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CITY OF TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT: NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
COMPREHENISVE LAND USE PLAN AMENDMENT
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Attachment
MEMORANDUM
CITY of TUKWILA
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
TO: Tukwila City Council
FROM: Kjell Stoknes, Planning Director /V-
SUBJECT: Adoption of Natural Environment Element of Proposed
Comprehensive Plan.
DATE: Jan. 13, 1976
As you will recall, the City Council defined the limits of the Tukwila
Planning Area on October 20, 1975, by Resolution No. 500. Also, the
Council adopted the Introduction and General Goals to the Comprehensive
by Resolution No. 504 on November 17, 1975.
Please find attached with this memo a resolution proposing the adoption of
the preliminary Natural Environment Element of the Comprehensive Plan.
Please keep in mind that there may be some conflicting objectives and
policies that may need to be ironed out after all elements are adopted.
Because of this the Council should consider the alternative methods of
adopting the five elements of the Comprehnsive Plan, which are basically:
1. By resolution
2. By motion
3. Hold them all up at the Council level and adopt them all .
at once by resolution or ordinance.
It is my recommendation to use either option 1 or 2 above, Option 2 offers
the most flexability to. the Council to make future changes where inconsistencies
occur, with a minimum amount of effort and paperwork.
Option 3 defeats one of the'purposes of the organizational structure of the
comprehensive planning process, that is it requires consideration of a very
large document all at once. The intent was to adopt elements section by
section to minimize need to review a large dry document.
Plan
Preliminary
December 31, 1975
ITY F TUKWIL
WASHINGTON
RESOLUTION NO
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA RELATED TO
COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING, DECLARING THAT THE
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT ELEMENT IS ADOPTED AS PART
OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR THE CITY, PURSU-
AND TO RCW 35.63.80, .90 AND .100, LAWS OF
1965, ALONG WITH THE 1972 SUPPLEMENT, AND
SUPPLEMENTING THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF THE
CITY OF TUKWILA, ORDINANCE 347.
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Tukwila has directed
that the present Comprehensive Plan of the City no longer reflects the
values of the Community and needs updating, and;
WHEREAS, the introduction and general goals for the updated plan
have been adopted by resolution 504, and;
WHEREAS, the Natural Environment Element is programed for adoption
next to the updating of the Comprehensive Plan, and;
WHEREAS, a favorable recommendation has been given by the Citizens
Committee appointed to review the Natural Environment. Element, and;
WHEREAS, following a public hearing before the Planning Commission,
as required by law, a favorable recommendation for the adoption of the Natural
Environment Element dated December 18, 1975, as part of the Comprehensive Plan
was made, and;
WHEREAS, the Tukwila City Council has considered the Natural
Environment Element in a published public hearing, and;
WHEREAS, the environmental impact of the Natural Environment
Element were reviewed and said review made available to the Planning
Commission and City Council prior to their decision deliberation.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON,
DO RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The Natural Environment Element, as revised by the
Planning Commission and dated December 18, 1975, as amended, are hereby
adopted as parts of the Tukwila Comprehensive Plan and are incorporated
herein as a part of this resolution.
Section 2. The remaining parts of the plan update are to follow
as closely as possible to the Comprehensive Plan flow chart in the intro-
duction as adopted by resolution 504.
Section 3. These objectives shall only be used as general planning
guidelines for further development of the Comprehensive Plan and not be imple-
mented until such time as the open space element, residential element, commercial/
industrial element, and transportation /utilities element of the Comprehensive Plan
have also been adopted. The purpose of this is so a proposed development will be
analyzed under a Comprehensive Plan that balances forces of economy and environ-
ment.
Section 4. A copy of this resolution shall be certified by the
City Clerk and filed along with a copy of any map or plat. The City Clerk
shall keep this resolution and any map or plat on file.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON,
at a regular meeting this of , 1976.
Attest:
Mayor
Date of Approval.
City Clerk
Frank Todd, Mayor
CITY C3 F TU KWI LA
6230 SOUTHCENTER BLVD.
• TUKWILA, WASHINGTON 98067
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
PLANNING COMMISSION
Minutes of the Meeting, 18 December 1975
The regular December meeting of the Tukwila Planning Commission was
called to order by Chairman Mettler at 8:10 P.M. Members present were:
Mr. Sneva, Mr. Lamb, Mr. Mettler, Mr. Kirsop, Mr. Link, Mr. Zepp and
Mr. West. The Planning Department was represented by Mr. Stoknes, Mr.
Satterstrom and Mr. Crutchfield.
Chairman Mettler called for approval of the minutes of the November meeting.
Motion by Mr. Link, seconded by Mr. Kirsop and carried to approve the minutes
of the regular November meeting as prepared.
III A City Council Actions
Mr. Crutchfield noted the Council had taken no actions recently on matters
directly pertaining to Planning Commission matters. Mr. Link noted he had
learned through the newspaper that the City Council had chosen the South-
center Boulevard site for City Hall. Some discussion ensued regarding the
concept of development.
III B 'Comprehensive Plan Review
Mr. Crutchfield noted the Comprehensive Plan Review is progressing as
indicated by the flow chart and the Open Space Element committee will
begin in early January.
IV A PUBLIC HEARING - Natural Environment Element of Comprehensive Plan
Mr. Satterstrom read the Staff Report explaining the evolution of the Natural
Environment Element to date. Mr. Stoknes noted the Comprehensive Plan is an
advisory document and will be used as a guide in the development of ordinances
and land use decisions.
Planning Commission
Minutes of the Meeting
C
Page 2
18 December 1975
Mr. Sneva stated that he felt the Committee had performed in a fine manner
and he was pleased as their chairman.
Chairman Mettler opened the Public Hearing at 8:30 P.M. and read letter
from Segale Business Park requesting the Commission action be delayed to
allow time for their review. (Letter attached to these minutes.) Chair-
man Mettler noted all the Committee meetings were public as are the
Commission and City Council meetings and if the Comprehensive Plan is to be
accomplished within a reasonable time frame, it should not be held up at the
Commission level.
Mr. Ben Aliment, 13500 Interurban Avenue, representing Foster Golf Course,
stated he had not had a chance to review the proposed element and felt he
should be allowed to do so before the public hearing.
Chairman Mettler again noted the Committee, Commission and Council meetings
and hearings are all public and copies of the documents are available upon
request.
Mr. Frank Kreidler, 14734 - 59th Avenue South, stated the current draft
represents what the committee had unanimously agreed upon through addition
or revision of objectives and policies.
Mr. Satterstrom read each objective, policy and explanatory text and the
Commission discussed those as noted hereinafter.
OBJECTIVE 1
Policy 1: Mr. Dan Saul, 17000 - 53rd Avenue South, asked if this policy
' would preclude any development on properties with a wooded
character? Mr. Sneva and Mr, Satterstrom explained this
policy encourages the maintenance of the wooded character of
the property in conjunction with development.
Policy 3: Mr. Lamb asked how far this policy is intended to go? Mr.
Satterstrom explained that would have to be determined through .
development of an ordinance at a later date.
Policy 4: Mr. Zepp stated much of the valley soils are not that good
for farming. •
Mr. Aliment stated the City should buy open space rather than
tell the property owner what he can do with it,.
Mr. Edgar Bauch, 16603 - 53rd Avenue South, stated this policy
should be retained to encourage future legislation and tax
revisions to further the policy.
Planning Commission
Minutes of the Meeting
OBJECTIVE 2
OBJECTIVE 3
Policy 1:
OBJECTIVE 4
Policy 4:
OBJECTIVE 5
OBJECTIVE 6
OBJECTIVE 7
Mr. Stoknes stressed the concept of discouraging the
premature displacement of agricultural lands.
Motion by Mr. Sneva, seconded by Mr. Link and carried to
begin the explanatory text for this policy with the word
"Some ".
' Motion by Mr. Link, seconded by Mr. Zepp and carried to
delete the word "needless" from the same paragraph.
