of Labor Statistics Annual wages for the Yakima MSA reflected an annual wage rate below the average annual pay for the State of Washington and the other ten metropolitan areas. The average pay wage in Yakima rose 5.7% in between 2003-2004, ranking it 7th among Washington metropolitan areas. Per capita income within the Yakima area ($25,125) was the lowest in the State, although not far behind Longview, Wenatchee and Tri -Cities. Census 2000 data reflects a median family income for the City of Yakima of $34,798, 65% of the statewide median of $53,760. Households with poverty level incomes are defined by annual incomes Tess than 50% of median income. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) data revealed that 25% of Yakima households were 'very low-income' households, earning Tess than 30% of the area median income. Census 2000 data reflects a slight decrease in the number of "very low-income" households within the City, with 23% of Yakima households earning less than 30% of the area median income. EXISTING HOUSING NEEDS In 2004, there were an estimated 30,500 housing units in the City of Yakima. Of those that were occupied, a few more than 17,500 (59%) were owner -occupied; about 12,350 (41 %) were renter -occupied. The balance of units was vacant. As determined by HUD in 2000, and as displayed on Table V-2: Housing Cost Burden City of Yakima, 2000, 42% of area households cannot afford to pay fair market rent for a two-bedroom unit. The figures are based upon bedroom size and occupancy status for year-round housing. Income levels are based upon annual gross income and are adjusted for family size. A rental unit is considered affordable for a household if the annual rent (including utilities) is Tess than or equal to 30% of the household's annual income. In a 2000 HUD survey, of a reported available year-round rental housing stock of 10,171 units, 46.5% or 4,679 units were determined to be affordable to households with annual incomes below 80% of the HUD -adjusted area median family income (HAMFI). Available affordable rental units reflect an overall percentage occupancy of 98%. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page V-3 Area 2001 Rank Area 2004 Statewide $37,459 Statewide $39,357 1 King $47,186 1 1 Wahkiakum $48,302 2 Snohomish $36,388 2 2 Pacific $41,025 3 Benton $36,362 3 3 Spokane $39,223 4 Clark $33,125 4 4 Whatcom $36,019 5 Thurston $32,772 5 5 Stevens $35,619 27 Yakima County $24,204 28 18 Yakima County $28,405 Pct. Of State Avg 64.6% Pct. Of State Av 72.2% $ Less State Average $13,255 $ Less State Average $10,952 Data Source. Bureau of Labor Statistics Annual wages for the Yakima MSA reflected an annual wage rate below the average annual pay for the State of Washington and the other ten metropolitan areas. The average pay wage in Yakima rose 5.7% in between 2003-2004, ranking it 7th among Washington metropolitan areas. Per capita income within the Yakima area ($25,125) was the lowest in the State, although not far behind Longview, Wenatchee and Tri -Cities. Census 2000 data reflects a median family income for the City of Yakima of $34,798, 65% of the statewide median of $53,760. Households with poverty level incomes are defined by annual incomes Tess than 50% of median income. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) data revealed that 25% of Yakima households were 'very low-income' households, earning Tess than 30% of the area median income. Census 2000 data reflects a slight decrease in the number of "very low-income" households within the City, with 23% of Yakima households earning less than 30% of the area median income. EXISTING HOUSING NEEDS In 2004, there were an estimated 30,500 housing units in the City of Yakima. Of those that were occupied, a few more than 17,500 (59%) were owner -occupied; about 12,350 (41 %) were renter -occupied. The balance of units was vacant. As determined by HUD in 2000, and as displayed on Table V-2: Housing Cost Burden City of Yakima, 2000, 42% of area households cannot afford to pay fair market rent for a two-bedroom unit. The figures are based upon bedroom size and occupancy status for year-round housing. Income levels are based upon annual gross income and are adjusted for family size. A rental unit is considered affordable for a household if the annual rent (including utilities) is Tess than or equal to 30% of the household's annual income. In a 2000 HUD survey, of a reported available year-round rental housing stock of 10,171 units, 46.5% or 4,679 units were determined to be affordable to households with annual incomes below 80% of the HUD -adjusted area median family income (HAMFI). Available affordable rental units reflect an overall percentage occupancy of 98%. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page V-3 CHAPTER V - HOUSING Table V-2: Housing Cost Burden City of Yakima, 2000 Data Source: SOCDS CHAS Data: Housing Problems Output for Mobility & Self Care Limitation - City of Yakima Consolidated Plan 2000-2009 Housing Needs Table * Median Family Income It is the City of Yakima's policy to use the ratio of income to housing costs as a measure of affordability. When housing costs, excluding utilities, exceeds 30% of a household's income; the housing is no longer considered affordable. In 1990, 40% of all renter households and 12% of all owner households were paying greater than 30% of their family income for housing. Table V-2: Housing Cost Burden City of Yakima, 2000 indicates that 46.3% of all renter -occupied households, and 25.1% of all owner -occupied households were paying greater than 30% of their family income for housing costs. Households that earned between 51% and 80% of the area median income comprised 23% of all area households in 2000. Approximately 45% of all area households earned lass than Roo/ of the area median income. StateStat... ......J .federal economists typically use single-family hnn'9a CaIPC elate nhtained from dIIU ICUCIdi CC1JilunnAw �s,r r Hy uvv �;;;y;., ;..;;...� ..... _- ----------- from boards of realtors and multiple listing services to describe economic and housing conditions of state and local housing markets. Multiple Listing Services data for Yakima shows the average annual selling price for homes in the City rose from $61,527 in 1990 to $103,092 in 1994, an increase of 67.5%. The housing sales market in Yakima slowed tl_ ,.•__ an I'. I fNn� 117 during 1995 by 8.3%, reflecting average annual sales price of $95, I 17 . Housing Cost The median sales price of an existing single-family home for metropolitan areas in 1994 was $109,400 nationwide and $146,400 for the western region of the nation. In 2004, costs were $195,000 and $289,000 respectively. The median housing price in Yakima in 2004 was $130,000. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Pian Page V-4 Renter Households Owner Households Total Households #HHs Pct. Total #HHs Pct. Total #HHs Pct. Total Total Households: 3,050 66.9% 3,187 32.2% 6,237 Income Group: 0 - 30% MFI* 1,020 16.4% 320 5.1% 1,340 21.5% % with any housing problems 5,015 80.4% 4,778 76.6% 4,958 79.5% % Cost Burden > 30% 2,165 34.7% 819 13.1% 2,984 47.8% % Cost Burden > 50% 1,764 28 3% 616 9 9% 2,380 38.2% In------ ^--.._ Income Vluui.! 31 - 50% MFI* 720 9.5% 415 6.7% 1,135 18.2% 72.7% % with any housing problems 4852 77.8% 3985 63.9% 4534 % Cost Burden > 30% 1,529 I 24.5% 461 7.4% 1,990 31.9% %/ Cost Rumen > 50% 839 13.5% 360 5 8% 1,199 19.2% Inrnme ( rrIip 51 - 80% MFI* 615 9.9% 643 10.3% 1,258 20.2% % with any housing problems 3,904 62.6% 2,258 36.2% 6,162 49.1% %Cost Burden > 30% 1129 1O.1% 814 13,1% .,943 31.2% % Cost Burden > 50% 203 3.3% 184 3.0% 387 6.2% Data Source: SOCDS CHAS Data: Housing Problems Output for Mobility & Self Care Limitation - City of Yakima Consolidated Plan 2000-2009 Housing Needs Table * Median Family Income It is the City of Yakima's policy to use the ratio of income to housing costs as a measure of affordability. When housing costs, excluding utilities, exceeds 30% of a household's income; the housing is no longer considered affordable. In 1990, 40% of all renter households and 12% of all owner households were paying greater than 30% of their family income for housing. Table V-2: Housing Cost Burden City of Yakima, 2000 indicates that 46.3% of all renter -occupied households, and 25.1% of all owner -occupied households were paying greater than 30% of their family income for housing costs. Households that earned between 51% and 80% of the area median income comprised 23% of all area households in 2000. Approximately 45% of all area households earned lass than Roo/ of the area median income. StateStat... ......J .federal economists typically use single-family hnn'9a CaIPC elate nhtained from dIIU ICUCIdi CC1JilunnAw �s,r r Hy uvv �;;;y;., ;..;;...� ..... _- ----------- from boards of realtors and multiple listing services to describe economic and housing conditions of state and local housing markets. Multiple Listing Services data for Yakima shows the average annual selling price for homes in the City rose from $61,527 in 1990 to $103,092 in 1994, an increase of 67.5%. The housing sales market in Yakima slowed tl_ ,.•__ an I'. I fNn� 117 during 1995 by 8.3%, reflecting average annual sales price of $95, I 17 . Housing Cost The median sales price of an existing single-family home for metropolitan areas in 1994 was $109,400 nationwide and $146,400 for the western region of the nation. In 2004, costs were $195,000 and $289,000 respectively. The median housing price in Yakima in 2004 was $130,000. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Pian Page V-4 CHAPTER V - HOUSING Yakima's estimated reported vacancy rate of 4.0% in 1990 declined in 1993 to 2.0%. In 2004, the Census Bureau reported an owner -occupied vacancy rate in the City of Yakima at below 3%. Rental vacancy rates were estimated at between 6.6% and 10.6%. According to the Yakima County Coalition for the Homeless, there were 1,265 homeless individuals living in Yakima County in January 2006 an increase of 75 people since 2005. According to the report, 68% of the homeless in Yakima County live in temporary housing. Projected Housing Needs The Yakima Urban Growth Area is expected to continue to increase in population. By the year 2015 the population is projected to be between 88,442 and 93,088 persons, and 93,815 to 101,499 by the year 2025. The goals and policies of the Housing Element work in conjunction with those of the Land Use Element to address the need for affordable housing in the urban area, and to accommodate the projected 2025 population increases. Based upon population estimates, the Yakima Urban Growth Area needs to accommodate approximately 9,951 new residents by the year 2025, or about 4,180 new housing units (at an average of 2.5 persons per dwelling and a 5% vacancy rate) (see Table V-3). This estimate is based upon the "intermediate" end projection. These 4,180 new housing units will be distributed throughout the community and provide for a range of housing densities. Table V-3: New Housing Units Needed 2005-2025 Area 2005 2025 Change 2005-25 New Units Needed Urban Growth Area 96,515 119,641 23,125 0 Overcrowding Census 2000 data reflects 14.1% of all Yakima households are overcrowded (i.e. more than one person per room); this is a 7.29% increase from the 1990 Census estimate of 6.81% (see Table V-4: Overcrowded Housing, 2000). Overcrowding occurs within the 0-30% and 31-50% of median income brackets. In many cases, families are "doubling -up" because of lack of affordable and available existing housing. Affordable two- and three- bedroom units are an important goal when planning future housing. Table V-4: Overcrowded Housing, 2000 Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page V-5 Owner -Occupied Renter -Occupied Total Units 14,221 12,389 26,610 1.01 - 1.50 occupants per room 631 4.4% 1,042 8.4% 1,673 6.3% 1.51 or more occupants per room 665 4.7% 1,401 9.3% 2,066 7.8% Total Occupied Units 1.01 or more occupants per room 1,296 9.1% 2,443 19.7% 3,739 14 1% Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page V-5 CHAPTER V - r TA,Trz Homelessness As an "economically distressed" community, Yakima County has experienced a rapid increase in the numbers of homeless individuals and families as well as the number of those at risk of becoming homeless. These increases are due to above average per capita rates of unemployment, chemical dependency, mental illness, and domestic discord combined with low wages, insufficient incomes and possibly the weather. The need for a community wide approach to reducing homeless is demonstrated by a Point -in -Time survey of Yakima County's homeless population conducted in January 700E In this survey 1,1 co individuals anri 80 1 households were identified as being homeless. Of the homeless, 355 were identified as children age 0-17, 800 were between the ages of 18-64, 90 individuals reported that they were either living on the streets or in a car, 92 reported being homeless more than one year. Reasons inciuded unable to pay rent or mortgage (213 nennle)lack sufficient job skills (187 people), suffer from drug and/or alcohol (175 peop!el suffer from menta! illness (147 people), have ai iui v� alcohol use � > > v f...... 1...../, ........,. .. -... ... _.._�- ---- - - - - � . experienced job loss (143 people). The Homeless Network acknowledges, however, that the full extent of homelessness in the county may never be known. fl s.o r8'6�in Linoocinn Qedi tiAnC ,-000s.aaa.awasoe 1ivaazeeea, so, asews.e>=.m Affordability must not be viewed as a stand-alone issue. The issue is whether or not an adequate number of housing units are available that are also affordable to all economic segments of the community. In order to meet federal housing affordability standards, housing costs (excluding utilities) should not exceed 30% of gross household income. Housing would qualify as affordable at the following rates: $360 per month for very low- income households; $538 per month for !ow -income households; and $639 per month for moderate -income households (see Table V-2: Housing Cost Burden City of Yakima, 2000). Unfortunately, the number of housing units that are available and affordable within the Yakima Urban Area is in short supply. The City of Yakima has developed plans and policies to provide safe, clean and affordable housing for all economic segments of the City through the creation of public/private partnerships for affordable housing development and conservation and rehabilitation of the stock. The Yakima's Office Neighborhood Development existing housing City of Office of i�c�y�ierv�i�vv... �...•....,r•••�-••� (ONDS) has historically addressed the existing housing stock the central and ' Services addressed the cxia� iy housing iy .�wv�. in the .r.......... and eastern City neighborhoods where traditionally very -low and low-income persons live. The federally designated CDBG Target Area primarily encompasses neighborhood areas north of Mead Avenue and east of 16t Avenue. In 2006, the City Council is considering a possible tax incentive program for the downtown area along Yakima Avenue (Lincoln to Walnut, Fourth Avenue to Sixth Street), where increases in tax assessments will be deferred for up to ten years on properties redeveloped for affordable housing. The proposed downtown housing area extends from roughly Fourth Avenue to Sixth Street and from Lincoln Avenue to Walnut Street. The parameters of the area may be changed as needed. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page V-6 CHAPTER V - HOUSING A major objective of the Housing Element is to encourage development of affordable housing throughout the Urban Area. Existing plans which promote the stated goals and objectives of the Housing Element of the Comprehensive Plan include, but are not limited to, the Visioning 2010: Upper Yakima Valley Visioning Report, 1992, and the City of Yakima's Consolidated Plan, FY 2005-2009. The priorities as expressed by the community needs and in continuation of the established missions and goals outlined in the One -Year Action Plan of the Consolidated Plan include: • The development of additional adequate rental units affordable to low and moderate income families, • The rehabilitation of existing units to remedy conditions that threaten the health and safety of occupants, the development of programs that offer assistance to persons identified as being homeless, • The development of new units and the operation of existing units for housing persons with special needs, and • The provision of financial opportunities for low and moderate -income first-time homebuyers. The City's ONDS has developed and implemented a First -Time Homeownership program with local lenders using down payment assistance, principal reduction and interest subsidies. The City's ONDS will continue to provide technical assistance such as grant writing, land purchases, etc., to non-profit agencies that are developing projects that address the housing of persons with special needs. Zoning As discussed in Chapter 3 (Land Use), about 6% of the land area in Yakima was used for medium density residential; and another 8% was for high-density residential. There will be a demand for lands suitable for medium and high-density residential uses to provide more affordable housing for low to medium income families in the next 20 years. The Urban Growth Area will need a total of 1,650 to 2,660 acres of vacant land designated for these uses to accommodate future growth. The 2025 Future Land Use Map (FLUM) designates lands for high-density residential uses. The availability of appropriately zoned land for multi -family development, market factors, the state of the economy, and financing availability all affect the affordability of housing. Accessory Housing Accessory units help provide affordable housing, and include dwelling units attached or detached from the primary residential units, on a single-family parcel. Attached units contained within a single-family home are the most commonly encountered type of accessory dwelling unit. Accessory apartments typically involve the renovation of a garage, basement family room or a similar space in a single-family residence. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page V-7 Manufactured Housing Manufactured housing represents a smaii but significant housing type that has experienced constant growth, with the exception of 1991, in the City's housing inventory (see Figure 5). Tha ni imhar of mani'farfi irari homes increased M 360% between 1995-2000. This increase can be attributed mncthr to annaxatinn of 7ns U1nite during the came narin.. r , which represented 64% of the total number of manufactured/mobile home units (1,108 units) (..itywiria... . The number of manufactured / mobile home units permitted for siting on residential lots averaged 23.5 per year between 1990-2000. From January 1990 through December 1995 the number of manufactured home units permitted for siting on individual lots rose by an additional 42 units An additional 193 units were built between 1995-2000. Mobile home development decreased by 54% between 2001 and December 2004. No substantial mobile home development in mobile home parks has occurred since the 1990 Census. %..r1LY1 iiia TI 90 a) 80 70 lot 60 .1 50 40:'• City of Yakima Newly Permitted Manufactured Home Units 1990-2004 Figure 5 — Manufactured Housing Maintenance: Rehabilitation and Conservation Rehabilitation and conservation efforts are important to the preservation of older housing stock. Structurally substandard rental housing in need of renovation typically indicate absentee lanrlinrris and ranters whn may he less inclined to maintain their home and V V VVVV111.VMAI AIVIV lvllevly •.11_ •. demonstrates__ 11_ ity of .aljunr ...t o Enforcement o f use �lecessny a rel Iv'vauvl uwl lac) vauvl I progralml. Enforcement VI VGI I IG11� V1 maintenance will also in maintaining a stable housing supply. minimum codes will also assist a stable housing �,ANN1y. I eseI vQ the structural integrity residential nti l h/� u inn is primary concern in many Preservation l of the sll u�,�u1 a1 in�eyl IL� of 1 �s;dellLlal 11V1.As111y a NI Im , e , of the older neighborhoods. The structural condition of existing units is a crucial factor in maintaining an affordable and safe housing stock. The structural condition of Yakima's housing stock can be categorized three ways: 1) good, sound condition; 2) substandard condition — suitable for renovation; and 3) substandard condition — unsuitable for rehabilitation. Year 2000 Census data on housing conditions for the City of Yakima indicates that approximately 15% of the housing stock is structurally substandard and 20% of the City's total housing stock is in need of rehabilitation. Low-income households that are unable to Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page V_8 CHAPTER V - HOUSING bear the cost of renovation occupy most of the structurally substandard, older housing stock. The City of Yakima's Office of Neighborhood Development Services (ONDS) has historically assisted in addressing the existing housing stock in the central and eastern City neighborhoods where traditionally very -low and low-income persons live. The federally designated Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Target Area primarily encompasses neighborhood areas north of Mead Avenue and east of 16t Avenue. The housing stock within Target Area neighborhoods contains a higher percentage of substandard housing than neighborhoods outside of the Target Area. The City's 20 -year program has a history of obtaining private lending dollars to complement housing and urban development funds. The ONDS has provided for the rehabilitation of 1,500 residential units utilizing these programs. In June 2005 the City of Yakima enacted Ordinance 2005-29 concerning regulation of manufactured home placement within the City of Yakima and amending Yakima Municipal Code section 15.04.120. Effective July 1, 2005, any manufactured home constructed after June 15, 1976 may be sited in the same manner, and subject to the same conditions, as a site built home, provided: • The manufactured home has not been previously titled and is not a "mobile home"; Is set upon a permanent foundation (concrete or an approved concrete product) which can be either load bearing or decorative; Complies with all local design standards applicable to all other homes within the neighborhood in which the manufactured home is to be located; • Is thermally equivalent to the State energy code; and • Meets all other requirements for a designated manufactured home as defined by RCW 35.63.160. The new ordinance does not alter the existing zoning ordinance regulations for the placement of used or singlewide manufactured homes. Housing Agencies Most housing constructed within the City of Yakima is a result of private developers and persons on privately owned land. Housing for very -low and low-income households often requires subsidies from external sources even after the Land Use Map and Zoning Code have allowed for their construction. The Yakima Housing Authority (YHA) services families with annual incomes 0%-50% HAMFI; mostly those with incomes of 0%-30% HAMFI. Low-income and low -moderate income families are serviced by ONDS. When the 1997 Comprehensive Plan was adopted, the Yakima Housing Authority (YHA) owned 150 multi -family public housing units located on 11 sites located throughout the City of Yakima. YHA currently has 400 housing units countywide, with a total of 322 housing units available within City of Yakima boundaries. The total number of Section 8 Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page V-9 CHAPTER V - HOUSING /rti Irharc dicfrihut®ri fhrni irihnuf Yakima anVittitac nnl Imine innrcncnri 1 ' OL from (7Q . vMv� �� MSV aI Iw aAaV arl aI II v -I .J. I IVMa I iA I4II I IM aAI IW 1 \I la14aAV VV 4.4111.1\wJ 111V1 V,GJL,�A V.L /V 11 VI 1I V 4 V vouchers in 2004 to 603 vouchers in 2005. The Diocese of Yakima Housing Services (DYHS) program has built more than 200 affordable housing units for farm workers and other !ov.-income families in and around Yakima. The Homeless Network is an association of emergency housing providers, service providers, community leaders, and other interested persons or entities concerned about addressing the emergency, transitional and permanent housing needs of the homeless narcr nc and familiac The Homeless Network is focused on reducing homelessness in Yakima County by 2014 through the implementation of fundamental Chai ily. e in both services to the homeless and delivery of needed services to the homeless. This goal will require the coordination of services through a countywide integrated system and multidisciplinary services structure. The Homeless Network currently has a membership of over 45 local agencies. rn1it, 1 -in mn es iJi4Jai.J a4.Jiaic.: The U.S. Census defines "non -institutional group quarters" as living quarters that house ten or more unrelated persons living in the unit, such as rooming houses and group homes. Group homes include "community-based homes" providing care and supportive services. . Such places include homes for the mentally ill, mentally retarded, and physically handicapped; rirl,n! innhni halfway houses; . commlInn d maternity kr,vn..e. pj.J4+l.a, ui u�/a1VVI 1V1 aaanvvay IwuScs, I..1JI ini iva icS, and iiia ici inLy homes. The extent of the housing need for special! population groups (present not anlid pr ojeited) is based on the anticipated continued growth of the special needs population. In addition, persons with special needs require a range of supportive services in conjunction with affordable housing to ensure independent living. 1990 Census reported 1,759 persons in the City of Yakima residing in group -quarters. Census 2000 data reported 2,139 persons residing in group -quarters. Foster Care Facilities The provision of foster care within the City of Yakima is limited to individual family homes and homes licensed to provide foster care in a group setting. There are 103 individual homes licensed by the State of Washington to provide foster care in Yakima. There are two family homes licensed to provide foster rare in a group environment to address "specific populations". Efforts are underway to license additional caregivers. GOALS AND POLICIES Goals and Policies will serve two principal purposes: to guide development decisions in the UGA (such as rezone requests, development reviews, etc.) or to outline specific actions or programs that implement the Plan. The latter are presented in Chapter II — Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Pian Page V-10 CHAPTER V - HOUSING Action Plan, both as a means of implementation and to meet the mitigation requirements of this integrated SEPA/GMA document. GOAL 5.1: ENCOURAGE DIVERSE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING CHOICES. Policies 5.1.1 Continually monitor affordable housing needs and assist in providing locations for affordable housing as necessary to meet this need. 5.1.2 Support an inventory of potential sites for affordable housing development and redevelopment. 5.1.3 Encourage affordable housing development. 5.1.4 Encourage a range of affordable homeownership options. 5.1.5 Encourage the provision of fair share housing opportunities to all economic segments and mixed uses for infill developments. 5.1.6 Provide administrative and technical support to housing projects that complement existing programs. 5.1.7 Encourage good faith efforts that the City of Yakima and other local governments not impose regulations that may constitute barriers to affordable housing availability, and appropriate compatible residential densities. 5.1.8 Support programs to improve existing housing stock. GOAL 5.2: PROVIDE HOMEOWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES. Policies 5.2.1 Encourage various educational and financial assistance strategies to expand homeownership opportunities. 5.2.2 Work with existing housing providers and private lenders to provide homebuyer education seminars for potential first-time homebuyers; include outreach to current renters. 5.2.3 Work with local lenders to increase financial assistance to first-time homebuyers. 5.2.4 When possible, provide community residents with home maintenance information and housing counseling including financial responsibility of homeownership and budgeting. GOAL 5.3: ADOPT OR REVISE THE CITY'S DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS TO INCREASE AFFORDABLE HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES. Policies 5.3.1 Review of existing zoning regulations and consideration of innovative standards that will encourage construction of affordable housing and encourage the participation of neighborhood associations and the development community in this process. 5.3.2 Facilitate small lot sizes, condominiums, clustering and other options that increase the supply of affordable homeownership options. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page V-11 CHAPTER V— Hrjµs Nc w 5.3.3 Assist, when allowable, the conversion of accessory buildings into housing units as a means to increase the supply of affordable housing units and to help existing homeowners remain in their homes. GOAL 5.4: PARTICIPATE IN EFFORTS TO MAXIMIZE THE LAND AVAILABLE FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN THE COMMUNITY GOAL 5.5: PRESERVE AND IMPROVE EXISTING RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS. Policies 5.5.1 Stabilize existing viable neighborhoods. 5.5.2 Seek alternatives, when feasible, to demolition and removal of units from housing stock. GOAL 5.6: ENSURE AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR PERSONS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS. Prnliriaac 5 RA Support development of new units and the operation of existing units for housing persons with special needs. 5.6.2 Support development of programs that offer assistance to persons identified as being homeless. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Pian Page V-12 CHAPTER VI - TRANSPORTATION CHAPTER VI: TRANSPORTATION INTRODUCTION The Transportation Element is one of the six mandatory elements required by the Growth Management Act8: [The City must adopt a] Transportation element that implements, and is consistent with, the land use element. [It] shall include land use assumptions used in estimating travel, estimated traffic impacts to state owned transportation systems, inventory of transportation facilities and services, level of service standards for all locally owned roadways, future year traffic forecasts, identification of state and local needs to meet the adopted level of service standards, analysis of funding sources to meet future needs, demand management strategies, and bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Two major studies are underway in Yakima in 2006. The Urban Area Comprehensive Plan (UACP) is being updated as is the City's Transportation Plan. The Transportation Plan has been coordinated with the elements of this plan and vice versa. For example, the Transportation Plan recommends that a transportation element be developed as part of the West Valley and Terrace Heights neighborhood plans, which are discussed in other portions of this UACP. There is also discussion of shortfalls between future road improvement needs and future revenues. Such shortfalls will be a part of the Capital Facilities discussion in Chapter VII. This section establishes the framework for the City's future transportation system. It represents Yakima's policy plan for ensuring that the City's transportation system responds to the needs of the community. This chapter of the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan summarizes the full Yakima Urban Area Transportation Plan, 2025 adopted by the City. Refer directly to the Transportation Plan 2025 for more detailed information about the programs and policies summarized in this Comprehensive Plan chapter. EXISTING CONDITIONS Traffic Volumes Traffic volumes on the arterial and collector streets are regularly monitored. Traffic - volumes for the 95 miles of classified streets are collected and updated on a two-year cycle. Based on actual count data, the City of Yakima estimates weekday PM peak hour volumes average 8.7% of the daily volumes. The PM peak hour represents the busiest time period for daily traffic throughout the community. The morning peak traffic is spread out over a period between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Mid-day traffic increases between 8 RCW 36.70A.070(1) Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page VI -1 C Q PTER ve — TRANSPORTATION 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The evening peak traffic period is between 4:00 p.m. and p.m. Additional traffic volume fluctuations occur between 3:00 p.m. and 4.00 p.m. during school release periods. Level of Service Ensuring the presence of adequate capacity on public streets, to support new development and provide for community needs, is one of the key components of the Washington State Growth Management Act (RC'A/ 36.70A.070). A minimum acceptable Level of Service (LOS) standard was established in the 1998 Transportation Plan to Concurrency n.,�:.,,.r.�., was also implemented aiaccomplish this purpose. A TransportatiOn Concur I ency Ordinance ce i..VuiNnJ�� ..�..-r'-'-------- - - in 1998 as part of the plan adoption. Level of service (LOS) is a concept developed to quantify the degree of comfort (including such elements as travel tima number of stops, total amount of stopped delay, and impediments caused other vehiries) afforded drivers as they travel through an caused by other *•°'°•'•"--! -"'--'--- to - intersection or roadway segment. Six LOS designations are provided for each type of facility, from to "F". LOS A = congestion whereas LOS "F" reflects overcapacity conditions reflects no faced by drivers --••----�- LOS overcapacity high congestion (Highway Capacity Manual, 2000). Per the Concurrency Ordinance, LOS "D" conditions or better must be maintained on City of Yakima streets. Safety of Arterial Streets and Intersections Street segments and intersections that experience repeated or severe vehicle accidents are reviewed annually for possible corrective measures. Unfortunately, limited funding sources cannot address all the locations that could benefit from safety improvements. Therefore, locations for future safety improvements should be identified and prioritized for street and intersection improvements. The Transportation Plan includes a number of corridor and intersection or spot improvements that should be addressed. Examples of these safety improvements are located on Nob Hill Boulevard and 16th Avenue corridors. Preservation and Maintenance of Street System Ali streets require routine mainntenance in order to i preserve the integrity of the pavement, prevent water -damage and extend the life of the asphalt or concrete. Routine preventative maintenance reduces overall costs associated with operating street 1 t L... , }. , r and maintaining a City sheet ii ur astl uctui e. Preservation of street surfaces has been hampered by lack of investment in materials and manpower. The Transportation Plan outlines a Pavement Preservation Program for all streets, on a 12 -year improvement cycle. Program costs are estimated at $500,000 annually for the Classified Streets and $300,000 for local access streets. The City of Yakima has implemented a program to provide a hard -surface to unpaved streets, reflecting concerns about maintaining air quality in the Yakima Urban Yakima Lirban Area Comprehensive Plan Page 'VI -2 CHAPTER VI - TRANSPORTATION Area. Additional regulation of particulate matter (from PMio to PM2.5) will require new strategies to meet air quality standards. Pedestrian Facilities Safety, access, quality of life, and effective implementation are imperative elements for the City of Yakima's success as a pedestrian friendly community. Safety is the number one concern of citizens, whether they are avid or casual recreational walkers or pedestrian commuters. In many cases, pedestrians must share narrow high volume streets with motor vehicles of all sizes and bicycles. They cross busy intersections with multiple conflict points. A consistent pedestrian sidewalk system is not present along many sections of classified streets. The lack of a continuous sidewalk system along busy streets forces pedestrians to walk in the street. Access improvements for pedestrians are important to help improve the ability to take trips to destinations like schools and transit stops. Currently, the City Tacks a system of continuous and connected walking areas along the classified street system. Where sidewalks do exist, many have barriers such as irrigation boxes, utility poles, and missing ADA facilities. With this plan the City can take measurable steps toward the goal of improving every citizen's quality of life by creating a safer walking environment. The importance of developing a pedestrian system that is attractive and inviting is a key element in preserving Yakima as a place where people want to live, work and visit. This plan proposes a strategy for implementing a priority system for physical improvements through grants and competitive funding sources. The sidewalk and path system in Yakima is discontinuous and inadequate for the needs of pedestrians in many areas of the City. According to a 2005 inventory conducted by the City of Yakima, only 198 linear miles of sidewalk currently exist. A total of 112 miles of these sidewalks are adjacent to classified streets. This represents 58% of the 190 total linear miles of classified street frontages. Sidewalks on local access streets represented 86 linear miles, or 17% of the 500 linear miles of local street frontages. Map VI -1 from the Transportation Plan illustrates the existing and planned sidewalks and pathways within the City. The most interconnected pedestrian system is in the downtown area. Although there are sidewalks along many of the streets in the downtown, many sidewalks do not have ramps or other ADA facilities and are in poor repair. Many of the older residential neighborhoods have sidewalks, but they were rarely constructed with curb ramps. Many streets lack both sidewalks and curbs. Some streets on hills do not have sidewalks and retrofitting them Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page VI -3 CHAPTER Vi - TRANSPORTATION with sidewalks wnlllri not be possible \A/ithrfl t large investment in supporting structures .+ ..,+.. .__ .__ r___....... ......v..na .+. .,w.yv nIY VVI IIGIIG 111 JuNNvI Ln II, JtI UI�LUIeJ such as retaining walls. Arterial and collector streets are major routes for not only for motorized vehicles but also for pedestrians. Many arterial and collector streets have large sections of (missing sidewalks and areas with sidewalks often lack ramps or have earlier versions of ADA ramps that lack recent innovations. Discontinuous sidewalks restrict pedestrian uses and force pedestrians to walk in the street or along the uneven or dirt shoulders. Connector pathways such as the Powerhouse Canal Pathway, Yakima Greenway and several other neighborhood connecter paths support pedestrians These primarily asphalt v---- P`^•••`�' `^I"N"'� r+`-��+�+a;;u;;v These primarily asphalt pathways provide pedestrians a walkway separate from vehicles. Some were designed to link neighborhood dead end streets to an arterial, or to provide a more direct path for school children to access schools, such as those connecting Gilbert Elementary, Whitney Elementary and West Valley Middle School Complex. The Canal Pathway provides both a pleasant recreational walk and connector to Robertson Elementary as well as several medical and office complexes. The pedestrian connections from city streets or pathways to the Yakima Greenway need improvement. In their present condition, the connections !Hit access and present safety concerns. The most heavily walked areas in the City are those walking routes taken by students attending the City's schools. The 18 elementary schools within the City of Yakima have designated walk -to -School Routes with warning signs, flashing lights and reduced speed zones. Students walk along many areas without the benefit of pathways or sidewalks. Bicycle Facilities The bicycle is the vehicle most commonly used as an alternative to the automobile. Yakima's climate and topography is favorable to many months of recreational cycling and commuting to work or school on a bicycle throughout the year. Today, Yakima has three levels of bicycle facilities along its public streets These IevPls are ills istraterl in Man VI -9 from the Transportation Plan and include the following. u - Level 1 bike facilities are dedicated bicycle lanes, a minimum of 5 -feet in width for each direction of travel. Currently, Level 1 facilities are provided on Lincoln Avenue, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, and Powerhouse Road. Level 2 bike facilities are lanes that are specifically designated to be shared between bicycles and motor vehicles. These lanes are typically 14 feet in width and have a marked BIKE symbol. Shared facilities are located on North 5th Avenue, Mead Avenue, and Washington Avenue. Level 3 bike facilities are signed bike routes, with no specified lane designated for cyclists. Examples of signed bike routes include 6th Avenue, Chestnut, Front Street, and 37th and Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page VI -4 CHAPTER VI — TRANSPORTATION 38th Avenues. Off-street pathways for pedestrians and bicyclists provide additional recreational and transportation opportunities. Plans for additional or expanded trails and pathways include: • Extension of Powerhouse Pathway from Chesterley Park to the Yakima Greenway near 40th Avenue. Connect Powerhouse Pathway between 20th Avenue and 24th Avenue. • Create Willion O. Douglas Trail from Davis High School north to 6th Avenue and the Greenway Path, then along the Greenway path west to 40th Avenue connecting to the Powerhouse Road Pathway and the Cowiche Canyon Trail. • Future development of pathways on City -owned YVT rail corridors along the Wide Hollow Road, South 64th Avenue/Ahtanum Rd and South 52nd Avenue branches. Transit Service Yakima Transit provides public transportation services within the Yakima Urban Growth Area. This service is performed primarily through the scheduling and routing of regular fixed -route bus service that includes Yakima, Selah and parts of Union Gap. The Yakima Transit system consists of ten separate bus routes that operate from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday and designated holiday schedules consist of eight bus routes that run on an hourly schedule from 8:45 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The established bus routes cover residential neighborhoods and commercial areas surrounding Summitview Avenue, Lincoln Avenue, Tieton Drive, Fruitvale Boulevard, Mead Avenue, East and West Nob Hill Boulevard, Fair Avenue, North and S. 1St Street to the State Department of Transportation campus in Union Gap, 16th Avenue, 40th Avenue, Washington Avenue including the Airport vicinity and Selah. Map VI -3 from the Transportation Plan illustrates these transit routes and the locations of designated Park -N - Ride lots. Transit service routes were modified in late 2003 to be more responsive to the needs of passengers getting to work and school. This schedule re -alignment offered more direct routings and maximized transfer point connections, as well as overall frequency of transit service within the community. In mid -2005, transit service was extended to Selah nd td Union Gap with funding provided by a Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) grant relieve traffic congestion on the north -south arterial streets. The Yakima Urban Area is unique in the existence of the original electric trolley -style streetcar system. The electric trolley was Yakima's first transit system and has been in operation since 1907. The City of Yakima now owns the system, consisting of 4 street cars, the car -barn, the powerhouse and several miles of track along North 6th Avenue, Pine Street and 2nd Avenue (partially buried). Currently, the system is used on summer weekends and other special occasions. Additional use of the trolley line system will be Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page VI -5 CHAPTER VI - TRANSPORTATION explored in the future, as well as the preservation of the car -barn facility into a museum. Freight — Truck The accommodation of freight movement by truck is an important component of the Yakima economy. Due to the dispersed nature of industrial and agricultural services in the Yakima Urban Area, truck traffic must travel the entire classified street system to reach packing facilities, warehouses, freeways, thethe ort rail services. The transportation airport t or rail . ..... �. ...• •.., 1,. ... ......... system should be planned to accommodate the efficient and effective movement of freight while still maintaining neighborhood livability. The Ti ,tabs. Plan promotes a process of upgrading rritirrai Primary Arterial streets 11 iiiIJ'.JViLcu iI Plan promotes a process o upgrading .rich,.... . ...... _ .-__--_.- streets intersections to accommodate truck movement, along with improved street signing to enr=ndirage trucks to use these routes. r 'MAW AL •-•19x11 Q11LI AAI Since the 1880's, the City of Yakima developed around the railroad, with core commercial services and industrial uses clearly planned around rail access. Consequently, the city's railroad corridor still bisects the Yakima central business district (CBD). As freight and passenger dependence has moved away from the rail -centered model to the current truck and automobile mode of transportation, conflict has increased between city streets and freeways with rail service in urban areas. More frequent or extended rail service presents significant disruption of traffic flow and delay to the urban arterial streets that have at - grade crossings. Projected rail use by the Burlington -Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad show significant growth in the total number, frequency and length of trains that will travel through Yakima. The current average of 10 trains daily is expected to increase to an average of 25 daily trains 2025. Rail r. ice the lines that bisect Yakima are largely regional lines and. trains by service we on a lines v _ _I_ from the Yakima Valley. T1-.:.. freight movement is do not stop in Yakima to transfer goods the Valley. This is vital to the state and national economy. The local impact of increased train service over Yakima streets has safety and economic impacts. The disruption to traffic on the Principal Arterial Streets in the CBD compromises commerce, emergency access and ground freight. Delay of vehicles at railroad crossings causes air pollution from idling vehicles. To reduce these negative impacts, high priority has been given to providing grade separation at the railroad crossing of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue. Additional grade separations of other at -grade railroad crossings will need to be evaluated for consideration of future needs. Future consideration will need to be given to the grade separation or other measures to mitigate the impacts of rail crossing at "I" Street, "D" Street, Yakima Avenue, Mead Avenue, and Washington Avenue. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Pian Page VI -6 CHAPTER VI - TRANSPORTATION The Transportation Plan identifies the need to support infrastructure projects that promote future airport operation, safety or facility needs, as well as ensuring that adequate street access is planned in the vicinity of the airport for freight operation needs. FUTURE CONDITIONS AND DEFICIENCIES This section of the Transportation Element summarizes the future transportation conditions in the year 2025 based on projected land use. Future Roadway Traffic Volumes and Deficiencies Ensuring the presence of adequate capacity on public streets, to support new development and provide for community needs, is one of the key components of the Washington State Growth Management Act (RCW 36.70A.070). A minimum acceptable Level of Service (LOS) standard was established in the 1998 Transportation Plan to accomplish this purpose. A Transportation Concurrency Ordinance was also implemented in 1998 as part of the plan adoption, which will require updating to implement the policies of this Comprehensive Plan Update process. Current and projected fiscal constraints require the City to identify ways to maximize the life of the existing transportation system infrastructure. Because the current definition of capacity of 800 vehicles per hour per lane can result in unnecessary construction and/or widening of City streets, the Transportation Plan Update 2005 - 2025 recommends increasing the definition of capacity from 800 vehicles per hour per lane to 1,000 vehicles per hour per lane. The minimum acceptable LOS on City streets shall remain at LOS "D" (e.g., a volume -to -capacity ratio of between 0.80 and 0.89). This expectation results in a maximum traffic volume of 890 vehicles per hour per lane on City streets. In instances when the traffic volumes exceed this threshold, capacity -related improvements are necessary before additional land use development can occur. Based on a capacity definition of 1,000 vehicles per hour per lane, the following street segments will exceed LOS D conditions by the year 2025, if no action is taken and additional significant development occurs to change travel patterns: • North 40th Avenue (between River Road and Summitview Avenue) ■ Nob Hill Boulevard (between 16th Avenue and 1St Street) Corridor plans will be developed for each of these street segments following the adoption of the Transportation Plan Update. These corridor plans will address capacity needs as well as community/aesthetic enhancements. Other streets and street segments within the City would also benefit from the development and implementation of a corridor plan to address safety, future livability and transportation Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page VI -7 CHAPTERVi-TRANSPORTATION needs, including • 161h Avenue (between Fruitvale and Nob Hill Blvd); • S. 1St Street (between Nob Hill Blvd and Union Gap) • 40th Avenue (between Summitview and Nob Hill Blvd) • Nob Hill Blvd (between 1St Street and 18th Street) The Transportation Plan also addresses the need to review the existing street construction standards within the Yakima Urban Area. Future new streets and reconstruction projects must provide for adequate capacity and safety measures. However, the existing city standards (as found in Yakima Municipal Code 12.06) require street standard specifications based only nn ferierai FI Inntionai lCiassification not projected volumes or J�.JG6.II IlJGlIV11J NGJVW VIII) v.. .vnv...n. . ...••.+.•.+••..•• �•�•--•••--•-•—• ---- 1---J land use constraints. The current standards have resulted in the construction of streets that may be over -built for the future capacity needs, created wider lanes that promote speeding, uncertainty regarding the construction of hike facilities and other issues 1 oyal.�lll ly 61 Modifications the Street Standard requirements ac %A/PH ac changes to the Functional Modifications to the Street Standard Ge w. , a,,.y .a �...•... ,m.., ..++. �_++.. •--.. -. .-•. •,'-- -- -" -- - Functional _. _ - Classification are recommended in the Transportation Plan (see Map VI -4) in order to promote orderly development, adequate capacity, promote safety and neighborhood livability. Adjustments to the Functional Classification of certain streets will assist in the implementation appropriate standards For example a new definition of of appropriate tJ i.JllGsv street vsu,,....a„•..,.., For --•-.•••i-•-, -• ••---definition Collector will be introduced at the local level to certain streets where the adjoining land is fully built out as low density residential, and future traffic volumes do not project a significant increase in traffic, such as 32nd Avenue and Englewood Avenue. Final. adoption of street standard modifications will consider community preferences, State or Federal requirements, storm -water ordinance requirements (when developed) and the implementation of the Transportation Plan policies A major goal of this project will be adoption of uniform street standards within the entire Yakima Urban Area. A Comprehensive review of speed limits on Arterial Streets within the Yakima Urban Area is also identified in the Transportation Plan as a necessary implementation measure. Arterial streets can operate more efficiently if the speed limit establishes a realistic and safe standard that can be enforced. Other related tasks are itemized in the Implementation section of this chapter. Two -Way Left Turn Lanes and the Road Diet One significant feature of the street standard modifications discussed in the Transportation l• of street construction new 4 -lane streets. Plan, 2026 is the elimination standards for of 11.,.. Until the 1970s, most urban communities constructed either 2 -lane or 4 -lane Arterial Streets. As urban level development continued along these streets, many streets experienced congestion due to driveway and turning movements, as well as safety concerns largely from rear end or broadside collisions also associated with turning vehicles. To address these safety and congestion concerns, many communities began constructing streets with a center left turn lane. Continuous two-way left turn lanes (TWLTL) improve traffic safety by providing a separate lane for left turning vehicles to remove turning vehicles from the through travel lanes. The presence of TWLTL has been estimated to Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page VI -8 CHAPTER 171 - TRANSPORTATION reduce the rate of vehicle collisions between 26 and 40%. In addition to the traffic safety benefits, a TWLTL also improves the capacity of the street by reducing delay and congestion caused by turning vehicles. As the safety and capacity benefits of the TWLTL were studied and proven in the 1980's, roadway conversions from 4 -lane facilities were examined for the feasibility of reducing the number of lanes to a 3 -lane design (known as the "road diet"). Added benefits of reducing the number of travel lanes from 4- through lanes to 3 -lanes also include improving safety conditions for pedestrians, bicyclists and transit users. Reducing the number of through lanes may also reduce excessive speeds. Traffic Engineering studies indicate that a 3 -lane street design is effective for a street with a future design volume of up to 17,000 average daily vehicles. A 5 -lane street is effective for a future design volume of up to 28,000 average daily vehicles. On streets where the future traffic is expected to exceed 28,000 average daily vehicles, the TWLTL is not recommended due to higher accident rates associated with fewer gaps in traffic for safe turning movements. Raised median dividers and turn lanes at intersections are recommended for these higher volume streets. Access Management There are many busy arterial intersections within the City in which there are several driveways in close proximity to one other and to the intersection. This numerous turning movement conflicts that result from these driveways can yield safety problems and reduced intersection capacity over time. This can also result in driver frustration regarding conflicts between those traveling through the intersection versus those accessing private developments within the functional areas of the intersection. To respond to these concerns and to extend the operating lifespan of the system in a cost- effective fashion, adoption of an Arterial Street Access policy is recommended in the Transportation Plan. The implementation of access management strategies on specific roadway sections will only be applied when property is developed/redeveloped, when the City engages in a major transportation improvement project and/or if a safety deficiency is documented relative to access issues. Future Intersection Traffic Volumes and Deficiencies A plan for intersection improvements in the City of Yakima is identified in the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page VI -9 CHAPTER Y = .a ANSPv TATInN Transportation Plan based on the evaluation of existing and future growth needs. The potential growth at each of the intersections was assessed based on information obtained from the Yakima Valley Conference of Governments' (YVCOG) transportation model. This model is a tool that forecasts future traffic growth based on assumptions about growth in land use in the City over the next 20 years. To ensure that the signalized intersection network continues to function acceptably over the next 20 years, various improvement strategies will be utilized by the City of Yakima to meet intersection capacity needs. These strategies include transportation system management measures that aim to optimize the carrying capacity, of roadways and intersections through physical enhancing improvements Kecogni7ing that the ill�cl�cb�:v::� physical capacity ..................� ....p...,,..,........_. ..---�..._...a ----- ability to make physical improvements is often limited by funding and right-of-way constraints, transportation demand management measures can also be implemented to encourage alternatives to single occupancy vehicle travel. capacity -based strategies outlined above, a series of near-term mid-term Based on the ue,�y,y:�v, L. �vyyv� .�, .,. .....,., ...._ __...., and longterm intersection improvements have been identified for those intersections that are forecast to exceed level of service standards or experience capacity deficiencies. These improvements are fully described in the Transportation Pian and are summarized on rawle VI- 1. Transportation Plan Improvement �90..0mt+h--90--96- (fo-o- w!ng page). The Transportation Plan 2026 also includes a discussion of traffic signalization strategies that can increase capacity of vehicles through an intersection, as well as through an entire corridor and will promote safety. Many of these strategies require investment into the traffic sinnai system and are discussed in the recommended projects referenced in the Pian. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page VI -10 CHAPTER VI - TRANSPORTATION Table VI -1: Transportation Plan Improvement Projects, 2006-2026 FUNDED PROJECTS - CONSTRUCT BY2008 1 SR -12& N 40th Ave Interchange 2 Nob Hill Blvd & S 6th St Signal 3 N 16th Ave & River Rd Signal 4 RR Grade Separation of B St, Lincoln 5 River Rd. 16th Ave to Fruitvale Blvd Total Estimate CAPACITY CONSTRAINED PROJECTS 1 40th Ave Corridor Fruitvale to Washington 2 40th Ave & Summitview Signal 3 40th Ave & Englewood Signal 4 Nob Hill Blvd Corridor: 16th Ave to 18th St 5 Nob Hill Blvd & 18th St Signal 6 Nob Hill Blvd & Fair Ave Signal 7 16th Ave Corridor: US -12 to Washington 8 16th Ave & Fruitvale Signal 9 16th Ave & Washington Signal 10 1st St & Washington Signal 11 S 3rd Ave & Washington Ave Signal 12 S 1st St Corridor: Nob Hill Blvd to Union Gap 13 W Nob Hill Blvd Corridor: 52nd to 72nd Ave Total Estimate SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS 1 Frontage Road, Terrace Hgt Connector, Path 2 48th Ave Corridor Sum mitview to Washington 3 Englewood Ave Corridor. 16th Ave to 66th Ave 4 Englewood Ave & Powerhouse Rd Intersection 5 66th Ave Corridor: Scenic to Sum m itview Ave 6 - Mead Ave: Rudkin Rd to Fair Ave_ 7 80th Ave: Tieton Dr to Zier Rd 8 Zier Rd: 72nd to 80th Ave 9 Lincoln Ave/B St Couplet Re -alignment 10 5th Ave & Tieton Dr 11 Rudkin Rd: Viola to Rainier_ PI (UG) Total Estimate MULTI -MODAL: SIDEWALKS, TRANSIT & PATHS 1 W.O. Douglas Trail 2 W Lincoln Ave Sidewalk (29th to 56th Ave) 3 Yakima Ave/ Front St Pedestrian Project 4 Beech St Ped Connector 5 Transit Operations Total ANNUAL PROJECTS AND OPERATIONS 1 Arterial Maintenance 2 Unclassified Street Maintenance 3 School Safety Projects 4 Signal Upgrades 5 Paved Shoulders 6 Bridge Maintenance 7 Sidewalk & ADA Ram_ p Repair Total Length BEGIN Intersection 2006 Intersection 2006 Intersection 2006 Intersection 2007 1.2 Miles 2007 Length BEGIN 3.3 Miles 2010 Intersection 2009 Intersection 2010 2.5 Miles 2008 Intersection 2008 Intersection 2008 3 6 Miles 2013 Intersection 2012 Intersection 2008 Intersection 2009 Intersection 2009 1 5 Miles 2015 1.3 Miles 2008 Length 2.5 Miles 1.6 Miles 3.2 Miles Intersection .75 Miles .75 Miles 1.3 Miles .50 Miles Intersection Intersection 1.0 Miles Length 75 Miles 1.8 Miles 2.5 Miles .50 Miles Operations Length 5 Miles 20 Miles Spot Intersection _ .5 Miles Spot Spot BEGIN 2007 2012 2014 2012 2015 2015 2011 2015 2012 2011 2015 BEGIN 2007 2010 2006 2009 Yrly BEGIN Yrly Yrly Yrly Yrly Yrly Yrly Yrly COST COST COST COST COST ESTIMATE $2,820,000 $537,000 $344,000 $31,000,000 $2,020,000 $36,721,00.0 ESTIMATE $9,000,000 $450,000 $273,000 $7,000,000 $750,000 $1,200,000 $11,000,000 $445,000 $455,000 $900,000 $295,000 $2,755,000 $3,555,000 $38,078,00.0 ESTIMATE $2,427,000 $2,050,000 $5,550,000 $822,000 $1,120,000 $1,212,000 $2,000,000 $950,000 $3,002,000 $400,000 $1,193,000 $20,726,00. 0 ESTIMATE $4,870,000 $644,000 $4,870,000 $875,000 $2,988,000 $14,247,0.00 ESTIMATE $625,000 $250,000 $100,000 $200,000 $100,000 $200,000 $70,000 $1,545,000 Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page VI -11 C� Ta 1. Al11Yl CAS 6A. e TRANSPORTATION Economic Development and Regional Transportation iqg"c The Yakima Urban Area is bisected by two State-owned, limited access facilities (1-82 and S.R. 12) that provide regional passenger and freight mobility throughout eastern and central Washington. Access to these facilities is provided via five grade -separated interchanges. A number of regionally significant improvement projects are planned for these State transportation facilities that will relieve congestion and promote economic growth. The impact of new development on State facilities is considered in all major projects within the Yakima Urban Area with the cooperation of the Yakima Valley Conference of Government (YVCOG). Level of Service (LOS) standards were established by the State, with LOS "D" being the minimum acceptable standard for State owned facilities. iclllllliti es. Coordination of new regionally significant transportation improvements are addressed by a group of local business leaders, elected officials and local jurisdiction representatives known .