Planning 2022-07-28 Minutes - Comprehensive Plan Zoning Code Amendments

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PC Meeting 7/28/22 Page 4 Director Gierloff gave the presentation for staff. She stated at the June PC meeting she briefed the PC on streamlining measures that she had proposed to the CC. She said with limited staff hours and more work than they can do, a streamlined process would allow them to target their efforts where it would bring the most value to the community. The DCD has reviewed some of the processes and found areas where processes could be streamlined allowing projects to be approved with less paperwork and in a shorter timeframe. The proposal is to streamline the Zoning Code Amendment process for an old section of the code. She said there can be a wide range of processes to take a project forward, but the code prescribes a single process. Currently, it can be onerous and can take four to six months for a project to be approved, which is not required by state law. Many cities' council processes are more streamlined. With a streamlined process the Tukwila CC could decide whether items are a full policy amendment that needs to go through multiple hearings requiring a PC recommendation, versus a housekeeping amendment or a minor fix. She is proposing to separate full zoning code amendments by following the state mandated process. For smaller Zoning Code Amendments, she is proposing to create a new zoning code chapter, 18.82, with a streamlined process. It would only affect the zoning code and follows the same outline of the other chapters. It would allow the CC to customize what process each set of amendments would need to go through. Additionally, she is proposing a housekeeping amendment to clarify code language changes in the re -zone chapter of the comprehensive plan. It would address the annual review of the docket, providing explanation of what the docket is and how it works. The proposal to streamline processes would provide a more efficient process, as well as shorten the approval process by two months Commissioner Probst noted that the proposal is straightforward and it's a great proposal to streamline the processes. Commissioner Teague was in consensus. Director Gierloff addressed clarifying questions for the PC. Commissioner Strander asked if the point is that DCD is looking to streamline because DCD does not have adequate staff? Director Gierloff responded, we are looking for ways to be more efficient and given the budgetary constraints, we do not think we are going to get more staff in the foreseeable future. Further, the workload continues to increase, and we are looking at taking on the Comprehensive Plan Update. Staff time is being required, but not necessarily adding any more value, on a housekeeping zoning code. Director Gierloff discussed the proposed changes to TMC 18.80, 18.82, 18.84 with the PC. Following are PC comments. 18.80.020 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Docket, Ltr. B, - Commissioner Mann was opposed to striking the language, "either" "or" from the code. 18.82.030 review procedure, Ltr. A. — Commissioner Mann is opposed to the PC not reviewing Zoning Code changes. She said PC being eliminated from completing thorough reviews and the lack of public input, is a mistake. She asked about reducing the number of PC public hearings to reduce time instead of eliminating the PC. 18.80.050, Ltr. B, Items 1-4 - Commissioner Teague said she wondered if it would be more streamlined if the amendments did not go to CC first. Instead, they would be evaluated by Phone: 206-433-1800 • Email: Mayor@TukwilaWA.gov • Website: TukwilaWA.gov