No Comments
No Comments
Page 3
18 December 1975
General consensus of the Commission to delete the words "on
slopes" in the explanatory text.
Considerable discussion ensued regarding actual preservation
of ponds and marshes or the encouragement of such preservation.
Motion by Mr. Zepp, seconded by Mr. Link and carried to delete
the word "Preserve" and replace with "Encourage preservation of ".
Policy '1: Motion by Mr..Kirsop seconded by Mr. Link and carried to
delete the word "all" and replace with "authorized ".
Mr. Lamb noted this objective precludes the possibility of a
landowner mining his property even if he can devise a restoration
plan.
Considerable discussion ensued regarding the intent of the
objective.
Mr. Tim DuBois, member of Natural Environment
Committee, pointed out the intent of the Committee was to
discourage mining in the Tukwila Planning Area.
Planning Commission
Minutes of the Meeting
OBJECTIVE 8
No Comments
Page 4
18 December 1975
Again discussion ensued to determine extent of discouragement.
Mr. Lamb felt if an acceptable plan for restoration and
operation of a mineral excavation can be devised, the
excavation should be allowed.
Discussion ensued regarding the subversive effect on the
other objectives and policies of this element if such activities
are encouraged.
Motion by Mr. Link, seconded by Mr. West and carried to replace
the entire objective 7 with: "Discourage the use or mining of
mineral resources in areas where there is conflict with the objec-
tives and policies of the Natural Environment Element of the
Comprehensive Plan."
There being no further statements or comments offered, Chairman Mettler closed
the Public Hearing at 11:00 P.M.
Motion by Mr. Link, seconded by Mr. Sneva and carried . unanimously to recommend
the City Council adopt the Natural Environment Element of the Comprehensive
Plan as amended by the Planning Commission.
Mr. Link, Mr. Sneva and Chairman Mettler expressed their gratitude to the
committee for their fine work on this element.
Chairman Mettler suggested to Mr. Bauch that the City Council consider this
element as well as future elements as a Committee -of -the -Whole as opposed to
only 3 or 4 councilmembers considering such an important document.
VI A SITE PLAN - McCann Project #295
Mr. Link excused himself from the Commission as a proponent of this action and
presented plans of the building to be constructed. Mr. Crutchfield noted a
revised site plan indicating compliance with the parking requirements had been
received. Some discussion ensued regarding signing of the building. Generally
agreed that if signing cannot be accomplished within the Sign Code restrictions
that a signing plan be submitted to the Commission.
Motion by Mr. Kirsop, seconded by Mr. Lamb and carried to approve the proposed
plans subject to approval of a detailed landscape plan prior to occupancy of
the building.
• Planning .Commission •
Minutes of the Meeting
This being the last meeting for Commissioners Lamb and Zepp, Chairman Mettler
thanked both for their participation over the years.
Motion by Mr. Lamb, seconded by Mr. Kirsop and carried to adjourn the regular
meeting.
Chairman Mettler adjourned the regular meeting at 11:25 P.M.
j
Page 5
• 18 December 1975
erbert Lamb, Secfetary
Tukwila Planning Commission
18 December 1975
City of Tukwila
Planning'Department
Tukwila, Washington' 98188
Subject: Proposed Natural Environment Element_ of
the Comprehensive Plan 17 Dec 75
Gentlemen:
Thank you.
Ve y truly yours,
S ALE BUS INEbSj . PARK
ruce W. !Soli
$ Y
Manager
BWS:.sb
P.O. BOX 88050 Ti TELEPHONE: (206) 226 - 3202 01 TIJXWY1LA, WAOHiNGTON 98198
The "Proposed Natural Environment Element of the Comprehensive
Plan" dated December 17, 1975, was not available to us for
review until late this afternoon. We request that we be
given a period of time in order to review it in depth before
formal action is taken by the Tukwila Planning Commission.
jam-
8 :c4 P.#u
MINUTES OF
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
December 16, 1975
The December 16, 1975 meeting of the Natural Environment Committee was
commenced at 7:30 P.M. by Committee Chairman Byron Sneva. Members present
included Janice Dunn, Bill Hickman, Tim Dubois, Gerald James, Frank Kreidler,
and Berdene Saul. Kjell Stoknes of the Planning Department Staff was also
present.
The minutes of the December 9, 1975, meeting of the Natural Environment
Committee were approved with the following changes being made to Objective
5. The explanatory text to Objective 5 was changed to read as follows:
"The geologic characteristics of the Tukwila Area are not
uniform throughout. Owing to the Green River, the Valley
is flat and sediment filled. On the other hand, because
of the influence of ice age glaciers, the valley wall and
plateau are h4 ly -and composed of glacial till. The dispar-
4t4es- between - the- twe- spe ;1 -d4 erewt- epgewtep4ties - €e1
deve1epment. Each of these geologic formations require
different approaches for development."
Following the adoption of the minutes of December 9, 1975, the Committee
made Objective 5 into Objective 6, changed Objective 6 to Objective 7,
and changed Objective 7 to Objective 8.
A new Objective 5 dealing with air quality was added to the Natural Envir-
onment section as follows:
"Strive to improve the qualities of the air to a level condusive
to a healthy, clean environment."
To Objective 5 as stated above the following explanatory text was added:
"There are several different types of air pollution. Some
pollutants are harmful to all forms of life. Olfactory
pollutants, on the other hand, are not dangerous to health but can
make an environment unfit for work or residence; and visual
pollutants, like dust, create much of the haze we see in the
air which constrains visibility. There are probably as many
different sources of air pollution as there are pollutants:
automobiles, factories, dirt roads, truck loading, rock drilling,
to name a few. This objective is aimed to improve all aspects
of air quality so that it is fit to breathe, smell, and see."
Considerable discussion was held regarding the new Policy 1 under Objective
5, with the following wording approved as follows:
"Recognize, encourage, and support the efforts of all agencies
involved in the regulation and control of air pollution."
C
1. Streams, Lakes and Ponds (Water Surface)
2. Major Wooded Areas
Natural Environment Committee Page 2
Minutes of the Meeting December 16, 1975
The following explanatory text to Policy 1 of Objective 5 was approved as
follows:
"It is recognized that air quality is a regional issue and is
affected by federal, state and local regulations. The City should
recognize the efforts of all these agencies and cooperate by imple-
menting complementary ordinances controlling air pollution."
The Committee members than considered Objective 8 on the basemap of the
Natural Elements of the Tukwila Planning Area. It was the consensus of the
group that the following maps should be passed on as supportive information
to the Policies adopted by the Committee, with the Policies carrying the most wieght:
3. Steep Slopes (Slopes over 20 %)
4. Areas where stability of slopes are unknown, unstable when modified,
unstable, or may become unstable
5. Area where farming has recently occurred
The above maps were to be consistent with the similar maps in the document
published by the Tukwila Planning Department and titled DATA INVENTORY:
TUKWILA PLANNING AREA - 1975, with only one change as follows:
The Levitz Furniture property which has been developed and is level should
not be shown as stability unknown.
At this point the Committee made the following change to Objective 8 as
follows:
"Recognize the Environmental Basemap of the Tukwila Planning
Area which depicts the distribution and extent of natural elements
based on the aforementioned objectives, to be used as a general
planning guide."
The explanatory text to Objective 8 was changed to read as follows:
"This map graphically depicts how the policies of the Natural
Environment Element relate to the land within the Tukwila Plan-
ning Area. Specifically, those natural amenities cited in the
policies include major wooded areas, wetlands, creeks, and the
Green River, as well as unique geological and geographical sites.
In addition are the environmentally hazordous areas like steep
slopes and land slide areas which tend to restrict development
and act as open space and natural amenities. Together, these
features represent natural characteristics which are recommended
for continued existence and areas of natural environment where
development is generally discouraged."
