HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-09-2023 YPC Agenda Packet
DEPARTMENTOF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Joan Davenport, AICP, Director
Planning Division
Joseph Calhoun, Manager
nd
129 North Second Street, 2Floor, Yakima, WA 98901
ask.planning@yakimawa.govwww.yakimawa.gov/services/planning/ypc/
CITY OF YAKIMA PLANNING COMMISSION
Yakima City Hall Council Chambers
nd
Street, Yakima, WA 98901
129 N 2
August 9, 2023
3:00 p.m. –5:00 p.m.
YPC MEMBERS:
Chair Jacob Liddicoat, Vice-Chair Lisa Wallace, Charles Hitchcock
Leanne Hughes-Mickel, Mary Place, Colleda Monick, and Frieda Stephens
City Council Liaison: Soneya Lund
CITY PLANNING STAFF:
Joan Davenport (Community Development Director),Lisa Maxey (Admin Assistant)
Joseph Calhoun (Planning Manager), Eric Crowell (Senior Planner), Connor Kennedy
(Assistant Planner), Eva Rivera (Planning Technician), Irene Linos (Temp. Department-
Assistant I)
AGENDA
I.Call to Order
II.Roll Call
III.Staff Announcements
IV.Approval of Meeting Minutes of July 26, 2023
V.New Commissioner Introduction – Charles Hitchcock
VI.HAP Implementation Update
VII.Public Comment
VIII.Other Business
IX.Adjourn
Next Meeting: August 23, 2023
The meeting will also be recorded and posted on the Y-PAC website.
Visit the Yakima Planning Commission webpage for more information, including agenda packets and minutes.
City of Yakima Planning Commission (YPC) Meeting Minutes
City Council Chambers
July 26, 2023
Call to Order
Vice-Chair Wallacecalled the meeting to order at 3:06p.m.
Roll Call
YPC Members Present:Lisa Wallace, Mary Place,Frieda Stephens,Leanne Hughes-
Mickel, Colleda Monick
YPC Members Absent:Chair Jacob Liddicoat, Charles Hitchcock
Staff Present:Joseph Calhoun; Planning Manager;Connor Kennedy; Assistant
Planner, Eva Rivera, Planning Technician;Soneya Lund, City
Council Liaison
Staff Announcements–Planning Manager Calhoun announced the following:
Text Amendments were effective on Sunday,July 23.
Comp Plan Amendment Rezone hearing will bescheduled for August 23.
Introduced new Assistant Planner, Connor Kennedy.
June 28, 2023,Meeting Minutes–It was motioned by Commissioner Placeand seconded by
Commissioner Hughes-Mickelto approve the meeting minutes of June 28,2023,as presented.
The motion carried unanimously.
Public Meeting to receive comments on the 2023 Annual Action Plan –JoanDavenport, the
Community Development Director for the city, presented the 2023 AnnualAction Plan, a required
document for HUD.She compared this report to anapplication to HUD indicating how the money
would be used.She provided the commission with copies of a summary report and went over the
projects that will be funded and projects that have been done. She explained the improvements
done to the Washington Fruit Community Center.Vice Chair Wallace asked how the community
gets informed of the money available for funding. Director Davenport answered the city is working
on marketing the program. She concluded by asking Vice Chair Wallace to open the meeting for
public comment.
Vice Chair Wallaceopened the public comment session.The following attendees provided public
comments:
Julia Nelson –2600 Birch St. A new resident ofthe Yakima area. Started off by agreeing with the
report focusing on housing and questioned if there were any programs that help individuals
maintain stable housing.
Alvira Perry –2300 Birch St. Has been living in Yakima for 15 years. She shares the same opinion
as Julia Nelson that there should be more consistency in providing assistance to individuals in
maintaining their homes. She discussed the construction of two new housing developments on
Fruitvale and 16th Ave and Jerome, which are intended for agricultural workers. She expressed
her concern about the lack of housing for those with a fixed income. Additionally, she shared her
experience living in Camp Hope.
Director Davenport clarified that the two housing projects Ms. Perry referred to are oriented toward
families with a family member who works in agriculture.
–Wallace closed the public comment.
-1-
Housing Permit Statistics-During the second quarter of 2023, Calhoun provided the
commission with an update on permit tracking. From 2017 to June of this year, a total of 2,487
units have been permitted, which is 39% of the 2040 target. As of June, 197 units have been
permitted this year. Since August 2021, 488 permits have been finalized and 975 units being
permitted. As of June 2023, 125 units have received certificates of occupancy.
