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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-16-2013 Planning Commission Packet PLANNING COMMISSION -AGENDA REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. May 16, 2013 I. CALL TO ORDER: II. ROLL CALL: Declaration of Quorum III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: April 25, 2013 V. OLD BUSINESS: A. Special Permit Location of a church in an R-2 District (Samuel Nunez) (MF# SP 2013-003) B. Special Permit Location of a church in a CR (Regional Commercial) Zone (World Life Christian Center) (MF# SP 2013-005) C. Special Permit Location of a high school in a C-1 (Retail Business) Zoning District - Delta High (Pasco School District)(MF# SP 2013-008) D. Plan Auto Repair in Commercial Zones (MF# PLAN 2012- 0 VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS: A. Special Permit Location of a cellular tower (AT&T) (MF# SP 2013-009) B. Special Permit Location of an automotive sales dealership (Dave Warner) (MF# SP 2013-010) C. Special Permit Location of a Water Intake Facility (City of Pasco) (MF# SP 2013-011) D. Zoning Rezone from RT (Residential Transition) to R-1 (Low Density Residential) (Nathan Machiela) (MF# Z 2013- 0 E. Zoning Rezone from R-3 (Medium Density Residential) with density limit of 30-units to R-3 (Medium Density Residential) without density limit (Ronald Grate) (MF# Z 2013-002) F. Code Amendment Building Heights for Detached Garages VII. OTHER BUSINESS: VIII. WORKSHOP: IX. ADJOURNMENT: REGULAR MEETING April 25, 2013 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:00pm by Chairwoman Kempf. POSITION MEMBERS PRESENT MEMBERS ABSENT No. 1 Tim Hoekstra No. 2 Tony Bachart No. 3 Andy Anderson No. 4 Alecia Greenaway No. 5 Joe Cruz No. 6 Loren Polk No. 7 Zahra Khan No. 8 Jana Kempf No. 9 Paul Hilliard APPEARANCE OF FAIRNESS: Chairwoman Kempf read a statement about the appearance of fairness for hearings on land use matters. Chairwoman Kempf asked if any Commission member had anything to declare. There were no declarations. Chairwoman Kempf then asked the audience if there were any objections based on a conflict of interest or appearance of fairness question regarding the items to be discussed this evening. There were no objections. ADMINISTERING THE OATH: Chairwoman Kempf explained that state law requires testimony in quasi-judicial hearings such as held by the Planning Commission be given under oath or affirmation. Chairwoman Kempf swore in all those desiring to speak. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner Khan moved, seconded by Commissioner Hilliard, that the minutes dated March 21, 2013 be approved as mailed. The motion passed unanimously. OLD BUSINESS: A. Special Permit Location of a temporary cellular antennae tower in a C-1 (Retail Business) Zone (AT&T c/o Vinculums) (MF# SP 2013-0041 Chairwoman Kempf read the master file number and asked for comments from staff. Rick White, Community & Economic Development Director, stated that there were no new comments or conditions since the previous meeting. -1- Commissioner Hilliard asked staff if this special permit is for the temporary cellular tower and if the applicant has moved forward with a permanent tower. Mr. White answered that the applicant has turned in their application for a special permit for a permanent cellular antennae tower and it will be on the agenda for the next meeting. Commissioner Polk asked what the length of time for the Determination of No Hazard from the FAA process is. Mr. White replied that he is uncertain on the length of time but it is necessary to be obtained before the permit can be issued for the location of the mobile unit. It was his understanding that the applicant was well underway in that process. Commissioner Hoekstra asked for clarification on the ownership of the flagpole and the property. Mr. White answered that the flagpole and equipment is owned by the cellular provider and the property is owned by Franklin County. There is more than one cell provider at this location and they co-operate to the best of their ability but cannot always share equipment which is why there is a need for a separate tower to locate on this site. Commissioner Hilliard moved, seconded by Commissioner Khan, to adopt findings of fact and conclusions therefrom as contained in the April 25, 2013 staff report. The motion passed unanimously. Commission Hilliard moved, seconded by Commissioner Khan, based on the findings of fact and conclusions as adopted the Planning Commission recommend the City Council grant a special permit to AT&T for the location of a temporary cellular tower at 6600 Burden Boulevard with conditions as listed in the April 25, 2013 staff report. The motion passed unanimously. PUBLIC HEARINGS: A. Special Permit Location of a church in an R-1 District (Samuel Nunez) (MF# SP 2013-003) (Continued from March 21, 2013 Meeting) Chairwoman Kempf read the master file number and asked for comments from staff. Rick White, Community & Economic Development Director, discussed this special permit for the location of a church in an R-1 Zoning District. The hearing was continued from the March 21St to allow the applicant to present at the hearing and ensure the church understood the approval conditions. At the previous meeting there was public testimony that suggested noise was an issue so two conditions were added; one adding conformation of the noise ordinance and the other condition providing for Planning Commission review of the special permit at any given time to make certain complaints are addressed. Elizabeth Ramiro, 220 W. Sylvester Street, the church's secretary, spoke on behalf of the church. -2- Rosalea Lopez, 217 N. Douglas Avenue, the church's treasurer, also spoke on behalf of the church. Chairwoman Kempf asked if they understood all of the conditions in the staff report. Ms. Ramiro answered that she understands all of the conditions. Commissioner Khan asked if either of them had any comments or concerns from Ms. Howard who spoke at the last public hearing regarding noise levels from the church. Ms. Ramiro responded that they were not aware of any noise issues until a few weeks ago. She stated that their church was never advised of any noise concerns. The church is only used Monday-Friday from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., occasionally until 10:00 p.m. On Sunday's they operate from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. which includes school, service and afternoon service. Commissioner Hilliard asked if they were aware of the condition requiring the paving of the parking lot. Ms. Ramiro answered that she understood the requirement and that there is a timeline to complete the work. She asked if there would be an extension. Mr. White stated staff should know 2-3 months in advance if it would be necessary to return to the Planning Commission for an extension before the permit would expire. Commissioner Hoekstra asked if the church was anticipating anything that would be a noise concern as addressed in the previous public hearing. Ms. Ramiro and Ms. Lopez responded that they did not anticipate noise problems from upcoming events. Commissioner Polk asked if the concern voiced at the previous public hearing regarding increased traffic had been addressed. Mr. White answered that there was no evidence that the church caused any additional traffic in the alley or was responsible for any additional traffic. With no further comments the public hearing closed. Commissioner Khan moved, seconded by Commissioner Hilliard, to close the public hearing and schedule deliberations, the adoption of findings of fact, and development of a recommendation for City Council for the May 16, 2013 meeting. The motion passed unanimously. B. Special Permit Location of a church in a CR (Regional Commercial) Zone (World Life Christian Center) (MF# SP 2013-005) -3- Chairwoman Kempf read the master file number and asked for comments from staff. Rick White, Community 8v Economic Development Director, discussed the special permit application for the location of a church in a CR (Regional Commercial) Zone. The church proposes to use the easterly portion and northern two-thirds of the building with the existing front third retained for retail space. There would be enough sanctuary space for roughly 900 church attendees. The property underwent a zone change in which a concomitant agreement was signed to include conditions that the Planning Commission should be aware of which are located in the staff report. Those conditions prohibited amusement, game and recreation centers, outlined special design standards for outdoor lighting and for the development to comply with the I-182 corridor design standards. Chairman Kempf asked if this was a standard special use permit for churches with the addition of the concomitant agreement. Mr. White responded that it is fairly similar to other special use permits for churches. David Jarrett, 1951 Peachtree, Richland, WA spoke on behalf of the church. He explained that World Life Christian Center has been at the Broadmoor Outlet Mall and they are ready to move into their own space. They are currently working on architectural designs but getting the special permit is the first step. Commissioner Hilliard asked the applicant for clarification on access to the church. Mr. Jarrett answered there is an entrance in the front of the building that goes to the center of the building that separates the retail space from the church space. Commissioner Hoekstra asked if there is a need for another exit point to assist with traffic coming in and out of the parking lot. Mr. Jarrett answered that there is a drive in the rear so there is a way to exit from the front and back of the lot. Jose Zamora, 4732 Sedona Court, Senior Pastor for the church, spoke in support of the proposal. He stated the church has outgrown their current space.. They would like to improve the area and be an asset to the community. With no further comments the public hearing closed. Commissioner Hilliard moved, seconded by Commissioner Khan, to close the public hearing and schedule deliberations, the adoption of findings of fact, and development of a recommendation for City Council for the May 16, 2013 Planning Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously. Location of a high school in a C-1 (Retail C. Special Permit Business) Zone - Delta High (Pasco School District) (MF# SP 2013-008) Chairwoman Kempf read the master file number and asked for comments from staff. -4- Rick White, Community & Economic Development Director, discussed the special permit application for the location of a high school in a C-1 (Retail Business) Zone. Delta High School, is a specialized Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) School that focuses curriculum on those four subjects. It will serve not only Pasco students but Richland and Kennewick students as well. The property will contain appropriate visitor parking and drop off areas. It will not have football fields or other extra-curricular facilities because they will not be provided at this location. The traffic impacts can be roughly compared to an office park of similar size, however, less than one would experience if this 45,000 square foot building were developed with retail spaces. Even at a lesser traffic generation rate than a retail use, the school will generate traffic that is generally off-peak, overlapping a little with the morning peak but earlier than the afternoon peak and should not conflict with the other traffic patterns in that area. An email was received from an adjacent property owner that requested that an architectural wall be placed on the perimeter of the school except for the Broadmoor Street side. Commissioner Bachart stated that there is already a substantial wood fence. He asked if the current fence would remain in place or if the new fence would replace it. Mr. White responded that it could be done both ways. If the fence remains, it will not be the School District's responsibility to maintain, rather the various homeowners. If the block wall is built then it will be maintained by the School District. Commissioner Khan asked if the property west of the proposed site would have sidewalk put in by the School District. Mr. White stated that it would not be the School District's responsibility to put in the sidewalk on the property to the west of the proposed site. When the property to the west develops it will be that developer's responsibility. Commissioner Hilliard discussed the traffic counts for the mornings and afternoons and how they will create their own peak traffic flow times. He asked if there is right- of-way and access in the future to grow as the site on the west is development. Mr. White responded that the existing right-of-way is adequate for the school but will not be adequate in the future when the property on the west is developed. There will be a substantial additional dedication of right-of-way and street improvements when that property develops to the west. On the tentative list of conditions the School District is asked to do a study to address traffic management concerns. Chairwoman Kempf asked if the property on the west was still currently mineral land and will most likely not be developed for another several years. Mr. White stated that the mineral designation doesn't go all the way over and the gravel pit itself expires in the year 2025. The current property owner doesn't seem to be motivated to develop that property. John Morgan, 1215 E. Lewis Street, Assistant Superintendent of the Pasco School District, spoke on behalf of the school. He explained that Delta is a State recognized -5- high school. They have math and science teams that perform around the nation. There would be a minimum number of buses coming from other districts, unlike other schools where there are thousands of students. The School District will build the stone wall if it is decided that it is necessary. Commissioner Khan asked for the projected population of the school. Mr. Morgan answered that there would be roughly 400 students. Chairwoman Kempf asked if there would be slightly less bus traffic due to many of these students having their own vehicles or their parents dropping them off. Mr. Morgan stated that they have found that the majority of these students will ride the bus or their parents will drop them off. Commissioner Hilliard stated that he liked the design of the school. Commissioner Bachart asked if the student population is expected to someday exceed 400 students. Mr. Morgan replied that 400 students is the expected population after growth and that it is not currently at 400 students. Commissioner Hoekstra asked for clarification of the design of the building. Mr. Morgan answered that the design is going to be a great caveat for the district and community. Sharon Gittleman, 6008 Majestia Lane, was concern the school is going to impact views that some of the Mediterranean Villas residents have. She was also concerned about the increasing traffic and the ability of the residences to get in and out of the development. She also wanted to know where the students will congregate between classes and during breaks. She wanted to know what the stone wall would entail and what it would look like. Margaret Jacobson, 9601 Mia Lane, asked what the height of the school would be and the height of the proposed block wall. Chairwoman Kempf answered that the wall would be 6 feet tall. Commissioner Polk asked if the students would be allowed off campus for lunch. Mr. Morgan spoke to the concerns voiced by Mr. Gittleman, Ms. Jacobson and Commissioner Polk. He stated that the building at its highest point will be 35 feet tall consisting of a one-story building and partial two-story. They will have an onsite lunch facility but that doesn't mean they cannot leave campus. The district has found that traditionally the students eat on campus meeting with their teachers or with their groups. Commissioner Khan asked what the security will look like at Delta High School. -6- Mr. Morgan responded that traditionally the Pasco School District has a Security Resource Officer (SRO) at each campus but the board will decide if one is needed. There will be security cameras on campus and security entrances. With no further comments the public hearing closed. Commissioner Hilliard moved, seconded by Commissioner Khan, to close the public hearing and schedule deliberations, the adoption of findings of fact and development of a recommendation for City Council for the May 16, 2013 Planning Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously. D. Code Amendment Airport Zoning Update (MF# CA 2013-001) Chairwoman Kempf read the master file number and asked for comments from staff. David McDonald, City Planner, explained the background of the proposed airport zoning code amendment. The current ordinance was developed in the early 1970's and hasn't been updated since its adoption. The proposed code will bring the airport zoning regulations up to modern day standards and meet requirements that are currently available through handbooks developed by the State of Washington Department of Transportation. Major changes in the code include the addition of a purpose statement, definitions specific to the airport including a diagram visually explaining airspace zones, airport safety compatibility zones, general review procedures and the requirement for a disclosure statement on residential properties within close proximity to the airport. Rick White, Community & Economic Development Director, stated that these code amendments are a result of work between City Staff, County Staff and Port of Pasco Staff and Consultants. During the process of working together, great care has gone into making sure the uses in the compatibility zones is not very much different than current zoning for permitted uses and densities. Randy Hayden, 1110 Osprey Pointe Blvd, spoke on behalf of the Port of Pasco. He stated that the Port of Pasco is fully supportive of the updates to the Airport Overlay District and he explained it will help the airport expand to meet the needs of the community well into the future. Chairwoman Kempf asked about expansion of the runways. Mr. Hayden stated the current runway can be expanded because the area it would need to extend into is an agricultural production area. Commissioner Hilliard asked about easements to gain more property and access. Mr. Hayden responded that they are in the process of acquiring more property around the airport. Commissioner Hoekstra asked if the growth of the airport would cause a need for expansion of the roadways. -7- Mr. Hayden responded that the airport is a traffic generator in that area of town. City Staff has been active in improving access. The Port will be working jointly with the City and Columbia Basin College (CBC) to widening Argent Road in the near future. Carter Timmerman, 18204 59th Drive NE, Suite B, Arlington, WA 98223, spoke in support of the airport zoning updates on behalf of the Washington State Department of Transportation Aviation Division. His office recommendations approval of the proposed airport zoning updates and their office is available for support. With no further comments the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Khan asked if McGee Elementary was in the vicinity of the airport and if it interfered with the safety compatibility zones. Mr. Hayden stated schools within many of the compatibility zones are prohibited, particularly K-12. As the ordinance was being written an exception was made for existing schools to be able to remain if they so choose. A new school in one of those zones would not be permitted because of the safety considerations. The Port of Pasco and the School District continue to have a good working relationship over the years and they are aware of the situation. Commissioner Hoekstra asked if the compatibility zones will need to expand if there is growth and expansion to the airport. Mr. Hayden answered that the compatibility zones presented to the Planning Commission are for the expected growth. Commissioner Hilliard asked for clarification that current homes, assembly buildings and other buildings will not be removed due to the compatibility zones. Mr. Hayden agreed and stated that there currently aren't any issues. The Port of Pasco just wants to ensure that there aren't issues in the future. Commissioner Hilliard moved, seconded by Commissioner Khan, to adopt the Findings of Fact as contained in the April 25, 2013 staff memo on the Airport Zoning Update. