Planning 2012-05-24 Minutes - Work Session - Development Agreement Procedures / Book 2 of Draft Southcenter Plan

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PC Worksession Minutes May 24, 2012 In addition to the noted changes, instead of reviewing the code page by page, staff walked through examples of development scenarios from start to finish of how an applicant would figure out what they would need to do on a specific site to meet the code requirements. Examples were provided on the vacant Circuit City site, and the Macy's warehouse site. Commissioner Strander commented that she would be comfortable reviewing the code page by page. Staff asked the other Commissioners their preference. The Commissioners elected to hear staff's examples. Staff addressed several questions. Following are some of the issues raised: Commissioner Hundtofte commented on the importance of code clarity for the developers. There was extensive discussion on when a project would trigger the code requiring putting in a new street. Commissioner Strander inquired whether a traffic study was completed on the level of service on the existing streets, and asked that she receives a copy of the report. Staff said they would get one to her. Commissioner Hundtofte noted that there would be a lot of empty balconies in private spaces for mixed use, which may be visually unappealing. He commented that they want development sites that are consistently uniform across the areas and appealing. He was also concerned about the added cost for developers. Some commissioners noted that they would like a balcony if they lived there. Staff indicated that the balconies are an option for meeting the private open space requirements, and that current open space standards for residential developments require a larger amount of space than the proposed standards. Commissioner Standers made inquiry on corridor types. There were no additional questions or comments. Commissioner Alford suggested discussing the timeframe for completing review and to hold the public hearing on the Southcenter Plan. Staff noted that the Commission has not seen/reviewed the Southcenter Architectural Design Manual which they intend on providing to the Commission in June. There will be a worksession in June followed by a public hearing in July. It was decided that the public hearing will be scheduled for July 19` leaving July 26 available to continue the public hearing for any additional testimony that can't be heard on July 19` Staff will also schedule an open house prior to the public hearing, so questions can be asked in a less formal environment. In August, staff will provide the Commission with a matrix of all changes from the Commissioners suggestions, suggestions from the public comments, and staff's recommendations. After review, the Planning Commission will forward their recommendations to the City Council. Commissioner Hansen provided an update on the opportunity for student participation. Due to schedules, it was decided that he and the school will meet in the fall when school resumes. Adjourned: 8:15 PM Submitted By: Wynetta Bivens Planning Commission Secretary Adopted: 6/28/12 Page 3 of 3