HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-27-19 YPC MinutesCity of Yakima Planning Commission (YPC) Meeting Minutes
City Hall Council Chambers
February 27, 2019
Call to Order
Chairwoman Patricia Byers called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
Roll Call
YPC Members Present: Chairwoman Patricia Byers, Vice -Chair Jacob Liddicoat, Al Rose,
Bill Cook, Robert McCormick
YPC Members Absent: Leanne Hughes -Mickel (excused), Philip Ostriem (unexcused)
Staff Present: Joseph Calhoun, Planning Manager; Lisa Maxey, Planning
Specialist
Council Liaison: Jason White, District 2 (absent)
Others: Sign -in sheet in file
Staff Announcements — Planning Manager Joseph Calhoun announced that updated copies of
the Urban Area Zoning Ordinance have been distributed to the Commission members; the
updates include the text amendments the Planning Commission worked on last year and were
approved by City Council. He also stated that the rezone proposal for property at 5231
Powerhouse Rd. is scheduled for a City Council public hearing to consider the Commission's
recommendation on March 5, 2019.
Audience Partici ation - None noted.
Approval of Meeting Minutes of Janua 23 2019 It was motioned by Commissioner Rose
and seconded by Vice -Chair Liddicoat to approve the meeting minutes of January 23, 2019. The
motion carried unanimously.
Opening of the 2019 Com rehensive Plan Amendment Process — Calhoun made it known
that City Council opened the 2019 Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA) process via
resolution on February 19th, adding that the Planning Commission needs to formally open the
process by motion. CPA applications will be accepted through April 30th. It was motioned by
Chairwoman Byers and seconded by Commissioner Rose to open the 2019 CPA process. The
motion carried unanimously.
Discussion on Potential Tent Amendments - Calhoun explained that City Council recently
directed the Commission to make a recommendation on a definition of congregate living facility
to incorporate into the municipal code. Discussion took place on the Commission's previous
recommendation to City Council for this term. The Commission requested that staff review the
Council meeting in which it was discussed and report back on what Council was not in satisfied
with in the Commission's recommendation so they can continue to discuss this matter.
Calhoun began the discussion on townhouses and stated that staff will provide draft language
based on feedback from the Commission. Staff and Commission members spoke about issues
such as parking, traffic, open space, common areas, and establishing townhouses through
planned developments. The Commission voiced their desire for receiving input on this topic
from the Central WA Homebuilders Association, school districts, and others.
Robert Schroeter, Executive Officer of the Central Washington Home Builders Association,
described townhouse developments he has observed in other cities, noting that many
townhouses are used for Airbnb. Schroeter added that townhouses can help accomplish infill,
and can also be placed downtown where cars are not as essential. He stressed the importance
of limiting regulations to help make new housing cost effective.
Calhoun said he anticipates combining all proposed text amendments into one application, and
will start forming draft language for the Commission.
Calhoun then shared with the Commission proposed changes to Yakima Municipal Code (YMC)
Ch. 15.09 Special Development Standards, including a correction to the purpose statement,
housekeeping changes, and revisions to retaining wall regulations.
Calhoun made the Commission aware that language pertaining to short-term rentals, such as
Airbnb, will be drafted. He included that proposed language relating to small cell wireless
facilities will be reviewed at their next meeting in which agency representatives will be in
attendance.
Other Business — The Commission reiterated their request for feedback on housing development
regulations throughout this text amendment process.
Adjourn - A motion to adjourn to March 13, 2019 was passed with unanimous vote. This meeting
adjourned at 3:47 p,,,
Ch frwoman Byers
Date
Th meeting was filmed by YPA . Minutes for this meeting submitted by: Lisa Maxey, Planning Specialist.
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