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Hilliard moved, seconded by Commissioner Khan, to recommend the City Council adopt the proposed Code Amendment updating the airport zoning regulations under PMC Chapter 25.81. The motion passed unanimously. E. Code Amendment Park Fees Update (MF# CA 2013-002) Chairwoman Kempf read the master file number and asked for comments from staff. David McDonald, City Planner, discussed the code amendment for Park Fee Updates. The current fee has not kept up with the construction costs for the development of new parks. Staff is proposing that the current regulations be repealed completely and those regulations be combined and located with the other impact fees, such as the School Impact Fees and Traffic Impact Fees. The Park Impact Fee will have to be paid prior to the issuance of any building permit and would be applicable to all new residential -8- development within the City of Pasco. Mr. McDonald briefly listed some exemptions to the fee, definitions, possible reductions in the fee and the proposed amendments. The proposed fee would be $1,500 per dwelling unit. Commissioner Khan asked if there is a minimal amount of acreage for dedicated park land. Mr. McDonald answered that the standard size for a neighborhood park is 5 acres for a 160 acre subdivision. Commissioner Khan asked if there is a minimal amount of facilities that the City would require the developer to put in the park. Mr. McDonald stated that the City does not require specific items to be placed in parks. Typically land has been dedicated to the City along with infrastructure improvements and the collection a reduce fee. When a development is nearly finished the Parks Department will hold public meetings for the neighborhood to receive input on the types of facilities to be placed in the park. Commissioner Khan asked if the neighborhood decided that they wanted a swimming pool if it would be the City's responsibility to maintain. Mr. McDonald answered if a pool was built in a City Park it would be the City's responsibility to maintain however neighborhood parks won't have swimming pools. Commissioner Polk asked if the ratio is for the size of parks for the other cities in the area. Mr. McDonald stated that every City has a different ratio within their comprehensive park plan. The City of Pasco has a Comprehensive Park Plan in which the ratio is based on population of people for a neighborhood park. Commissioner Hoekstra asked what is driving costs so high to propose $1,500 per dwelling unit for Park Impact Fees. Mr. McDonald answered that much of the costs for the parks revolve around the equipment that's placed in the parks. There are new enhanced national safety requirements that the City didn't have years ago, such as the rubberized matting that goes around the equipment. Material costs have also increase substantially. Commissioner Bachart asked if the neighborhood could vote for a pool at the public meetings held prior to completion of development. Mr. McDonald answered they could but there wouldn't be enough funds to build the pool. The neighborhood is typically given a range of items that could be built and a budget. Commissioner Hilliard asked if there is any other funding that helps pay for community parks. Mr. McDonald stated that there is the Park Impact Fee along with state grants that the City can apply for and local taxes. -9- Commissioner Khan asked how staff calculated a 3.25% annual increase of the fee. Mr. McDonald answered that when it was initiated in 1999 that was roughly the cost of inflation. Since that time the costs have escalated more. Commissioner Hoekstra asked for clarification on the fee for multi-family units. Mr. McDonald answered that the $1,500 fee would be per unit, so if there are 60 units in the complex the fee would be $90,000. But typically what happens with larger apartment complexes is that they will have swimming pools, basketball courts and a recreation building. If they have many of those amenities their fee is reduced Commissioner Hilliard stated that the fee is good for the community but will hurt development. He would encourage staff to find other avenues for park funding. With no further comments the public hearing closed. Mr. McDonald added that the recommendation is for the hearing to be closed at this time and staff will bring an ordinance back for approval once the City Attorney completes his review. Commissioner Polk stated that she agrees with a reduced fee for the developers who dedicate park land but felt that a 50% reduction is a large reduction and 5 acres doesn't always feel like a lot of park land for a large neighborhood that may have 600 homes. Mr. McDonald responded that the developer is not only dedicating the land for the park but they would also be providing all of the infrastructure, streets, sewer, water, storm drainage and street lights which a significant amount of capital cost. Commissioner Hoekstra stated that as the parks get developed so does the cost for maintenance. There needs to be a balance between stimulating park development to create a healthy neighborhood environment but at the same time be able to afford the parks. Mr. McDonald responded that the money for the impact fee does not cover the maintenance. The maintenance is covered through annual taxes on homes. Chairwoman Kempf stated that the 50% reduction is very workable and is appealing for the developer to dedicate the land. Rick White, Community 8a Economic Development Director, stated that staff can take a look at the reductions and ratios that go along with a "typical" development and a "non-typical" development with more dwelling units. Commissioner Hoekstra added that it would make sense in terms of congestion in the park to have larger park space for larger developments. Commissioner Polk responded that after some thought the 50% does seem reasonable since the developer is also making infrastructure improvements but agrees that for larger developments more park space should be developed. -10- Commissioner Hilliard stated that since the fee is doubling from its current amount to $1,500 with a 3.25% annual increase, he is concerned what it will look like in 5-10 years. Instead of the automatic 3.25% annual increase he would like to see this come back to the Planning Commission in five years to make any needed adjustments. Commissioner Hoekstra asked for clarification from Commissioner Hilliard. Commissioner Hilliard stated that with the 3.25% increase annually, in ten years the fee will be substantially higher and he is concerned with the fee getting too high. Commissioner Hoekstra asked if staff could look at the fee being locked at $1,500 for the next five years. Mr. McDonald stated that they will discuss the concern with the Parks Department. Commissioner Polk asked the Commissioners if they would accept a higher fee if it was guaranteed to be a locked in rate for the next five years. Commissioner Hilliard responded no. He stated that there needs to be other sources of funding for the parks. Commissioner Hoekstra added that costs should be controlled for the developers because development should be encouraged. Mr. White stated that impact fees are hard and people either like them or they don't. He posed the question of how much does new growth need to pay for the impact they produce. If they aren't paying any impact then the public is picking up all of it because someone has to pay. It is not an issue strictly between the developer and the government but the public has to pay as well The deductions that are in the proposed update add incentives for the developer to provide fully dedicated park sites. If the City has to put in the same improvement in the neighborhood it will cost much more because the City will have to pay a different wage scale and comply with bidding laws. The developer does not necessarily have to follow those same rules. Commissioner Khan moved, seconded by Commissioner Bachart, to close the public hearing on the proposed park fee code amendment. The motion passed unanimously. F. Plan Automobile Repair Operations (MF# PLAN 2012-006) Chairwoman Kempf read the master file number and asked for comments from staff. Rick White, Community 8v Economic Development Director, discussed the action plan for automobile operations. Retail and Commercial Zones used to have service stations allowed as a permitted use. Service stations don't seem to exist anymore but the buildings remain in place and have been used for auto repair operations. They have presented themselves to be a nuisance in the sense of dismantling automobiles, storing parts outside, parking in the street and depositing parts and fluids onto public streets which is a problem for the storm drainage system. Several months ago City Council tasked the Planning Commission to create an action plan. An advisory committee that consisted of City Staff, Commissioner Levin, Commissioner Khan and two automobile business owners. The committee conducted -11- an inventory and review of existing codes, developed an activity list containing the full set of actions, gave definitions for "minor automobile repair" and "automobile repair facilities", they created draft changes within the C-1 Zoning District to allow minor automobile repair, they recommended screening requirements and they recommend the Action Plan be presented to Council prior to the Commission undertaking a formal recommendation on any of the proposed code amendments. Commissioner Khan asked if it would be beneficial to define "screening". Mr. White answered that the screening requirements were cut out of the presented exhibits that were given with the staff memo but it should contain the definition of "screening". Commissioner Hoekstra asked about the capacity of the outdoor facility and the maximum amount of vehicles parked outside. Mr. White answered that capacity was not defined but was intended to mean the amount of cars relative to the repair facilities. After hours in the C-1 vehicles cannot be left outdoors in public visibility. In the C-3 Zone the vehicles could remain outdoors but would need to be behind screening. Commissioner Hoekstra asked how the proposed plan speaks to the appearance of an auto sales lot compared to auto repair facility. Where the cars aren't for sale but they are parked and lined up to look like a sales lot. He asked if the City has enough language in the code to enforce the operations. Mr. White responded that the question Commissioner Hoekstra asked has been one of the problems the City was trying to resolve with the action plan and eventually a code amendment. Staff conducting inventory in June of last year and January of this year and much improvement has happened in that time. Many of the cars are setting out being used for parts. Commissioner Hoekstra stated that filling up a lot in a C-1 Zone with cars used for parts is not good for business or the area and asked if more needed to be added to enforce this problem. Mr. White responded that there is an adequate start with the action plan and eventually a code amendment will be coming to the Planning Commission and more can be added if needed at that time. With no further comments the public hearing closed. Commissioner Hoekstra moved, seconded by Commissioner Bachart, to approve the Action Plan as presented, recommend it be forwarded to City Council and authorize the Chairman's signature. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Hoekstra moved, seconded by Commissioner Khan, continue the public hearing on the code amendments associated the Action Plan until May 16, 2013. The motion passed unanimously. -12- OTHER BUSINESS: Rick White, Community 8v Economic Development Director, presented a Certificate of Appreciation for Planning Commissioner, Michael Levin, who recently resigned after dedicating over two years of service to the City of Pasco. COMMENTS: With no further discussion or business, the Planning Commission was adjourned at 8:57 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Dave McDonald, City Planner -13- REPORT TO PLANNING COMMISSION MASTER FILE NO: SP2013-003 APPLICANT: Samuel Nunez HEARING DATE: 4/25/13 217 N. Douglas Ave. ACTION DATE: 5/16/13 Pasco, WA 99301 BACKGROUND REQUEST FOR SPECIAL PERMIT: Location of a Church in an R-2 District 1. PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: Lam: Parcel #'s: 113-811-028: AM Wehe's First Addition together with the south 30 feet of vacated George Street lying between the east/west line of Lot 14; General Location: 217 N. Douglas Avenue Property: Approximately 0.9 acres 2. ACCESS: The site has access from South Douglas Avenue 3. UTILITIES: The site is served by municipal water and sewer. 4. LAND USE AND ZONING: The property is currently zoned R-1 (Low Density Residential). NORTH: R-1-A - Residential SOUTH: R-1 - Residential EAST: R-1-A - Residential WEST: R-1 - Residential S. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: The site is designated in the Comprehensive Plan for future Mixed Residential uses. The Plan does not specifically address churches, but elements of the Plan encourage the promotion of orderly development including the development of zoning standards for off-street parking and other development standards. 6. ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The City of Pasco is the lead agency for this project. Based on the SEPA checklist, the adopted City Comprehensive Plan, City development regulations, and other information, a threshold determination resulting in a Determination of Non-Significance (DNS) has been issued for this project under WAC 197- 11-158. 1 ANALYSIS The application is a request to operate Apostolic Assembly church in an existing building previously (and currently) used for church activities. Constructed in 1970, the 2,900 square foot structure in question has been on- site for the past 43 years. Apostolic Assembly (church) has recently purchased the property (217 N. Douglas Ave.) with the intent of continuing church operations under new ownership. The church in question has been part of the neighborhood's character since 1970 (43 years). The structure was originally constructed as a church. The church structure sits on the south half of the 0.9 acre parcel, leaving the northern portion vacant. The vacant portion of land contains lawn and a few trees. This open space serves as a physical buffer between church activities and residences to the north. The surrounding neighborhood is predominantly residential with one church located almost directly across Douglas Ave. from the Apostolic Assembly church site. Overtime this area of our community has proven to value the presence of churches and that they can operate in harmony within the neighborhoods. All off-street parking areas and driveways are currently surfaced with gravel only. This condition does not meet current standards for required parking and driveway approaches. Based on the eighteen (18) pews in the congregation area, special permit approval will be conditioned upon paving the driveways and approximately 18 parking stalls. Although the applicant has options in locating the paved parking area it is most likely they will overlay the existing parking area and driveway on the south side of the church. After purchasing the property the owner installed sod between the church and Douglas Avenue which is a substantial improvement from its' prior condition. As such, additional landscaping is not needed. INITIAL FINDINGS OF FACT Findings of fact must be entered from the record. The following are initial findings drawn from the background and analysis section of the staff report. The Planning Commission may add additional findings to this listing as the result of factual testimony and evidence submitted during the open record hearing. 2 1. Churches are unclassified uses requiring review through the special permit process prior to locating or expanding in any zoning district [PMC 25.86.020(3)]. 2. The proposed site is located at 217 N. Douglas Avenue. 3. The proposed church site is zoned R-1 (Low Density Residential). 4. The existing structure was constructed in the year 1970. 5. Access to the parking is from Douglas Avenue. 6. The church is approximately 2,900 square feet in area. 7. Churches are classified as an "A" occupancy type under the International Building Code (IBC 2009). 8. A gravel parking area is located on the south end of the site. INITIAL CONCLUSIONS BASED ON THE FINDINGS OF FACT Before recommending approval or denial of a special permit the Planning Commission must develop findings of fact from which to draw its conclusion based upon the criteria listed in P.M.C. 25.86.060 and determine whether or not the proposal: (1) Will the proposed use be in accordance with the goals, policies, objectives and text of the Comprehensive Plan? The Plan does not specifically address churches, but elements of the Plan encourage the promotion of orderly development including the development of zoning standards for off-street parking and other development standards. (2) Will the proposed use adversely affect public infrastructure? The church is unlikely to place additional demands on public infrastructure beyond increased passenger vehicle traffic. Church activities place a negligible demand on city sewer and water facilities. Churches are generally used most heavily on Sundays and during the evening on weekdays. (3) Will the proposed use be constructed, maintained and operated to be in harmony with existing or intended character of the general vicinity? The site has recently changed ownership. Residents and occupants of the surrounding homes and businesses may be comfortably accustomed to the church activities. There have been no complaints about the church received by the City. Continuation of the church use is unlikely to affect 3 the character of the neighborhood in a negative way. The church has coexisted in harmony with the neighborhood for many years. Churches are typically located in or near residential areas and often add to the character of the general vicinity in which they are located. (4) Will the location and height of proposed structures and the site design discourage the development of permitted uses on property in the general vicinity or impair the value thereof The location and height of the existing church has not discouraged the development of permitted uses on surrounding properties. The presence of churches in residential neighborhoods in other parts of the community has not discouraged potential residential development or impaired the value of residential properties. The surrounding neighborhood is considered fully developed. (5) Will the operations in connection with the proposal be more objectionable to nearby properties by reason of noise, fumes vibrations, dust, traffic, or flashing lights than would be the operation of any permitted uses within the district? The church will generate no more dust, vibrations, flashing lights or fumes than would be expected by permitted residential uses of the zoning district. Traffic generated by the church will occur mostly on Sunday mornings when neighborhood traffic is minimal. Churches are generally used infrequently, two or three days a week, and generate traffic during off peak times such as on Sunday mornings and in evenings during the week. (6) Will the proposed use endanger the public health or safety if located and developed where proposed, or in anyway will become a nuisance to uses permitted in the district? Past history of church operations within the City has shown they do not endanger public health or safety and are generally not nuisance generators. Churches are generally accepted uses in or near residential neighborhoods. TENTATIVE APPROVAL CONDITIONS 1) The special permit shall apply to parcel 113-811-028; 2) A parking area containing a minimum of eighteen (18) parking stalls which shall be hard surfaced and striped. All driveways must be hard surfaced to meet city standards. The combination of the fore mentioned 4 paving conditions requires the entire parking area south of the church be fully paved. All parking lot and driveway improvements must be completed by June 30, 2014; 3) Driveways must be modified to meet current ADA standards. 4) The church shall comply with noise regulations pursuant to Chapter 9.61 of the Pasco Municipal Code; 5) The church shall not object to the transfer, renewal or issuance of a liquor license for an existing or new establishment within 1,000 feet of the property; and 6) This special permit shall be null and void if a City of Pasco Occupancy Registration is not obtained by August 1, 2013. RECOMMENDATION MOTION: I move to close the public hearing and schedule deliberations, the adoption of findings of fact, and development of a recommendation for City Council for the May 16, 2013 meeting. 5 Vicinity Item: Special Permit - Church N Ma p Applicant: A p ostolic Assembl Y # SP2013 -003 I 1 ti II. w i al ADELIXST R -L - E x S � x r � h y 7 wr L'r/I d F w CALVIN biI :•'mil..: i � I ,� M� n 17--tv - + WT — If 0 As i- - Land Use Item: Special Permit - Church A I'D lcant: A ostoli*c Assembly N Map pp p • File #: SP2013 -003 Single-Family_ Single-Family- Residences Residences ADELIA ST Vac. Vac. MFR'S Church SY A Q' W Vac. GEORGE ST Vac. U � A Single-Famil Residences Single-Family- ALVINA ST Residences ALVINAST Vacant 7 — --]Vac Com BLD Comm O LEWIS ST Zonin Item: Special Permit - Church 9 A t: A N Map "Pplican i-vostolic Assembly File #: SP2013 -003 ■ L-j MW (Medium Density Residential) (Retail Business) 4- 4 vgt n } 1, i ,� � , � q ti •� y�,•i w !� �MKP,igyV'yW�s _ F " - _ r '!.- ►-•,. r ~ ��y�ri��'r+E/aY.y'w� ��y .s `�_.�,i' Ne+�--fie •. �����r�ar.3. 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Y�r m , T � � do �"' , ,~ ��y�. k• R 1 r,. �� _ � a:. ' Y?e '461 Parking Area ,R - - -- - - ,r..