Public Comment–None
Other Business–Calhoun asked the commission about any future topics they’d like more
information on.
Adjourn–A motion to adjourn toAugust 9, 2023,was passed with aunanimous vote. The
meeting adjourned at approximately 3:45p.m.
Chair Liddicoat Date
This meeting was filmed by YPAC. Minutes for this meeting submitted by: Eva Rivera, Planning Technician.
-2-
City of Yakima Planning Division
August 9, 2023 –Yakima Planning Commission
Housing Action Plan Implementation Update
1.Background
The City of Yakima Housing Action Plan (HAP) was adopted by Council in June, 2021. Funded
by a WA State Dept of Commerce grant, the HAP was developed to support and encourage
new housing production to provide more housing choses and address local housing needs. The
HAP contains six primary objectives:
A.Encourage diverse housing development within existing neighborhoods.
B.Create and preserve affordable homes.
C.Create homeownership opportunities for low-and moderate-income households.
D.Support housing options that meet the diverse needs of older adults.
E.Address the needs of those struggling with homelessness.
F.Protect against displacement and poor housing conditions.
From these objectives, 37 strategies were created for implementation. Acknowledging that the
development and creation of housing is not solely a city effort, these strategies are divided into
‘City’ of ‘Partner’ lead categories. The City is identified as lead on 21 of the 37 strategies.
2.Planning Commission/Planning Division Lead
TheYPC/Planning division has been identified as lead for the following six HAP strategies,
which were the starting point for implemented code changes to 16 sections of the YMC–in the
Zoning, Subdivision, and Administration of Development Permit Regulations Ordinances. Two
rounds of text amendments have been processed through the Planning Commission/City
Council Ordinance process. These changes were reviewed and revised through study sessions
(over 20), public notification process, and public hearings (2 each at YPC and City Council).
1. Update city regulations to remove barriers to innovative housing types.
LEADTIMELINEINVESTMENTEFFORTOBJECTIVES
AffordabilityHousing SupplyHomeownership
CityPartner$$$$
Older Adult OptionsStabilityAnti-Displacement
Added Tiny Homes, Tiny Home Communities
Modified ADU requirements
Updated land use table uses and levels of review
Allow certain residential uses to apply for a Binding Site Plan
Clarified and reduced some development standards
7. Create design standards for multifamily and mixed-use development.
LEADTIMELINEINVESTMENTEFFORTOBJECTIVES
AffordabilityHousing SupplyHomeownership
CityPartner$$$$
Older Adult OptionsStabilityAnti-Displacement
Added Special Development Standards for Mixed-Use Building and Downtown Business
District Multifamily Development
o Applies to new development and redevelopment projects city-wide, along with
newmultifamily development in the Downtown
o Reduced level of review if special development standards are met
Ratio of residential to commercial
Parking
Façade –entrances, windows, blank walls, equipment
Setbacks
8. Improve permitting and environmental reviewprocess.
LEADTIMELINEINVESTMENTEFFORTOBJECTIVES
AffordabilityHousing SupplyHomeownership
CityPartner$$$$
Older Adult OptionsStabilityAnti-Displacement
SEPA thresholds have been raised to the maximum allowed under state law.
o Infill exemption for multifamily housing
Comment period timeline reduced from 20 to 14 days, consistent with state law and
neighboring jurisdictions
14. Revise parking standards in key areas.
LEADTIMELINEINVESTMENTEFFORTOBJECTIVES
AffordabilityHousing SupplyHomeownership
CityPartner$$$$
Older Adult OptionsStabilityAnti-Displacement
Reduced parking requirement for development that qualifies as affordable
Reduced residential parking requirement in CBD
23. Encourage micro-retail and flexible cultural space design.
LEADTIMELINEINVESTMENTEFFORTOBJECTIVES
AffordabilityHousing SupplyHomeownership
CityPartner$$$$
Older Adult OptionsStabilityAnti-Displacement
Land use exemption created for properties in the CBD when the proposed use is a Class
(1) permitted use under the Retail, Trade and Service category of Table 4-1 and no new
construction is proposed
32. Incentivize backyard cottages and cottage housing.
LEADTIMELINEINVESTMENTEFFORTOBJECTIVES
AffordabilityHousing SupplyHomeownership
CityPartner$$$$
Older Adult OptionsStabilityAnti-Displacement
Added Cottage Housing land use
o Includes new standards for location, parking, clustering, open space, common
area, etc.