Natural Environment Committee
Minutes of the Meeting
Minutes submitted by:
Kell Stoknes
Planning Department
Page 3
December 16, 1975
The Committee then discussed the fact that these policies and the maps were
to go before the Tukwila Planning Commission for public hearing during the
night of December 18, 1975 at 8 :00 P.M. All members of the Committee were
encouraged to come to that meeting.
As a last item, a critique sheet of the Natural Environment Committee's
level of satisfaction was filled in,
With no further business before the Committee and all the tasks set before
it accomplished, Chairman Sneva adjourned the meeting and dissolved the
Committee.
NOTE: The Critique sheet indicated that all the members of the Natural
Environment Committee indicated interest in participating in the
future in at least 1 committee or ordinance review of some type.
C
MINUTES OF
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
December 9, 1975
The December 9th meeting of the Natural Environment Committee was commenced
at 7:30 PM by Committee Chairman Byron Sneva. Members present included
Janice Dunn, Bill Hickman, Tim Dubois, Gerald James, and Frank Kreidler.
Fred Satterstrom and Kjell Stoknes of the Planning Department staff were
present also.
Chairman Sneva opened the meeting and Mr. Satterstrom presented a short
slide show of the recent flooding of the Green River in Tukwila and the
drainage problems associated with this flooding.
Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved after clarification of
Policy 1 under Objective 3.
The changes made at the last meeting were then reviewed and Policy 1 under
Objective 3 was changed to read: "Discourage development on slopes in excess
of 20 percent."
Following review of the changes, the committee took up where it had left off
with Objective 5. There was some discussion about the actual physical differ-
ences between the uplands and the lowlands. It was generally agreed that the
uplands are not necessarily "gravelly" and this description should be omitted.
Policy 1 under Objective 5 was changed to read "discourage development in areas
where slopes are known to be unstable" rather than concentrating development in
areas where the slopes are stable as the original policy proposed.
Considerable discussion revolved around policy 2 regarding unique geological
features. The committee felt the suggestions or examples of unique areas
(e.g., basaltic bluffs) should not be tacked onto this policy for fear they
would constrain the applicability of the policy. The policy was eventually
expanded to include areas of geographic interest as well as unique geological
sites.
Policy 3 under Objective 5 was not changed but there was some discussion
regarding its placement under Objective 5. It was agreed by the group to
move it under Objective 3 (referring to topography) as Policy 4.
Objective 6 was discussed and the proposed natural environment basemap was
presented. The committee felt that the proposed map was incomplete and did not
fully reflect all the concerns of the group as stated in the policies which it
had already discussed. There was some doubt expressed as to whether this map
could be developed in such a short time. It was agreed that since a map of this
kind seemed to sum up the committee's work, that this objective should be included
as the last objective in the Natural Environment element.
Natural Environment Committee
Minutes of the Meeting
There was a suggestion that the committee should reiterate a concern about
the integrity of the Green River by stating their concurrence with the aims
of the Shoreline Master Program for Tukwila. This was done by adding this idea
to Policy 2 under Objective 4.
Considerable discussion followed on Objective 7. It was generally felt that
gravel pits and quarries should be eliminated or prohibited in the Planning
Area altogether. However, it was clarified that such actions might prove to
be discriminatory, hence the City could get into trouble. Nonetheless, the
committee felt that any resource extraction should only be done in environ-
mentally safe areas and in areas where there would be no threat to natural
amenities. The Objective was eventually changed to reflect these concerns.
The point of air quality was brought up before the meeting ended and it was
agreed that the staff present a proposed air quality objective at the next
meeting for the committee's review.
The last meeting of the committee was scheduled for Thursday night at 7:30
PM at the City Hall Annex.
Minutes submitted by:
Fred Satterstrom
Planning Department
Page 2
December 9, 1975
MINUTES OF
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
DECEMBER 4, 1975
The December 4th meeting of the Natural Environment Committee was commenced
at 7:30 P.M. by Chairman Byron Sneva. Committee members which were present
were: Tim Dubois, Bill Hickman, Frank Kreidler, Glen Livingston, and Berdene
Saul. Fred Satterstrom of the Planning Department Staff was present also.
Minutes of the December 2nd meeting were passed by a unanimous vote.
The revisions made by the Committee at the December 2nd meeting were reviewed
to see if they reflected the wishes of the group. Commercial agriculture was
discussed and it was brought out that the word "commercial" might discourage
the family garden or crops not grown for commercial purposes. Because this
was not the group's intention, the word "commercial" was dropped and Policy
4 was changed to read: "Encourage the retention of agricultural lands."
Under the explanation of Policy 2, the Committee recommended the information
regarding artificial plants be dropped and merely the benefits of live vege-
tation be discussed.
Following the review of last meeting's progress, the Committee began their
review of Objective 3. Policy 1 was changed to read: "Discourage develop-
ment on slopes in excess of 20 %." During discussion it was brought out that
the original policy suggested that all low lying lands be developed. It was
thought that this was not consistent with other policies advocated by the
group.
Policy 3 under Objective 3 was dropped completely. The Committee thought
that preservation of the valley wall in a natural state was a good idea,
however, the way in which Policy 3 was worded seemed to discourage residential
land use in the lowlands. It was the thinking of the Committee that some
areas of the valley were excellent residential areas so the policy was omitted.
Objective 4 was expanded to include not only streamways, but ponds and marshes
as well.
Policy 1 was amended to emphasize maintaining natural streamways anywhere, not
merely or especially on the valley wall. It was noted that there are some
streamcourses in the valley flatlands which are also in a natural condition
and where retaining them in this condition would be desirable.
A policy 4 was added to Objective 4 which encourages the preservation of marshes
and ponds for the retention of storm water runoff. While these wetland areas
serve as wildlife habitat, they also play a significant role in the hydrologic
cycle by retaining storm water runoff.
Natural Environment Committee
Minutes of the Meeting
•M' utes submitted by
red Satterstrom
Planning Department
Page 2
December 4, 1975
The meeting was adjourned at 10:10 P.M. The next meeting was scheduled for
Tuesday, December 9th at 7:30 P.M., City Hall Annex.
MINUTES OF
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
DECEMBER 2, 1975
The December 2nd meeting of the Natural Environment Committee was commenced
at 7:30 P.M. by Planning Commission Chairman Ron Mettler. Committee members
which were present were: Janice Dunn, Bill Hickman, Gerald James, Frank
Kreidler, Glen Livingston, and Berdene Saul. Fred Satterstrom from the
Planning Department was present also.
Chairman Ron Mettler opened the meeting with an around - the -table introduction
of committee members. Mr. Mettler followed by briefly outlining past planning
efforts of the•City, beginning with the first plan in 1957 and leading up to
the present planning process.
Mr. Satterstrom from the Planning Department staff explained how the committee
was formed by the responses to the Tukwila Tomorrow questionnaire. He also
explained the entire planning process which the Planning Commission is utili-
zing in the Comprehensive plan update. Mr. Satterstrom pointed out the role
and the responsibilities of the Natural Environment Committee.
Distribution of the Data Inventory: Tukwila Planning Area was made to all
members who were not issued one prior to the first meeting.
A short slide show was presented by Mr. Satterstrom which depicted the amenities
and limitations of Tukwila's natural environment. This presentation included
slides of the Green River, steep wooded hillsides, forests, ponds and marshes,
views from the Tukwila Hill, and areas of landslides and drainage problems.
Following the slide show, the meeting was opened up to the committee members
to review the proposed element.
In Objective 1, the word "natural" was deleted because the group thought it
would restrict vegetation to only those species which are native to western
Washington. It was pointed out that in the case of slope stability, tree
species not native to this area may do a better job of stabilization that
those native to this region.
Under Objective 1, words were added by the.Committee to encourage the use
of vegetation for slope stabilization.
A Policy 4 was added under Objective 1 dealing with the retention of farm-
lands. The intent of this policy was to encourage vegetation — in this
case, crops — on valley lands in the Tukwila area.
Policy 1 under Objective 2 was expanded to mention that wooded hillsides,
agricultural lands, wetlands (like ponds and marshes), and portions of the
Green River are viable wildlife habitat areas and it these types of areas
which should be preserved for this purpose.