•�.— _�—� � � - - "� [�. fie:.(_ _ = W W*� t v r. v F .5 �SJ•'��yy. rte;.r� • �,'.'-f e ' ,{�� ,e � �r ti's ��R',✓�` i ri , VEV • fr X ;U`io"7 '9F s^jet _ } ti:•'F r � ik t{V� . s+7`' ' � 4 •��? _ - • ' [�a, .aka �,� I+y�'v,� a;' 3 :r, .' 4 Gti"" Pf �k � 'x i'� ,s• .f F •.��"•� �/`,� � � ', •,'� � Y� 14S r� ti5`'"}��" yn���� aa4��•fi��} alt t1' r 'r', REPORT TO PLANNING COMMISSION MASTER FILE NO: SP 2013-005 APPLICANT: World Life Christian Center HEARING DATE: 4/25/13 3315 W Court St ACTION DATE: 5/16/13 Pasco WA BACKGROUND REQUEST: SPECIAL PERMIT: Location of a church in a C-1 Zone. 1. PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: Legal: Binding Site Plan 2011-05, Lot 5. Location: 3315 W Court Street Property Size: Approximately 4.6 acres 2. ACCESS: The property has access from Court Street along the south property line. 3. UTILITIES: All utilities are available to the site. 4. LAND USE AND ZONING: The site is currently zoned CR (Regional Commercial). The site is developed with a 46,000 square-foot retail building. Surrounding properties are zoned and developed as follows: North R-S-12 (Suburban Residential) - SFDUs South C-3 (General Commercial) -Retail East C-1 (Retail Commercial) - Retail West CR (Regional Commercial) - Retail 5. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: The Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map designates this area for commercial uses. 6. ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The City of Pasco is the lead agency for this project. Based on the SEPA checklist, the adopted City Comprehensive Plan, city development regulations, and other information, a threshold determination resulting in a Determination of Non-significance (DNS) has been issued for this project under WAC 197-11-158. ANALYSIS Applicant/current owner wishes to remodel the exterior of the 46,000 square- foot building and establish a church in the northern 2/3rd of the divided retail space, with existing store front retail spaces to be retained for commercial rental space. The church plans on dedicating about 6,800 square feet of the church space for a sanctuary with removable seating (see site plan). Churches are unclassified uses and require review through the special permit process prior to locating or expanding in any zoning district. When a building is changed from one occupancy class to another (from an "M" [Mercantile] to an "A" [Assembly] for example) the building is required to meet life/safety standards for the new occupancy classification. If a 6,800 square- foot portion with removable seating is devoted to sanctuary there will be enough square footage for up to 900 people to congregate. To meet the "A" occupancy requirements proper exiting, exit signage, emergency lighting, occupancy separation walls (between retail space and church space), additional restroom facilities and fire sprinklers may be required by the building code. These requirements are all based on the occupant load of the building. The "A" occupancy requirements of the building code have been developed from years of experience with places of assembly and have been enacted to promote the life, safety, and protection of people occupying churches and other gathering places. Another potential problem with a church locating in a commercial area is the fact that some retail establishments or restaurants sell or serve liquor. The issue is typically addressed by placing a condition on the Special Permit approval limiting the church's ability to object to a liquor license. The property is approximately 4.6 acres fronting Court Street along the south property line, with Agate Street on the rear property line to the north. It is developed with a 46,000 square-foot retail building formerly occupied by a Buttrey Market, then a Food Pavilion. The building is part of the Riverview Plaza strip mall with 20,500 square feet of divided retail spaces directly adjoining to the west and another 76,000 square-foot retail space at the west end of the development, currently being renovated by Goodwill Industries for use as a thrift store. The Food Pavilion store moved to the east side of Highway 395 in 1996 leaving the building vacant or underutilized for many years. Since that time the building has had a series of owners that have tried to revitalize the building and adjoining strip center. Most recently (2011-2012) General Advertising Agency converted the building to a market style retail space. This effort has largely been unsuccessful. General Advertising Agency gave up this effort in 2012 when the property was deeded to an investment group which in turn sold the property to another investment group who again sold the property to the World Life Church after owning the property for only nine months. The property was annexed to the City in 1979, at which time it was zoned C-1- D (Designed Shopping Center). The property has since been rezoned to C-1 2 (Retail Commercial) and in 2003 to CR (Regional Commercial) with a concomitant agreement containing two conditions, as follows: A. The following uses shall be prohibited: 1) Amusement game centers, recreation centers or similar uses; 2) The use of outdoor speakers and public announcement systems of any kind; B. The following design controls shall apply to these properties: 1) All outdoor lighting must be strictly shielded to prevent lighting from encroaching on adjoining residential property; 2) All new development and site improvements shall comply with the 1-182 Corridor Design Standards as identified in P.M.C. 25.58 as existing and hereafter amended; The referenced zoning changes were an effort to help the property and adjoining strip center redevelop. Although the CR zoning broadened the allowable uses on the property it had little impact toward effectuating a positive change for the Riverview Plaza and the property in question. The old Buttrey's/Food Pavilion building and parking lot were developed in 1980 prior to the initial landscaping standards that appeared in the zoning regulations in 1982. The site has ample parking for the proposed use. The parking lot does contain some perimeter landscaping, but lacks any interior landscaping, particularly in the landscaping islands at the end of each row of parking. The eastern margin of the parking lot is also an undeveloped strip of weeds, dirt and debris. As a part of their remodel requirements General Advertising Agency signed a development agreement that provided a timeline for upgrading the parking lot landscaping based on the percentage of the building occupied. That agreement expires on June 1, 2013. However through the Special Permit process the Planning Commission has the latitude of conditioning the approval of the special permit to include parking lot landscaping improvements and improvement of the undeveloped strip along the eastern margin of the parking lot. The building on the site has been vacant or underutilized for about 17 years. In that time it has passed through five different owners some of which retained professional marketing agents to restore the building and adjoining strip center to a fully leased and functioning commercial center. The leasing agents have been unsuccessful and the building has generally been neglected with respect to exterior maintenance. Any improvements needed on the building are to comply with the design standards contained in PMC 25.58. These standards were included as a condition when the property was rezoned from C-1 to CR in 2003. These conditions can also be included in the Special Permit conditions with specific requirements to soften the color scheme and restore the fagade to a more appealing commercial look. 3 STAFF FINDINGS OF FACT Findings of Fact must be entered from the record. The following are initial Findings drawn from the background and analysis section of the staff report. The Planning Commission may add Findings to this listing as the result of factual testimony and evidence submitted during the open record hearing. 1. The site was annexed by the City of Pasco in 1979 (Ordinance #2066). 2. The site was originally zoned C-1-D. 3. The site was rezoned from C-1 to CR in 2003 (Ordinance #3620) and has been zoned CR for approximately 9 years. 4. The site and adjoining strip center were zoned CR in 2003 to broaden the types of commercial uses permissible on the property in an effort to help revitalize the commercial viability of the Riverview Plaza. 5. The CR rezone included a condition that all new development and site improvements shall comply with the 1-182 Corridor Design Standards as identified in P.M.C. 25.58 as existing and hereafter amended. 6. The site borders CR, C-1 and RS-12 Zones to the west, east and north, respectively. 7. The RS-12 area to the north is developed with single-family homes. 8. The Comprehensive Plan designates the site for commercial uses. 9. The site is developed with a 46,000 square-foot retail building. 10. The site has ample parking for the proposed use. 11. This building has been vacant or underutilized for approximately 17 years. 12. The building has been owned by five different investment groups or development companies and World Life Christian Center over the past 17 years. 13. World Life Christian Center purchased the property in March of 2013. 14. World Life Christian Center is requesting a Special Permit for the location of a church in the northern 2/3rd of the building at 3315 West Court Street. 15. World Life Christian Center plans to retain the existing retail store fronts for commercial retail activities. 16. The parking lot landscaping does not conform to current standards. 17. The eastern margin of the property is undeveloped and consists of weeds, debris and bare ground. CONCLUSIONS BASED ON INITIAL STAFF FINDINGS OF FACT The Planning Commission must make Findings of Fact based upon the criteria listed in P.M.C. 25.86.060. The criteria and staff listed findings are as follows: 4 (1) Will the proposed use be in accordance with the goals, policies, objectives and text of the Comprehensive Plan? The site is identified in the Comprehensive Plan for Commercial use. The Commercial Land Use designation includes all commercial uses listed in the CR zones. Landscaping improvements may be required as part of the permitting process. The proposed use as a church is not specified for the CR Zoning district but may be allowed in any zoning district with a special permit. (2) Will the proposed use adversely affect public infrastructure? The public infrastructure surrounding this property was installed to support the original retail nature of the property. The proposed redevelopment of the interior space for a church will not have an adverse effect on public infrastructure. (3) Will the proposed use be constructed, maintained and operated to be in harmony with the existing or intended character of the general vicinity? Re-occupying the building and putting it to some beneficially use will assist in arresting the declining appearance of the property. While churches are allowable in any zoning district the intended character of the area is regional-scale sales and services. By retaining the commercial retail store fronts in the building the general character of the general vicinity will be maintained. (4) Will the location and height of proposed structures and the site design discourage the development of permitted uses on property in the general vicinity or impair the value thereof? Surrounding properties are fully developed with the exception of the commercially zoned property to the east. As well, no new structures are proposed. Applicant is proposing a remodel of interior space and redo portions of the recent exterior modifications. The retail rental space fronting the parking lot will remain. (5) Will the operations in connection with the proposal be more objectionable to nearby properties by reason of noise, fumes, vibrations, dust, traffic, or flashing lights than would be the operation of any permitted uses within the district? 5 The building will retain a commercial appearance with retail rental space in the southern 1/3rd of the building facing the parking lots and Court Street. Church activities will occur for a few hours on Sunday morning when surrounding commercial activity is minimal and one or two nights a week during the evening hours. The proposed use will be no more objectionable by reason of noise, fumes, vibrations, dust, traffic, or flashing lights than uses permitted in the CR District. Auto and RV sales and service for example could create more noise and vibrations than the proposed church use. (6) Will the proposed use endanger the public health or safety if located and developed where proposed, or in any way will become a nuisance to uses permitted in the district? The proposed use will occur for only a few hours each week and will not endanger the public health or safety any more than uses permitted in the CR District. TENTATIVE APPROVAL CONDITIONS 1. The special permit shall apply to Parcel No. 119 271 020. 2. The space leased to the church must maintain compliance with all requirements of the International Building Code for an "A" occupancy; 3. The following uses shall be prohibited: a. Amusement game centers, recreation centers or similar uses; b. The use of outdoor speakers and public announcement systems of any kind; 4. The following design controls shall apply to these properties: a. All outdoor lighting must be strictly shielded to prevent lighting from encroaching on adjoining residential property; b. All new development and site improvements shall comply with the 1-182 Corridor Design Standards as identified in P.M.C. 25.58 as existing and hereafter amended; 6 5. Prior to fagade repainting and modification plans must be submitted and approved by the Community and Economic Development Director. 6. The building, including entrances and restrooms, must be ADA/handicap compliant; 7. Occupancy of the building for church purposes is contingent upon continued compliance with all conditions listed above; 8. The church shall not object to the transfer, renewal or issuance of a liquor license for an existing or new establishment within 1,000 feet of the property; 9. A landscape plan must be submitted and approved by the Community and Economic Development Director. 10. Landscaping islands meeting PMC 25. 75. 070 standards must be installed at the ends of all rows of parking; 11. The existing landscaped islands near the Court Street entrance must be re-landscaped/restored to standards contained in PMC 25. 75. 070; 12. All landscape islands, beds and buffers must contain automated irrigation systems. 13. The eastern margin of the property must be cleaned of all debris and weeds and landscaped to standards contained in PMC 25. 75; 14. The driveway entrances shall be reconstructed to meet current ADA requirements. 15. The special permit shall be null and void if a building permit has not been obtained by June 1, 2014. RECOMMENDATION MOTION: I move to adopt findings of fact and conclusions therefrom as contained in the May 16, 2013 staff report. MOTION: I move based on the findings of fact and conclusions therefrom the Planning Commission recommend the City Council grant a special permit for the location of a church operation at 3315 W Court Street, with conditions as listed in the May 16, 2013 staff report. 7 Item: Church in CR Zone Vicinity Map Applicant: World Life Christian Center N File #: SP 2013 -005 lop ST zM If J i �u r ilv " k A ST AGATE 7 ITE - T 4,r=, � R ,.: • o 3°c ,� � Wdl�uailwaYaY� i RUB M f T T lop—, F. Ir . a : F T r COURT ST P _ 00 • r�rrrr �r M rF � � �4 � ��, rr � P f erg .. .. . ., .,� ��;'• e.�P r � F�G�tf �ri �rFF k�r ea r r. fro, � er fr efft Off f �4 of 10* Q (Foot re r rF p• - - e� ��� P�PFF,t�fi F p r 7z T s O �r ? � ��r � rfrFElFERf FiP1 p. .�. r W�ic�t -rfir. •.�..�-es �� t Inc- MARIE ST Land Item: Church in CR Zone Use Applicant: World Life Christian Center N Map File #: SP 2013 -005 =ELI Q PA ST PA I SFDUs - -- - 1 � AGATE ST RUBY ST Office I Post 7 Office I I 1.aa =�I Zoning Item: Church in CR Zone a MAN CY) i 0 ct 14ARIE ST : J � »_ \ 0 38 0wm - - � � � . - \ � \� % ^ P. : ! ; ) . N/ . l \ ' jl� \` | -- ------® 141 , \ ! / - . s : . , ( ( \ . G \ mom § % Rte„ . § / \� - - - - 32 ' Sad AREA tISA as may we tu � rf 4 [ , ;iri ',;f " {°,,IL'" °ia'' "Iii Qb`i ''. " � 13 ma 4'I Stan IIm"i 9To2 9 `c(MI �I1 ��nx � las ins Ito �GSLT h Looking :• �'ice' A n s i 'a � ' -��� �I � :� liil iplr II! �.. i Ilda, � � , � ;� � xrj�fi �_. ,- ``� (,- - , -�•- -- "rte Looking East ,,1� =MINr r r,J:�, ti� «+ Y�r_"'�"'w' _.. - -.�:;'�IaerW i�.� .�......au£ _ •IMleww�:d'�ret,�^•. _ Looking n ti11ltllii 1M�li'.r•i Looking West AX -��- El jr REPORT TO PLANNING COMMISSION MASTER FILE NO: SP 2013-008 APPLICANT: Pasco School District No. 1 HEARING DATE: 4/25/13 1215 W Lewis St ACTION DATE: 5/16/13 Pasco WA BACKGROUND REQUEST: SPECIAL PERMIT: Location of a high school in a C-1 Zone. 1. PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: Legal: Lot 1, Binding Site Plan 2002-05, except that portion deeded for Lot 2, Binding Site Plan 2003-09. Location: A 6.3 acre parcel on the east side of Broadmoor Blvd. approximately 210 feet north of the intersection with Sandifur Parkway (Parcel ID #115 430 161). Property Size: Approximately 6.3 acres 2. ACCESS: The property has access from Broadmoor Blvd. along the west property line. 3. UTILITIES: All utilities are available to the site. 4. LAND USE AND ZONING: The site is currently zoned C-1 (Retail Commercial). The site is vacant. Surrounding properties are zoned and developed as follows: North R-3 (Medium Density Residential) -Condos South C-1 (Retail Commercial) - Office East C-1 (Retail Commercial) - Office West RT (Residential Transition) - Vacant 5. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: The Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map designates this area for commercial uses. The proposed use is a high school. Goal OF-5 suggests adequate provisions should be made for educational facilities throughout the urban growth area. Policy-5-A encourages the appropriate location and design of schools throughout the community. 6. ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The City of Pasco is the lead agency for this project. Based on the SEPA checklist, the adopted City Comprehensive Plan, city development regulations, and other information, a threshold determination resulting in a Determination of Non-significance (DNS) has been issued for this project under WAC 197-11-158. ANALYSIS Applicant wishes to build a small, regional public high school building for Delta High School, where students will focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) as integral elements of all subject matter. According to a district spokesperson, the School District has seen great academic growth in the students participating in the Delta School STEM program, and it is a nationally recognized prototype that may be replicated by other school districts around the country. Pasco is the "home district" in which the Delta School will be built. The Pasco School District will therefore be responsible for the construction and operation of the school with support from the other districts. High schools are listed as unclassified uses in the Pasco Municipal Code Title 25 (Zoning). Unclassified uses may be permitted in any zoning district following a review through the Special Permit process. The proposed site, approximately 6.3 acres of land fronting Broadmoor Boulevard, is currently vacant and is located near the geographic center of the Tri-Cities at the Road 100/Broadmoor interchange, for exceptional access to Kennewick and Richland. The proposed school campus would include a 45,000 square-foot multi-story (Average height 35 feet; highest peak 38 feet) structure finished with concrete masonry veneer and precast concrete panels, student plaza amenities, visitor parking and a bus drop-off/pick-up zone in the front, a parent drop off zone in the rear, parking for at least 120 vehicles and all required utilities and landscaping. The school would accommodate up to 400 students and 70 teachers and staff. The site is smaller than typical high schools because there are no extra-curricular sports, music or other programs. The Institute of Traffic Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation manual indicates that a high school with 45,000 square feet of floor space could generate an average of 580 vehicle trips per weekday. By comparison, a 45,000 square-foot office park might generate slightly less traffic at 514 trips per weekday, while a specialty retail center of the same size has the potential of generating an average of 1,994 vehicle trips per weekday. Thus traffic impacts from the proposed high school would not be substantially different than a comparable office park but would be far less than a specialty retail center, both uses currently allowed in the C-1 Zone. 2 It is also important to note that a majority of the students will leave the school grounds well before the pm peak traffic time. Furthermore, even though the morning traffic to the school may overlap the am peak traffic, the school traffic will generally be going in the opposite direction. Finally, as the school will not be open 12 months of the year, its impact on surrounding properties would be lighter than currently permitted uses such as an office park or retail facility which are customarily open year-round. Based on the code requirement of $42 per vehicle trip, the traffic impact fee for the proposed school would be approximately $24,362. STAFF FINDINGS OF FACT Findings of Fact must be entered from the record. The following are initial Findings drawn from the background and analysis section of the staff report. The Planning Commission may add Findings to this listing as the result of factual testimony and evidence submitted during the open record hearing. 