�.. the "TRANS -Action n _ known as the Committee". The goal is to encourage economic vitality by developing developing a list of prioritized transportation strategies to meet long-range needs of the greater Yakima area and explore funding opportunities. Significant projects included in the TRANSm- ction report include various ImLe i9IU: If llflf(1\/P(i1PniC 7n S.R. 12, S.R. 74 and 1-82, as well as corridor projects such as Ahtanum Road, Wide Hollow Road, Valley Mall Boulevard, the Terrace Heights/ Boise Cascade Frontage Road, 16m Avenue, 40th Avenue, Nob Hill Boulevard, S. 1s Street/Main Street and other projects. Finance Element One of the required elements of the Growth Management Act is a funding plan for projects identified Within the Transportation el >- iGi i u3 i icl:c33t_dl y tosupport growth for ine i1exi 20 years and serve as the basis of the annual six-year street improvement program. The Transportation Plan contains detailed project recommendations that address Annual Maintenance and Operation costs; System Improvements; Capacity Improvements and Multi -modal or Transit Programs. Table VI -1: Transportation Plan improvement Projects, 2006-2026 provides a summary of these projects. The Capital Facilities Plan provides a summary of various funding sources and options to address these projects. Coordination is required on an annual basis between the actual implementation of the projects, listed on the Six—Year Transportation Improvement Program and the Comprehensive Plan, as well as the Metropolitan Transportation Plan. Implementation Measures Several major tasks must be completed following adoption of the Transportation Plan in order to carry out the goals, policies and actions identified in the document. The development of these tasks will require public participation efforts and review by the City Council. This is a summary of the major policy or ordinance implementation changes as outlined in the chapters of the Transportation Plan. Street Development Standard Modifications: The Transportation Plan recommends revisions to the existing street standards contained in YMC 12.06. The Municipal Code will require modification through a public process cumulating with adoption by the City Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page VI -12 CHAPTER VI - TRANSPORTATION Council. The new street standards will provide direction to the City Engineer's Division for capital project design. Coordination with Yakima County is underway for the development of common street standards within the Yakima Urban Area. Revisions to the YMC should be completed by December 2007. Functional Classification Map Revisions: The City of Yakima will work with the Yakima Valley Conference of Governments to implement changes to the Functional Classification Map as part of the Regional Transportation Organization, the Washington Department of Transportation policy and Federal Highway Administration process. The revisions should be also be adopted by Council's approval of a revised YMC 12.06, Street Types and Functional Classification. The City should begin to file the necessary documentation in early 2007. Future Lane Map: Based upon the information provided in Chapter 5, Arterial and Collector Streets and the implementation of revised street standards, City staff will finalize and post a Future Lane Map that reflects the recommendations of the Transportation Plan. This map will be used by the Engineering Division for determining future project designs. The Planning Division will also be able to access this map to provide information to developers regarding roadway sections and required improvements for frontages. The map will also be posted on the City of Yakima's web site so that individuals may assess future road improvement impacts on existing properties. The map will be available in early 2007. Priority Listing of Street Capacity Protects: This list is contained within the Transportation Plan and should be incorporated into the City's Six Year Transportation Improvement Program. Priority should be given to funding these projects in order to provide for continued for economic stability and growth of the community. The list should be complete at the time of the adoption of this plan in 2006. Transportation Concurrency Ordinance Amendments: The existing Concurrency Ordinance and procedure will require modification if any revisions are made to the existing definitions, assumptions, equations, or procedures. Revisions may include collection of Impact Fees, revision of number of vehicles per lane in the capacity formula, and inclusion of intersection analysis. Development of a new concurrency program would be completed by the end of 2007. Access Management Policies/Ordinances: Recommendations of the Transportation Plan may include investigation, presentation and adoption of access management strategies in the form of policies or ordinances. The transportation committee of the city council would preside over development and presentation of access management strategies with staff and members of the community. Final approval and adoption by the full Council would be in late 2008. Street System Preservation Plan: The 2006 Budget and the Transportation Plan begin the process of identifying system needs and funding alternatives for the program. Ultimately, the breadth of this program will be a council policy issue. Staff will continue to prepare materials to educate the public of the infrastructure maintenance needs and Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page VI -13 CHAPTER vi - TRANSPORTATION provide alternative funding options for council and nuhlic cnnsirleratinn This will be an ongoing program that is already underway. Neighborhood Traffic Program: An annual budget and programmatic approach to address neighborhood concerns about speeding and cut -through traffic needs review and policy direction by City Council. Estimated date of completion is 2008. Zoning Ordinance Amendments: There may be zoning ordinance amendments necessary to maintain compatibility between standards dealing with streets, access, neighborhoods, clear views, sidewalks, etc. Traffic Engineering will review current YMC and Zoning Language and recommend revisions as nPPriMrl, This work should be complete in early 2008, with completion of the access management review and iLI i I iI,JICI i IBI I!a! lull. Zoning Ordinance Amendments: There may be zoning ordinance amendments necessary to maintain compatibility between standards dealing with streets, access, neighborhoods, clear views, sidewalks, etc. Traffic Engineering will review current YMC and Zoning Language and recommend revisions as needed. This work should be compl.-. . i.. ..2.. nnnn with ete in early 20Og With comp1Ption of access iimanafYement rev ew r. rA __-_ , ®-__ _-�. v.. i. the r�/b_dd =-252??S?�Sei??°`?i. �Vlvj3 .ii'vl implementation. Capital Facilities Plan Update: The Transportation Plan Update and Capital Facilities Plan Update have been developed concurrently. Final recommendations included in the adoption of the Transportation Plan will be reflected in the Capital Facilities Plan. Staff recommends that the City consider an annin! program of review and update of the transportation plan, six-year transportation plan, capital facilities plan and budget. This will r'_i isur a that the ?Ni iocumenis remain consistent Corridor Plans: The Transportation Plan indicates that corridor plans will be developed for 40th Avenue, 16th Avenue, Nob Hill Boulevard and a portion of South First Street. These plans will provide the footprint for future capital projects to address capacity and safety improvements. Staff recommends that serious consider be given to hiring consultants to work with the community to arrive at a plan for each corridor that not only addresses the transportation issues but develops a `?sense of place" for each of these corridors. In this way improvements that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing may be developed. Speed Limits: A comprehensive study and public review of speed limits on urban arterial streets will be presented for consideration. Project will begin in late 2007. GOALS AND POLICIES The following transportation goals and policies provide the foundation for the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page VI -14 Local Street Goals and Policies CHAPTER VI - TRANSPORTATION GOAL 6.1: DEVELOP STREETS THAT ENCOURAGE NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY AND LIVABILITY. Policies 6.1.1 Discourage through traffic and vehicular speeding on local streets, where desired by the residents, through a combination of enforcement of speed limits, community education, and selected engineering modifications. 6.1.2 Ensure that neighborhood streets have good connectivity with the Collector Street System to allow traffic to flow and disperse without concentrating through trips. Where possible, grid pattern streets should be encouraged. 6.1.3 Require sidewalks on the local streets associated with all new developments. 6.1.4 Enforce intersection clear -view standards and other spot safety improvement projects. Actively seek funding to address issues at locations with hazardous conditions. GOAL 6.2: DEVELOP STREETS THAT ENCOURAGE NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY AND LIVABILITY. Policies 6.2.1 Provide funding to preserve, re -construct, and maintain the existing street system, including street surfaces, drainage, sidewalk repairs, street lighting, and traffic signals. 6.2.2 Enhance and improve street signage and lane markings to heighten traffic safety and community image, where appropriate. Pedestrian and Walking Environment Goals and Policies GOAL 6.3: DEVELOP AND IMPROVE THE PEDESTRIAN NETWORK IN THE YAKIMA URBAN AREA. Policies 6.3.1 Require sidewalks on both sides of all streets with all new development. 6.3.2 Encourage sidewalk or pathway construction on existing streets using public and private funding sources. 6.3.3 For infill or redevelopment projects, a sidewalk shall be constructed along the street frontage, if curb and gutter currently exist. If no curb and gutter is present, a pathway, paved shoulder or other alternative walkway may be acceptable as an interim measure. 6.3.4 Continue to improve the Sidewalk Inventory for location and condition of existing sidewalks. 6.3.5 Prioritize improvement projects and seek funding to implement repair and construction projects. 6.3.6 Work closely with public and private schools in the Yakima Urban Area to create safe "Walk to School Routes". Highest priority should be given to projects that support elementary school routes. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page VI -15 CHAPTER VI- TR/12\3P 6.3.7 Support education and enforcement efforts to improve pedestrian safety. 6.3.8 Improve pathway linkages to the Yakima Greenway, Canal Pathway and other off-street trail systems. 6.3.9 Support efforts such as grant applications to provide amenities at trail -head locations to support safe, clean and efficient trail use. Such amenities include parking and lighting, ADA accessible pedestrian facilities, or restrooms where feasible. GOAL 6.4: CONSIDER SPECIAL POPULATION NEEDS WITH STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS. Policies 6.4.1 Determine the need for accommodating special population groups at the Street Improvement Project level such as accessibility and ADA requirements, transit stops, concentration of school age or elderly residents or other unique land use issues. 6.4.2 Implement ADA sidewalk ramp repair and construction program, on an annual prioritized basis. 6 4 _3 Facilitate placement accessible audible traffic signals the - °•� _---•��•...-.- ++-.•:=++++.>++5 of 1VVGJJi?J:�, a:.I:.Ii:.Ji: Sig ndlS in vicinity of areas with high pedestrian traffic, near shopping centers, schools, and other locations where there is a demonstrated need. GOAL 6.5: SUPPORT THE DOWNTOWN AREA AS A PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY PLACE. Policies 6.5.1 Support the economic vitality of downtown with the Yakima Downtown Futures Initiative Project and other special events and projects, such as Farmer's Market, Capitol Theatre, Front Street, Visitor's and Convention Center and others. 6.5.2 Prioritize streetscape and pedestrian improvements. GOAL 6.6: REVISE STREET STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES TO IMPROVE THE PEDESTRIAN USE AND SAFETY, Policies 6 6.1 Sidewalks shall be constructed on both sides of all new streets. 6.6.2 Require new development or redevelopment on existing streets to install sidewalk along their street frontage. 6.6.3 Provide options to standard concrete sidewalks as interim measures where sidewalk construction is not available, or not feasible due to topography, presence of existing mature trees or other special design features. 6.6.4 Implement an active sidewalk repair program. 6.6.5 Create and enhance a sense of place through the transportation system. Modify design standards to provide gateway treatments on major arterials and near freeway interchanges to include landscaping, pedestrian accommodations and street lighting. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page VI -16 CHAPTER VI - TRANSPORTATION 6.6.6 Balance needs of pedestrians with vehicle circulation at traffic signals. Bicycle Goals and Policies GOAL 6.7: CREATE A STREET NETWORK THAT ENCOURAGES SAFE BICYCLE CONNECTIONS AND ROUTES. Policies 6.7.1 Develop and maintain a map of planned bicycle route improvements including selected Arterial Street Bicycle Lanes, Arterial Street Shared Bike Lanes, and Local Access Streets designated as Bicycle Routes. 6.7.2 Assign high priority to bicycle improvements that address safety or hazardous conditions, provide access to activity centers, provide linkages to transit and school facilities, and complete planned facilities/trails. 6.7.3 Seek funding to implement the development of a bicycle friendly street system. 6.7.4 Improve connections between City streets and the Yakima Greenway and other pathways systems. 6.7.5 Educate cyclists as well as drivers regarding safety, sharing the road with bicyclists and Rules of the Road. 6.7.6 Encourage conversion of 4 -lane streets to 3 -lane streets with bicycle facilities on Minor Arterial or Collector Arterial streets, where appropriate, with consideration of safety and future traffic volumes. 6.7.7 New or rebuilt Arterial Street projects require either dedicated bike lanes or shared lanes. GOAL 6.8: CONSIDER BICYCLE NEEDS AT STREET INTERSECTIONS. Policies 6.8.1 Include needs of bicyclists with vehicle circulation at traffic signals. GOAL 6.9: PROMOTE BICYCLE USE FOR RECREATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BENEFIT. Policies 6.9.1 Integrate bicycle facilities into the Yakima Downtown Futures Initiative Project and other special design projects. 6.9.2 Promote and support special events that encourage bicycling and safety, such as the Gap -to -Gap event or bicycle rodeos for children. 6.9.3 Work with local agencies and private organizations to promote and support hosting bicycle races and events in the Yakima Valley. 6.9.4 Include bike rack installation as a requirement of new commercial development approvals. 6.9.5 All Yakima Transit buses should have bike racks. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page VI -17 CHAPTER vi - TRANSPORTATION Arterial and Collector Street System GOAL 6.10: ADDRESS STREET SEGMENTS THAT ARE PROJECTED TO HAVE FUTURE CAPACITY CONSTRAINTS. Policies 6.10.1 Identify and plan for necessary Arterial street capacity improvements. Incorporate the needed projects into the 6 -Year Transportation nImprovement Program. 6.10.2 Evaluate a variety of solutions to address future capacity constraints (e.g., access management) to minimize property and neighhorhood impacts well property J .�..v v...vve.. as well as the expense of street expansion. 10.3 Implement grade separation of arterial street crossings with rail lines to improve traffic safety, traffic flow efficiency. and lity. Prioritize th- �1-� efficiency, and air C.ivau�y. ri I'Cjri ll�e the grade separation of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd (B Street) and Lincoln Avenue. Grade -separated crossings of other streets may be planned in the future. 6.10.4 Maximize existing infrastructure investment by reducing travel demand i.l..r .. L- --1 _P 11_ _ t II ouch increased use oI the Transit system and other Reduction increased -.�m -. _..� ,.,.,.. .-�._ - ,- ;=�.-_, :�_,b, other Commute i:........vaali strategies. 6.10.5 Update the Transportation Concurrency Program to include project level coordination with SEPA mitigations and other off-site improvements, as identified in the 6 -Year Transportation Improvement Program. 6.10.6 Develop and adopt guidelines for project -level Traffic Impact Studies. 6.10.7 Develop a formal system for a-• nuh•"iic-private partnership program to help fund capacity or safety projects identified in the 6 -Year Transportation Improvement Program. Consider o T auii shind a Development Impact Fee system as a possible alternative funding program. GOAL 6.11: STREET SYSTEM PRESERVATION — DEVELOP MAINTENANCE STRATEGIES THAT MAXIMIZE EFFICIENCIES. Policies 6.11.1 Provide funding to preserve, re -construct, and maintain the existing street system- Including street sIirfacec drainage, sidewalk repairs, street lighting, -- . including --•-----•••-.•r•�•.., sidewalk YY Gf\ street IIt�.IILII II�, and traffic signals_ 6.11.2 Enhance and improve street signage and lane markings for traffic safety and community aesthetics. GOAL 6.12: REVISE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES TO IMPROVE THE ni IAI !TY OF STREETS. Policies 6.12.1 Amend Street Standards to increase flexibility in construction related to topographic and right-of-way constraints and neighborhood livability. Include options for 2 -lane, 3 -lane and 5 -lane Arterial streets street standards to be used where appropriate for future traffic volumes and land use needs. Yakima 'Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page VI -18 CHAPTER VI - TRANSPORTATION 6.12.2 New 4 -lane streets should be avoided. Implementation of safety -based improvement measures may be necessary for existing 4 -lane streets. 6.12.3 Clarify bicycle and sidewalk standards for all streets. Provide low volume residential street options. 6.12.4 Create and enhance a sense of place through the transportation system. Modify design standards to provide gateway treatments on major arterials and near freeway interchanges to include landscaping and other aesthetic treatments, pedestrian accommodations, and street lighting. Signalized and Other Major Intersections Goals and Policies GOAL 6.13: IDENTIFY STREET INTERSECTION CAPACITY AND OPERATION DEFICIENCIES. Policies 6.13.1 Reduce unnecessary vehicle delay at signalized street intersections to improve traffic flow, improve air quality, and reduce congestion. 6.13.2 Seek funding to upgrade traffic signal systems to optimize efficiency and safety needs. 6.13.3 Balance needs of pedestrians and cyclists with vehicular mobility at signalized intersections. GOAL 6.14: PROMOTE SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS AT SIGNALIZED STREET INTERSECTIONS. Policies 6.14.1 Continue a routine program of monitoring and analyzing signalized intersections for vehicle collision patterns and severity of injuries. 6.14.2 Prioritize improvements based upon safety needs and ability to implement necessary changes. GOAL 6.15: DEVELOP MAINTENANCE STRATEGIES THAT MAXIMIZE EFFICIENCIES. Policies 6.15.1 Provide funding to preserve, re -construct, and maintain the traffic signal infrastructure. 6.15.2 Continue to monitor street and intersections for traffic hazards and seek funding to address improvements as necessary. Freight Transport Goals and Policies GOAL 6.16: IDENTIFY CRITICAL FREIGHT ROUTES AND PLAN FOR NECESSARY IMPROVEMENTS TO ACCOMMODATE THE EFFICIENT AND ECONOMICAL TRANSPORT OF GOODS THROUGH THE COMMUNITY. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page VI -19 CHAPTER ER vS - TRANSPORTATION Policies 6.16.1 Emphasize the priority of freight routes to the Yakima Regional Airport and other significant industrial or activity centers. 6.16.2 Encourage development of additional services and support facilities of the Yakima Regional Airport and other alternate means of transportation in the Yakima Valley 6.16.3 Support regional street improvements that improve circulation to and around the airport and planned expansion efforts. 6.16.4 Support increased services at the Yakima Regional Airport. 6.16.5 Continue to work with rail interests to ensure future service needs are QVl".rV111111VUQLCU. 6.16.6 6.6 Implement rade separation of arterial street crossings ith it Ines traffic -1 g•separation • a. street vi vssn lya vJitl 1 rail lines for tl of Ilt; safety, improved traffic flow efficiency and improved air quality, 6.16.7 Priority iority is given to the grade separation of B Street and Lincoln Avenue, with planned future projects of othe a:! LI USsly`S at Arterial lerlal SireetS. GOAL 6.17: SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO viARi E FXISTING AND PIT] IRE AIRPOORT "PEP ATIONS. FACILITY NEEDS OR IMPROVE DEFICIENCIES. Policies 6.17.1 Promote inter -modal connections to the Yakima Airport and vicinity. 6.17.2 Coordinate street improvements in the airport vicinity with the needs of the complex including freight operations. 6.17.3 Support runway capacity needs of the airport, as necessary for growth and vGi Gi'v. Public Transit Goals and Policies GOAL 6.18: PROMOTE TRANSIT RIDERSHIP TO HELP REDUCE FUTURE STREET CAPACITY CONSTRAINTS. Policies S' -o 7 ct 1 Evnluat® alternative loe-na4:ve soIut:ons to future capacity constraints such as increased transit use to minimize negative impacts and expense of street expansion. 6.18.2 Identify areas of future route expansion based on residential growth and destination generators. 6.18.3 Maximize existing infrastructure investment through strategies to reduce demand on system, such as increased use of the Transit system, and other Commute Reduction strategies. 6.18.4 Coordinate with new development in order to plan for the inclusion of new transit stops in their design plans. This could incorporate bus signage, benches, shelters, and bus pull-outs. GOAL 6.19: CONSIDER SPECIAL POPULATION NEEDS WITH TRANSIT STOP IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page VI -20 Policies CHAPTER VI - TRANSPORTATION 6.19.1 Determine the need for accommodating special population groups at the Transit Stop Improvement Project level such as accessibility and ADA requirements, concentration of school age or elderly residents or other unique land use issues. 6.19.2 Coordinate Transit Stops and other facilities at the Project level, including the need for additional or relocated Transit Stops, Bus Pull-outs, Shelters or other special improvements. State and Regional Street System Goals and Policies GOAL 6.20: SUPPORT REGIONALLY IMPORTANT TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS. Policies 6.20.1 Plan and support the Arterial Street System in collaboration with Yakima County, the City of Union Gap, the Washington State Department of Transportation, and other neighboring jurisdictions. 6.20.2 Support projects that benefit the entire region and do not have negative impacts on the State Highway System. 6.20.3 Support projects identified in the WSDOT TRANS -Action Plan. GOAL 6.21: CONSIDER IMPACTS OF DEVELOPMENT UPON STATE AND REGIONAL FACILITIES. Policies 6.21.1 Coordinate with WSDOT and neighboring jurisdictions regarding level of service definitions, concurrency requirements, and other impacts. Plan Finance Goals and Policies GOAL 6.22: ADDRESS STREET SEGMENTS THAT ARE PROJECTED TO HAVE FUTURE CAPACITY CONSTRAINTS. Policies 6.22.1 Evaluate a variety of funding solutions to address future capacity constraints to minimize overall economic impact to the community while providing opportunity for growth. 6.22.2 Develop a dedicated funding source to provide local match funds in order to secure State or federal funding for capacity constraint projects. 6.22.3 Seek dedicated funding for intersection projects to address capacity constraints and optimize efficiency. Local dedicated funds may be used as local match or supply funds for annual programmed improvements that address capacity issues. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page VI -21 CHAPTER - TRANSPORTATION GOAL 6.23: PROVIDE A BALANCED Ft NniNG SOURCE FOR Ar L INFRASTRUCTURE COMPONENTS OF STREET MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS PROGRAM. Policies 6.23.1 Provide funding to preserve, re -construct and maintain the existing street system, including street surfaces, drainage, sidewalk repairs, street lighting, traffic signals and bridges. 6.23.2 Require developers to repair/reconstruct street frontage improvements such as sidewalks that are in poor or failed condition as a condition of their approval. GOAL 6.24: PROVIDE FOR A MULTI -MODAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM THAT INCLUDES TRANSIT, BICYCLES, r EDES T RiANS AND INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS. Pniiriem 6.24.1 Seek funding sources to expand Yakima Transit service into neighboring communities. 6.24.2 Maintain a dedicated funding source for capital, operation and maintenance of the City's Transit System. 6.24.3 Provide a dedicated funding source for system improvements that assist individuals with special needs, such as audible signals, ramps, and infill of missing sidewalk linkages. irnnieme1ita$inn Gnals and Pnrecies Goal 6.25: PROVIDE FOR BROAD PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TASKS IDENTIFIED IN THE TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE. Policies 6.25.1 Conduct information meetings and workshops to receive comments and educate the public on the implementation measures of the Transportation Plan. Involve the Regional Planning Commission in Urban Area coordination. 6.25.2 Coordinate with Yakima County, Washington State Department of Transportation, the City of Union Gap and other communities within the Yakima Valley in achieving the goals programs of the Transportation Plan Update and broad regional goals. 6.25.3 Consider future amendments to the Transportation Plan as additional regions are added to the Urban Area or as necessary as policy or directions are modified Goal 6.26: PROMOTE INTERNAL CONSISTENCY THROUGH THE UPDATING AND AMENDING OF DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS, FUNDING PROGRAMS AND POLICY DOCUMENTS TO IMPLEMENT THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TRANSPORTATION PLAN. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page VI -22 CHAPTER VI - TRANSPORTATION Policies: 6.26.1 Update street standards for the Yakima Urban Area to reflect the policies and projects recommended in the Transportation Plan. 6.26.2 Update the Transportation Concurrency Program to include project level coordination with SEPA mitigation and other off-site improvements, as identified in the 6 -Year Transportation Improvement Program. 6.26.3 Require developers to repair/reconstruct street frontage improvements such as sidewalks that are in poor or failed condition as a condition of their approval. 6.26.4 Develop a cost-sharing program for property owners and City to systematically repair/replace hazardous sidewalk sections. 6.26.5 Include multi -modal transportation facilities such as sidewalks/paths in future capacity and system projects. 6.26.6 Require development to review their frontages to establish that obstacles do not exist for multi -modal or individuals covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page VI -23 MAP VI -1 Sidewalk and Pathway Facilities • SUMMITVIEW AVE •h •• 717 • • IL ENGLEWOOD AVE it RIVER RD 1,0 R ASTCFVAL= D W LINCOLN AVE 1 1 NWAS INGTON AVF n TIETON D • P N' k<I WfNOB HILL BLVD �• • • •• S 52ND AVE • ■ ./ AHTANUM RD _,!--- z coL W MEAD AVE E NUE: -� E VIOLAA' • J ik W WASHINGTON AVE E'AIEAD Al i VALLEY MALL BLVD W AHTANUM RD Terrace Heigrts , LL cc 0) MAP LEGEND 1 inch equals 0.85 miles Urban Reserve Urban Area Schools Parks Union Gap Existing Paths Future Paths Existing Sidewalks Existing sidewalks and pathways are identified on this map, as well as major planned pathway projects. A sidewalk inventory was conducted in 2005 based upon aerial photo interpretation and limited field verification. Additional inventory work is necessary as development occurs within the Yakima Urban Area in order to complete the inventory. City of Yakima Department of Public Works, 2301 Fruitvale Blvd. Yakima. WA 98902 Phone (509)575-6105 http.//www.ci. yakimawa. us/streets c W p h a A N z O � N a fa a MAP 4-2 Bicycle Facility Map 2 ti Criiirevrerrowirmwmpureelm ECHTER RD Z � ENGL•EW��D AVE SUMMITVIEW AVE W WASHINGTON AVE w LL' W KE YE S RD TIE TON DR W NOB HILL BLVD E NOB HILI [3L , ti H W MEAD AVE 0 0 AHTANUM RD W WASHINGTON AVE �_VALLEY_MA- LL,BLVD Union • 0 NJDKIN Gap AHTANUM RD MAP LEGEND • 1 inch equals 0.85 miles Urban Reserve Urban Area Schools Parks Union Gap Bicycle Facilities ..rte Existing Paths Future Paths Type 1 Facility Type 2 Facility Type 3 Facility County or Other Route Yakima has three levels of bicycle facilities along its public streets. Existing and future bicycle facilities will be constructed to these descriptions, as illustrated on this map. Level 1 facilities are dedicated bicycle lanes in each direction of travel Level 2 facilities are travel lanes that are specifically designed to be shared between bicycles and motor vehicles. Level 3 facilities are signed bike routes with no designated area for cyclists In addition, a number of off- street pathways are available in Yakima that are designed for both cyclists and pedestrians City of Yakima Department of Public Works, 2301 Fruitvale Blvd, Yakima, WA 98902 Phone (509)575-6105 http://www.o.yakima wa. us/streets MAP 8-1 Yakima Transit Routes RD S 96TH AVE SUMMITVIEW AVE Urban Reserve ZIER RD COOLIDGE RD FECHTER RD ENGLEWOOD AVE A'STLEVA R VE� Yakima PublicLL Works W WASHINGTON AVE OCCIDENTAL RD ti W LINCOLN AVE 0 m KE YES RD TIET.ON DR. W NOB HILL. BLVD 0 W MEAD AVE S 52ND AVE AHTANUM RD 0 cn� MEAD A W WASHINGTON AVE Unio VALLEY MALL BLVD 0 QZ O cc W AHTANUM RD MAP LEGEND 1 inch equals 0.85 miles Urban Reserve Urban Area Schools Parks Union Gap ammimisis Transit Routes Transit Stops P; Park & Ride Lots Yakima Transit provides public bus service within the City of Yakima and the immediate vicinity. Service is generally available Monday through Saturday from 6:00 AM to 7.•00 PM Transit buses run on thirty minute headways and stop every two blocks on route. Almost all Yakima Transit buses 'kneel' to the ground to accommodate walkers and those with difficulty climing stairs. All routes are designated as "Accessible" and always have lift equipped buses to accommodate wheelchairs. All transit buses have bicycle racks to provide Bike and Ride connections. ity of Yakima Department of Public Works, 2301 Fruitvale Blvd, Yakima, WA 98902 Phone (509)575-6105 http://www.ci.yakimawa.us/streets MAP 5-3 Average Daily Traffic, 2025 \\ LATER R 18060 0 N (N CD CD O ' , Lo 10200 `\I 10200 14140 12880 19460 18620 19810 23590 W LINCOLN AVE 21819 18571 ' 18620 18550 23772 o w o m o n Q co r- = v CV ti N C7 ."- 00 o 9100 14700 t AVEC pN o 0 0 14700 O N No \ \cr O N 23240 21945 WWASHINGTUN A 20 80 _r,� 2 W WASHINGTON AVE COOLID(d AHTANUM Ri 10080 14000 0 VALLEY MALL BL D 16r Unio wcP0 4 Gap AHTANUM RD 10020 MAP LEGEND 1 inch equals 0.85 miles Urban Reserve Urban Area Schools O, Parks LSO° Union Gap Projected Traffic Volumes, 2025 Traffic volumes in the Yakima Urban Area have averaged an annual growth rate of approximately 2 %. o This map displays anticipated traffic in the year 2025, assuming this historical rate of traffic increase °o° o° 000 continues. Individual street corridors may experience a higher or lower rate of traffic growth, due to 0 0"^ ti� changes in land use, development or vacant land or construction of new or improved streets. The Yakima ° o° Q. oo` Metropolitan Model, maintained by the Yakima Conference of Governments, was utilized to confirm these �' ^° .. tit assumptions in traffic growth. ity of Yakima Department of Public Works. 2301 Fruitvale Blvd. Yakima. WA 98902 Phone (509)575-6105 http://www.ci.yakima.wa.us/streets e w a A N zoo 4 C crmas a toa Zit Y RD ■ DE • !1 K a O ERT RD 0 • 1 ZI rt.0,A : gnu n I■ N • J12 ENGLEWOOD AVE F z TERRA• •H W LINCOLN !Lei 1 IIFILIELLIP: .00 111IMehl si1=I 171 L�111111.11Rg /11j�1Yn 1111't t% / A �rammirdrits11111:..... � r�r• ��11�" 1� � ■r C' IL= tr.�rr.'+err YP 4 Refill' III y44114RO/ HILL DR O � . Pr L� CC NOB HILL BLVD 7111 *IUM■M 11 11111111111 e R, -I 111111111. 11111 �15c1111111 ■ WIIIIIIIIIII PRI 'veal 11 11 1 fI!11111f 1 1111 M!!!! E NOB HILL BLVD E VIOLA AVE y E ME 2 W :IRCHF 0 MIERAS RD Z 0 INGTON AVE WASHI ON AVE Ix 1111 � >� n1114�� � 1111 r tl 1 1 AHTANUMco /11111 1 RDCIDENTAL COO GE's ■ PIONEER W AHTAIJ�M R .r, RO Yakima teg lIIlIr 1994 0 1,700 3,400 6,800 10,200 13,600 Feet Yakima City Limits gime.% • Yakima Urban Growth Area City of Yakima Yakima Urban Growth Area Outside Urban Growth Area Existing Pathways Existing Pathways Planned Pathways Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Pathways & Trails CHAPTER VII: CAPITAL FACILITIES INTRODUCTION The individual comprehensive plans, created in compliance with growth management regulations, have identified some major infrastructure needs facing the City of Yakima. The purpose of summarizing all of the capital improvement needs in the Capital Facilities Plan (CFP) element is to provide a focal point to draw all comprehensive plan elements together in a consistent presentation; and to identify future facility needs and possible funding sources for the projects. Growth management requires that capital improvement planning goes beyond just making a "wish list" by targeting revenue sources to accomplish the plans. Of course, the final decision on capital spending and funding decisions rests with the City Council and citizens of Yakima. CHAPTER VII - UTILITIES Facility Planning Needs This Capital Facilities Plan (CFP) is designed to be a "living document" that will continue to be revised as fiscal policy and priorities are determined. This first draft is created based upon the recommendations that were formulated in individual Capital Facilities Plans. The underlying assumptions, to determine capacity needs, are outlined in each individual plan. If the assumptions (and therefore the needs) are modified in individual plans, the summary, fiscal impact and funding requirements presented in this document will need to be revised accordingly. Implementation of final plan recommendations will occur annually in conjunction with Budget preparation. Concurrency requires that improvements be made within a certain time frame after growth occurs. By state law, the only element requiring concurrency is transportation. When growth negatively impacts Level of Service (LOS) standards, then capacity improvements on the street system are required to be made to restore the acceptable LOS. If the required improvements are not made, growth will cause the level of service to drop below the community approved standard. Although the other individual areas of the plan do not require concurrency, the existing capacity will become a limiting factor to growth in practical application. The utility areas are the prime example of this. If capacity does not exist from the Water or Wastewater facilities to service new development, that development simply cannot happen. In other areas, like Parks, level of service may deteriorate if capacity improvements are not made. In other words, choosing to delay implementation of capacity improvements may not limit short-term growth in and of itself, but it may negatively affect the quality of life that our citizenry currently enjoy. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page VII -1 CHAPTER VII ® UTILITIES A Targe portion (27% or $54.8 million) of capital improvements proposed in the Capital Facility Analysis, require new revenue in order to be accomplished. The other 73% contemplates using existing capital funding at historical levels of approximately $145.7 million over the six year CFP planning period. As discussed in the Financing Plan section either current citizenry, new development or some combination of the two will fund any authorized capital improvements. Historically, along with state and federal grants, the City's general citizenry has, for the most part, underwritten improvements for growth to occur. That policy is carried forward in this document. Options for new revenue involve current citizen approval, such as voted debt. At the same men Mme, a few options involve some developfees. t participation, such as user impact fees are legally available to allocate the cost of capital requirements to new development in the area of Parks. Transportation (Streets), and Fire,but are • luded the none are included UUl fl ILS II Ie six year CFP planning period. Financial Consideration To determine how the community ay able to pay for +_ _+ --- --...._ .._^^ ^::� �+��++�++++•y may be able fIF'H[7P_n improvements, ii\ili\ :.::r,.. ,.. o,...:.:..: :.v, -mea+,e requires financial capacity analysis, which forecast revenues and expenditures for all City funds. The City analysis was prepared based on 5 -year historical data. The analysis indicates that for General Government operations existing resources may support current levels of operational spending through the year 2012 (with some re- allocation). This assumes that (1) existing levels of service for operations are adequate, (2) no new mandates will require additional resource allocation, and (3) no additional resources will be reserved for needed capita! projects. The financial forecasts further project that existing operating resources for other operations, with the exception of some enterprise reserves, are not available to fund new capital facilities project needs identified in the Capital Facility Analysis. However, current levels of service may not be adequate. Both Street and Transit operational funds are analyzing operations because of severe spending requirements in excess of available resources. Also, in conformance with GMA requirements, all revenue sources available for operating and capital purposes have been identified. The analysis includes new revenues and existing resources that can be enhanced to provide additional revenues for Capital Facility Plan improvements. Voted debt and non -voted debt supported by new resources are the primary funding sources for tax -supported facilities, (Public Safety, Transportation, Parks and Recreation, and General Administration, other General Government capital facility improvements). Improvements to Enterprise operations (Water, Wastewater, Irrigation, etc.) are proposed to be financed using existing capital reserves, local improvement bonds, State Public Works Trust fund loans, revenue bonds, and user fees (rates and other charges). Yakima urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page VII -2 CHAPTER VII - UTILITIES Each individual capital facility analysis identifies proposed facility needs and potential funding options. This information is consolidated in the Financing Plan section of this report. The table titled "Summary of Capital Improvement Needs" (Financing Plan section) indicates by year and classification the capital facility improvements proposed by individual plan. Revenues are identified by functional area and by revenue source in the "Summary of Capital Improvement Needs" tables in the same section. Over the CFP six year planning period, $195 million in improvements are projected. • Fire -- $7.6 million • Parks -- $3.4 million, • Transportation -- $115.1 million • Transit -- $2.1 million • Wastewater -- $25.7 million • Water -- $6.5 million • Irrigation $10.2 million • Other Government Facilities (primarily Capitol Theatre) -- $24.4 million. Of this amount, $145.4 million represents rebuilding of existing infrastructure or facilities, while $49.6 million represents capacity improvements to provide continued levels of service without degradation because of additional use impacts. When viewing the expenditures chart (Tables VII -1,V11---2 and VII -3), note that many of the larger projects, particularly in Transportation, are listed in their entirety in the year they are scheduled to begin. In reality, many of these projects will be spread out over two or more years. Funding for the facility improvements is anticipated as follows: 1. Enterprise reserves, capital revenue sources continuing at existing levels, grants and other currently existing revenue sources applied toward capital purposes -- $145.7 million. 2. General Obligation Debt -- $7.7 million. a. Transportation -- $5.2 million. b. Parks -- $1.0 million. c. Fire -- $1.5 million 3. Revenue Bond Debt -- $10 million (Wastewater & Irrigation). 4. Other debt financing -- $10.2 million (Transportation, Wastewater & Water). 5. Rate and fee adjustments -- Beginning in 2009, $400,000 will be collected annually for Stormwater, for a total of $1.6 million during the six year planning period covered in this report. (Water and Wastewater will be conducting a rate study in 2008 and may propose rate and fee adjustments at that time). Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page VII -3 CHAPTER VII — UTILITIES 6. Grants and contributions projected at $20.2 million (Capitol Theatre -- $20 million). 7, Admission Tax and In -Lieu Tax -- $2.5 million (Fire), $650,000 (Parks) 8. EMS levy -- $2.0 million (Fire) Though total resources of $200.5 million are identified to fund plan improvements, the plan incorporates ending reserves for capital continuing projects which are projected to be approximately $5.5 million at the end of the CFP planning period. This is down from initial capital reserves estimated at the beginning of the planning period of some $12.9 million. SUMMARY The Capital Facilities Plan presents all currently capital policy makers • - :---••-- -�•• ,••,•••`.....y known 6iG1�,.7i�pi needs for I.JVlIh�/ and the citizenry concerning the future _r _ citizenry � to make informed decisions Ltii iV�i i iii iL� Li iC of our community. Further, this Capital Facilities Plan element provides a focal point which draws the other elements of the comprehensive plan together in a consistent presentation measures available - ------- r._,......,...,.m.. that measures available resources and provides a methodology to provide funding for the capital facility needs as ultimately determined by the Counvnii and citizens. This planning effort identifies and demonstrates to the citizens the requirements for infrastructure needs and alternatives to pay for facility improvements. It will ultimately y be the City Council's and citizens' perceptions of acceptable levels of services coupled with their willingness and ability to pay, which will determine the final outcome of these proposals. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page VII -4 CHAPTER VII - UTILITIES Table VII -1: Summary of Capital Improvement Needs by Function - Revenue (Dollars in 000s) 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Total Revenue Police Existing New Fire Existing $1,003 $157 $157 $157 $157 $157 $1,788 New $2,400 $900 $900 $900 $900 $6,000 Parks & Existing $400 $1,050 $50 $50 $50 $50 $1,650 Recreation New $1,330 $130 $130 $130 $130 $1,850 Transportation Existing $17,764 $49,856 $7,503 $14,274 $7,698 $11,089 $108,184 New $3,207 $3,000 $1,000 $7,207 Transit Existing $1,213 $240 $240 $240 $240 $240 $2,413 New Wastewater Existing $5,668 $2,227 $2,215 $2,308 $2,800 $2,247 $17,465 New $4,690 $5,000 $9,690 Water Existing $1,766 $750 $750 $750 $750 $750 $5,516 New $1,980 $1,500 $3,480 Irrigation Existing $4,295 $550 $351 $251 $211 $211 $5,869 New $5,000 $5,000 Administrative: City Hall Existing $450 $450 $450 $450 $450 $450 $2,700 Public Works Existing Admin Auxiliary Office Existing Space Leased Existing $13 $13 $13 $13 $13 $13 $78 Facilities Neighborhood Existing Development Public Parking Stormwater New $400 $400 $400 $400 $1,600 Convention Existing Center Capitol Theatre Existing New $7,500 $12,500 $20,000 Airport Total Revenue Existing $32,572 $55,293 $11,729 $18,493 $12,369 $15,207 $145,663 New $9,877 $20,730 $18,930 $2,430 $1,430 $1,430 $54,827 $42,449 $76,023 $30,659 $20,923 $13,799 $16,637 $200,490 Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page VII -5 CHAPTER VII - UTILITIES Table VII -2: Summary of Capital Improvement Needs by Function - Expenditures (Dollars in 000s) Expenditures Police Fire Parks & Recreetinn Transportation (to meet LOS) Transit Wastewater Water i- illlli Ci tl_a: VIl Administrative: City Hall Public Works Admin Auxiliary Office Space Leased Neighborhood Development Public Parking Stormwater Convention Center Capitol Theatre Pm! poi i iota i Expenditures Non -Capacity Capacity Non -Capacity Capacity Non -Capacity Capacity Non-CapacityCapacity No Ca lv0n-vdpaLity Nnn-rapacity Capacity Non -Capacity Capacity Non -Capacity Capacity Non -Capacity Non -Capacity Non -Capacity Non -Capacity Non -Capacity Non -Capacity Capacity 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Total $450 $1,250 $255 $645 $400 $280 $1,600 $1,000 $390 $2,200 $360 $250 $18,707 $445 $700 $R F67 $665 $665 $3,930 $350 $3,630 $190 $3,390 $40,970 $6,205 $5,974 $7,730 $11,204 $90,790 $12;637 $1,523 $9,273 $445 $24,323 $ 700 $700 $2,100 $3,068 $6,6200 $2,221 $3,452 $1,820 $25,748 $1,000 $2,830 $1,125 $1,500 $6,455 $4,000 $2 500 s2,50n 00 wenn -. z,.s..y r-�,va9_ cj7'4:3:: $400 $ 10,200 $450 $450 $450 $450 $450 $450 $2,700 $16 $16 $16 X16 $1a Qnc $400 $400 $400 $400 $1,600 Non -Capacity Capacity $7,500 $12,500 $20,000 Non -Capacity $34.280 $53,284 $18,231 $11 456 $1a 603 ;1� 555 tr;7ns Ann - r .., . ,,... w ,.� w 1-'.r,-rvu Capacity $845 $20,417 $16.023 $10,673 $400 $1,195 $49,553 $35,125 $73,701 $34,254 $22,129 $14,003 $15,750 $194,962 Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page VII -6 CHAPTER VII - UTILITIES Table VII -3: Summary of Capital Improvement Needs by Specific Revenue Source (Dollars in 000s) 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Total Existing Resources Reserves $11,286 $300 $300 $350 $350 $350 $12,936 Grants $11,083 $45,182 $2,145 $8,916 $2,340 $5,731 $75,397 Leases $67 $67 $67 $67 $67 $67 $402 Rates $2,425 $2,425 $2,231 $2,131 $2,601 $2,101 $13,914 Real Estate Excise $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $9,000 Tax Operating Transfers $767 $366 $50 $50 $50 $50 $1,333 / Interfund Loans Gas Tax $1,270 $1,270 $1,270 $1,270 $1,270 $1,270 $7,620 Transit Sales Tax $3,188 $3,188 $3,188 $3,188 $3,188 $3,188 $19,128 Replacement $95 $95 $95 $95 $95 $95 $570 Interest $191 $200 $183 $226 $208 $155 $1,163 Connection Charges $700 $700 $700 $700 $700 $700 $4,200 Total Existing Resources $32,572 $55,293 $11,729 $18,493 $12,369 $15,207 $145,663 New Resources - Proposed Special Levy $400 $400 $400 $400 $400 $2,000 General Obligation $3,207 $3,500 $1,000 $7,707 Debt Revenue Bonds $5,000 $5,000 $10,000 Loans $6,670 $3,500 $10,170 In -Lieu of Tax $130 $130 $130 $130 $130 $650 Rates (Stormwater) $400 $400 $400 $400 $1,600 Admission Tax $500 $500 $500 $500 $500 $2,500 Grants/Contributions 0 $7,700 $12,500 0 0 0 $20,200 Total New $9,877 $20,730 $18,930 $2,430 $1,430 $1,430 $54,827 Resources Total Resources $42,449 $76,023 $30,659 $20,923 $13,799 $16,637 $200,490 Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page VII -7 CHAPTER VIII: UTILITIES INTRODUCTION CHAPTER VIII -UTILITIES The Utilities Element of the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan is intended to provide an overview of all utilities that serve the urban area. This includes utilities provided by City and county government, as well as all other utilities, including electric, telecommunication and natural gas utilities. The Washington Growth Management Act (GMA) requires municipalities to establish the boundaries within which "urban services" such as water supply will be provided and to evaluate the capacity of their utility systems to accommodate projected demands for these services. GMA requires the Utilities Element to indicate the general location, proposed location and capacity of all existing and proposed utilities. The intent of GMA planning is that utilities and other infrastructure (roads, etc.) keep pace with population and job growth, as well as land development within the Urban Growth Area. There is major emphasis in this chapter on those utilities that are provided by the City or local service agencies. Private or semi-public utilities (cable, telecommunications, gas, etc.) provide their own planning and facilities expansion. Each is consulted as part of any major growth decision and where deficiencies are noted, decisions are altered accordingly. Electric and telephone utilities are generally available throughout the entire urban area. Cable television and natural gas are generally available within the City limits and available in some areas within unincorporated portions of the urban area. These utilities were consulted during preparation of this Comprehensive Plan update. The utilities principally discussed in this section are water, sewer and stormwater collection. EXISTING CONDITIONS AND FUTURE NEEDS Water The City's primary source of domestic water is the Naches River, see Map VII 1 — Water Service. Raw surface water is treated in the City's Water Treatment Plant (WTP) at Rowe Hill. The original capacity of the VVTP was 20 MGD, expanded to 25 MGD through modifications to the filters in 1998. The plant was laid out to allow space for expansion to 60 MGD capacity if and when demand warrants increased supply capacity and subject to the availability of the necessary water right. Water system capacity for the surface water supply is limited by two factors: ■ Physically by the 48 -inch diameter, 50 MGD transmission main. Treated water from the plant flows over a weir into a 48 -inch transmission main and to the City by gravity. • Institutionally by the City's water rights of 6.46 MGD year -around, 20.68 MGD available October 16th to the beginning of storage control as declared by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, and 18.74 MGD available from the beginning of storage control, as declared by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation until October 15th from a U.S. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page VIII -1 CHAPTER VIII -UTILITIES Bureau of Reclamation water storage contract, subject to proration in water short years. The City uses groundwater as a secondary source of supply for emergency use. Wells located at the Airport, at Kiwanis Park and at Kissel Park are used for emergency purposes. A new well is proposed for installation in 2008 or 2009. The potential for future groundwater supply depends on the aquifer's safe yield. Gravity alone provides adequate pressure to serve the Low zone, with water stored in the 6 million gallon (MG) Low Zone reservoir. Three booster pump stations boost water up to the 4 reservoirs that serve the Middle and High zones. Pressure -reducing valves allow water to flow from the High zone to the Middle zone and from the Middle zone to the Low zone for emergencies such as fire flow. Four water purveyors supply water to areas adjacent to Yakima's water service area: • Nob Hili vvater Association • City of Union Gap • Yakima County (Terrace Heights area) • (''i4.• ..F SelaL VIIV of JCI®11 The City has three interties with the Nob Hill Water Association, which can provide water to either purveyor in the case of an emergency. The City has an intertie to the City of Union Gap to provide water to Union Gap in emergency situations. Water for irrigation is provided through separate, non -potable irrigation distribution systems for about two thirds (2/3) of the domestic water customers. In the past, inadequate pressure and unreliable flows customers discontinue of �--_• 1..... .. ��.,�.� led some to use the separate irrigation system and to use the potable system for their irrigation needs. The City Council's commitment in 2003 to rebuild the City owned irrigation systems should stop the migration from the irrigation system to the domestic water system. In recent years, the City has not made any major expansions to the water system facilities because of the high level of service that the system is already capable of providing. Expansion of the service area is limited because the Nob Hill Water Association and other municipal water suppliers provide water to the surrounding area Potential for expansion is also limited by the specific "place of use" boundary within which the City of Yakima expansion is allowed to utilize its surface and groundwater supply. The 2004 City of Yakima Water System Plan was prepared in response to Washington State Department of Health (DOH) regulations, which require all water suppliers to update their water system plans even/ six nni r246-290-100). T , � years OIVAC This System PILI l was used extensively in the preparation of this update. Water system planning in the Yakima area is affected by: • Continuing population growth in Yakima's service area, with a resulting increase in demand for safe drinking water and irrigation water. Passage of the Washington State Growth Management Act in 1990, which requires municipalities to establish the boundaries within which "urban services" such as the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page VIII -2 CHAPTER VIII -UTILITIES water supply will be provided and to evaluate the capacity of their systems to accommodate projected demands for these services. • Publication of the State's Conservation Planning Requirements, which emphasize the efficient use of water resources to delay the need to develop new sources of supply. ▪ Frequent drought in the Yakima Basin. This plan identifies present and future water system needs and develops a plan for meeting these needs in a manner consistent with other relevant plans and regulations. Development of the Comprehensive Plan Update included: • Determining the existing service area population and water requirements. • Determining future water demands and improvements needed in the next 20 years. • Evaluating the capability of the existing system to meet future demands. • Developing a capital improvement plan for the funding to meet the identified system needs. Future Need The existing residential population served by the City's water system (65,000) is projected to grow to 83,000 by 2025. The number of commercial customers is expected to increase at 1.4% per year, from 1,971 in 2006 to more than 2,020 in 2025. In addition, the number of industrial customers is expected to increase from 118 in 2006 to approximately 140 in 2025. The actual population served by the City of Yakima water system is significantly less than the Office of Financial Management (OFM) population figures for the corporate limits since the City system does not serve large areas in the western portions of Yakima. Although these areas lie within the City limits, they are served by the Nob Hill Water Association. Changes in the future City limit boundaries should not affect the future water service area because the service area is established by separate agreements. Four water purveyors supply water to areas adjacent to Yakima's water service area: • Nob Hill Water Association -- serves the West Valley area west of Yakima. A significant portion of the system (7,930 customers) is located within the City's corporate limits and the remainder (1,688 customers) is located in unincorporated Yakima County. The system is operated as an association with a board of directors. The Nob Hill Water Association Plan update in February 2002 projected a 2.48% per year population growth projection over the next 20 years. The actual growth has been closer to 2% per year through 2005. Based upon a year 2005 population of 24,045, continued growth of 2% per year will produce a year 2020 population of 32,955, which is the figure the Nob Hill Water Association will use for future planning purposes. • City of Union Gap - located in the southeast corner of the urban area, with approximately 1,100 services. The source of supply is three wells, and the water system growth rate is projected at approximately 1% per year. The City of Yakima provides domestic water service to some areas inside the City of Union Gap. • Yakima County (Terrace Heights area) - The 2001 Terrace Heights Water System Plan indicated that the County had constructed a new reservoir, supply well, booster Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page VIII -3 CHAPTER Vlll-IJTILITIES station, transmission main, telemetry system and several distribution system improvements during the prior four years. No major system improvements are anticipated within the next 20 years. Supply facilities currently have sufficient capacity to serve an estimated additional 1,900 residential service connections. Based on past growth rates, these capacities should easily be sufficient for the next 20 years. The County's existing service area is entirely east of its western future service boundary that is coincident with the City of Yakima's east boundary. Overlaps and islands of service do not exist and are not anticipated. The County utility is expected to grow into a major purveyor within the urban boundary and may soon be providing service adjacent to the City of Yakima service area. City of Selah - Selah is located east of the Gleed area and north of the City of Yakima. Because Selah is located across the Neches River and is outside the current water service area and urban growth area, it is not that at the City of Yakima expected 61 1 will provide water service to this area. Increases in future water demand are expected to be caused by increases in population and the addition of customers who currently use private wells., The International Fire Code Piotorw,i.,.,.. +t... number of __��_ International ..... Code determines the number gallons per minute of water required to rapidly extinguish a fire. These "fire flow" requirements range from a minimum of 1 500 gallons L minimum 1 ,��� gallons per minute (gpm) in residential areas to a maximum of 6,000 gpm in the Central Business District. The separate, non -potable irrigation systems are composed of 66 separate systems and serves approximately 10,690 parcels, totaling over 2,000 irrigated acres. In addition there are numerous private owned irrigation systems serving many City residents. The Irrigation Utility in the City of Yakima obtains water from City -owned water rights by water shares from three local canal companies and an irrigation District. A field investigation of the irrigation system was performed during the spring of 1999. Based on the results of the investigation, it was clear that many of the irrigation systems within the City were in need of major rehabilitation. Observations indicated that all of the wood pipe and most of the small diameter (3 inch and less) steel pipe need to be replaced. Options presented for managing the irrigation system include: = Rehabilitate all or part of the irrigation system. Continue the existing gradual conversion potable system. Continue the - gradual conversion VI Jlvl l to the potable sySLafTI. Discontinue all maintenance of the irrigation system, accelerating the conversion to the potable system. Abandon the irrigation system and connect customers to the potable system. In 2003, the City Council directed that all of the irrigation systems be rehabilitated and/or replaced. The City Council authorized rate increases to accomplish the task over the next 20 years. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page VIII -4 Future Supply CHAPTER VIII -UTILITIES It is anticipated that residential, commercial and industrial growth will occur within the water service area primarily through infill development on vacant land and the resulting increases in population density. Conservation practices are expected to continue to reduce the Maximum Daily Demand (MDD). Reduction in demand through conservation measures can postpone the need for construction of additional supplies.. MDDs can be met by the combined capacity of the surface water treatment plant and the existing groundwater wells through approximately 2008. Future supplies would be developed from groundwater sources. Analysis of the capacity of Yakima's sources to meet water needs for the years 2000 through 2025 is based on the following assumptions: In normal water supply years, the existing water treatment plant is rated at 25 MGD (17,400 gpm), which is consistent with the DOH Water Facilities Inventory (WFI). • Existing groundwater wells (Kiwanis, Airport and Kissel Park Wells) are designated for emergency use only. Since the existing groundwater wells are for emergency use, they are excluded from the Non -Drought year (Normal) supply. • During 2001, 2003, 2004 and 2005 droughts, the United States Bureau of Reclamation prorated the contract water to as little as 29%. The 2001 drought was the most severe year since the Naches River Water Treatment Plan was placed into service, and is used as a worst case scenario for projecting and preparing to meet all possible conditions for future water needs. These droughts were considered to be an emergency condition, and therefore, the Groundwater Wells were activated. • A new well is proposed for installation at Elks Park or Gardner Park. This new well would use the remaining 3,000 gpm of the Ranney Well water right. • Two future 2,500 gpm (3.6 MGD) Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) wells are proposed. Initially both ASR wells will be designated as emergency sources. In 2015 one ASR well will be changed to a normal source. City -Wide Water Storage Sites The City's existing storage capacity is 32 million gallons distributed among five reservoirs in three pressure zones. The zones are the three service areas within the system that provide the required water supply. The relationship between the Low, Middle and High pressure zones is based upon a hydraulic system that can deliver the water at adequate volumes and pressure and provide an adequate supply of water during fire demand and emergency situations. Required fire flow volumes, evaluated by pressure zone, are 2.2 MG in the Low zone, and 1.5 MG in each of the Middle and High zones. Storage requirements include equalizing and operational storage plus the greater of either fire flow or emergency storage. When the source pumping system cannot meet the periodic daily (or longer) peak demands placed on the water system, Equalizing Storage (ES) must be provided. Operational storage is the volume of the reservoir devoted to supplying the normal system demands without pumping. A noted deficiency is the low Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page VIII -5 CHAPTER VIII —UTILITIES turnover rate in the Middle Zone reservoirs during low demand periods. This will be improved with a new waterline project being constructed in 2006. Projections of equalizing and operations storage needed to supply future needs include the estimate that converted irrigation demands will be 9.5 MG in 2014. The emergency (or standby) volume is the largest of the three storage factors evaluated. A vulnerability analysis indicated that the greatest danger would be the IoSS of the surface water supply caused by a WTP outage or failure of the 48 -inch transmission main. The potential impacts of this emergency were evaluated based on the assumptions that the emergency would last 72 hours, that it would occur during the Maximum Dail, Demand occur _ _.. _.-.. ...J ...v Maximum vull�, Demand conditions, that demands could be reduced to Average Daily Demand within 24 hours, that two wells could 4... started within 2 hours, vvells could be hours, and that the remaining existing and future new wells could be started within 24 hours. The resulting volume of needed emergency storage is 27 Million Gallons in 2022. The currentiy available storage is adequate until 2022 with the exception of High Zone, which shows a deficit of 0.09 MG at that time. Recommendations and Capital Improvement Schedule The information contained in the 2004 Water System Plan Update provides the technical information needed to assist in the decision-making process regarding future needed improvements in the City's supply and distribution system. The identified improvements have been analyzed and prioritized in the Water System Plan Update and schedule as required by WAC 246-290-100. The specific improvements, which are identified in the ©Ian .