3.Other City Department Lead
Several City-Led strategies are under the purview ofother departments/divisions which are in
various stages of progress as follows:
2. Make strategic investments in infrastructure.
LEADTIMELINEINVESTMENTEFFORTOBJECTIVES
AffordabilityHousing SupplyHomeownership
CityPartner$$$$
Older Adult OptionsStabilityAnti-Displacement
Wastewater master plan update will include additional goals and strategies to extend
sewer to existing areas in the city that are currently on septic
Engineering 6-year TIP includes several projects that will add to the city’s multi-modal
infrastructure
5. Develop, acquire, or sell surplus or under-utilized city property.
LEADTIMELINEINVESTMENTEFFORTOBJECTIVES
AffordabilityHousing SupplyHomeownership
CityPartner$$$$
Older Adult OptionsStabilityAnti-Displacement
Description. The policy review found that the City of Yakima owns some under-utilized lands that could
be suitable for housing development. These public lands could be donated or leased to affordable
housing developers to reduce development costs and to make projects more financially feasible. Under
RCW 39.33.015, the City could also discount or gift land that it owns for “public benefit,” defined as
affordable housing up to 80% AMI. The City of Yakima Municipal Code Chapter 1.79 addresses the use of
surplus property for affordable housing and establishes a transparent process to dispose of properties
for affordable housing when properties are considered surplus to the city’s needs.
The city has identified several sites to surplus and sell. One parcel has been sold to
Habitat for Humanity, several others are in an RFP process to find a suitable residential
or mixed-use developer. The RFP process resulted in the sale of one parcel. The
remaining parcels did not receive responses to the RFP.
SEPA Environmental Review has been completed for three city properties which
previously were used for public purposes.
6. Incentivize landlords to improve the quality and maintenance of housing.
LEADTIMELINEINVESTMENTEFFORTOBJECTIVES
AffordabilityHousing SupplyHomeownership
CityPartner$$$$
Older Adult OptionsStabilityAnti-Displacement
Description. While maintenance regulations discourage landlords from offering substandard housing,
incentives can reward landlords that provide high-quality, well-maintained rental properties. Examples
include providing landlords who meet the criteria with access to technical support, access to forums
with city officials, fast-tracking of permits, reduced fees for municipal services, free or reduced cost
equipment, free advertising of available rentals, and discounts at local merchants/contractors.
Incentives that reward landlord who rent to lower-income residents or voucher holders have also been
found to increase housing choice. The City could reduce permit fees for repairs or improvements and
support programs that provide funding to cover security deposits and cost of damages and interest free
loans for rehabilitation efforts.
Affordable Housing Incentive Program –YMC Ch. 7.92 –provides for fee waivers for
water and/or wastewater connection charges for the development of new multifamily
affordable housing units.
12. Ensure code enforcement does not displace residents.
LEADTIMELINEINVESTMENTEFFORTOBJECTIVES
AffordabilityHousing SupplyHomeownership
CityPartner$$$$
Older Adult OptionsStabilityAnti-Displacement
Description. Some residential rental units have code violations which impact the safety and health of
occupants. In some cases, these living conditions may require tenants to vacate the structure to allow
for extensive repairs. These code violations are often caused by deferred maintenance or negligence by
the property owner. The City code enforcement would only cause eviction as a last resort if it is a life
safety issue. The City works with community members and exercises a flexible approach to code
enforcement when able. However, code enforcement could unintentionally cause the eviction of the
tenant household from its residence. Using a phased code enforcement process allows owners more
time to secure financing and complete upgrades, reducing the likelihood that owners are forced to sell,
or landlords are forced to dramatically increase rents.
The Codes division adopted the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) which
includes a standardized process for code compliance cases.
16. Consider fee waivers or deferrals for affordable housing.
LEADTIMELINEINVESTMENTEFFORTOBJECTIVES
AffordabilityHousing SupplyHomeownership
CityPartner$$$$
Older Adult OptionsStabilityAnti-Displacement
Description. Fee waivers or deferrals reduce the up-front cost of construction for residential
development. Utility connection fees and project review fees can bring high costs for residential
properties. Waiving or deferring some fees for income-restricted units can be an incentive to encourage
the development of income-restricted affordable units.
The city adopted an affordable housing incentive program (YMC Ch. 7.92). This is a
grant program that will allow qualified multi-family development to apply for a portion or
all of its water and wastewater connection fees.
o In conjunction with this program, the city applied for three grants from the
Department of Commerce for the “Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program”
(CHIP). All three projects were funded from the state which will account for
approximately $1.37 million and generate around 90 dwelling units.