Natural Environment Committee
Minutes of the Meeting
Considerable discussion ensued before the meeting ended and it was brought
up that air quality was not mentioned in any of the Natural Environment
policies.
The next meeting of the committee was scheduled for Thursday night at 7:30 P.M.,
City Hall Annex. •
Minutes submitted by:
Fred Satterstrom
Planning Department
Page 2
December 2, 1975
( C F; �.
PRELIMINARY
DRAFT ff ...
SUBJECT TO REVISION
1. NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
• RESPONDING TO THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
In a sense, man has been an environmental planner for a long time. Some of the
first pioneers in the Tukwila valley, for instance, grazed their cattle in the
low spots and built their homes on the higher spots, and planted blueberries in
the peat and lettuce in the loam. These people realized the opportunities and
limitations of the natural environment and built their farms and futures around
them. Those who did not entertained annual floods and low incomes.
More recently, it was the opportunities afforded by the natural environment
which eventually led to the urbanization of the Tukwila valley. Flat valley
building sites geographically located near to Puget Sound and the shipping piers
of Seattle attracted industry like a magnet. This magnetism was helped by the
taming of Green River flooding through the construction of Howard Hanson Dam.
This element of the Plan merely tries to accomplish what the wise old pioneer
and the conscientious developer have known for a long time. That is, though we
have not always considered the natural environment when planning our fields and
factories, we have always lived under its rules, and if the public's health,
safety and general welfare is valued, the development of the City must respond
to the opportunities and limitations of the natural environment.
THE UPLANDS AND THE LOWLANDS
Geographically, the Tukwila Planning Area is situated at the "bottleneck" of the
Lower Green - Duwamish River Valley where the wider Green River Valley meets the
narrower Duwamish River Valley. North- trending glacial uplands border the valley
on both sides, rising steeply from the valley floor. On the west side, the Plan-
ning Area reaches up the valley wall to include a portion of these uplands.
The Green River snakes its way northward through the valley collecting the flow
of local streams and empties out into Elliot Bay approximately four miles north
of the Planning Area.
Tukwila's sediment - filled valley and glacier - carved uplands are as different as
night and day. The valley owes its origin to the Green River, the uplands to
icy glaciers. While the valley is virtually flat, the uplands are rolling or .
hilly (and the valley wall is very steep). And while the valley soil is soft,
sandy and silty, upland soils are hard and rocky.
In light of their different physical characteristics, the uplands and the low-
lands offer different opportunities and limitations for development.
1 -1
As recommended by P/C
December 18, 1975
City Council Motion 76 -1
Intent to Adopt 2/2/76
C
■ OPPORTUNITIES
Opportunities offered by the natural environment are sometimes as basic as the
natural amenities themselves. Like forests, for instance. Forests serve the
community by functioning as open space and provide aesthetic and visual relief.
So do streams. The small creeks which pour out of the uplands and the large,
meandering Green River have open space value, in addition to their function as
drainage channels.
Other opportunities are manifested in a natural quality or combination of qual-
ities which serve the community by providing hospitable evironments for homes
and industry, roads and parking lots, and fields and orchards. The hard, firm
soils and rolling topography of the uplands are well suited to residential and
commercial development. Varied views and vegetation also make this a particularly
attractive area in which to live.
Despite the valley's drainage problems, it is a very advantageous location for
commercial and industrial development due to its flatness and proximity to
trading centers. At the same time, the fertile, alluvial soil is well suited
to high intensity agricultural activities.
v LIMITATIONS
In some cases, the same opportunities afforded by the natural environment for
one land use may inhibit or limit another type of land use. This is the case
in the Tukwila uplands where the rolling, sometimes hilly, topography provides
superb homesites but poor industrial sites.
Natural hazards are another limiting factor on land use. For example, certain
glacial deposits found in the steep slopes which border the valley floor are
naturally unstable or can be made unstable if modified. Together with their
steepness, the instability of these slopes restricts land use by making intense
developments impractical.
® A NECESSARY FOUNDATION
Just like it pays the valley farmer to plant the right crop in the right kind
of soil, it pays the City to plan development along certain dictates of the
natural environment. Historically it was an individual's choice to respond to
environmental constraints. But as society urbanized and man's impact on the
environment became more profound, addressing the environment through development
suddenly became a public necessity.
The policies of the Natural Environment Element express the manner in which
land use in Tukwila should relate to the amenities, opportunities, and
limitations of its physical surroundings and lays a basis upon which to build
the four subsequent elements. These four elements, in turn, address land use
and prescribe how these uses should relate to one another.
As recommended by P/C
December 18, 1975
1 - City Council Motion 76 -1
Intent to Adopt 2/2/76
OBJECTIVE 1. RECOGNIZE THE AESTHETIC, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND USE BENEFITS
OF VEGETATION AND PROMOTE ITS RETENTION AND INSTALLATION.
To the freeway passer -by who only stays in Tukwila for the
few minutes it takes to traverse it, the forests which line the freeway are
a welcome and mellowing embrace. To the Tukwila residents, the trees and
shrubs aid privacy and foster a feeling of low- density living. Hence, despite
the "urbanness" of Tukwila, the character or image of the city is one of a
unique blend of urban and rural values and amenities. While vegetation does
indeed represent a natural amenity or aesthetic resource, it serves other pur-
poses as well. For instance, vegetation reduces erosion and storm water runoff,
produces oxygen, provides wildlife habitat, helps to stabilize steep slopes,
provides food in the form of agricultural crops, and diminishes noise.
Policy 1. Maintain the wooded character of the steep slopes and.
upland plateau, and encourage the use of vegetation in
slope stabilization.
Most of the major wooded areas in the Tukwila vicinity are
located primarily on the steep slopes bordering the valley and parti-
ally in the upland plateau. As far as the steep slopes are concerned,
vegetation here helps to curtail erosion and surface water runoff while
generally aiding the stability of the slopes.
Policy 2. Encourage the utilization of live vegetation in develop-
ment landscape plans.
While artificial landscaping requires little maintenance
and can be easily removed and "replanted ", natural or live landscaping
produces oxygen, provides wildlife habitat, reduces runoff, and pro-
vides diversity by changing colors with the seasons.
Policy 3. Discourage disturbance of vegetation when not in
conjunction with the actual development of the property.
In some cases, land is cleared of vegetation before a
building permit or rezone is ever issued on the assumption that the
permit or rezone can be obtained merely by applying for it. However,
if the request is denied upon application, the land then lies vacant
in a denuded condition and its futute potential as marketable property
is oftentimes damaged.
As recommended by P/C
December 18, 1975
1 -3 City Council Motion 76 -1
Intent to Adopt 2/2/76
Policy 4. Encourage the retention of agricultural lands.
Some valley soil in the Tukwila area is especially suitable
to agricultural activities. However, as the area develops, more
and more agricultural land is buried beneath parking lots and ware-
houses. Policy 4 encourages the cultivation of valley soil for
farming purposes and discourages the premature displace-
ment of existing farmlands. In addition to its commercial value,
agriculture has open space value, serves as wildlife habitat for
certain species, and utilizes the natural gift of the valley --
alluvial soils — for the public's welfare.
OBJECTIVE 2. PROMOTE THE RETENTION AND PRESERVATION OF CERTAIN HIGHLY
SUITABLE AREAS FOR WILDLIFE HABITAT AND NATURAL AREAS.
Wet lands and wooded land constitute the most valuable
wildlife habitat. These types of areas are shrinking in number and size as
the Tukwila area is developed. Many species of songbirds and waterfowl
either live in or visit the Tukwila vicinity each year. Small mammals also
live here, though their numbers are fewer. The retention of viable habitat
is crucial if these wildlife species are to be retained.
Policy 1. Strive to retain viable areas of wooded hillsides,
agricultural lands, wetlands, streams and the Green
River for wildlife habitat.