�r� divided :...1.. functional _ . Ian, ante divided into four functional l_omponenl categories: ▪ Source of Supply — The current normal source of supply is the Naches River Water Treatment Plant with an average capacity of 25 million gallons per day (MGD). This supply is adequate to meet the projected maximum day demand (MDD) until 2008. The three active wells (Kiwanis, Airport, and Kissel Park) have been designated as emergency use supplies. A proposed new 3000 gpm deep well located in Elks or Gardner Park would enable the City to beneficially use the balance of the Ranney Well water right, and provide the additional year around source that is needed to meet projected MDD after 2008. r�.,. estimated cost of a new .. p.ojec ed 20The new well including weii pump, well house and enginneerainn and administrative costs is $2,500,000. Two Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) wells are proposed, which would initially be emergency only supply sources. If the projected Maximum Day Demands were realized by the year 2015, one of the proposed ASR wells would be converted from an emergency supply status to a normal supply source. The first ASR well would be installed in 2012 and the second would be installed in 2014. The estimated cost for each of the ASR wells would be approximately $2,500,000. • Water Treatment ® Recommended improvements in the water treatment facilities would address Residuals Handling at a cost of approximately $1,800,000. Residuals are the elements removed from the water supply during the treatment process. • Storage — The only deficiency, which has been noted, is the low turnover rate of the water in the Middle Zone reservoirs during low demand periods. The recommended Yakima lJrban Area Comprehensive Plan Page VIII -6 CHAPTER VIII -UTILITIES improvement to resolve this deficiency is the installation of new waterlines and control valves at the Middle Zone reservoirs, which will be completed in 2006. • Distribution — The recommended improvements to the distribution system are not needed to correct any existing deficiencies, but are included in the capital improvement program as part of the City's on-going efforts to maintain and upgrade the quality of the system to meet current and future needs. Financing The objective of the financial program is to identify the total cost of providing water service, assure that the utility improvement schedule will be implemented, and assist in establishing adequate fees for service. A comprehensive financial program is needed to successfully implement the recommended capital improvements and the continued operation and maintenance of the system. The City completed a Cost of Service and Rate Study for the Domestic Water Utility in October 2004 in order to: 1) Project future revenues under existing rates to determine if they were adequate to meet the operating expenses and capital improvements program needs; and 2) Analyze the cost of service to allocate revenue requirements in accordance with various customer class demands. A rate design was determined from the results of the analysis. An updated Cost of Service and Rate Study will be completed in 2007/2008. Revenue for the Operating Fund is derived from user changes charges for metered water sales, miscellaneous revenue such as hookup, connection fees and penalties, new water services, personnel services and interest income. Obligations of the Domestic Water Utility Capital Fund are met from a combination of available funds on hand, proposed low interest loans, grants, cash transfer from the Operating Fund, and interest income. Although there are limited alternative funding sources available, the City is committed to continue seeking outside funding sources. WASTEWATER SYSTEM The City of Yakima -owned and operated Yakima Regional Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) provides treatment services for the City of Yakima, City of Union Gap, the Terrace Heights Sewer District, and the unincorporated areas within the Urban Growth Area (see Map VIII -2 — Waste Water Service). The means for the WWTP to serve these areas is based upon an inter -local agreement known as the "Four Party Agreement (4PA)", which was agreed upon and entered into by the City of Yakima, Yakima County, the City of Union Gap and the Terrace Heights Sewer District to allocate capacities and service areas in 1979 (see Map VIII -3 — Yakima Four Party Sewer Service Area). Table VIII -1: Waste Water Treatment Plant Capacity Allocation shows the percentage of capacity allocated to each entity. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page VIII -7 Capacity CHAPTER VIII —UTILITIES Table VIII -1: Waste Water Treatment Plant Capaciity Al Service Area % of Capacity Allocation City of Yakima & Urban Growth Area 87.9% City of Union Gap 8.1% Terrace Heights Sewer District 4.0% Total 100.0% yaiama Water Division, The current treatment capacity of the Yakima Regional IANv P is 53,400 pounds per day influent of BOD corresponding to flows of 14.0 million gallons a day (MGD) during peak loading conditions. Based upon the projected growth of the City of Yakima and the surrounding communities sufficient cdpau:ny exists with the WV -VIP V-V—P until build out occurs in the year 2018 at which time additional aeration basin capacity is required. The addition of another aeration basin or expansion of the existing aeration basins will provide sufficient capacity until the year 2074 at which time VVWTP capacity will 1__ • d - par --- --- . •-•d ,,. ��-�,� � time �„ ti � � � o � c..apcac,nv u� I eF?y}3111aiPfl o a6sc® 2: Current and Future Capacity Summary identifies capacity of current facilities and required n.��•,.,,+:+.. at year non . required capacity year 2024 projected loading conditions. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page VIII -8 CHAPTER VIII —UTILITIES Table VIII -2: Current and Future Capacity Summary Facility Current Capacity Future Capacity 2024 Planned Improvements Bar Screen & Screening Compactor Sufficient Sufficient Grit Removal Sufficient Sufficient Flow Measurement Sufficient Sufficient Primary Clarifiers Sufficient Sufficient Trickling Filters Pumping Station Sufficient Sufficient Trickling Filters Sufficient Sufficient Aeration Basins Sufficient Insufficient after 2018* Add additional Aeration Basins as needed. Aeration Blower Sufficient Sufficient Secondary Clarifiers Sufficient Insufficient redundancy per WDOE Class 1 requirements RAS Pumping Sufficient Sufficient subject to planned improvements WAS Pumping Sufficient Sufficient subject to planned improvements Chlorine Contact Chamber Sufficientchamber Insufficient to meet 2024 maximum months conditions* Modified the contact to allow Ultra Violet disinfection by 2010. Chlorination Facilities Sufficient Sufficient * Outfall Sufficient Sufficient DAF Thickener Sufficient Sufficient Primary Digesters Sufficient Insufficient * Need new digesters by 2024, and to ensure meeting the Class B detention requirements Secondary Digester Sufficient Sufficient Source: Yakima Wastewater Division, 2004 * Require Implementing Measure Collection System The Yakima Regional WWTP collection system consists of seven major wastewater collection basins, 200 sub -basins, approximately 317 miles of sewer pipes, nine lift stations and force mains, and approximately 5,565 manholes. The extension of the City's sewer system with regards to development is mainly funded by developers, local property owners or through the City managed Emergency Sewer Program in cases where private septic systems have failed. There are two identified deficiencies to the City's collection system: the aging of pipes and failures of area septic systems. The primary costs anticipated for maintaining the existing levels of service for safety renewal and mandatory improvements in relation to the WWTP are linked directly to the rehabilitation of older parts of the collection system. Many of the older pipes that were built with concrete are over 40 years old. Infiltration and inflow of storm water into these pipes decrease system capacity and increase the maintenance costs of the transmission system. Exfiltration of effluent from these pipes also presents environmental and health Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page VIII -9 CHAPTER VIII -UTILITIES risks and therefore, continued focus should be placed on updating older parts of the system. Regarding septic system failures, some of the older areas in the City, which include the Southeast Neighborhood area, are still served by septic systems. These older portions of the system are susceptible to failure, resulting in health and environmental risks. As a result, both City and privately funded extensions such as LocalImprovement Districts and latecomer agreements should extend sewer to serve these areas. Non -City Managed Facilities Terrace Heights Sewer District The he Terrace Heights Sewer er District provides sewer service to the eastern portions of the City of Yakima's s Urban Growth h A ea more commonly known as Terrace Heights (east of the Yakima ma River, which encompasses approximately 5,100 acres. Based upon the District's 2005 General Sewer Plan Amendment and a 3%-10% annual growth rate as dep!ctefi within the Wen the projected population ed for year 201 5 would b_ ---r•---- •-•_•••• e•.Wen, projected population to be served the LU IJ V1%U [I W_ be 7,324 to 14,145 people. The Terrace Heights Sewer District indicates that repair and wail tul lal Ic;e of the system will occur when needed and the future extensions necessitated by future development will be provided and funded by the prospective developer as well as sewer collection fees. Table VIII -3: Terrace Heights Sewer System Proposed Expansions identifies major system expansions to the Terrace Heights Sewer District's sewer system through the year 2015. Table VIII -3: Terrace Heights Sewer System Prnnnspdi Expansions Improvement Description Lift Station No. 1 Construction of new Lift Station No 1 at the intersection of SR -24 and Riverside Road to replace the -existing lift station located at the intersection of SR -24 and Keys Road. Two New 12 -Inch Force Mains Construction of new 12 -inch force mains from Lift Station No. 1 to SR -24 Bridge (east side), and from the west side of the new SR -24 Bridge to the Yakima Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility. Eight -inch Gravity SewAr from Ke"c Road to Riverside Road Construction of an 8 -inch sewer main form Keys Road across private property to connect to the new 24 -inch sewer main located on Riverside Road. Two -Inch Low -Pressure Sewer Force Main from Keys Road to South 33rd Street Construction of a new 2 -inch low-pressure sewer force main from Keys Road to the New South 33rd Street gravity sewer. Source: Terrace Heights Sewer District's 2005 General Sewer an Amendment. * Require Implementing Measure City of Union Gap The City of Union Gap is not within Yakima's Urban Growth Area for sewer planning purposes However, Union Gap's Urban Growth Area is within the Urban Service Boundary of the Yakima Regional WWTP. Under the "Four Party Agreement" the Yakima Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility provides treatment service for the City of Union Gap (see Map VIII -3 - Four Party Sewer Service Agreement). Union Gap has a General Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page VIII -10 CHAPTER VIII -UTILITIES Sewer Plan dated June 2000 with a projected population to be served for the year 2015 of 6,655. GOALS AND POLICIES Goals and Policies will serve two principal purposes: to guide development decisions in the UGA, such as rezone requests, development reviews, etc. or to outline specific actions or programs that implement the Plan. The latter are presented in Chapter II - Action Plan, both as a means of implementation and to meet the mitigation requirements of this integrated SEPA/GMA document. Water GOAL 8.1 Policies PROVIDE ADEQUATE WATER SERVICES WITHIN THE URBAN AREA IN A MANNER THAT IS ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE, SAFE AND AESTHETICALLY COMPATIBLE WITH SURROUNDING LAND USES. 8.1.1 Coordinate with other jurisdictions and suppliers in the Urban Area to ensure a reliable, economic source of water and to address the long-term regional water demand needs of all of the area's agencies and suppliers. 8.1.2 Encourage the conservation of water resources and undertake actions, when possible and appropriate, to conserve water and water resources. 8.1.3 Implement system rehabilitation and improvements in order to manage water resources. Wastewater GOAL 8.2: PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY THROUGH APPROPRIATE AND EFFICIENT DESIGN, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF SANITARY SEWER FACILITIES. Policies 8.2.1 Work with Yakima County and adjoining jurisdictions, and local purveyors to manage, regulate and maintain the regional sewer system. 8.2.2 Pursue required maintenance and improvements to increase efficiency and expand the wastewater plant capacity in concert with the growth of this region. 8.2.3 Correct deficiencies and increase system efficiency. Emphasis should be placed on correcting deficiencies that present sewage overflow risks. 8.2.4 Require new development to be connected with the sanitary sewer. 8 2.5 Septic systems should be considered when sewer is not likely to be provided within the timeline of this plan. 8.2.6 Connect areas with failed septic systems to sanitary sewer. 8.2.7 Provide the City of Yakima a co -terminus sewer service boundary with the Urban Growth Boundary and any increases to the Urban Growth Boundary. 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CI siaa.'HTA 1 RD jaI 0 1,050 2,100 4200 6,300 8,400 Feet 6" to 12" Pipe 13" to 18" Pipe 18" Pipe and Larger Yakima City Limits summa% • Yakima Urban Growth Area • Four Party Sewer Agreement City of Yakima Yakima Urban Growth Area Outside Urban Growth Area Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Map VIII -2 Waste Water Service helatinmEri d ISMER! 'B IIiiIIIIII■■!E �MPPJE imamUUU IIu tell11. uiicill■u■nam11111....::.• W NOB HILL BLVD TERRACE MO MEHLNMI 4111E191pp 11:'m10111mmun .3- nig , i .. t111� �Iu.n. Yaklma 0 1,800 3,600 7,200 10,800 14,400 Yakima City Limits L -1 Yakima Urban Growth Area — - - Four Party Sewer Agreement City of Yakima Yakima Urban Growth Area Outside Urban Growth Area Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Feet Map VIII -3 Yakima FourParty Sewer Service Agreement CHAPTER IX: PARKS AND RECREATION INTRODUCTION CHAPTER IX - PARKS AND RECREATION The adopted mission of the Yakima Parks and Recreation Division is to "provide and promote community leisure, recreation and cultural opportunities for all citizens of Yakima." FACILITIES Following is a summary list of park facilities in and around Yakima For a complete description of these facilities readers are invited to review the adopted Parks and Recreation Plan. Mini -Parks Mini -parks: green space, usually less than three acres, used primarily by residents residing within a quarter -mile for limited passive recreation: Cherry Park 0.49 acres Fairbrook Addition Islands 2.05 Naches Parkway 5.86 North 44th Avenue Parkway 0.69 Portia Park 0.52 Raymond Park 2.17 Rosalma Garden Club 0.45 S. 2nd Street Park 0.52 S. 6th Avenue Park 0.76 Tieton Terrace Park 0.42 Walter Ortman Parkway 0.70 TOTAL 14.80 acres Neighborhood Parks Neighborhood parks are generally three acres or more in size, usually used by neighbors within a half -mile radius for picnicking and recreation: Eisenhower Park 2.36 acres Gilbert Park 11.62 Larson Park 4.40 Martin Luther King Park 4.00 McGuinness Park 1.91 Miller Park 3.96 Milroy Park 3.36 Southeast Community Park 3.63 TOTAL 35.24 acres Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page IX -1 Community Parks CHAPTER IX - PARKS AND RECREATION Community parks are well-developed park space, usually 20 acres or more, with specific recreational amenities that attract visitors from throughout the region: Chesterley Park 31.20 acres Elks Park 12.66 Emil Kissel Park 17.00 Franklin Park 17.66 Gardner Park 9.13 Kiwanis Park 32.40 Lions Park 4.38 Perry Soccer Complex 15.00 Randall Park ................... .............................40 25 TOTAL 179.68 =Special use' Narks Yakirna has four special parks/areas: . .... ........ ...... a, .o., eav special use parks/areas: a:q.7. Central Business District 10.00 acres Powerhouse Canal Pathway (2.45 miles in length) 8.00 Harman Center at Gailleon Park 3.52 Fisher Golf Course 18.20 TOTAL 39.72 acres Non -City Community Parks West valley Community Park 26.20 acres Sarg Hubbard Park/Greenway 28,00 Sherman Park/Greenway 6.00 Sportsman State Park 247.00 Sunrise Rotary Park/Greenway 3.63 Ahtanum Youth Park/County 74.00 Yakima Area Arboretum 40.00 Fullbright Park 234.00 TOTAL 658.83 acres See Map IX -1 = Parks and Schools for general park locations (located at end of Parks and Recreation section). The demand for public recreational activities in Yakima is considerably higher than the national standards. This is due, no doubt, to a combination of factors including a history of community recreational activity, a relatively young population, a climate conducive to such activities and Yakima's reputation as a regional activity center. This high demand for activities can be seen in the heavy use experienced by the City's existing recreation facilities. In terms of specific types of facilities, we have observed the following: Softball Fields: For many years, Parks and Recreation has experienced a need for additional and updated fields as evidenced by the numbers of teams signing up for City Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page IX -2 CHAPTER IX - PARKS AND RECREATION leagues and the number relegated to waiting lists or turned away for lack of facilities. Nevertheless, the number of softball fields in the City's inventory has decreased from nine in 1998 to eight in 2005 with the possibility of further reductions in the future. However, the addition of the Gateway Complex with its four lighted fields and superior playing surfaces offsets the effects of fewer fields with improved scheduling capacity. While NRPA standards suggest Yakima should have 17 softball fields for its population size, in 2005, the number of fields currently appears to meet demands. Baseball Fields: Yakima currently has one public baseball field suitable for adult baseball. It is unlighted and is located within the Little League complex at the City's Elks Park. At the May 2005, public meetings, adult baseball players asked Parks and Recreation to retain that field and, if possible, provide an additional one. NRPA standards call for 17 unlighted and three lighted baseball fields. However, participation in adult baseball in Yakima has declined over the past several decades. The somewhat limited league includes teams from communities up and down the Yakima Valley and the need for additional fields is balanced by the fields in those particular areas. Soccer Fields: The City's inventory of soccer fields grew by two in 2000 as the second phase of Chesterley Park was completed. The combination of Chesterley fields, Ahtanum Youth Park, J.M. Perry and school district fields appears to meet the needs of the soccer community. Football Fields: The football fields provided by the Yakima School District appear to meet the current community need. Tennis Courts: The City of Yakima has 32 tennis courts including a new 12 -court campus at Kissel Park that opened in 2003. Unfortunately, the condition of the older courts is deteriorating and cracks in courts at Eisenhower have rendered those courts virtually unusable. While NRPA standards propose a need for 42 courts, there has been no public outcry for additional courts and it appears the combination of private and public tennis courts meets demand. BasketballNolleyball Courts: Yakima Parks and Recreation relies on existing community indoor basketball/volleyball courts located at school district facilities for operation of its basketball and volleyball leagues. While the school district's number of gymnasiums exceeds NRPA standards, Parks and Recreation would benefit greatly from owning its own facilities. The school gyms have limited availability due to staffing requirements and a preference for youth programs. Unanticipated last-minute cancellations due to school functions occur from time to time and disrupt team and referee schedules. Ice Hockey/Skating Rink: The City currently has one privately owned sheet of ice. However, community interest in a year-round public facility would indicate the need for a second publicly owned rink. Golf Courses/Driving Ranges: The City -owned nine -hole course in combination with privately held courses appear to meet current public need. In fact, local interest in golf has Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page IX -3 CHAPTER IX - PARKS AND RECREATION diminished somewhat since the late 1990's and golf course attendance has gradually declined. Outdoor/Indoor Swimming Pools: Declining attendance and rising repair costs prompted the City Council's decision to close three of its five pools in 2005. This left the City with one indoor (Lions) and one outdoor pool (Franklin). The Council also decided to install water playgrounds at Martin Luther King and Miller Parks in 2006 as an alternative water experience for neighborhood youngsters. In addition, the Council approved funding for a feasibility study for an aquatic center and established a committee to oversee the process. FUTURE NEEDS Space and Number of Parks Required Generally speaking, V.-.L:.�..... i..11.. short __i of the Gene, ally Yakima fails shot t the recommended ratio of park acreage to resident. Recommended minimums for the amount of park space run between two acres and five acres per 1,000 people depending nn the size and purpose of the Dark or facility. - i ---i- -�-r-.._...c •• e.,d d�d, v,,,�,, vi ule ualr� Nationally, recommendations range from a minimum of three acres for neighborhood parks to 20 to 30 acres for a community park. Yakima Parks and Recreation's inventory also includes mini -parks or pocket parks that are generally smaller than two acres. In 2005, the City of Yakima was estimated to have 83,864 residents. Assuming two acres per 1,000 residents, the City should have 168 acres of mini -/neighborhood parks. In fact, it has only 50.04 or slightly Tess than one third of the recommended amount. Yakima fares better in terms of community parksits 91R.79 acres community • , ucrev of community and �p��;i�i is about half the recommended 420 acres. The 2005 situation is similar in the urban area, which extends beyond the City limits. Accepted standards call for 192 acres of mini -/neighborhood parks for the population of 96,515. The actual number in existence is 50.04, only about a quarter of the standard. However, an abundance of community parks in the urban area — 474.87 acres — combines with the City's inventory for a total of 654.66 acres. This exceeds the standard of 480 acres by 36%. Using population estimates, the overall picture appears to change little by 2025. The City's population is expected to increase to 93,815, which will warrant 188 acres each of mini -/neighborhood parks and 470 acres of community parks. The City will need to develop 138 acres of mini -/neighborhood parks and 251.32 acres of community and special use parks to meet its adopted standards. The 2025 urban growth area population is expected to climb to 119,641 and the standard to 240 acres each of mini -parks and neighborhood parks; and 600 acres of community parks. Without construction of new parks, the urban area will be 190 acres short of mini - /neighborhood parks. Again, the situation is somewhat better for community parks in the urban area. The 2005 surplus disappears, but the urban area is close to the standard — about 8% short of it. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page IX -4 CHAPTER IX - PARKS AND RECREATION Other park and recreation plans, which have been developed by others, outline current deficiencies or needs. Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan The Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan (1996) outlines the then -current efforts to improve bicycle and pedestrian access. It remains relevant today. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan calls for implementation of a number of objectives. Among those are the following: • Establish routes and pathways for recreational use, which take advantage of recreational opportunities and provide for different degrees of recreational skills. • Establish a path and route network that promotes continuity throughout the Yakima Urban Area and links communities with the Greenway path, population centers and State and federal path systems. • Provide support facilities for path users such as safe bicycle parking, water and rest facilities along recreational routes. • Adopt a map that identifies designated paths and routes recommended for recreational and commuter bicycle use. • Evaluate the impact of new development and improvements upon bike and pedestrian facilities. New development located along designated bike routes may be required to provide bike facilities as designated in this plan. In 2005 the City of Yakima submitted to the State a list of priority bicycle and pedestrian improvement projects for the next 20 years. Included on that list were the following: Improved pedestrian conditions and bicycle lanes. Connections to the Greenway at North 6th Avenue, North 16th Avenue and North 40th and Fruitvale and from Fair Avenue via a pedestrian bridge over the freeway. Extensions to the Powerhouse Canal Pathway: the William O. Douglas Pathway from Davis High School north via 6th Avenue to the Greenway and additional pathway east from McGuinness Park via irrigation rights-of-way to Naches Avenue. Trails and Pathways Plans for trails and pathways for recreation and transportation, including the safe passage of children to and from schools, include: • Extend the Powerhouse Pathway from Chesterley Park to the Yakima Greenway near 40th Avenue. • Connect the Powerhouse Pathway between 20th and 24th Avenues along Lincoln Avenue. • Create the William O. Douglas Trail from Davis High School north to 6th Avenue and the Greenway, then along the Greenway Path west to 40th Avenue, connecting to the Powerhouse Road Pathway and the Cowiche Canyon Trail. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page IX -5 CHAPTER IX ® PARKS AND RECREATION Future development of pathways on City -owned YVT rail corridors along the Wide Hollow Road, S. 64th Avenue/Ahtanum, and S. 52nd Avenue branches. Yakima County's Comprehensive Plan For 2015 Yakima County eliminated its Parks Department in 2004. However, the County's parks comprehensive plan for 2015, published in 1995, identified development and improvement options that remain relevant ten years later. Among their proposed recreation developments or enhancements within the Yakima Urban Area are the following: ▪ Weikel Community Park, a 20 -acre proposed community nark to serve +H„ northwesterly F - ---J r-•• •, the portion of the Yakima urban area near the Cowiche Canyon. Suggested facilities include a major traiihead for the Cowiche Canyon Trail, large picnic shelter/interpretive center building, restroom, large multi -use grass area, picnic sites and parking. • Terrace Heights Community Park, located outside the urban growth area, northwest of Moxee City. The County plan identifies a need in Terrace Heights for a large multi- use park to serve the urbanized portio- ns- of Terrace Heights. Recommended fa CllreC include two to four multi -use sports fields for baseball, softball or soccer, a group picnic area, picnic shelters, children's playground, large open green space, a paved pathway, restroom and parking. ▪ Ahtanum Creek Open Space and Trail System, located outside the current urban growth area southwest of Wiley City. The County plan recommends leaving this area in a natural state primarily for passive recreation. • Trails and spurs including the 27 5 -mile Yakima Loop, which follows- off-street trails c along the freeway and Naches River on the north, the Greenway and Yakima River on the east, Ahtanum Creek on the south and then cutting north through the City along 64th and 40th Avenues. Existing and planned offshoots of the Yakima Loop provide additional recreation and transportation alternatives inside and outside the urban growth area. Among those extending into the urban area and beyond are the Selah Extension (2.1 miles), South Naches Loop (3.1 miles), Cowiche Canyon Trail (5.0 miles) and Terrace Heights Extension (6.2 miles). West Valley Piaci In 2005, Yakima County began to lay the groundwork for discussions of future development in rapidly growing West Valley, the area generally defined as the portion of the Urban Growth Area Tying west of the Yakima City limits. At a preliminary meeting that April County planners proposed three key issues for consideration in future West Valley development: mobility, housing and parks and open space. Among the criteria suggested for future development were overall aesthetics and pedestrian- and bicycle -friendly neighborhoods. In particular, the County's planners cautioned the meeting's attendees that, without planning, options for parks might be lost to development. Adequate land, they emphasized, for future parks and trail systems needs to be available as development occurs. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page IX -6 CHAPTER IX - PARKS AND RECREATION To measure the amount of future parkland that will be needed, the County used the total amount of City -owned and community -owned park and recreation land within or contiguous to the City of Yakima to create a local standard. In addition to City parks, West Valley Park (26.2 acres), Sarg Hubbard Park (28.0 acres), Sherman Park (6.0 acres) and Randall Park's undeveloped acreage (5 0 acres) were included in this comparison. To maintain the level of public park and recreational service existing in Yakima, West Valley should seek to develop the following: 83.3 acres Community Park 22.5 Neighborhood Park 2.3 Mini -Park 8.4 Greenways and Pathways 8.3 Municipal Golf Course An important element in the West Valley planning discussions was the search for incentives that would encourage developers to include open green space in their projects. Among the suggestions were smaller lot sizes and higher density developments. Greenway Master Plan The Yakima Greenway Master Plan Update (1995) encouraged conservation, enhancement and maintenance of the Greenway as a continuing, living resource for future generations (see Figure 6). In addition to documenting the history and inventory of the Greenway, it addressed land use within its boundaries with general and specific design standards relating to the site, buildings, landscaping, open space and parking. The Greenway Foundation was in the process of updating its master plan at the same time this plan was being developed and, unfortunately, changes to the 1995 document were not available. Figure 6 — Yakima Greenway The previous master plan spoke to a vision of the future where the Greenway concept might find applications beyond its boundaries. Among the suggestions were the following: • Leveraging the Greenway's attributes to the benefit of new developments between it and downtown Yakima. • Development of circulation routes between downtown and the Greenway. • Extension trails and connectors around the Upper Valley and to local destinations such as Naches, Selah and Moxee. • Implementation of railroad and canal rights-of-way for trail extensions. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page IX -7 Funding CHAPTER IX - PARKS AND RECREATION How to fund a significant increase in park land is a challenge for the community. At a conservative estimate of $35,000 per acre, it would cost more than $20 million just for the land needed to bring the City and the urban growth area up to NRPA standard. Development 1 1 1' of facilities 1 1 1 1•L• 1 1 11 Fortunately, _ Development. and construction facilities would be an additional challenge. Fortunately, the openness of Yakima's geography and its generally sunny skies temper the need to develop the vast park acreage that the national standards recommend In the past Yakima Parks and Recreation has drawn its funding from a variety of resources — its own budget, lines of credit, contributions, grants and the incredible generosity of the community, particularly the service clubs. However, most of these revenue sources are unpredictable and dependent on the economics of the time. Another option is impact fees, which the State of Washington allows for the purpose of park development. However, when this topic has been suggested in the past, City government has been hesitant to implement such fees and risk discouraging development within the GOALS AND POLICIES Goals and Policies will serve two principal purposes: to guide development decisions in the I IrzA such rezone requests, development reviews, etc. or to outline specific actions such as rezone N , or programs that implement the Plan. The latter are presented in Chapter II — Action Plan, both as a means of implementation and to meet the mitigation requirements of this integrated SEPA/GMA document. The following goals and policies are taken from the 2005 Parks and Recreation Plan. GOAL 9.1: ENHANCE THE VISUAL IMAGE OF THE DOWNTOWN CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (CBD). Policies: 9.1.1. Develop and implement a plan to establish a new downtown park. 9.1.2. Upgrade the downtown planting areas and encourage the participation of local businesses, civic groups and schools in the care and up -keep of the CBD. 9.1.3 Add a new downtown park in the CBD to provide open space and recreational amenities for downtown users. 9.1.4 Develop a plan for tree planting, maintenance and replanting throughout the City's park system (the CBD is a part of the City's parks system.) GOAL 9.2: PROVIDE ADEQUATE PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES TO MEET THE GROWTH OF THE YAKIMA URBAN AREA FOR THE NEXT 20 YEARS. Yakima urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page IX=8 CHAPTER IX - PARKS AND RECREATION Policies: 9.2.1 Acquire parklands and recreation facilities in areas facing population growth and areas where facilities are deficient. GOAL 9.3: DEVELOP/CONSTRUCT NEW NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS WITHIN THE CITY USING PROPERTY CURRENTLY OWNED BY THE CITY. Policies: 9.3.1 Work with neighborhood residents to insure park development in their area reflects their needs and interests. 9.3.2 Utilize State and federal grants to help with the overall funding of new park construction wherever possible. GOAL 9.4: ESTABLISH A PRIORITY FOR FUTURE LAND ACQUISITION AND PARK DEVELOPMENT BASED ON NEIGHBORHOOD AS WELL AS THE OVERALL CITY'S NEEDS. Policies: 9.4.1 Update the parkland acquisition plan that targets and sets priorities for future park acquisitions. 9.4.2 Meet with local neighborhood associations and residents to identify their needs and interests. 9.4.3 Utilize existing school facilities and playgrounds for public use after hours. 9.4.4 Ensure safe pedestrian and bicycle access in future land acquisition and park development. 9.4.5 Identify potential sites for new mini neighborhood and community parks in Yakima's Urban Growth Area. 9.4.6 Promote private, public and nonprofit partnerships for acquisition and development of future park property. GOAL 9.5: CREATE A NETWORK OF GREEN BELTS, GREENWAYS AND PATHWAYS WITHIN THE YAKIMA URBAN AREA. Policies: 9.5.1 Provide support through cooperation and resource sharing, where possible, for the development and expansion of the Yakima Greenway. 9.5.2 Utilize existing irrigation canal rights-of-way and Yakima Valley Transportation (YVT) corridors for pathway development. 9.5.3 Establish landscaping standards for arterial streets in the urban growth area. 9.5.4 Incorporate, whenever possible, greenbelts and pathways into all future residential, commercial and industrial developments. GOAL9.6: DEVELOP INNOVATIVE APPROACHES FOR CREATING NEW PARK FACILITIES. Policies: 9.6.1 Promote private, public and private non-profit partnerships for park improvements. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page IX -9 CHAPTER IX - PARKS AND RECREATION 9.6.2 Encourage creation of a centrally located outdoor performing arts stage or facility through a public, private and/or business partnership. 9.6.3 Expand the use of school facilities to meet the City's need for new playgrounds. 9.6.4 Preserve the City's cultural and historical landmarks as a cornerstone for park development. 9.6.5 Encourage development of non-traditional recreation venues including a white water park, BMX track, skate parks and other facilities for emerging sports activities. GOAL9.7: PRESERVE THE PRIME OPEN SPACE AREAS IN OR ADJACENT TO THE YAKIMA URBAN AREA. Policies: 9.7.1 Support the expansion of the Yakima Greenway. 9.7.2 Foster a strong relationship between the Greenway and the abutting neighborhoods. 9.7.3 Encourage tho� incorporation of greenbelts Into future regidentia1, n.:ommern9al , and industrial development to minimize the negative impacts associated when incompatible land uses are located next to one another. 9.7.4 Preserve open space through means other than ownership, such as the transfer of development rights, tax obligation relief, land donations to land trusts or conservancy organizations. GOAL 9.8: ACHIEVE A HIGH STANDARD OF SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITY IN CITY Y PARKS. Policies: 9.8.1 Ensure that handicapped, pedestrian and bicycle accessibility are provided for all new park and recreational facilities. 9.8.2 Stay abreast of current developments in park and play equipment and materials including those designed to facilitate use by the handicapped. 9.8.3 Establish and implement standards for lighting in parks and along pathways. 9.8.4 Establish and implement standards for upgrading and replacement of aging park amenities for safety and handicapped access. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page IX -10 ::ii ■ il�Cl" � _ur��11�1I ■■■ „�,iui r111IMn11 !!!! : 0E12311 priSII; �,";111IICI111111IIIIIN , I1111111I 111111 A� I I II !cp!�1Z111I1111I 1101111111111111 0 1,050 2,100 Yakima '111' 4,200 6,300 Yakima City Limits r■■� %__me Yakima Urban Growth Area 8,400 Feet City of Yakima Yakima Urban Growth Area Union Gap Growth Area Outside Urban Growth Area Park Areas Schools Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Map IX -1 Parks & Schools CHAPTER X - NATURAL ENVIRONMENT CHAPTER X: NATURAL ENVIRONMENT INTRODUCTION The natural environment is composed of air, water, soil, minerals, and living organisms, such as plants, animals, people, fish, birds, insects and microorganisms. How well these components interact with each other, as well as good stewardship for the environment, determines to a Targe extent the health of the environment. The quality of life we enjoy is also closely related to our stewardship of the natural environment. The quality of the air we breathe and the water we consume is dependent upon our decisions to properly manage these natural resources for present and future generations. Environmental remediation projects are increasingly expensive to both individual developers and property owners in addition to our community as a whole. Properly taking care of our natural environment will yield the continued privilege of living, working and playing within an environmentally desirable and appealing community. Much has happened since 1997 when the original UACP was adopted. New regulations intended to protect our critical natural areas have emerged. Amendments to the Growth Management Act now require counties and cities to include the "best available science" in policies and development regulations to protect critical areas. This chapter contains a basic description of the City of Yakima's Urban Growth Area natural environment, its current condition, and recommendations for its protection and enhancement. It also discusses current policies and regulations in effect to protect the local environment and recommends updates. As part of the integrated SEPA/GMA approach to this update, this section also discusses how critical area protection relates to other elements of the Plan. The City will adopt an updated Critical Areas Ordinance as part of this ten-year update, which will contain provisions for "Best Available Science", a requirement of GMA. The City will pattern its ordinance after the work of other cities that have effectively implemented programs. THE CITY OF YAKIMA'S NATURAL ENVIRONMENT IN 2006 The City of Yakima's natural environment is typical of an urban area in the eastern half of Washington State. Population growth and resultant development offer challenges to preservation of the quality of this environment. Following is a brief description of the components of Yakima's environment and the challenges to it. Topography The Yakima Valley can be viewed as part of a larger geologic structural system that is underlain with folded flow layers of a thick sequence of Yakima basalt. The upper basalt layer is primarily composed of sedimentary rocks of the Ellensburg formation, up to 1,000 Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page X-1 CHAPTER X - NATURAL ENVIRONMENT feet thick. These rocks are then overlain by cemented basalt gravel up to 400 feet thick comprising the second layer. The valley floor and final layer are composed of alluvial sand and gravel, up to 30 feet thick. Fish and Wildlife Habitat Although largely urbanized, the City of Yakima still has habitat for fish and wildlife. The Yakima River, Naches River and Wide Hollow Creek are home to anadromous fish, such as river -going salmon and trout, with steelhead residing mainly within the Yakima River. Anadromous fish are those species, like salmon and steelhead, that are born in fresh water and eventually migrate out to sea where they spend a large part of their life Ultimately, they attempt to return to the fresh water stream in which they were hatched in order to reproduce. Other streams within the City limits such as Bachelor, Spring, and Ahtanum are less likely to have fish present within them as a result of invasive non-native plants and fluctuations in water levels due it r igati[ if i Manm ade lakes fell by seepage from Yakima River ch to -_. ,�6._.m„ ._. �,:::.... ... .. :,....:�.� ... -... ..y .�yy� en't�-ae from the Yakima 1�1"v :i, J:..vil as Myron, Willow and Aspen, are also home to stocked trout maintained by the `!Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW). Despite the change in environment, urban wildlife has adapted to living in the tree canopy, parks and other open spaces, wetlands, streams, rivers and lakes in the City. The WDFW has classified certain important fish and ildlife habitats and .�� � .. habitats and species as "priority habitats" and "priority species" to ensure they are considered in land use planning and management. The majority priority' habitats inside of Yakima's ,�•• e�y of the priority' iiIISIU� the City i�ni!!!�ti jurisdiction are wetlands, shorelines and riparian areas (areas adjacent to streams, rivers and lakes). Other types of priority habitat in Yakima are breeding or communal roosting areas and urban, natural open spaces. Significant wetlands inside the Yakima Urban Area include those wetlands associated with the Yakima and Naches Rivers and Wide Hollow Creek. Additional wetlands are associated with the three remaining creeks and streams (see Map X-1 - Wetlands). The Yakima Greenway, located along a significant portion of the Yakima Rivera banks, provides a Targe part of the City of Yakima's open space and r.nmm!!nal roosting grounds for bird habitat. Documented priority species, which reside within the Greenway, include Steelhead, Bull Trout, Canadian Geese, Great Blue Heron, and Bald Eagle. Wide Hollow Creek, which does not provide a significant amount of open space, is considered to be a presumed habitat for Bull Trout and spawning area for salmon. Under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries has designated, or listed, several species that live in the Yakima County area as candidate, threatened, or endangered. The species that were found to be present within the upper Yakima Valley are: Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page X-2 • Bull trout (Saivelinus confluentus) • Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) • Larch Mountain Salamander (Plethodon larselli) ■ Spotted owl (Strix occidentalis) CHAPTER X - NATURAL ENVIRONMENT • Sandhill Crane (Grus Canadensis) • Sage Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) • Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis) • Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) • Western gray squirrel (Sciurus griseus) Information provided by the WDFW Priority Habitat and Species Survey, 2003 (see Map X-2 - Habitat) identified these nine listed species. The ESA prohibits harming designated species or their habitats. Water Quality Urbanization and development can inevitably result in impacts to various elements of the environment such as forests, grasslands and wetlands as a result of impervious surfaces and infrastructure (roads, sidewalks, parking lots, urban dwellings, etc.). In the City of Yakima an increasing amount of impervious surface area and development has occurred in and around the local rivers and streams. This increase in impermeable surface area can result in an increase in flooding and a decrease of groundwater replenishment. In addition, increases in storm water from developed urban areas also carries with it toxic substances and bacteria. These substances can damage groundwater, lakes, rivers and streams. Yakima's major water bodies and their tributaries shown in Map X-3 - Streams and Waterbodies currently do not meet all required federal and State water quality standards (November 4, 2005) due to activities on surrounding lands. Waste from animals, wild and domestic, and failing septic systems contribute to increased bacteria counts. Soil erosion transports fertilizers, which increases phosphorus and nitrogen and causes excessive plant and microscopic organism growth, thereby reducing dissolved oxygen levels for fish and other native species. Toxic metals and motor oil inherent with street runoff also cling to soil particles and are carried into water bodies causing further pollution. A lack of vegetation and shading on many of Yakima's streams and riverbanks has led to an increase in water temperatures thus diminishing water quality below acceptable levels. Air Quality An air shed is defined as "a volume of air, bounded by geographical and/or meteorological constraints, within which activities discharge contaminants". The air shed for the City of Yakima, as defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is the Yakima Basin. Air quality within the City is generally good, meeting federal and State air quality standards. One of the top air polluters within the Yakima Basin is the automobile. Small combustion engines, such as lawn mowers and those associated with industry, also contribute to air pollution. A major source of carbon monoxide and particulate matter emissions is all forms of combustion including residential hearing, outdoor, and agricultural burning. In 1990 portions of the Yakima Urban Growth Area were designated as Non -Attainment Areas under the Federal Clean Air Act amendments for Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Particulate Matter less than 10 microns in diameter (PM/0). In 2002 the Yakima Regional Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page X-3 CHAPTER X - NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Clean Air Authority, working in conjunction with the City of Yakima and the Department of Ecology, prepared a quantitative analysis in a Limited Maintenance Plan that allowed the Yakima Urban Area to be re -designated. The City is no longer considered a Non - Attainment area for Carbon Monoxide. Current community efforts to reduce PM10 include paving of gravel streets and shoulders, as well as the programs by the Clean Air Authority to upgrade wood stoves and outdoor burning bans. The only major registered source of PM10 emissions is the former Boise Cascade lumber sawmill whose production was significantly reduced in 2005. In 2005, the Yakima Clean Air Authority received final approval Limited MMain� PA A ---------� ----••--• approval of the Lllr.0 IVIQIIILCIIdI1l.;C Plan r'IVlin regulation compliance. As a result, the Yakima Urban Area is no longer considered a Non-Attainrnent Area for PIA°. Yakima County is currently attaining the 1997 PM2.5 standard for fine particulate matter - EPA has announced a new proposed fine particulate matter standard that will be finalized in the near future. The new standard will have a much lower 24-hour standard, and past monitoring data indicates that the City of Yakima, the Upper Yakima Valley and possibly all of Yakima County could be placed in future PRA non -attainment -.�-,,.----�.::� ���..- be placed ::� a future r1v12.5 IIL1il-atidlrimefii area if significant reductions are made in future late -fall and winter fine particulate emissions The new PNi2.5 standard is expected to be finalized by December 2006. Hazard Areas The areas of prospective hazard in Yakima that have the greatest potential to threaten public health and safety are floodplains (Map X-4 — Floodplains), geologic hazards (including landslides) steep slopes and stream undercutting as depicted in Map X-5 _ Geologic Hazards. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has mapped the floodplains for the Yakima River and Nachos Rivers, as well as Wide Hollow Creek, Bachelor Creek, Spring Creek, Ahtanum Creek, and Shaw Creek (see Map X-6 — FEMA Yakima Floodplain Map). In addition, FEMA and the City of Yakima provide guidelines to ensure that development in or near these areas is compatible with surrounding properties and a risk to upstream or downstream neighbors or the natural functions of floodplains is not created. Utilizing topological data from the United States Geological Survey, the City of Yakima has mapped the potential areas of steep slopes, landslides and stream undercutting as depicted in Map X-5 — Geologic Hazards. A significant potential for landslides exists in these areas where earthen material is unstable. In Yakima, steep slopes are mainly isolated along the City's north and northeastern urban growth boundaries in the vicinity of Pecks Canyon and the Terrace Heights area of the Urban Growth Area. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT The City of Yakima's environmental decisions are influenced by State and federal regulations. Federal regulations include Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and Clean Air Act. State regulations include the Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA), Shoreline Management Act, Water Pollution Control Act, and Clean Air Act. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page X-4 CHAPTER X - NATURAL ENVIRONMENT The GMA requires that cities and counties designate and protect critical areas such as wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat, aquifers (groundwater) as depicted in Map X-7 — Aquifer Characteristics, geologically hazardous areas and frequently flooded areas. The GMA also requires protection of areas that are beneficial to the environment as well as public health and safety. The Shoreline Management Act (SMA) requires that cities and counties adopt a local Shoreline Management Program to regulate and protect shoreline functions, such as fish and wildlife habitat. The Clean Water Act provides a mechanism for controlling and preventing the pollution of lakes, streams and rivers to provide safe habitat for aquatic life and the use of the waters for swimming and fishing. The Endangered Species Act (ESA) allows for protection of threatened and endangered species in addition to their habitat. Finally, the federal and State Clean Air Acts (CAA) regulate air quality on a regional plane. The City of Yakima works together with citizens and government agencies to provide new, innovative environmental protection programs, regulations and associated general public outreach that are aimed at preserving and improving the existing landscape. The City provides additional environmental protection through the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), adoption of the Yakima County Shorelines Master Program to protect shorelines of the State, and the City of Yakima Critical Area Ordinance to protect wetlands, water bodies, surface/groundwater, hazard areas, fish and wildlife habitat and other vegetation. Implementation of these regulations includes development review, inspection, enforcement and education of local development proposals and the general public. DIRECTION FOR THE FUTURE Environmental quality is an essential element of our City's livability. By considering both the natural and built environment in planning for the future, the City of Yakima has the opportunity to create a sustainable urban environment that provides clean air and water, habitat for wildlife, and comfortable and secure places for people to live, work and recreate. Through policy, decisions and actions the City of Yakima will continue to seek balance between various environmental goals and economic development, allowing multiple objectives to be met. The primary goal the City of Yakima seeks would be to provide a healthy ecological community that provides a rich biodiversity and to protect public health and safety. IMPLEMENTATION Environmental protection and enhancement, based on the "Best Available Science" (as defined in the GMA), will be important factors in the City of Yakima's land use planning, zoning and development regulations. Development that does not reasonably avoid or accommodate critical areas will be required to provide mitigation for potential impacts to prevent a net loss of function and value. The GMA requires updating of critical area regulations as necessary to maintain consistency with State law. As part of that review, the City of Yakima will work with Yakima County and other local jurisdictions to coordinate environmental regulations on a countywide basis thereby providing consistent environmental protection and a streamlined development review process. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page X-5 CHAPTER X - NATURAL ENVIRONMENT The City of Yakima will also seek ways to provide incentives to new development for protecting and enhancing the environment. In an urbanized area the protection and enhancement of the environment is a balance between the development and the protection due to the lot sizes of an urban area. In addition, various City departments, including Parks and Recreation, Public Works and Planning, will work together to develop an open space program as well as provide education on how to protect and care for the City's environmental assets. The City will continue to protect and require restoration, when feasible, in sensitive areas, which will continue to be reflected in the City's operations and stewardship. Air, Water Quality and Vegetation Protecting air, water quality and vegetation will provide healthier habitats for fish, wildlife and the general populous. Environmentally friendly transportation choices will help protect air quality. Source control (keeping pollutants out of the environment) and water treatment (removing pollutants from the water) provide increased protection against contamination and provide increased water quality. Water conservation and utilization of pervious -r_ :u surfaces will p meet and the quality of water. Surface . _ter m - --- --.,, � .ecce•..•:: --a improve .:,-.. =.,,t.�.,,by of ground adaiei. i7l:iiQ:.0 VUq�Ci i1id11Gyf.''IilcilC regulations will reduce impacts from developments on surface water quality and quantity. The preservation of native plants and the planting of additional native plants in addition to removal of invasive plant species helps protect and enhance vegetation. Habitats and Species The City of Yakima will protect its priority habitats, habitats of local importance, and priority species, Yakima will protect salmon and work with other jurisdictions in the region to develop and implement salmon recovery plans for threatened species. Endangered Species Act The City of Yakima will protect ESA -fisted salmon species and their habitat. The City will also work with others in the area to plan and implement actions to restore salmon habitat, including reestablishment of salmon runs. Shoreline Management The City of Yakima will continue to apply the adopted Shorelines Master Pian to protect shoreline resources, the environment, water -dependant and water -related economic development, and public access and recreation. Yakima will update its Shoreline Management Program based on the Washington State Department of Ecology's 2005 guidelines. Public Health and Safety The City of Yakima will continue to protect and promote public health and safety from flooding, landslides and earthquakes, in addition to maintaining clean groundwater and improving the quality of surface water in conjunction with its current and future environmental regulations. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page X-6 Coordination CHAPTER X - NATURAL ENVIRONMENT The City of Yakima will coordinate environmental policies and programs among City departments, other agencies, the private sector, and general citizenship. The City of Yakima departments including Planning, Community Development, Transportation, and Public Works Departments will also coordinate with one another to improve efficiency and consistency. Additionally, the City will work with State and federal agencies to achieve compliance with environmental regulations in a way that is resource wise, both in terms of financial and environmental resources. Sustainability Yakima will provide for the needs of its' residents without sacrificing the needs of future generations. The City will also consider economics and the natural environment when managing its water, energy, land and natural resources. Yakima will promote sustainable public and private development practices and patterns, building design, water -use reduction, and waste reduction. The City will incorporate green building (environmentally friendly) principles and practices into the design, construction and operation of all City facilities, City -funded projects and infrastructure to the fullest extent possible. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES The City of Yakima adopts the following policies to protect, sustain and enhance the environment while meeting its other community, economic development, housing, and infrastructure goals. These policies are consistent with and implement Natural Setting Goals and Policies of Yakima County Plan 2015 adopted by Yakima County and planning policy 36.70.A.020(10) RCW of the Washington Growth Management Act. This section will be amended to include new goals and policy language with the adoption of updates to Yakima County Plan 2015. Goals and Policies The policies and goals for this chapter are currently under review as the City of Yakima and Yakima County are jointly reviewing and updating their shoreline and critical area regulations. This section will be amended to include new goals and policy language with the adoption of the specified updates. GOAL 10.1: COORDINATE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES AND PROGRAMS. EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES TO CONSOLIDATE ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS AND STREAMLINE PERMITTING. Policies 10.1.1 Regulatory processes and permitting decisions will aim to balance natural values with urbanized use of the land. 10.1.2 Incorporate and maintain information regarding natural systems with regulations. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page X-7 CHAPTER X - NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 10.1.3 Review and update the City's development regulations to include best available science standards. GOAL 10.2: DEMONSTRATE AND PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AND EDUCATION. Policies 10.2.1 Make information available (ex. pamphlet) that outlines to the general public the various land use permitting processes, the reasons for the regulations, and the basic permitting steps 10.2.2 Provide information and education on the natural environment to schools and the community at large. GOAL 19.3; PROTECT AND ENHANCE AIR QUALITY, IN COORDINATION WITH LOCAL AND REGIONAL AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS. Policies 10.3.1 Cooperate with local, State and federal air pollution control agencies that regulate activities with regard to air pollutants. 10.3.2 Require control of air emissions during land development and construction. 10.3.3 Develop a land use pattern that encourages trip reduction and minimizes vehicular emissions. 10.3.4 Recruit clean industries to minimize air- pollution affecting the Yakima valnley. . 10.3.5 Promote alternate modes of transportation, such as bikeways, pedestrian ways, greenways and pathways. 10.3.6 Support the Yakima Regional Clean Air Authority in reducing dust, odor, smoke and contaminants within the Yakima Urban Area. 10.3.7 Monitor and reduce wood stove emissions. GOAL 10.4: PROMOTE AN ENVIRONMENT FREE FROM EXCESSIVE NOISE THAT JEOPARDIZES THE PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE. Policies 10.4.1 Maintain adequate local noise control/abatement measures and mitigation standards and develop additional noise requirements, if necessary. 10.4.2 Enforce noise standards. GOAL 10.5: MAINTAIN, RESTORE AND WHERE NECESSARY IMPROVE TERRESTRIAL AND AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS TO MAINTAIN VIABLE, REPRODUCING POPULATIONS OF PLANTS AND ANIMALS. Policies 10.5.1 The City of Yakima will protect its priority habitats, habitats of local importance, and priority species. 10.5.2 Yakima will protect salmon and work with other jurisdictions in the region to develop and implement salmon recovery plans for threatened species. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page X-8 CHAPTER X - NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 10.5.3 The City of Yakima will protect ESA -listed salmon species and their habitat. The City will also work with others in the area to plan and implement actions to restore salmon habitat, including reestablishment of salmon runs. 10.5.4 Encourage the maintenance of a permanent vegetative buffer between tilled areas and associated water bodies to reduce bank erosion, retard surface runoff, reduce siltation, improve water quality and provide habitat for fish and wildlife. 