HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-24-19 YPC MinutesCity of Yakima Planning Commission (YPC) Meeting Minutes
City Hall Council Chambers
July 24, 2019
Call to Order
Chairwoman Patricia Byers called the meeting to order at approximately 3:00 p.m.
Roll Call
YPC Members Present: Chairwoman Patricia Byers, Bill Cook, Al Rose, Robert McCormick
YPC Members Absent: Vice -Chair Jacob Liddicoat, Leanne Hughes -Mickel (both
excused); Philip Ostriem (unexcused)
Staff Present: Joseph Calhoun, Planning Manager; Eric Crowell, Associate
Planner; Lisa Maxey, Planning Technician
Council Liaison: Dulce Gutierrez, District 1 (absent)
Others: Sign -in sheet in file
Staff Announcements — Planning Manager Joseph Calhoun announced that the Yakima City
Council will hold a study session on July 3011 during which time the Planning Commission's work
regarding text amendments to promote affordable housing will be discussed.
Calhoun added that once the application period is open, the City anticipates applying for a grant
offered by the Department of Commerce for the purpose of creating a Housing Action Plan.
Audience Partici ation — None noted.
Al2proval of Meeting Minutes of July 10 2019 — It was motioned by Commissioner Rose and
seconded by Commissioner McCormick to approve the meeting minutes of July 10, 2019; the
motion carried unanimously.
Public Hearin — Rezone RZ005-19 & SEPA#018-1 9
Associate Planner Eric Crowell summarized staff's findings of fact, conclusions, and
recommendation regarding an application submitted by Gary Delaney to rezone property at 1414
S. 2nd Ave. from Two -Family Residential (R-2) to Small Convenience Center (SCC).
Gary Delaney (applicant) spoke in favor of the proposal.
After brief discussion, it was motioned by Commissioner Rose and seconded by Commissioner
McCormick to forward a recommendation of approval to the Yakima City Council on the
proposed rezone; the motion carried unanimously.
Public Hearin — Text Amendments TXT#002-19 & SEPA#028-19
Planning Manager Joseph Calhoun summarized staff's recommendation regarding amendments
to the Yakima Municipal Code (YMC) Chapter 15.29 (Wireless Communications Facilities).
Greggory Busch of Wireless Policy Group (on behalf of AT&T) provided testimony related to the
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) being the exclusive entity to regulate wireless
frequency, and suggested clarification to YMC 15.27.070(9)(c). Jason Verduzco of Verizon
Wireless concurred with Busch's testimony and added testimony related to clarification of the
definition of "Tower."
After discussion, it was motioned by Commissioner Cook and seconded by Commissioner Rose
to forward a recommendation of approval to the Yakima City Council on the proposed text
amendments, with a revision to YMC 15.29.070(9)(c) to add "except as noted in this chapter" and
add to the end of the "Tower" definition in YMC 15.29.020 language clarifying that the definition
excludes Small Wireless Facilities; the motion carried unanimously.
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Discussion on Potential Tent Amendments: Affordable Housing — Calhoun provided updates
to the draft code language regulating Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU). He clarified that since the
City plans to apply for the aforementioned grant for the purpose of creating a Housing Action Plan
rather than for gaining assistance with updating the current code, the City should have the option
to implement some changes from the house bill and not others. The Commission had consensus
to keep these proposed changes in the draft, which include retaining the code's current parking
requirements rather than the suggested parking standards in House Bill 1923, removing language
that specifies that off-street parking for the primary residence and the ADU must be separate,
retaining the code's current regulations for adequate lot sizes for ADUs rather than implementing
the HB1923 standards, and adding language that allows for shared sewer and water connections
when consistent with applicable codes.
Robert Schroeter, Executive Officer of Central Washington Home Builders Association, spoke in
favor of the proposed amendments and encouraged removing requirements for SEPA review
whenever possible.
Audience member Tony Courcy spoke on a variety of issues.
Commissioner Cook reminded staff of the request for a copy of the land vs. square -foot building
cost report. Calhoun indicated he will locate and distribute.
Calhoun explained that City Council may provide additional guidance for what the Planning
Commission should be reviewing related to affordable housing at the City Council study session
on July 30th. If no further direction is received, staff can send public notice to begin the 20 -day
public comment period and schedule the Planning Commission public hearing.
Other Business — Chairwoman Byers reiterated Vice -Chair Liddicoat's request to have the
Commission review landscaping and buffer requirements.
Adjourn — A motion to adjourn to August 14, 2019 was passed with unanimous vote. This meeting
ad our a°tApproximately 3:54 p.m.
ChairNoman Byers
Date
This eeting was filmed by YPA, Minutes for this meeting submitted by: Lisa Maxey, Planning Technician.
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