There are essentially four types of areas which are
hospitable for wildlife in the Tukwila vicinity — wooded hillsides,
agricultural lands, wetlands, and parts of the Green River environs.
In addition to these, areas of low density residential use also help
to support various bird and small mammal species. The presence of .
wildlife in an urbanizing area is deemed an amenity worth preserving.
OBJECTIVE 3. RECOGNIZE THE ADVANTAGES AND OPPORTUNITIES AFFORDED BY THE
TOPOGRAPHY AND PLAN ITS USE ACCORDINGLY.
The physiography of the Tukwila area is varied. It includes
flat alluvial bottomlands, rolling and hill plateaus, steep -sided hillsides
and ravines, rocky buttes and wet swales. Each of these physiographic quali-
ties represent certain opportunities or advantages and it is up to each community
to recognize and capitalize on them.
1 -4
As recommended by P/C
December 18, 1975
City Council Motion 76 -1
Intent to Adopt 2/2/76
Policy 1. Discourage development on slopes in excess of 20
percent.
All other environmental factors aside, a flat piece of
land will accommodate the widest range of land uses. As the slope
of the land parcel increases, however, the range of suitable land
uses diminishes to a point where finally the slope is so steep that
it is not suitable for any use. Generally it is not desireable to
develop slopes of greater than 20% and according to city ordinances roads can-
not be constructed with gradients in excess of 15 percent.
Policy 2. Preserve the views of hillside residents.
The Tukwila Hill boasts tremendous views and panoramas.
To the north are the Seattle nightlights, to the west colorful sun-
sets over McMicken Heights, to the south Mt. Rainier looming over
the Green River Valley, and to the east the rugged Cascade Mountains.
These views are extraordinary amenities which can be promoted and
enhanced through planning and foresight.
Policy 3. Preserve and promote the quality of natural landform.
This policy pertains primarily to cuts, fills, and
excavations in the upland areas. In many cases, hillside areas
are significantly excavated to accommodate new development. This
policy encourages the use of the landform as it lies rather than
altering the landform to conform to the desired use. In addition,
this policy discourages the leveling of localized knolls to fill
in low spots or the bringing in of fill to level the area between knolls.
Policy 4. Discourage filling, grading, or excavations of land when
not in conjunction with actual development of the land.
In many cases land is modified prior to the issuance of
building permits for the proposed development. Many times this mod-
ification is so severe that it "commits" the land to a certain devel-
opment. In effect, then, through the issuance of a grading permit
the City has condoned the development proposal de facto. (This policy
is not intended to apply to surcharge fills on commercially or indus-
trially zoned land in the valley since this action is inextricably tied
and a necessary commencement to the actual development of the property.)
1 -5 As recommended by P/C
December 18, 1975
City Council Motion 76 -1
Intent to Adopt 2/2/76
OBJECTIVE 4.
REALIZE THE ABILITY OF NATURAL STREAMWAYS, PONDS, AND
MARSHES TO HANDLE STORM RUNOFF WHILE ACTING AS SIGNIFICANT
NATURAL AMENITIES.
The Green River is the biggest drainage channel in the
Planning Area. It collects the surface runoff of all Planning Area streams
and drains it out into Puget Sound at Elliot Bay. Almost all surface runoff
in the Planning Area eventually ends up in the Green River, including that
from rooftops, highways, parking lots, and patios. But while the Green River
serves to drain the area, it is at the same time a great amenity, for it acts
as a scenic resource and a recreational asset, and its stream banks and channel
provide habitat for wildlife and vegetation. Ponds and marshes, too, serve as
significant elements in the hydrologic cycle by storing storm water runoff
during peak runoff periods while at the same time providing viable wildlife
habitat for songbirds, waterfowl, and small mammals.
Policy 1. Where possible keep streams in as natural a condition
as is practicable.
While some stretches of Planning Area streams have been
placed in a man -made system of underground storm drain pipes, there
are still many natural and aesthetic stretches of streams in the
Tukwila area. Stream environments are usually more natural in the
uplands and are heavily wooded and ravine -like on the valley wall,
but there are also stretches of natural streamway in the lowlands
where they are frequently found in association with wetlands.
Policy 2. Strive to maximize the natural stream environment along
the course of the Green River in conformance with the
goals of the shoreline program in Tukwila.
The Green River is the most dominant landscape feature of
the valley and probably the most significant natural amenity in the
Planning Area. Consistent with Natural Environment goals and the
Shoreline Management Program, its function as a drainage channel should
not overshadow its opportunity value as a natural amenity.
Policy 3. Strive to achieve high water quality in the streams, lakes,
and rivers of the Planning Area.
The aim of this policy is straightforward: lessen water
pollution. Higher water quality enhances a stream or river's habitat
for wildlife and increases its value as an aesthetic or recreational
resource.
1 -6
As recommended by P/C
December 18, 1975
City Council Motion 76 -1
Intent to Adopt 2/2/76
Policy 4. Encourage the preservation of marshes and ponds
for the retention of storm water runoff.
Ponds and marshes play a key role in the hydrologic
cycle by retaining storm water runoff, oftimes preventing or
mitigating possible flooding which might otherwise occur. While
they retain storm water, marshes and ponds also provide habitat
for species of birds and mammals.
OBJECTIVE 5. STRIVE TO IMPROVE THE QUALITIES OF THE AIR TO A LEVEL
CONDUCIVE TO A HEALTHY, CLEAN ENVIRONMENT.
There are several different types of air pollution. Some
pollutants are harmful to all forms of life. Olfactory pollutants, on the
other hand, are not dangerous to health but can make an environment unfit
for work or residence; and visual pollutants, like particulate dust, create
much of the haze we see in the air which constrains visibility. There are
probably as many different sources of air pollution as there are pollutants:
automobiles, factories, dirt roads, truck loading, rock drilling, to name a
few. This objective is aimed at improving all aspects of air quality so that
it is fit to breathe, smell, and see.
Policy 1. Recognize, encourage, and support the efforts of authorized
agencies involved in the regulation and control of air
pollution.
It is recognized that air quality is a regional issue and
is affected by federal, state, and local regulations. The City must
recognize the efforts of these agencies and cooperate by implementing
complementary ordinances aimed at controlling air pollution.
OBJECTIVE 6. RECOGNIZE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF LOCAL GEOLOGY AND CONSIDER
THEM IN THE LAND USE PLANNING PROCESS.
The geologic characteristics of the Tukwila area are not
uniform throughout. Owing to the Green River, the valley is flat and sedi-
ment- filled. On the other hand, because of the influence of Ice Age glaciers,
the valley wall and plateau are composed of glacial till. Each of these
geologic formations require different approaches for development.
1 -7 As recommended by P/C
December 18, 1975
City Council Motion 76 -1
Intent to Adopt 2/2/76
OBJECTIVE 7.
Policy 1. Discourage development in areas where slopes are known
to be unstable. In areas where the stability of slopes
is questionable, allow development only after a qualified
professional can demonstrate that slopes will be stable
even after site modification.
Landslides are not a random or freak quirk of nature.
There is a certain degree of predictability to landsliding that
should make the risk of human life and property unnecessary. For
example, outwash deposits and certain glacial and nonglacial deposits
along the valley wall are more susceptible to landsliding than ground
moraine or glacial till. In addition, the steeper the slope generally
the greater the landslide potential, depending on the geologic compo-
sition of that slope. Since this information can be mapped, it is
possible to locate landslide -prone areas. In the Tukwila Planning
Area, geologic and topographic factors combine to make the steep
slopes bordering the valley floor generally unstable. There are a
number of different types of landslides — e.g., debris flow, slump,
or earth flow — but all of them can cause damage to life, limb, and
property. By avoiding slide -prone areas in development, the risk to
either of these can be avoided.
Policy 2. Preserve areas of unusual geologic or geographic interest.
The origins and composition of certain geologic formations
in the Planning Area are more unique and are of greater natural and
educational interest than others, as are certain geographic features.