10.5.5 Seek to avoid and/or minimize impacts to shorelines as a result of logging by avoiding logging on shorelines, encouraging seeding and reforestation of native plants to reduce potential erosion hazard, maintain buffer strips of vegetation to prevent temperature increases that may adversely impact native fish populations. 10.5.6 Locate, design, construct and operate recreational facilities to prevent undue adverse impacts on environmental quality and the natural resources of an area and on adjacent or nearby private properties. 10.5.7 Recreational developments shall comply with County Health regulations. 10.5.8 When it is necessary to locate major highways, freeways and railways along stream drainages or lake shores, such facilities should be sufficiently set back to maintain water quality and so that a useable shoreline area remains. Care should also be taken to insure that a minimum land area is consumed. 10.5.9 Signs and Billboards: Signs and billboards shall be placed in high-intensity land use areas. Provision for billboard size, spacing and lighting should conform to the Scenic Vistas Act (RCW 47.42). 10.5.10 Solid Waste Disposal: the disposal of all solid wastes should proceed in accordance with the City of Yakima Solid Waste Management Plan. 10.5.11 Dredging: Permit dredging and deposit of soils only to improve habitat or when the alternative is more detrimental. Impacts should be minimized. GOAL 10.6: PROTECT THE CITY'S SUPPLY AND QUALITY OF SHORELINE AREAS TO ENSURE THEIR MOST EFFICIENT AND ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND USE. Policies 10.6.1 The City of Yakima will continue to apply the adopted Shorelines Master Plan to protect shoreline resources, the environment, water -dependent and water - related economic development, and public access and recreation. The City of Yakima will update its Shoreline Management Program based on the Washington State Department of Ecology's 2005 guidelines. 10.6.2 Encourage shoreline -dependent economic activities along shorelines that will enhance the quality of life for residents while mitigating significant adverse environmental impacts. 10.6.3 Encourage animal feedlot operations to locate away from shorelines. 10.6.4 Consider visual access and aesthetic quality of the shoreline before constructing an aquacultural enterprise. When feasible, underwater structures are preferred. 10.6.5 Development along shorelines should include consultation with professional archeologists, historians, and biologists to identify areas containing potentially Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page X-9 CHAPTER X - NATURAL ENVIRONMENT valuable data, and to establish procedures for salvaging or maintaining the area in an undisturbed condition. 10.6.6 Design subdivisions at a density, level of site coverage, and occupancy compatible with the physical capabilities of the shoreline and water. 10.6.7 Limit commercial development to those activities that are particularly dependent upon a shoreline location. Other commercial uses should be encouraged to locate upland. 10.6.8 Encourage new commercial developments on shorelines to locate in those areas where current commercial uses exist. 10.6.9 Marinas: Design, locate and build marinas in a manner that is aesthetically compatible with adjacent areas and will minimize damage to aquatic life. 10.6.10 Industrial Facilities: Careful consideration should be given to determine the potential effects of industrial facilities and their location on the shoreline and surrounding area. 10.6.11 Discourage industries that have proven to be environmentally hazardous from locating along the shorelines. 10.6.12 Remove sand, gravel, and minerals from only the least sensitive shoreline areas and implement plel 1 lei iL I i 1easur es LU adequately protect Water quality. 10.6.13 Whenever utilities must be placed in a shoreline area, locate utilities in areas planned to accommodate future growth that will not obstruct or destroy scenic views. Wherever feasible, these facilities should be placed underground. 10.6.14 Shoreline protection activities should be located and constructed in a manner that will result in no significant adverse effects on nearby shorelines. 10.6.15 Locating new shoreline protection activities near existing ones shall be encouraged when possible. nn n .In Prohibit 1 landfills 1 10.6. 16 Prohibit sanitary landf ils along shoreline areas. 10.6.17 Locate and design shoreline fills and cuts to avoid significant damage to existing ecological values and natural resources. GOAL 10.7: ENHANCE AND PROTECT SURFACE-, STORM-, AND GROUNDWATER QUALITY FROM SEPTIC DISCHARGE, IMPERVIOUS SURFACE RUNOFF, IMPROPER WASTE DISPOSAL, AND OTHER POTENTIAL CONTAMINANT SOURCES, ENSURE SAFE AND ADEQUATE WATER SIIDD! VCVC nAAM. PRwIIM■V1TWISE ICC Amin rrMaiDlIATIM I-% V f.. AI V VV1 I 1\VA 11 111 V1 WATER RESOURCES. Policies 10.7.1 Protect water quality from the adverse impacts associated with erosion and sedimentation. 10.7.2 Protect water resources, including surface water; wells, groundwater and critical aquifer recharge areas. 10.7.3 Encourage the use of drainage, erosion and sediment control practices for all construction or development activities. 10.7.4 Establish improved watershed surface and groundwater management programs. 10.7.5 Create and implement water conservation programs. 10.7.6 Coordinate with other governmental agencies and major water providers to attain improved water resource management practices. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page X-10 CHAPTER X - NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 10/.7 Develop a local Wellhead Protection Program to protect public groundwater supplies from contamination. 10.7.8 Protect and preserve natural vegetation located along rivers and creek/stream corridors. 10.7.9 Provide stream and wetland buffers for new development along rivers, creeks and streams. 10.7.10 Ensure the City's essential public facilities are not prohibited from construction of new, expansion or renovation of the water or wastewater or irrigation treatment facilities. 10.7.11 Revise standards to provide construction methods that offset or mitigate stormwater runoff e.g. grass pavers in parking areas, pervious concrete on sidewalks, etc. GOAL 10.8: PROTECT RIPARIAN AREAS AND OTHER FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT. LINK FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT AREAS TO FORM CONTIGUOUS NETWORKS. SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE FISH AND WILDLIFE POPULATIONS. Policies 10.8.1 Protect Yakima's priority habitats and habitats of local importance. 10.8.2 Protect wildlife habitats from the encroachment of new development. 10.8.3 Protect habitat for salmonids and other listed species and facilitate recovery. 10.8.4 Support actions that protect other non -listed threatened species from becoming listed and endangered when necessary. 10.8.5 Work with State and local government agencies to develop a regional salmon recovery plan. GOAL 10.9: MANAGE DEVELOPMENT IN AND FLOODPLAINS TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY. PREVENT INCREASED FLOODING FROM STORM WATER RUNOFF. Policies 10.9.1 Protect natural drainage system associated with floodways and floodplains. 10.9.2 Ensure that new development will not affect the flood elevations in surrounding areas. 10.9.3 Ensure adequate protection of life and property from flood events. 10.9.4 Limit development located within the 100 -year floodplain unless it is possible to mitigate and restrict development within the floodway. 10.9.5 Emphasize non-structural methods in planning for flood prevention and damage reduction. 10.9.6 Encourage compliance with stormwater regulations for onsite retention of stormwater. 10.9.7 Preserve natural drainage courses. 10.9.8 Minimize adverse storm water impacts generated by the removal of vegetation and alteration of landforms. 10.9.9 Minimize the extent of parking Tots and impervious surfaces near or along river and stream corridors. 10.9.10 Encourage new development to adopt best management practices such as Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page X-11 CHAPTER X - NATURAL ENVIRONMENT reduction of impervious surfaces and provisions for filtering pollutants. 10.9.11 Encourage and support the retention of natural open spaces or land uses that maintain hydrologic function and are at low risk to property damage from floodwaters within frequently flooded areas. GOAL 10.10: PROVIDE FOR LONG-TERM PROTECTION AND NO NET LOSS OF WETLAND ECOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS. Policies 10.10.1 Protect existing wetlands from the encroachment of new development. 10.10.2 Protect diverse functions and values of wetlands in the Urban Growth Area. 10.10.3 Protect existing wetlands that are greater than one acre in size that meet the following criteria: a. Valuable for wildlife habitat; b. Important for flood control purposes; c. Not artificially created from non -wetland sites, such as irrigation and drainage ditches, grass -lined swages, canals, detention ponds, wastewater treatment facilities farm ponds, and landscape amenities .. ...v :v .. +..:vl :. -.....:I I I...I �: .:,.. i+l lr:l-_ farm s and landscape VGi I.f �L: C.il llvl liliiiJ. 10.10.4 Require wetland buffers and building setbacks around regulated wetlands to preserve vital wetland functions and values. 10.10.5 Manage and mitigate human activities or actions that would have likely adverse impacts on the existing conditions of regulated wetlands and their buffers. 10•10 0 Require mitigation for any regulated activity that alters regulated wetlands and their buffers. 10.10.7 Promote wetlands protection thnrvugh I VI -1 eg Uiatory approaches such as the adopt -a -wetland conservation program. 10.10.8 Work with Greenway Foundation, Land Trust, and other similar organizations to protect wetlands within !ands administered by those organizations. GOAL 10.11: PROTECT PROPERTY FROM GEOLOGIC HAZARDS. MANAGE DEVELOPMENT IN GEOLOGICALLY HAZARDOUS AREAS TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY. Policies 10.11.1 The City of Yakima will continue to protect and promote public health and safety from flooding, landslides and earthquakes, in addition to maintaining clean groundwater and improving the quality of surface water in conjunction with its current and future environmental regulations. 10.11.2 Locate development within the most environmentally suitable and naturally stable portions of the proposed property. 10.11.3 Classify and designate areas on which development should be prohibited, conditioned, or otherwise controlled because of danger from geological hazards. 10.11.4 Prevent any type of subdivisions in known or suspected landslide hazard areas, side slopes of stream ravines, or slopes 40% or greater for development. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page X-12 CHAPTER X - NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 10.11.5 Encourage cluster development, or the concept of Conservation Design for new residential development in areas of geologic hazards. 10.11.6 Limit new development on ridges to preserve their scenic beauty in a manor that conforms to the existing natural terrain. 10.11.7 Limit development in areas of over steepened slopes and minimize areas of cut and fill in accordance with the City of Yakima's Critical Area Ordinance. 10.11.8 Control soil erosion during and after construction in areas with unstable slope. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page X-13 A N NM N ISM IMP ION M I\\. MN IMP 111111 NMI of M Z \ TERRACE HG 3- 2) ' 111 ihi1u iuitalll N� 1I"frJ" �'����� u'.ENO: HILL BLVD 11111111111111111■ 111111 Ilentao�lll�111111 A 111ili 111111111f1 null 1{ . �RII� MINNIE � 1 1111111 111:! kENTAL J COOLIDGE RD 0 1.125 2,250 4,500 Yakima IIIIII 1994 6,750 9,000 Feet LI Yakima Urban Growth Area nYakima City Limits Wetlands Palustrine Lacustrine Limnetic Riverine Lower Perennial 1111 Riverine Upper Perennial Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Map X-1 Wetlands w W LNICOL.N AVE -•791r111)11111% 1 1 =--- ::.1_rli " llll 111111111tim 111�(r�1sing I1n1I�,,�■IIII�i/�•t�s•r %I L' r.11 I��1111.�Cs1 Illmllnlll iii11111■■�ata�•t it 1 ,�� !1■n,ll�ll'"I �II'lllllll�'::I�in�.� r. l IP LdN RD ZIER R ENTAL F D OOK R co co 11 "- " I II II1�1:u.....: IYw■■■iii l���II1��J E ...� ■ IIN�YIIIIIIle:1 ����*�C4�111L 0116P111•111111119111111111111111 Uri Bill-11034,rill 1 Illllllln Iln im■ �II i ...1lI� lllm C ��J���I111 %,,• • 1: 1111111 � 11 U1111111111■ NIJI"M r-.. nllllnIIIIII IIIIr ER ST � o z /,,///nq iee COOLIDGE RD �-n 1 J NJ AHr4NUM RD w x W WASHINGTON AVE 2 Priority Habitats and Wildlife Species Areas for the upper Yakima valley area have been mapped based upon information provided by the State of Washington Department of Wldlife, Prtonty Habitat and Species Survey was compiled by the Slate WNdlife Office based upon actual field work and observation A total of 15 species were studied and mapped in Eastern Washington for urbaninzing areas Species inventoned include only those considered of State or Federal significance Disclosure of the specific animal associated with the Stale Wildlife Office. for the protection of the endangered species. However, the upper valley of Yakima was found to contain the following species. Bald Eagle. Ferruginous Hawk, Golden Eagle. Great Blue Heron. Prane Falcon and the Ring -Necked Snake. Yakima Tr' 0 1,250 2,500 5,000 7,500 10,000 Feet QYakima City Limits r■■• Yakima Urban Growth Area City of Yakima Yakima Urban Growth Area Outside Urban Growth Area Habitat _ Habitat Area 4 Roosting Areas ���/ Areas of Observed Presence Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Map X-2 Habitat OM M all '- I — IMO "AM - 411,inkr-arinPareirm111. 1111MORMI6mitit*lam d'"=� 111.1 WIDE HOLLOW RD R CASTLEVALE RD NMhe::::i::: ��illll 1111101dh116111MMINERIS,. V . 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Yakima Urban Growth Area alYakima City Limits City of Yakima Yakima Urban Growth Area Outside Urban Growth Area FEMA 100 Year Floodplain Rivers Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Map X-4 Floodplains BOSSERF1ECD CASTLEVALE RD SUMMITVIEW AVE TIETON OR Z z 2 z 2 2 2 z ENGLE WOOD AVE z �R 4.0&0 z ENGLEWOOD AVE P,� W LINCOLN AVE 0 z 0 O 2 N 2 2 RACE HGTS DR DIVISION ST PACIFIC AVE RD 0 2 N Q COOLIDGE RD 2 3 N W WASHINGTON AVE 2 SPRING CREEK RD 2 z W NOB HILL BLVD Q N Q 0 W MEAD AVE co 2 I 2 E VIOLA AVE E NOB HILL BLVD N N E MFAI9 AVF ON AVE C/ PIONEER ST VD W AHTANUM RD N 0 1,050 2,100 1994 4.200 8,300 8,400 Feet lid Yakima City Limits Yakima Urban Growth Area - High Risk -Landslide Intermediate Risk-Oversteepened Slopes High Rick-Oversteepened Slopes Rivers Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Map X-5 Geologic Hazards 111111 E M 1 E i>• M I - r Map X-6 — FEMA - M I N i• 1111111 CHAPTER X — NATURAL ENVIRONMENT ` 1 1 I ■ 41 , w -1 1m■ ill+ iea IAA cr=l6]n'1EN'-5e1� I iilh _TiliiP�01tl Ii1IIIII • t. MINUR ,� 11� 11 111/1111 111 H UY u71 ':' YII` a,� 11 ecu II�m1JlYlll. 1YIIII,r A1. .1 -'.e•a r M�Ir TAME 1.-r'2 I III n1ICa. ; II ��eepIr� 1111111a�r� 1111u I BII� 1 �Rl It1Y1/IIt11r Ili 1 Y II ]1 1 r L � r l: 11� 11 lalr-:.e e1I :LEA S� rc.---we ri. -m..- iiim 1111/1111 1 i.1 .1:11r r. il.riIIIIiuuiii111uiii'_ I 111111I1N 1 ,, -� _ r�- 1111 111111 1 J-1-1 - 11.1 �11 —�-' ; '�? ' N NIN 1 1 I 4 City of Yakima FEMA FIoodplains Myer Sep, WM ARemli SE by These are not the official FEMA Floodplain Maps. The official FEMA Floodplain maps can be viewed at the City or County Planning Departments. Palcel Lot lines are for visual display only. D o not use for legal purposes. OS 1 15 2 ZS Yin 1-liMit, .(a1r1�1%a, Yakimap-m caa1011C1 Zeamacank fres ea em denied fan muere Mime, 11e ` cane orIoIaoxonesaaelelle b memos 1Telelae,lelepie renarnllestir lesamew- 1 Sol risk. An 72, soe 0 EPA Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page X-19 A. JLrim1111•111111111E1M11 1=111111111 ■■■■■■u■■■■�■�■ W NOB HILL BLVD '■�■� ar♦■ti■ ■■■■■■ ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ ops �_ A� 6�� 0j �uuuuiii. uinui item , 1 ..iimonti uu.IuuuI: mmumi metlnuiinhin hi Erni ■■■ Yakima Mgeg IIIIIII� Yakima City Limits tlllfl 1 Yakima Urban Growth Area - Tieton Andesite Basalt Formations Upper Ellensburg Formation Alluvium Deposits: High Susceptiblity of Aquifer to Contamination High Vulnerability - High Susceptibility and potential contaminant loading, based upon shallow aquifer Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan 5/00 Map X-7 Aquifer Characteristics dix Envim ct St „Of ia# entai tennnt Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page A - 1 Appendix A Final Environmental Impact Statement CITY OF YAKIMA'S URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT Description of Proposal: The applicant proposes an update of the City of Yakima's Growth Management Act Comprehensive Plan as required by the Growth Management Act GMA). The current Comprehensive Plan is designed to accommodate growth through the year 2015. The update will accommodate growth through the year 2025. The update will address general policies on Land Use, Housing, Parks and Recreation, Transportation, Capital Facilities, Utilities, Natural Resources and Critical Areas Protection, and Economic Development. The plan also contains a Future Land Use map, a Transportation Improvement map, etc. This notice announces the City's intent to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) on the proposed update to the City of Yakima's Comprehensive Plan. The SEPA process (WAS 197-11-408) requires that the City, as lead agency, notify the public of the intent to prepare an EIS so that citizens, agencies and tribes have an opportunity to comment on the scope of the impacts to be analyzed in the EIS. Proponent: City of Yakima 129 North Second Street Yakima, WA 98901 (509) 575-6262 Location of Proposal: Yakima Urban Growth Area Lead Agency: City of Yakima EIS Required: The City of Yakima determined that the proposal is likely to have significant adverse impacts on the environment. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) deemed necessary under RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c). The EIS contained new information and analysis, but also built on data and analysis contained in previous environmental documents, any of which may be adopted or incorporated by reference as appropriate, according to the SEPA rules. Materials indicating likely environmental impacts can be reviewed at the Yakima Department of Community and Economic Development. The lead agency identified the following elements of the environment for discussion in the EIS: Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page A - 1 Appendix A Final Fit vim r,meHtal Impact Statement I. Natural Environment: Topography, soils, erosion, air quality, surface and groundwater, public water supplies, plant and animal habitat, fisheries, energy and natural resources. II. Built Environment: Land and shoreline use, environmental health, housing, recreation, historic and cultural resources, transportation, public services, and utilities. III. Alternatives A No -Action alternative will be disci ICCeri in the EIC No �::.. �:v. The Alternative assumes no update to the City of Yakima's Urban Area Comprehensive Plan. Scoping: The City of Yakima acted as lead agency for the SFPA process. Agencies, affected tribes, and members of the public were inviter' to comment on the f the EIS. e� �... FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT Integrating Environmental Impact Analysis with Growth Management Planning The `%�/aChinntnn �.... .:______�� .-. .. _ Act -- shind:on State Envoeime: tai Policy ; Appendix A Final Environmental Impact Statement regulations should therefore result in a timelier and more focused environmental review process. Phased Review It is the intent of this Comprehensive Plan to serve as the foundation for environmental review as required under SEPA. Project proposals that are consistent with the future land use designations and this Comprehensive Plan; and that incur no major system impacts to utilities such as wastewater treatment, stormwater drainage, domestic water and transportation facilities should not be required to undergo further environmental review related to these systems. It is the intent of the City of Yakima to employ "phased review" of development in the community, where additional environmental analysis for specific projects on specific sites will be limited to project impacts that were not foreseen or were not otherwise documented in this integrated SEPA/GMA Comprehensive Plan. It is the policy of the City that where proposed developments conform to the policies of this Plan, they are considered to be consistent with the land use and planning vision of the community. SEPA/GMA Integrated Document: Requirements An integrated document will constitute the necessary SEPA document, as long as it contains the following as specified by WAC 197-11-235: I. Environmental Summary and Fact Sheet II. Concise analysis of alternatives III. Comments and responses IV. Appropriate technical and other materials I. Fact Sheet Proposed Action: Adoption of the City of Yakima Integrated 2006 Urban Area Comprehensive Plan. The UACP, updated Development Regulations and Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) provide an updated land use plan and policies to address growth for a 20 -year planning period through the year 2025 within the Yakima Planning Area. The Plan includes updates to all sections of the 1997 Plan. Development Regulations will be updated in 2007 to implement the policy of the updated UACP, including a revised Critical Areas Ordinance using Best Available Science. The Draft EIS document included identification of the Preferred Alternative (as recommended by the Regional Planning Commission). Location of Proposal: The City of Yakima and its surrounding unincorporated urban growth area, including West Valley and Terrace Heights. (See Figure 1-1.) Proponent: City of Yakima Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page A - 3 Lead Agency: Responsible Official: Required Approvals: Appendix A Final rnvironmental Impact Statement City of Yakima 129 North Second Street Yakima, WA 98901 (509) 575-6262 William Cook, Director and SEPA Responsible Official Yakima Regional Planning Commission - Recommendation City of Yakima City Council - Adoption Areas a1utslile of the City, but within the Urban Growth Area, , require action of the Yakima roi my Commission for inclusion within the Urban Growth Area. EIS Authors: City of Yakima, Shockey/Brent, Inc. Date of Final EIS Issue: November 2006 Date of Final Action: December 12, 2006 Location of Prior Environmental Documents and Background Information: City of Yakima 129 North Second Street Yakima, bV'A 98901 Cost of Document: Printed copies are available at City Hall at the address above. Copies are also available on CD. The document is also available for free download on the City's website. SEPA Distribution List Federal Agencies Natural Resource Conservation Service NOAA Fisheries U.S. Army Corps of Engineers U.S. Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Federal Aviation Administration State Agencies Department of Corrections Department of Ecology Department of Fish and Wildlife Department of Health Department of Natural Resources Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page A - 4 Appendix A Final Environmental Impact Statement Department of Social and Health Services Department of Transportation Department of Agriculture Washington State Attorney General's Office Washington State Emergency Management Division Environmental Protection Agency Department of Community Trade and Economic Development National Marine Fisheries NOAA Northwest Regional Office Office of Archeology and Historical Preservation Parks and Recreation Commission U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District Department of Agriculture Washington State Energy Office Regional Agencies Soil Conservation District Yakima School District WV School District Clean Air Authority Yakima Airport Yakima County Planning Local Government, Tribes, Utilities Pacific Power Bureau of Indian Affairs Yakima Tribal Council Yakima Indian Nation Office of Farmworker Housing Cascade Natural Gas City of Union Gap Nob Hill Water Co. Terrace Heights Sewer District Qwest Yakima County Health District Organizations and Interest Groups Yakima Association of Realtors Yakima Greenway Foundation Yakima Valley Museum Chamber of Commerce Neighbors for Responsible Development Media Yakima Herald Republic KCYU — Fox 68 KBBO-KRSE Radio Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page A - 5 Business Times KAAP TV KIT-KATS Radio KXDD, KJOX, KHHK, KARY Radio KIMA TV KNDO TV VIVA Yakima BusinessJournal Libraries Yakima Library Appendix A on Final F vi ment ii Impact Statement Purpose of the Proposal The Proposed Action is the 10 -year -u pdate of they YYkirn•a-+ Urban Area Comprehensive Plan in accordance with the Washington Legislative deadline requirements of the Growth Management Act (GMA). In general, the proposed update is intended to revise and refine, correct, and extend the 1997 Comprehensive Plan policy direction, rather than markedly depart from the original Plan vision. Purpose of the EIS The purpose of this EIS is to assist the public and agency decision -makers in considering future decisions on land use patterns and Comprehensive Plan goals, policies, and development regulations for the City of Yakima as part of the 10 -year Comprehensive Plan Update. These broad decisions will provide direction and support for more specific actions by the City, such as capital improvements and implementing regulations. Programmatic Analysis This EIS provides qualitative and quantitative analysis of environmental impacts appropriate to the general nature of the Comprehensive Plan amendment proposals. The adoption of comprehensive plane or other long-range planning activities are classified by as a non -project �, action. SEPA non -project (Le. programmatic) action. A non -project action is defined as an action that is broader than a single site-specific project, and involves decisions on policies, plans or programs. An EIS for a non -project proposal does not require site-specific analysis; instead the EIS discusses impacts and alternatives appropriate to the scope of the non -project proposal and to the level of planning for the proposal (WAC 197-11-442). Phased Review SEPA encourages the use of phased environmental review to focus on issues that are ready for decision, and to exclude from consideration issues already decided or not yet ready for decision-making [WAC 197-11-060 (5)]. Phased review is appropriate where the sequence of a proposal is from a programmatic document, such as an EIS addressing a comprehensive plan, to other documents that are narrower in scope, such as for a site- specific, project -level analysis. The City of Yakima is using phased review, as authorized Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page A - 6 Appendix A Final Environmental Impact Statement by SEPA, in its environmental review of growth management planning actions. The analysis in this EIS will be used to review the environmental impacts of the proposed Comprehensive Plan alternatives and other related actions, including implementing regulations. Public Comment The following public participation opportunities were held to gain public input: Plan documents and Draft EIS Comment Period Public Workshops Public Hearings — Regional Planning Commission Public Hearing — City Council SEPA requires that the Final EIS respond to comments during the 30 -day comment period for the Plan and EIS, which is from September 12 to October 12, 2006. The comments received during this period are provided in Appendix A-1. II. Analysis of Alternatives No -Action Alternative The No -Action Alternative represents the continuation of the City's current Urban Area Comprehensive Plan (adopted 1997) extended to the City's 2025 planning horizon. The 1997 Plan would accommodate growth to 2015. The No -Action Alternative has an estimated growth capacity of 113,812 people based on the adopted Land Use Plan. The 1997 urban service area covered about 34 square miles plus another nine square miles in the "urban reserve". In 1997, the Comprehensive Plan was described as a combination of two alternatives that had been analyzed along with two others. The two selected alternatives were described as follows: A "Citizen Focus" alternative based upon citizen comments. Land use designations reflected "desires of individual neighborhoods to preserve and enhance their overall residential character." Under that alternative more lands were to be dedicated to low- density residential, resulting in less intensive use of the land. A "Vision Focus" alternative 3 that borrowed on the suggestions from the Yakima Vision 2010 report. Emphasized in that alternative was a major loop road, additional industrial lands, pedestrian / bicycle pathways, and additional retail accommodations. High-density housing would have been concentrated near arterials for transit efficiencies. The Recommended Alternative...is essentially a combination of (these) Alternatives... incorporating a number of features from (the Vision Focus) Alternative ... while using (the Citizen Focus) Alternative... as the 'base' alternative. This Alternative reduces the size of the urban area, and indicates an "Urban Reserve," or Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page A - 7 Appendix A Final Environmental impact Statement areas reserved as necessary for future urban area expansion when public utilities become available and the demand for land is evident. (EIS — 1997, Page A-3) The Recommended Alternative in 1997 excluded lands in the City of Union Gap, which had their own individual growth area. The Recommended Alternative also designates much of the area in West Valley as "Urban Reserve". The Terrace Heights area on the east side of the City of Yakima's Urban Growth Area had a neighborhood plan document developed. Upon the completion of the West Valley Neighborhood Pian, it was intended to make the UGA seamless from the east to the west. Yakima County is about to complcomplete the West \iaiiey Neighhnrhood Pian (by the 2006). update pdat_ ete - ---- _...,� .....y......,......,.,, :...:: �:,.�, .::.. end of The 2006 Plan LIUUd1,C includes both areas in the UGA and eliminates references to an Urban Reserve area. The 2006 Plan update assumes that the entire Urban Growth Area will be developed in concert with utility and piihlic services expansion growth demands � p-^^••+ ��+ v::, as .�l ovx til demands warrant. The policies of fhe 1097 Pian were several rt all objectives: r-.._.-- „. ...4, -�.s. :u:. rr•.,.:a, based on ivvL-i:.^.. vvvrvi:i i7ii�ai.LiVC3. • Reduce urban sprawl and inappropriate land consumption; • Encourage conservation of open space; • Provide for multi -modal transportation systems, and enhance pedestrian travel choices; • Promote adequate provision of public facilities and utilities; • Protect the natural environment, including air and water quality and wildlife habitat and resources; • Protect the built environment, by conserving and enhancing neighborhood resources and facilities and urban area infrastructure; • Enable existing agricultural uses to remain or transition for urban development The 2006 Plan update embraces most of these objectives although it assumes that agricultural uses within the Urban Growth Area will, in fact, transition to urban uses on a more frequent basis. The 1997 UACP identified several general and specific impacts of the Recommended Alternative that formed the basis of the Plan9_ These are presented below: Impact 1997 Potential Mitigation Measures 2006 Comparison Urban Sprawl Designation of urban growth boundaries. • Overall urban growth boundaries remain. • Expansions proposed to the west, northwest and southwest. ® Urban reserve areas incorporated into UGA. Population Growth Higher residential densities in some areas; alternative options for varied densities; encourage infill development. Policies continued. Loss of Landsltural Policies to allow continuation of agricultural uses. Assumption that agricultural uses will transition to urban development over time Protection of Natural Environment policies to protect Critical area regulations to be updated in a 9 1997 UACP, Table A-1, Page A-7 Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page A - 8 Appendix A Final Environmental Impact Statement Impact 1997 Potential Mitigation Measures 2006 Comparison Sensitive Areas critical areas, including wetlands, wildlife habitat, frequently flooded areas, groundwater supply, geologically hazardous areas. regional effort with Yakima County. Water Quality and Quantity Provisions for protection of water quality, areas of critical aquifer recharge, water conservation programs, wellhead protection programs. Policies continued. Air Quality Implementation of Commute Trip Reduction measures, along with encouraging lowered emissions from wood stoves, coordinated with air pollution control agencies • Non -attainment areas (CO and PM1o) now Attainment areas. • Clean air policies continued. Housing Supply and Affordability Policies encouraging smaller lot sizes, inventory of affordable housing sites, accessory housing units, clustering, manufactured housing, allowance for increased densities, standardized plan pre -approvals, promote infill and mixed uses, provide homeownership opportunities, preservation of existing neighborhoods. Policies continued with updated approaches to affordable housing strategies. School Facilities Policies encouraging provision of adequate school facilities. Policies continued. Parks/Open Space Policies to encourage adequate provision of open space. Plan outlines current inventory of parks in relation to national standards. Policies do not recommend meeting every national standard because of prohibitive cost. Park section is summary of adopted 2005 Park and Recreation Plan In a couple of the UGA requests there would be additional land to support open space needs. Public/Capital Facilities Provide capital facilities to adequately serve growth within current funding capabilities. $173 million in improvements are projected over six-year CFP period. Individual capital facility expenditures over the CFP six-year time period are contemplated to be: • Fire - $7.6 million • Parks - $3.4 million • Transportation - $93 million • Transit - $2.1 million • Wastewater - $25.7 million • Water - $6.5 million • Irrigation - $10.2 million • Other Government Facilities (primarily Capitol Theatre) $24.9 million Public Water/ Sewer Facilities Assure the provision of financially feasible urban services. Past trends will continue into future. Conservation practices are stabilizing demand. Utilities Promote and plan for adequate delivery of utilities within the urban area. Fa plities are keepingpace with growth Capital facilities are planned to maintain this pace. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page A - 9 Appendix A Fina Pnvir o nenLal impact Statement Impact Flooding 1997 Potential Mitigation Measures 2006 Comparison Use of existing floodplain regulations. Mobility Travel Demand Ma, /say. CIIIIG%i Increase multi -modal travel opportunities. Encourage reduction of demand via promotion of carpools, vanpools, mode transfers, trail % path development. Continuation of policies with updating of critical area and shoreline plans in a regional effort with Yakima County. The adoption of the International Building Code provides FEMA approved protection requirements Continuation of policies with updated 2006 Transportation Plan. Continuation of policies Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page A - 10 Appendix A Final Environmental Impact Statement TABLE 1: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT SUMMARY, 1997 and 2006 PLANS ELEMENTS 1997 RECOMMENDED ALTERNATIVE 1997 DRAFT POLICIES 2006 COMPARISON EARTH, AIR, WATER, PLANTS, ANIMALS Impacts occur over smaller area than with Alternatives 1 through 4, since size of UGA has been reduced. Higher densities in some areas to provide for forecast population increases. Moderate impact. Policies protect natural environment to a greater degree than before, enhance air and water quality; protect wildlife, wetlands; encourage waste reduction, recycling. Policies address Best Available Science and intent to adopt updated critical area regulations, in cooperation with County. Increases likelihood of effective implementation of natural environment policies ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES Reduced size of urban area should allow for more efficient energy usage, shorter commutes, less fuel usage, better use of transit. Low impact. Policies provide for multi -modal transportation system to reduce energy costs, natural resources and critical areas also protected. Continuation of existing policies, as modified by updated critical area regulations. LAND & SHORELINE USE Smaller, more compact growth area should result in Tess opportunities for sprawl, more opportunities for higher densities and infill. Similar to Alternative 2, since some higher densities may result in more appropriate use of land. Low -moderate impact. Policies provide for: varied densities and land use distribution; protection of ,shoreline areas; sprawl avoidance via compact contiguous growth patterns; greenways and conservation of open space. 2006 Plan contains recommendations for creative housing development design as a means of allowing higher density, lower impact development. Regional commercial centers defined as a means of accommodating large - scale commercial developments in a controlled, master planned environment. TRANSPORTATION Reduction in service area should mean more efficient use of transit and better land use -transportation linkages. Similar to Alternative 2 in that higher densities may allow for more transit opportunities. Impact low -moderate. Policies encourage multi -modal systems; adequate provision of sidewalks; concurrency requirements, level of service standards. Update arterial street standards and measurements for traffic impacts and mitigation. PUBLIC SERVICES AND UTILITIES Smaller growth area should result in more efficient and cost-effective provision of urban services. Impact low- moderate. Policies encourage adequate provision and appropriate location of utilities & services; promote coordination of service provision between jurisdictions and other utility providers. Continuation of policies. Development expansion within UGA will be phased in concert with utility and public service expansions. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page A - 11 For historical reference and documentation of the 1997 UACP ("No Action") impacts, the 1997 Plan is adopted by reference as part of this document (see Appendix D). Proposed Action The Proposed Action is an update to the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan. The Proposed Action consists of the following components: ■ Land use, employment and housing need estimates based on updated population forecasts through 2025. • Updated F- t-u t-ure- Land --- Map (FI UM), including new and modified land use classifications. In addition some present FLUM designations would be eliminated or modified. ■ institutions ■ Regional Commercial • General Cnmrnercial • Identification of the need for an evaluation to determine when and if rezoning of land is necessary to implement the Pian. If the Future Land Use Map indicates a land use that current zoning in that area does not allow, a rezone may be considered appropriate. ■ Potential new zoning categories that promote master site planning and innovative housing concepts. ■ Cluster Development ■ Residential Planned Development Overlay ■ Commercial Planned Development Overlay ■ Industrial Planned Development Overlay ■ Integration of recently adopted Transportation, Parks and Open Space and Capital Facilities Plans into the Comprehensive Plan. ■ Policies regarding updating of critical areas regulations to incorporate Best Available Science features. (This work is a regional effort with Yakima County.) ■ Updated 2025 population, employment and housing projections. The Proposed Action Alternative has an estimated growth target of 119,600 for the Urban Growth Area, an increase of 23,125 persons over Year 2005. • A Housing Element emphasizing the Element provision of affordable housing in line with current income levels and future population forecasts. Emphasis is also placed on the housing needs of the homeless, the disadvantaged, !ow -income residents and other special - need groups. ■ Addition of an Economic Development Element. ■ Strategies for use of redevelopable lands for commercial (e.g. Yakima Resources) and housing (downtown tax deferral program) uses. ■ Coordination of plans and policies with other jurisdictions, including the County and Union Gap, as well as the Yakima Air Terminal for airport related matters, etc. ■ A need to modify some development regulations. The development regulation updating process will begin the first part of 2007. ■ Housekeeping and minor revisions to the City's current Comprehensive Elements, which refine but retain current policy intents. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page A - 12 Appendix A Final Environmental Impact Statement The SEPA/GMA Comprehensive Plan contains discussion and background information on these topics within individual chapters, but also integrates the policies and objectives into a cohesive vision for Yakima's future. Objectives of the Proposal Yakima would want to plan its future in any event. However, under the Washington Growth Management Act, it is required to do so. In 1991, the Legislature enacted the Growth Management Act to guide and coordinate local planning. The Act recognizes the diversity of growth management challenges facing Washington's large, small, urban and rural cities/counties and establishes distinct planning requirements for all cities/counties that vary depending upon population and growth rates. This Comprehensive Plan was developed in accordance with the Growth Management Act10 to address growth issues in the City of Yakima and the adjacent Urban Growth Area. It represents the community's policy plan for growth over the next 20 years. It will assist the management of the City by providing policies to guide decision-making for growth, development and public services. Cities are required to update their plans every ten years. The original Yakima GMA Plan was adopted in 1997 and planned through the year 2015. This update will carry the community forward through 2025. Specifically, the updated Plan will: • Refine, correct, extend and update the 1997 Yakima Comprehensive Plan policies. • Accommodate population and employment forecasts to meet GMA requirements and the City vision. ■ Include revisions that may be needed because of .GMA changes and other related State law. • Address changes to the City since the Plan's adoption in 1997. Significant Impacts The updated Comprehensive Plan would direct land use, services, and capital resources for the next 20 -year period, but the Plan alone would not have direct impacts on the environment. The Comprehensive Plan would have indirect impacts by establishing the mix of land uses and overall land use patterns, levels of public services, and focus of future public capital improvements. Future development or public capital improvement projects allowed by the Comprehensive Plan could directly or indirectly affect the elements of the environment addressed in the EIS. The City will review each of these future actions as they arise to determine 1) their consistency with the policies of this Pian and 2) their direct impacts upon the environment. Impacts are addressed in the following Matrix of Impacts and Mitigation Measures. Comparison with the 1997 Plan is shown above. 10 RCW 36.70A.070 Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page A - 13 Appendix tea Final ,F"nvim nyne:1ta impactStatement Proposed Mitigation Measures At a programmatic, non -project level, future Comprehensive Plan policies and existing or proposed development regulations that implement the Comprehensive Plan may serve as mitigation measures. As an integrated SEPA/GMA document, it is a fundamental purpose of this Plan to ensure that future growth and development occurs in a manner that is compatible with the many, diverse elements of the community. The policies themselves are intended to mitigate the impacts of growth and the regulatory changes that will occur upon adoption of this Plan will add further substance to those policies. Programmatic mitigation measures described under each element of the environment in this EIS are addressed in the Matrix of Impacts and Mitigation Measures. Significant Unavoidable Impacts The facts presented in the UACP describe what has happened in the past and what will likely happen in the future as growth occurs through 2025. It is a fact that the community will grow, that the population will increase and that development will occur in areas that are currently more rural in character. The Urban Growth Area has finite boundaries within which this growth will occur. The areas outside the UGA will remain rural. Environmental Summary The Matrix of impacts and Mitigation Measures are intended to provide a comparison of Alternative impacts, a review of mitigation measures. and nntential significant unavnirlab!e adverse impacts. Matrix of impacts and Mitigation Measures 4g i=.nkc��.�i"'�.i;,'�''¢'�, a�`� �:."x�x� .._g." 'r".v,'. � .:.. >x'L _. ..... .. .. ..... ........,..,.._.-.�.«;w._..;...m.......:-_ .: �-�: „K��,.x-.v: %. _:e _._. . -,,. �¢. _.. �,. :. _.�-... - _ .... � t Significant Impacts No -Action Alternative • Land Use distribution based on a current • Land Use distribution based on a current projection of 119,641 for UGA in 2025. projection of 113,812 for UGA through 2015. • As development occurs over time, existing land Assuming a 1% growth rate, this would equate uses will convert to land uses consistent with the to a 2025 "high" growth population of 127,000 Comprehensive Plan. • Certain land use needs (major institutions, • Continuation of policies from 1997 provide a mixed use developments, etc) could have a consistent growth policy over time. Adjustments more difficult time being implemented have been made to improve the 1997 work and to • More single purpose amendment requests could adjust to changing trends since the original be submitted each year because of outdated or adoption. ambiguous language in the 1997 Plan • Plan focuses on local subareas (neighborhoods, commercial centers, etc.) • 1997 Plan had broader Citywide focus. • More generalized language pertaining to high • Greater attention to relationship between high impact uses. Uncontrolled residential growth impact uses (e g. institutional, airport) restricts the airport by acquiring the land needed • Some land use may result in a potential for for airport expansion. compatibility impacts due to use type, scale, or • A greater potential for compatibility impacts due activity levels to use type, scale, or activity levels. • Rapid growth and increasing demand for • Expanded public services may be more development will require expanded public uncoordinated because of changed services. circumstances and growth trends since 1997. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page A - 14 Appendix A Final Environmental Impact Statement • Land use plans will channel development into specific zones and limit the types of uses for each zone. • Implementation of best practices for future land use. • Tools available for creating efficient neighborhoods that are less dependent on automobiles through mixed uses and multi -modal options of transportation. • Tools available for revitalizing older neighborhoods, redevelopment of substandard and/or blighted areas • Greater buffering of incompatible, adjacent uses Provide healthy economic environment via using planning techniques that foster growth. • Provide healthy economic environment via using planning techniques that foster growth. • Through Best Use Practices, minimize impacts to the environment. • Land use plans will channel development into 1997 -style zones. • Possibly outdated land use practices from 1997 would continue to be the tools of development. • More typical neighborhood design and maintenance of automobile use and ownership trends. • Fewer revitalization tools. Older neighborhoods, redevelopment of substandard and/or blighted areas. • Fewer protections between land use zones and potentially incompatible uses. Surrounding Land Uses — Other Communities Both Alternatives would result in increase residential and commercial development. Increased potential for land use incompatibilities at the edge of UGA. The 2006 Update would provide policies for use in the development of the West Valley and Terrace Heights neighborhood plans in consistent and compatible manner, making the update plan seamless from east to west. Mitigation Measures: See Chapter II — Action Plan. The goals, policies and action plans emphasize the protection of potentially incompatible land uses through appropriate location of land use zones, emphasis on protection of neighborhoods and residential uses and performance standards for development. Residential, commercial, industrial and institutional uses are respected in the Plan for their value in the Yakima community. There is recognition that the relationship of these uses to each other must be properly controlled so that incompatibilities are minimized. Significant Unavoidable Adverse Impacts: Both alternatives result in new construction to construction will result in changes of use and demolition and displacement. accommodate population and employment growth. New the characteristics of parcels of land, including potential a�porE ro Significant Impacts Traffic Volumes and Operations Traffic volumes have grown at an average rate of nearly 2% in the Yakima Urban Area and are projected to continue that trend into the horizon of the plan (2025). All roadway segments, except for portions of North 40th Avenue, le Avenue, S. 1St Street and Nob Hill Boulevard are expected to meet the levels of service standards of the 1997 Plan at the 2025 horizon. The Proposed Action Plan modifies the definition of level of service to reduce the number of street segments that will not meet the standard. Intersection level of service is not included in the requirements of the Transportation Concurrency No -Action Alternative Transportation projects planned in the No Action (1997 Plan) Alternative do not address corridor congestion that is expected on 16th Avenue, 40th Avenue, Nob Hill Boulevard and S. 1st Street. As a result, street and intersection level of service would be degraded in the term of the Plan (2025) The No -Action Alternative does not include the planned maintenance program for classified and local streets, or for safety- related and multi -modal projects Proposed Action: The Transportation Plan Update 2025 plans for improvements to areas with corridor congestion, intersection delay and safety Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page A - 15 I Program for either Alternative. However, the Proposed Action includes methodology to address Intersection Level of Service and related impacts from new development upon critical intersections and corridors Non -motorized Both Alternatives include policy and projects related to facilities that support pedestrians and bicycle use. Transit Transit operations and facilities are a significant aspect of the multi -modal component of the transportation system _ the Yakim transportation in Yakima Urban Area. The 1997 Plan included minimal information regarding the role of transit or future plans. The Proposed Action provides detail in these areas System Preservation The Pian identifies a number of transportation projects that will correct existing deficiencies in surface, condition or improvements, but may not add unnecessary street capacity. Theca inc! arae lack of sidewalks, deteriorated pavement conditions, lack of or inadequate storm water facilities or safety needs, based upon collision history. Impacts of Proposed Capital Improvements To accommodate growth under all alternatives, numerous projects are proposed to improve road, transit, and non -motorized transportation Although the improvements address the impacts of traffic congestion, the projects themselves could result in impacts to the natural and builtv---- - u ..,u environment. Construction impacts would include increased noise and dust, as well as impede the normal flow of traffic. Roadway expansion projects will additionally result in increases in impervious surface area, which in turn can potentially affect water quality, vegetation, wildlife, and other elements described elsewhere in this DEIS. Detailed planning and design analyses will be required to carry any of the proposed transportation improvement projects through to pre -design; design and ultimately construction. At this later stage, more detailed analysis of projects would include detailed evaluation of topographic considerations, impacts to residents and businesses, environmental impacts, construction impacts, and project costs <eppe.�d A Final Fnvironrental impact Statement deficiencies. Additionally, the projects included in the Proposed Action provide planned improvements for rehabilitation of streets to accommodate redevelopment of economically distressed portions of the community, economic development of industrial and retail areas and improved connections to regionally significant corridors. Accommodations for pedestrians, bicyclists and a Transition Plan for installing and repair of accessible sidewalk ramps is also included in the Proposed Action. Significant Impacts Water • Plan based on 2004Comprehensive Water System Plan. • High level of service by existing system. Challenges to system included potential drought conditions, water rights "adjudication", population growth and "new" GMA requirements. 4< No -Action Alternative Water ® Plan based on 1994 Comprehensive Water System Plan. ® Challenges more significant in 1997 prior to system improvements discussed in Plan. ® Combined groundwater/surface water system proposed. To be financed with bonding and Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page A - 16 Appendix A Final Environmental Impact Statement • Increases in future water demand by increases in population, the addition of customers who currently use private wells, and the gradual addition of customers whose water needs are currently supplied through the separate irrigation system. • Existing supply of 25 mgd, expandable to 60 mgd Groundwater system available for emergency uses. • Storage capacity equals 32 million gallons per day in five wells. Wastewater System • Sufficient capacity until the year 2024 • Aeration basins require upgrades in 2018. • 290 miles of collection system Plans will keep pace with growth. • Infiltration and inflow remain issues needing attention. • Terrace Heights Sewer District system will be developed and maintained as needed. Future extensions will be provided and funded by the prospective developer. • "Four Party Agreement" the Yakima Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility provides treatment service for the City of Union Gap. Mitigation Measures: See Chapter II — Action Plan. rate increases. • Capacity equaled 25 mgd in four wells • 1997 growth policies would be accommodated by improvements outlined in 2006 Plan update • 275 miles of collection system. Plans anticipated keeping pace with growth Significant Unavoidable Adverse Impacts: Under each alternative, future population growth and dev demand for public services such as libraries and schools. review of capital plans by service providers will help avoid r aka elopment will continue to increase the need and Coordination with service providers and regular impacts. eao, Significant Impacts No -Action Alternative • UACP incorporates adopted 2005 Parks and Recreation Plan • Demand for public recreational activities in Yakima considerably higher than the national standards. • Yakima falls short of the recommended ratio of park acreage to resident. • 1/3 the ratio for neighborhood parks. • 1/2 the ratio for community parks. • UGA exceeds the ratio. • 2025 population will require 190 additional acres of neighborhood parks. • $20 million land needed to bring the City and the urban area up to NRPA standard. (Conservative estimate) • Priority list of pedestrian and bicycle paths listed in adopted Parks plan. • Incorporated into Transportation Plan now under review. • West Valley Plan (Draft) identifies bicycle -friendly neighborhoods as a key issue. The Yakima Greenway Master Plan Update (1995) • UACP incorporated 1994 Parks and Recreation Plan. • 1995 County Parks Plan identified development and improvement options for two parks and two trail systems within the Yakima Urban Area. • Weikel Community Park • Terrace Heights Community Park • Ahtanum Creek Open Space and Trail System • 27 5 -mile Yakima Loop • County Parks Department dissolved in 2004. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page A - 17 is undergoing update. Appendix A Final En viir onmental impact Statement Mitigation Measures: In addition to implementation measures outlined in the adopted Parks and Recreation Plan • The City could regularly review and update the Level of Service Standards to remain current for planning, design, and grant purposes. ■ The City could consider a park and trail impact fee ordinance as a financing mechanism ® The City could pursue more aggressive grant and bond financing for parks and trails projects. Significant Unavoidable Adverse Impacts: Increased residential and employment growth will increase the demands on parks and recreational facilities With implementation of mitigation measures, the City could provide parks and recreation services at locally adopted levels of cervine to mPPt _ ...��. .. .....•.• u, 1,41114 QUI/GI JG IIII{JQI.,LJ. . cn„<�a.'r,-c�z:. :�x;.:.:...;•_a:, ,_ .--, ,�:;-,�.�: __ 4u-:"i�a��a: ..s,k.:: atura[ E � �.� �_..-�"�s=�-����'a�. _. _..,. vEronmen �� ��; Significant Impacts No -Action Alternative • Environmental characteristics of UACP unchanged from 1997. Air Quality The 1997 Comprehensive Plan had policies addressing the environmental features of the Urban Growth Area. Over the past nine years specific information and more iiiiViiiiCiilUii cifiiriiV requirements necessitate the updating of these policies and regulations. If the existing 1997 Plan was not updated, eaLh project G'i ii.''iiii ng the natural environment would undergo individual reviews with the possibility of uncoordinated mitigation. In some cases projects could be challenged where 1997 planning policies are in potential conflict with 2006 environmental standards • Yakima was a non -attainment area for Cerbcn � '-"---' Monoxide and particulate matter. Is now an� a ftainrnent area. Future development could degrade ail quality again without mitigating measures Critical Areas • Development in critical area buffers and on geologic hazard areas would affect water quality, critical habitats and public safety Such development is restricted under the policies of the updated plan, Habitat ® :Cvtevev!heGad, null Trout, Canadian G rrSe, ^r[a; Blue Heron, and Bald Eagle recognized as priority species in Yakima. Water Quality • Major water bodies and their tributaries do not meet all required federal and State water quality standards Mitigation Measures: In addition to Incorporated Pian Features and Applicable Regulations / Commitments: G Updated Critical Areas Ordinance will be adopted. ■ "Best Available Science" policies and methods added to regulations and project reviews. • Endangered Species Act prohibits harming designated species or their habitats. ® City will encourage sewer extensions into urban areas served by septic. ® Yakima Greenway provides communal roosting grounds for bird habitat. ® Surface water management regulations will reduce impacts from developments on surface water quality and quantity. ® State and Federal regulations are acknowledged in the Plan for their preeminent roles in guiding development. These include the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and Clean Air Act; and the Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA), Shoreline Management Act, and Water Pollution Control Act. City will work with Yakima County and other local jurisdictions to coordinate environmental regulations on a countywide basis. Significant Unavoidable Adverse Impacts: Both Alternatives will increase urbanization in the Yakima planning area, thereby increasing potential for erosion and sedimentation, which may affect water resources. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page A - 18 Co ents a es =Lope di A: A -I: Co 7e ents Dr -It Com rehensVe ?Ian and Ewironment im Statement Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page Al - 1 RESPONSE TO COMMENTS ON DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT AND DRAFT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN During the public review process for the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan, Yakima Urban Area Transportation Plan and it's the accompanying environmental impact statement, 21 were received from the public and reviewing agencies. Because this is an integrated SEPA/GMA comprehensive plan process, all comments have been combined into this section. No. Commentor Method 1 John Gasperetti Letter 2 Kirsten Pederson Letter — September 25, 2006 2.a. Kirsten Pederson Letter — June 12, 2006 3. Ralph Call Letter — June 26, 2006 4 Michael Noble Letter — September 25, 2006 4.a Michael Noble Letter — June 12, 2006 5 Yakima Clean Air Authority Letter -- September 19, 2006 6 Kevin Wallace Letter — September 19, 2006 7 DCTED Letter — September 14, 2006 8 James Carmody Letter — July 6, 2006 9 Gary Forrest Letter — July 2, 2006 10 Bill Hordan Letter — June 17, 2006 11 Bill Hordan Letter — June 12, 2006 12 Homebuilders Assoc. Letter — June 15, 2006 13 Wilma Koski Letter — September 25, 2006 And Planning Commission Submittal September 25, 2006 14 Bill Hambelton Letter — September 26, 2006 15 Michael Shinn Letter 16 Yakima Valley Transit Letter — October 3, 2006 17 Dean Gano E -Mail — September 19, 2006 18 Public Meeting Comments RPC Minutes September 25, 2006 19 Verna Wild E -Mail October 8, 2006 6 f CITY VF 1 t\f\,MA , CODE ADMIN. DIVISIONI SEP 2,D P' nnnn 2006 1 To the City of Yakima FAXEDD� FYI This is concerning my front yard and fence at 202 South th Ave accidence that have continually been a problem for the pas t30 plus years not to mention out of pocket expense to me, the last two( within a month) have cost me almost $6000,00 dollars. Although this is getting expensive and tiresome ....I am more concerned about someone really being hurt at the corner as it is also a crossing for children going to St. paul's as well as Franklin Middle Schools. I understand that yoix not able to nut a traffic irnM,a but � have _ . that can be done. I have a couple of suggestions,„y� "u� _ `'�'�e to believe there is something Make Chestnut going a one way street going West to at least 19th or 24th. Also I would not allow any turns off 16•; going West up Chestnut I also would make only right hand turns allowed on the East side of 16th to not allow cars cross 1 6th Ch__t__ _. I notice t,.,.. _ ....,��.