1. The site is vacant. 2. The site was annexed by the City of Pasco in 1982 (Ordinance #2388). 3. The site is zoned C-1. 4. The site is located at the Road 100/Broadmoor interchange near the geographic center of the Tri-Cities. 5. Delta High School is a regional educational facility serving three school districts in the region. 6. Schools are unclassified uses and require review through the special permit process prior to permitting for construction. 7. The site is within the city limits of Pasco. 8. The site borders an R-3 zoning district to the north, C-1 zoning districts to the east and south, and an RT Zoning district to the west. 9. The R-3 area to the north is developed with the Mediterranean Villas Condominiums. 10. The Comprehensive Plan designates the site for commercial uses. 11. Comprehensive Plan Goal OF-5 suggests that adequate provisions should be made for the location of educational facilities throughout the urban growth area. 12. The Pasco School District enrollment has grown from 8,048 in 1997 to 15,633 in the 2011-2012 school year. 13. No extracurricular activities, such as sports or music will be sponsored on campus. 14. The school will be closed during the evening hours, weekends, summer break and various school holidays. 15. Commercial activities permitted on the site under the current zoning classification would permit business that could remain open on the weekends and well into the evening hours, year-round. 3 16. The Institute of Traffic Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation manual indicates that a high school with 45,000 square feet of floor space could generate an average of 580 vehicle trips per weekday. 17. Office parks and specialty retail centers with 45,000 square feet generate an average of 514 trips and 1,994 vehicle trips per weekday, respectively. 18. Traffic impacts from the proposed high school would be comparable to an office park and far less than a retail center, both uses currently allowed in the C-1 Zone. CONCLUSIONS BASED ON INITIAL STAFF FINDINGS OF FACT The Planning Commission must make Findings of Fact based upon the criteria listed in P.M.C. 25.86.060. The criteria and staff listed findings are as follows: (1) Will the proposed use be in accordance with the goals, policies, objectives and text of the Comprehensive Plan? The site is identified in the Comprehensive Plan for Commercial use. School uses are allowed in all districts with the issuance of a special permit. The proposed use supports goal CF-5 that suggests adequate provisions be made for educational facilities throughout the Urban Growth Area. Transportation and utility policies support city standards that require the extension of streets and utilities in conjunction with development. (2) Will the proposed use adversely affect public infrastructure? The public infrastructure surrounding this property was installed to support the original retail nature of the property. The traffic impacts of a high school with 45,000 square feet of floor space would be comparable to or less than uses currently permitted in the C-1 zoning district. The traffic impact fees were designed to help mitigate traffic impacts to the circulation system resulting from new development. The school will be contributing to the cost of future needed intersection improvements in the area as the result of paying the traffic impact fees. (3) Will the proposed use be constructed, maintained and operated to be in harmony with the existing or intended character of the general vicinity? The intended character of the general vicinity is commercial retail, including high-traffic uses such as restaurants; the impact of a high 4 school with 45,000 square feet of floor space would not be significantly different than those uses currently permitted in the C-1 zoning district. (4) Will the location and height of proposed structures and the site design discourage the development of permitted uses on property in the general vicinity or impair the value thereof? The proposed 45,000 square-foot building is less than 35 feet tall. The residential property to the north is fully developed with condominiums; the R-3 zoning to the north was intended as a buffer between the C-1 and the less intensive R-1 to the north. Properties to the east and south are partially developed with commercial and office uses, and would benefit somewhat from the added landscaping which would be required as part of the development requirements of the proposed Delta School project. As no extracurricular activities are planned in conjunction with this school, and because students will be bussed or driven to and from the school from around the region, the impact of the school on surrounding properties is not expected to be significantly different than those currently allowed in the C-1 zone. The school will not being open evenings, weekends or during the summer. This major difference would provide a benefit to the neighborhood to the north. (5) Will the operations in connection with the proposal be more objectionable to nearby properties by reason of noise, fumes, vibrations, dust, traffic, or flashing lights than would be the operation of any permitted uses within the district? As no extracurricular activities are planned in conjunction with this school, and because students will be bussed or driven to and from the school from around the region, the impact of the school on surrounding properties is not expected to be significantly different than those currently allowed in the C-1 zone. (6) Will the proposed use endanger the public health or safety if located and developed where proposed, or in any way will become a nuisance to uses permitted in the district? The school will be constructed to meet all requirements of the International Building Code, the fire code, the plumbing code, all other construction codes and state regulations pertaining to school 5 construction. The building will be required to have fire-rated corridors, area separation walls, sufficient exiting and fire sprinkler systems to ensure the safety of the public. The construction of sidewalks and street improvements will address pedestrian and traffic safety issues. TENTATIVE APPROVAL CONDITIONS 1. The special permit shall apply to Parcel No. 115 430 161. 2. The school site shall be developed in substantial conformity with the site plan and building elevations submitted with the special permit application. 3. The School District shall prepare a dust control mitigation plan to be submitted with the building permit application. 4. The school district shall prepare a traffic study and modified traffic management plan for the anticipated traffic to and from the proposed school site to determine the need for additional right-of-way improvements. The traffic management plan should include a parking lot circulation plan for the proposed parking lot. The traffic study and management plan must be completed and submitted to the City Engineer prior to issuance of a building permit and may result in additional conditions or requirements related to the school construction. 5. All street improvements recommended in the traffic study, including traffic signals, must be constructed in conjunction with the construction of the school. 6. The School District shall pay the traffic mitigation fee in effect at the time a building permit is issued. 7. All street/roadway signage abutting the property is to be provided by the School District and must conform to the most current MUTCD & City of Pasco Construction Standards. 8. All costs associated with speed reduction/modification including but not limited to flashing lights, signage, pedestrian sensors, safety and crosswalks shall be paid for by the School District. 9. Sidewalks in the Road 100/Broadmoor right-of-way abutting the school property shall be 7 feet in width. 6 10. A landscaping and screening plan approved by the Planning Department shall be required as part of the building permit application. 11. The School District shall construct a 6-foot tall split-face block wall between the proposed school and the properties to the north, east, and south, coated with a City-approved anti-graffiti finish. 12. The School District shall not object to the issuance of a liquor license within 1,000 feet of the school site. 13. The special permit shall be null and void if a building permit has not been obtained by January 1, 2015. RECOMMENDATION MOTION: I move to adopt findings of fact and conclusions therefrom as contained in the May 16, 2013 staff report. MOTION: I move based on the findings of fact and conclusions therefrom the Planning Commission recommend the City Council grant a special permit for the location of a regional high school operation at Lot 1, Binding Site Plan 2002-05, except that portion deeded for Lot 2, Binding Site Plan 2003-09, with conditions as listed in the May 16, 2013 staff report. 7 Vicinity Item: Regional HE h School in C- I Zone I r Map Applicant: Pasco chool District # 1 N File #: SP 2013 -008 mmw low P4 0 0 N WN Whifth ,. 111"i MAIN . �iNW011111W111111 �1�,� 011 W, Will hill OWN L Land Item: Regional HI* ,&h School in G I Zone Use Applicant: Pasco School District # 1 N Map File SP 2013 -008 MEMO ZO ��nn i nun Vacant . • Item: Regional Hi h School in C- 1 Zone Zoning Applicant: Pasco chool District # 1 N Map 2013 -008 File #. 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MEMORANDUM DATE: May 8, 2013 TO: Planning Commission FROM: Rick White, Director Community& Economic Development SUBJECT: Automobile Repair Operations One of the issues of City Council concern noted during Council's biennial retreat in 2012 was the outdoor occurrence of major auto repair and dismantling operations. These operations are often, but not always, located in former service stations that that have been converted to full-time repair shops. Typically, the issues surrounding automobile repair operations include: • The use of the public right-of-way for parking and storing business related vehicles and equipment; • Depositing oil, grease and other automobile fluids on the public street; • Parts salvaging and storage of automobile hulks; • Outdoor dismantling and repair of vehicles; and • A scale of auto repair that is outside that allowed by the C-1 (Retail Business) Zoning District. Council Resolution 3441 tasked the Planning Commission to develop an action plan for a solution. At the Planning Commission meeting of April 25th, the Commission recommended that City Council accept the Action Plan (see the attached Planning Commission Resolution) for automobile repair operations in various commercial districts. The Commission also opened a public hearing on the issue and continued the hearing to allow any further testimony or comments, noting that staff would be preparing an ordinance reflecting the Action Plan for the Planning Commission's consideration. City Council will also be conducting a workshop meeting to consider the Action Plan on May 13, 2013. The proposed attached ordinance amending the Zoning Code contains the specific language to implement the Action Plan. The Planning Commission is requested to review the proposed ordinance and provide suggestions or comments. Staff asks that the Commission particularly note the following: • The definition of "Minor Automobile Repair" as described in Section 1, especially the notation of the "business day" from 6AM until 6PM; and • The limitations of the number of vehicles as described in Section 2, subsection (i) and (ii). Findings of Fact I. Automobile repair operations are permitted in various degrees in the C-I (Retail Business), C-3 (General Business) and Industrial Zoning Districts. 2. The Pasco Municipal Code contains both zone-specific and general regulations governing the conduct of automobile repair that have been inconsistently enforced over the course of time. 3. Automobile repair in many locations and sites has evolved to include operations that are in conflict with applicable regulations of the Pasco Municipal Code including the use of the public right-of-way for storage and parking repair business vehicles, outdoor repair operations, outdoor dismantling of vehicles, parts salvaging and automobile hulk storage in public view and depositing oil, grease and similar substances on City Streets. 4. Operations occurring in violation of the Pasco Municipal Code have an adverse effect on the health and safety of nearby businesses and residents, discourage private investment in commercial and industrial areas and present a negative perception of the City as a whole to the general public. 5. The Pasco City Council has directed the Planning Commission to develop an action plan for resolving code conflicts and preparing code revisions and options for enforcement regarding auto repair operations. 6. The Planning Commission created a committee of Planning Commissioners and business operators to prepare an action plan for addressing the issue. 7. The Planning Commission has notified affected business operators and land owners involved in automobile repair operations of the task directed by the City Council and of the various meetings and preliminary strategies of the Commission on this matter. 8. The proposed ordinance amends Title 25 of the PMC to establish definitions for minor automobile repair and applicable regulations governing such repair in the C-I (Retail Business) Zone. 9. The proposed ordinance amends Title 25 of the PMC to establish a screening requirement for inoperable automobiles in the C-3 (General Business) and I-1 (Light Industrial) Zones. 10. The proposed ordinance is necessary to protect the safety and economic vitality of business districts within Pasco. If the Planning Commission is satisfied that the Findings and proposed ordinance addresses the issues with auto repair operations, the following motions are in order: Recommendation MOTION: I move the Planning Commission adopt the Findings of Fact as contained in the May 16, 2013 staff memo on automobile repair operations. MOTION: I move the Planning Commission recommend the City Council adopt the proposed ordinance amending Title 25 of the PMC as contained in the May 16, 2013 staff memo. EXHIBIT "A" RESOLUTION NO.ZO -O r A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PASCO PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDING AN ACTION PLAN FOR RESOLVING ISSUES INVOLVING AUTOMOBILE REPAIR OPERATIONS AND VIOLATIONS OF THE PASCO MUNICIPAL CODE. WHEREAS, automobile repair operations are permitted in various degrees in the C-1 (Retail Business), C-3 (General Business) and Industrial Zoning Districts; and WHEREAS, the Pasco Municipal Code contains both zone-specific and general regulations governing the conduct of automobile repair that have been inconsistently enforced over the course of time; and WHEREAS, automobile repair in many locations and sites has evolved to include operations that are in conflict with applicable regulations of the Pasco Municipal Code including the use of the public right of way for storage and parking repair business vehicles, outdoor repair operations, outdoor dismantling of vehicles, parts salvaging and automobile hulk storage in public view and depositing oil, grease and similar substances on City Streets; and WHEREAS, such operations occurring in violation of the Pasco Municipal Code have an adverse effect on the health and safety of nearby businesses and residents, discourage private investment in commercial and industrial areas and present a negative perception of the City as a whole to the general public; and WHEREAS, the Pasco City Council has directed the Planning Commission to develop an action plan for resolving code conflicts and preparing code revisions and options for enforcement regarding auto repair operations; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has created a committee of Planning Commissioners and business operators to review the proposed action plan; and WHEREAS, The Planning Commission has notified affected business operators and land owners involved in automobile repair operations of the task directed by the City Council and of the various meetings and preliminary strategies of the Commission on this matter; NOW THEREFORE, THE PASCO PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDS THAT CITY COUNCIL ACCEPT THE FOLLOWING ACTION PLAN: Section I. Revise the uses permitted in the C-1 (Retail) Zoning District to include: • The provision for "minor automobile repair" to be allowed outdoors as this zoning district currently prohibits all outdoor automobile repair work; • A maximum number of vehicles that can be on the site both under repair and awaiting owner pick-up; and • A prohibition for using sites as automobile storage. Section 2. Revise the definitions contained in the Zoning Code to include "Minor Automobile Repair" and "Automobile Repair Facilities" as these definitions are needed to implement any revision to the permitted uses within the C-1 Zoning District. Section 3. Amend the screening standards in the C-3 (General) and I-1 (Light Industrial) Zoning Districts to regulate vehicle and vehicle part storage as these Districts currently exempt vehicle and part storage from such requirements. Section 4. Continue to keep operators and land owners apprised of the meeting dates and status of the above code revisions. Section 5. Notify affected businesses once the appropriate the code revisions have been adopted and provide a 60 day period to conform to the revised standards. Section 6. Complete a site inventory to determine those businesses out of compliance and initiate the code enforcement process as applicable. The code enforcement process is to include a Notice of Civil Violation, a re-inspection after 10 days and scheduling of a hearing before the Pasco Code Enforcement Board as applicable. This process is estimated to occur within a 30 day time period of the completion of the site inventory. ADOPTED by the Planning Commission of the City of Pasco this 25t" day of April, 2013. Joe Cruz, Chairman Auto Repair Resolution-2 ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO AUTOMOBILE REPAIR OPERATIONS AND LAND USE AMENDING TITLE 25 OF THE PASCO MUNICIPAL CODE WHEREAS, cities have the responsibility to regulate and control the physical development within their borders and to ensure public health, safety and welfare are maintained; and, WHEREAS, the City of Pasco has zoning regulations that limit vehicle repair in commercial zoning districts; and WHEREAS, over time, conditions involving minor vehicle servicing and repair operations have evolved so that enforcement of Title 25 has revealed the need to address changing conditions in the community; and, WHEREAS, over time, changed conditions within the community and the need for revising applicable regulations concerning vehicle repair have caused the need for revised regulations and additional definitions within Title 25; and, WHEREAS,the City Council has determined that to further the purposes of comprehensive planning and to maintain and protect the welfare of the community, it is necessary to amend PMC Title 25, NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASCO, WASHINGTON, DO ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. That Chapter 25.12 entitled "Definitions" of the Pasco Municipal Code shall be and hereby is amended and shall read as follows: 25.12.093 "Auto Repair Facilities" means the machinery_permanently installed on-site to facilitate automobile repair such as hydraulic lifts,hoists or repair pits. 25.12.311 "Minor Automobile Repair" means repairs that are started and completed in one business day, which is defined as the 12 hour period from 6 AM until 6 PM, and do not involve vehicle disassembly, dismantling salvage or recycling; and include belt and bulb replacement, oil changes and lubrication, fluid flushes, tire and rim replacement or mounting, muffler and exhaust replacement, filter and hose replacement, audio and alarm system installation and glass or wiper replacement or other similar activities. Section 2. That Section 25.42.020 entitled 'Permitted Uses"of the Pasco Municipal Code shall be and hereby is amended and shall read as follows: 25.42.020 PERMITTED USES. The following uses shall be permitted in the C-1 district: (1)Auto Detail Shops; (2)Banks; (3)Dancing schools; (4)Hotels and motels; (5)Printing shops; (6)Restaurants; (7) Stores and shops for the conduct of retail business; (8) Stores and shops for repair and similar services such as: (a)Bakeries,retail