HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-22-17 YPC MinutesCity of Yakima Planning Commission (YPC) City Hall Council Chambers
Meeting Minutes of February 22, 2017
Call to Order
Chairman Scott Clark called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
Roll Call
YPC Members Present: Chairman Scott Clark, Vice -Chair Patricia Byers, Al Rose,
Gavin Keefe, Peter Marinace
YPC Members Absent: Bill Cook (excused), Tom Trepanier (excused)
Staff Present: Jeff Peters, Senior Planner; Sara Watkins, Senior Assistant
City Attorney; Lisa Maxey, Planning Specialist
Others: Sign -in sheet in file
Staff Announcements
None noted.
Audience Participation
None noted.
Approval of Meeting Minutes of January.1L 2017
Commissioner Rose made a motion to approve the minutes of January 11,11, 2017. The
motion was seconded and carried unanimously.
Public Hearin - Sian Code Amendments,TXT#001-17 & SEP !999-17
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Senior Planner Jeff Peters provided the staff report on this issue. Senior Assistant City
Attorney Sara Watkins introduced the suggested changes to the sign code which were
suggested by James Carpentier of the International Sign Association. These comments
can be found in the text amendment file and are summarized as follows:
• The definition of "changing message center sign' was modified to exclude what
content is on these types of signs. Per Sara's suggestion, the Commission had
consensus to instead modify part of the definition to say, "Examples include but
are not limited to time and temperature displays."
• The term "Directional sign" in the definitions section was changed to "Driveway
sign." This suggestion was reflected throughout the draft where the term
"Directional sign" appeared. The Commission had consensus to leave this as
"Directional sign."
• In the definition of "flag," part of the sentence was struck out in order to exclude
language which defined the content. The Commission agreed to this change.
• YMC 15.08.030 (2) - The sentence that says, "Changes to the face or copy of a
sign, provided such a change does not change the material or appearance of the
sign as originally permitted by the City do not require review," was struck out,
and a subsection (3) was added to say, "Changes to the face or copy of a sign do
not require a permit." The Commission had consensus to add a subsection (3)
regarding waiving permitting requirements.
• YMC 15.08.045 - A comment was added suggesting that the on -premises
directional sign type be "described by size such as minor or intended to be
utilized and viewed for on-site purposes only." The Commission had consensus
to leave this section as is.
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• YMC 15.08.075 (C) - Section 2 language was struck out and replaced with, "The
difference between the off and solid -message measurements using the EMC
Measurement Criteria shall not exceed 0.3 footcandles at night, utilizing the
recommended ISA methodology to determine compliance." The Commission
agreed to have this change made.
• YMC 15.08.075 (C) - Section 3 regarding the limitation of nits for neon sign
lighting was struck out. The Commission concurred with this change.
• YMC 15.08.075 (C) - Section 4 was created to say, "All permitted EMCs shall be
equipped with a sensor or other device that automatically determines the
ambient illumination and be programmed to automatically dim according to
ambient light conditions, or that can be adjusted to comply with the 0.3
footcandle measurements." The Commission had consensus to have this
language added.
• YMC 15.08.135 (D) - This section was changed to say, "EMC Illumination Limits.
The difference between the off and solid -message measurements using the EMC
Measurement Criteria shall not exceed 0.3 footcandles at night." The
Commission agreed with this proposed change.
• YMC 15.08.135 (H) - This section was added to say, "Dimming Capabilities. All
permitted EMCs shall be equipped with a sensor or other device that
automatically determines the ambient illumination and be programmed to
automatically dim according to ambient light conditions, or that can be adjusted
to comply with the 0.3 footcandle measurements." The Commission agreed with
this addition.
Audience member James Carpentier of the International Sign Association made
additional comments on the Digital Signs section (YMC 15.08.135), pointing out that
having differing size limits based on zoning may be beneficial, or using a percentage of
the allowable sign area. He also suggest changing Section (E) to include language
regarding "static" signs. On Section (G), he suggested getting rid of this section if no
problems have come up in regards to off-site controlled signs.
Discussion ensued regarding the use of the foot candles measurement and tools used to
measure it. There was also discussion on the ratio of dead space to text on signs, which
Mr. Carpentier commented that the ideal standard is 40% text to 60% dead space. The
Commission and James Carpentier considered the reasoning for the suggestion to
change "directional sign" to "driveway sign." Ultimately the Commission decided to
leave the term as "directional sign."
Per Mr. Carpentier's suggestion, the Commission decided to strike out YMC 15.08.135
(G) in relation to prohibiting local digital signs from being controlled and programmed
off-site.
Commissioner Byers pointed out that the term "sign walkers" still appears in some
areas in the code and should be replaced by the term "carried signs" throughout for
consistency. She also recommended that the City advertise on their website the
regulations for political signs.
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Commissioner Byers made a motion that staff make the changes to the draft as
discussed at this meeting and recommend approval to City Council. The motion was
seconded and carried unanimously.
Consideration of Amendment to the Definition of "Dwellin& Mullti le- a.inil " and
the Addition of Other New Definitions to Accommodate TiLiy HomesMfficiency Units
Jeff Peters summarized the options outlined in the Planning Division staff's memo to the
Planning Commission for considering amendments to the definition of multi -family
residential to accommodate to tiny homes/ efficiency units. The Commission had
consensus to proceed with the option that proposes to modify the definition of "dwelling,
multiple -family' to include a sentence that says, "Multiple -family and detached single-
family dwellings that are clustered around a common amenity such as open space,
recreation facilities, or common community building, and have a common driveway
access on a single lot of record is also considered multi -family development."
Other Business
Audience member Steve Menard voiced his support for allowing tiny homes in Yakima
and inquired about the time frame for approving this, to which staff responded with the
details of the timeline for the text amendment process.
,A.dj:ourn
A motion to adjourn to March 8, 2017 was passed with unanimous vote. This meeting
adjourned at 4:18 p.m.
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Chairman Scott Clark Date
This meeting was filmed by YPAC. Minutes for this meeting submitted by: Lisa Maxey, Planning Specialist.
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