�, you have several caution lights on - to cross ” � �u � to �„C� iu[. I n@ ice �h... have al , g Lincoln tellino cars of crossing traffic: and corner you have NEVER done a thing knowing this has been a problefor years_ Perhaps Perhaps you should at least put a sign up although i don't think that is going to solve a thine I continually try to keep my property rn�i.,t':�aa and in . 1experience contin r. ll .._yes_ working mai t neo doing so have h_T _ -' -thing. expel ience while working in the front garden.lf a friend hadn't been standinghave da near next t death pull me away from the on coming car that crashed throw my fence....woulnot be hereto today . riHopefully you will agree with me that something has to be done soon and I would be ghted to meet with anyone to discuss other options. John peretti ❑REC'VD ❑ PAID 1 Response to Comment 1: John Gasperetti Thank you for your comments and suggestions. This matter has been referred to the Transportation Department. ICES Or 1o1,1 APPLEGGATE P.S. t. ,. [SOX 22730 YAKIMA V/ SHINGTO. N 98907.2715 TttErxoNS, 509.5?5-6611 509457.2419 1 September 25, 2006 HALVERSc J APP.LEG.ATE E S... ATTORNEYS AT LAW Yakim a Urbanea Regional Planning Commission 125 N. Se:St. Lawyers r Central Washington K1RSTEN J. PEDERSON EMAIL: kpederson@holversonlow.eom' Ya. 98901 Rf Comments on the City of Yakim_a's Drab comprehensive ensive plan, Dear Regional Planning •Coin mi ssion: I represent Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital, who has been involved in discussions with the City and neighbors about creating new land use and planning tools that institutions le the Hospital and neighborhoods can use to develop predictable planning over the long term. The Hospital is excited to see these new tools being developed, but has concerns about the details of how they Will work. Here are the hospital's comments to the CiLy's chapteron land •sZiSe, for the enrripreh.ensive plim, 1. In Chapter III, page 42 shows Map 111-2 the Future Land. Use Map. If this map is .supposed to show the proposed changes, then it is incorrect because it shows the Hospital's properly as having a future land use map designation of "Professional_ Office, instead of 'Institutional". �! 2. The Growth. Management Act defines a comprehensive plan as "a generalized coordinated land use policv statement", whiie developine•..t regril t--- _ " �.,t�t�u� �-�� uial,iuns are controls { placed on development or land use activities by a co-unty or city, including, D Ut not limited to, zoning ordinances". (RCW 36.70A.030 (2) and (7)). The City's draft 2 r comprehensive plan, Chapter III — Institutions lists one goal and six policies. Policies 3.14.2 and 3.14.3are not policies; they are development regulations. Policy 3.14.6 has policies and development regulations. The City should use the development regulations when it d.evelops the Institutional Overlay district as part of its zoning ordinance, but not in its comprehensive plan. As a comparison, attached is a copy of the City of Everett's comprehensive plan for its hospitals. The —L Hospital suggests the following policies instead of what are included in this draft. Policy 1 Establish boundaries for institutions that reasonably protect established residential neighborhoods from further encroachment by institutions and allow the institutions to plan for future growth. 2 Regional Planning Commission September 25, 2006 Page 2 Policy 2 New or existing institutions that are adjacent to residential neighborhoods should developmaster plans for their future development. The master plan should ensure that future growth occurs in a manner that is reasonably compatible with the adjacent residential neighborhoods, and minimizes the negative impacts on the adjacent residential neighborhoods. Master plans may allow institutions to develop more intensively to reduce the amount of property necessary for their future growth. 3. It still is not clear how the Future Land. Use Map ("FLIM') designation works for the. airport and correctional facilities. In Chapter III, page 22, seems to say that the PLUM designation of Institutional covers hospitals, higher educational facilities, correctional facilities, and airports. Table HI -11, on page 26, is the Future Land. Use and Current Zoning comparison and it shows that Institutions can be in almost any zone, if there is a Master Plan. However, the policies listed under Tnstitutional say only hospitals and higher education have to have a Master Plan. So, what happens to the airport and correctional facilities? It seems like they are not included under the PLUM .of Institutional. If you have any questions about his, please contact Mike Shinn or me. Regards, Aotvo Kirsten J. Pederson Enc. cc: Yakima Valley.Memorial Hospital f \clients\aah\yalima valley memorial hsp-14974\land vse-comp plan amend-023.\rpc comments land use 2.doc Response to Comment 2: Kirsten Pederson 1. The Land Use Map will be corrected to show an "Institution" designation. 2. The City acknowledges that policies 3.14.2 and 3.14.3 have the appearance of either policies or regulations. It is also likely that code amendments adopted for the Institutional Overlay will contain similar language. However, the issue of how institutions will be integrated into certain neighborhoods has received much discussion touching on the issues mentioned in these policies. The City believes that policies should be contained in the Plan that frame future discussions on code revisions and master plan approvals. 3. The Yakima Air Terminal and correctional facilities were not intended to be included in the Institutional Overlay policies or the Land Use Map. This will be clarified in the final plan. Thank you for your comments. N AoAI P N PPL.EGATE P.S. P.v.aox22730 YAMA WASHINGTON 98907-2715 TELEPHONE. 509.575-6611 PACSQd2Et 509-457-2419 June 12, 2006 Ill HALVERSON APPLEGATE P.S_ ATTORNEYS AT LAW Yakima Urban Area Regional Planning Commission 128 N. Second. St. Yakima, WA 98901 RE: Comments on the City of Yahima's Draft comprehensive plan, land use Dear Regional Planning Commission: 2.a. Lawyers for Central Washington K1RSTEN J. PEDERSON EMAIL• kprdeison@hnlversonlaw.com I represent Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital, who has been involved in discussions with the City and neighbors about creating new land use and planning tools that institutions like the Hospital and neighborhoods can use to develop predictable planning over the long term. The Hospital is excited to see -these new tools being developed, but has concerns about the details of how they will. work. Here are the hospital's comments to the City's draft chapter on land use, for the comprehensive plan. 1. What does the draft future land. use map look like? Is it version 2, published in February of 2006? That map does not show a category of "institutional" land use. 2. Who is included in the definition of an "Institution" and why? On page III-il, the listing of institutions is very broad.. On page III -16, the draft plan proposes a new future land use designation for institutional, which is defined as "large scale institutional facilities such as hospitals, higher educational facilities, correctional facilities and airports." The draft plan says the future land use map will show only these uses, but not other institutions such as churches, schools, etc.. It appears that only hospitals and higher educational facilities can use the institutional overlay zone — is that correct? In policy 3.17.4 (airport), it shows institutional uses as including schools, churches, hospitals, nursing homes, day care facilities. Will the future land use map cover the property already owned. by an institution or what it plans to use? Has the City talked to the entities that will be covered under this designation — Yakima County (jail), Providence Hospital, YVCC? 5. Does an institutional have to do a master plan under an institutional overlay ("IO") zone, or is that just an option? Later, it seems like only hospitals and higher education can use institutional overlays, so what happens to correctional facilities? The airport is already regulated under the airport safety overlay, so it should be excluded from the I0 6. The draft plan says that three new zoning districts are being proposed with this comprehensive plan — residential, commercial, and industrial planned development. It does not mention the institutional overlay zone. Why? 113. 2 4. 3 '4 6 n _ T, .regional Planning Commission June 12, 2006 Page 2 7. Table I1-13 shows how the future land use map designations line up with the various zoning districts. Here, the land use is called "Major Institutions", while before it was just "Institutions". Should these he consistent? Why is the institutional overlay zone not listed? Comments on Policies: •Policy 7 C 5 (page 777 27) rrn i olicy 3. V.5 (nage 111-2 1 - - 1 is says "'1 .nix? to mi.7 r buildings i • , - -- -- - --- ---,, �, ++•+., vv .uuu-1L7G V1LLUZ [JUildings should be located next to commercial or industrial areas, along expressway on, -.;dors, on or around hospital areas..." The reference to hospitals should be deleted, since they will, be planning under the institutional overlay zone. Policy 3.14.1 (gage 111-34) — Define what an "Institution" " .3LL:yil�iiLliJit - is this for the future .unci. use map designation of institutional, or for the general category? Policy 3.14.2 — This should be amended to say, "should not unreasonably increase traffic on local residential streets.» Policy 3.14.3 — This sentence does not make sense - "An impact analysis of how 5 ; improvement to institutions will affect traffic, parking and other qualities in surrounding areas impact assessment may be required.." The City already has to assess these impacts through SEPA, so this policy is unnecessary. Policy 3.14.5 — This should be deleted because it is not a policy, but a statement of fact. It repeats what is state law about the compatibility of future land use and zoning districts. Policy 3.14.7 — What does "expansion of. existing institutions within their development boundaries" mean? What is an institution's development boundary and how is that set? Policies 3.14.7.2 — 3.14.7.7 — Under GIV A, a comprehensive plan is a "a generalized coordinated land use policy statement", while development regulations are "controls placed on development or land use activities by a county or city, including, but not limited to, zoning ordinances". (RCW 36.70A.030 (2) and (7)). These items are not policy statements, but are details to be included in the development regulations for an institutional overlay zone, so they should be deleted from the comprehensive plan. { 1 0 Proposed Policies: Policy 1 Establish boundaries for institutions to reasonably protect established residential neighborhoods from further encroachment by institutions and allow the institutions to plan for future growth. Policy 2 Require development and expansion of institutions to be reasonably compatible with the adjacent residential neighborhoods, and to reasonably 2,a. 1 2.a. Regional Planning Commission June 12, 2006 Page 3 minimize the parking and traffic impacts on the adjacent residential neighborhoods. Policy 3 Encourage institutions to develop master plans for their future development to ensure that future growth is planned and coordinated specific to the needs of the adjacent residential neighborhoods. Master plans may allow institutions to develop more intensively to reduce the amount of property necessary for their future growth. If you have any questions about this, please contact me. Regards, Kirsten J. Pederson Cc: Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital P \Clients\FNH\YAHIMA VALLEYMEMORIAL HSP -14974\I and Use -Comp Plan Amend-021\i.PC comments land use.doc Response to Comment 2a: Kirsten Pederson Asterisks () mark responses which were addressed in Ms. Pederson's September 25 letter (No. 2). Additional responses are as follows: 1. The boundary will be determined as part of the Future Land Use Map desicnatio� e in cooperation with the land owner. It is possible that the "Institution" designation could go beyond existing developed parcels, but would likely not include properties not owned by the institution. 2. The City has notified the subject institutions of the plan dieeneeions potentially affecting their properties. 3. Correctional facilities are no longer consirlared "institutions" purposes the ---�---- .-..�.... ...... .......... ..... for purposes of the Plan Master Cite plans woe eld requirement for "institutional" _ _--_._ ...a__r. ...,s,s plans ,:u,..:u. be a :a.+a7::s.::: ;;;e .'vi ieia7Liii.iiiiiiiCAi Li,)iiiii%.'. 4. The intent was for three "planned development" zones to be called out for discussion. Separate discussion occurs regarding the institutional zoning. 5. The titles will be changed to reflect the Institution designation 6. Comment acknowledged. 7. It is the intent of these policies to relate specifically to the Institutions to be covered under the institutional overlay designation, i.e. hospitals and YVCC. 8. Comment acknowledged 9. The sentence has been corrected, 10. The policy has been deleted. Thank you for your comments. June 26, 2006 3 Barge -Chestnut Neighborhood Association For a Safe, Viable and Historic Neighborhood Yakima Urban Area Regional Planning Commission c/o City of Yakima 129 N. Second Street Yakima, WA 98901 Dear Regional Planning Commission: RECEIVED JUN 2 9 2006 CITY OF YAKIMA PLANNING DIV. 3v , 03.w I am writing this letter on behalf of the Barge -Chestnut Neighborhood Association (BCNA) to provide the Commission with comments on the draft Land Use chapter of the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan (YUACP). As Paul Nagle -McNaughton, BCNA Communication Committee Chair, testified at the Land Use chapter public hearing on June 12, 2006, the BCNA is supportive of the addition of the Institutional Overlay and Master Plan Development language to the YUACP. We believe these new additions, and the subsequent regulations to be developed afterlhe plan is adopted, will provide us with the appropriate tools to balance the desires of institutions with the needs of established neighborhoods. It is important to the Association that any planning process involving the development of an institutional master plan allow for sufficient detail in the creation of development conditions to protect surrounding neighborhoods while clearly communicating the intent of the institution for their expansion or development. According to the draft chapter, "as the institutional use moves toward residential uses the conditions would increase significantly" (p. 17). Conditions in residential areas must be extremely precise to safeguard the integrity of the impacted neighborhood. The BCNA is supportive of Policy 3.2.2 that encourages the creation of neighborhood and homeowner associations to promote citizen participation in the planning and reviewing of development proposals. BCNA representatives would be very willing to participate in this type of process and communicate opportunities for citizen participation to our members. We strongly endorse the language contained in Goal 3.3 on the preservation of existing neighborhoods and believe these statements should appear in the final document as written. Unfortunately, our neighborhood has already lost a significant number of homes as a result of institutional expansion. We believe that if the prior YUACP had contained similar provisions, these losses may have been prevented. 1 The BCNA also supports Policy 3.6.5 on limiting the size of new structures. This is especially important as the buildings in a commercial development or institutional master plan move toward surrounding residential properties. BCNA • c/o 211 S. 24th Avenue • Yakima, WA 98902 The BCNA endorses Goal 3.14 and all of its Policies. It is critical that the Y _ minimizing the impacts institutions and their growth UACP emphasize properties, _ N� �NC� pies, especially residential areas. There growth �"' and development on surrounding Policies 3.14.7.1 through 3.14.7.6 being too detailed. It wasaileed. It that these details might at the hearing about be better addressed through development regulations. The BCNA believes detail included in these policies be included in the ..0 A „Pthat the level of . The polici s ua elements that we believe will guide the de elopmen of regulations lateer in the puncle p ocerocess. s..c Wespecifically endorse the inclusion of Iang g a in the YUACP that supports (3.14,7,4), Class 3 Review for the approval or establishment of an Institutional �vn paripation (3.14.7.5), and more restrictive review criteria the closer an institution Overlay (3.14.7.6), tion is to residential areas I Th.. 11i-..�. BCNA The also believes that qualifiers such as "reasonable" 11 included in the YUACP as they are too vague to or "unreasonable" should not be I set of stakeholders included 9 define. What is "reasonable" to one group or 'm'ay not be "reasonable" to another group or entity. We would like to thank the Planning Commission that has gone into the development of this new draft. We appreciate and of Yakima stafffor the the work additions that acknowledge the importance of o.,;w�:.._ neighborhoods, _. .. new additions historic significance. �.--..--� �� existing I1PIr1nVYA rh r.....i_ signifcance. These new additions will help to ensure that viable especially those with remain intact and quality homes �N� Yiab�c neighporhoods q� ill be available for area families. These are essential elements in the overall quality of life in our community. If you have anyuestio any additional information, please feel free to contact me at (509) 453-8150. ns, or require Sincer //7/,' /,/ Ralph Cali Chair, BCNA Land Use Committee cc: Bill Cook, City of Yakima BCNA • c/o 211 S. 24th Avenue • Yakima, WA 98902 Response to Comment 3: Ralph Call 1. The City can not guarantee that there will be no increase in traffic adjacent to major institutions. Any application for master plan and zoning approval will require that a traffic and parking study be conducted. The results of that analysis will be used to condition project approval to minimize disruption on local streets. The emphasis will be on arterial access. Other comments acknowledged. Thank you for your comments. September 25, 2006 TO: YAKIMA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION FROM: Michael Noble 5609 W. Arlington Yakima, WA 98908 (509) 965 — 1840 RE: COMMENTS FOR YAKUvIA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT — SEPTEMBER, 2006 Members of the Yakima Regional Planning Commisciorc Updating the Comprehensive Plan is a daunting, overwhelming task. Amidst the many chanes under consideration are a few key elements destined to alter the course of our community. Included within this document are many comments focused solely upon the Land Use section of the Update. My comments center o'i two essential topics paramount to protecting homeowners, neighborhoods, and an enjoyable quality, of life for Yakima's citizens. Those subjects include 1) preserving and improving the tools necessary to objectively determine compatible and incompatible Land Uses, and 2) curtailing an increasing pattern of inappropriate, detrimentaapplication of the Central Business District Support zone. One of the key recurring themes of the Growth Management Act is the protection of the homes and neighborhoods of citizens from the encroachment of commercial establishments. The. proposed draft reworldng of Yakirnn's Comprehensive Pian submitted by city staff puts into the hands of city officials more power to infringe upon the peaceful quality of life °fits citizens. It needs amended to diminish this intrusion of government into the lives ofthose it should be serving. Please protect your neighbors and the residents of our community. Si:_ncerely, I IG -N, Michael Noble COMMENTS REGARDING: FUTURE LAND USE DESIGNATIONS Descriptions Pages 21- 25 4 Low Density Residential — No comment Medium Density Residential —No comment High Density Residential — No comment Professional Office — No comment Institutions —No comment Neighborhood Commercial — No comment Large Convenience Center — No comment Community Commercial — "Name change and blending ofNeighborhood & General Commercial" Comment: This definition is not simply a name charge, it is an entirely new Use designation, the scope of which includes "multiple neighborhoods and residential areas". The text stipulates "medium scale commercial uses" but neglects to define "medium". Arterial Commercial — "TO BE REMOVED IN FUTURE UPDATE" Comment: This Use is not in need of replacement, especially by the more aggressive General Commercial designation. General Commercial — "New category" Comment: This use is intended to replace Arterial Commercial but the text is significantly more liberal and extreme. The draft specifies but does not define "major travel routes", "intensive development", and "other commercial services", but does not restrict the scale or type of "commercial services". "Strip commercial" is not defined, yet is to be avoided. The text does not address adverse affects on adjacent properties. The existing Arterial Commercial definition better fulfills any need for this Use. This new designation is unnecessary and will undoubtedly be interpreted irresponsibly and misused, becoming the "CBDS" of Land Uses. If the General Commercial Use is approved it should at least limit square footage of commercial stores, limit number of parking stalls and specifically specify shallow lot depths. Regional Commercial — "New category" This Use definition is confusing and inconsistent with the word `regional", especially the obtuse and non-specific statement that "...locational, market area and site requirements tend to be as diverse as the mix of activities". The definition should simply state that the Use: "Provides areas in which the primary land use is for commercial and service uses to ,serve the needs of people living in the entire region. These uses include a wide range of purchaser goods, entertainment, offices, travel accommodations, and services that attract people from other communities, Yakima County, and adjacent counties, and the designation is intended for uses which require large sites and high visibility. Due to the uses allowed and the large numbers of people served these areas will be located adjacent to highways or freeways". Stipulating Location adjacent to highways/freeways is paramount and will make it more consistent with the Goals and Policies section of the Update. The definition should also include any use defined as appropriate for Neighborhood Commercial or Community Commercial. The new Regional Commercial should include "big -box stores" in its 2 3 4 6 ) examples, and specify that retail stores requiring large square footage, large numbers of parking stalls and large ��oi,;.,i,.traffic volume large vehicle volume are specifically limited to this particular land use category. Mixed Use Planned Development - `New category" Com The text needs to more specifically define the "core of the urban area", and indisputably limit itself to only such area. Central Business District Core Commercial- No comment Industrial - No comment Wholesale/Warehouse -No comment Parks and Recreation ® No comment COMMENTS 1GARDLAIG, Comparing Future Land Use Plan and Current Zoning Page 25, pa..n.,,.. ph 3 states , Y ._ - Future Land Use _ __ - iph 3 "Table 11141 will be used .c. determine _ ._ and Current �nnma E'ntnr.op:n...". determine the consistency of the zoning district with the Future Land Use Mapes designation. The City's zoning map will be updated as necessary to ensure this consistency" Comment: What rs=v"..,.,¢a� w .:1. that r9 Sa a aL tee exists the City's .s _ _ necessary? How does "updating" City's zoning map will actually be updated as da the zoning map ensue consistency? Does this mean that current zoning across the city will be changed to comply with Table 111-11? Page 25, paragraph 3 states `Because actual zoning is based on fetors in additi 4 Comment: What if the final specifications of the new zoning definitions turn out to be something significantly different than visualized by the RPC? Any adopting/creatingofoThe licy 7 before the zoning definitions are specified concretely is nothing less than irresponsible. proper sequence requires the exact parameters of every included new zone to be fina1i7ed so the commission can render an informed and logical conclusion, not a hope and a guess COMMENTS REGARDING: Table III -11 Future Land Use and Current Zoning Comparison Page 26 Table III -2 Before commenting directly upon Table III -11, attention must be drawn to the glaring absence of its bedrock, Table 111-2 in the current Comprehensive Plan. This 2006 Comp Plan Update draft 8 submitted by the City conspicuously omits Table 111-2, Land Use Compatibility Chart, which indicates Land Uses that are compatible or incompatible located adjacent oniacngh other. This foundational tool underpins the .entire intent ��f becomes subjecd Use and t the political whims and Without this tool appropriateness and compatibility 'ty subjective bias of staff and city management. i Table 111-2 not only needs retained, it needs to be madeng revisioneasily subject tosubmittedc astive interpretation" by staff. As proposed previously, an the current Comp Plan's Uses and definitions (not 9 improvement on the current Table, utilizing a Land Use Compatibility Chart it is the new proposed uses). Of course, before adopting i incumbent upon the RPC to first finalize and adopt� ��ei� or each zed and ddermined. se, both existing i and new Uses, so their actual compatibility may be Y Figure 111-2: Laud Use Compatibility ---._ "�� �.�uu�aaiDllliy i:tlart Pr Land Use Lo w i pncihr UGrl1.9- Medi Dens t.,..:.tZ_ '! Grc_ Hi + - Residential tnsiitutional Professional Office Nei La • hborhood Commercial e Convenience Center Arterial Commercial CBD Core Commercial Wholesale/Warehouse Industrial CD IA q Ias fl 1 m ti X :=l n I A ABB A A A B _vzin B B � 1 rem B B B B 1111.13113 B B B AG. --- _ Q _113 =a � �a � A iia B — BBBBA1111111111111111 B B 0 m es 4? 1 0 1terO 1 B 'Generally compatible �Compatibie with appropriate site considerations =Not compatible NEW: This Chart is to be used to determine the co designation with the existing land use designations compatibility of any proposed land use proposed use. !f more _ $eons of all properties bordering the r than one existing land _ _� intense abutting tam 1,s; shalt detP►T,I.;.i�� ;�, � .aonzs the proposed land use, the least decision making-- urt,a�ioiuty. The Chart is a portion of the process related to land use locational decisions and recommendations. Development regulations, including current zoning, and Hearing Examiner andLegislative Body deliberations and Exceptions to this Chart public comment play a further role in this process. shall only address compelling public health and safe issues. safety An essential element of the Comprehensive Plan is the concise and unambiguous identification of Land Uses which are compatible when adjacent to one another, and those which are not compatible adjacent to one another. This critical tool requires refinement and reinforcement to foster fair, consistent, and non -erratic Land Use application. It should not be eliminated from Comp Plan! Retain and improve Table 11I-2. the 5 4 T Table ffi-11 Table 111-11 indicates which zones may be placed within each Land Use. YMC 15.03.030 District Intent Statements, Section 11 defines the Central Business District Support zone: "The purpose of the CBD support district is to accommodate wholesale and retail activities with some high-density residential development. This district is primarily located near the central business district and along the major arterials leading to the central business district. Like the CBD district, a variety of land uses are permitter) However, the intensity of development is intended to be less than in the CBD district." Pplan U date is the City staff's aggressive misuse of the CBDS zone A key concern in this Comp and the resultant host of repugnant threats this travesty may present to homeowners l- Mart debacle in West Valley is a prime example of this abuse, wherein Arterial erc Land Use was placed adjacent to a Low Density (R-1) neighborhood, and ORDS zoning subsequently requested by landowner Congdon was ultimately granted for the simple reason That Arterial Commercial Land Use permitted it! Disregat rding tn�ot de is tmbe request becompatible cause the h quiet low-density neighborhoods, the City concluded YMC did not prohibit CBDS in the Arterial Commercial Land Use. The accompanying public record letter (seeAtiachme�d A) dated April 27, 2001 written by Director of City of Yakima Department of Community and Economic William Cook, attorneyfor Congdon, makes the City's position Development, and addressed to Terry Schmalz, very clear. Please note in paragraph 2 that staff considers the zone's title (Central Business District Support) "somewhat of a misnomer", considering it very appropriate used away from the 10 Central. Business District, and considers "this zoning district to work well along major transportation routes". There is no question about CBDS placement in Arterial Commercial when referred to as "Arterial Commercial, the future land use map designation most compatible with CBDS zoning". Further, there is no doubt as to the intensity of retail development allowed CBDS when the letter states in paragraph 3 that "CBDS zoning permits large box retail in facilities as well as large retail centers', and that such businesses are "developed easily within the CBDS zoning district's permitted uses and site design criteria". Please note the letter's conspicuous lack of comment regarding surrounding uses! CBDS is by far and away the commercial use that permits the greatest number of intense commercial uses (173), many of which are intrusive, invasive, and interfere directly with the peaceful quality of life rightfully expected by low-density single-family neighborhoods. As stated above, city staff is unable or unwilling to keep CBDS from being placed inappropriately. The only way to prevent it is by forbidding it via the Comp Plan. Table III -11 should simply prohibit any intersection of CBDS zoning and any Land Use that is locatable adjacent to Residential Land Uses. This concept also highlights the importance of Table IB -2 which specifies incompatible Land Uses. Of course, as stated above, before adopting a Compatibility Chart it is incumbent upon the RPC to first finalize and adopt definitions for each Land Use, both existing and new Uses, so their actual compatibility may be accurately analyzed and determined. This is doubly true with the City's proposal for Table 111-11, as no new zoning classification should be considered until it has 10 first been AND I PD spedcifiefmed and y the City! This includes the nebulous RPD, C -PD, MU -PD. — in the able. The RPC must know how broad or restricted the definitions and parameters are for each zone before blindly adopting them into the Comp PIan. To do so otherwise would be reckless and irresponsible. Table III -1 1 sho„ 1d be altered to the following schedule in order to control CBDS placement. This table reflects certain proposed Land Uses, but not others. Table 1111--13 Future Land Use and Current Zoning Co son. Comaatibility FUTURE LAND USE DESIGNATION / ZONING. Low Density Residential Medium Density Residential Nigh Density Residential rin f -a 6 V cn -o5 w E 3 S X f X J X i 'XIX XI x 0 0 m 0 1 0 crtA gat Heavy Industrial Distriiet (M. Professional Office Neighborhood Commercial Community Commercial CBD Commercial industrial X NEW: Table II1-13 determines the "Ansisstenc ofzzonire Use deli y g districts with underlying Land gnations. Zoning districts that may implement the land use designation marked with an "X". Because zoning are Land Use compliance, chart consistencygdoes not dependant upon factors in addition to intersections that are blank (without an `�"guarantee zoning approval Chart consistent with nor implements the underlying� indicate the zoning district is neither implemented withinthe existing land use designation, and may not be land use. Differences between the city's proposed Table III -11 and this proposed improved version include: 7 4 4 • High Density Residential Use should not allow CBDS zoning. CBDS includes too many uses egregious for neighboring residential zoning. CBDS should be restricted to uses only directly adjacent to the Central Business District, per its definition. • Professional Office Use should not allow CBDS zoning. The Professional Office Use definition includes only low -impact professional business, the opposite of the nature of CBDS. CBDS includes too many egregious uses and again should be restricted to uses only directly adjacent to the Central Business District, per its definition. • General Commercial Use (or Arterial Commercial) should by definition not include LCC or M-1 zoning. General Commercial intends dimensionally small businesses, and it should allow only zoning reflective of such. • General Commercial Use should definitely not include CBDS zoning! This is currently the city's most egregious abuse of CBDS, and its placement needs restricted from the current "go -anywhere" interpretation. This new Use will hely replace Arterial Commercial, and the city has made it clear CBDS may be placed in any Arterial Commercial location. CBDS should be restricted to uses only directly adjacent to the Central Business District, per its definition. • Regional Commercial Use should by definition include all less intrusive uses, including B-1, B-2, SCC, and CBDS (within a definition that restricts it to highways). • CBD Commercial Use should by definition include CBDS. After all, CBDS does include the Central Business District! Table III -11. needs refined to protect residential landowners from the intrusion of inappropriate commercial uses. Restrict city staff's intentional misinterpretation of CBDS and disregard for its definition immediately. Amend Table 111-11 to protect homeowners and limit CBDS to Regional Commercial Land Use and CBD Commercial Land Use only. Table III -11 and Future Land Use Map Inconsistency The proposed Table III -1 1, Future Land Use and Current Zoning Comparison, is apparently designed to replace the current Table 111-3, Yakima Urban Area Zoning and Comprehensive Plan Compliance. Unfortunately, the legend of the proposed Map III -2, City of Yakima Future Land Use Map does not contain the Land Uses shown in Table III -11 The Future Land Use Map (FLUM) exhibits Low Density Residential, Medium Density Residential, High Density Residential, Professional Office, Neighborhood Commercial, Large Convenience Center, Arterial Commercial, Central Business District Core Commercial, Regional Commercial, and Industrial. The FLUM does not exhibit Institutions, Community Commercial, General Commercial, Mixed Use Planned Development, Wholesale/Warehouse, and Parks and Recreation. Such inconsistency raises a myriad of questions relative to implementing both the new table and the FLUM, such as: Why does the FLUM legend list some new Uses and some old Uses? Does the proposed FLUM legend pertain to the "new" Land Use definitions or "old", or some combination of the two? How will existing Land Uses destined "to be removed in future update" be converted to proposed new categories? To which categories they will be converted? 8 4 T I Before adopting a FLUM it is the RPC's duty to first fmalize and adopt definitions for each Land Use, both existing and new Uses. Following such the staff should propose a FLUM that represent all the operative Land Uses, so the definitions and compatibility charts are completely consistent with the FLUM. COMMENTS REGARDING: GOALS AND POLICIES Pages 28 — 40 Page 29: GOAL 3.3: PRESERVE EXISTING NEIGHBORHOODS. 1 Policy. 3 3 2- Ensure that new development is compatible in scale, style, density, and aesthetic quality to an established neighborhood. Comment Change to• "Ensure that new development is compatible in scale, style density, use, and aesthetic quality to an established neighborhood_" Page 31: GOAL 3.6: PROVIDE OTTORTUNITts AUK U1rk'10E DEVELOPMENT TO PROMOTE ECONOMIC GROWTH AND TO MEET THE NEED OF OFFICE SPACE IN THE YAIGMA URBAN AREA. 1 3 Policy: 3.6.4: Place parking lots behind buildings, or along the side of the buildings. Comment: While aesthetically admirable, this policy in many instances proves very inefficient, costly, and in many cases compromises security and safety. It places a large burden on the developer and business owner. Change to: `Encourage placing Place parking Iots behind - - buildings_ or along the side ofthe buil f;,lgs " Page 32: GOAL 3.8: MAKE COMMERCIAL AREAS A DESIRABLE PLACE TO SHOP AND WORK. Policy 3.8.6: Commercial uses adjacent to residential areas should use effective landscape buffers such as evergreen trees, bushes, open space or other design controls to mitigate noise, glare, and other impacts associated with commercial land use to ensure that their location will not adversely affect the residential areas. Comment: Mitigation should be sought first and foremost by using transitional or step -don zoning between incompatible uses. Include language to this end. 14 Comment: Without a lighting code and commercial noise code this policy has no teeth. Include language in this Comp Plan Update ordering the development of such codes. Pages 32, 33: General Commercial 15 General Commercial land use may include those uses identified in Neighborhood Commercial or Community Commercial, but do not necessarily serve the adjacent neighborhoods. General Commercial includes uses such as fast food restaurants, auto -oriented services and other commercial services. 15 16 17 I 18 19 20 4 Comment: Protect adjacent residential uses by reinforcing the theme of small square -footage stores, limited number of parking stalls per store, and shallow lot depths Policy 3.9.2: Discourage new strip commercial development. Strip commercial land uses shall only be allowed as infill of existing strip commercial areas, and will not extend the existing strip commercial areas. Comment: "Stip" needs defined Comment: This is a noble policy; however it is exactly the opposite of the proposed Future Land Use Map's proposal for "strip" development along Nob Hill Boulevard between 53rd and 64Th. Comment: This is the commercial Use most lamely to be placed next to residential, and therefore sorely needs a statement regarding minimalizing or eliminating adverse impacts upon adjacent residential properties. Page 34: Regional Commercial Policy 3.10.8: Adequate buffering shall be provided between adjacent residential uses, such as greenbelt, landscaped pathway, park -like buffer, and etc. AND Community Commercial Policy 3.11.7: Adequate buffering shall be provided between adjacent residential uses. In some larger sites the need to use similar buffer found in the regional commercial designation might be encouraged. Comment: "Adequate" is too loose a term, and too subjective. Alter the policy to include the affected residential landowner's definition of "adequate". Better yet, include language that prescribes transitional zoning to buffer low-density residences from commercial intrusion. Page 34 Community Commercial Policy 3.11.1: Community Commercial center may include a lead business such as a discount or junior department store, building/home improvement store, drug store, or grocery store with additional variety of small retail stores to provide services to the surrounding neighborhoods. Comment: The definition is too open to interpretation. For example, is a discount store a Dollar Store or a Costco? Is a building/home improvement store an Ace Hardware or a Home Depot? Refine this definition to include a maximum square footage per business, and a maximum mean number of parking spaces per store (e.g., Orchards Shopping Center: 640 parking stalls / —12 businesses = mean 53 parking stalls per store). Page 35 Neighborhood Commercial Policy 3.12.: The typical size of a Community Commercial development is three to ten acres and serves a population of 3,000 — 40,000 people. Comment: "Community" should be "Neighborhood'. Ten acres is too large for an area designated to "primarily serve residents of adjacent neighborhoods". "40,000 people" is much more than adjacent neighborhoods — it's almost half the population of Yakima! -f - Page 36: Policy 3.13.7: Industrial uses which locate adjacent to residential areas should use effective landscaping such as evergreen trees and bushes, open space or other design controls to mitigate noise, glare, and other impacts associated with the uses to ensure that their location v,l not adversely affect the residential areas. Comment: Industrial uses should not be located next to residential uses — period. Transitional zoning, including commercial and retail uses, should be used instead of a few bushes. Once again, "Adverse affect" is subject to interpretation. Page 39: GOAL 3.17: SUPPORT GROWTH OF ME YAKIMA AIR TERMINAL SUBJECT TO MITIGATION OF Th ACTS ON TIIE SURROUNDWG COMMUNITY Policy 3.17.4: The following uses will serve as ex p„es of uses considered incompatible with Ar Teretinaloperations: Comment: an the interest of public safety there should be a fifth category retail or commercial ventures that cause - -�--: for retail "' significant numbers of to congregate within the airport safety overlay. The public needs protected from areas designated high-risk from harm secondaL Y to aircraft naifii etio pilot e_ ------ --' -----� ��-�.+�da or G111➢r. CONCLUSION to summary. I once again urge you each to consider the individual homeowners that are the backbone of our community, and help them protect their investment in their Iand and homes. Retain and improve the Land Use Compatibility Chart that sp.. eeifsWhich Land u ses do not beiong next to those c t zeas domes, and restrict the irresponsible intrusion of the FCBD S zone into Land Uses adjacent to their neighborhoods. Your community needs your help! Respectfully Submitted, i iiCjaei C. Noble 5609 W. Arlington Yakima, WA 98908 (509) 965 =1840 4 DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 129 North Second Street Yakima, Washington 98901 Phone: (509) 5754113 • Fax (509) 5754105 April 27,2001 Williams R. Cook, Director Telly Schmalz • Halverson & Applegate Law Offices 311 North 4* Street Yakima, WA 98901 Dear Mr. Schmalz: - RECEIVED. errY! OF YAKIMA PR 2 7 2001 OFFICE OF an( MANAGER 1 1. -I" In response to your questions, I thoughtit would be helpful to explain the City's Central Business District Support (CBDS) zoning district. Intimately, assiming a successful compreheasile plan amendment, your clients will nezons the Congdon annexatioa. i. area properties.on the current zoning map. The designations that they selecton the convinehensivo plan.,amendment application vinl affect the zoning districts to which they can rezone their parcels in the fixture. The tide "Central Business District Support" is somewhat of a misnomer. The airport and corridors along First Street and Fivitvale Boulevard are zoned CBDS. Staff considers this zoning district to work well along major iransportationroutes. hi fact, Arterial Commemial, the future *it use map firsignation most compatnile with. CBDS zoning, permits land uses which require' high auto visibility as well as what -sale and retail activities. . ! Please be assured that CBDS zoning permits large boar ratan faculties as wen as line retail centers. The Home Deport store currently under construction on South 1* Street and the Gatevilay rata center along FairAvenue am but two examples. Each site developed easily within the CBDS zoning district's permitted uses and -site design aitmia. These sites are ,designated as Arterial Oanimacial on the Future Land Use Map. ; Should you, or your clients, wish for father clarification, please contact me a 57- -6113. 1 Sincere"); . cc: Dick Zais, City Manager Glenn Rice, Assistant City Manager AttAc,kr.e_tvi A 4 Yaid Response to Comment 4: Michael Noble 1. Commercial uses are typically described in terms of "neighborhood", "community", "general commercial" and "regional commercial". Different labels might he used in different communities, but the intent is always to define a continuum of uses with increasing scales of development matching increasing service areas. Neighborhood commercial areas are usually comprised of small stores with limited goods and services. Regional commercial areas are intended to serve a multi -city area and contain large commercial buildings or centers. While no specific definition is contained in the UACP or zoning code, the combination of policies, "purpose sections" 7< the zoning code for each classification and the regulations themselves, all serve to provide a definition of the particular zone. The General Commercial zone wiii be amended into the zoning code when, and it is approved as part of L4... UACP. n nn 4i_ if, pal t the UACF. I he issues raised by the Mr. Noble would be addressed part of the - as the code drafting process. 9 3. The "core" would be defined during the code and land use map amendment process. 4. Amendments to the zoning map are accomplished through an open public process. Citizens may comment on specific amendments to the map and every effort is made by the City to balance various opinions as actual amendments occur. Table III -11 is intended to limit the intended III I IIL LI le i►iamber of zoning options for any particular land use designation to assure the public of the limited range of alternatives. Comment acknowledged. The City disagrees with Mr Noble's concern and believes that Table III -1 1 limits the range of zones allowed in any particular land use zone. The review of actual rezone requests will include property -specific analysis which will determine the compatibility of actual uses on adjacent properties. Where incompatibilities exist or can not be mitigated, the City reserves the right to deny a rezone request. 6. The Staff disagrees with the Commentor. The language in this section states the concurrent approval of a comprehensive plan change and a rezone could occur hlSL- _J_ e.g. tough the annual amendment process. This is a legal possibility, although the City would reserve the right to separate the two processes. 7. The Commentor's opinion is acknowledged. Comprehensive plans containing policy language typically precede actual drafting of zoning code amendments. 8. The Commentor's opinion is acknowledged. 9. The Commentor's opinion is acknowledged. 1 O. The Commentor's opinions and suggestions for how land use designations are used or defined are acknowledged. The Staff has expressed it opinion that the two compatibility matrices in the 1997 Plan were confusing and is recommending Table III -11 in their place. As indicated on Table III -1 1 it is proposed that the Arterial Commercial classification be eliminated. 11. The City agrees that all use classifications on Table III -11 should be depicted on the Future Land Use Map index. In some cases (e.g, institutional, regional commercial) certain properties will be designated for these classifications, even though the zoning code must be amended with regulations tied to those classifications. In those cases, the existing zoning will control development until the new laws take effect. In other cases (e.g. arterial commercial), the FLUM will not be amended at this time, even though the Plan policies indicate that it will ultimately be eliminated. This is because there must be discussions among the RPC, Council and public of which properties will be affected and how. Some Arterial Commercial classifications may change to General Commercial, others to Neighborhood Commercial, etc. As the Commentor correctly notes, some existing land use designations will be removed and some will be changed. Until those decisions are made, some "old" designations will remain on the Future Land Use Map. The Commentor feels that there has not been adequate definition of the various land use categories. Staff believes that descriptions contained on Pages 21-27 provide sufficient descriptions to allow the reader to understand the intent of each. 12. Suggestion noted. 13. Suggestion noted. 14. Suggestion noted. The Action Plan calls for development of noise standards. 15. Suggestion noted. These comments can be considered as code revisions are made. 16. "Strip Commercial" is defined in the footnote to the Action Steps in Chapter II of the Plan. "'Strip Commercial' development is usually described as commercial properties developed along a street in linear fashion (as opposed to the downtown or malls), where individual driveways, separated parking lots, different building designs and access points, can lead to problems including traffic safety, shopper confusion, higher failure rates among businesses, poor aesthetics, etc." 17. Comment acknowledged. 18. Suggestion noted. 19. Suggestion noted. 20. Comments acknowledged. The "Community" should be changed to "Neighborhood". The 3,000-40,000 should be 3,000-10,000. The ten acre size standard could include four corners of an intersection at 2 1/2 aces each, but a lower standard of five acres might help to meet the goal of residential compatibility. 21. Comment acknowledged. The mitigation measures discussed assume that a decision has already been made to locate industrial zoning in a particular area. Once that determination is made, the measures are intended to provide protections to adjacent areas. 22. Comment acknowledged. Thank you for your comments Members of Yakima County Regional Planning Commission I very much regret not being able to be personally present on June 12, 2006 to comment upon the Land Use Element of the 2006 Comprehensive Plan proposal. I have been eagerly waiting to do so for over two years, and to my great disappointment the date assigned by staff coincides directly with an unalterable.out-of-town preexisting commitment. In lieu of hearing my oral comments please accept my written observations and recommendations. I trust you will read them and reflect upon the suggestions within. They are the product of years of frustration with the City of Yakima's _bureaucracy. I hope to have a chance to answer any questions you might have. Respectfully submitted Michael Noble 5609 W. Arlington 9654840 1 4 a. 4.a. My written comments pertain to the 2006 Comprehensive Plan Update June 6, 2006 Draft pages III -15 to DII-20, and III -23 to III -38. In April, 2004 I submitted a Comprehensive Plan Amendment proposal to the Regional Planning Commission when I received the annual amendment solicitation. The proposal addressed several key Comp Plan issues which sorely needed attention. Unfortunately the RPC never had the opportunity to review and consider the proposal, for it was immediately assailed by attorneys for both Congdon and Wal-Mart who contended it had not been submitted properly, and recommended it be shelved until the 2006 Comp Plan Update. Though it was determined to have been properly submitted, in the months following while the RPC evaluated and acted upon the other Comp Plan Amendment proposals, certain city staff contrived several creative obstacles which prevented the RPC from rightfully hearing and considering the proposal, and it was indeed eventually shelved. My 2004 proposal contended that: 1) "Yakima's land use categories and zoning code is incomplete and resultantly occasionally misused", and several Commercial Land Use Designations consequentially needed renamed and revised; 2) A new Regional Commercial Land Use Designation needed to be added; 3) The "CBDS zone use has been stretched well beyond its original intent and definition and has instead been misused more recently as a `loophole' to allow very intense commercial development in inappropriate locations", and strongly recommended certain changes be made to the Comp Plan's Figure III -2 Land Use Compatibility Chart and Figure 111-3 Yakima Urban Area Zoning and Comprehensive Plan Compliance. The following pages detail each of these ongoing Comprehensive Plan concerns in the context of the city's June 6, 2006 Draft Land Use Update, and provide comment and recommendation for remediation. A copy of the 2004 proposal is attached for reference. 2 4.a. 2006 Comprehensive Plan Update June 6. 2006 Draft pages 111-1 c --- r to 11148 Regarding my first contention above, that "Yakima's land use categories and zoning code is incomplete and resultantly occasionally misused" and several Commercial Land Use Designations consequentially needed renamed and revised My 2004 proposal stated: The similar premises of Eugene, Bend, Kennewick, Pasco and Vancouver are distillable into five or six common basic commercial land uses and zones. The heart of each co=mmunity has a "Cen Ta1 Business d.esimaAion f containing the.. community's core district of commerce Cmmerce and administrative offices. "Professional office" designations are scattered throughout the community and may be adjacent to residential designations or buffer residential and commercial designations. Medical accounting offices -.�..�- and offices are typical, as well as others that generate minimal automobile traffic, no light -----_..__.._.., excessive noise, or odors, and keep "8 to 5" honrfi The remaining three cnmmernial designations are logical arid , .,,-,� 1V Y'll.al a[ICl til T77 Ti1P, in description, �,,, ter, ri ---m.m=�=® ..,.va�vra3i q.a vda, dhi3sb based upon the geographic area the designation's businesses are intended to serve. Any use in a smaller, more restrictive designation is allowable in a larger, less restrictive one. "Neighborhood commercial" areas are small and contain businesses that serve the immediate vicinity's residents' day-to-day needs. These designations. are scattered amongst individual neighborhoods and often a specified minimum distance separates such areas. Community commercial" designations serve malty neighborhoods, or perhaps the entire community. They are restricted to major arterials, contain larger stores, and may specify :maximum store square footage. An important descriptor is that the drawing area of a community commercial designation business is not outside the city limits. "Regional commercial" designations are intended for large retail developments and such businesses that attract shoppers from well outside the community. This designation is specified adjacent to major highways to keep regional auto traffic off in -city streets and arterials, as well as increasing accessibility. Some cities also have a sixth specific designation for commercial uses along arterials that specifies fairly shallow lot depths and smaller store sizes. Ya ima's current land use categories and zoning ordinances somewhat reflect most of the above-described designations and with some minor modifications align very nicely with this elegant, yet highly functional and efficient model. As a solution I recommended the following renaming and revising of existing commercial uses: Neighborhood Commercial Small scale shopping centers, with shared parking and access, usually located on arterial street, and all residential uses. Neighborhood commercial centers are dispersed throughout the Urban Service Area to provide convenience shopping to the fesidential populations residents of adjacent neighborhoods. 3 4.a. Large Convenience Center Community Commercial Provides areas for commercial activities to meet retail shopping and service needs of the commlmity, and areas for all residential uses. Accommodates clusters of retail, financial, professional service business and entertainment activities that attract local community shoppers from an area significantly larger than a neighborhood, but not outside the city. Regional Such centers may be considered when they demonstrate that they will complement, and not have a detrimental impact on existing commercial areas or surrounding land uses. Arterial Commercial Land uses which require high auto visibility such as restaurants, service stations, car washes, as well as small wholesale and retail activities, and provides areas for all residential uses. Regarding my second, contention that a new Regional Commercial Land Use Designation needed to be added, my proposal stated: Conspicuously missing from Yakima's land use designations and zoning ordinance is a category addressing commercial activities of a regional nature. If improperly located, retail businesses intended to attract shoppers from an area greater than the immediate community have the potential to draw a high volume of outside traffic through streets and arterials of the city. This is not only inconvenient to the non -Yakima shoppers, but also contributes to traffic congestion and attendant safety issues, budget constraints, and excess auto emissions in a valley already regularly plagued by stagnant air quality. For these, and additional common-sense reasons, other communities have instituted a Regional Commercial designation stipulated to be located adjacent to highways or- freeways. Descriptions of such a district might well include store square footage, breadth of retail activity, anticipated traffic volume and other variables which values would make fairly obvious the caliber of stores which would best fit such.a zone. As Yakima grows and larger retail outlets look more favorably toward locating in this community, we would do well to institute a Regional Commercial District to address such issues that are sure to confront us in the very near future. As a solution T recommended creating a new Land Use category: Regional Commercial Provides areas in which the primary land use is for commercial and service uses to serve the needs of people living in the entire region. These uses include a wide range of purchaser goods, entertainment, offices, travel accommodations, and services that attract people from other communities, Yakima County, and adjacent counties, and is intended for uses which require large sites and high visibility. Due to the uses allowed and the large numbers of people served, these areas will be located adjacent to highways or freeways. COMMENT These new Land Use designation names and definitions may appear familiar because they are very much mirrored in the city's Comp Plan 2006 Land Use Update proposal. The changes I 4 4.a. recommended in 2004 were to a great extent aimed directly at preventing the inappropriate location of intense large-scale commercial uses adjacent to residential land uses. Unfortunately, the city's proposed new Land Use definitions and their accompanying examples bypass this issue. The new General Commercial definition identifies its intent with the examples of "fast food restaurants, auto -oriented services and other commercial services", however, the definition does not preclude huge -square -footage stores that include ali such services under one roof. The new Regional Commercial designation uses the examples of "large-scale shopping centers, discount "club" storm factory outlets, specialty stores _ff_: __ _____ __.---.,, �,,,�) specialty JlV1GJ. Ul11GBS_ recreation cmmplr'4ae theatres, entertainment activities, and travel accoramodations", but conspicuously avoids the "elephant in the room" epitomized by big -box retail stores occupying huge square footage, requiring large nu hers of parking stalls, and drawing a large volume of vehicle traffic. Such a retail establishment presents all the same reasons more) to "large-scale shopping __._. _ " - - reasons --- (and ��, locate a lat�c-�I,.�,tG l:Ci1LF.I or "discount `club' store" (i.e., next "an existing sting - ----- i-- Costco) m_.a_-��. to i+1�i5uii� highway or freeway". RECOMMENDATION To put some teeth into the Comprehensive Plan the new General Commercial category should limit square footage of commercial stores, limit number of parking stalls and specify shallow lot depths. The new Regional Commercial should include "big -box stores" in its examples, and specify that retail stores requiring large square footage, large numbers of parking stalls and large vehicle traffic volume are specifically limited to this particular land use category. 5 4.a. 2006 Comprehensive Plan Update June 6. 2006 Draft pates 11I-18 to 11I-21 Regarding my contention that the "CBDS zone use has been stretched well beyond its original intent and definition and has instead been misused more recently as a "loophole" to allow very intense commercial development ininappropriate locations": Avoiding arbitrary and capricious land use decisions, and adequately considering all affected parties requires two sets of determinations. First, the Plan should specify clearly and distinctly those Land Uses that are compatible and allowable located adjacent to each other, and correspondingly, which Land Uses are incompatible and thereby not allowable located adjacent to each other. Clear and precise direction as to Land Use locational compatibility is critical for staff to make consistent, equitable determinations regarding such! The current Comp Plan's Figure III -2 Land Use Compatibility Chart attempts to address this issue, although the verbiage is imprecise enough to allow quite bizarre interpretations as to its actual use, as demonstrated by current staff. Secondly, the Plan should indicate plainly which zones are allowed or disallowed when considered for placement on/in any particular Land Use. The current Comp Plan's Figure III -3 Yakima Urban Area Zoning and Comprehensive Plan Compliance loosely -addresses this issue, but is again too vague to avoid "stretching" beyond reasonable and intelligent interpretation. My 2004 proposal was aimed squarely at the public's ongoing perception that the city's implementation of Land Use and Zoning regulations is arbitrary and often inequitably skewed by the influence of a given applicant. Problems arise when staff interpret the Comp Plan inconsistently and situationally, stemming directly from the Plan's language which is imprecise enough to allow "creative" interpretations. My proposal made the language more precise and removed gray areas from the Figures used to determine compatibility. During the months that I "negotiated" the proposal with City staff, they rejected several increasingly watered-down attempts to remedy this problem, stating in the end that the proposals were all "too inflexible" for their liking. The staff's position was that virtually all such land use and zoning decisions were better if unimpeded by directives specifying which Uses and zones were compatible and incompatible, and such decision should ultimately be left up to a staff person instead of determined by law. In other words, staff reserved the ability to make situational decisions instead of relying upon a code, readable and understandable by any inquiring layperson, precisely and simply stating which Land Uses and Zones are or aren't compatible. COMMENT The city's 2006 Comp Plan Update Land Use section avoids the pesky Figure 11{ -2 Land Use Compatibility Chart by completely eliminating it! The entire concept of Land Use compatibility is completely sidestepped in this Update proposal! Appropriate Land Use location is a paramount prerequisite to proper zoning placement in order to ensure compatible adjacent zoning! My 2004 proposal promotes precise language that addresses this all-important topic and allows a landowner wishing to change Land Uses to know quickly and easily which Uses are and 6 4.a. are not available for consideration. The proposal also provides the adjacent landowner protection from a detrimental "creatively stretched" compatibility interpretation by city staff. This is the proposed chart which by all means should be retained in the Comprehensive Plan: Figure III -2: Land Use Compatibility Chart This Chart is to be used to determine the compatibility of any proposed land use designation with the existing land use designations of all properties bordering the proposed use. If more than one existing land use abuts the proposed land use, the least intense abutting land use shall determine compatibility. The Chart is a portion of the decision making process related to land use locational decisions and recommendations. Development regulations, including current zoning, and Hearing Examiner and Legislative Body deliberations and public comment play a further role in this process. Exceptions to this Chart shall only address compelling public health and safety issues. 