for distribution from the premises. (b)Barbershops and beauty shops. Ordinance Amending Title 25 Page 1 of 3 (c)Catering establishments. (d)Garage and filling stations,provided: (i)" r° k is per-formed otA of a°°�°, All outdoor repair work is "minor" as defined by 25.12.311,and (ii) the number of vehicles undergoing outdoor repair does not exceed the capacity of the outdoor repair facilities, and (iii)the number of vehicles awaiting customer pick-up cannot exceed the capacity of the indoor and outdoor auto repair facilities, and further provided that all vehicles must be kept on the business premises,and (iv) Pumps, lubrication or other devices are located at least fifteen feet from any street property line, and (v) All stored automobiles, automobile parts and storage and dismantled inoperative automobiles are store contained within the building, except outdoor display racks. (e) Laundromats and dry-cleaning establishments employing not more than five persons, (f) Locksmith shops, (g) Offices, (h) Membership clubs, (i) Photo shops, 0) Shoe repair shops; (9) Sign shops,commercial(no outdoor storage of materials); (10)Theaters; (11)Veterinarian clinics for household pets(no boarding or outdoor treatment (12)Upholstery shops; and (13) Parking lots within 500 feet of a C -2 district boundary,provided such lots are paved and half of the required landscape is live vegetation and, provided further, that any such property adjacent a residential zoned parcel shall provide a site obscuring fence along the common lot line(s) in accordance with residential fence height requirements. Section 3. That Section 25.70.150 entitled"Vehicle Related Uses"of the Pasco Municipal Code shall be and hereby is amended and shall read as follows: 25.70.150 VEHICLE RELATED USES. (1)Any building to be used as an AUTO BODY SHOP,as defined in Section 25.12.085, shall have a spray paint room or spray paint booth which complies with the requirements of the International Fire Code and /or International Building Code; (2) INOPERABLE VEHICLES, as defined in Section 25.12.475 are permitted within the R-T, R-S - 20,R-S -12,R-S -1,R-1,R-2,R-3,R-4, and RFA-1 /1 -A Districts and on all non-conforming residential uses in other districts subject to the following conditions: (a) Only one (1) inoperable vehicle may be stored outside of a fully enclosed building on the property,as an accessory use to a dwelling unit. (b)The inoperable vehicle stored outside shall not be stored upon a public right-of-way or in the front or side yard areas of the property, and shall not conflict with other residential requirements such as off-street parking and lot coverage. (c) The trunk of the outside inoperable vehicle shall be removed or locked at all times it is unattended, and the unattended vehicle shall be completely enclosed within a six(6) foot fence,which is fully site obscuring. (d) All vehicle parts not properly installed upon a vehicle shall be stored inside a fully enclosed building except that parts may be stored within the outside inoperable vehicle. (3) In the C-3 and I-1 Zoning Districts, inoperable vehicles as defined in Section 25.12.475 and vehicle parts, tires and accessories that are not readily moveable and for immediate sale shall be stored or parked behind screening as defined by 25.75.040(1)(d). Ordinance Amending Title 25 Page 2 of 3 PASSED by the City Council of the City of Pasco,Washington, and approved as provided by law this day of 12013. Matt Watkins,Mayor ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM: Debbie Clark,City Clerk Leland B.Kerr,City Attorney Ordinance Amending Title 25 Page 3 of 3 REPORT TO PLANNING COMMISSION MASTER FILE NO: SP2013-009 APPLICANT: AT&T Wireless c/o Vinculums HEARING DATE: 5/16/2013 3301 Burke Ave. Ste#100 ACTION DATE: 6/20/2013 Seattle, WA 98103 BACKGROUND REQUEST: SPECIAL PERMIT: Location of a Cellular Antenna Tower in a C-1 (Retail Business) Zone 1. PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: Leal: Parcel #117-380-022: The northwest 1/4 of the northwest 1/4, Section 15, Township 9 North, Range 29 East, WM. General Location: 6600 Burden Boulevard Property Size: The parcel is approximately 27.6 acres 2. ACCESS: The site is accessed from Burden Boulevard, Homerun Road and Convention Place. 3. UTILITIES: All municipal utilities currently serve the site. 4. LAND USE AND ZONING: The site is currently zoned C-1 (Retail Business) and contains TRAC event center and recreation facility. Surrounding properties are zoned and developed as follows: NORTH: C-1 - Commercial Businesses SOUTH: C-1 - TRAC EAST: C-1 8v RT - TRAC WEST: C-1 - Vacant S. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: The Comprehensive Plan designates the site for Government/Public uses. Goal OF-2 suggests the City ought to maintain land use flexibility in regard to placement of infrastructure for public and private utilities. Policy OF-2-A encourages the sound management of all energy and communication utilities through coordination and cooperation dealing with construction of such facilities. Policy OF-2-13 encourages the placement of utility substations which are necessary for the surrounding neighborhood. 6. ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The City of Pasco is the lead agency for this project. Based on the SEPA checklist, the adopted City Comprehensive Plan, City development regulations, and other information, a threshold determination resulting in a Determination of Non-Significance (DNS) has been issued for this project under WAC 197- 11-158. 1 ANALYSIS AT&T Wireless is requesting special permit approval to locate a permanent cellular antenna tower within the TRAC campus allowing AT&T to expand their fourth generation (4G) mobile data coverage area and to support more users. The requested tower is proposed to be 120 feet tall; located directly adjacent to the existing Verizon cellular tower. The two towers will share an existing equipment enclosure (see Exhibit 3). The tower will be designed to resemble a flag pole by housing all antennae within an outer sheath. This method increases the outer diameter of the tower but hides unsightly above-ground equipment from public view. The tower is proposed to display a large Washington State flag. The adjacent Verizon tower currently flies the United States flag; by displaying a Washington State flag the proposed tower will complement the existing one. The outer pole sheath is conditioned to be painted to match the color of the existing tower. This will create unity in appearance, blending in with one another. The C-1 zone permits structures to reach a maximum height of thirty five (35) feet "except a greater height may be approved by special permit" [PMC25.42.050(4)]. The proposed tower would exceed the 35 foot height limit by eighty five (85) feet. The proposed location of the wireless communication antenna and equipment meets the requirements listed under the provisions of PMC 25.70.070, which requires wireless facilities to be located on or within a publicly owned facility. Wireless Facility zoning regulations were specifically developed to permit (through special permit review) cellular tower/antenna equipment on taller buildings within the community. The PMC special permit review criteria for wireless facilities are written as follows: 25.70.075 WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITIES. Wireless Communication Facilities are permitted under the following conditions: (1) Such structures shall be permitted in all industrial or C-3 zoning districts provided the location is 500 feet or more from a residential district. Any location closer than 500 feet requires special permit approval. (2) Such structures may be permitted by special permit in all other zoning districts provided said structures are: (a) Attached to or located on an existing or proposed building or structure that is higher than thirty-five (35)feet, or 2 (b) Located on or with a publicly owned facility such as a water reservoir, fire station, police station, school, county or port. acilittl. (3) All wireless communication facilities shall comply with the following standards (a) Wireless facilities shall be screened or camouflaged by employing the best available technology. This may be accomplished by use of compatible materials, strategic location, color, stealth technologies, and/or other measures to achieve minimum visibility of the facility when viewed from public rights-of-way, and adjoining properties such that a casual observer cannot identify the Wireless Communication Facility. (b) Wireless facilities shall be located in the City in the following order of preference: i) Attached to or located on buildings or structures higher than 35 feet. ii) Located on or with a publicly owned facility iii) Located on a site other than those listed in a) or b). The proposal meets the criteria above in that the tower is proposed within a public facility complex. The TRAC property is owned by Franklin County. Commonly, cellular providers locate the equipment cabinets within a fenced area surrounding the base of a pole; in this case the entire tower with its equipment will be located within an existing sight-obscured equipment enclosure at the base of an existing tower. The zoning regulations were specifically developed to permit (through special permit review) cellular tower/antenna equipment on publicly owned property. The design of the tower will conceal the fact that it is a cellular tower. The antennas will have no visual impact on the community because they will be located inside the pole. A portion of the height of the pole will be mitigated due to the height and bulk of the TRAC building. There are also a number of very tall light poles on the surrounding sports fields that will tend to moderate the height of the pole. INITIAL STAFF FINDINGS OF FACT Findings of fact must be entered from the record. The following are initial findings drawn from the background and analysis section of the staff report. The Planning Commission may add additional findings to this listing as the result of factual testimony and evidence submitted during the open record hearing. 1. The site is zoned C-1 (Retail Business). 3 2. The Comprehensive Plan identifies the site for Government/Public uses. 3. The site contains TRAC, an event center and recreation facility. 4. The site is 27.6 acres in area. 5. All municipal utilities currently serve the site. 6. In the C-1 zone cellular towers may be permitted by special permit provided the tower is either: i) Attached to or located on an existing or proposed building or structure that is higher than thirty-five (35) feet; or ii) Located on or with a publicly owned facility such as a water reservoir, fire station, police station, school, county or port facility. 7. The cellular tower is proposed to be outside of the existing cellular equipment enclosure. 8. The equipment serving the proposed tower will be located within the existing equipment enclosure. 9. The Comprehensive Plan suggests the City ought to maintain land use flexibility with regard to placement of infrastructure for public and private utilities. 10. The Comprehensive Plan does not specifically address cellular equipment. 11. Cellular equipment creates minimal demands on City infrastructure. 12. The cellular tower will be camouflaged as a flag pole. The outer sheath of the tower will be painted to match the existing adjacent tower and will display a Washington State flag. TENTATIVE CONCLUSIONS BASED ON INITIAL STAFF FINDINGS OF FACT Before recommending approval or denial of a special permit the Planning Commission must develop findings of fact from which to draw its conclusions based upon the criteria listed in P.M.C. 25.86.060. The criteria are as follows: (1) Will the proposed use be in accordance with the goals, policies, objectives and text of the Comprehensive Plan? The Comprehensive Plan does not specifically address cellular equipment. The Comprehensive Plan goal OF-2 and policy OF-2-A discuss the need for sound management and coordination in the location of utilities and community facilities. Policy ED-1-C promotes the need to support Pasco's urban area as a good business environment by enhancing the infrastructure of the community. The applicability of 4 policy ED-1-C is enhanced due to the fact that the new tower will provide more/better service primarily to commercially zoned properties. Policy UT-1-C encourages coordination of utility providers' functional plans with the City's land use and utility plans to ensure long term service availability. (2) Will the proposed use adversely affect public infrastructure? The proposed use is a part of the communication network utilized by the general public. The proposed equipment will be located in such a manner so as not to impact other public utilities or services. The proposed use does not require water and sewer. (3) Will the proposed use be constructed, maintained and operated to be in harmony with existing or intended character of the general vicinity? The character of the vicinity is dominated by the TRAC event center and recreation facility. The addition of a small antennae tower in the parking lot will not alter or affect the existing or intended character of TRAC. The tower is intended to be temporary and the special permit will condition it as such. The proposed equipment will look and function more or less as a part of the TRAC complex (4) Will the location and height of proposed structures and the site design discourage the development of permitted uses on property in the general vicinity or impair the value thereof? The proposed 120-foot tall antenna tower will be located amid a vast parking lot and will not generally be noticed by the public and is unlikely to discourage development in the vicinity. The tower will be designed to appear as a flag pole and will fly a State of Washington flag. This flag-pole design will blend in with the existing flag-pole (Verizon) tower which flies a United States flag. Lighting at the base of the flag pole/tower will shine upwards; illuminating the flag at night. There will be no impacts to surrounding publicly owned properties. (5) Will the operations in connection with the proposal be more objectionable to nearby properties by reason of noise, fumes, vibrations, dust, traffic, or flashing lights than would be the operation of any permitted uses within the district? The proposed cell tower will create no fumes, dust or noise. Cell towers facilities have been located throughout the community in residential, commercial and industrial zones without generating any complaints received by the City. 5 (6) Will the proposed use endanger the public health or safety if located and developed where proposed, or in any way become a nuisance to uses permitted in the district? The proposal is required to be designed by a professional engineer to withstand the forces of nature. The applicant is also required to coordinate with the FAA and FCC prior to obtaining a building permit. Cell tower radio waves have not been proven to be harmful to human health. Radio wave activity is focused on the antennas which are elevated approximately 120 feet above grade away from human activity. The most noticeable impact will be visual. The tower poses no true threat to public health and safety. A Determination of No Hazard to Air Navigation for the tower has not yet been issued by the FAA. TENTATIVE APPROVAL CONDITIONS 1) The special permit shall apply to Parcel # 117-380-022; 2) The property shall be developed in substantial conformity with the site plan and elevations submitted with the application; 3) The cellular antenna tower shall not exceed 120 feet in height; 4) The cellular antenna tower shall be designed to resemble a flag pole and shall continuously display a flag; 5) The cellular antenna tower shall be painted to match the color of existing flag pole cellular antenna tower which shares an equipment enclosure with the proposed tower; 6) The cellular equipment shall be located within a sight obscuring enclosure; 7) The wireless communication antenna shall not be used for advertising or other non-communication purposes; 8) A Determination of No Hazard to Air Navigation from the FAA for the tower must be submitted to the Planning Department prior to location of the tower; and 9) The proposed cellular facility must comply with all FCC regulations regarding radio frequency emissions. RECOMMENDATION MOTION: I move to close the hearing on the proposed temporary cellular tower and initiate deliberations and schedule adoption of findings of fact, conclusions and a recommendation to the City Council for the June 20, 2013 meeting. 6 Vicin Item: Special Permit - AT&T Cell Tower it Y A licant: AT&T N Map pp •File #. SP2013 -009 a •� R'4 4 i '� � II �. u . 6K. 1 » _ a -., r - r l _ Y.1 E m BVRF.,L-N P SITE Oil WIN HWJ - r . , r" VTiO`r ROL y q � y+ Iy C Land � / / 1 Map File #: SP2013 -009 I I I "Willa ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Commercial -' W � ■■■■■■■■■�■■■■■■■■■■■■ OF- Commercial ,1 RODEO DR _ Vacant� WON Public Recreation (TRAQ �� . _■■ Zonin Item: Special Permit - AT&T Cell Tower 9 A pplicant: AT&T N Map File • #. SP2013 -009 W , A R1 o F (Low Density Residential) OF- d C-1 ° J(Retail Business .a BURDEN BLVD W a � C-1 (Retail Business) z C-1 RODEO DR o SITE U O R-1 Ll L I I RT HOMERUN RD (Residential Transition) tON Ro C-1 (Retail Business) o y 0 Pole Base f,� u}��gtlu011���l R l _ j d U h ij re Equipment Enclosure 4 i Y- Looking North ON WIN W. � X. L Looking East Existing Tower i 1jo t w �"�d�M r+rwa �s�p �r i,, ,z ',�� ,t.���eYe� +•,, ` 'z.may -'� �„�,•.'��` .rw� ±�,lr� ' "�i4i$ }�"4F`' +�' �"�i. �r a", s f,-_y".r r 'w•�',''r•a �' "�'�.`'�,""' �''ti�� '�+t�'� ., _ �w x :;',",:s�... ";! �F;. ...•. � w t�, K i �..l�..s 3a� 7 4�$� �-_ .i, •tL. �,� i ,r�,. �_:.-,FSr �AC��1:�;�1�+r�° ^��.'.,.�r-�..�s '' -' ..,."iii��►aii. �Jt'"-"�' .� `ir3,�'^!1:4.. �`,t'r��_ds±;� `,. s � • 00 ;Y r � F Looking South rj L FL iz { - - ■IIIHIIIII�ttIR R36l11'' _ w$� �; - - - ��� P it ti rte. ir, est _N � OR WIN � x REPORT TO PLANNING COMMISSION MASTER FILE NO: SP2013-010 APPLICANT: Dave Warner HEARING DATE: 5/16/2013 4318 Des Moines Ln. ACTION DATE: 6/20/2013 Pasco, WA 99301 BACKGROUND REQUEST: SPECIAL PERMIT: Location of an auto sales lot in a C-1 (Retail Business) Zone 1. PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: Leal: Parcel #116-273-765: Lot 4, Binding Site Plan 2005-01 General Location: The 6300 Block of Burden Boulevard Property Size: The parcel is approximately 1 acre with about 17,000 sq. ft. available for the proposed auto sales lot. 2. ACCESS: The site is accessed from Burden Boulevard 3. UTILITIES: All municipal utilities are currently available to serve the site. 4. LAND USE AND ZONING: The site is currently zoned C-1 (Retail Business). The northwest portion of the site contains a paved parking lot while the southeast portion is vacant. Surrounding properties are zoned and developed as follows: NORTH: C-1 - Commercial retail/office uses SOUTH: C-1 - TRAC/RV Park EAST: C-1 - Vacant WEST: C-1 - Commercial retail 5. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: The Comprehensive Plan designates the site for Commercial uses. Goal LU-4 encourages the development of high quality regional and community shopping facilities within the City. LU-4-B promotes the idea of clusters or centers for shopping and services that are functionally and economically similar operationally. LU-4-C encourages the application of standards and guidelines that will result in attractive and efficient commercial centers. 6. ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The City of Pasco is the lead agency for this project. Based on the SEPA checklist, the adopted City Comprehensive Plan, City development regulations, and other information, a threshold determination resulting in a Determination of Non-Significance (DNS) has been issued for this project under WAC 197- 11-158. 