Codes, Planning and Purchasing staff are developing an RFP for Pre-Approved ADU
plans. Once approved through Codes, these building plans would be available foruse by
the general public. A homeowner could select the plan they like and then work with the
architect to finalize an agreement. This process will remove the plan review fee portion
of the building permit charge.
17. Give grants/loans to directly support small businesses.
LEADTIMELINEINVESTMENTEFFORTOBJECTIVES
AffordabilityHousing SupplyHomeownership
CityPartner$$$$
Older Adult OptionsStabilityAnti-Displacement
Description. Support small businesses and cultural anchors in mixed-use buildings to help them invest in
their space and keep up with rent.
Affordable Housing Incentive Program –YMC Ch. 7.92 –provides for fee waivers for
water and/or wastewater connection charges for the development of new multifamily
affordable housing units.
18. Engage with local employers to support workforce housing.
LEADTIMELINEINVESTMENTEFFORTOBJECTIVES
AffordabilityHousing SupplyHomeownership
CityPartner$$$$
Older Adult OptionsStabilityAnti-Displacement
Description. While employer-provided housing is not the norm in most industries (agricultural work
being the notable exception in the Yakima area), employers have an interest in ensuring that there is
adequate affordable housing in reasonable proximity to work sites. Engagement with employers can
encompass a variety of tactics, including consultation on zoning changes, housing incentive programs,
and more.
19. Consider a levy or sales tax for affordable housing.
LEADTIMELINEINVESTMENTEFFORTOBJECTIVES
AffordabilityHousing SupplyHomeownership
CityPartner$$$$
Older Adult OptionsStabilityAnti-Displacement
Description. The City could provide direct project funding through local taxes, fees, and levies to
encourage production of income-restricted affordable housing. A local housing tax levy is authorized
through RCW 84.52.105 and allows up to $0.50 per $1,000 of property tax to be allocated toward
affordable housing serving very-low income households if approved by the majority of voters in the
taxing district.
RCW 82.14.540, introduced as Substitute HB 1406 in 2019, authorizes counties or cities to redirect up to
1
0.0146% of the sales tax currently collected by the state to fund affordable housing programs serving
households with income below 60% of the county AMI and within specific categories, including: individuals
with mental illness, veterans, senior citizens, homeless families with children, unaccompanied homeless
youth, persons with disabilities, or domestic violence victims. Counties or cities which participate are not
imposing a new or additional tax on consumers but redirecting funds from existing tax revenues toward
affordable housing initiatives. This increase must be approved by a ballot measure with simple majority.
At least 60% of the revenue must be used for constructing affordable housing, constructing mental and
behavioral health-related facilities, or funding the operations and maintenance costs of new units of
affordable housing and facilities where housing-related programs are provided. The remaining funds
must be used for the operation, delivery, or evaluation of mental and behavioral health treatment
programs and services or housing-related services (RCW 82.14.530). The funds can also be used for
2
rental assistance to tenants for cities with a population at or under 100,000.
A housing trust fund is a specific fund that receives ongoing dedicated funding to support housing
affordability.
Affordable Housing Incentive Program –YMC Ch. 7.92 –provides for fee waivers for
water and/or wastewater connection charges for the development of new multifamily
affordable housing units.
The allowable sales tax/levy systems codified in state law have been discussed by
Council in the past, but no action has been taken.
1
This sales tax option is acredit against the state sales tax rateof 6.5%, and it will not increase the tax rate
for consumers.
2
Association of Washington Cities, “Implementing HB 1406.” https://wacities.org/data-
resources/implementing-hb-1406.
21. Expand landlord and tenant assistance.
LEADTIMELINEINVESTMENTEFFORTOBJECTIVES
AffordabilityHousing SupplyHomeownership
CityPartner$$$$
Older Adult OptionsStabilityAnti-Displacement
Description. In areas where housing affordability is a growing issue, housing agencies have coordinated
efforts to provide comprehensive Landlord and Tenant Assistance through policy and programming.
Programming assistance comes in many forms, including tenant rights education, trainings for landlords
and renters alike to understand local rental policies, etc. Other actions to provide assistance include
offering low interest loans for code compliance and to create an ombudsman to liaise with tenants and
landlords.