7 Less intense : More ' > intense as to =II o a. C cu Al ti �C j1 Low Density Residential Medium Density Residential High Density Residential Iristitutional Professional Office Neighborhood Commercial Large Convenience Center Arterial Commercial CEID Core Commercial _� 1 07 N = O as td o.. O Industrial Proposed Land Use j Low Density Residential AAB BBB Medium Density Residential A A ABBB BB High Density Residential] B A A BBBBBB institutional' BBB A AB A A AB B i Professional Office' BBB A A A A A— A B B Neighborhood Commercial I B B BB A AB A AB Large Conleniencr. Center! - -�- :::��: :. ^v::'vv n=nter! 1 .. O - - 1 %{ A 1� A 1 A 1 V _K_ Arterial Commercial B B A A A A A AB CBD Core Commercial BB A A A A A AB Wholesale/Warehouse -- 8 Q B 9 5 6 A A Industrial B A A A Generally compatible B. Compatible with appropriate site considerations L 1 1 I Not compatible i This Chart is to be used to determine the compatibility of any proposed land use designation with the existing land use designations of all properties bordering the proposed use. If more than one existing land use abuts the proposed land use, the least intense abutting land use shall determine compatibility. The Chart is a portion of the decision making process related to land use locational decisions and recommendations. Development regulations, including current zoning, and Hearing Examiner and Legislative Body deliberations and public comment play a further role in this process. Exceptions to this Chart shall only address compelling public health and safety issues. 7 4.a. The 2006 Comp Plan Update. Land Use section also eliminates Figure III -3 Yakima Urban Area Zoning and Comprehensive Plan Compliance, and replaces it with Figure III -13. While this new Figure and its accompanying definition provide a certain measure of improved clarity over the old Figure III -3, certain compatibility issues exist in the new chart, and the accompanying definition should be more concise. The following chart and definition serve to both provide better protection to landowners and more clearly define the chart's intention and use. Unless the chart is altered appropriately we will see CBDS zoning and its accompanying zoo of approved uses increasingly inappropriately located all over this city, at the whim of the planning department. The amended chart proposal is as follows: Table 111-13 Future Land Use and Current Zoning Comparison Compatibility FUTURE LAND USE DESIGNATION / ZONING 7.4 4-4 b cn 1.1 Cv, onon Low Density Residential X x x Local Business District (B-2) CBD Support (CBDS) Central Business District (CBD) Light Industrial District (M-1) Heavy Industrial District (M-2) MediumDensity Residential x x x High Density Residential x X x Professional Office Neighborhood Commercial Communi Commercial X x x x X X x X x x CBD Commercial Industrial x x x x Table TII-13 determines the consistency of zoning districts with underlying Land Use designations. Zoning districts that may implement the land use designation are marked with an "X". Because zoning approval is dependant upon factors in addition to Land Use compliance, chart consistency does not guarantee zoning approval Chart intersections that are blank (without an "X") indicate the zoning district is neither consistent with nor implements the underlying land use designation, and may not be implemented within the existing land use. 8 • 5 4.a. Differences between the city's Figure [ I 1-13 and my proposed improved version include: • High Density Residential Use should not allow CBDS zoning. CBDS includes too many uses egregious for neighboring residential zoning. CBDS should be restricted to uses only directly adjacent to the Central Business District, per its definition. • Professional Office Use should not allow CBDS zoning. CBDS includes too many egregious uses and again should be restricted to uses only directly adjacent to the Central Business District, per its definition • General Commercial Use should by definition not include LCC or M-1 zoning. General Commercial intends dimensionally small businesses. General --------C—on--m--- iercia. Use should definitely not include CBDS zOningi This is currently the city's most egregious abuse of CRDs,and its placement needs restricted from the current "go -anywhere" interpretation. CBDS should be restricted to uses onlv directly adjacent to the Central Business District, per its definition. • Regional Commercial Use should by definition include all Less intrusive uses, including B-1, B-2, SCC, and CBDS (within its definition). ® CBD Cornmercial Use should by definition include CBDS. RECOMMENDATION An essential element of the Comprehensive Plan is the concise and unambiguous identification of Land Uses which are compatible when adjacent to one another, and those which are not compatible adjacent to one another. This critical tool requires reinforcement and refinement to foster equal and non -erratic Land Use application, not elimination from the Comp Plan. Retain and improve Table 111-2. Likewise, Table ]CII -13 needs refined to protect residential landowners from the intrusion of inappropriate commercial uses. Restrict city staff's dysinterpretation of CBDS, and disregard for its definition immediately. Amend Table III -13 to protect homeowners and limit CBDS to Regional Commercial Land Use and CBD Commercial Land Use only. 4.a. COMMENTS ON GOALS AND POLICIES, PAGES III -23 TO III -38 Regarding page III -25: GOAL 3.3: PRESERVE EXISTING NEIGHBORHOODS. Policy: 3.3.2 Ensure that new development is compatible in scale, style, density, and aesthetic quality to an established neighborhood. Comment: Change to: "Ensure that new development is compatible in scale, style, density, use, and aesthetic quality to an established neighborhood." Regarding page III -27: GOAL 3.6: PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFFICE DEVELOPMENT TO PROMOTE ECONOMIC GROWTH AND TO MEET THE NEED OF OFFICE SPACE IN THE YAKIMA URBAN AREA. Policy: 3.6.4 Place parking lots behind buildings, or along the side of the buildings. Comment: While aesthetically admirable, this policy in many instances proves very inefficient, costly, and in many cases compromises security and safety. It places a large buxden on the developer and business owner. Change to: "Encourage placing Place parking lots behind buildings, or along the side of the buildings." Regarding page III -29: GOAL 3.8: MAKE COMMERCIAL AREAS A DESIRABT F. PLACE TO SHOP AND WORK. Policy 3.8.6: Commercial uses adjacent to residential areas should use effective landscape buffers such as evergreen trees, bushes, open space or other design controls to mitigate noise, glare, and other impacts associated with commercial land use to ensure that their location will not adversely affect the residential areas. Comment: Mitigation should be sought first and foremost by using transitional or step- down zoning between incompatible uses. Include language to this end. Comment: Without a lighting code and commercial noise code this policy has no teeth. Include language in this Comp Plan Update ordering the development of such codes. Regarding pages III -29, 30: General Commercial General Commercial land use may include those uses identified in Neighborhood Commercial or Community Commercial, but do not necessarily serve the adjacent neighborhoods. General Commercial includes uses such as fast food restaurants, auto -oriented services and other commercial services. 10 Comment: Protect adjacent residential uses by reinforcing the theme of small square- r_ footage stores, limited number of parking stalls per store, and shallow lot depths Policy 3.9.2: Discourage new strip commercial development. Strip commercial land uses shall only be allowed as infill of existing strip commercial areas, and will not extend the existing strip commercial areas. Comment: "Strip" needs defined Comment: This is a noble policy; however it is exactly the opposite of the proposed Future Land Use Map's proposal for "strip" development along Nob Hill Boulevard between 53rd and 64th. Regarding nage IIx -31, 32: Regional Commercial Policy 3.10.7: Adequate buffering shall he provided between adjacent residential uses, such as greenbelt, landscaped pathway, park -like buffer, and etc. ANTI- Community NS Community Commercial Policy 3.11.7: Adequate buffering shall be provided between adjacent residential uses. In some larger sites the need to use similar buffer found in the regional commercial designation might be encouraged. Comment: `Adequate" is too loose a term, and too subjective. Alter the policy to include the affected residential landowner's definition of "adequate". Better yet, include language that pre -scribes transitional zoning to buffer low-density residences from ox%om%ei!ga , intrusion. Regarding page III -31 Community Commercial Policy 3.11.1: Community Commercial center may include a lead business such as a discount or junior department store, building/home improvement store, drug store, or grocery store with additional variety of small to provide -- ----- retail stores � provide services to the sCuiuuncung neighborhoods. Comment: The definition is too open to interpretation. For example, is a discount store a Dollar Store or a Costco? Is a building/home improvement store an Ace Hardware or a Home Depot? Refine this definition to include a maximum square footage per business, and a maximum mean number of parking spaces per store (e.g., Orchards Shopping Center: 640 parking stalls / -12 businesses = mean 53 parking stalls per store) Regarding page III -34: Industrial Policy 3.13.7 Industrial uses which locate adjacent to residential areas should use effective landscaping such as evergreen trees and bushes, open space or other design controls to 8 mitigate noise, glare, and other impacts associated with the uses to ensure that their location will not adversely affect the residential areas. Comment: Industrial uses should not be located next to residential uses — period. Transitional zoning, including commercial and retail uses, should be used instead of a few bushes. Once again, "Adverse affect" is subject to interpretation. 12 4.a. 4.a. Proposed Changes to the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Yakima's land use categories and zoning code is incomplete and resultantly occasionally misused. Other comparable Oregon and Washington cities contain a logical theme whose completeness has escaped Yakima. The similar premises of Eugene, Bend, Kennewick; Pasco and Vancouver are distillable into five or six common basic commercial land uses and zones. The heart of each community has a "Central Business designation" containing the community's core district of commerce and administrative offices. "Professional office" designations are scattered throughout the community and may be adjacent to residential designations or buffer residential and commercial designations. Medical and accounting offices are typical, as well as others that generate minimal automobile traffic, no excessive noise, light or odors, and keep "8 to 5" hours. The remaining three commercial designations logical and s:rn_,_ are =�s��� ��ulc in uescriniinn; anti haSe41 upon +�,e geographic area the designations businesses are intended "" designation is allowahie in a larger, �e restrictive _ to serve. �y use m a smaller, more restrictive ger, mess one. "Neighborhood commercial" areas are small and contain businesses that serve the immediate vicinity's residents' day-to-day needs. These designations are scattered amongst individual neighborhoods and often a specified minimum distance separates such areas. "Community commercial" designations serve many neighborhoods, the - or perhaps entire c:oirnmi3nity, They are restricted to major arterials, contain larger stores, and may specify maxin»,r store square foota__ . _ • ,���• ��vL=-�e. �: important descriptor is that the drawing area of a community commercial designation business is not outside the city limits. "Regional commercial" designations are =intended for large retail developments and such businesses that attract shoppers from well outside the Community. This designation �� -nit . desiggnation is specified adjacent to major highways keep regional "' 's'ts'�'9 a.Y � to ailt0 traffic off in -city streets and arterials, as well as increasing accessibility. Some cities also have a sixth specific designation f ;r commercial uses along arterials that specifies fairly shallow lot depths and smaller store sizes. Yakima's current land use categories and zoning ordinances somewhat reflect most of the above-described designations and with some minor modifications align very nicely with this elegant, yet highly functional and efficient model. Conspicuously missing from Yakima's land use designations and zoning ordinance is a category addressing Commercial art-;vit;Ps,regional __. Ifimproperly _ _ __ i- of nature. If imp i operly located, retail businesses intended to attract shoppers from an area greater than the immediate community have the potential to draw a high volume of outside traffic through streets and arterials of the city. This is not only inconvenient to the non -Yakima shoppers, but also contributes to traffic congestion and attendant safety issues, budget constraints, and excess auto emissions in a valley already regularly plagued by stagnant air quality. For these, and additional common-sense reasons, other communities have instituted a Regional Commercial designation stipulated to be located adjacent to highways or freeways. Descriptions of such a district might well include store square footage, breadth of retail activity, anticipated traffic volume and other variables which values would make fairly obvious the caliber of stores which would best fit such a zone. As Yakima grows and larger retail outlets look more favorably toward locating in this community, we would do well to institute a Regional Commercial District to address such issues that are sure to confront us in the very near fattaare The CBDS Central Business District Support zone description (and presumably its original intent) defines the zone as "located near the central business district and along some major arterials leading to it", providing intense commercial development, but to a degree less than the Central Business District. Though the description does not say "or along some major arterial leading to it", CBDS zone use has been stretched well beyond its original intent and definition and has instead been misused more recently as a "loophole" to allow very intense commercial development in inappropriate locations with inadequate levels of project review. Most cities of Yakima's size do not have such a zone, and if they do have a similar zone it is used more appropriately — that is, adjacent to the central business district and nothing more. The Comprehensive Plan's "Figure 173-3: Yakima Urban Area Zoning and Comprehensive Plan Compliance" should be modified to curb inappropriate use of CBDS in unsuitable areas. Listed below are several Comprehensive Plan changes and alternatives which will, if adopted, clarify and simplify certain Yakima land use issues. The recommended text amendments meet the criteria of, and do not conflict with, YMC 16.10.040. Because these amendments are administrative and not directed toward specific projects or properties no SEPA checklist is attached. Copy of 2004 Comp Plan Amendment proposal submitted to RPC June 2E06 4.a. YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE CATEGORIES Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan 1997, Pa2e III -9 Residential Low Density Residential Primarily single family, detached residences. Net residential density before considering roads and right of ways is less than 7.0 dwelling units per acre, which is considered the lowest residential density to efficiently support public service. Medium Density Residential Characterized by a mixture of single family residences and duplexes, with a variety of other housing types at a residential density ranging between 7.0 and 11 dwelling units per acre. High Density Residential Apartments and densely developed planned residential developments ranging from 12 and above dwelling units per acre. A limited range of other land uses may be permitted, such as some professional offices and community services. Industrial Wholesale/Warehouse Quasi -industrial area which provide for a mixture of wholesale and warehousing activities, as well as some limited office and retail land uses. Industrial Mixture of land uses which provide a range of activities, including construction businesses, manufacturing, transportation, communication and utilities. Not appropriate for residential or high traffic generating retail land uses, which would introduce conflicting vehicular traffic into industrial areas. Public Lands Parks and Open Spaces Are identified on the Future Land Use Map, which include public and privately owned park lands and the Greenway. Please refer to the Parks and Recreation Element of the Comprehensive Plan for a summary of the adopted City of Yakima Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Institutional Land Uses Institutional Land uses are shown on the Future Land Use Map, consist of existing and proposed govemment facilities, including the Yakima International Airport, Yakima City Hall, Yakima County Courthouse, and facilities owned by local school districts. dopy of 2004 Comp Plan Amendment proposal submitted to RPC June 2206 Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan 1998 Amendment, Pages 5, 6 Commercial 4.a. Professional Office Include financial institutions, real estate, insurance, engineer, legal, medical offices and other similar business uses and all residential uses Neighborhood Commercial Small scale shopping centers, with shared parking and access, usually located on arterial street, and all residential uses. Neighborhood commercial centers are dispersed throughout the Urban Service Area to provide convenience shopping to the residential population, residents of adjacent neighborhoods. T Community Commercial Provides areas for commercial activities to meet retail shopping and service needs of the community, and areas for all residential uses. Accommodates clusters of retail, financial, professional service business and entertainment activities that attract local community shoppers from an area significantly larger than a neighborhood, but not outside the city. Regional Such centers be considered when they der.o_str .a_ that - - -------- may .,,........,�,..,ay.. when I.uc.y ucu.lvu�ua�c uxaG they will complement, and not have a detrimental impact existing commercial srarounding land uses. on ----�---------_.,a.M areas or land Reoiom 1 ¢ C9Tam erciai Provides areas in which the primary land use is for commercial and service uses to serve the needs of people livin in the entire re !: on. These uses include a wide ran e of .urchiaser oods entertainment offices travel accommodations, and services that attract people from other communities, Yakima County, and adjacent counties, and is intended for uses which require large sites and high visibility. Due to the uses allowed and the large numbers of people served, these areas will be located adjacent to highways or freeways. Arterial Commercial Land uses which require high auto visibility such as restaurants, service stations, car washes, as well as small wholesale and retail - - a-c-tivi-f-iVeq, and pr:.-; vides ijasAil for all residential li11 I166‘q. CBD Core Commercial The Yakima Downtown area is the regional center for commerce, cultural and governmental land uses. This area provides for a wide variety of intense retail, office institutional and all residential land uses. Encouragement should be given to supportive land uses which foster the unique, regional nature of the Yakima CBD. Copy of 2004 Comp Plan Amendment proposal submitted to RPC June 2706 4.a. Figure III -2: Land Use Compatibility Chart This Chart is to be used to determine the compatibility of any proposed land use designation with the existing land use designations of all properties bordering the proposed use, If more than one existing land use abuts the proposed land use, the least intense abutting land use shall determine compatibility. The Chart is a portion of the decision making process related to land use locational decisions and recommendations. Development regulations, including current zoning, and Hearing Examiner and Legislative Body deliberations and public comment play a further role in this process. Exceptions to this Chart shall only address compelling public health and safety issues. YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPRHENSIVE PLAN PAGE III -7 PROPOSED REVISION Copy of 2004 Comp Plan Amendment proposal submitted to RPC June 2406 Less intense ( More intense ) Existing Adjacent Land Use(s) Low Density Residential Medium Density Residential High Density Residential I nstitutional Professional Office Neighborhood Commercial Large Convenience Center Arterial Commercial. CBD Core Commercial Wholesale/Warehouse To .c to c c Proposed Land Usel Low Density Residential! A ABBBB Medium Density Residential! A A ABBB BB High Density Residential B A ABBBBBB Institutionai BBBA A B A A ABB Professional Office BBB A A A A A ABB Neighborhood Commercial BBBB A AB A AB Large Convenience Center B A A B A A AB Arterial Commercial BB A A A A AAB CBD Core Commercial BB A A A A A AB Wholesale/Warehouse BBBBBB AA Industrial BB AA A Generally compatible ! ! B Compatible with appropriate site considerations Not compatible r I I YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPRHENSIVE PLAN PAGE III -7 PROPOSED REVISION Copy of 2004 Comp Plan Amendment proposal submitted to RPC June 2406 FU'T'URE LAND USE MAP TO ZONING MAP CONSISTENCY Figure III -3: Yakima Urban Area Zoning and Comprehensive Plan Compliance EXIS TNG LAND USE Low Density Residential MediumDensity Residential High Density Residential Professional Office /Neighborhood Commercial Large Convenience Center Arterial Commercial CBD Core Commercial X .�Lra'uu$t1141 �0 0 X X When considering a proposed change to a property's zoning designation (either area -wide or site specific), Figure W-3 (above) provides a guide to determine whether a zoning district is consistent with and implements the property's underlying land use designation. Zoning districts that fully implement the land use designation are marked with an "X". In addition, districts that may implement the purpose of the land use designation based upon specific site-specific consideration are marked with "0" which indicates that the zoning districts may be considered compatible with the Comprehensive Plan as a Class 2 or, preferably, Class 3 use, or if coupled with a Planned Development Overlay. Chart intersections that are blank (without an "X" or an "O") indicate the zoning district is neither consistent with nor implements the underlying land use designation, and may not be implemented within the existing land use. YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 1998 AMENDMENTS PAGE 3 PROPOSED REVISION Copy of 2004 Comp Plan Amendment proposal submitted to RPC June 2506 Response to Comment 4.a: Michael Noble 1. Changes have been recommended to the Neighborhood Commercial definition to reflect this suggested language. 2. The recommended comprehensive plan lists new "Community Commercial" and "Regional Commercial" categories. The "Arterial Commercial" designation is recommended for elimination. Most areas designated Arterial Commercial will likely be redesignated for Neighborhood, Community or Regional Commercial. Proposed changes will be considered in 2007 once the zoning code has been amended with new and comparable zoning regulations. 3. Specific use, parking and bulk requirements will be considered as the zoning regulations are updated. 4. The commenter has mischaracterized the intentions of Staff and the record should so note. 5. The Staff respectfully disagrees with the commenter's recommendation for retention of the Land Use Compatibility Chart (III -2). The new Table III -13 is intended to screen requests for rezones with an initial determination of what Future Land Use Map categories comport with certain zoning designations. Where an "X" occurs, a rezone application will be accepted by the City. If there is not an "X", then the applicant must request a Comprehensive Plan Amendment. The request would be reviewed and a determination ultimately made, first by the RPC making a recommendation, then by the City Council deciding to either approve or deny the request. This determination will be made based on site-specific information, including "compatibility" factors as suggested by the commenter. The Compatibility Chart recommended by the commenter would preclude such site-specific analysis and would limit the discretion of the City to render judgments on citizen -initiated rezone requests. This discretion has always been a fundamental ingredient in land use planning and zoning. 6. Development of a lighting code and noise code has been added to the Action Plan in Chapter II. The Council will determine when and if such codes will be developed. 7. A description of "strip commercial" has been included in the Plan. The specific regulations implementing this policy will be discussed as the zoning code is updated in 2007. 8. Industrial districts are not necessarily incompatible with residential districts. Decisions on the placement of industrial and residential districts on the Future Land Use Map will in part be based on the compatibility issue. The other text changes recommended by the commenter have been listed in the decision matrix for review by the RPC and City Council. , k ilk 1)11 aloin Regional Mean Air Authority CITY_�. YAC<IMA \CODE day ifl�ili!�. ^I VIS { \CSPF ODE 19, 2006 Pptc eAg flfl1 � ry� 5 Six So. Second St., Suite 1016, Yakima, WA 98901 Phone: (509) 834-2050, Fax: (509) 834-2060 http://www..co.yakima.wa.uslcleanair Mr. Doug IVI8p1P_R rode Administration Planning --��.--�,--...... and r��nning ivianager City of Yakima, Office of Code Administration 129 North Second Street, 2nd Floor Yakima, v v�A 98901 Re: Comments on Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Dear Mr. Maples; This letter contains the review comments for the "Yakima Urban Area comprehensive Plan". The letter \is organized according to the chapter and page numbers in the Plan. Population Projections, 11 Population � rv�ecRirl.Iv115, Page I'I The Plan is based on the intermediate population growth rate prni ction +1 2 of , VMT 1� - _o. growth :_:_ r: 3Q:.:. �+.. of � i.L iu i year and a growth rate of +2.0 % / year. Past experience has shown these are realistic growth projections if there are no significant changes in the local and / or regional economies. However, these projections don't recognize the potential for larger population growth created by large companies deciding to relocate or expand operations from the Puget Sound area to Yakima County, or the impacts of legal and illegal immigration population growth. The Quincy, WA area is currently experiencing rapid growth with the decision of Microsoft and Google to expand operations to Grant County. Since the growth in air emissions can be related to population and VMT changes, the Authority encourages the City of investigate and consider growth alternatives that are created or _n created v1 influenced by unpredictable external population, real estate, transportation, economic other ,�. pressures. economic or 3 Future Land Use Map, Map 111-2, Page 42 The size of the proposed future land use areas appear to be larger and Tess fractured than the Existing Land Use Map. This should create Tess confusion for the public in the future. Transportation, Transit Service, Page 63 The Selah bus service was started using Congestion Management / Air Quality (CMAQ) funds, but these funds are not available for this use after June 30, 2007. If this service continues in the future.: another funding source will have to be secured. Transportation, Future Conditions and Deficiencies, Page 65 Monitoring for toxic air pollutants in Seattle and Portland have consistently shown that the leading wide area sources of these pollutants are diesel engine emissions and wood smoke. The concentrations of these pollutants and the health risk for sensitive populations increase as the U:\planning\sepa\city_of_yakima\Comp Plan Review 19 Sep 06.doc Peon 1 of 9 5 number of diesel engines, engine load, and operating time increase. Therefore, transportation facilities like railroad sorting yards, truck and rail freight depots, interstate highways with higher the average truck traffic, transit terminals, or airports should not be located near facilities with large sensitive populations. Medical research has identified people between the ages of 0 — 18 and over 65 years as being sensitive to air pollution. These facilities would include schools, hospitals, nursing homes, larger day care facilities, and adult care or assisted living facilities. Future road and traffic signalization improvements that reduce vehicle delay time at intersections and increase average vehicle travel speed will reduce vehicle carbon monoxide emissions Natural Environment, Air Quality, Pg. 114 First Paragraph A major source of carbon monoxide and particulate matter emissions is all forms of combustion including residential heating, outdoor, and agricultural burning. New Fourth Paragraph Yakima County is currently attaining the 1997 PM2.5 standard for fine particulate matter. EPA has announced a new proposed fine particulate matter standard that will be finalized in the near future. The -new standard wilt have.a much lower .24-hour standard, and past monitoring data indicates that the City of Yakima, the Upper Yakima Valley, and possibly all of Yakima County could be placed in a future PM2.5 nonattainment area if significant reductions are made in future late fall and winter fine particulate emissions. The new PM2.5 standard is expected to be finalized by sometime in December 2006. Goal 10.3: Protect and Enhance Air Quality, in Coordination with Local and Regional Agencies and Organizations Policies The Authority recommends that the City add a policy to demonstrate leadership in reducing transportation related diesel engine emissions by retrofitting engines with appropriate exhaust control technology, using biodiesel blended fuels, eliminating unneeded idling of diesel engines, and performing regular fleet maintenance to insure that equipment is operating according to the manufacturers specifications. If you have any questions about these review comments, do not hesitate to contact the Authority. Yours truly, arses M. Stansel +r Quality Planner cc: Hasan Tahat, YRCAA U:\planning\sepaNcity_of_yakima\Comp Plan Review 19 Sep 06.doc Page 2 of 2 Response to Comment 5: Yakima Clean Air Authorit 1. Population growth assumptions are based on projections from the State Office of Financial Management (OFM) as recommended for comprehensive plan updates. The assumptions also considered population distribution based on the proposed land use plan and proposed areas of employment concentration. Significant changes in employment or population trends can be considered during the annual amendment process as needed. 2. Comment acknowledged 3. Comment acknowledged 4. The proposed language has been inserted into the Plan. 5. This recommendation will be forwarded to the RPC and City Council fnr decision. r � WALLACE PROPER TIES': September 20, 2006 Mr. Doug Maples Planning & Code Admin. Mgr. City of Yakima 129 N Second Street Yalcima, WA 98901 Dear Mr. Maples: RECEIVED :EP 2 2 200& CITY OF YAKI PLANNING DIVA I represent WRP Gateway LLC, the owners of the Gateway Shopping Center 'at 120 N. Fair Ave. I had a chance to review the Yakima Comp Plan and wanted to pass along WRP Gateway LLC's fall support of the rezone to Regional Commercial. The additional development this rezone will encourage on the properties to the north of our 'Center (Lukehart, Jeld-Wen & Boise Cascade) will be a great benefit to the neighborhood, and will be a catalyst for bringing more retail sales within the Yakima city limits. • I trust the City understands that successful retail operations in this area will require improved access to Fair Avenue from northbound -I-82. To that end, I encourage the City to look into completing the J -ramp to Fair Avenue. This ramp has already been designed, and it would terminate in the middle of the new Regional Commercial zone. I understand this project is WSDOT's responsibility, but would appreciate the City's assistance in moving it forward to completion. Please let me know if I can be of any support in this endeavor. Sincerely yours, WALLACE PROPERIIbS, INC. evin R. Wallace General Counsel & V.P. - Acquisitions • 1. 1 Wallace Properties, Inc. 330112th Avenue N.E. P.O. Box 4184 Bellevue, WA98009-4184 (425) 455-9976 / FAX (425) 646-3374 www.wallaceproperties.corn Response to Comment 6: Kevin Wallace Comments acknowledged. Thank you for commenting. 7 STATE OF WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY, TRADE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 128.10 Avenue SW a POSex 42525 ■ Olympia, Washington 98504-2525 • (60) 7254000 September 14, 2006 Doug Maples Planning and Code Administration Manager City of Yakima 129 North Second Street Yakima, Washington 98901 Dear Mr. Maples Thank you for sending the Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED) the following materials as required under RCW 36.70A.106. Please keep this letter as documentation that you have met this procedural requirement. City of Yakima - Proposed update of the urban area comprehensive plan. These materials were received on 09/14/2006 and processed With the Material ID # 10810. We have forwarded a copy of this notice to other state agencies. If this is a draft amendment, adopted amendments should be sent to CTED within ten days of adoption and to any other state agencies who commented on the draft. If you have any questions, please call me at (360) 725-3042. Sincerely, Baez MO rot Lynn Kohn Growth Management Planner Growth Management Services Enclosure 7 AGENCIES REVIEWING COMP PI ANS Revised August 9, 2005 Cities and counties need to send their draft comprehensive plans to the agencies' representatives, as listed below, at (east 60 days ahead of adoption. Adopted pians should be sent to the Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED) immediately upon publication, as well as to. any state agencies that commented on the draft plan. A jurisdiction does not need agencies which have been called ahead and that have indicated the local pllants willan not bele reviewed. Rebecca Rebecca BarneyB+ „f Corrections SEPA/GMA Coordinator ,- _.tmen. o, Cor ections --• _ of Ecology Coordinator Post Office Box 41112 Department of Ecology Olympia, Washington 98804-1112 Pos` Office Box 47600 y 753-3873 F Olympia, Washington 98504-7600 �'x: (360) 586-8723 (360) 407-6960 Fax: (360) 407-6904 Err -jail: rrnbarney@docl.wa.gov Email: —•••�•-� gi1iecovrdinaiion@ecy,wa,gov Steve Penland Department of Fich Wildlife -• ••••.. and Wildlife Post Office Box 43155 Olympia, Washington 98504-3155 (360) 902-2598 Fax: (360) 902-2946 Email: penlastp@dfw.wa.gov Anne Sharar Department of Natural Resources Post Office Box 47001 Olympia, Washington SS , 998504-7001 (360) 902-1739 Fax: (360) 902-1776 Email: anne.sharar@wadnr,gov Harriet Beale Puget Sound Water Quality Action Team Post Office Box 40900 Olympia, Washington 98504-0900 • (360) 725-5442 Fax: (360) 407-7333. Email: hbeale@a plat , Lorinda Anderson Interagency Committee oh Outdoor Recreation Post Offing). Rnx A0917 Olympia, Washington 98504-0917 (360) 902-3009 Fax: (360) 902-3026 Email: Iorindaa@iac.wa.gov Bill Koss Parks and Recreation Commission Post Office Box 42650 Olympia, Washington 98504-2650 (360) 902-8629 (360) Fax. Fax: 753-1594 Email: billk@parks.wa.gov Elizabeth McNagny Department of Social and Health Services Post Office Box 45848 Olympia, Washington 98504-5848 • (36Q) 902-8164 Fay: (360).902-7889 Email: mcnaaec@dshs.wa.gov Bill Wiebe Department of Transportation Review Team CTED Post Office Box 47300 Olympia, Washington 98504-7370 Growth Management Services (360) 705-7965 Fax: (360) 705-6813 Post Office Box 42525 Olympia, Washington 98504-2525 Email: wiebeb@wsdot.wa.gov (360) 725-3000 Fax: (360) 753-2950 Email: reviewteam@cted.wa.gov John Aden Department of Health Division of Drinking Water Post Office Box 47822 Olympia, Washington 98504-7822 (360) 236-3157 Fax: (360) 236-2252 Email: John.Aden@doh.wa.gov S:\Gmu\ADMIN\Lists\State Agencies Reviewing Comp Plans 8.0J.UUt. � Maintained by Linda Weyl Response to Comment 7: Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development Thank you for your comments Veliknnje VMS 1 8 iiivvr'r Q Shore, r-aSe attoraays at law July 6,. 2006 Bruce Benson, Supervising Planner City of Yakima Planning Division 1291i. 2" d Street, 2 Floor Yakima WA UR90,1 M. G. Shore Mark E". Eicakes James S. Elliott George F. Veilkan*e Douglas L Federspiel Sarah L. Wixson Alan D. Campbell Brendan V. Monahan Katie B. Wyckoff 2. James C. Carmody Kevan T. Montoya Caller L Field Travis W. Misfeldt of Counsel J. Jay Carrott Garon K. Jones John S. Moore Re: Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Update Dear Bruce: We represent Yakima Resources with regard to the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Update. This letter will supplement our prior comments and is submitted at the request of the Regional Planning Commission. We were requested to provide proposed language language and concepts for consideration during the hearing process. We have drafted an "Economic Development Element" for consideration in the Comprehensive Plan Review process. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan does not have a specific economic development element and it was our belief that there should be a strong statement that this community supports economic investment and economic diversification. Hopefully, the attached proposal offers a start on this element. We have also included the following ideas and concepts for the "Regional Commercial" land .•i .. 99 use designation, as well as a proposed mixed use planned development zone; T 1. We have proposed additional language for the "Regional Commercial" land use 2 designation section (page 111-18). Your language reaffirms the basic concept of the Regional Commercial designation and recognizes the potential for the property to utilize a mix of activities. 2. We have also drafted proposed language for a "Mixed Use Plan Development (MU -PD)" zoning district. This language adds one additional plan development 3 category. It is our belief that a "Mixed Use Plan Development" concept is particularly important in today's land use and planning environment. The category provides 405 East Lincoln Avenue P.O. Box 22550 Yakima, WA 98907 (509) 248-6030 fax (509) 453 www.vrrs!avr. : Bruce Benson, Supervising Planner City of Yakima Planning Division July 7, 2006 Page 2 flexibility to mix uses within a master site plan application. This concept is particularly important with respect to a large parcel such as that owned by Yakima Resources. The total development package may include retail, professional office, light industrial, and medium and high density residential uses. Planning would be implemented in the context of a "Master Site Plan" but the breadth of use needs to be factored into the comprehensive plan. 3. We have also included proposed policies for the "Regional Commercial" land use designation. We believe that the additional policy statements help to fill out the contemplated use district. 4. If the "Mixed Use Plan Development (MU -PD)" zoning district is incorporated into the comprehensive plan, it will be necessary to modify Table III -13 (page III -20) to add the MU -PD zoning district as implementing the Regional Commercial land use designation. We appreciate the consideration of these proposals and look forward to participating in the public hearing. As I mentioned in our telephone conversation, we would welcome Reid Shockey's review of these proposals. Very truly yours, VELLKANJE, MOORE & SHORE, P.S. . Carmod J es C y JCC:kf Enclosures Economic Development Element (broft) The 1990 Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA) established the following statewide economic development goal: "Encourage economic development throughout the state that is consistent with adopted comprehensive plans; promote economic opportunity for all reMien?g of the state, , st'eciath• for unemployed and disadvantaged persons,' and encourage growth in areas experiencing insufficient economic growth all within the capacities of the state's natural resources, and local public services and facilities": Among other things, the economic development element of the Comprehensive Plan establishes an economic vision for the community and expresses support for the core goal of the local and state planning principals. Historically, agriculture, forest resources, manufacturing and associated industries have provided the 'primary jobs" for the community. These were considered a foundation for a strong local economy because they generate local jobs for the production and processing of commodities and products destined for eonsu ers that are sold outside the area. Yakima County has also served as the regional center for professional services including medical, dental, legal, accounting, engineering and architecture. It is recognized, however, that long-term strength of a local economy is built upon diversification of a community's business base and establishment of a planning process that allows for timely and efficient response to changing market conditions and demands. Economic development planning cannot be conducted in isolation. The economy plays a vitally influential role in determining whether the broad array of objectives and the strategic vision for the regional community will be realized. Economic development programs depend on supporting land use, transportation, and capital facilities initiatives. The Economic bevelopment element is an integral part of the City's 20 Year Comprehensive Plan. Local jurisdictions, including the City and County, seek to promote economic development as a way to stabilize tax base. The focus of these programs is Economic Development Element -1- Jcc\Yakima Rsources\Eco.Dev.Elem,Redlire.n7n5n5 8 to create a flexible and supportive permitting process, expansion of business and employment opportunities, maintenance of the current job base, and flexibility in responding to market conditions and opportunities. Economic development is a product of the collective strengths and efforts of both the public and private sector. bevelopment opportunities should be encouraged through development of public-private partnerships in full utilization of available resources, grants, loans and tax incentives. Goal: The City of Yakima cannot rely on the economic diversity that existed in the 1990s. The community must work together to ensure that the local economy continues to revitalize and that new jobs in all wage levels are available for residents. Governments, economic development groups, and developers all have a role in retaining, expanding, and recruiting businesses that will serve the City's needs in the 21' century. Economic growth will be supported by master planned and mixed use developments in existing nodes (such as downtown) and redevelopment opportunities (such as Yakima Resources Mill), which will also be the primary focus for infrastructure investments that support economic development. Policy 1.1: The City and County will demonstrate their commitment to long term economic growth by promoting a diverse economic base, providing opportunity for all residents. Growth that helps to raise the average annual wage rate of community residents and preserves the environmental quality and livability of the community is viable growth and will improve the lifestyle of residents. Policy 1.2: The City will encourage use of a multi -modal transportation system that facilitates the reduction of travel times and reduces the need for additional road construction within the region. Policy 1.3: Stimulate economic development that will diversify and strengthen economic activity and provide primary and secondary job opportunities for local residents. Policy 1.4: Encourage redevelopment of key properties in the city through use of local, state and federal funding opportunities and public/private partnerships to strengthen Yakima's position as a regional economic center through redevelopment and revitalization. Economic Development Element -2- 7cc\Yakima Resources\Eco.Dev.Elem.Redline.070506 8 Policy 1.5; Support the construction of innovative development; such as mixed use projects, through master planning that provides for flexible design standards. Economic Development Element -3- JcaYakima ResourcesTco.Dev.Elem.Redline.070506 8 Yakima Comprehensive Plan Language Regional Commercial — The Regional Commercial designation is intended to provide the community with a mix of retail, service and business establishments on a medium to large scale. Spanning in a wide range of activities such as retail stores, business and professional services, hotel/motel operations, restaurants, theaters and gas stations, commercial firms are the source of consumer goods and services for the community and the traveling public. Their locational, market area and site requirements tend to be as diverse as the mix of activities. In common, these firms are generally dependant upon visibility for customer attraction, and prefer Locations with heavy traffic flows. The typical size of a regional commercial development is 10-60 acres and serves a population of 100,000-200,000 people. Mixed Use Planned Development (MU PD) The purpose of this overlay district is to recognize and accommodate the changing commercial/residential marketplace by allowing commercial and residential mixed uses that create an opportunity for the redevelopment of old sawmill sites into more intensive uses in the core of the urban area. The initial application of the District is only to the Yakima Resources Mill Site and shall be implemented in conjunction with the approval of a Master Planned Development application. Possible future application of the Mixed Use Planned Development District can be implemented through a rezone process that is consistent with Table M-13 and the land use designation as Regional Commercial. The MU PD zone shall allow for a mixture of industrial, commercial, and residential uses within a framework that protects existing uses and provides compatibility through a Master Plan process. The Mixed Use Planned Development shill allow flexibility in the uses permitted for properties. Regional Commercial Policies Goal 3.10: Provide areas along existing highways or freeways for commercial development and activities that require large sites and high visibility to serve the needs of the community and the entire region. Policies: 3.10.1: Regional Commercial may include uses such as large-scale shopping centers, discount "club" stores, factory outlets, specialty stores, restaurants, offices, recreation complexes, theaters, entertainment activities, auto plexes and travel accommodations that may attract people from other communities and counties. Yakima Comp Plan Language -1- 3cc\Yakima Resources\Yak.Comg.Plan.Lang_Redline.070506 8 3.10.2: Regional Commercial uses shall be located along a freeway or highway or at the intersection of a principal arterial with a freeway or highway. Access to the center shall be located a sufficient distance from any freeway interchange to minimize traffic congestion. If feasible, a frontage road along the freeway ox highway should be encouraged. 3.10.3: Provide for tourist commercial uses in clusters at highway interchanges or in areas with special tourist attractions. 3.10.4: The typical size of a regional commercial development is 10-60 acres and serves a population of 100,000-200,000 people. 3.10.5: Regional commercial may be allowed when water and sewer service, street improvements, traffic control devices, municipal services and other development related improvements are in place or where there is an identified funding source. 3.10.6: A meter development plan is required if the proposed development exceeds 10 acres in size. 3.10.7: Transit service and safe bus stop areas should be provided. 3.10.8: Adequate buffering shall be provided between adjacent residential land uses, such as greenbelt, landscaped pathway, park -like buffer and etc. 3.10.9: Motor vehicle access and circulation from local access functional classification roads to the commercial site shall be restricted through residential areas and may be subject to adelitianni mitigation measut-cs to limit potendal impacts. 3.10. 10: A traffic impact assessment may be required. 3.10.11: Mixed Use Planned Development at the Mill Site shall be subject to master planning process to achieve the following purposes: 1.) Provide a variety of employment and commercial opportunities, including potential retail, business and office, and supporting or incidental housing; 2.) Foster pedestrian and other non -motor vehicle anni., within and to the site; 3.) Encourage compatibility of mixed-use development with the surrounding area and minimize off-site impacts associated with the redevelopment of the site; 4.) Ensure the site planning, access, parking areas and building designs are functionally coordinated and aesthetically consistent; and 5.) Improve connectivity to the Yakima Greenway Overlay District and encourage access to and enjoyment of this public open space. Yakima Comp Plan Language -2-- JccWakima Resources\Yak.Comp.Plan.Lang.Redlino.070506 Response to Comment 8: James Carmody 1. The draft text submitted by Mr. Carmody has been added to the Comprehensive Plan at Chapter IV. Thank you for your suggestions. 2. Comment acknowledged. 3. The proposed language has been edited and added to the document. Thank you for your comments. July 2, 2006 Barge -Chestnut Neighborhood Association For a Safe, Viable and Historic Neighborhood Yakima Urban Area Regional Planning Commission c/o City of Yakima 129 N. Second Street Yakima, WA 98901 Dear Regional Planning Commission: I am writing this setter on behalf of the Barge -Chestnut Neighborhood Association (BCNA) to provide the Commission with comments on the draft Yakima Urban Area Transportation Pid_Update, 2025 as part of the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan (YUACP). wnVio.3Vthe Yakima Urban Area re epurtai+on Pian Update as it pertains to the following: T Goal T-2.1 to develop streets that encourage neighborhood safety and livability, and especially Policy # 1 that discourages through traffic and vehicular speeding on local streets where desired by the residents, through a combination of enforcement of speed limits, community 1 education and maybe most importantly, selected engineering modifications. The City of Yakima has in place a Neighborhood Traffic Management Program that compliments this goal. As pointed out in the draft, this program unfundedlittle program is =and has been .::::.r.s, +:vkwi since its inception because of that lack of funding. This is an unjust burden to lay upon. the neighborhoods whose quality of life standards are greatly affected by the volume of the cut -through traffic and speeding vehicles. As pointed out by Cynthia L. Hoyle, AICP in her book "Traffic Calming" and I quote; "Present travel habits were net formed in a vacuum. Nor are they inevitable. They are the results of choices and policy decisions by past and present governments and councils." It can then be argued that the responsibility for funding the solutions to these problems lays -- elsewhere and not uporr the residents in the neighborhoods 'uncter attack. Goal T-3.1 to develop and improve the pedestrian network in the Yakima Urban Area 1 especially the policy that supports "Walk to School Routes" These should be well defined with sidewalks and guarded crossings along any collector street. We also fully support the addition of the Neighborhood Collector designation into the Street System Functional Classification and especially the part that assigns this new classification to 32nd Avenue from Englewood on the North to Mead on the South. For many years, 32nd Avenue residents have been at odds with any plan that included widening. This action may put some old fears to rest. We thank the Planning Commission and City of Yakima staff for all the effort that has gone into the development of the draft. We appreciate and sincerely value the policies that acknowledge the importance of existing and viable neighborhoods. These policies will help ensure that our neighborhoods remain intact and continue to add to the quality of life in Yakima. If you have BCNA • c/o 211 5. 24`h Avenue • Yakima, WA 98902 9 9 any questions, or require additional information, please feel free to contact me at (509) 248- 1845. - Sin ary Forrest Chair, BCNA Traffic Committee Cc: Bill Cook, City of Yakima BCNA • c/o 211 S. 24th Avenue • Yakima, WA 98902 Response to Comment 9: Cary Forrest 1. Comment acknowledged 2. Comment acknowledged 3. Comment acknowledged, The functional classification of 32nd Avenue is receiving considerable discussion and is being reviewed. 1 !Jai m vuu Rif Cummf!nrinn HORDAN PLANNING SERVICES 410 North 2nd Street - Yakima, WA 98901 (509) 249-1919 June 17, 2006 Yakima Urban Area Regional Planning Commission c/o Department of Community & Economic Dev. 129 North Second Street, 2nd Floor Yakima, Washington 98901 To whom it may concern: 10 I am 'writing this letter on behalf of Mr. Roy Johnson who is the owner of Assessor's Parcel Nos.: 181321=41001 (4906 Summitview Avenue). It is the desire of the Johnson Family to have the comprehensive land use designation on this parcel of property changed from Low Density Residential to Neighborhood Commercial. The long term goals of the Johnson Family and Johnson Orchards are to serve the community as they have in the past with a neighborhood fruit stand. .However, they realize the pressures on their orchards from the surrounding development which has occurred. It is their desire to change the comprehensive land use designation to one that is compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. The Neighborhood Commercial designation permits the establishment of several compatible zoning districts that will compliment the neighborhood. We look forward to working with you in the future on this endeavor. If you have any questions or comments, please call me at 249-1919. Sincerely, z2y; Bill Hordan a; afitt. tartra ' '''' • • ' • '' ' w 4L •••'.• '' ! '' ' • Assessor Planning Real Estate Prudential Almon Realty Commerci ,to,g WWW , 1: rnf ne Vtjrfl 1 0 • 509 96' 3800 FAQ Help 1 Legend I Search IToos Ox • 1Parcel Number emm.' tit** (800x600) PROPERTY INFORMATION AS OF 7/13/2006 3:02:10 AM Parce!Address: 4906 SUMMIWIEW AVE, WA Pamp!mb- Parcel Size:19.41 Aore(s) .er: Property Use: 183 Current Llse Agricultural Tax Code Area (TCA): Improvement Value: CurrentUse Value: Land Value: ....... ............. ........-...- ........... CurrentUse Improvement: 2006 $264450 $199700 RESIDENTIAL INFORMATION WOMM/W6V6W,S....,....,1WOWYNAkYVOMAMN 4*A W.A., Year Built Stories tMain SqFt Upper SqFt Bsmt SqFt iBedrooms 1940 1.5 1135 742 0/1135 Bathrooms iGarage (ful1/3/4,1/2)1(bsmt/att/bItin), Carport PRINTING Printer - Friendly Pagel Detailed Report 1 Print Detailed MAP SECTION MAPS Section Map lin=400ft Qtr SECTION While the information is intended to be accurate, any manifest errors are unintentional and subject to correction. Please let us know about any errors you discover and we will correct them. To contact us call either (509) 574-1100 or (800) 572-7354, or email us. NW -Qtr 1=200 ft SW -Qtr 1"=200ft NE-, 1"=2t SE -Qtr Response to Comment 10: Bill Hordan 1. Requests for individual changes to the Future Land Use Map were reviewed during comprehensive plan development. Requests received after the usual deadline for annual amendment requests (April 30), however, have not been studied. The Johnson family may submit a request for the 2007 Docket cycle on or before April 30, 2007 and it will be reviewed as part of that process. The Johnson's and you should also be aware of the 2007 Land Use Map amendment process that will follow adoption of the Plan. It will determine which properties will be designated for new or modified commercial land use classifications as defined in the updated Plan. Thank you for your comments. 11 HORDAN PLANNING SERVICES 410 North 2nd Street - Yakima, WA 98901 (509) 249-1919 June 12, 2006 Yakima Urban Area Regional Planning Commission c/o Department of Community & Economic Dev. 129 North Second Street, 2nd Floor Yakima, Washington 98901 To whom it concern. _- j I am writing this letter on behalf of Mr. Richard Hochrein who is the owner of Assessor's Parcel No.: 181322-32023 (Southeast .corner of North 48th Avenue and Summitview Avenue). It is his desire to have the comprehensive land use designation of the property changed to Neighborhood Commercial. The property is 1.26 acres in'size and contains a very old residence. Since the inception f Y -k____ w..�Jvloia of the ir!lt 1;T�r7 1 IY'YIaT'm Area Comprehensive Plan, the property has not been developed for further residential use. It is the desire of the current property owner to change the plan designation and construct a commercial endeavor on the property. Thank you for your consideration. If you have -any questions or comments, please call me at 249-1919. Sincerely, Sill Hordan 11 Range: 18 Township: 13 Section 10 24448 31035 32410 32404 RDENS3 32405 32413 me s `-; 325 24044 4 325 32561 31014 7. E 31011 j.; 0.27 31411 31016 0 32415 32559 • 44 SUMMITVI ouNriRY1465 32530 B4.21. 32557 aVAB 111.2711 31018 31415 , AND 32400 RSON 32401 32533 32524 0.11 A .140 1.1 32429 4 32419 32420 RASM 12410 '2 32430 32402 32426 31421 INGFOR 31424 32417 SBEN D. 32426 31031 0.24 31479 " 32432 31032 31426 32436 32422 32546 32435 31457 33012 420 9511 44 33430 34453 33016 33421 4 DRAK 33435 37 ND 33469 l* 33439 3 33482 33436 33437 34451 34418 31S V 339.12 33020 314113 , 33426 33441 33442 33459 33476 33479 " 33494 34517 " 33419A 33406 2 33476 4405 34408 TS 34407 2 34429 RBAN 33406 33448 B16 33490 r 34434 33417 33446 33515 33512 33525 34415 34435 Response to Comment 11: Bill Hordan 1. Requests for individual changes to the Future Land Use Map were reviewed during comprehensive plan development. Requests received after the usual deadline for annual amendment requests (April 30), however, have not been studied. Mr. Hochrein may submit a request for the 2007 Docket cycle on or before April 30, 2007 and it will be reviewed as part of that process. He and you should also be aware of the 2007 Land Use Map amendment process that will follow adoption of the Plan. It will determine which properties will be designated for new or modified commercial land use classifications as defined in the updated Plan. Thank you for your comments, • 2i Central Washington Home Builders Association DATE: June 15, 2006 TO: Yakima Regional Planning Commission RE: Land Use, Chapter 3, Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Dear Commissioners; • After further review of the Land Use Chapter of the Yakima Urban. Area Comprehensive Plan, we offer these changes for your consideration. These are founded in the CWHBA's desire to minimize future impacts on this community's natural environment. Reducing the size of our footprint on the earth has its applications both in the development world as well as on each and every individual lot. Page III -1 provides the description of what the LandUse chapter should cover according to the Growth Management Act. In the last two paragraphs on this page, the City summarizes all that they have included within Chapter 3. "Ground water", "drainage" "flooding" and "stormwater" are identified in all these paragraphs as basic considerations for future land use for the City of Yakima. It is our position that we as a community must not close the door on new, innovative development practices, which can minimize the problems associated with concentrating surface water flows. With this in mind, we urge the City to consider the following additions and deletions to Chapter 3: (new language is shown in italics) Page Ill -23, Policies, 3.1.1.7 Development shall be encouraged to minimize impacts on surface water. Low impact practices are encouraged. Page III -24, 3.1.2.4 Development shall be encouraged to minimize impacts on surface water. Low impact practices are encouraged. 12 Page III -25, 3.2.5 Innovative design such as Cluster Development and other Low Impact Development ideas are encouraged to develop the Residential PD zone. Delete Traditional Neighborhood Developments ((TND)) from the list of preferred methods because it's not "innovative", it's "Traditional", and also because of the volume of impervious surface area generated by such street designs. (see attachment for Alternative Roadway Layout) Page III -25, 3.3.4 Encourage the transition to low impact site practices which serve to minimize surface water. runoff. Page III -26, 3.4.8 Encourage the transition to low impact site practices which serve to minimize surface water runoff. Also, at the top of page III -15 the City states: "It can be concluded that the Growth Management test for providing `buildable lands' has not been met for the next 20 years if these are set-aside at the densities listed and other related factors." We ask the RPC to require clarification from the City staff as to how the City will meet the requirement for a 20 -year buildable land inventory. 