1 ANALYSIS The applicant is requesting special permit approval to locate an auto sales lot in a C-1 zone in the shopping center parking lot located at 6311 Burden Boulevard. The site is part of a commercial complex consisting of five buildings occupied by offices, retail businesses and a commercial daycare and common parking areas. The buildings share the same access off Burden Boulevard and Robert Wayne Drive to the west. Although the buildings and some of the parking lot are on separate parcels they collectively function as a one retail/office strip center (Sunny Meadows Center). The property was zoned C-1 in 1994 and was intended to be developed with indoor retail and offices uses as listed under the permitted uses section of PMC 25.42.020. The C-1 zone was established to provide locations for commercial activities to meet the retail shopping and service needs of the community. Banks, restaurants, offices, and retail stores are some of the most common uses permitted within the C-1 zone. These businesses typically conduct business indoors. Automobile and truck sales are a permitted use in the C-3 zone. Other permitted uses within the C-3 zone include mobile home and trailer sales, heavy machinery sales, lumber sales and similar uses where business activities often occur outdoors. Auto sales were included in the C-3 zone because they were deemed to be a higher intensity use that would not be appropriate in a typical C-1 zone. C-1 zones are often used as an intermediate zone between more intense commerce areas (such as C-3) and low-intensity uses such as residential. A typical car lot is adorned with balloons, flags, pennants, search lights, banners, remote radio broadcast trucks, and other items to attract attention. Additionally, car lots frequently have outdoor loudspeakers that can be heard many blocks away. The loudspeakers at the Pasco Auto-Plex have been heard up to a quarter of a mile away. In the early 1980's the zoning regulations were amended to add automobile sales as a Permitted Conditional Use in the C-1 zone. It was about that time that many of the old service stations in town were closing. After closing it was difficult for the old gas stations to be reused because they were built for a single purpose related to servicing vehicles. Most of these old service stations where located on the corner of two busy arterials streets in the central core of the community. In an effort to assist with the reuse of the old gas stations the zoning code was amended to conditionally permit auto sales on old service station properties. The term "Conditional Use" means auto sales may be approved under certain circumstance and conditions in one location and not in another location. The Special Permit review process is used to determine 2 whether or not a conditional use would be appropriate in a given location. To even qualify for the Special Permit review in a C-1 zone a proposed auto sales lot must meet the preliminary criteria listed in PMC 25.42.040(2): (a) Adjacent the intersection of two arterial streets, or (b) Adjacent a single arterial street, provided it is not adjacent to or across a public street right-of-way from a residential district, and would not be located closer than 300 feet to any existing car lot. Meeting either of the locational criteria above allows a business owner to apply for a Special Permit. In this case the property meets criteria (b) due to the sites' location on Burden Boulevard (arterial) which is not adjacent to any residentially zoned parcels. Also, the site is not within 300 feet of another auto sales business. The proposed site is a vacant pad site that was reserved for a future commercial building. The applicant is proposing to use this pad site to display vehicles for sale. The proposed sales office will be located in the nearest commercial building, 120 feet across a parking lot to the north. Unlike a typical used car sales lot that is devoted to the display and sale of vehicles the proposed sales lot will be intermixed with a functioning parking lot serving other businesses. This is a potential safety issue for customers of the auto sales lot and drivers trying to park in the parking lot. Parking lots do not typically have foot traffic moving around looking at cars to buy. The Comprehensive Plan encourages the grouping of similar types businesses. A used car sales lot located within a business center or retail center does not support the clustering concept. Similar businesses that locate near each other tend to fare better economically than when they isolate themselves from other similar businesses. The fast food restaurants are examples of like businesses that often locate together or in the same general vicinity. A used car sales lot shares little in common with an office or retail store. The proposed used car sales lot is located in the 1-182 Overlay District. The Overlay District was created in 2001 to provide additional development guidelines to facilitate the development of an aesthetically pleasing environment with attractive buildings and properties. Car sales lots and the manner in which they are operated do not facilitate the development of an aesthetically pleasing businesses environment. The I-182 standards were amended in 2010 to address community concerns about the haphazard manner in which temporary outdoor businesses were operating in the 1-182 area. Car sales lots are by nature outdoor businesses and some of the community concerns that apply to the temporary and special event businesses would also apply to car sales lots. 3 INITIAL STAFF FINDINGS OF FACT Findings of fact must be entered from the record. The following are initial findings drawn from the background and analysis section of the staff report. The Planning Commission may add additional findings to this listing as the result of factual testimony and evidence submitted during the open record hearing. 1. The Comprehensive Plan identifies the site for commercial uses. 2. The Comprehensive Plan encourages the grouping of similar types businesses. There are no other automotive sales or related business located in the Sunny Meadows Center. 3. The site is zoned C-1 (Retail Business). 4. Retail stores, restaurants, offices, and banks are the most common uses permitted within the C-1 zone. These businesses typically conduct business indoors. 5. C-1 zones are often used as intermediate zones between more intense commerce areas (such as C-3) and low-intensity uses such as residential. 6. The site is part of a one acre parcel within the Sunny Meadows Business Center, most of which is used as a parking lot for the business center. About 17,000 square feet of land is available for the proposed car lot. 7. Car sales are a permitted use in the C-3 zone which is a zoning district that permits outdoor sales activities. 8. Auto sales were included in the C-3 zone because they were deemed to be a higher intensity use that would not be appropriate in a typical C-1 zone. 9. Car sales are a conditional use in C-1 zone. 10. The term "conditional use" means auto sales may be approved under certain circumstance and conditions in one location and not in another location. The Special Permit review process is used to determine whether or not a conditional use would be appropriate in a given location. 11. For a C-1 property to qualify for special permit review for a car sales lot, the property in question would have to either be located at the intersection of two arterial streets or be located on one arterial street and not adjacent to or across a public right-of-way from any residentially zoned properties. A proposed site must also be more than 300 from another auto sales business. 4 12. In the early 1980's the zoning regulations were amended to add Automobile sales as a Permitted Conditional Use in the C-1 zone. 13. The Permitted Conditional Uses of PMC 25.42.040 were amended in 1981 to address a growing concern about how to reuse many of the old service stations in town that had closed. After closing, it was difficult for the old gas station to be reused because they were built for a single purpose related to servicing vehicles. The C-1 zone was amended to specifically allow the adaptive reuse of old service station for car sales lots. 14. The proposed site is not an old service station. 15. Applying of a Special Permit does not guarantee a special permit application will receive approval. 16. The proposed site is a vacant pad site that was reserved for a yet-to-be- built commercial building. The applicant is proposing to use this pad site to display vehicles for sale. The proposed sales office will be located in the nearest commercial building 120 feet across a parking lot to the north. 17. A used car sales lot is typically not intermixed with a functioning parking lot that serves other businesses. 18. Comprehensive Plan policy LU-4-C encourages the application of standards and guidelines that will result in attractive and efficient commercial centers. 19. The proposed used car sales lot is located in the I-182 Overlay District. The Overlay District was created in 2001 to provide additional development guidelines to facilitate the development of an aesthetically pleasing environment with attractive buildings and properties. 20. Parking lots typically do not have foot traffic moving around looking at cars to buy. This is a potential safety issue for customers of the auto sales lot and drivers trying to park in the parking lot. 21. The I-182 standards were amended in 2010 to address community concerns about the haphazard manner in which temporary outdoor businesses were operating in the I-182 area. Car sales lots are by nature outdoor businesses and some of the community concerns that apply to temporary and special event businesses would also apply to car sales lots. 22. A typical car lot is adorned with balloons, flags, pennants, search lights, banners, remote radio broadcast trucks and other items to attract attention. 5 TENTATIVE CONCLUSIONS BASED ON INITIAL STAFF FINDINGS OF FACT Before recommending approval or denial of a special permit the Planning Commission must develop findings of fact from which to draw its conclusions based upon the criteria listed in P.M.C. 25.86.060. The criteria are as follows: (1) Will the proposed use be in accordance with the goals, policies, objectives and text of the Comprehensive Plan? The site is identified in the Comprehensive Plan for commercial uses and has been zoned C-1 rather than C-3 because of the residential zoning to the north. Plan Policy LU-4-B promotes the idea of clusters or centers for shopping and services that are functionally and economically similar operationally. A used car sales lot is not functionally similar to a strip center and permitting a used car sales lot in the parking lot of the Sunny Meadows Center does not appear to support the objectives of the Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan (LU-4-C) also encourages the application of standards and guidelines that will result in attractive and efficient commercial centers. This policy of the Plan is implemented in part through the I-182 Overlay District (PMC25.58) which requires architectural and landscaping enhancement over and above what is required in other commercial areas of the City. Permitting a used car sales lot in the parking lot of the Sunny Meadows Center would detract from the overall purposes of the I-182 Overlay District and would not be supportive of the Comprehensive Plan. Used car lots are notorious for "junking up" business areas with balloons, flags, pennants, search lights, banners and flashing lights. (2) Will the proposed use adversely affect public infrastructure? The proposed use will have little impact on the capacity of public infrastructure. Any permitted use located within a permanent business on the site will have more impact on the utility system but will also contribute more through the payment of fees. (3) Will the proposed use be constructed, maintained and operated to be in harmony with existing or intended character of the general vicinity? The existing character and intended character of the neighborhood on the north side of Burden Boulevard is that of an indoor retail/office strip center. The southern side of Burden Boulevard is intended to be the recreation and event center of the community. The proposed use will be operated differently than the existing and intended uses of the Sunny Meadows Center. Having a used car sales lot within the existing parking lot could become a nuisance for the business center and its employees 6 and customers. A used car lot at this location could alter the intended character of the Sunny Meadows Center and surrounding office and retail areas. (4) Will the location and height of proposed structures and the site design discourage the development of permitted uses on property in the general vicinity or impair the value thereof? Surrounding properties are zoned to permit commercial development. Buildings on surrounding lots and on the lot in question are permitted to be 35 feet in height. Development on the lot in question and on surrounding lots must comply with all municipal codes including landscaping, zoning and building codes. These codes are intended to support property values and encourage compatibility within neighborhoods. (5) Will the operations in connection with the proposal be more objectionable to nearby properties by reason of noise, fumes, vibrations, dust, traffic, or flashing lights than would be the operation of any permitted uses within the district? The operation of the proposed used within an existing parking lot will create objectionable safety conflicts between people looking to buy cars and people trying to park cars to transact business in the Sunny Meadows Center. The operation of the car lot with the typical balloons tied to cars, flags, banners and all manner of obnoxious advertising methods will not be a good business fit within the Sunny Meadows Center. (6) Will the proposed use endanger the public health or safety if located and developed where proposed, or in any way become a nuisance to uses permitted in the district? The proposed car sales lot could create a public safety issue because the lot will not be in a location that is devoted strictly to car sales. It will be part of a large parking lot that is dedicated to providing parking to the Sunny Meadows Business Center. Having salespersons and customers wandering back and forth through the parking lot to get to the sales lot and office may become a nuisance to the established businesses within the Sunny Meadows Center. The manner in which car sales lots are operated with obnoxious advertising may also create a nuisance for the established businesses within the center. 7 RECOMMENDATION MOTION: I move to adopt the findings of Fact as contained in the staff report of May 16, 2013. MOTION: I move the Planning Commission recommend the City Council deny the Special Permit request for an auto sales lot on Parcel # 1 16273765 at 6411 Burden Boulevard. 8 VicinY Item: Special Permit - Auto Dealership i A licant: Dave Warner N Map pp File # FE`1't AY DR& .. 1 sue' ° --- - W . r ;,� `• a :��. ;�' - SITE N .�. r { V I Her .;� j Land Use Item: Special Permit - Auto Dealership Applicant:Map # Warner File N 0 Li w FENWAY DR Single Family Residences x a d Commercial 3 F a w SITE BURDEN BLVD TltAC Zoning Item: Special Permit - Auto Dealership Applicant: Dave Warner N Map File #: SP2013 -010 Li 0 w FENWAY DR R-1 (Low-Density Residential) x W C-1 (Retail Business) d 3 F a w SITE BURDEN BLVD G1 (Retail Business) REPORT TO PLANNING COMMISSION MASTER FILE NO: SP 2013-011 APPLICANT: City of Pasco HEARING DATE: 5/16/13 Public Works Dept. ACTION DATE: 6/20/13 Pasco, WA 99301 BACKGROUND REQUEST: SPECIAL PERMIT: Location of Water Intake Facility in an RT Zone. 1. PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: Legal: Lot 11, Harris Subdivision Except that portion deeded for 1-182 right-of way. Location: 11410 W. Court St Property Size: .27 acres 2. ACCESS: The property has access from West Court Street. 3. UTILITIES: All utilities are available to the site. 4. LAND USE AND ZONING: The site is currently zoned RT (Residential Transition). The site is vacant. Surrounding properties are zoned and developed as follows: North RT- Corn field South No zoning - Columbia River East RT-Parking lot and vacant lots under the I-182 Bridge West R-S-20 - Residential/Harris vegetable stand 5. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: The goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan encourage the extension or expansion of water service throughout the Urban Growth Area. (UT-1 8v UT-1-A). Policy UT-1-D encourages the leveraging of irrigation water to ease the use of potable water for the maintenance of landscaping. 6. ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The City of Pasco is the lead agency for this project. Based on the SEPA checklist, the adopted City Comprehensive Plan, City development regulations, and other information, a threshold determination resulting in a Determination of Non-significance (DNS) has been issued for this project under WAC 197-11-158. ANALYSIS The Public Works Department has applied for a Special Permit to locate a water intake and pumping facility at 11416 West Court Street. The City currently has an existing water intake and pumping facility adjacent to the proposed site where water is pumped from the River to the West Pasco Treatment Plant (113 15 W Court St) where it is treated and pumped into the City's potable water system. The remaining water is pumped directly into the municipal irrigation system. The proposed intake and pumping facility will be dedicated solely to providing water to the West Pasco Treatment Plant. The new intake will include a circular concrete structure approximately 30 feet in diameter extending 75 feet below the ground (wet well) with a 36-inch diameter pipe extending up to 220 feet into the River. A building will be constructed over the wet well at ground level. The building will house the pumping and electrical equipment. The building will be constructed to match the scale and look of a residential structure. The site will also be developed with a two car parking pad, front yard landscaping and a wrought iron type perimeter fence. This project is part of the City's ongoing efforts to keep the water utility system current with the growing population of the community and to meet future needs. Pasco's population has increased from 32,066 in 2000 to over 65,000 in 2013 an increase of 32,934 over the past 13 years. Corresponding with this population growth has been the ever present need to increase the capacity of the City's water utility system to accommodate the growth. In 2009 the City constructed the West Pasco Treatment Plant to help meet current and future demands for potable water and fire protection. The construction of the proposed water intake and pumping facility is part of the ongoing plans to provide community water service to the community. The West Pasco Treatment Plant has an ultimate treatment capacity of 18 million gallons a day (mgd) when four more membrane filter racks and two more raw water strainers are added. Currently, the plant can treat up to 6 mgd. The current water intake facility has a maximum capacity of 7.8 mgd and a "firm capacity" of just 3.9 mgd. "Firm capacity" is defined as the capacity when one pump is not in service. Hence the existing water intake facility has neither the firm capacity to support the existing production capability of the West Pasco Treatment Plant nor the total capacity to support the ultimate treatment capability of the plant. The proposed intake facility will be designed to provide a firm capacity to meet the current treatment plant capacity and to be expandable to support the ultimate capacity of the treatment plant. 2 Following the completion of the proposed water intake and pumping facility and connection to the West Pasco Treatment Plant, the existing water intake facility will be converted to an irrigation intake and pumping facility only. All pumping equipment and electrical equipment will be housed in a CMU block building that will have an exterior wainscot of split faced block above which will be placed HardiePlank lap siding on the main walls along with HardieShingle shingle siding above the walls on the gable ends. To aid in creating a residential look for the building, the building will have the following features: • a rectangular wing extending from the main structure with a wall height 2 feet less than the wall height of the main structure; • a 5/12 pitched roof on the main structure, a 4/12 pitched roof on the wing and a dormer with windows facing West Court Street on the main structure; • 17 faux windows sized and located to balance the appearance of ventilation intake louvers on two elevations and to give the appearance of interior residential spaces on the other elevations; The engineers designing the facility have selected 250 horsepower pumps rather than 300 horsepower pumps to reduce the size of the building, size of the electrical equipment, cooling requirements and to reduce noise. Intake and exhaust louvers will be sound attenuating and an in-line silencer will be included in the compressor room to reduce noise emanating from the exhaust louvers. The FCID pumping station is located at 11100 West Court Street, 1,200 feet down-river from the proposed intake and pumping facility. The FCID pumping station is located 160 feet from the nearest dwelling and operates with a 125 horsepower pump, a 300 horsepower pump and a 450 horsepower pump. The pump house does not contain any noise abatement features and runs all season with the doors and windows open to provide cooling to the building. A fourth buster pump is located near the corner of Road 111 and West Court Street. The City has never received a complaint about noise from the pumping station. An online search of the Franklin County property records indicates homes located in the vicinity of the FCID pumping station have maintained their values or improved in value over the past few years. The front yard area of the proposed site will be extensively landscaped with 11 trees, 38 shrubs, 1470 yarrow plants and 700 Potentilla. The existing arborvitae hedge along the easterly edge of the site will be removed and the hedge on the riverside of the property will remain. Residential setbacks consistent with the neighboring RS-20 zoning will be maintained around the proposed building. 