The City of Yakima currently offers Tenant/Landlord Counseling through the Office of Neighborhood
Development Services program to assist tenants and landlords with disputes and advice on reaching
agreements or seeking legal support. The Dispute Resolution Center of Yakima and Kittitas Counties is
also a local resource. Continued support for the Office of Neighborhood Development Services program
is necessary.
26. Incentivize senior housing.
LEADTIMELINEINVESTMENTEFFORTOBJECTIVES
AffordabilityHousing SupplyHomeownership
CityPartner$$$$
Older Adult OptionsStabilityAnti-Displacement
Description. Cities have several tools at their disposable to incentivize the production of new housing
for older adults by private developers and builders. These include the authorization to waive or reduce
impact fees for senior housing, the ability to offer density bonuses for buildings with units reserved for
older adults, allowing a greater variety of housing types in existing zones (e.g., cottages, duplexes, etc.),
offering property owners tax exemptions when constructing multi-family housing (MFTE), and more.
28.Minimize barriers to development of housing serving multiple populations.
LEADTIMELINEINVESTMENTEFFORTOBJECTIVES
AffordabilityHousing SupplyHomeownership
CityPartner$$$$
Older Adult OptionsStabilityAnti-Displacement
Description. Housing providers often build housing that serves multiple populations to increase financial
stability and local support for the development. For example, a housing development may include units
for agricultural workers, people with disabilities, large families and people experiencing homelessness.
Regulatory barriers should be reviewed to ensure they align with these practices and do not
unintentionally add time and cost to the development process. The key barrier identified by
stakeholders is when a use is defined as a “Mission” when services are open to the public at large. Uses
that are defined as “Mission” uses are only allowed in General Commercial (GC), Central Business
District (CBD) and the Light Industrial zones (M1).
29. Put in place Just Cause eviction protections.
LEADTIMELINEINVESTMENTEFFORTOBJECTIVES
PartnerAffordabilityHousing SupplyHomeownership
City$$$$
Older Adult OptionsStabilityAnti-Displacement
Description. Washington requires that tenants receive at least a 20-day notice when asked to leave a
property, but the state law does not require landlords to provide an explanation. Cities may pass Just
Cause eviction protections that require landlords to provide tenants with a legally justifiable reason
when asking them to vacate. Legally justifiable reasons could include failure to pay on time, meet lease
terms, building sale, or owner’s desire to occupy the unit.
30. Consider the strategic acquisition of existing multifamily housing.
LEADTIMELINEINVESTMENTEFFORTOBJECTIVES
AffordabilityHousing SupplyHomeownership
CityPartner$$$$
Older Adult OptionsStabilityAnti-Displacement
Description. This strategy uses acquisition to provide income-restricted affordable housing. When the
acquired housing is in neighborhoods with amenities such as open space, good schools, and other public
infrastructure it promotes equitable access to neighborhoods that may be otherwise out of reach for
low-income residents. Community-based organizations, non-profits and community land trusts can be
important property owners within a neighborhood. Leveraging public resources to empower trusted
institutions can preserve or create affordable housing and space for community-serving organizations
and is authorized with RCW 35.21.685. The City of Yakima’s resources can assist these institutions in
land and property acquisition that preserves affordable housing and prevents displacement within a
neighborhood.
31. Recalibrate the Multi-Family Tax Exemption (MFTE) program.
LEADTIMELINEINVESTMENTEFFORTOBJECTIVES
AffordabilityHousing SupplyHomeownership
CityPartner$$$$
Older Adult OptionsStabilityAnti-Displacement
Considerexpansion of MFTE area –currently it is a smaller area of downtown.
36. Adopt a Notice of Intent to Sell / Sale Ordinance.
LEADTIMELINEINVESTMENTEFFORTOBJECTIVES
AffordabilityHousing SupplyHomeownership
CityPartner$$$$
Older Adult OptionsStabilityAnti-Displacement
Description. A “Notice of Intent to Sell” ordinance requires owners of multifamily buildings to provide
official notification to tenants and local housing officials. The ordinance could apply specifically to
properties with rents at or below certain income levels.
37. Put in place community benefits/development agreements.
LEADTIMELINEINVESTMENTEFFORTOBJECTIVES
AffordabilityHousing SupplyHomeownership
CityPartner$$$$
Older Adult OptionsStabilityAnti-Displacement
Description. Development agreements or community benefit agreements are voluntary, negotiated
contracts between developers and municipalities. These agreements specify the public benefits that the
development will provide, along with each party’s responsibility. They support affordable housing,
affordable commercial space, community gathering spaces, and other public amenities.