HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-27-19 YPC MinutesCity of Yakima Planning Commission (YPC) Meeting Minutes
City Hall Council Chambers
March 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, Leanne Hughes -Mickel, Philip
Ostriem
YPC Members Absent:
Staff Present: Joseph Calhoun, Planning Manager; Sara Watkins, Senior
Assistant City Attorney; Lisa Maxey, Planning Technician
Council Liaison: Jason White, District 2 (absent)
Others: Sign -in sheet in file
Staff Announcements — Planning Manager Joseph Calhoun announced that the rezone at 5231
Powerhouse Rd. will become effective next week. In addition, he stated that two Comprehensive
Plan Amendment applications have been received thus far and that more are expected to be
submitted before the April 30th deadline.
At approximately 3:01 p.m., Calhoun stated for the record that Commissioner Ostriem walked into
the meeting.
Audience (Partici ation - None noted.
Algproval of Meeting Minutes of March 113 2019 — Commissioner Hughes -Mickel asked about
the term "shot clocks" used in the minutes. Calhoun clarified that this is terminology used by the
Federal Communications Commission in relation to processing time for small cell wireless
facilities. It was motioned by Commissioner Rose and seconded by Commissioner McCormick to
approve the meeting minutes of March 13, 2019. The motion carried unanimously.
Discussion on Potential Text Amendments: Affordable Housing — Calhoun introduced this
item and provided a document containing staff's suggestions for encouraging multi -family
development and other housing within the city.
After discussion, the Commission had consensus to:
1) Look at potentially adding multi -family to the uses allowed in the R-1 zoning district;
2) Review whether single-family housing should be permitted in nonresidential zones as it
may not be the best use of land;
3) Request staff to provide a map of existing houses in the General Commercial (GC),
Regional Development (RD), and Light Industrial (M-1) zoning districts in comparison to
the future land use map;
4) Invite home builders to provide input;
5) Request staff to map the orchards within the city; and
6) Investigate lowering utility connection fees.
Calhoun made it known that the Commission will review in the near future and ultimately make
recommendations on the following items that were referred to them by City Council:
1) Review techniques used in other cities, especially in the state of Washington, to
encourage new housing of all types;
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2) Review the concept of Inclusionary Housing Ordinances that require set-asides for
affordable housing or payment into a fund for affordable housing. Seattle and Portland
have similar ordinances with mixed results; and
3) Review short term rental zoning and licensing regulations (AirBNB or VRBO)
Calhoun provided an article on affordable housing from the Municipal Research and Services
Center (MRSC) website, with his comments included. He pointed out that the Commission is
already reviewing or will be reviewing many of the items mentioned in the article.
Other Business — Chairwoman Byers shared that she will be absent for the Commission meeting
on April 10, 2019.
Calhoun stated that discussion on potential amendments to the Wireless Communications
Facilities code chapter (YMC Ch. 15.29) will be brought back to the Commission on April 10th
At the request of the Commission, Senior Assistant City Attorney Sara Watkins gave a status
update on the temporary worker housing issue. She indicated that this topic got wrapped into the
affordable housing discussion; however, City Council moved to direct the Planning Commission
to look at definitions for "boardinghouse" and "congregate living facility."
The Commission also requested an update on the land near the Wastewater Treatment Plant that
was considered to be a potential site for low -barrier homeless housing or a shelter. Watkins
informed them that an ad hoc committee, which will meet for the first time on April 1St, has been
seated with the goal of reviewing potential land uses for a General Commercial -zoned property
of that size. Development standards and sitescreening will also be a part of their discussion. The
committee will ultimately make a recommendation to City Council.
Adjourn - A motion to adjourn to April 10, 2019 was passed with unanimous vote. This meeting
adjourned at 4:26 p.m.
Xf airwoman Byers Date
This meeting was filmed by YPAC. Minutes for this meeting submitted by: Lisa Maxey, Planning Technician.
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