The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About03-25-2026 YPC MinutesCity of Yakima Planning Commission (YPC) Meeting Minutes March 25, 2026 Call to Order Chair Place called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. Roll Call YPC Members Present: Chair Mary Place, Jeff Baker, Leanne Hughes -Mickel, Anne Knapp, Colleda Monick, Frieda Stephens, Shelley White YPC Members Absent: Vice -Chair Charles Hitchcock, Roy Condo, Philip Ostriem (all excused) Kevin Rangel (unexcused) Staff Present: Trevor Martin; Planning Manager, Eva Rivera; Planning Technician City Council Liaison: Matt Brown, Felisa Gonzalez Staff Announcements — Codes and Coffee was held this morning. The next session hasn't been scheduled yet, but Trevor will let the Commission know once a date is set. A royal of inutes from arch 1 t 2026 Commissioner Monick moved to approve the rr eeting Minutes from March 11, 2025, Commissioner Stephens seconded: the motion. The motion carried unanimously. Public Ccimroebt Jose Ulloa provided putlic comment requesting that the Commission initiate a text amndrrent to evaluate aligning Yalirrta's cannabis buffer distances with authority granted under WAC 314-55-050(3). He also distributed a handout to all Commissioners, which was added to the meeting record. The Commission discussed and asked some questions to Mr. Ulloa. Commissioner Monick moved to initiate a discussion of Yakima's cannabis buffer distances. Commissioner Stephens seconded the motion. The Commission entered discussion. The roll call vote was as follows: Commissioner White — No Commissioner Baker — Yes Commissioner Monick — Yes Commissioner Stephens — Yes Commissioner Hughes -Mickel — Yes Commissioner Knapp — Yes Chair Place — Yes Motion Passed 6-1. Tony Courcy provided public comment. e into Discuss Ad+ oats Pro islons' The Commission went over the City of Yakima Adequate provisions checklist and discussed updates. Council members Brown and Gonzalez recused themselves after Commissioner Knapp raised a question about an appeal hearing scheduled to go before the council next month. Commissioner White asked if BERK could separate infill and vacant -land figures and provide them to the Commission. .. 1 03/25/2026 YPC Minutes Trevor informed the Commission about a new bill, House Bill 2226, currently on the Governor's desk, which would allow emergency shelters in any area where hotels and residential uses are permitted. He also informed the Commission about the update to comply with the new federal ADA law going into effect next month. Other Business — Chair Place asked whether property owners were notified that their property is legally nonconforming and whether the use changes if the property is sold. Trevor responded that the City does not notify owners, and that the legally nonconforming use continues even when the property changes ownership. Commissioner White asked about the timeline for the Comprehensive Plan. Trevor explained that it is running slightly behind schedule because some needed information took longer than expected to obtain. Chair Place asked about the yellow signs posted on the properties for next week's hearing, and Trevor confirmed that the signs have now been posted. Commissioner Knapp asked about information for the upcoming hearing and Trevor replied the information will be provided before the hearing. He explained how this Comp Plan Amendment hearing would be different because of the Comprehensive Plan Update. • Staff will return with proposed study session dates. • A draft study session will be scheduled on cannabis buffer distance requirements. • BERK will provide infill data, by council district and total. • The Commission will explore green space requirements for apartments, maybe using the county as a model. • If the Governor signs the emergency shelter legislation, staff will provide a copy and schedule a discussion • A future discussion and hearings will be scheduled on city boundaries/Urban Growth Area (UGA) boundaries. • Study session on road standards will be held. Capacity analysis and setbacks will be reviewed without BERK's participation. • A new section for congregant living will be added to the code and reviewed by the Commission. Future Items • Right of way assessments for vacant buildings will be explored. • Staff will notify and update the Commission when the countywide policies are completed. • Downtown Action Plan - staff will determine if the Planning Commission will be involved. • Staff will coordinate a future roundtable with experts to discuss design standards. A motion to adjourn to April 22, 2026, was passed with a unanimous vote. The meeting adjourned at apro ely 4:52 p.m. .hair Pi .. Date This rneetin V,, V 'filmed by YPAC. The meeting video is available at the following, Minutes for this -2- submitted by: Eva Rivera, luerr�rr�iss¶0n 03/25/2026 YPC Minutes