3 The proposed facility will be remotely monitored and as a result less than a dozen vehicle trips per week will be generated by the facility. A typical single- family dwelling will generate about 10 vehicle trips a day (ITE Traffic Manual Stn Addition). The 1-182 Bridge is located over and slightly south of the proposed site. The WSDOT traffic counter near the east end of the bridge indicates 56,000 vehicles pass over the site every day. The noise resulting from this traffic has a significant impact on the surrounding neighborhood. The three parcels to the south of the proposed facility are part of the 1-182 right-of-way and will never be developed with residential dwellings. Pasco Municipal Code 25.86.020(l 1) classifies the proposed water utility facility as an "Unclassified Use" requiring special permit approval prior to location anywhere in the city, regardless of zoning. STAFF FINDINGS OF FACT Findings of Fact must be entered from the record. The following are initial Findings drawn from the background and analysis section of the staff report. The Planning Commission may add Findings to this listing as the result of factual testimony and evidence submitted during the open record hearing. 1. The site is vacant and currently being used as a garden. 2. The site was annexed by the City of Pasco in 2012 (Ordinance #4088). 3. The site is zoned RT. 4. The proposed water intake and pumping facility is an unclassified use requiring special permit approval prior to location anywhere in the city, regardless of zoning. 5. The Comprehensive Plan designates the site for low-density residential uses. 6. Comprehensive Plan Goals and Policies encourage the extension or expansion of water service throughout the Urban Growth Area. (UT-1 8v UT-1-A). 7. Policy UT-1-D encourages the leveraging of irrigation water to ease the use of potable water for the maintenance of landscaping. 8. The site is located more or less under the I-182 Bridge. 9. The site is adjacent to the existing water intake facility that provides raw water to the West Pasco Treatment Plant and irrigation water for the municipal irrigation system. 10. The West Pasco Treatment Plant was constructed in 2009 and is on a parcel of land at 11315 West Court Street located 425 feet from the proposed intake facility site. 11. The new water intake and pumping facility is needed to supply enough raw water to meet the design demands of the West Pasco Treatment Plant. 4 12. The proposed facility is designed to provide 25 million gallons of raw water to the West Pasco Treatment Plant every day. 13. The new water intake facility will enable the existing water intake facility to be converted to an irrigation only facility that will pump directly into the municipal irrigation system thereby leveraging irrigation water to reduce the use of potable water for yard maintenance. 14. The proposed pump and equipment structure will be built to resemble a residential structure with a 5/12 pitched roof, lap siding, shingle siding on the gable ends and 17 faux windows. Every elevation will have one or more windows. 15. The facility has been designed with 250 horsepower pumps rather than 300 horsepower pumps to reduce the size of the building, size of the electrical equipment, cooling requirements and to reduce noise 16. Intake and exhaust louvers will be sound attenuating and an in-line silencer will be included in the compressor room to reduce noise emanating from the exhaust louvers. 17. The FCID intake and pumping station in the 11100 block of West Court Street operates with a 125 horsepower pump, a 300 horsepower pump and a 450 horsepower pump. The pump house does not contain any noise abatement features and runs all season with the doors and windows open to provide cooling to the building. The City has never received a noise complaint about the operation of the FCID pumping station. 18. Properties in the vicinity of the FCID pumping station have maintained their values or improved in value over the past few years. 19. Residential setbacks consistent with the neighboring RS-20 zoning will be maintained around the proposed building. 20. The site will be heavily landscaped with a total of 2,919 plants. 21. Only two parking spaces will be provided on the site meeting the minimum requirement for a single-family dwelling. 22. The facility will generate less than a dozen vehicle trips per week. 23. A typical single-family dwelling will generate about 10 vehicle trips per day (ITE Traffic Manual 8th Addition). 24. Approximately 56,000 vehicles pass over the site on the I-182 Bridge every day. 25. Pasco's population has increased from 32,066 in 2000 to over 65,000 in 2013. 26. The three parcels to the south of the proposed facility are part of the I- 182 right-of-way and will not be developed with residential dwellings. 5 CONCLUSIONS BASED ON INITIAL STAFF FINDINGS OF FACT The Planning Commission must make Findings of Fact based upon the criteria listed in P.M.C. 25.86.060. The criteria and staff listed findings are as follows: (I) Will the proposed use be in accordance with the goals, policies, objectives and text of the Comprehensive Plan? Comprehensive Plan Goals encourage the provision of adequate utility services throughout the Urban Growth Area to accommodate population increases as anticipated in the Plan. Plan Policy UT-1-A suggests public water and sewer services be available concurrently with development in the urban growth area. Policy UT-1-D encourages the leveraging of irrigation water to ease the use of potable water for the maintenance of landscaping. The proposed facility is consistent with and supports policies of the Plan and helps implement the Comprehensive Water Plan for the City. (2) Will the proposed use adversely affect public infrastructure? The proposed facility will have a positive impact on the potable water system and the municipal irrigation system. The new intake and pumping facility is designed to supply enough water to the West Pasco Treatment Plant to enable the plant to operate at it full capacity of 25 million gallons per day. The current intake and pumping can only supply water for about a quarter of the plant's capacity. Operating the proposed facility will enable the existing intake and pumping facility to be converted to pump only irrigation water thereby benefiting the municipal irrigation. (3) Will the proposed use be constructed, maintained and operated to be in harmony with the existing or intended character of the general vicinity? The Public Works Department has gone to great lengths to design a facility that will be constructed and maintained in harmony with the intended character of the neighborhood. The building will be built to resemble a residential structure with a 5/12 pitched roof, lap siding, shingle siding on the gable ends and 17 faux windows. Every elevation will have one or more windows. The property will be heavily landscaped with a total of 2,919 plants. Fencing will be wrought iron in nature 6 rather than chain link. The overall design has incorporated a number of features to minimize noise impacts on the area. (4) Will the location and height of proposed structures and the site design discourage the development of permitted uses on property in the general vicinity or impair the value thereof? The existing pumping facility and the FCID pump house have not discourage development in the area nor have they impaired the value of nearby homes. The proposed height of the structure and site design have been prepared to reflect the future residential character of the neighborhood. The proposed building will resemble a single-story single-family dwelling with a residential style driveway, heavy front yard landscaping, exterior residential construction materials, a 5/12 pitched roof and a wrought iron type fence. (5) Will the operations in connection with the proposal be more objectionable to nearby properties by reason of noise, fumes, vibrations, dust, traffic, or flashing lights than would be the operation of any permitted uses within the district? The proposed facility is located more or less underneath the I-182 Bridge that carries 56,000 vehicles across the Columbia River each day. The bridge traffic creates considerable noise, vibrations and fumes in the neighborhood. The standard operation of the proposed facility will create no dust, fumes, odors, vibrations and less traffic on a weekly basis than a single-family dwelling generates on a daily basis. The operation of the standby generators will create occasional fumes. The facility may create noise similar to the FCID pumping station but that noise will be contained in the building that has specific design features to minimize noise beyond the property boundaries. (6) Will the proposed use endanger the public health or safety if located and developed where proposed, or in any way will become a nuisance to uses permitted in the district? The facility will be constructed to meet the current International Building Code and American Water Works Standards. Once constructed the facility will be professionally operated and maintained so as to be in 7 harmony with the general character of the neighborhood. Extra care has been taken to incorporate design features that will ensure the facility does not become a nuisance to the neighborhood. Air intake and exhaust louvers will be sound attenuating and an in-line silencer will be included in the compressor room to reduce noise emanating from the exhaust louvers. All equipment will be located inside the building and the building will be built to resemble a single-family structure. Extensive landscaping will also be included to provide a residential look to the property TENTATIVE APPROVAL CONDITIONS 1. The special permit shall apply to Parcel No. 118221111. 2. The water intake and pumping facility shall be developed in substantial conformity with the site plan and building elevations submitted with the special permit application. 3. Landscaping shall conform to the landscape plan submitted with the application. 4. Construction of the building must conform in every detail related to the installation of noise attenuating devices and equipment. 5. The special permit shall be null and void if a building permit has not been obtained by January 1, 2015. RECOMMENDATION MOTION: I move to close the public hearing and schedule deliberations, the adoption of findings of fact, and development of a recommendation for City Council for the June 20, 2013 Planning Commission meeting. 8 Item: Water Intake Facilit V icinity • Applicant: City of Pasco vublic Works N Map _ File #. SP 2013 011 Ai: i i SITE 40 x ,. `A Land Item: Water Intake Facilit Use Applicant: City of Pasco Public Works N Map File #: SP 2013-011 Agriculture (County) Vac. SITE �o% H2O mob` Treatment aR'�e r �s Zonin Item: Water Intake Facility g Applicant: City of Pasco Public Works N Map File #: SP 2013 -011 RT (County) SITE RS-12 r n . a , � y a y` r •.. 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Z 2013-001 APPLICANT: Nathan Machiela HEARING DATE: 5/16/13 2464 SW Glacier Place STE# 110 ACTION DATE: 6/20/13 Redmond, OR 97756 BACKGROUND REQUEST: REZONE Rezone from RT (Residential Transition) to R-1 (Low- Density Residential). 1. PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: Legal: That portion of the SW quarter of the SW quarter of Section 15, Township 9 North, Range 29 East, WM. lying northerly of the FCID canal except that portion platted as Chapel Hill Division 2 and that portion platted as Short Plat 2010-14. General Location: 6720 Aintree Drive Property Size: The parcel is approximately 5 acres. 2. ACCESS: The property will have access from Aintree Drive along the north property line. 3. UTILITIES: All utilities are available to the site. Utilities will need to be extended into the site prior to development. 4. LAND USE AND ZONING: The site is currently zoned RT (Residential Transition). The site contains a single-family residence with an accessory structure. Surrounding properties are zoned and developed as follows: North R-1 - SFDUs South C-1 - Fire Station/Commercial Business East R-1 - SFDUs West County RS-20 - SFDUs 5. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: The Comprehensive Plan designates this area for Mixed Residential uses. Land Use Policy LU-3-13 encourages "infill" development. Other goals and policies suggest the City permit a full range of residential environments including single family homes (H-2-A) and standards that control the scale and density of accessory buildings and homes to maintain compatibility with other residential uses (H-4-13). 6. ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The City of Pasco is the lead agency for this project. Based on the SEPA checklist, the adopted City Comprehensive Plan, City development regulations, and other information, a threshold determination resulting in a Determination of 1 Non-significance (DNS) has been issued for this project under WAC 197- 11-158. ANALYSIS The property in question was annexed to the City in 1982 and was a remnant parcel of the original farm circle that occupied the area between the FCID canal and I-182 east of Road 68. Because this 5 acre parcel was held under separate ownership from the farm circle it was not rezoned when the Chapel Hill development was being planned. Consistent with the RT zoning classification the site was developed with one single-family house and a shop/barn. In 2003 the surrounding farm circle was rezoned to R-1, R-3 and R-4 and developed as the Chapel Hill Subdivision. The site has remained minimally developed since that time. The applicant is requesting a rezone for the subject property to allow single-family residential development consistent with the single-family zoning in the Chapel Hill development. The City's land use plans for the past 30 years have indicated the property in question should be utilized for Mixed Residential uses. The "Description and Allocation of Land Uses" table in the Land Use Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan indicates the Mixed Residential classification permit's single-family through multi-family zoning with densities ranging from 5 to 20 dwelling units per acre. Following the direction of the land use plan, most of the community's residential development over the last two decades has occurred in the I-182 corridor. Rezoning the site would support past community development efforts related to infrastructure improvements. The applicant is seeking a zone change from RT (Residential Transition) to R-1 (Low-Density Residential) to match the zoning of the single-family portion of the Chapel Hill subdivision to the north and east. The R-1 zone allows for up to one dwelling per 7,200 square feet, with up to 40% lot coverage and building heights up to 25 feet without a special permit. R-1 zoning permits up to 4.5 dwelling units per net acre after accounting for the areas occupied for public roadways. The proposed rezone will essentially facilitate a residential infill development that is encouraged by the Comprehensive Plan (LU-3-B). The R-1 zoning will permit the development of single-family homes at a scale and density to match the scale and density of the Chapel Hill development. The initial review criteria for considering a rezone application are explained in PMC. 25.88.030. The criteria are listed below as follows: 1. The changed conditions in the vicinity which warrant other or additional zoning: Adjacent residential development and growth within the City make the zone change appropriate, timely, and consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan. 2 Properties to the north and east have been zoned to R-1 and developed with single-family residences. Changed conditions in the neighborhood include installation of all utilities in the surrounding subdivision as well as the construction of homes, apartments and commercial buildings 2. Facts to justify the change on the basis of advancing the public health, safety and general welfare: The rezone will cause the existing home on the site to be fully connected to city utilities thereby eliminating the need for a septic tank and causing the home to fully contribute to the cost of maintaining the utility system. The rezone will also facilitate the development of new single-family dwellings in a safe and sanitary development providing housing for Pasco residents. 3. The effect it will have on the nature and value of adjoining property and the Comprehensive Plan: Based on past experience with rezoning vacant land adjacent to existing subdivisions, and evidence provided by tax records of Franklin County, the proposed rezone will not negatively impact adjoining properties. Rezoning the property will assist with the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan. 4. The effect on the property owners if the request is not granted: If the request is not granted it is probable the property will continue to remain underdeveloped. 5. The Comprehensive Plan land use designation for the property: The Comprehensive Plan designates the site for Mixed Residential uses which include single-family dwellings. The proposed rezone is consistent with the Plan. STAFF FINDINGS OF FACT Findings of Fact must be entered from the record. The following are initial Findings drawn from the background and analysis section of the staff report. The Planning Commission may add Findings to this listing as the result of factual testimony and evidence submitted during the open record hearing. 1. The site is currently zoned RT (Residential Transition) and has been zoned RT for approximately 30 years. 2. The site borders R-1 Zones to the north and east, which are developing with single-family homes as a part of the Chapel hill development. 3. The Comprehensive Plan designates the site for mixed residential uses. 4. The surrounding Chapel Hill subdivision was rezoned for multi-family, single-family and commercial development in in 2003. 5. A fully developed street (Aintree Dr.) now borders the property. 3 6. Aintree Drive and the other streets within the Chapel Hill subdivision contain all municipal utilities required to serve residential development. 7. The site contains a single-family residence and a small barn. 8. The site was annexed by the City of Pasco in 1982. 9. Applicant is requesting a change of zoning from RT to R-1. 10. Properties to the west are zoned RS-20 and have been developed with single-family homes. 11. The R-1 zone allows one dwelling per 7,200 square feet of land permitting net densities of 4.5 dwelling units per acre. 12. The R-1 zone allows for building heights up to 25 feet without a special permit. 13. The rezone will facilitate an infill development which is encouraged by the Comprehensive Plan. CONCLUSIONS BASED ON INITIAL STAFF FINDINGS OF FACT Before recommending approval or denial of a Rezone, the Planning Commission must develop its conclusions from the Findings of Fact based upon the criteria listed in P.M.C. 25.88.060 and determine whether or not: 1. The proposal is in accordance with the goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan. The proposal is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map and several Plan policies and goals. Land Use Policy LU-3-B encourages "infill" development while H-2-A suggests the City permit a full range of residential environments including single-family homes. Housing Policy (H-B-A) encourages standards that control the scale and density of accessory buildings and homes to maintain compatibility with other residential uses. The standards of the proposed rezone are identical to the standards for the single-family portion of the Chapel Hill subdivision. 2. The effect of the proposal on the immediate vicinity will not be materially detrimental. The proposed R-1 zoning matches the R-1 zoning in the Chapel Hill subdivision and will permit the development of single-family dwellings under the same development standards that apply to the Chapel Hill development. 3. There is merit and value in the proposal for the community as a whole. Adjacent residential development and growth within the City make the zone change appropriate, timely and consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan. The rezone will facilitate a residential infill project that will utilize the existing traffic circulation system and utility systems. 4. Conditions should be imposed in order to mitigate any significant adverse impacts from the proposal. 4 The proposed zoning is identical to the zoning in the Chapel Hill development and as a result there is no need for conditions. S. A Concomitant Agreement should be entered into between the City and the petitioner, and if so, the terms and conditions of such an agreement. A Concomitant Agreement is not needed. RECOMMENDATION MOTION: I move to close the hearing on the proposed rezone and initiate deliberations and schedule adoption of findings of fact, conclusions and a recommendation to the City Council for the June 20, 2013 meeting. 