HomeMy WebLinkAboutHE Recommendation Z 2020-006 Story Family CITY OF PASCO HEARING EXAMINER
FINDINGS OF FACT, CONCLUSIONS OF LAW,AND RECOMMENDATION
Story Family Five,LLC Rezone, Z 2020-006,
December 22, 2020
1. FINDINGS OF FACT
1.1 Proposal. Rezone a 6.55-acre parcel from RS-20 (Suburban) to R-1 (Low Density
Residential).
• Location. 4011 Road 96, Pasco, WA 99301. Assessor No. 118-080-014.1
• Applicant. Tim Story / Story Family Five, LLC, PO Box 2289, Richland, WA
99352-0100.
1.2 Site Characteristics and Use. The site is developed with an earth-sheltered
single-family home, a garage, a pole building, and a horse shelter/lean-to shed. The site slopes
down to the south.
1.3 Land Use Designations and Rezone Request. The Comprehensive Plan
designates the site as Low-Density Residential, which allows for R-1 zoning. Surrounding
zoning and land uses are:
North: R-1, single-family homes and FCID Canal ROW
East: RS-20, single-family homes
South: RS-20, single-family homes and pasture
West: RS-12, single-family homes
With the current RS-20 zoning, the minimum lot size of newly-created parcels is 20,000
square feet. Given the right-of-way remaining to be dedicated, the parcel has a potential for
approximately ten lots. The Applicant is seeking a rezone to R-1, which permits the creation of
lots at a minimum 7,200 square feet and would allow for a future potential 29 building lots.
1.4 SEPA. The Community and Economic Development Department ("Department")
issued an unappealed Determination of Non-Significance.
1.5 Evidence Reviewed. The Examiner admitted the Department's Staff Report,
which attached maps (overview, vicinity, use, zoning, and plan) and photographs of the
surrounding area. Except as revised, the Staff Report is incorporated into these findings.
1.6 Hearing. A properly noticed open record public hearing was held on December 9,
2020.2 Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the hearing was conducted remotely, with the Examiner,
Department, and Applicant calling in. Access information was available to the public to allow
1 The Staff Report contains the legal description.
2 Staff Report,p. 3;PMC 25.210.040.No notice concerns were raised.
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Recommendation,Rezone,Z 2020-006
citizens to join via either a video link or telephone call-in. There were no reported technical
difficulties during the call or afterwards. However, in case any citizens who wished to comment
had difficulty calling in, the record was kept open through December 11. No additional written
comments were received. The Department summarized the proposal. There was no public
comment.
1.7 Utilities. Municipal water and sewer.
1.8 Access. Road 96 and Balfour Drive.
1.9 Rezone Considerations. A rezone to R-1 implements the Comprehensive Plan,
and is in accord with its goals and policies, which encourage development of lands designated
for low-density residential uses when or where sewer is available, the location is suitable for
home sites, and there is a market demand for new home sites. The possible future creation of 29
building lots on the parcel advances home ownership, contributes to a variety of housing options
for residents of the community, and encourages the maintenance of established neighborhoods as
safe and enjoyable places to live.
2. CONCLUSIONS
The Examiner issues a rezone recommendation based on whether:
(a) The proposal is in accord with the goals and policies of the Comprehensive
Plan;
(b) The effect of the proposal on the immediate vicinity will be materially
detrimental;
(c) There is merit and value in the proposal for the community as a whole;
(d) Conditions should be imposed in order to mitigate any significant adverse
impacts from the proposal;
(e) A concomitant agreement should be entered into between the City and the
petitioner, and, if so, the terms and conditions of such an agreement.3
As the Findings detail, the rezone follows these criteria. The proposed zoning is
consistent with the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map. Surrounding uses include single-family
residences. The rezone allows a density increase in keeping with Plan objectives to accommodate
planned growth within the City. There is no material detriment to the area. Due to the City's
existing regulatory structure and future project-level review, there is no need for a concomitant
agreement. The requested rezone meets the City's rezone criteria.
3 PMC 25.210.060;PMC 2.50.080.
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Recommendation,Rezone,Z 2020-006
RECOMMENDATION
The Hearing Examiner recommends approval of the rezone from RS-20 to R-1.
RECOMMENDATION entered December 22, 2020.
City of Pasco Hearing Examiner
Susan Elizabeth Drummond
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Recommendation,Rezone,Z 2020-006