Once these amenities have been altered, removed, or destroyed, the
community has lost an opportunity to preserve a part of its unique
natural past.
DISCOURAGE THE USE OR MINING OF MINERAL RESOURCES IN AREAS
WHERE THERE IS CONFLICT WITH THE OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES OF
THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT ELEMENT OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
The steep hillsides in which some of the basalt and sand and
gravel resources are found are densely wooded, populated with various species
of wildlife, and serve as natural open space. In a word, these areas are
aesthetic resources or natural amenities. The mining of these areas reduces
or, in some cases, completely eliminates their value as an aesthetic resource
or natural amenity of the community.
Sand and gravel deposits are found predominantly in the slopes
along the wall of the Green River Valley. In places, these slopes are very
steep, and some slopes are naturally unstable, prone to sliding. The mining
of sand and gravel deposits in steep slopes could adversely affect the stability
of adjacent slopes or upslope properties. Also, blasting in basalt deposits
could affect adjacent properties with vibrations (which are for the most part
developed) and could make normally stable slopes unstable.
1 -8
As recommended by P/C
December 18, 1975
City Council Motion 76 -1
Intent to Adopt 2/2/76
OBJECTIVE 8.
/ ,
RECOGNIZE THE ENVIRONMENTAL BASEMAP OF THE TUKWILA PLANNING
AREA WHICH DEPICTS THE DISTRIBUTION AND EXTENT OF NATURAL
AMENITIES BASED ON THE AFOREMENTIONED OBJECTIVES AND USE
THIS MAP AS A GENERAL PLANNING GUIDE.
This map graphically depicts how the policies of the Natural
Environment element relate to the land within the Tukwila Planning Area.
Specifically, those natural amenities cited in the policies include major
wooded areas, wetlands, creeks, and the Green River, as well as unique geolo-
gical and geographical sites. In addition are the environmentally hazardous
areas like steep slopes and landslide areas which tend to restrict development
and act as open space and natural amenities. Together, these features represent
natural characteristics which are recommended for continued existence and areas
of the natural environment where development is generally discouraged.
1-9
:As recommended by`P /C
December 18, 1975
City.: Cpuncil Motion:76 1.
Intent to Adopt 2/2/76
JKItiILA CITY COUNCIL MEET ;G
; February 2, 1976
Page 7
NEW BUSINESS - Cont.
Chief Crawley's
letter - Cont.
S TANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee of the
Whole - Formal
Motion re: Natural
Environment Element
of the Comprehensive
Plan
Proposed resolution -
Adopting Natural
Environment Element
the Council has adopted a resolution stating the
City's policy relating to that particular proposed
legislation. She stated she did not feel staff mem-
bers have the authority to speak for the City without
prior indication of the City's policy and further,
that she did not feel the City Council could give
that authority. Councilman Saul stated he felt this
matter was the responsibility of Administration.
Councilwoman Harris stated the Council determines
policy, not Administration. Councilman Van Dusen
11f 1111. \,u1V \1:t71:. \71' 1.
PLAN OF THE CITY !Ai WITHDRAWN. . CARRI ED .
stated he would like to leave it to the discretion of
the Mayor. Mayor Bauch stated he did not feel he had
the authority. Fire Chief Crawley explained some of
the upcoming legislation relating to fire departmentss
MOVED BY VAN DUSEN, SECONDED BY MS. PESICKA, THAT
THE CITY COUNCIL CONCUR WITH THE RECOMMENDATION TO
ALLOW CHIEF CRAWLEY TO GO TO OLYMPIA IN CONCURRENCE
WITH THE MAYOR REGARDING FIRE- RELATED MATTERS.*
Councilwoman Harris objected that this Motion reflect;
a blank check and it may be that the City Council
would not agree with the Chief on some of these
issues. Councilman Saul stated he felt Chief Crawley
was qualified to speak on these matters. Kjell 1
Stoknes, Planning Director, suggested the Council
consider blanketing all department heads in this
Motion so they may testify if necessary in their
fields. Councilman Traynor stated he felt each one
should be considered separately. Audience comments
reflected several department heads have testified
in Olympia on several previous occasions. Mayor
Bauch stated he has instructed staff to get prior
permission from the City Council before attending
any sessions in Olympia on behalf of the " °.ty.
*CARRIED, WITH HARRIS VOTING NO.
RECESS MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE MEETING
9 :55 P.M. - 10:55 P.M. RECESS FOR 10 MINUTES. CARRIED. Mayor Bauch called
the meeting back to order with all Council Members
present as previously listed.
Council President Hill explained that during the
last Committee of the Whole meeting, the question was
raised whether to adopt this Element now or to state
our intent of adopting it with the adoption of the 1
Comprehensive Plan. Attorney Fleming stated the
Council could go either way, but he had prepared a
formal Motion for the Council to consider. Copies
of the Motion were distributed to the City Council.
Council. President Ilill stated the Council is satis -.
fied with the Natural Environment Element as it now
stands. Attorney Fleming stated the legal result of
adopting this Motion is that there is no legal affect
When the Element comes up again for consideration,
the Council can freely amend it and act upon an •
ordinance in its final form to create the law. lie
recommended taking each step one at a time. MOVED
BY HILL, SECONDED BY MS. PESICKA, THAT THE COUNCIL
APPROVE MOTION 76 -1 FOR ADOPTION AS PRESENTED.*
City Clerk Shirlee Kinney.read Motion 76 -1. *CARRIED.
MOVED BY MS. HARRIS, SECONDED BY SAUL, TO AMEND THE
AGENDA TO ADD THE PREVIOUS' PROPOSED RESOLUTION INTRO-
DUCED BY 'I'IiE CITY COUNCIL REGARDING THE NATURAL EN-
VIRONMENT ELEMENT. CARRIED. MOVED BY MS HARRIS,
SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT PROPOSED RESOLUTION RELATED TO
COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING, DECLARING THAT THE NATURAL.
ENVIRONMENT ELEMENT iS ADOPTED AS PART OF' THE COMPRE-
KS /cw
MEMORANDUM
CITY of TUKWILA
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
TO: Tukwila City Council
FROM: Kjell Stoknes, Planning Director
SUBJECT: Adoption of the Natural Environment Element of the Proposed
Comprehensive Plan.
At the City Council study meeting of January 19, 1976, the City Council
decided to act on the Natural Environment Element of the Comprehensive Plan
by motion at their next regular meeting of February 2, 1976.
It was also brought up by one of the Council people that the Council should
state an intent to adopt the element rather than actually adopting it at this
point. I agree with this concept and have attached the proposed Council
motion stating your intent to adopt the entire document by ordinance, including
the map, at such time as the City Council has by motion stated their intent to
adopt all elements as shown on the flow chart in the introductory part adopted
by resolution 504.
The intent to adopt method seems to be a good compromise since many people in
the audience at the Council meeting did state a fear that there would be a
period of time when the new Comprehensive Plan would have a tilted balance
toward the Natural Environment concepts, prior to adoption of other elements.
DATE: Jan; 28,1976
CITY OF TUKWILA
CITY COUNCIL MOTION NO. 76 -1
A MOTION OF THE TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL RELATED TO COM-
PREHENSIVE PLANNING, DECLARING THEIR INTENT TO ADOPT
THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT ELEMENT AS PART OF THE COMPRE-
HENSIVE PLAN FOR THE CITY, PURSUANT TO RCW 35.63.80,
.90 AND ..100,•LAWS OF 1965, ALONG WITH THE 1972 SUP-
PLEMENT.
