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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Meeting Minutes 5-21-2026;gyp Pasco PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES City Hall - Council Chambers 525 North Third Avenue Pasco, Washington THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2026 6:30 PM CALL TO ORDER City of Pasco Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m., by Chair Jerry Cochran. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair Cochran led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Austin Crawford, Pat Jones, Rob Wailes, Dana Crutchfield, Brian Tungesvik, Migues Miranda and Jerry Cochran, a quorum was declared. Excused Commissioners: Kim Lehrman Staff Present: CED Director Haylie Matson, Planning Manager Daniel Leavitt, Planner Il Shannon Zimmerman and Administrative Assistant II Carmen Patrick DECLARATIONS Chair Cochran asked if there were any Planning Commission members who have a declaration at this time regarding any of the items on the agenda. ❖ No declarations were heard. Chair Cochran asked if anyone in the audience objected to any Planning Commission member hearing any of the items on the agenda. ❖ No declarations were heard. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Jones moved to approve the Planning Commission meeting minutes of March 19, 2026. Commissioner Crawford seconded, and the motion carried unanimously. OLD BUSINESS None PUBLIC HEARINGS None WORSHOP • Commercial Land Capacity Director Matson presented the Commercial Land Capacity analysis prepared as part of the Comprehensive Plan update and requested policy guidance from the Planning Commission. The analysis found that Pasco has sufficient commercial land capacity to accommodate projected employment growth through 2046. She expressed concern regarding multiple requests to convert commercial land to residential uses and noted that such conversions could reduce future job growth opportunities. She also emphasized the importance of preserving commercial land to support economic development, employment, and regional commercial destinations, and indicated that commercial -to -residential conversion requests are not being supported as part of the current Comprehensive Plan update. Feedback was on policies to preserve commercial land capacity and support long-term economic growth. Page 1 of 3 Commissioner Questions/Comments: Commissioners generally supported preserving commercial land to accommodate future employment growth, maintain economic development opportunities, and protect the City's long-term fiscal health. Discussion emphasized that commercial and industrial lands are difficult to replace once converted to residential use and provide important revenue sources to support City services. Commissioners also discussed the importance of balancing current development demands with long- term planning objectives, encouraging commercial development through efficient permitting processes, and considering policy or code changes to discourage commercial -to -residential conversions. Director Matson confirmed that conversion requests would continue to be reviewed on a case -by -case basis and that mixed -use development opportunities would be explored where appropriate. Additional discussion addressed the role of mixed -use development, the fiscal impacts of residential growth, the need to preserve commercial opportunities in key growth areas, and the treatment of existing residential uses located on commercially designated properties. Director Matson noted that existing grandfathered residential uses would generally remain, but that commercial land planned for future economic development should be preserved where possible. • Unified Development Code Introduction Director Matson provided an overview of the ongoing development code update, which is focused on complying with state mandates, implementing the Comprehensive Plan, and improving the clarity and usability of City regulations. Discussion included potential consolidation of residential and commercial zones, creation of neighborhood commercial areas, updates to development standards, and efforts to simplify zoning regulations impacted by state middle housing requirements. Commissioner Questions/Comments: Commissioners discussed balancing code simplification with preserving neighborhood character and ensuring development standards reflect existing infrastructure and community goals. Discussion noted that higher -density development may be more appropriate in northern growth areas where infrastructure can be planned accordingly, while established southern neighborhoods may warrant a different approach. Director Matson also reviewed proposed improvements to the permitting process, including clearer permit classifications, review procedures, decision -making authority, and timelines. She outlined plans for community outreach and stakeholder engagement on the proposed code amendments, with draft revisions anticipated to return to the Planning Commission in September and to City Council later in the year. • Less Restrictive Housing Director Matson informed the Planning Commission of a proposed code amendment regulating Less Restrictive Alternative (LRA) housing and Secure Community Transition Facilities, which is being advanced directly to City Council due to moratorium deadlines. Explaining that while state law prohibits cities from banning these facilities outright, local regulations may establish siding standards and buffers from schools, parks, daycares, places of worship, libraries, and other sensitive uses. She noted that public outreach has been conducted, a draft code and siting map will be released for review, and commissioners were encouraged to provide comments prior to Council consideration. Page 2 of 3 Commissioner Questions/Comments: Commissioners noted their support for the City's proactive approach to the matter, citing recent circumstances in Kennewick as justification for addressing the issue before similar concerns arise locally. It was asked that, because the facility is privately owned and operates in conjunction with the state, it could be viewed as a commercial use and may be more appropriately situated within mixed -use zoning districts. Director Matson commented on the classification and location of the facilities. It was stated that state law permits these facilities within residential areas, subject to required buffering or separation from certain uses. While the facilities may have some commercial characteristics, they are considered residential uses for zoning purposes, and the City cannot regulate them in a manner that conflicts with state law. Next steps are June 1, 2026, public hearing, then a workshop with the city council on June 22, 2026, and a public hearing and decision hopefully by July 6, 2026. Director Matson encouraged the commissioners to email comments to her or attend the city council meetings. OTHER BUSINESS • Director Items Director Matson introduced Shannon Zimmerman, the newest Planner II for the City of Pasco. Director Matson informed the Commission that the city is not planning on having any Planning Commission meetings for the months of June, July and August, resuming in September. If there is an emergency, then one will be scheduled. ADJOURNMENT Chair Cochran stated with no other business, I recommend a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Jones made the motion to adjourn the meeting, it was seconded by Commissioner Wailes, and the motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 7:52 pm. YouTube link to watch full meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiULILReZSk 1 7ectfully submi d, Carmen Patric Administrative Assistant II Community & Economic Development Department Page 3 of 3