Planning 2013-03-28 Minutes - Board of Architectural Review - 4501 South 134th Place

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BAR Hearing Minutes March28, 2013 Commissioner Mann stated that she had visited the site and talked to the neighbors Minnie Dhaliwal asked Commissioner Mann to disclose any ex -parte communications and asked the applicant if he objected to Commissioner Mann hearing the matter. Applicant stated he had no objections. Commissioners asked staff and the applicant some clarifying questions. Commission Mann asked if a new fence along Macadam Road will be installed; expressed concerns with the outdoor storage and screening from the adjacent residential properties; inquired about the height of the parking lot lights; asked if the landscaping along the access road met code requirements; and expressed concerns with the noise generated by the refrigerated trucks in the area. Commissioner Alford expressed concerns with the proposed parking lot trees that are columnar and therefore do not provide much shade. Commissioner Maestas asked about the Type 2 stream; if any grading activities are planned that would disturb the contaminated soil; if the stream buffer was designed to mitigate surface toxins from reaching the stream; any offsite impacts from the proposed lights; and if there were any plans to remove the existing trees. Commissioner Strander stated that the original application was for a two story building and the modification approved in 2008 added a third story, but the current application is only for a two story building; inquired if the planting of the stream buffer was complete; and how the existing trees will be protected during construction. Bob Fadden, the applicant addressed the questions. He stated that due to topography difference of 33 feet from the site to the residential area up above there will be a 10 foot high retaining wall that should help screen outdoor storage. He said the owner will not have a problem with planting some evergreens to provide additional screening if that is desired. The Department of Ecology has issued a No Further Action Order for the soil contamination issues. He stated that the enhanced stream buffer helps shade the stream and it would not have been possible if the stream was left in its current state. In 2008 the owner had planned to build a pent house on the third story, but the current proposal does not include one. There is an underground storm water storage system already in place and includes 8 foot deep settling pond with a filter. The materials stored outside will be placed on crushed rock surface and there will be cameras to prevent theft. Regarding the requirement for larger canopy trees he stated that staff has a good handle on the issue, although he would not desire any storm water issues due to a lot of fallen leaves. He also said that the project would comply with lighting standards. There was no public testimony. The public hearing was closed. The BAR deliberated and decided to take a vote on the specific motions addressing each of the additional conditions being considered. The three additional conditions being considered were: screening from residential properties; parking lot trees; and off site glare from the parking lot lights. Motion #1: Commissioner Strander made a motion to add a condition to plant five evergreen trees along Macadam Road to provide better screening for the residential homes, provided there is no objection from the property owners. Commissioner Maestas seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion #2: Commissioner Alford made a motion to add a condition to replace the columnar trees in the parking lot with trees that have a larger canopy, in order to provide more shade, and the landscaping plan to be reviewed by staff as part of the building permit review process. Commissioner Mann seconded the motion. All were in favor Page 2 of 3