3301 W. Nob Hill Blvd. • Yakima, WA 98902 509.454.4006 • 800.492.8422 • Fax 509.454.4008 www.cwhba.org The vision of CWHBA is an environment conducive to the success of its Members. complement the land, but it can also save on development costs by rninimi7ing earthwork and structs__ of -----------b �•^_��+���+++� construction expensive drainage struc- tures. Reduce/Minimize Total Impervious Areas After, or concurrent with, the mapping of the development envelope, the traffic pattern and road layout and preliminary lot layout are developdd. The entire traffii: distribution network, (roadways, sidewalks, driveways, and parking areas), are the greatest source of site imperviousness, as shown in Figure 2-8. These changes in the imper- vious area alter runoff and recharge values1 , values and site RVprQlflcv 1 Himnra mol �_.b ...... 2--6). For LID sites, managing the imperviousness contributed by road and parking area pavement is an important component of the site fanning and designprocess. Methods be 1 , planning -o ---- that can -used to achieve a reduction in the runoff volume from _____ �...total,..........a vvauuic from impervious surfaces are beio presented i iJCiV vv: `Alternative Roadway Layout. Traffic or road layout s;an have a very significant influence on the total imperviousness acid hydrology of the site plan. Figure 2-9 illustrates that the total length of pavement or imperviousness for various road layout options can vary from 20,800 linear ft for a typical gridiron layout to 15,300 linear ft for a loops and lollipops 1 t of � lollpops layout. Selection an alternative road layout can result in a total site reduction in imperviousness of 26 percent. FRAGMENTED GRI WARPED LOOPS AND LOLLIPOPS ON A J� L � f� ; ,...._..._.. , " . ."--- \\ urs L _ c - - ," --.1c1 - -- =' �S77CK-I na, \_. (-) cl= Tr- num • 20,800 19,000 ADDroximata 11nAaI fecal of pavement 16,500 15,300 15,600 Narrow Road Sections. Reduced width road sections are an alternative that can be used to reduce 'total site imperviousness as well as clearing and grading impacts. Figure 2=10 shows a typical primary residential street road section and a typical rural residential street road section (Prince George's County, 1997). The right-of- way width for both sections is 60 feet. The widths of paving for the primary residential section is 36 feet wide and the section includes the use of curb and gutter. By using the rural residential road section in place of the primary residential section, the width of paving can be LID Site Planning 12 Figure 2-9. Length of pavement (imperviousness associated with various road layout options) (Adapted from ULZ 19201 FigureE 2-1 D. Typical road sectioris (Prince George's County', MD, 1997) gra- oti.gct RevelOpr?en Integrated Enviranmenta,'Design Approac/) 60'-0' RIGHT—OF—WAY Mt OF ROAD T' PUBLIC UTILITY EASEMENT ASPHALT PAVED ROAD SCE O.P.W. & T. STANDARD PAW SECTION POM 31ffa'11 PRIMARY ROAD SECTION—sTANDARD 12 SGML HORIZON. - 1' . 60'—O" RIGHT—OF—WAY PUBLIC UTILITY 1, EASEMENT 1o•-0" ASPHALT PAVED ROID SEE D.P.W. Y T. STANDARD PAVING SECTION 4% tt21 ._:Ns nc :,A•-1._. Ori 2% MIN 2 RURAL RESIDENTIAL SECTION—PROPOSED MODIFIED STANDARD 15A SCAM NOPoSDR. - 1. - W-0' reduced from 36 to 24 feet, which represents a 33 percent reduction in paved width. The rural section also eliminates the use of concrete curb and gutter which reduces construction costs substantially and facilitates the use of vegetated roadside swales. Reduced Application of Sidewalks to One Side of Primary Roads. Total site imperviousness can also be reduced by limiting sidewalks to one side of primary roads. In some cases, sidewalks or pedestrian paths can be eliminated on all other roads. Reduced On -Street Parking. Reducing on. -street parking require- ments to one side, or even elimination of on -street parking altogether, has the potential to reduce road surfaces and therefore overall site imperviousness by 25 to 30 percent (Sykes, 1989). Two-sided parking requirements are often unnecessary to provide adequate parking LID Site Planning 12 Response to Comment 12: riomebuiiaers Assoc. 1. Suggested wording has been added to the list of proposals for RPC and City Council consideration. 2. The wording cited in your letter was in error and has been corrected in the Plan. The intended language was that the "Growth Management test for providing "buildable lands" has been met". Thank you for your comments. 13 September 25, 2006 Comments - Yakima Area Comprehensive Pian, Draft Much has been made in the lately of being more responsive to the public and ensuring public involvementand public comment. ! attended and participated in the vast majority of the workshop meetings during 2005 leading up to the update of the Yakima Area Comprehensive Plan. There are many items included in this plan which were discussed at length, others which were never mentioned much less discussed and there were other items omitted which were discussed at length. I will endeavor to point out some of the most glaring. Page 9: Goals 6. Property Rights: Private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation having been made. The property rights of landowners shall be protected from arbitrary and discriminatory actions. A The Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan has been developed over the years as a policy document that aims to achieve a quality community while respecting the rights of each business owner and property owner to develop his or her land to the fullest extent within those policies. The public has been very accepting of this balance. As with other GMA communities, Yakima has an annual review process where adjustments can be made to the Plan based on changing circumstances. While. this is basically a wonderful goal, more needs to be done to protect the property values of the neighboring property owner or business owner while the said property is being developed to "the fullest extent". This is a provision glaringly lacking in our planning and it needs to be addressed. No individual should loose money on their property so his or her neighbor can exercise their rights under the law. This was a hot button issue addressed numerous times in workshop meetings. pages 21 --244 Future Land Use Designations One issue addressed several different ways in the land use workshop was the desire of the public to. remove the "wiggle room" from our land use designations. As it stands now, just about anything can be put anywhere if the money and political influence is at the right levels. Low Density Residential Primarily free standing single-family residences. There was strong feelings about trying to dilute low density residential housing definitions. The word "primarily" needs to be removed from the designation and housingother than free standing residences need to be classified under Medium Density Residential. Anything other than other than free standing homes increase the density of a neighborhood. This is increasingly important as more and more people are purchasing "zero lot line" homes and turning them into rentals, Let's call a spade a spade!! T i 1 Large-Convince C enter and Arterial Commercial These designations need to be removed NOW not later. Regional Comrnercia, (New Category) as currently written: The Regional Commercial designation is intended to provide the community with a mix of retail, service and business establishments on a medium to large scale. Commercial fines span a wide range of activities such as retail stores; business and professional services, hotel,/motel operations, restaurants, theaters and gas stations. General/ regional commercial uses are the source of consumer goods and services for the , community and the traveling public. Their locational, market area and site requirements tend to be as diverse as the mix of activities. In common, these firms are general upon visibility for customer attraction, and prefer locations with heavy tratrafficews dependent The typical size of a regional commercial development is 10— 60 acres and serves a population of 100,090-200,000 people. Unless the Goals 3:10 are followed to the letter, this designation will become a future problem similar to the what the zoning designation "CBDS-' is now. By that I mean a designation which will be oiven rand uses down the ... reason as to - - to land down X11 over City with little rhyme of why it was put there other than some other [�� .� ,a. � 30� � �e urge developer with enough money wanted it there. It is vital that policies 1 - 7 be implemented so the taxpayer .and the individual home and business owner doesn'tthe for _ J - deveiopmen4 owner doesn't m pay the price RCl(1TPlePC• Goal 3:17 Airport We have a great deal of open land around the airport at this time. Let us not allow any development which might even in the most remotest possibility compromise our airport We have an existing Airport Safety Overlay which must be protected at all costs. [ Housing: One of the other areas I see a glaring difference from what was discussed in the workshops to what exists in this draft is the housing area as it pertains to the involvement of the city. May times I heard the comment that the city needs to get out of the housing business and quit competing with the private sector in the housing market. The city should instead work as a intermediary between those segments of the population whose housing needs are not being met and those in the_ private sector who with the help of subsidies, low interest loans, etc. could step up to meet that need. Transportation: Level of Service Level of Service or LOS which refers to the adequacy of the capacity of the streets of Yakima needs to be raised. A level of "Du as per the current Concurrency Ordinance is not acceptable. The practice in the past has been to lower the level of service instead of spending the money needed to construct the upgrades needed to maintain a level of service. Levels of service, A through F are comparable to the grades assigned to school work. Do we consider the work of a progressive student to be satisfactory with a "D"? Likewise, a progressive city should have streets with at least a "C" if not a "B" level of service. 13 The older sections of streets have lanes too narrow to accommodate Targe trucks, large SUVs and busses. Terror canbe described as a. Suburban, an Expedition, a Yukon, a- city bus and my' car in the 5 lanes of west bound Tieton Drive at the intersection of Tieton Drive and 16th Avenue. Trucks We have more "no trucks allowed" streets. One of these streets is 64th Avenue between Tieton Drive and Nob Hill. This street is a:little more than a paved cow path and is continually plagued by pedestrians who donot seem to understand the danger of walking their dogs on a street which is barely wide enough for two cars. much fess the number of trucks which use this street particularly at harvest time. 'This • street is not built to Title 12 standards and does not have lighting nor sidewalks much less curbs, gutters, etc.. We also need to consider ways to move more traffic more quickly. Variable speed limits might bethe answer in some areas. The speed limits need to be raised on the new sections of Washington Avenue where there are fewer access points. Speed limits need to be raised on the outskirts of town where there are again fewer access points and or less traffic such as Summitview from 72nd west. Another annoyance and hindrance to drivers is the use of bicycles on streets without bike lanes. One person on a bike can back traffic up for blocks. Natural Environment Goal 10-3 Protect and Enhance Air Quality A comprehensive Air Quality standard needs to be developed for the Yakima Valley before we become another Los Angeles. We are geographically a large valley. Valleys trap air pollutants which become smog. The times of air inversion layers are getting more prevalent. It is much better to plan ahead than to fix later. Ladies .and Gentlemen, I am urging you to make a strong recommendations to protect the average citizen's quality of life and property values. We need to put intense commercial developments where they belong - near highways, on major developed arterials, away from neighborhoods and schools. We need to put the infrastructure in place and then allow development and not the other way around. We need to start thinking and planning with the distant future in mind - not just the next 20 years. We must carefully rethink impact fees so those who impact pay and not the average taxpayer. More than all of this, we must plan as an informed community instead of individuals intent on their own agenda. Thank you. Wilma Koski 21 N. 94th Place Yakima, WA 98908 vatiol isu to Comment 13: iniiima Koski 1. Comment Acknowledged 2. Comment Acknowledged. The policies adopted in the Han will be used as part of regulatory revisions to ensure clarity of the rules and the intended location of land uses. These rules will always have a level of detail requiring interpretation and procedures are in place to guide how these interpretations and discretionary decisions will be made. The City Staff disagrees with the commenter's comment regarding what influences decision-making. 3. Suggested wording has been added to the list of proposals for RPC and City Council consideration 4. These designations are currently shown on the Future Land Use Map and therefore must remain in the text portion of the Plan Upon adoption the Plan the - - •- -p..... adoption � of the Plan, 1, once the decision has been made as to which designations will remain, then the FLUM will be amended. Any text description of a land use designation that no longer is represented on the FLUM will be deleted from the Pian. 5. Comment Acknowledged. It is the intent of the Plan, including Goal 3:10 and its related policies, to make the designation of lands for Regional Commercial predictable. It is also the intent to use policies as a basis for review of development proposals. 6. Comment Acknowledged. 7. Comment Acknowledged. The role of the City in the issue of housing received much disclussion at the October 7 9006 RPC working .Frio-_ an - - ` -- -' �, L:i'v'v % �% v vvvi nil i� �G�r!:!! : w11%: :.%III receive additional discussion on October 23 and by the City Council in mid-November. 8. The Transportation Plan and the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Pian reaffirm the LOS D standard. This level is typical of urban centers such as Yakima. Elevating the LOS would necessitate the widening of several streets to accommodate what amounts to weekday peak hour traffic. Public opinion is mixed as to the need or wisdom of doing this. City Council to date has not instructed that changes be made to this standard. 9. Ti-- Freight _ %_ The Freight element proposes encouraging trucks to stay on major arterial streets though a system of signs and future improvement projects. Discussion of future street standard modifications and Arterial Corridor projects will consider freight needs. 10. YUACP Chpt. VI — Variable speed limits is one of the Implementation Measures proposed in the Comprehensive Plan and the Transportation Pian 11. An over -view discussion of bicycle facilities are included in the Comprehensive Plan -- Existing Conditions section, as well as a Bicycle Facilities map (Map VI - 2). The Transportation Plan includes a Chapter related to Bicycle facilities, safety aspects and improvement needs. Discussion of modifications to street construction standards will include bicycle lane standards. This request has been to the list of potential action steps for consideration by the Planning Commission and Council. 12. The Yakima Regional Clean Air Authority is the agency responsible for air quality standards in the Yakima Valley. 13. Comments Acknowledged. Thank you for commenting. IA 1"f 26 Sept . 2006 Doug Maples Code Administrati nn and Planning Manager uager Subject: Yakima Urban Comprehensive Plan The statements indicated in the various cited paragraphs offer different interpertations, This information is submitted in order that th correct meaning is reflected in all of the atatements regarding REGIONAL COMMERCIAL. C;i4P TTT la ..d1 10 r ian D dDfl Regional Commercial lst line includes existing highways or freeways. 3-3i 6 June TT v .E1a Polices 1.10.2 Regional Commercial Has words along freeway or highway CHP .LII 23 - 24 Sept Regional Commercial Words existing highways or freeays **tieleted. CHP III 33 Sept Policies 3.10.2 Regional Commercail jam Willis A, Hambelton 615 S. 32nd Ave. Yakima, WA 98902 Aae Y9V D,A. KU a�viigii-eeway or highway. tel: 452 9503 RECEIVED SEP 2 7 2006 CITY Y OF YAKIMA PLANNING DIV! add in /'n/ WASHI Ref: LAND USE pg III 18 & 30 5 BANK Regional Commercial ( New Cat.) define the word " Existing Highways n HOW DOES THIS DEMATION RELATE TO TRANSPORTATION PLAN Chp, 5 -5 Principal Artierials Are the two classification compatiable to each other. Suggestion: That all of the various chapters be reviewa4ed for correctness of use of the various wording that might relate to other chapters. Response to Comment 14: 03111 Ha mbeiton The commenter's comments relate to various statements involving the discussion of Regional Commercial uses adjacent to "freeways" and "highways He expresses concern over whether the language is consistent throughout the Plan. Staff agrees that language contained in Goal 3.10 and Policy 3.10.2 should be added to the discussion of Regional Commercial under the "Future Land Use Designations" section on Page 23 of the Draft. Such wording has been added to the Decision Matrix. Thank you for your comments. law OFFICES OF HALVERSON AP -r7P.S. P.O.Box22730 YA ouAWAstuNGroN 98907-2715 TwinsO 50957.56611 5094572419 October 2, 2006 E1ALVERSON APPLEGATE P.S. ATTORNEYS AT LAW .Mr. Doug Maples Code Administration and Planning Manager Office of Administration 129 N. 2nd Street Yakima, WA 98901 RE: Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Update Dear Mr. Maples: 15 Lawyers tnr Central Washdngtion MICHAELF.SHINN E-MAIL MSl4R7NOHALVEA97NLAW.COu I represent Congdon Orchards who, in accordance with state law, in the Development Agreement dated November 20, 2001 and recorded March '8, 2002, under Yakima County Auditor's file number 7261412, has vested rights to develop its property pursuant to the then existing Applicable Law, which was defined in the Development Agreement to include the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan which was then in effect. As a result, many of the changes as proposed in the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Update process would not affect Congdon's vested development rights. The term of the Development Agreement is for a period of forty years and the reason for its approval was based upon the City of Yakim a's acknowledgment that it is consistent with the best interests of the City to guide. the orderly development of the Congdon property. The Development Agreement showed Congdon's goals of subsequent CBDS zoning approval along Nob Hill. Boulevard. Despite Congdon's vested interests and the thought -given to long-term planning for the Congdon property along Nob Hill Boulevard, the proposed Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Update announces an intent to eliminate the arterial commercial land use designation underpinning much of Congdon's zoning. It appears that the General Commercial land use designation is designated to take its place as Table III -11 envisions it compatible with CBDS zoning. What Congdon finds more problematic, however, are recent suggestions from other commenters that nothing like the Congdon secured vested rights should ever be allowed for any other property owner, and that the Comprehensive Plan should be updated in such a way as to place the Plan at - odds with Congdon's vested rights and long established development plans. First of all, that is not the purpose of comprehensive planning The Comprehensive Plan is a policy document that should not be used as a land use moratorium for developing large scale shopping centers at any site other than along freeways and highways. While we can appreciate the desire of the City to facilitate the LAKESIDE COURT SUITE 100 - YAKIMA, WA 98902 www.halversonlaw:com haps@halversonlaw.com _tv Mr. Doug Maples October 2, 2006 Page 2 of 2 redevelopment of selected sites that are near the freeway, care should be given to make sure that this is not accomplished at the expense of other properly owners who have equally desirable sites that are also suitable for redevelopment. Nor, should it be clone in a way that would limit the commercial choices of future residents and obligate all residents of the community to drive out to the interstate in order to do their shopping. Congdon has come under attack from zealous neighbors hnva srr.n4,; �..... their � , , nei,�h.vo.�s wrishin�, to preserve neighborhoods, and, in response, Congdon has proceeded through numerous rounds of .hearings in connection with comprehensive plan mapping amendments, rezone hearings, and numerous project application hearings, resulting in volumes of conditions intended to achieve compatibility be ween development of the Congdon property and .adjoining land owners. This is not a procedure which should be short circuited with an out and out prohibition as suggested in recent comments to the Regional Planning Com -mission. It has been 7 sL1ggested that low density si e -.t a - '-vo--_m if low .l�e.asu�.,.J residential zVeie,g orcupies but one site next to a property it would cease to be eligible for development consistent with current arterial commercial guidelines. The proposed answer to compatibility concerns is to strictly limit large scale commercial development to areas adjacent to Yakima's freeways and highways. This short-sighted "answer" ignores the substantial traffic impacts of Yakima's internal population trying to make their way to Yakima's outlying commercial centers. These potential centers to be designated "regional commercial" under the land use man arA alraariy 14,-.:+or4 1,y .T-=oV..... i,., rind access issues to begin with. Why would Yakima altogether foreclose opportunity for future commercial development through the comprehensive planning process? Despite some neighbors' adamant opposition to the Congdon project, it would do Yakima and the community a great disservice to eliminate future commercial .development and future public process in connection with that development. One group's displeasure with planning staff and decisions made by the City Council should not take away from the Comprehensive P1 /61 ac a planning »„7 goal - setting device rather than an absolute defense to fj .erre development in areas that might be well suited for it. '_- ,w Sincerely, Mic. ael F Shinn S:bw \r'im's\tts\cougdon development co-16953\comp plan amd-003\maples 1tr4.doc 101212006 4_-00 pmbw Response to Comment 15: Michael Shinn Thank you for your comments. The issues outlined in your letter will be among factors considered as map amendments are made during 2007 in response to the updated policies of the 2006 Plan. Your request that the policies restricting large scale commercial development to highway or freeway access locations will be added to the Decision Matrix for consideration by the Regional Planning Commission and City Council. PAUL, 1). ED ill YDSO 1" Attorney o/ l_aft, �•._,_ i • t r11r Sireetil'U .ua x 384 1rakinta )TWA 98901 509/452-7961 a VINE �L�CCTR�ir-' TROLLEY RIDES ITY O F AK!MA CODE ADMIN. DIVISION OCTOBER 3, 2006 . OCT 05 IET6 OFFICE OF CODE ADMINISTRATION ©REO'VO FAXEDD •1 n n u +v...... 1/%4 111 'JA7T C`• . 11 INHII 4 1, 1 LIVL S e --- rv1 f 1 C T YAKIMA, WA 98901 ATTN: DOUG MAPLES RE: URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE 'PLAN DEAR SIR; THE UPDATED GM/\ PLAN FOR YAKIMA DOES NOT REFERENCE PASSENGER RAIL TRANSIT IN YAKIMA. THE YAKIMA STREET- CARS ARE YAKIMA 1ST TRANSIT SYSTEM) HAVING OPERATED SINCE 1907, ANDHE CITY OWNS THE v -T j I OCK i� )'� 1 �I.1 I if l�K, STOCK BARREL) WITH 4 STREETCARS IN THE CARBARN, POWER HOUSE AND SEVERAL MILES OF TRACK ON 6TH AVENUE, PINE,STREET AND 2ND AVENUE (PARTIALLY BURIED), ELECTRIC RAIL TRAN±IT IS A CLEAN AIR ALTERNATIVE WHICH YAKIMA HAS RETAINED FOR ALMOST 100 YEAR. •• •_ • ••- • • } • 1 •�-++ FOR t'1 L1.1vJ 1 YEARS f'C� AND HAS SIGNIFICANT 'POTENTIAL FOR MORE THAN JUST SUMMER'WEEKEND^USE BY TOURISTS IF OPERATING MONE`S CAN BE OBTAINED (COMPARE $5 MILLION PER YEAR SPENT ON OPERATING THE CITY BUS SYSTEM.) THE STREETCARS HAVE BEEN PART OF YAKIMA FOR A LONG TIME AND IN ANY PLANNING DOCUMENTS, 1 .„.„ . .: [,' r'' - lw ,r, -.7-71-- _,4",4,1,.. >u' ortii i r' u r :�'!I':;q� ...t�lj lhll� I lilt 1 I1Iil1 A l �.�'''� i• 1q }!l.11II{I 1lllllll1'11111 ii111.A1I► 11 IC* .1 11i 'i��i � AL j�pj)4r4 t q r L1 11 1 a , , - ;.11 p+1 �#�f' 1 �i Ali• .,.; i 7 itt tite YAKIMA ELEC11R RAILWAY MUST,' tJ M 306 West Pine Streci SHOULD BE INCLUDED r . a iC'1Q114:i V\%nishsii�I�f1atira i adsJIJLIII LlPll PAUL D, EIDMONDSON YVT PRESIDENT Response to Comment 16: Yakima Valley Trolley Comments Acknowledged Lorance, Susie rom: Maples, Doug lent: Tuesday, September 19, 2006 10:58 AM To: i "ranee, Su. ie Subject: Fw: Urban Area Comprehensive Plan B I Please place in the cooment file. Original Message From: Dean L. Gano<dean.gano@realitychar-ting.com> To: Maples, Doug <dmaples333ci.yakima.wa.us> Sent: Tue Sep 19 10:45:35 2006 Subject: Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Dear Mr. Maples, 1 want to thank you for sending me the Plan recently, but I have recently moved to Richland, WA and do not believe my comments would be worthwhile. It should be noted that while there are a _ _ dominate bye Luddites lot of gond people _k._ - L...ddi l..es who want nothing to do with r ss , in Yakima it ise ms unfortunatelya park and the TnjalMa;�,- fiasco progress, The Fieri a of Dreams baseball fiasco are clear evidence that the community of Yakima will never outgrow its dedication to ignorance and stasis. Glad tobe l .�v...a V .L 11Lj . Dean L. Gano 509-952-0394 1 Response to Comment 17: Dean L. Gano Comments Acknowledged 1 T RPC Members Present: City Staff Present: County Staff Present: Yakima Urban Area Regional Planning Commission Public .hearing Minutes Yakima City Hall Council Chambers September 25, 2006 5:30 p.m. Deb Patterson, John Hodkinson, Ted Marquis, Jr., Bernie Kline, Charlotte Baldwin & Jerry Craig Doug Maples, Bruce Benson, Joan Davenport, _ Shelley Willson, Susie Lorance & Reid Shockey from Shockey Brent, Inc. Phil Hoge Deb Patterson called the Public Hearing to order at 5:30 p.m. The minutes for July 10, 2006 were approved. Chair Patterson then turned the meeting over to Reid Shockey from Shockey Brent, Inc. Reid Shoekey, advised the public that the reason we are here tonight is to take testimony on two items. ® The Comprehensive Plc—Update d_t.-. • Environmental Impact Statement (SEPA) piece of the Comprehensive Plan. He advised the RPC members that staff would receive the comments and would review them and compiling those testimonies. On October 23, 2006 staff will return for a decision meeting with the finalized Comprehensive Plan Update and Environmental Impact Statement and request the RPC make a recommendation for the City Council. Meeting opened for questions from the public: Bill Hambelton indicated that he was concerned about the charting on table 5.1 of the Transportation Plan and the Neighborhood Collectors Section. He would like the RPC members to make sure the clarification is understandable for the people. Kirsten Pederson on behalf of Yakima Memorial Hospital addressed the few minor points they would like clarified. She submitted written comments regarding concerns and recommendations. Some of her concerns are as follows: Map 3.2 on page 42 being classified as Professional Office and it should be Institutional. 18 1 *T • Chapter 3 page 22 the future land use map designauons says it will apply to hospitals, higher education, the airport and correcuonal facilities. She feels that the uses would be confusing with it written this way. • General Comments on polices on Goal 3.14 (2 & 6) pages 36 & 37 of Chapter 3. GMA says a Comp Plan is supposed to have a Generalized Coordinated Land Use Policy Statement. These do not read like policy statements. Ralph Call from 2608 W. Chestnut, pointed out a couple of things he would like to discuss. • Page 15 — Older Neighborhood Section from 16th Ave to 40th Ave. He would like to bring to the member's attention that in his neighborhood, which they consider 16th Ave to 36th Ave between Tieton and S»mmitview, 69 % of the homes were built prior to World War II. He feels that this group of homes should be included in the Older Neighborhood Section. • Page 30 3.44 — It says N.E. S.E. single-family homes should be preserved. He requested that 16th Ave to 36th Ave between Tieton and Summitview be included in that paragraph. • Page 36 3.14-2 we ask that you not include the term unreasonable. We ask that this would be deleted. T Michael Noble submitted written comments regarding his concerns and recommendations for the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Update Public Review Draft. His major * areas of concern were as follows: I • Future Land Use Designations • Comparing Future Land Use Plan and Current Zoning 1 • Table III -11 page 26 Land Use Compatibility Chart i • Goals and Policies .2 Wilma koski submitted written comments regarding her concerns and recommendations to the RPC members. • Page 9 Goals • Pages 21- 24 Future Land Use Designations • Goal 3:17 Airport • Natural Environment Goal 10-3 Protect and Enhance Air Quality Bev Luby Bartz asked the RPC members to review Table 3 on Page 26, Arterial Commercial. She stated that the property owners have worked very hard to have Arterial Commercial put in for their properties and it looks like it is going to be deleted in 2007. She would like to see this left the way it is written now and not deleted. Walt Ranta commented on the statements of the older and newer neighborhoods on page 14, and the semi -trucks that are passing through on 321d Ave. Joe Walsh with CWBBA commented and suggested an additional policy, on page 70 Street Standards and Goal 6.6. He would like the RPC members to consider revising the 18 1 Ft street standards and guidelines to mirnrmze the offsite mitigation of water from StOull events. Questions from RPC members to staff: John Hodkinson asked if we still require sidewalks on both sides of the streets in Industrial Areas Shelley Willson, City of Yakima, Streets & Traffic Operations Manager indicated that our Municipal Code says that sidewalks are required on both sides of all streets. Deb Patterson asked about the Action Plan and comments from Jamie Carmody. Reid Shockey asked that the RPC members look over Chapter II — Action Plan and implementation. In this section they need to do their homework and find out what they consider to be the most important steps and vote on them. After further discussion about the Ant -inn Plan anti Publ c Cio, :„�m.enss, D..rcb Patterson recommended a study session to be held on October 2nd 2006 starting 5;30 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m. Prepared and submitted by; Susie Lorance, Planning Specialist City of Yakima's Code Administratinn anti Planning Division 18. Public Hearing Comments, Regional Planning Commission, September 25, 2006 Comments marked are those not included in written materials submitted and responded to above. Previously submitted materials are marked with an asterisk (*) Response to Comment 18: RPC Puhlio HParina, Testimony Comments marked are those not included in written materials submitted and responded to above. 1. This request has been listed on the Decision Matrix for review by the RPC and City Council. 2. Comment Acknowledged 3. Comments Acknowledged (See Ralph Call comment No. 1). The status of 32nd Avenue is addressed in the Transportation Element. The functional classification of 32nd Avenue is receiving considerable diRni iccinn and is beinn reviewed. _. _. ___.�._ �.. .v.. 1V NGII II.� 19 Lorance, Susie From: Benson, Bruce Sent: Monday, October 09, 2006 8:09 AM To: Lorance, Susie Subject: FW: Information for the Regional Planning Committee Susie, Please put these comments into the RPC comments file. Bruce Benson Supervising Planner City of Yakima 509.575.6042 voice 509.575.6105 fax bbenson@ci.yakima.wa.us Original Message From: Verna Wild [mailto:Ingshnks28©Charter.net] Sent: Sunday, October 08, 2006 9:03 PM To: Benson, Bruce Cc: 1ngshnks28@Charter.net Subject: Information for the Regional Planning Committee Hi Bruce: Would you please have a hard copy of this e-mail available for the members of the Regional Planning Committee before their next committee meeting of any kind? I would appreciate it and "Thank You". It is my understanding the members for the city of Yakima are Deb Patterson, Ted Marquis, Jr. and Rocky Marshall. For Yakima County it would be Bernie Kline, Charlotte Baldwin and Jerry Craig. To Members Of The Regional Planning Committee: My name is Vema Wild and I reside at 1204 E. Spruce St. in Yakima. I very recently learned that the Regional Planning Commission was considering deleting the designation of "Central Business District Support" from the report that will be implemented in 2007. I cannot begin to tell you how disappointed and depressed I felt upon hearing this. I have spent YEARS working for improvements related to the area previously known as Fire District 13. Fire District 13 was located east of Fair Avenue from an area that began at the north end of Yakima, south to Union Gap and covering the area east all the way to the river. For many years the city of Yakima had attempted to annex this section with absolutely no success. My mother had purchased the property in 1950 when she moved from Montana. In 1960 I left Yakima due to medical reasons and upon advice from my physician moved to the southern part of California and purchased a home there. I became involved in local governmental business in a voluntary capacity. I learned a great deal related to programs not only on the local level but also related to state and federal programs. I had made a trip to Yakima every year to visit my mother. I was also interested in how Yakima compared to the city which I lived in. Fire District 13 was in the county and not in the city. That fact fascinated me since our house was located 12 blocks from the center of town. I went to the county and obtained a map of the area. The map indicated that all of Fire District 13 was zoned as commercial. That was very interesting. 19 1 moved back to Yakima in the early 70's due to the health of my mother. I had not been here long when the fire chief asked if 1 wnniri ant aC the volunteer secretary and auditing officer for the volunteer secretary y Qaa" auditing viiiuCt tvt iue disinci. i said that I would and did so until the area was annexed. To make a long story short, I was astounded that neither the county nor the city had been going after any federal funds for improvement of the neighborhoods. The funds were flowing but our local officials seemed to be unaware of the potential benefits for not only Yakima but Yakima County as a whole. I lobbied both the county commissioners and the city council for several years. The planners were listening but neither one of the political entities had the courage to pursue the funds. It was finally presented to me that the political entities would listen and take a look at what 1 had been suggesting if I did the following: I had to draw up a four {4} year plan outlining the improvements I had suggested, have community meetings and gather a majority of property owner signatures before they would even consider applying for a It grant for improvements. It took some tiMR for me tel all that ked a year get �.. that had been asked of me (say �r,Gdl or two) and a lot of support from county and city planners. Of course the city was more than eager to annex the area but it was up to the county to apply for the federal grant. The county skeptically relented and made the application for the grant. All grants were given based on the greatest need. It seemed to be the consensuses of the county commissioners i lissioners that they would never receive a grant. To their astonishment their request for a grant was the highest priority. The first priority for the grant had been that all areas east of Fair Avenue have access to sewer service. This area was considered poverty or low income. Ail main construction related to the sewer line, including stub -ins, was paid for by the grant. Costs reietet7 to hook-up were dependant the. i the individual - - - ---- - --- hook-up ur -». � dependant ac on the. income i to of the individual VIl.1Ua1 1 eglUlt ig in the home. No one paid more than 50% of the actual cost for hook-up from the stub -in to their home. Some people paid no more than $10.00. And that is where the fairy tale ended. There could only be one area in the county to be assisted at one time. The commissioners then decided that they had other areas in the county that had a greater need than this area. My four year plan flew out the window. We were supposed to have five (5) lanes on Fair Avenue. Because of the lack of funds it was made three (3) lanes. The area north of Yakima Avenue was ^- n-nty ^uhe to have "e major shopping center because F ai i tivFri neededa better interchange to Yakima e Avenue and the freeway. Somewhere along the line the properties lying within the Fire District # 13 area were zoned "single family residence". No one knows how or when it happened. Many people in our area had recognized the commercial value of the property next to the freeway. Many people tried to start a business but to no avail. When the opportunity came along to have the zoning changed 1 requested that this area be zoned CBDS. I had also organized our area into a group, hired a commercial realtor, had land surveyed and a lawyer to incorporate our group for a certain number of years. Many developers were interested but no one wanted to be first. After 10 years our group was dissolved. The Wells Corporation owned a great deal of properties in this area. Upon the death of the mother, as far as can be determined, the children each took a portion of the properties. It was a great surprise when a letter was sent by Yakima County Planning stating that an apartment complex was to be built adjacent to the park. Red flags went up all over the area. There was no meeting to discuss the project or ask questions. If we had any concerns we could write a letter. Letters were written but you can be assured that they hit "file 13" faster than a speeding bullet. You could not even see the plans in the planning office. These are low-income apartments, three (3) stories high, no elevator and ingress and egress is through the same entrance directly onto Fair Avenue. I asked one of the construction people about the facility. His comment was "it will be a trash pile in 12 years''. We now have four (4) low income housing units within a half block radius. 1 was under the impression that apartment units were never viewed as a business. That was what I was told when we requested CBDS. We now have had some new surveyors. The neighbor asked one of the surveyors who they were surveying for. He stated that it was for Habitat for Humanity. It certainly appears that there is a concerted effort to concentrate all low-income housing in the east side. 1 find it difficult to comprehend the logic regarding this area. This is prime real estate for commercial use. The Boise area is being touted for commercial use. The city insists that it wants people to come to Yakima and is spending millions to assist commercial property owners in whatever way necessary. You can do whatever you 19 want to beautify the interior of the city but unless the outside is attractive people will pass it by, and many have. If it had not been for the old railroad companies, Yakima would be a blip in the road. If you should eliminate the CBDS zoning, I would request that you zone this whole area as "COMMERCIAL'. I would also request that a special category be designated for all duplexes, condominiums or apartment houses. It is essential that there be open meetings regarding any of these applications. Please call me if you have any questions. Sincerely, Verna Wild 1204 E. Spruce St. Yakima, WA 98901 452-0602 Response to Comment 19: Verna Wild Thank you for your comments. They will be considered by the Regional Planning Commission and City Council during adoption of the 2006 Comprehensive Plan. The City is considering changing CBDS zoning in some areas of the City, but intends to retain this zoning near the downtown area. The proposal to eliminate some properties from the CBDS Zone will not necessarily affect commercial zoning in the Fair Avenue area. There will likely be a replacement commercial zoning for any areas to be changed from CBDS. GI e dix B: ssa .4 Terns Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page B - 1 Glossary of Terms Appendix B Glossary of Terms Adequate Public Facilities*: facilities which have the capacity to serve development without decreasing levels of service below locally established minimums. Affordable housing*: is a term that applies to the adequacy of housing stocks to fulfill the housing needs of all economic segments of the population. Affordable housing for middle and lower income persons is targeted to those whose incomes are 120% of median income or less. Arterial (Minor): a roadway providing movement along significant corridors of traffic flow. Arterial (Principal): a roadway providing movement along major corridors of traffic flow. Available Public Facilities*: facilities or services in place or a financial commitment is in place to provide the facilities or services within a specified time. Capacity: the measure of the ability to provide a level of service on a public facility. Clustered Development: the arrangement or grouping of dwellings on parcels to increase densities (e.g. smaller lots) on some portions while keeping the remainder free of buildings in order to preserve open space or other amenities associated with the property. Collector Road: a roadway providing service that is of relative moderate traffic volume, moderate trip length, and moderate operating speed. Collector roads collect and distribute traffic between local roads or arterial roads. Commercial Uses: activities within land areas that are predominantly connected with the sale, rental, and distribution of products, or performance of services. Comprehensive Plan: an adopted generalized policy document of the governing body of a county or city. Concurrency*: means that adequate transportation facilities are available when the impacts of development occur, or a financing plan is adopted, which will fund required improvements within six years. This definition includes the concepts of "adequate public facilities" and of "available public facilities" as defined above. Consistency: means that no feature of a plan or regulation is incompatible with any other feature of a plan or regulation. Consistency is indicative of a capacity for orderly integration or operation with other elements in a plan. Contiguous Development: development of areas immediately adjacent to each other. Corridor: a strip of land, usually located along a major transportation thoroughfare. Land and building development along either side of the roadway is usually integrally associated with the corridor identity. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page B - 1 Appendix B s -r e Glossary of Terms Critical Areas: environmentally sensitive lands, including frequently flooded areas, naturally occurring wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas, geologically hazardous areas, and areas with a critical recharging effect on aquifers. Demand Management Strategies: strategies aimed at changing travel behavior rather than at expanding the transportation network to meet travel demand, and can include ridesharing, telecommuting, parking policies, flexible schedules, compressed work week, and other peak -hour traffic reduction strategies. Density: a measure of the intensity of development, generally expressed in terms of dwelling units per acre. It can also be expressed in terms of population density (i.e., people per acre). Density is useful for establishing a balance between potential service demands and service capacities. Domestic water System: any system providing a supply of potable water for the intended use of a development, which is deemed adequate pursuant to RCW 19.27.097. Essential Public Facilities: facilities that are typically difficult to site, such as airports, water and/or wastewater treatment plants, regional education facilities, regional transportation facilities, solid waste handling facilities, correctional facilities, major utility generation and transmission facilities, regional park and recreation facilities, and in-patient facilities including hospitals and substance abuse facilities, mental health facilit1es and group homes. Financial coe rnitrne t• means that sources of puibiic or private funds or combinations thereof have been identified that will be sufficient to finance public facilities necessary to support development and that there is reasonable assurance that such funds will be timely put to that end. Fire Flow: the rate of flow of water, in gallons per minute, required for fire suppression. Fiscal Capacity: the ability of a city to adequately provide urban services while maintaining an acceptable quality of life for its residents. Focused Investment Areas or Corridors: Areas or corridors within an urban growth area where the City, Yakima County and other urban service providers (Nob Hill Water Association, West Valley Fire District, East Valley Fire District, Terrace Heights Sewer District, City of Union Gap, Irrigation Districts) strategically coordinate finance and extension of infrastructure and services. Geologically Hazardous Areas: areas that because of their susceptibility to erosion, sliding, earthquakes, or other geological features, are not suited to the siting of commercial, residential, or industrial development consistent with public health or safety concerns. Goal: the long-term result toward which programs or activities are ultimately directed. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page B - 2 Appendix B Glossary of Terms Greenbelt/Open Space: the pattern of undeveloped resource lands, parks, stream corridors and pathways identified in the comprehensive plan as a means to physically and visually separate major activity centers such as neighborhoods and communities. Growth Management Act (GMA): Washington State legislation passed in 1990 and later amended that requires cities and counties to prepare comprehensive plans and development regulations in accordance with the Act. Growth Management: a method to guide development in order to minimize adverse environmental and fiscal impacts and maximize the health, safety, and welfare benefits to the residents of the community. Household: those who dwell under the same roof and compose a family. Industrial Uses: the activities predominantly connected with manufacturing, assembly, processing, or storage of products. Infill: a concept that encourages new development to occur in areas already served with the full range of urban services and that are already substantially developed. Infrastructure: man-made structures that serve the common needs of the population, such as: Sewage disposal systems, potable water systems, solid waste disposal sites or retention areas, stormwater systems, utilities, bridges, and roadways. Intensity: a measure of land uses activity based on density, use, size, and impact. Interlocal agreements: are authorized by State law and allow local governments (through written agreements) to cooperate with each other on a basis of mutual advantage to provide services and facilities in a manner that best meets the needs and development of local communities. [Paraphrase of RCW 39.34.010] Land Development Regulations: any controls placed on development or land use activities by a county or city, including, but not limited to, zoning ordinances, subdivision ordinances, building codes, binding site plan ordinances, or any other regulations controlling the development of land. Level of Service (LOS)*: an indicator of the extent or degree of service provided by, or proposed to be provided by, a facility based on and related to the operational characteristics of the facility. LOS means an established minimum capacity of capital facilities or services that must be provided per unit of demand or other appropriate measure of need. Local Road: a roadway providing service that is of relatively low traffic volume, short average trip length or minimal through traffic movements. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page B - 3 Appendix B suw wry vj a errs Manufactured Housing: a manufactured building or major portion of a building designed for long-term residential use. It is designed and constructed for transportation to a site for installation and occupancy when connected to required utilities Mixed -Use Deveiopment: development of a contiguous tract of land that allows for a mixture of several land -use classifications such as commercial retail, office, recreation, and residential. Multi -Family Housing: housing that is designed to accommodate three or more households. Natural Resource Lands: agricultural, forest, and mineral resource lands that have long- term commercial significance. bjecl• • a Jp.Jec111%,, measurable, intermediate mediate result that is achievable and marks progress coward I progress toward L.i fi goal. Owner: person nr entity, including cooperative ub1:_ housing _..tet __ity any ��. v.,.., , e„e,mY, including a cooperative or a UUIJIIL tlillPinPliii the legal rights to sell, lease, or sublease any form of real property. , Phased/Staged/Tiered Growth: Urban growth concept whereby development would be allowed to occur progressively outward from the city center as the city is able to serve that ggrow th. t• - nai Ing Policy: the way in which programs and activities are conducted to achieve an identified rm.?! Public Facilities*: publicly owned and maintained facilities such as streets, roads, highways, sidewalks, streetlights, traffic signals, domestic water systems, storm and sanitary sewer systems, parks, recreational facilities, and schools. Public Services*: publicly provided services such as fire protection, law enforcement, public health, education, recreation, and other services normally provided by public entities. Right -of -Way: land in which the State, a county, or a municipality owns the fee simple title or has an easement dedicated, or required for a transportation or utility use Rural Lands*: lands that are not within an urban growth area and are not designated as natural resource lands having long-term commercial significance for production of agricultural products, timber, or the extraction of minerals. Sanitary Sewer Systems: all facilities, including approved on-site disposal facilities, used in the collection, transmission, storage, treatment, or discharge of any waterborne waste, whether domestic in origin or a combination of domestic, commercial, or industrial waste. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page B - 4 Appendix B Glossary of Terms Service Area: the land area within which a city is committed to providing urban services within a specific time period -typically 20 years or less. Single -Family Housing: as used in this plan, a single-family unit is a detached housing unit designed for occupancy by not more than one household. This definition does not include manufactured housing, which is treated as a separate category. Solid Waste Handling Facility: any facility for the transfer or ultimate disposal of solid waste, including land fills and municipal incinerators. Sprawl: low-density, spread out, scattered land uses, typically more difficult and costly to coordinate and serve with public facilities. Strip Mall: a parcel of land that has multiple buildings with one means of egress from the parking lot to the street. Transportation Facilities: includes capital facilities related to air, water, or land transportation. Transportation Level of Service Standards*: a measure that describes the operational condition of the travel stream, usually in terms of speed and travel time, freedom to maneuver, traffic interruptions, comfort, convenience, and safety. Urban Governmental Services*: includes services historically and typically delivered by cities, including sanitary sewer systems, domestic water systems, fire and police protection, public transit, and other public utilities and services associated with urban areas and normally not associated with non -urban areas. Urban Growth Area*: the area around a city or urbanized community within which urban growth shall be encouraged and outside of which growth can only occur if it is not urban in nature. Urban Growth*: growth that makes intensive use of land for the location of buildings, structures, and impermeable surfaces to such a degree as to be incompatible with the primary use of such land or the production of food, other agricultural products, fiber or the extraction of mineral resources. When allowed to spread over wide area, urban growth typically requires urban governmental services. Utilities: facilities serving the public by means of a network of wires or pipes, and structures ancillary thereto. Included are systems for the delivery of natural gas, electricity, telecommunications services, and water and for the disposal of sewage. Vacant/Underdeveloped Lands: may suggest the following: (a) a site that has not been developed with either buildings or other improvements, or has a building improvement value of less than $500 [vacant land]; (b) a site within an existing urbanized area that may have capital facilities available to the site creating infill development; (c) a site that is occupied by a use consistent with the zoning but contains enough land to be further Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page B - 5 Appendix B Glossary of Terms subdivided without needing a rezone (partially -used); and (d) a site that has been developed with both a structure and capital facilities and is zoned for more intensive use than that which occupies the site (under-utilized). Visioning*: a process of citizen involvement to determine values and ideals for the future of a community and to transform those values and ideals into manageable and feasible community goals Wetland, significant: a significant wetland is a wetland at least one -acre in size, which is not isolated and supports wildlife habitat. Wetland: areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. �nre+l-,,,moi.. ,.u. _L.,,_ Wetlands lands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas. Wetlands do not include those artificial wetland intentionally created from non -wetland sites, including, but not limited to, irrigation and drainage ditches, grass -lined swales, canals, detention facilltiPs wastewater treatment facilities ponds and 1 d _ _ i _- _ _ _ -----�-- ••-•---�=-.=ea.. a. .++a. �...v��. facilities, farm pond., Ia11Ula UC d1i1F'i 1111F?ti 1-lflili/P\/Pr, wetlands may include those artificial wetland intentionally created from non -wetland areas created to mitigate conversion of wetlands, if permitted by the county or City. Yakima County -wide Planning Policy: GMA required policy framework to guide development of comprehensive plans within Yakima County, adopted June 1993. Zoning: the designation of an area by ordinance (text and map) into zones, and the ear+ahlinhm..�.,+ of ;.e;.; .I.:L:�-.:-- to - - `!� estab..shmeni reguiaiion� govern the !and uses within those zones (commercial ..+- zones (commercial, II I IGI VIaL industrial, residential) and the location, height, and land coverage of structures within each zone. (See Appendix F, following.) Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Tian Page B - 6 inf*rma fr e ata Si.urces Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan AppendixC Information and Data Sources Information and Data Sources Airport Master Plan. Not adopted by City and County of Yakima, 1996 Bureau of Labor Statistics. City of Yakima Capital Facilities Plan, 2006. City of Yakima Consolidated Plan, 2000 — 2004. City of Yakima Parks Plan, 2006. City of Yakima Planning Division, 2005. City of Yakima. Transportation Plan incorporating both the Bicycle/Pedestrian and Transit Plans, 2006. City of Yakima and Yakima County Shoreline Master Plan and Critical Areas Plan, update under review November 2006. Office of Financial Management, Forecasting Division, June 28, 2005. Sewerage Comprehensive Plan, 2004, updated 2005. SOCDS CHAS Data: Housing Problems Output for Mobility & Self Care Limitation -2000 City of Yakima Consolidated Plan 2000-2009 Housing Needs Table. Terrace Heights Master Plan, 1999. Terrace Heights Sewer District's 2005 General Sewer Plan Amendment. U.S. Census. Washington State OFM, City of Yakima Planning Division. Water Comprehensive Plan, 2004. Yakima County Tax Assessors, City of Yakima Planning Division, Yakima Information Services, 2005. Yakima Greenway Master Plan Update, 1995. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Pian. (Adopted for historical reference and historical data comparison only.), April 1997, including amendments through 2005. Yakima Wastewater Division, 2004. Yakima Water Division, 2005. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page C - 1 AppendixC Information and Data Sources Pians Ad d tv Reference Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page D -1 Documents Adopted by Reference Appendix D 1. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan, April 1997, including amendments through 2005. (Adopted for historical reference and historical data comparison only.) 2. City of Yakima Capital Facilities Plan, 2006 3. City of Yakima Transportation Plan incorporating both the Bicycle/Pedestrian and Transit Plans, 2006 4. City of Yakima Consolidated Plan, 2000 - 2004 5. City of Yakima Parks Plan, 2006 6. Sewerage Comprehensive Plan, 2004, updated 2005 7. Water Comprehensive Plan, 2004 8. City of Yakima and Yakima County Shoreline Master Plan and Critical Areas Plan, update under review November 2006. 9. Yakima Greenway Master Plan Update, 1995 10. Airport Master Plan, 1996 - Not adopted by City and County of Yakima 11. Terrace Heights Master Plan, 1999 Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page D - 2 SitinQ Es entia E. ic Fciiiti s Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page E - 1 Appendix E Siting Essential Public Facilities Siting Public Facilities of a County -wide or State-wide Nature (Cited from Yakima County -wide Planning Policy) C.1. STATEWIDE GOALS RELATING TO THE SITING OF PUBLIC FACILITIES OF A REGIONAL OR STATEWIDE NATURE The GMA requires local governments to inventory existing capital public facilities to identify location and to determine capacities to meet future demand for growth without decreasing levels of service and to include within their comprehensive plans a process for identifying and siting essential public facilities. The Washington State Office of Financial Management is responsible for identifying and maintaining a list of essential State public facilities that are required or likely to be built within the next six years as required by the GMA. Counties and cities are also required to coordinate the siting of countywide and statewide capital facilities to mitigate potential adverse impacts from the location and development of these facilities. C.2. COUNTY -WIDE POLICIES RELATING TO THE SITING OF FACILITIES OF A COUNTY -WIDE OR STATE-WIDE NATURE The siting of essential public capital facilities such as landfills and jails is a difficult task at best. Although these facilities are necessary for the common good, they are seldom welcome into a community or neighborhood. Recognizing that public facilities of a statewide or countywide nature are an essential part of our society, policies for their siting and construction are necessary to ensure- a reasonable approval process. Each jurisdiction will utilize an appropriate public process for siting essential public facilities, as outlined in their respective comprehensive plans, policies or regulations. C.3 POLICIES FOR SITING PUBLIC CAPITAL FACILITIES OF A COUNTYWIDE OR STATEWIDE NATURE The following policies relate to the identification of needed facilities: C.3.1. The County and the cities will inventory existing capital facilities and identify needed facility expansion and construction. [RCW 36.70A.070(3)(a)(b)] C.3.2. From local inventory, analysis and collaboration with State agencies and utility providers, a list of Countywide and statewide public capital facilities needed to serve the Yakima County region will be developed. These include, but are not limited to, solid and hazardous waste handling facilities and disposal sites; major utility generation and transmission facilities; regional education institutions; airports; correctional facilities; in-patient facilities including hospitals and those for substance abuse, mental health, group homes and secure community transition facilities; and regional park and recreation facilities. The following policies relate to establishing a process and review criteria for the siting of facilities that are of a countywide or statewide nature: C.3.3. When a public facility of a countywide or statewide nature is proposed in the Yakima County region a Facility Analysis and Site Evaluation Advisory Committee including citizen members will be formed to evaluate the proposed public facility siting. At a minimum this evaluation shall consider: Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page E - 2 Appendix E Sitinga:sse®seacae s taaraaa%' I'ML-414111V3 a. The potential impacts (positive or negative) of the proposed project on the economy, the environment and community character; b. The development of specific siting criteria for the proposed project; c. The identification, analysis and ranking of potential project sites; d. Measures to first minimize and second mitigate potential physical impacts including, but not limited to, those relating to land use, transportation, utilities, noise, odor and public safety; e. Measures to first minimize and second mitigate potential fiscal impacts. C.3.4. Major public capital facilities that generate substantial travel demand should be iocated along near major transportation corridors d bi'C tr tad' t... �y or N GI IJLJVI IC��IVI I l+Vl r ilAVl a and p6,l AJlll. ll CAI Iapui datioi 1 routes. es. C.3.5. Some public facilities may be more appropriately located outside of urban growth areas due to exceptional bulk or potentially dangerous or objectionable characteristics. Puh...lic.+ facilities located beyond urban growth areas should be self- contGineamd or :h.:ec served by urban governmental services in a manner ir t_ pt will not promote sprawl. Utility and service considerations must be incorporated into site planning and development_ C.3.6. The multiple use of corridors for major utilities, trails and transportation right-of-way is encouraged. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Pian Page E - 3 Coun t wi (.1 L. anninq tlicies Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page F - 1 Appendix F Countywide Planning Policy YAKIMA COUNTY -WIDE PLANNING POLICY A Policy Framework to Guide the Development of Comprehensive Plans Under the Washington State Growth Management Act Originally adopted June 1993 Revised and adopted October 2003 Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page F - 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction Countywide Planning Policies - A Policy Framework for Comprehensive Planning Policy Development Guiding Principles - Coordination and Cooperation "M Roles and Responsibilities Appendix F Countywide 1'3/arming Policy Parae 1 1 3 4 7 Yakima Countywide Planning Policy A. v_..diii. dA ®ii 4 B Contiguous and Orderly Development 9 C Siting P uhdic Facilities 11 D. County -Wide Transportation Facilities 13 E. Affordable Housing 15 F. Joint Planning 17 G. Economic Development 19 H. Fiscal Impact Analysis 21 L Coordination with Special Purpose Districts, Adjacent 23 Counties and State, Tribal and Federal Governments 3. Appendices Planning Goals of the Growth Management Act A-1 Glossary of Terms A-3 County -wide Planning Policy Committee Membership A-5 Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page F - 3 INTRODUCTION Appendix F Countywide Planning Policy Countywide Planning Policies - A Policy Framework for Comprehensive Planning The passage of the Growth Management Act (GMA) (ESHB 2929) by the Washington State Legislature in 1990 fundamentally changed the way comprehensive land use planning is carried out in the State. The GMA requires that cities and counties update their comprehensive land use plans consistent with statewide goals and minimum requirements as established by the statute, and coordinate their planning efforts with each other. To assure that this principle is carried out, the 1991 Legislature passed companion legislation (ReESHB 1025) requiring counties and cities to coordinate the independent development of local comprehensive plans through a set of mutually developed county -wide planning policies. These written policy statements are to address eight subject areas: > The designation of urban growth areas; ➢ Promotion of contiguous and orderly development and provision of urban services to such development; > The siting of public capital facilities of a countywide or statewide nature; ➢ Countywide transportation facilities and strategies; ➢ The need for affordable housing for all segments of the population; ➢ Joint city and county planning within urban growth areas; > County -wide economic development and employment; and ➢ Analysis of fiscal impact. Optional subject areas may also be addressed. The Yakima County -wide Planning Policy also contains a section on: > Coordination with special purpose districts, adjacent counties and State, tribal and federal governments. Policy Development 1993 Plan In 1991, hundreds of local citizens took part in Vision Yakima 2010/Focus 2010, two separate but similar visioning projects to develop a preferred future for the Yakima Valley based on the community's beliefs and values. In the Upper Valley, issue committees were formed in the areas of: Economic Development, Education & Employment Training, Environment, Growth Planning, Health Care, Housing, Humanity & Family, Quality of Life and Rural & Agriculture. In the Lower Valley, six issue topics were addressed: Urban Growth & Land Use, Government Services & Facilities, Housing, Transportation, Economic Development & Employment, and Environment & Resource Protection. Committees met separately over several months and submitted reports that were edited only for style and format. Though each committee had a different assignment, there were dramatic similarities in the beliefs and values that drove their recommendations. Public forums were held to Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page F - 4 Appendix F ° Coun wide Planing Policy present the citizen reports. In recognition of this citizen -based effort, the Board of Yakima County Commissioners and city councils of the six upper valley communities approved the Upper Valley Vision Yakima 2010 report as a foundation for more detailed comprehensive plans and implementation programs. Much of the visioning effort bears direct relationship to the policy areas covered in this County -wide Planning Policy. Accordingly, each policy section is headed by selected quotations from the visioning reports that relate to the particular policy area. In addition, a summary of applicable statewide planning goals and a discussion of the general philosophy underlying the development of each Countywide planning policy is provided. A County -wide Planning Policy Committee of elected officials and staff from Yakima County, each of the cities and towns and the Yakama Nation was formed to oversee development of the planning policies. An initial draft was reviewed by the Committee in the fall of 1992. A second draft with Committee changes was circ! l!atArl to agencies and organizations charged with implementing the rnmmunity vicion A third) draft rn Y.iewed by - --°°°- - .i - - --' •••• was ... :�. v. city council and planning commission members. Additional changes were made, resulting in a public hearing draft. Hearings were held and further minor changes were recommended by the County- wide Planning Policy Committee. After approval by a majority of cities and towns, the Board of Yakima County Commissioners adopted the County -wide Planning Policy as required by the GMA. The 2002-03 Update to the Countv-wide Planning Policy The 1993 County -wide Planning Policy was updated during 2002-03. The entire policy document was reviewed. This review responded to State mandates that jurisdictions update their comprehensive plans every five years. That review cycle was later amended by the State to every seven years. The Vision For a Better Tomorrow, an upper Valley visioning effort, building from the previous vision effort, also provided a contest for CWPP review. Following review and discussion, amendments were made to Section A to address urban growth area issues and Section C, to accommodate the siting of secure community transition facilities. In addition, language throughout the document was updated to change Yakima Indian Nation to Yakama Nation. The County -wide Planning Policy represents a composite framework, not a series of individual stand-alone concepts. Ideas represented here are intended to balance each other to create an overall direction for development of individual comprehensive plans. These policies establish the foundation for determining consistency of individual plans with each other and with the tenets of the Growth Management Act and will, like the planning documents they are intended to guide, evolve over time. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page F - 5 Guiding Principles - Coordination and Cooperation Appendix F Countywide Planning Policy The GMA is founded on the principle that it is in the best interest of the citizens of the State to foster coordination and cooperation among units of local and State governments. Cities and counties must engage in a collaborative planning process under the requirements of the Act. Specifically, the Act states that "The Legislature finds that uncoordinated and unplanned growth .., pose a threat to the environment, sustainable economic development, and the health, safety, and high quality of life enjoyed by residents of the State. It is in the public interest that citizens, communities, local governments, and the private sector cooperate and coordinate with one another in comprehensive land use planning". The Legislature established "growth planning hearing boards" to which the State, a county, a city or a person with standing may request a review of whether a city or county has failed to timely adopt a county -wide planning policy, comprehensive plan, or development regulation or whether the county -wide planning policy, comprehensive plan, or development regulation is in compliance with the Act. Therefore, State government involvement in the local planning process will result if cities and the county do not achieve consensus. In order to avoid State involvement in the development of local land use plans, the following principle is declared: A. Local governments within Yakima County do hereby agree to strive toward the principle that all local planning differences should be discussed and settled locally. Appeals or requests for review shall be referred to the Eastern Washington Growth Planning Hearings Board only when the local resolution process has been exhausted. The planning process should flow smoothly and logically beginning with the manner in which data is collected to the way in which land use plans and development regulations are crafted. The County and cities are utilizing a planning technical committee to develop consistent methods of data collection, land use plan formatting, and development regulations. Common format and consistent definitions will reduce complexity and better enable communication and understanding between citizens and elected and appointed officials. To this end, the following principle is declared: B. In order to enhance coordinated planning, Yakima County and the cities agree to develop a common system for data collection and analysis and consistent terms for comprehensive land use categories. [Note: It is recognized that the planning process required by the GMA is presently underway in all Yakima County jurisdictions and that full implementation of this policy may not occur until after initial comprehensive plans are adopted.] It should be recognized that the countywide planning policy is a new process in Yakima County. At no other time has a similar document been prepared, adopted and implemented. Without a history to evaluate the impact and utility of this document, the policy should be dynamic and periodically monitored for applicability and effectiveness. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page F - 6 Appendix F Countywide Planning Policy The Growth Planning Roles and Responsibilities of Yakima County, the Cities and the Yakima Valley Conference of Governments Yakima County, the cities and the Yakima Valley Conference of Governments are all involved in planning activities related to their statutory authority and responsibility. The following further clarifies the role and land use planning authority of each type of governmental unit. Yakima County is the regional government within the county boundaries providing varini IC cervices within unincorporated and incorporated areas. Yakima County •will• • -•• •--•�- --• • •.+.+.+ within ��� � M� � ivvi Nva uwW and incorporated a�c7u Yakima 1 IQ vVUI IlV VVIII. • Be responsible for the development, adoption and implementation of comprehensive plans and development regulations and the processing of land use permits within the unincorporated portions of the County. • Develop and maintain informational databases to support the regional geographic information system. • Perform responsibilities as identified in the most recent GMA regional strategy. • Enter into separate urban growth management agreements with each city to address joint identified countywide planning policy arid other matters _� be _f issues identified ill the planning pVlll,�/ agreed to of mutual interest. • Define and implement procedures that assure opportunities for early and continuous public involvement throughout short and long range planning projects. Coordinate with other agencies as appropriate in multi -jurisdictional planning activities. Cities within Yakima County provide a variety of services primarily to residents within their respective municipal boundaries. Cities will: • Provide urban governmental services as identified in the GMA (Chapter 36.70A RCVV) and adopted urban growth management agreements. • Be responsible for the development, adoption and implementation of comprehensive plans and development regulations and the processing of land use permits within the incorporated city and within unincorporated portions of urban growth areas as may be agreed upon through interlocal agreements. • Within their capabilities, develop and maintain informational databases to support the regional geographic information system. • Perform identified in the most recent GMA regional strategy. • Enter into separate interlocal iocai agr eemenits with Yakima County to address joint issues identified in the countywide planning policy and other matters agreed to be of mutual interest. • Define and implement procedures that assure opportunities for early and continuous public involvement throughout short and long range planning projects. • Coordinate with other agencies as appropriate in multi -jurisdictional planning activities. The Yakima Valley Conference of Governments was established by interlocal agreement to assure coordination, consensus, consistency and compliance over issues of common concern to its membership. The Yakima Valley Conference of Governments will: • Serve as the Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO) for the region. • Perform responsibilities as identified in the most recent GMA regional strategy. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page F - 7 Appendix F Countywide Planning Policy • Develop and maintain informational databases to support the regional geographic information system. • Define and implement procedures that assure opportunities for early and continuous public involvement through short and long range planning projects. • Coordinate with other agencies as appropriate in multi -jurisdictional planning activities. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page F - 8 Appendix F Countywide Plaruzing Policy YAKIMA COUNT IDE PLANNING POLICY A. URBAN GROWTH AREAS "We need to jejncourage the increased centralization and density of growth to mitigate the effects of unplanned, undefined growth in the regional areal" (U.V. Vision, p.37). /'feCirona*erl urban growth area 11 It A 1 /41,11 clearly define u/here nrhan level (4JI{�. ■■(4L(1(4 MI14(411 yI V►►{I■ GI (1(4J 1 V Vr1 V� (11(4(411y (4(41111(1 111.1 ere (1114(41• level development ought to occur as distinguished from rural level development or no development at all." (L.V. Vision, p. 7). A.1. STATEWIDE URBAN GROWTH AREA GOAL The basic premise for designating urban growth areas is to encourage the location of urban density residential, commercial and industrial developments in areas where services can be most economically provided. 1 he benefits of directing growth to ries!gnatPri urban areas H * Higher density residential development within walking distance of jobs, transit, schools, and parks. • Limiting urban expansion into rural, agricultural and forested areas. • Promotion of in -fill or redevelopment of existing urban areas. r esei vauuiii 0: uiicii space, it1111.41 areas and 'ands designated for resource protection. * Accommodation of employment growth in a concentrated pattern. � More � and of streets, and �:� � More economical provision maintenance sewers water lines and other public facilities. * Promotion of attractive residential neighborhoods and commercial districts which provide a sense of community. The GMA states that "Urban growth should be located first in areas already characterized by urban growth that have existing public facility and service capacity to serve such development, and second in areas already characterized by urban growth that will be served by a combination of both evietinr, public facilities and services and ane, arlrlifinnal neor►erf 14y u v54u114u154115411 541 1454111 54.. I5411I I�.� 1..5414..54 IIa541II115454 uII.w 5454/1/545454 ....IM wIy ............l....... I. public facilities and services, that are provi1led .1y either public or private sources 11Nir1her, if is appropriate that urban government services be provided by cities, and urban government services should not be provided in rural areas." [ROW 36.70A.110(3)1 A.2. COUNTYWIDE URBAN GROWTH AREA POLICY DEVELOPMENT Designating urban growth areas alone will not assure that development follows a desired growth pattern. The potential remains for leapfrogging and scattered development patterns within a designated UGA unless policies are developed to guide decisions regarding the location and timing of development. The policies in this section are concerned with encouraging growth in UGAs and discouraging urban growth outside of these areas. Also, development within UGAs should Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Pian Page F - 9 Appendix F Countywide Planning Policy occur in a logical fashion outward from the edge of developed land in conjunction with service and infrastructure provision. A.3. URBAN GROWTH AREA POLICY STATEMENTS The following countywide policies are related to the process and criteria for establishing and amending urban growth areas in Yakima County: A3.1. Areas designated for urban growth should be determined by preferred development patterns and the capacity and willingness of the community to provide urban governmental services. A.3.2. All cities and towns will be within a designated urban growth area. Urban growth areas may include areas not contained within an incorporated city. [RCW 36.70A.110] A.3.3. All urban growth areas will be reflected in County and respective city comprehensive plans. A.3.4. Urban growth will occur within urban growth areas only and not be permitted outside of an adopted urban growth area except for new fully contained communities. [RCW 36.70A.350] A.3.5. The baseline for twenty-year Countywide population forecasts shall be the official decennial Growth Management Act Population Projections from the State of Washington's Office of Financial Management plus unrecorded annexations. The process for allocating forecasted population will be cooperatively reviewed. A.3.6. Sufficient area must be included in the urban growth areas to accommodate a minimum 20 -year population forecast and to allow for market choice and location preferences. [RCW 36.70A.110 (2)] A.3.7. When determining land requirements for urban growth areas, allowance will be made for greenbelt and open space areas and for protection of wildlife habitat and other environmentally sensitive areas. [RCW 36.70A.110(2)] A.3.8. The County and cities will cooperatively determine the amount of undeveloped buildable urban land needed. The inventory of the undeveloped buildable urban land supply shall be maintained in a Regional GIS database. A.3.9. The County and cities will establish a common method to monitor urban development to evaluate the rate of growth and maintain an inventory of the amount of buildable land remaining. A.3.10.The local jurisdiction may initiate an amendment to an existing urban growth area through the normal comprehensive plan amendment process, however in no case will amendments be processed more than once a year. [RCW 36.70A.130 (2)] Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page F - 10 Aippelnaix Countywide Planning Policy A.3.11. Prior to amending an urban growth area the County and respective local jurisdiction will determine the capital improvement requirements of the amendment to ascertain that urban governmental services will be available within the forecast period. A.3.12.Annexations will not occur outside established urban growth areas. [RCW 35.13.005]. Annexations will occur within urban growth areas according to the provisions of adopted interlocal agreements, if any. B. CONTIGUOUS AND ORDERLY DEVELOPMENT AND THE PRfVIUlflN (IF gFRVInFS IN I IRRAN nRnWTH ARFAg "As a means of achieving well planned, orderly growth and development, we believe that future growth in the Lower Valley should be managed by limiting and encouraging urban and industrial development to designated urban and rural settlement areas while promoting the continued development of agriculture, agricultural processing and related service industries. Designated urban growth areas (UGAs) will clearly define where urban level development ought to occur as distinguished from rural level development or no development at all." (1 \% V 1014-11 1, H. I J. "As the economic base of the region expands and diversifies the orderly flow of materials and labor must be accommodated. Additional access to developable properties will be needed to make such properties competitive. Certain streets and roads will require upgrading in order to handle the anticipated increase in truck, automobile, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic. Enhanced public transit availability will be required to effect the movement of the workforce and consumers in an efficient and orderly manner." N.V. Vision, p. 39). B.1. STATEWIDE GOAL(S) RELATING TO CONTIGUOUS AND ORDERLY DEVELOPMENT AND THE PROVISION OF SERVICES IN UGA'S A basic goal of the GMA is to reduce sprawling, low-density development, and to avoid the inappropriate conversion of undeveloped land. While only a percentage of the land is available for urban development at any one time, it is important that land supply and densities within an UGA be sufficient to ensure a climate appropriate to a competitive development market. To help ensure this the GMA requires that "... those public facilities and services to support development shall L _I. _....1_ to serve the development _1_._.___._1 at the L'.___ necessary development be adequate development time ,. development r and 1, 1 1 / the development is available for occupancy use without decreasing current service levels below locally established minimum standards. [RCW 36.70A.020(12)] B.2. COUNTYWIDE POLICY DEVELOPMENT RELATING TO CONTIGUOUS AND ORDERLY DEVELOPMENT AND THE PROVISION OF SERVICES WITHIN UGA'S Upon designation of urban growth areas the County and cities will need to develop consistent implementation measures to ensure that development occurs in an orderly and contiguous manner. The intent of the following policies is to minimize differences in urban development regulations and standards between the County and the cities and to facilitate the economical provision of urban services to development. B.3. POLICIES TO PROMOTE CONTIGUOUS AND ORDERLY DEVELOPMENT AND PROVIDING URBAN SERVICES TO SUCH DEVELOPMENT Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Pian Page F - 11 Appendix F Countywide Planning Policy The following policies relate to phasing growth and development with service and infrastructure provision: B.3.1. Urban growth should be located first in areas already characterized by urban growth that have existing public facilities and service capacities to serve such development, and second in areas already characterized by urban growth that will be served by a combination of both existing public facilities and services and any additional needed public facilities and services that are provided by either public or private sources. Further, it is appropriate that urban government services be provided by cities, and urban government services should not be provided in rural areas. [RCW 36.70A.110 (3)] B.3.2. Urban growth management interlocal agreements will identify services to be provided in an urban growth area, the responsible service purveyors and the terms under which the services are to be provided. B.3.3. Infill development, higher density zoning and small lot sizes should be encouraged where services have already been provided and sufficient capacity exists and in areas planned for urban services within the next 20 years. B.3.4. The capital facilities, utilities and transportation elements of each local government's comprehensive plan will specify the general location and phasing of major infrastructure improvements and anticipated revenue sources. [RCW 36.70A.070(3)(c)(d)]. These plan elements will be developed in consultation with special purpose districts and other utility providers. B.3.5. New urban development should utilize available/planned urban services. [RCW 36.70A.110(3)] B.3.6. Formation of new water or sewer districts should be discouraged within designated urban growth areas. C. SITING PUBLIC FACILITIES OF A COUNTY -WIDE OR STATEWIDE NATURE "New technologies will advance the areas of energy production and solid waste reduction. For example, in the year 2010 there will be integrated recycling, solid waste and solar facilities in areas of the Valley not in conflict with agricultural, residential or commercial uses." (L.V. Vision, p.39). C.1. STATEWIDE GOALS RELATING TO THE SITING OF PUBLIC FACILITIES OF A REGIONAL OR STATEWIDE NATURE The GMA requires local governments to inventory existing capital public facilities to identify location and to determine capacities to meet future demand for growth without decreasing levels of service and to include within their comprehensive plans a process for identifying and siting essential public facilities. The Washington State Office of Financial Management is Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page F - 12 Appendix F fount ,. ide Dl nnin� DOl:Ca. a..va$secgyrrcamr. a accsasccac5 s aocca„v responsible for identifying and maintaining a list of essential State public facilities that are required or likely to be built within the next six years as required by the GMA. Counties and cities are also required to coordinate the siting of countywide and statewide capital facilities to mitigate potentia! adverse impacts from the location and development of these facilities. C.2. COUNTY -WIDE POLICIES RELATING TO THE SITING OF FACILITIES OF A COUNTY -WIDE OR STATE-WIDE NATURE The siting of essential public capital facilities such as landfills and jails is a difficult task at best. Although these facilities are necessary for the common good, they are seldom welcome into a community or neighborhood. Recognizing that public facilities of a statewide or countywide nature are essential part society, policies their siting and ... ..........� ....,.... ....�...� ... ....... an essential part of our pvu�,ic� fortheir al� ly al lu construction are necessary to ensure a reasonable approval process. Each jurisdiction will utilize an appropriate public process for siting essential public facilities, as outlined in their respective comprehensive plans, policies or regulations. PO ICES FOR SITING PUBLIC CAPITA! FAC11 ITIES COUNTYWIDE OR sae,.-tee®om a a�aa av:::zaas a amamax-:aa "PITA! tea:® r'aVii®i ITIES OF A COUNTYWIDE Val@>G iJi a STATEWIDE NATURE The following policies relate to the identification of needed facilities. 0.3.1. The County and the cities will inventory existing capital facilities and identify needed facility expansion and construction. [RCW 36.70A.070(3)(a)(b)] C.3.2. From local inventory, analysis and collaboration with State agencies and utility providers, a list of Countywide and Statewide public capital facilities needed to serve the Yakima County region will be developed. These include, but are not limited to, solid and hazardous waste handling facilities and disposal sites. major utility generation and transmission facilities; regional education institutions; airports; correctional facilities, in-patient facilities including hospitals and those for substance abuse, mental health, group homes and secure community transition facilities; and regional park and recreation facilities. The following policies relate to establishing a process and review criteria for the siting of facilities that are of a countywide or statewide nature: r n V.J.J. ens-_ a ..��:- r_°�- of - Nhe I public faculty a countywide or statewide nature is proposed in the Yakima County region a Facility Analysis and Site Evaluation Advisory Committee including citizen members will be formed to evaluate the proposed public facility siting At a minimum this evaluation shall consider: a. The potential impacts (positive or negative) of the proposed project on the economy, the environment and community character; b. The development of specific siting criteria for the proposed project; c. The identification, analysis and ranking of potential project sites; d. Measures to first minimize and second mitigate potential physical impacts including, but not limited to, those relating to land use, transportation, utilities, noise, odor and public safety; e. Measures to first minimize and second mitigate potential fiscal impacts. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page F - 13 Appendix F Countywide Planning Policy C.3.4. Major public capital facilities that generate substantial travel demand should be located along or near major transportation corridors and public transportation routes. C.3.5. Some public facilities may be more appropriately located outside of urban growth areas due to exceptional bulk or potentially dangerous or objectionable characteristics. Public facilities located beyond urban growth areas should be self- contained or be served by urban governmental services in a manner that will not promote sprawl. Utility and service considerations must be incorporated into site planning and development. C.3.6. The multiple use of corridors for major utilities, trails and transportation right-of-way is encouraged. D. COUNTY -WIDE TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES & STRATEGIES "A key factor in the Lower Valley's future growth and development will be an upgraded transportation system to accommodate the safe, efficient movement of people and goods." (L.V. Vision, p. 25). "We envision a comprehensive, multi -modal transportation system that is well planned, safe, efficient, cost effective and capable of supporting increased levels of traffic overtime." (Ibid). "As the economic base of the region expands and diversifies the orderly flow of materials and labor must be accommodated. Additional access to developable properties will be needed to make such properties competitive. Certain streets and roads will require upgrading in order to handle the anticipated increase in truck, automobile, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic. Enhanced Public Transit availability will be required to effect the movement of the workforce and consumers in an efficient and orderly manner." (U.V. Vision, p. 39). D.1. STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION GOALS The goal of the GMA is to encourage efficient multi -modal transportation systems that are based on regional priorities and coordinated with county and city comprehensive plans. To accomplish this goal the GMA establishes Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO's) and directs that they develop a regional transportation plan. The RTPO is empowered to certify that local government transportation elements are consistent with the regional transportation plan. Local government transportation elements must be consistent with and support the land use element of the plan. The transportation element must include an analysis and determination of the level of service standards for all arterials and transit routes to judge the performance of the system. A multi-year financing plan is required and if funds fall short of meeting identified needs, a local government must either find a source of funds or reassess its land use assumptions to ensure that an adequate level of service will be met. Once the transportation element and the comprehensive plan is adopted, local government must adopt ordinances which prohibit development approval if the development would cause the level of service on the transportation facility to decline below the adopted level of service. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page F -14 Appendix F Countywide Planning 9olley Such development may be approved, however, if transportation improvements or strategies to accommodate the impacts are made "concurrent" with the development. Concurrent means the system improvements or strategies are in place at the time of development, or a financial commitment is made to complete the improvement or strategies within six years. D.2. COUNTYWIDE TRANSPORTATION POLICY DEVELOPMENT The Yakima Valley Conference of Governments serves as the lead agency for the RTPO for the Yakima County area and is responsible for development of a regional transportation plan. Cities and the County will each develop a transportation element to their comprehensive plans that emphasizes local transportation needs. In developing these transportation e..ie...me.,nt.0.., specific linkages will be... GlnGertaken in nrr+ke% l, -.r..•1 rGgjl .-,I %JI 6AGI 1111.G GILr1.116 11.1 o1IQI plans. 0.3. TRANSPORTATION POLICY STATEMENTS Tht following novli'i=vvc revlawtev to the r...evvevlovpment of an interrr7}ori rr,lm+rnncnnr+.9+irr II LA11 1116V.6J. 1 G66..G 1116411.1-1116J6AG1 LI G1 IJIJ JI LQLI%J11 CVCtem %A,i}hin Volrim-, ('r.11nfiJ• vy masa..::. :v:6: 1111 1 G16111 MA ILy• D.3.1. The transportation pian element for each jurisdiction will be consistent with and support the land use element of its comprehensive plan. [RCW 36.70A.070(6)] D.3.2. Each transportation plan element will include the following sub -elements: a. Land use assumptions used in estimating travel; h. A statement of facilities and servicen8edg including: i. An inventory of air, land and water transportation facilities and services to define existing capital facilities and travel levels as a basis for future planning; ii. Level of service standards for arterials, collectors and transit routes, which will be regionally coordinated; iii. Specific actions and requirements for bringing into compliance any facilities or services that are below an established level of service standard; iv Forecasts of traffic for at least ten years based on the adopted land use plans to provide information on the location, timing and capacity needs of future growth; and v. Identification of system expansion needs and transportation system management needs to meet current and future demands. [RCW 36.70A. 070(6) (a) (b) ] D.3.3. Comprehensive plans for each jurisdiction will contain a multi-year financing pian which includes an analysis of the jurisdiction's ability to fund existing or future transportation improvements and identifies existing and new revenue sources, which may include impact fees. If identified funding falls short, the jurisdiction will reassess land use assumptions to assure that level of service standards will be met. [RCW 36.70A(6)(c)] D.3.4. Transportation improvements or strategies to accommodate the impacts resulting from new development will be implemented concurrent with new development. "Concurrent with new development" means that improvements or strategies are in Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive pian Page F - 15 Appendix F Countywide Planning Policy place at the time of development, or that a financial commitment is in place to complete the improvements or strategies within six years. [RCW 36.70A.070(6)(e)] D.3.5. Local jurisdictions will coordinate transportation planning efforts through the Yakima Valley Conference of Governments, which is designated as the Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO). This regional coordination will assure that an assessment of the impacts of each transportation plan and land use assumptions on the transportation systems of adjacent jurisdictions is conducted and conflicts prevented. E. AFFORDABLE HOUSING "We value communities that offer affordable housing choices to their residents; where there exists a partnership between the public and private sectors, and results in a diverse choice of housing affordable to all income ranges from the very low to the upper income; a community that offers affordable housing to special needs people, e.g., persons with mobility limitations, elderly, and developmentally disabled. We [envision a future in which] communities have addressed the need for housing of [their] permanent and transient agricultural labor force." (U.V. Visioning Report, p. 59). "Shelter is one of man's most basic needs. The comfort and security of one's shelter contribute to a sense of personal well being and the well being of the community as a whole. To a large degree, the vitality of a community is reflected in its housing stock." (L.V. Visioning Report, p. 19). E.1. STATEWIDE HOUSING GOAL A goal of the GMA is to encourage the availability of affordable housing to all economic sectors, promote a variety of residential densities and housing types, and encourage preservation of existing housing stock. The GMA requires the comprehensive plans of local governments to include a housing element which, among other things, inventories and analyzes housing needs, identifies sufficient land for all types of housing stock and provides for the needs of all economic segments of the community. E2. COUNTYWIDE HOUSING POLICY DEVELOPMENT "Affordable housing" is a term which applies to the adequacy of the housing stock to fulfill the housing needs of all economic segments of the population. The underlying assumption is that the marketplace will guarantee adequate housing for those in the upper economic brackets, but that some combination of appropriately zoned land, regulatory incentives, financial subsidies, and innovative planning techniques will be necessary to make adequate provisions for the needs of middle and lower income persons. Local residents have discussed housing problems through the countywide visioning effort. The results of this effort have been used as the basis for the following policy statement. The purpose of this policy directive is to provide a common ground and some universally acceptable parameters to help guide decision -makers through the complex topic of affordable housing. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page F - 16 Appendix F Countywide Planning Policy t.4. A1-1-UKIJAI:SLt HOUSINLi FULIC:Y SIATEIV1NTS The following policies relate to the provision of affordable housing: E.3.1. The County and the cities will inventory the existing housing stock and correlate with the current population and economic condition, past trends, and twenty-year population and employment forecasts to determine short and long range affordable housing needs. [RCW 36.70A.070(2)] E.3.2. Local housing inventories will be undertaken using common procedures so as to accurately portray countywide conditions and needs. E.3.3 Each jurisdiction will identify specific policies and measurable implementation strategies to provide a mix of housing types and costs to achieve identified affordable housing goals. Affordable housing strategies should: A. Fncni prPsPrvntinn, redvQ1npment ryf existing neighhorho,odsa.s appropriate; b. Provide for a range of housing types such as multi -family and manufactured housing on individual lots and in manufactured housing parks; c. Promote housing design and siting compatible with surrounding neighborhoods; d. Facilitate the development of affordable housing (particularly for low-income families and persons) in a dispersed pattern so as not to concentrate or geographically isolate these housing types; and P. Consider public and private transportation requirements for new and redeveloped housing. E.3.4. Housing policies and programs will address the provision nf diverse housing opportunities to accommodate the elderly, physically challenged, mentally impaired, migrant and settled -out agricultural workers, and other segments of the population that have special needs. E.3.5. Local governments, representatives of private sector interests and neighborhood groups will work cooperatively to identify and evaluate potential sites for affordable housing development and redevelopment. E.3.6. Public and private agencies with housing expertise should implement early and continuous cooperative education programs to provide general information on affordable housing issues and opportunities to the public including information intended to counteract discriminatory attitudes and behavior. E.3.7. Mechanisms to help people purchase their own housing will be encouraged. Such mechanisms may include low interest loan programs and "self-help" housing. E.3.8. Local comprehensive plan policies and development regulations will encourage and not exclude affordable housing. [RCW 36.70A.070(2)(c)(d)] E.3.9. Innovative strategies that provide incentives for the development of affordable housing should be explored. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page F 17 Appendix F Countywide Planning Policy E.3.10. The County and the cities will locally monitor the performance of their respective housing plans and make adjustments and revisions as needed to achieve the goal of affordable housing, particularly for middle and lower income persons. F. JOINT PLANNING WITHIN UGA'S "Cluster communities comprising the regional area should look to combine and assist in service areas such as criminal justice, fire protection, public transit, water/sewer, administration, and other services where such combinations implement efficient, cost effective delivery of services. Cooperation among and between the separate governmental entities of each cluster will be encouraged, and the citizens should hold elected and appointed officials accountable for carrying out such a vision." (U.V. Vision, p. 49). "Individual communities will continue to provide the public services now available to citizens but a new spirit of coordination and cooperation among all levels of government, including federal, state, county, municipal, and tribal governments, will result in a more equitable, better balanced delivery of services. Residents of the Lower Valley will benefit from this improved level of coordination by less duplication of services, streamlined delivery, and cost efficiencies."(L.V. Vision, p. 13). F.1. STATEWIDE JOINT PLANNING GOALS Consistent with a goal of the GMA to ensure coordination between communities and jurisdictions to reconcile conflicts, the countywide planning policy must address coordination of planning efforts within urban growth areas. It is recognized that in many instances, land use activities may be affected by the plans and regulations of several jurisdictions including Yakima County, a city and special purpose districts. Coordinated planning is not only a requirement of local government; it will facilitate implementation of plans, lead to more efficient delivery of urban governmental services and will promote a sense of community through common, agreed upon development standards. F.2. COUNTYWIDE JOINT PLANNING POLICY DEVELOPMENT The UGA is not only a line which distinguishes urban level growth from rural growth, it also carries implications about coordination of planning within the UGA. Because the UGA defines where the city is financially capable of providing urban services and may ultimately annex, land use decisions need to respect the desires of the community. Agreement on land use planning within the UGA is as important as designating the boundary itself. F.3. JOINT PLANNING POLICY STATEMENTS The following policies relate to coordinated planning for land use, capital facilities and infrastructure within urban growth areas: F.3.1. The County and cities will work with special purpose districts and other agencies to establish a process for mutual consultation on proposed comprehensive land use plan policies for lands within urban growth areas. Actions of special purpose districts and other public service providers shall be consistent with comprehensive plans of the County and the cities. [RCW 56.08.020, RCW 57.16.010] Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page F - 18 Appendix F (.ni viwde Planning Policy F.3.2. The use of interlocal agreements is encouraged as a means to formalize cooperative efforts to plan for and provide urban governmental services. F.3.3. Joint financing ventures should be identified to provide services and facilities that will serve the population within the urban growth area. The following policy relates to the process for comprehensive plan amendments, zone changes and development review and approval within urban growth areas: r o A r -J-4 While is recognized that nothing in the county -wide planning policy w ll construed - ------ it -- ---.7' •- _. .-..�... tip ......,. ...� ........ planning policy yr u� be construed ucu as altering the land use planning authority of the County or the cities, adopted interlocal agreements shall specify the process by which affected local governments may review and comment on comprehensi�ie plan amendments, zone changes d � •.p.. plan a zone alio development applications prnwu Assarl by another jurisdiction wthin urhan growth araac. The following policy relates to the establishment of common and consistent development and construction standards: F.3.5. Each interlocal agreement will require that common and consistent development and construction standards be applied throughout that urban growth area. These may include, but are not limited to standards for streets and roads ;Itilities a and other infrastructure components. �MTN/ limn= ar. .re®e®ee e imr•elskiettoir. rtioffira®-r =try Iv? Iv? 1r 6 u 1 amu. a "Indeed, we support future growth in the Lower Valley that is well planned and supportable by infrastructure and which minimizes conflicting or incompatible uses in proximity to one another." (L.V. Vision, p. 7). "With economic diversification and expansion, we will see the development of desirable jobs and full employment. We envision an economic and educational climate that enables our citizens to find gainful employment within the Valley". (Ibid). "The next 20 years will see a broadening of the Upper Yakima Valley's economy. High-tech industries and new businesses will complement and enhance the agricultural base." (U.V. Vision, p. 92). "Adequate developable property will be made available through land use planning and appropriate zoning implementation. A diverse mixture of industrial, commercial, residential, recreational and agricultural land uses will be planned for to concentrate development within set community boundaries to encourage community revitalization and increased land use density where it is specifically planned." (U.V. Vision, p. 43). Yakima urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page F - 19 Appendix F Countywide Planning Policy G.1. STATEWIDE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GOALS The goals of the GMA encourage economic development throughout the State that is consistent with adopted comprehensive plans; promote economic opportunity for all citizens of the State, especially for unemployed and disadvantaged persons; and encourage growth in areas experiencing insufficient economic growth, all within the capacities of the State's natural resources, public services and public facilities. G.2. COUNTYWIDE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICY DEVELOPMENT Countywide economic development policies should promote a regional economic development program consistent with local community preferences. The rural and urban economies within the county are inextricably connected, and economic development opportunities should strengthen linkages between population centers and outlying areas. A Countywide economic development plan will be built in partnership with local jurisdictions to ensure that economic development goals and objectives are community based. G.3. COUNTYWIDE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICY STATEMENTS The following policies relate to a general strategy to help ensure future economic vitality, broaden employment opportunities to meet the needs of projected future growth while maintaining a high-quality environment: G.3.1. Encourage economic growth within the capacities of the region's natural resources, public services and public facilities. a. Identify current and potential physical and fiscal capacities for municipal and private water systems, wastewater treatment plants, roadways and other infrastructure systems. b. Identify economic opportunities that strengthen and diversify the county's economy while maintaining the integrity of our natural environment. G.3.2. Local economic development plans should be consistent with the comprehensive land use and capital facilities plans, and should: a. Evaluate existing and potential industrial and commercial land sites to determine short and long term potential for accommodating new and existing businesses; b. Identify and target prime sites, determine costs and benefits of specific land development options and develop specific capital improvement strategies for the desired option; c. Implement zoning and land use policies based upon infrastructure and financial capacities of each jurisdiction; d. Identify changes in urban growth areas as necessary to accommodate the land and infrastructure needs of business and industry; e. Support housing strategies and choices required for economic development. G.3.3. Coordination of efforts between the many diverse economic development organizations and other related agencies within Yakima County should be encouraged by: a. Identifying linkages between economic development issues and strategies and other growth planning elements (i.e. housing, transportation, utilities and land use); Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page F - 20 Aappenurx r Countywide Planning Palley 1_ Defining b. Defining roles and responsibilities for carrying out economic development goals, objectives and strategies. H. FISCAL IMPACT ANALYSIS "Cluster communities comprising the regional area should look to combine and assist in service areas such as criminal justice, fire protection, public transit, water) -sewer, administration, and other services where such combinations implement efficient, cost effective delivery of services" (U.V. Vision, p. 49). "Cooperation among and between separate service/government entities of each cluster should be encouraged,..." (Ibid). H.1. STATEWIDE FISCAL IMPACT ANALYSIS GOALS The GMA GMA requires that iocai governments, as part of the countywide planning policies, address the issue of fiscal impact analysis. The iegisiature did not define or give specific guidance on matters considered in analyzing fiscal I imp is + GMA devotes g �••r• to be considered 1 111 11 �z�l Ig ilsyal II I IF.JaI,�J. Since the �IVI/`1 de�UIN..J much of its text to the provision i of cost e11el t ve urban ri it lirast uctur f-7 he Ability to pay for needed capital facilities and the development of affordable housing, it is presumed that these areas should be the focus of the fiscal impact analysis. H.2. COUNTYWIDE POLICY DEVELOPMENT Local pian development should provide for cooperation between the public and private sectors to insure coordination of capital improvements with emphasis on the efficient provision of service at adopted levels concurrent with the demand for such service. Local government should consider the use of innovative financing strategies for capital improvements which minimize the financial cost to taxpayers and provide for the equitable assignment of costs between existing and new development. Annexation is another area which may impact the fiscal resources of Local government. Cost and revenue sharing are techniques that should be examined to help alleviate the fiscal impacts associated with annexation. H.3. FISCAL IMPACT POLICY STATEMENTS The following policies are related to the provision of cost-effective urban infrastructure: H.3.1. Each local government will prepare a capital facilities plan consisting of: a. An inventory of existing capital facilities owned by public entities, showing the locations and capacities of the capital facilities; b. A forecast of the future needs for such capital facilities; c. The proposed locations, capacities and costs of expanded or new capital facilities; d. At least a six-year plan that will finance such capital facilities within projected funding capacities and clearly identifies sources of public money for such purposes; and e. A requirement to reassess the land use element if probable funding falls short of meeting existing needs and to ensure that the land use element, the capital Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page F - 21 Appendix F Countywide Planning Policy facilities plan element and financing plan within the capital facilities plan element are coordinated and consistent. H.3.2. As part of the planning process, the County and the cities should coordinate capital facilities providers and other interested parties to ensure that considerationwith given to all capital service requirements and the means of financing capital improvements. H.3.3. The County and the cities should consider an impact fee process, asrovided for in RCW 82.02.050-090, to insure that new development pays its fair share of the cost of p improvements necessitated by growth and contributes to the overall financing of capital improvements. H.3.4. To minimize the potential economic impacts of annexation activities on the C and cities, consideration will be given to, negotiating agreements for a °unty allocation of financial burdens resulting from the transition of land from counttyooncity jurisdiction. to I. POLICIES PERTAINING TO COORDINATION WITH SPECIAL PURPOSE DISTRICTS, ADJACENT COUNTIES AND STAT AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS E, TRIBAL Special purpose districts, adjacent counties, State agencies, Yakama Nation and the f government are distinct entities that have unique authorities, responsibilities, interests and/or treaty rights affecting land use and other activities. Since the impacts federal development in Yakima County will affect all governmental units, all agenciesrmurowth st be w informed and continuously involved in regional and local planning. wand The following policies relate to coordination among jurisdictions: 1.1. The County and the cities will work with special purpose districts, adjacent counts, State, tribal and federal governments to formalize coordination and involvement n activities of mutual interest. 1.2. Jurisdictions will be encouraged to coordinate plans among and between governments and agencies to make plans consistent and compatible for lands over which they have authority. 1.3. Special districts, adjacent counties, State agencies, the tribal government and federal agencies will be invited to participate in comprehensive planning and development activities that may affect them, including the establishment and revision of urban growth areas; allocation of forecasted population; regional transportation, capital facility, housing and utility plans; and policies that may affect natural resources. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page F - 22 I A Appendix F Planning Polley a.vcveezy..�=•..a. •. Each of the governmental entities will be included in the normal public notice and comment procedures of other agencies and kept informed of matters s of interest to them. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page F - 23 APPENDIX Appendix F Countywide Planning Policy PLANNING GOALS OF THE GROWTH MANAGEMENT ACT (from RCW 36.70A.040) The Washington State Legislature adopted the following goals to guide the development of comprehensive plans and development regulations of those counties and cities that are required or choose to plan under the Growth Management Act (Yakima County was one of the original counties required to plan under the Act). The following goals are not listed in order of priority: 1. Urban Growth. Encourage development in urban areas where adequate public facilities and services exist or can be provided in an efficient manner. 2. Reduce Sprawl. Reduce the inappropriate conversion of undeveloped land into sprawling, low-density development. 3. Transportation. Encourage efficient multimodal transportation systems that are based on regional priorities and coordinated with county and city comprehensive plans. 4. Housing. Encourage the availability of affordable housing to all economic segments of the population of this State, promote a variety of residential densities and housing types, and encourage preservation of existing housing stock. 5. Economic Development. Encourage economic development throughout the State that is consistent with adopted comprehensive plans, promote economic opportunity for all citizens of this State, especially for unemployed and for disadvantaged persons, and encourage growth in areas experiencing insufficient economic growth, all within the capacities of the State's natural resources, public services, and public facilities. 6. Property Rights. Private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation having been made. The property rights of landowners shall be protected from arbitrary and discriminatory actions. 7. Permits. Applications for both State and local government permits should be processed in a timely and fair manner to ensure predictability. 8. Natural Resource Industries. Maintain and enhance natural resource-based industries, including productive timber, agricultural, and fisheries industries. Encourage the conservation of productive forest lands and productive agricultural lands, and discourage incompatible uses. 9. Open Space and Recreation. Encourage the retention of open space and development of recreational opportunities, conserve fish and wildlife habitat, increase access to natural resource lands and water, and develop parks. 10. Environment. Protect the environment and enhance the State's high quality of life, Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page F - 24 sen: Appendi.c F t')w: ie IEi'ea2ni .. kPoliry including air and water quality, and the availability of water. 11. Citizen Participation and Coordination. Encourage the involvement of citizens in the planning process and ensure coordination between communities and jurisdictions to reconcile conflicts. 12. Public Facilities and Services. Ensure that those public facilities and services necessary to support development shall be adequate to serve the development at the time the development is available for occupancy and use without decreasing current service levels below locally established minimum standards. 13. Historic Preservation. Identity and encourage the preservation of lands, sites, and structures es that havt hibtol historic or aruhaeoiogicai significance. Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page F - 25 Appendix F Countywide Planning Policy GLOSSARY OF TERMS Unless otherwise noted, the following terms used in the County -wide Planning Policy are defined by the Growth Management Act (RCW 36.70.030). or Washington Administrative Code (WAC 365-195-210). Definitions are restated here for convenience of the reader. "Adequate public facilities" means facilities which have the capacity to serve development without decreasing levels of service below locally established minimums. "Affordable housing" is a term which applies to the adequacy of housing stocks to fulfill the housing needs of all economic segments of the population. Affordable housing for middle and lower income persons is targeted to those whose incomes are 120% of median income or less. "Available public facilities" means that facilities or services are in place or that a financial commitment is in place to provide the facilities or services within a specified time. "Concurrency" means that adequate public facilities are available when the impacts of development occur. This definition includes the two concepts of "adequate public facilities" and of "available public facilities" as defined above. "Financial commitment" means that thereof have been identified which will support development and that there is put to that end. sources of public or private funds or combinations be sufficient to finance public facilities necessary to reasonable assurance that such funds will be timely "Interlocal agreements" are authorized by State law and allow local governments (through written agreements) to cooperate with each other on a basis of mutual advantage to provide services and facilities in a manner that best meets the needs and development of local communities. [Paraphrase of RCW 39.34.010] "Level of Service" means an established minimum capacity of public facilities or services that must be provided per unit of demand or other appropriate measure of need. "New fully contained community" is a development proposed for location outside of the existing designated urban growth areas which is characterized by urban densities, uses and services and meets the criteria of RCW 36.70A.350. "Public facilities" include streets, roads, highways, sidewalks, street and road lighting systems, traffic signals, domestic water systems, storm and sanitary sewer systems, parks and recreational facilities, and schools. "Public services" include fire protection and suppression, law enforcement, public health education, recreation, environmental protection, and other governmental services. "Rural lands" means all lands which are not within an urban growth area and are not designated as natural resource lands having long term commercial significance for Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page F - 26 Appendix F Countywide P annin. P o icy production of agricultural products, timber, or the extraction of minerals. "Transportation level of service standards" mean a measure which describes the operational condition of the travel stream and acceptable adequacy requirements. Such standards may be expressed in terms such as speed and travel time, freedom to maneuver, traffic interruptions, comfort, convenience, g�ra eu hic accessibility and safety, p "Urban growth" refers to growth that makes intensive use of land for the location of buildings, structures, and impermeable surfaces to such a degree as to be incompatible with the primary use of such land for the production of food, other agricultural products, or fiber, or the extraction of mineral resources. When allowed to spread over wide areas, urban growth typically requires urban governmental services. ICha.act+e-ized by urban growth" refers to - - land having urban growth located on it, or to land located in relationship to an area with urban growth on it as to be appropriate for urban growth. area" areas designated by a county pursuant to RCW "Urban growth ���p means those areas - - )o.!UP'. i1i1. those governmental services historically and "Urban rscov�rnmPClt�� services"include those yvvc.11 Im - systems, domestic water typically delivered by cities, and include storm and sanitary sewer sy: ems, dog, systems, street cleaning services, fire and police protection services, public transit services, and other public utilities associated with urban areas and normally not associated with nonurban areas. "Visioning" means a process of citizen involvement to determine values and ideals for the future of a community and to transform those values and ideals into manageable and feasible community goals. . Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page F - 27 Appendix F Countywide Planning Policy COUNTY -WIDE PLANNING POLICY COMMITTEE (Representation as of January 2, 2002) Jurisdiction GRANDVIEW GRANGER HARRAH MABTON MOXEE NACHES S E LAH SUNNYSIDE TIETON TOPPENISH UNION GAP WAPATO YAKAMA NATION YAKIMA YAKIMA COUNTY ZILLAH Elected Designee Mike Bren David Leach Barbara Harrer David Conradt Greg LaBree Charles Ross Bob Jones Ed Prilucik Jenny Korens Bill Rogers Alternate(s): Jim Sewell Alice Koerner Pat Krueger Ildia Jackson Bill Hordan Dennis Davison Pete Squires Edna Brooks -Pittman Clara Jimenez Lea Driskill Bill Rathbone Dean DeMaintenon Don Stellwagen (Did not participate in 2003 Update) Mary Place Dan Valoff Ron Gamache Jim Lewis, Jesse Palacios, Dick Anderwald Gary Fox Gary Clark Others Receiving Agenda Materials: YVCOG Michael Buchanan, Don Skone Other County Doug Cochran, Lisa Freund, Ken Irwin, Ron Zirkle County Planning Anne Knapp Chamber of Commerce Gary Webster New Vision YCDA Dave McFadden Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Page F - 28