Introduced: 2/2/76
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Tukwila has directed
that the present Comprehensive Plan of the City no longer reflects the
values of the Community and needs updating, and;
WHEREAS, the introduction and general goals for the updated plan
have been adopted by resolution 504, and;
WHEREAS, the Natural Environment Element is scheduled for comple-
tion next in the updating of the Comprehensive Plan, and;
WHEREAS, a favorable recommendation has been given by the Citizens
Committee appointed to review the Natural Environment Element, and;
WHEREAS, following a public hearing before the Planning Commission,
as required by law, a favorable recommendation for the adoption of the Natural
Environment Element dated December 18, 1975, as part of the Comprehensive Plan
was made, and;
WHEREAS, the Tukwila City Council has considered the Natural
Environment Element in a published public hearing, and;
WHEREAS, the environmental impact of the Natural Environment Element
were reviewed and said review made available to the Planning Commission and
City Council prior to their decision deliberation.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON,
DO STATE THE FOLLOWING:
Section 1. An intent to adopt the Natural Environment Element, as
revised by the Planning Commission and dated December 18, 1975, as part of the
Tukwila Comprehensive Plan.
Section 2. It is the intent of the City Council to adopt by ordinance
all elements of the Comprehensive Plan Update and map at such time as an intent
has been expressed by Council motion to adopt each of the elements and map.
Section 3. The remaining parts of the plan update are to follow
as closely as possible to the Comprehensive Plan flow chart in the intro-
duction as adopted by resolution 504.
Section 4. A copy of this motion shall be kept on file with the
City Clerk.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, at a
regular meeting this of 1976.
Attest:
Council President
Date of Approval
City Clerk
CABOT, CABOT a FORBES
1003 ANDOVER PARK EAST, TUKWILA, WASHINGTON 98188
January 19, 1976
Tukwila City Council
Tukwila, Washington 98188
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Sincerely,
(/ 2G■P0/!
J. Thomas Bernard
General Manager
206 575 - 0310
SAN FRANCISCO 4IS 981.5180
After the last City Council meeting in which the Draft Environ-
mental Element to the Proposed Comprehensive Plan was discussed
at some length, I had the opportunity to also read the Draft
Open Space Element.
Fred Satterstrom, Associate Planner for Tukwila, responded
to my January 15, 1976 letter and suggestions indicating that
the Open Space Element will be revised to "waylay the type of
fears" I expressed to the Planning Director. However, since
the City Council is taking action on the Environmental Element
tonight, I feel that it would be in the best interest of the
citizens and landowners of Tukwila if the following objectives
were included in the
yy� - 0p•en�p a Element as adopted:
iyd /i . norrcnmzn7
1) Not to create a public nuisance for private property owners.
2) No interference with private property rights of landowners.
3) Acquisition of easements, title, or other control over
private property through purchase, tax incentives, or
zoning changes with the voluntary consent and support of .
private landowners and without intimidation by government
representatives or public officials. .•
From discussions in the last City Council meeting and from Fred
Satterstrom's letter, it appears that these objectives are not
contradictory to the other excellent objectives of the Environ-
mental Element and the Open Space Element to• the Comprehensive
Plan. Thank you.
Enclosures: Cabot, Cabot & Forbes letter dated January 15, 1976
City of Tukwila letter dated January 16, 1976
cc: Charles Baker, w /encl.; Bruce Solly, w /encl.; Kjell Stokness,
A SUBSIDIARY OF CABOT. CABOT & FORBES CO. BOSTON. MASSACHUSETTS w/encl.
OTHER SUBSIDIARIES IN: PHILADELPHIA. LANHAM. MD.. RICHMOND. WINTERGREEN. VA.
BATON ROUGE. PHOENIX. TUCSON. LOS ANGELES. COMPTON. IRVINE. SANTA ANA. SAN DIEGO. SAN FRANCISCO AND SEATTLE
SEGALE SLJS /N PARK
19 January 1976
Tukwila City Council
14475 59th South
Tukwila, WA 98188
Gentlemen:
We have reviewed the proposed resolution dated December 31,
1975 for adoption of the Natural Environment Element of the
Comprehensive Plan for the City of Tukwila.
In our opinion the element has some highly desirable fea-
tures that will benefit Tukwila residents, homeowners,
businessmen and visitors. We also feel that other portions
of the element can have a seriously adverse effect upon
existing private property rights. Since the effect of the
element cannot be determined at this time we recommend
its adoption be postponed until all other proposed revisions
of the Comprehensive Plan are available.
Additionally, Section 4 of the resolution refers to a map
or plat to be filed with the City Clerk. Presumably this
map would classify certain lands as "being over 20% in
slope;" or "being used for agricultural," or "being of a
wooded character" or similar classifications. Such a
map could have a major impact upon homeowners, and land-
owners and therefore it would be desirable to have a public
hearing to review it, including advance written notice of
the hearing to each effected owner.
V i y truly you-0
SE E BUSINE S PA
BWS:ls
B uce W. Solly
M pager
. /*
P.O. BOX 88050 O1 TELEPHONE: (206) 226 -3202 11 TUKWILA, WASHINGTON 981811
KS /cw
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
TO: Natural Environment File #MF -75 -24 -CPA
FROM: Kjell Stoknes
sU BJECT: City Council Public Hearing
MEMORANDUM
CITY of TUKWILA
DATE: Jan. 8, 1976
On January 5, 1976, the Tukwila City Council did hold a public hearing on the
proposed Natural Environment Element for the Tukwila Comprehensive Plan.
Following considerable discussion on the matter by the audience and Council
members, the public hearing was closed.
No action of any type was taken on this matter by the City Council. As I
see it, it would take a resolution proposing the adoption of the Natural
Environment Element to initiate any further action on this item. This
resolution should be proposed to the City Council during their regular
meeting of January 19, 1976.
DON KOLL NORTHWEST
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL M
January 5, 1976
Page 2
PUBLIC HEARINGS - Cont.
LID #28 - Cont.
Adoption of the Natural
Environment Element of
the Comprehensive Plan
ING
Steve Hall stated the next step in the LID process
is an ordinance adopting the preliminary assessment
roll and forming the LID and property may be deleted
by the Council at that time. MOVED BY STERLING,..
SECONDED BY JOHANSON, TO EXCLUDE THAT PORTION OF THE=
PURPLE PARCEL THAT IS NORTH OF THE LOT FRONTING 152nd
STREET. CARRIED.
MOVED BY HARRIS, THAT THE MATTER BE PUT BEFORE THE
COUNCIL OF THE WHOLE MEETING, TENTATIVELY THURSDAY,
JANUARY 8, AT 7:30 P.M., FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION IN
ORDER TO PROVIDE SOME DIRECTION TO THE PUBLIC WORKS
DIRECTOR TO DRAFT THE ORDINANCE FORMING THE LID.*
Council President Traynor stated next Monday we will
have newly installed Council Members considering this
issue and it will be discussed again later. *MOTION
FAILED FOR LACK OF SECOND. Councilman Sterling sug-
gested the parties explore the possibility of getting
10 feet of frontage from each property owner along
152nd. Kjell Stoknes, Planning Director, stated there
is a condition on this property that proper access
be maintained. Mr. Smith came in for his building
permits prior to any access being furnished and he
stated he is now concerned that the City cannot hold
up the permits because Mr. Smith has demonstrated
good faith in gaining access through the LID public
hearing. Also, the original permits are subject to
this LID being formed.
Mayor Todd declared the public hearing open at 8:45
P.M. Kjell Stoknes reviewed this first element of
the updating process of the Comprehensive Plan. He
stated citizens volunteered to serve on the committees
to consider the elements of the Plan and seven were
appointed by the Planning Commission chairman to
formulate the Natural Environment Element. The com-
mittee's recommendations were considered by the
Planning Commission with very little amendments and
they now appear before the City Council for public
hearing. Mayor Todd stated a request has been sub-
mitted by Byron Sneva requesting that this matter be
tabled until all the separate elements are coordinated
for adoption at once. City Clerk Shirlee Kinney
read Mr. Sneva's letter addressed to the City Council
dated January 5, 1976.
Councilwoman Davis stated she concurred with Mr.
Sneva, but she wondered why this matter appears as
a public hearing before the City Council tonight.
