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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/17/1998 Adjourned Meeting / Study Session 91 CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON MARCH 17, 1998 ADJOURNED MEETING - STUDY SESSION The City Council met in session on this date at 7:30 a.m., at the Wastewater Maintenance Facility, 204 West Pine Street, Yakima, Washington, Mayor John Puccinelli, presiding. Council Members Clarence Barnett, Henry Beauchamp, Lynn Buchanan, John Klingele, Mary Place, and Bernard Sims (present after 7:40 a.m.) present on roll call. Assistant City. Manager Rice, City Attorney Paolella, and Deputy City Clerk Skovald were also present. 1. GMA REGULATION UPDATE: (Continued from March 3, 1998) A. YAKIMA URBAN AREA ZONING MAP AND ORDINANCE CHANGES B. TRANSPORTATION CONCURRENCY ORDINANCE C. CITY OF YAKIMA SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE D. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS E. REGULATORY REFORM /1724 F. DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS AND PLANNED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE G. STATE ENVIRONMENTAL. POLICY ACT (SEPA) RULE AMENDMENT AND LOCAL ORDINANCE REVISION Mayor Puccinelli called the meeting to order and invited questions from the Council. Council Member Barnett directed attention to a March 5, 1998 memorandum from Dick Anderwald, Director of Planning for Yakima County, concerning nonconforming uses and structures and questioned whether this is possibly an oversight or an error. He pointed out that although the 75 percent threshold has been eliminated from nonconforming structures verbiage, it still remains in nonconforming uses verbiage. Council Member Barnett suggested a letter be sent requesting clarification of the County's proposed grandfather provision for nonconforming uses and structures. There was also discussion and debate about limiting expansion for nonconforming uses and structures or leaving the provision as is. Draft Subdivision Ordinance Assistant City Manager Rice provided copies of a memorandum concerning substantive changes to the Subdivision Ordinance to reflect new statutory requirements. Council Member Barnett questioned the necessity of an amendment when a procedure already exists. Joan Davenport, Supervising Associate Planner, explained the binding site plan provision was added to allow property to be subdivided and then 92 ADJOURNED MEETING - MARCH 17, 1998 sold for commercial and industrial development. This is similar to short plats for residential property. The existing ordinance does not allow that. Referencing page 28, specifically the second line of section 14.20.120(A)(5), Council Member Barnett disagreed with the inclusion of the words "of the community ". He feels this new terminology is open to controversy and should be clarified. After additional discussion it was the consensus of the Council to remove the phrase from the draft Subdivision Ordinance. Larry Peterson, Assistant City Attorney, provided a handout concerning Regulatory Reform changes to Subdivision Law, Chapter 58.17 RCW. He indicated the language in the Yakima Municipal Code should mirror the state legislation. Council Member Barnett questioned whether the public interest is limited to constitutional issues. Mr. Peterson pointed out that the public use and interest is meant to address whether there are appropriate provisions for the public. Council Member Klingele noted that the "Transit" component was inadvertently omitted in section 14.20.120(4). Mr. Peterson indicated that it would be added. Council Member Barnett also referred to section 14.25.040, and requested Lot Design standards and requirements remain in the subdivision design requirement chapter. Directing attention to the provision concerning safe walking conditions for students walking to and from school, the question was asked why not include just "people walking." Phil Lamb, Hearing Examiner for the City and the County, explained this provision is required under state law, and section 14.20.120 should mirror RCW 58.17.110 for clarity and easy reference. Development Standards Council Member Barnett inquired as to whether the Homebuilders Association and City staff are in agreement as far as language in the Development Standards is concerned. Don Skone, Planning Manager, explained that virtually every recommendation of the industry was incorporated into the standards, particularly Chapters 12.02 and 12.03, Public utility Easements and Sewer provisions. The Water and Wastewater Divisions will provide clarification concerning looping water lines in cul -de -sacs and the City's policy for water and sewer pipe materials. Staff will also research whether there is an existing grandfather provision pertaining to private wells for newly annexed areas. Council Member Barnett also asked staff to determine what provisions will be deleted in the Yakima Municipal Code (YMC) to conform to the broad development standards currently being developed. Council Member Sims asked what is the financial impact from unfunded mandates to implement and comply with these standards. 2 93 ADJOURNED MEETING - MARCH 17, 1998 Council Member Klingele directed attention to excavation and compaction under sidewalks and driveways and suggested it be included under Chapter 12.05 Sidewalks, General Excavation. Council Member Barnett questioned the construction of sidewalks requirement in mid - block, 12.05.101, where no sidewalks currently exist., He pointed out that the sidewalks are different widths, and, if these development standards are adopted, a lot of sidewalks in town will be substandard. Council Member Barnett also noted that the Transportation Plan from October 1995 specified sidewalks would be at least six feet wide; since he had testified in favor of conforming to the existing code requirement of four feet, he questioned how the requirement was changed to five feet. There was additional discussion about the sidewalk width requirements and future costs associated with sidewalk construction. Council Member Beauchamp said he would support the idea of a wide enough sidewalk structure so children can walk two abreast on the sidewalk. Council Member Barnett pointed out that 32 Avenue is not wide enough to have five -foot sidewalks. Bev Luby Bartz referred to Lincoln /B and Fair Avenue where the sidewalks are put at the street line, and she expects all those property owners to develop their property out to the sidewalks. She feels those property owners will bring property line and parking from the sidewalk to the street. Neil McClure, Chairman of the Bicycle /Pedestrian Committee, described the standards that should be used for future planning. He indicated the right -of -way issue has been a very important part of the creation of development standards and should continue to be accepted in the planning process. Pam Aylmer, a member of the Bicycle /Pedestrian Committee, strongly encouraged a development standard be created requiring sidewalks on both sides of residential access streets. These are necessary for safe walking conditions, to increase the quality of life and marketability of the community, since sidewalks increase the value of property. There was discussion among Council members about a sidewalk development standard requiring installation on both sides of the street. The Engineering Division will explain what to do if there is not enough land for a sidewalk. Lynne Kittelson pointed out that sidewalks at the property line prevent pedestrians from getting soaked when cars go by in the rain. Jerry Sturgil, United Builders, commented about the increased costs for a lot due to increased requirements in the last 10 years. Assistant City Manager Rice recapped the topics of next week's study I/ session that will include: Regional Planning Commission recommendations, water and sewer issues with Engineering, and discussion about sidewalks. 3 94 ADJOURNED MEETING - MARCH 17, 1998 It was MOVED BY KLINGELE, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 9:15 A.M. The motion carried by unanimous voice vot-. • l ,y READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: `441.4w ii Le e CO A CIL MEMBER • DATE �� . - V COUNCl/ MEMBER DATE ATTEST: il ' CITY CLERK JOHN PUCCINELLI, MAYOR • Minutes prepared by Deputy City Clerk Skovald. An audiotape of this meeting is available in the City Clerk's Office • • • 1 • 4