5 • Item: Rezone RT to R- 1 Vicinity Applicant: Nathan Machiela N Map 2013 -001 File #: Z CHAPEL HILL BLVD --- __ r _ .i DEL MAPC*T CO Y •f Y" CITY LIMITS w VALLEY VII=UV PL �C:) ,� �, ,� OC)p8I 4 1 I ®4• + n Ic- CP4 m `, Q a CO r }, ¢ SITE w v � P/ � p Rya m m. L n; CD r ?'gam'' `y'. m f a , low .' ,.'. .ARGENT RD Item: Rezone RT to R- 1 Land Use Applicant: Nathan Machiela N Map 2013 -001 File #. Z CHAPEL HILL BLVD DEL MAR CT = v Vacant Multi-Family v a U� Al" VALLEY VIEW PL ?� TRFEDR Q:1 SFDUs 00 Now 4 J� J SITE � °� � T�RFpq SFDUs U PI /CO Fire DR Fire CO Station CD J 0 Vacant 0 — Of COM. ARGENT RD Ip I'l , Ili Zoning Item: Rezone RT to R- I Map Applicant: Nathan Machiela N File Z 2013 -001 RS-20 (County) � ' SEEM i I ,N k WE LE�14%, k I ONE Site (Looking North ) l]i1011T -. �$ r r _ •+4�- ',,r'• �• �, — � t � •r;��' yew ". , r _ �� { - *a ► �+'}, �1 �F ' +MFE`5^F5' ..J �R;"..6LN � '. {Lly.�+' P y M1A, R , '�`M1Y � ,r4yd'' - r •{ - aE rJ;f�,r .�tx. � .. �r �h � �r °�;�� � F � fi _ �.•�. �' 'Q`` - � ._, ,�" �: r � rte• +�• • � F Yrrt7- - q, ,, ���f_.� # .,+fx ��� �'� a, ,t�'es •'+�ca�aa�`, +� `?{9 ' �� ►:d z -,.wit ,�"n'�r': � � � ., tJggp e � + VA r" Looking North 'IMMM-T-71., 't a i _ �z Looking TF' ' u ,..� _ r� �� ✓-; .�.r ,R-�,r� P y!✓fir r' f'. � t� , ,. ' �..`i r �. 'y �� .. ': I r f r f.t ';:4 r 3 Y.. .� .+y rf� �� .�r!� r C II, �. .§�°�" t L �5•" V .C1� - $� -��5 ;a r+ 1' a ' a ��#��,�- - �•.'�, C 4�A.. ;� - 4�1. 1 � � y '� r i`'�"� �Y,r-aa' + „ °V,� �r`I..� ` ` � ;�" t J6r! { ;:. Looking South y•. ff r _ d _.r., — Y- -' `+, -kFa w �,.ti�ki Sy'1,'• ��L, ,. t � L,.,r�N.. ��.;� � .. r Irv° �t Looking West - _ - - ' 4 Y w t� T �.., K.xM L vim.. 4 f .�L j�p- _ _ _ y-• r �-s y _ a > r - +( r �.- �� .++r. - -- Lit . ✓ � '.. �. - .!4, �-sue f-.' - � - .9`°•� � �� -���+�_. REPORT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION MASTER FILE NO. Z 2013-002 APPLICANT: Ronald Grate HEARING DATE: 5/16/2013 540 S. Rayburn Rd ACTION DATE: 6/20/2013 Othello WA 99334 BACKGROUND REQUEST: REZONE Remove 30 unit density limit requirements from concomitant agreement in R-3 (Medium-Density Residential) Zone. 1. PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: Legal: Cole's Estates Lot 5. Location: The 5900 Block of Road 90 Property Size: Approximately 4.7 acres 2. ACCESS: The property has access from Road 90 along the west property line. 3. UTILITIES: All utilities are available to the site. 4. LAND USE AND ZONING: The site is currently zoned R-3 (Medium- Density Residential) with a concomitant agreement limiting density on the site to 30 units maximum. The site is vacant. Surrounding properties are zoned and developed as follows: North R-1 (Low Density Residential) - SFDUs South C-1 (Commercial) - Vacant East R-1 (Low Density Residential) - SFDUs West RT (Residential Transition) - Vacant 5. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: The Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map designates this area for mixed residential uses. 6. ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The City of Pasco is the lead agency for this project. Based on the SEPA checklist, the adopted City Comprehensive Plan, city development regulations, and other information, a threshold determination resulting in a Determination of Non-significance (DNS) has been issued for this project under WAC 197- 11-158. ANALYSIS The property is approximately 4.7 acres fronting on Road 90 along the west property line. The lot was platted under Franklin County zoning as part of a 1 large-lot rural subdivision in 1967, before the City annexed the area in 1982. The residential subdivisions to the north and east were subsequently rezoned to R-1 and have largely been built out with single-family residences. Properties to the west were rezoned with higher density R-3 zoning and developed with the Mediterranean Villas condominiums. Adjacent properties to the south were rezoned to C-1 and are vacant. Properties further to the south have been developed with a mini-storage and a few professional office buildings. The C-1 District permits the development retail, office and commercial services such as retail stores, automotive repair shops, tire stores, restaurants and taverns. The subject property was rezoned in 2012 to R-3 with a concomitant agreement with the following conditions: Conditions: A. No more than 30 residential units shall be permitted on the property; B. Maximum building heights shall be limited to 30 feet; C. No Special Permits shall be authorized for increases in building height over the allowable 30 feet; D. Where side yard areas abut the northern and eastern lines of said Lot 5 the setback shall be at least 15 feet; Applicant wishes to rezone the subject property to eliminate the 30-unit limitation, while retaining the other conditions. Applicant has also expressed willingness to accept a design standard requiring stucco finish on all units. The City of Pasco Comprehensive Plan shows the property to be within a mixed-density residential designation. The R-3 Zone allows for up to one dwelling per 3,000 square feet for multiple family dwellings, with up to 60% lot coverage and building heights up to 35 feet without a special permit. The City's Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map indicates the property in question should be utilized for mixed residential uses. Land Use Policy LU-3-B encourages "infill and density including planned unit developments to protect open space and critical areas, and provide recreational areas and amenities in support of more intensive, walkable neighborhoods." Land Use Policy LU-3-E calls for designating "areas for higher-density residential development where utilities and transportation facilities enable efficient use of capital resources." Housing Policy H-1-B encourages "the location of medium and high density housing in locations that will avoid the need for access through lower density residential neighborhoods." Housing Policy H-1-1) directs the City to "avoid large concentrations of high-density housing." Housing Policy H-2-A calls for the City to "Allow for a full range of residential environments including single family homes, townhouses, condominiums, apartments, and manufactured housing." Housing Policy H-4-B requires the City to "Maintain development 2 regulations and standards that control the scale and density of accessory buildings and homes to maintain compatibility with other residential uses." The initial review criteria for considering a rezone application are explained in PMC. 25.88.030. The criteria are listed below as follows: 1. The changed conditions in the vicinity which warrant other or additional zoning: Adjacent residential development and growth within the City make the zone change appropriate, timely, and consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan. Properties to the north and east have been rezoned to R-I and developed with Single-Family residences. The property to the south has been recently rezoned C- 1 in anticipation of future commercial development. Properties to the west have been rezoned R-3 zoning and developed with condominiums. 2. Facts to justify the change on the basis of advancing the public health, safety and general welfare: The rezone will create a medium density transition or buffer between residential areas to the east and north and commercial zones to the south. The original rezone from RT to R-3 was designed to encourage "infill and density including planned unit developments to protect open space and critical areas," as per Land Use Policy LU-3-B, and allow for "higher-density residential development where utilities and transportation facilities enable efficient use of capital resources," in keeping with Land Use Policy LU-3-E. This rezone would still align with that intended goal and also "Allow for a full range of residential environments including single family homes, townhouses, condominiums, apartments, and manufactured housing," consistent with Housing Policy H-2-A. 3. The effect it will have on the nature and value of adjoining property and the Comprehensive Plan: Without a development or concept plan to review the particulars for this proposed change of zone, it is not possible to assess the impacts to the existing neighborhood. It is also not possible to establish a concomitant agreement that would address mitigation of any impacts. 4. The effect on the property owners if the request is not granted: If the request is not granted it is probable the property will continue to remain vacant, and/or the owner may submit a rezone for a different residential designation. 5. The Comprehensive Plan land use designation for the property: The Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map designates the site for medium-density residential uses. The proposed density increase would not contravene the Comprehensive Plan. 3 STAFF FINDINGS OF FACT Findings of Fact must be entered from the record. The following are initial Findings drawn from the background and analysis section of the staff report. The Planning Commission may add Findings to this listing as the result of factual testimony and evidence submitted during the open record hearing. 1. The site is currently zoned R-3 (Medium-Density Residential) with a concomitant agreement with the following conditions: a. No more than 30 residential units shall be permitted on the property; b. Maximum building heights shall be limited to 30 feet; c. No Special Permits shall be authorized for increases in building height over the allowable 30 feet; d. Where side yard areas abut the northern and eastern lines of said Lot 5 the setback shall be at least 15 feet; 2. Applicant is requesting a removal of the 30-unit density limitation of the R-3 Rezone concomitant agreement. 3. The site was rezoned to R-3 in 2012 4. The site was zoned RT for approximately 30 years previous to the current rezone. 5. The site borders R-1 Zones to the north and east, which are developed with single-family homes. 6. The Comprehensive Plan designates the site for medium-density residential uses. 7. The property was platted in 1967 as part of a rural, large-lot subdivision. 8. The site is vacant. 9. The site was annexed by the City of Pasco in 1982 (ORD #2388). 10. The purpose of the Mixed Residential area is to serve as a buffer or transition between low-density residential and commercial districts. 11. Properties to the west are zoned R-3 and have been developed with condominiums. 12. The R-3 Zone allows for one dwelling per 3,000 square feet for multiple family dwellings, or up to 68 units. 13. The R-3 Zone allows for building heights up to 35 feet without a special permit. The current R-3 Zoning with concomitant agreement limits building heights to 30 feet. Applicant is proposing one-story buildings. 14. Single-family residential homes developed in the Loviisa Farms subdivision across Chapel Hill Boulevard from the 200 unit Silver Creek Apartment complex and the Sandy Heights RV park have increased in value (per Franklin County records 2012) in recent years. 15. The single-family homes on Klickitat Lane sharing a common property line with the 200 unit Stonegate apartment complex were constructed after the Stonegate Apartments were constructed. The homes on 4 Klickitat lane have increased in value (per Franklin County records 2012) in recent years. 16. No development plans have been submitted as part of this rezone request. CONCLUSIONS BASED ON INITIAL STAFF FINDINGS OF FACT Before recommending approval or denial of a Rezone, the Planning Commission must develop its conclusions from the Findings of Fact based upon the criteria listed in P.M.C. 25.88.060 and determine whether or not: 1. The proposal is in accordance with the goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan. The proposal is consistent with many of the goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan also encourages the development of a variety of residential environments (Goal H-2) and the Plan and supports efforts to provide affordable housing to meet the needs of low and moderate income households (Goal H-5). However, conformance with H-4-B cannot be determined due to lack of a concept or development plan. 2. The effect of the proposal on the immediate vicinity will not be materially detrimental. It is believed that the rezone will not have any adverse effect on adjacent property values. However, no formal development proposal has been submitted as part of this rezone request, and the property could be developed with up to 68 units at one unit per 3,000 square feet, with building heights up to 30 feet. 3. There is merit and value in the proposal for the community as a whole. Adjacent residential development and growth within the City make the zone change appropriate, timely, and consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan. The rezone will create a medium density transition between residential areas to the east and north and commercial zones to the south and west. 4. Conditions should be imposed in order to mitigate any significant adverse impacts from the proposal. Conditions should address concerns over privacy encroachment and free flow of air and light near the established R-1 zone. 5. A Concomitant Agreement should be entered into between the City and the petitioner, and if so, the terms and conditions of such an agreement. The site is currently zoned R-3 (Medium-Density Residential) with a concomitant agreement with the following conditions: a. No more than 30 residential units shall be permitted on the property; b. Maximum building heights shall be limited to 30 feet; 5 C. No Special Permits shall be authorized for increases in building height over the allowable 30 feet; d. Where side yard areas abut the northern and eastern lines of said Lot 5 the setback shall be at least 15 feet; Applicant wishes to remove condition "a" which limits density to 30 units. Applicant is willing to accept a provision requiring minimum design standards, including stucco exteriors. RECOMMENDATION MOTION: I move to close the public hearing and schedule deliberations, the adoption of findings of fact, and development of a recommendation for City Council for the June 20, 2013 Planning Commission meeting. 6 • Item: Rezone R-3 Remove Density Limit Vicinity Applicant: Ronald Grate N Map File #: Z 2013 -002 7777 e' F J WELLINGTON DR = ZERHER CT. 1 �T.UCKER CT�.,,T.I,.CKER DR Q I Y _... U _ ' a r Il`+ J O W Z u) I 4 Y CHESHIRE CT __,. ,. ..STUTZ D.R. _. w m U C/) • m ; ,T e. p�C �� HU,,1DS`'OO NI<CT wF r OV„ERLAN T z .. rn W ,. JLS.HTRE DR �r r , O a STUDEBAKER DR �.. a e SITE r \\\\\\ P•ACKARD,DRS Of Ui 7 U) D 0 t U) w NASH DR , NASH DR - jrs ��° :� DESOTO DR Item: Rezone R-3 Remove Density Limit Land Use Applicant: Ronald Grate N Map File #: Z 2013 -002 MEN moll M A ■ � Y zoning Item: Rezone R-3 Remove Density Limit Map Applicant: Ronald Grate N File #: Z 2013 -002 MEN M1 I VL� NINE MEN o r . . a r �� � ,ice � ✓ Y•k; '"� ��'•��� - b r � 4 o i 4 ri .. r 3D R ND RING �l� III Tl Yo • i I a-s 1 o'= Vi � eat �,,• >, vim, � � �.� i I �� I --I �—=� I I � , tl __ 4 - � (I I IL - 1` - -1 L FF 1 r % - vv 7--I I r 1 -- ,. s <.a y � I i r \ \ , Y _ ' �Y ^1c Id J - _ z 41 TETRATECH HOUSING PROPOSAL 9 MAY 2013 Page: i I tea: i r 4 . s _u ,v - a I I ' _ r• - -� ,ten - _• �::d, s -� � f+.'� � l - •;� - - -t7•Iti ii-'S'• �'°'� vi• i 4^. -- - ��s� �- ;,: ->-• Syr y=�"'-�._ .�.rr a. .. <: - _ - _ - - _ '�-�e .� ��s`L`'-` - '. — - .- -��'.rx�' -�-jir � -�`�- �'r- _ � - ��• - _ti- . -� ,�.:—�� '4'1i5 � �#it, �.ate,� — _ - - i - r : Y -- __ _ - h� 1.•' _ f Looking North Looking East Looking • •^lar4 .;.� Rv lr r 'A4 ~�a -_ r 'ry � .�.i°�`- -- _ �' X.. sr K ''•S 'yb i.(. ; - T lift bP r u �.�.•r . a ; yYR:.h. «°E,s- ` "• it abi, r, A -�1C ✓e.i✓<:�-•- ...ate► a ��'1U6r�� - - - x. ,r - r 4 .Pig r.? � '!�'• �V.. `' - .,.W_-y. •"�FS^�,>sy �-� yyww!!,�a f,�,�p•..! ��2-�r - '� ' a°�' -'•� At � r� ,��`� '. ., -�, _ - �y Vii; � � -- c � ,"• v,•,.. ,�i� 1 M1 MEMORANDUM DATE: May 16, 2013 TO: Planning Commission FROM: Dave McDonald, City Planner SUBJECT: Accessory Structure Heights (MF# CA2013-003) On January 1st of this year the City annexed 608 acres of land located in West Pasco (Riverview Annexation Area # 2) generally between Road 68 and Road 52 south of the FCID Canal and north of Sylvester Street. Over 500 dwelling units were included in this area. Much of the annexation area is developed with low- density single-family homes on large suburban lots. The area was zoned mostly RS-20 following the annexation in an effort to protect the suburban nature of the area. Due to the size of the properties and suburban nature of the area it is not uncommon to find properties with large detached garages and shops. The current City zoning standards limit detached garages/shops heights to 18 feet and in no case can a shop be built higher than the house it shares a lot with. If a shop is to be built on a lot with a house that is only 14 feet tall the shop height will be limited to 14 feet. The County zoning standards also permit detached garages/shops to a height of 18 feet. There is no limit based on the height of the house. Additionally, the County permits a height greater than 18 feet through the approval of a special permit. Several inquiries have been made by recently annexed property owners on what options are available to allow a shop to be taller than the 18 foot limitation. Currently the only means of exceeding the accessory building height limit is to attach the shop/garage to a house making the garage part of the house thereby eliminating the height restriction. The overall height limitation within the zoning district still applies. Most people do not review this as an option because it adds expense to the project or requires modification to their home. The purpose for the shop height limitation was to protect the integrity and nature of single-family zoning districts. Residential zoning districts are the most restrictive zoning districts in the city and are designed to protect the value of property. Single-family dwellings are the principle or primary uses permitted on low-density or suburban lots. The dwelling must be the prominent feature on a lot. Accessory buildings are subordinate to the principle use. Permitting shops to be taller or large than a house on the same I lot causes the shop to be the dominate feature turning the intent of the zoning regulations upside down. The height limitations on accessory structures was placed in the code as a result of homeowner complaints about tall and over bearing garage/shop built in neighboring back yards. The neighbors perceived large garages as a detriment to the character and value of their residential neighborhood. This reaction is not uncommon. As the Planning Commission will recall early last year a property owner submitted a letter of complaint to the Planning Office about the height and size of a shop/garage that was constructed on the lot behind his house. The large shop was viewed as something obnoxious and "reminiscent of an industrial complex, not a residential neighborhood". The problem with the excessively large garages/shops is more acute in neighborhoods with smaller lots. The scale and bulk of a large garage in relationship to a small lot makes the garage overbearing and decreases the aesthetic appeal of a neighborhood. The open feeling one expects to find in a residential neighborhood is diminished by the large garages. Permitting the construction of these oversized accessory structures is counter to the purposes of the zoning ordinance. The zoning ordinance was enacted to provide open space for light and air and to prevent the overcrowding of land. It is not uncommon for staff to receive complaints about the size and height of garages and shop in RS-12 zones. The complaint about the garage discussed in the paragraph above was from a neighborhood with 12,000 square foot lots. The issues of architectural scale and bulk become less of a concern as the size of lots increase. Larger lots afford greater distances between houses and accessory buildings eliminating some of the aesthetic problems experienced with the smaller lots including, 12,000 square foot lots. In addition to inquiries made to staff about how to build shops beyond the 18 foot limit the City Council has also received similar inquires. As a result the Planning Commission is again being asked to review the matter. In reviewing this matter the Planning Commission may want to consider the following: • Do nothing and keep the height limitation in place. • Increase the height limit but keep it under the maximum allowed in the district. • Allow a greater height if a larger setback is provided. • Allow a greater height if the lot exceeds a certain square footage. • Allow an increase in height only through the Special Permit review process. 2 This matter has been scheduled for a public hearing on May 16th. While the Special Permit process may be the simplest option to pursue, other options listed above may also have some merit. Staff is recommending the scheduled public hearing be opened and treated more like a workshop to provide staff with some direction to assist with preparing a code amendment. The hearing could then be continued until the June meeting at which time a code amendment could be considered. 3