Kjell Stoknes stated the City Council voted to author-
ize the Planning Director to set public hearing dates
before the City Council on the elements of the Plan
as they progress. Council President Traynor stated
this is the public hearing stage and no provision is
included on the Agenda for adopting the goals.
Mr. Tom Bernard, Cabot, Cabot F, Forbes, stated the
document expresses the same kinds of things they try
to do in their real estate development and the plan
is well- intended. However, the plan does establish
some far - reaching criteria for the entire scope of
land use through the use of objective environmental .
dialogue; good planning involves more. It should
also consider the legal rights of the landowner and
the potential dollar cost to the taxpayers and should .
not exceed its scope beyond what is allowed under the
law to protect the health, safety and well -being
the public..
January 5, 1976
7:00 P.M.
FLAG SALUTE AND
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL OF
COUNCIL MEMBERS
MINUTE APPROVAL
VOUCHER APPROVAL
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Preliminary
Assessment Roll
LID #28
1 RECESS
8:00 - 8:10 P.M.
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING . Tukwila City Hall
Council Chambers
M I N U T E S
Mayor -elect Bauch led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Todd called the City Council meeting to order.
GARDNER, STERLING, TRAYNOR, DAVIS, HARRIS, SAUL,
JOHANSON.
MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE MINUTES
OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF DECEMBER 15, 1975 BE
APPROVED AS PUBLISHED. CARRIED.
MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY STERLING, THAT THE
BILLS BE ACCEPTED AND WARRANTS BE DRAWN IN THEIR
RESPECTIVE AMOUNTS. CARRIED.
Vouchers #7443 -
Current Fund #7443 - 7501
Street Fund #7502 - 7509
Water Fund #7510 - 7513
Sewer Fund #7514 - 7518
W/S Const. #7519
Total
LID #25 C -32 & 33 $8,265.93
R -23 8,265.93
#7519
$15,686.56
2,193.23
5,546.51
322.17
75.95
$23,824.42
/43/
Mayor Todd opened the public.- hearing at 7:03 P.M.
Steve Hall, Public Works Director, briefly reviewed
the of forming : -the LID. All proceedings
were recorded by a court reporter and a transcript
of the, proceedings is on file with the City Clerk's
office
BY "IIARRIS, SECONDED BY TRAYNOR, THAT THE
MEETING RECESS. C RRIED. Mayor Todd called the
public hearing baCk to order with all Council
Members prese,nt,as previously listed.
MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE PUBLIC
HEARING BE DECLARED CLOSED AT 8:25 P.M. CARRIED.
Steve Hall /requested direction from the City Council
as to the/preliminary assessment roll. MOVED BY
TRAYNOR „`SECONDED BY\STERLING, THAT THE PURPLE PARCEL
BE EXCLUDED FROM THE '•LID.* Mr. Harold Wynn stated
if the:'purple property \is out and an 80 -foot cul -de-
sac is included in the`\street, that leaves the rest
of us to carry the whold\burden of $350,000 and when
you/divide that up, it 'i\ more than we can hack.
Councilman Saul stated he \felt it was reasonable
to acquire 10 feet along the street from each pro-
perty owner and let the developer build the street
/ 'without spending this much money. Council President
Traynor asked if the green - colored property had
' access to Macadam Rd. Steve Hall stated there may
' be legal access, but he strongly recommended access
for that property from 152nd Street due to the ele-
vation and sight distance on Macadam. Councilwoman
Harris stated she would prefer the. Council take no
action on the assessment roll tonight. Councilman
Sterling stated if the owners of the purple parcel
have established access onto Macadam, he did not see
why the one lot should be included in the roll.
Mayor Todd recommended the Council take no action
until the final assessment roll is considered and
the participants can make any written protests to
the Council at that time for deletions. Councilman
Johanson noted it is not normal procedure to make
these decisions at the point of the public hearing.
*MOTION FAILED UNANIMOUSLY.
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL M( WING
January 5, 1976
Page .3
PUBLIC HEARINGS - Cont.
N atural Environment
Element - Cont.
/4/
Mr. Bruce Solly, Segale Business Park, stated they
have been advised that if this is adopted and made
part of the Comprehensive Plan, then the policies
could be used by the City in making decisions on
such matters as building permits, conditional use
permits, rezones, etc. and the problem in adopting
it at this time is that it is not specific and it is
subject to the interpretation of certain people,
City officials and property owners. Some of the
goals are very good but others create some problems
and he would like the opportunity to discuss these
with the committee in detail.
Mr. Ben Aliment, Foster Golf Links, stated he agreed
with the two gentlemen. Specifically, policies 1 and
3 on page 5 regarding preservation of views of the
hillsides were out of order. Do those of us in the
low lands owe the hillsides a view? He did not feel
he owed them anything.
Mr. Bernard stated his views were not based upon
the property they owned being affected because it
is not affected. If the City should get into any
adverse condemnations because of these policies,
we would be affected by the cost of that -- everyone
would..
Mr. Dick Kirsop, member of the Tukwila Planning
Commission, stated there is too literal an interpre-
tation being put on the statement of goals. The
City officials desired some guidelines to discourage
such things as heavy shelf cuts as is stated on page
5. These policies are not intended to be adopted as
a zoning ordinance with specific restrictions would
be; it is intended to provide flexible guidelines for
the future development of the City.
Miss Helen Nelsen, referring to policy 4, stated all
the agricultural land in the City is zoned M -1 and
she did not feel that policy 4 applied to anything
in Tukwila.
Mrs. Emma Lund - stated there appears to be many
questions on this and perhaps further study is
necessary.
Mr. Frank Kriedler stated the agricultural policy was
suggested by one of the committee members and we were
looking at a land use map which includes agricultural
use, not a zoning map. Policy statements are very
seldom specific and we are not implementing anything
at this time. He stated he felt it was wise to get
all the parts of the plan together for adoption and
their significance will be clear at that time.
Mr. Chris Crumbaugh, Segale Business Park, stated
the City has traditionally had a map -type of Compre-
hensive Plan. This is a change which lays out policy
and guidelines. In order for the City Council to be
fair, they will have to deny anything that conflicts
with this, or in effect be forced into some arbitrary
decisions by choosing between one person and another.
Mr. Fred Satterstrom, Planning Department, stated .
there will be a map to accompany the other elements
to be considered later this spring. Discussion
continued regarding the zoning as related to the
comprehensive plan map and the purpose of the environ-
mental element.
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL Mt.ING
January 5, 1976
Page 4
PUBLIC HEARINGS - Cont.
J Natural Environment
Element - Cont.
RECESS
9:56 - 10:15 P.M.
/443'
Mr. Solly asked if the goals will be applied to any
zoning changes or building permits and will they be
applied any time between now and the time the full
plan is rewritten. Kjell Stoknes, Planning Director,
stated what the City's response to that is here we
have some goals the City would like to achieve and if
you can accommodate them, that is fine but if you
will not, there is nothing we can do regarding the
individual rights of a property owner. The City
Council can implement more specific goals into an
ordinance or through interpretation during public
hearings regarding rezones or conditional use permits.
The City staff cannot implement them.
Mr. Solly reviewed each section of the Natural
Environment Element with comments and objections in
some instances. He recommended that if the policies
are adopted, they be more specific or that they not
be adopted until the overall picture is presented
of the Comprehensive Plan.
Mr. George Hill stated this is not a resolution or
an ordinance or an order. He thanked the Planning
Department and the committee for their work on the
policy and stated he would have liked to have had
these types of guidelines available when he served
on the Council four years ago. They include many
of the things the people in this City would like to
see accomplished.
Mrs. Anne Altmayer stated the City is already follow-
ing this type of policy and she did not support the
policy as it is written because she felt it needed
to be more specific.
Kjell Stoknes stated the City realizes it must res-
pect the rights of private property. These policies
are not specific and perhaps the property owner does
experience some insecurity because'of the general
nature of the Comprehensive Plan, which by its very
nature, is a general thing. It may be used as a
guideline for future ordinances, but if we don't
establish these goals and if we are not consistent
with them, we will be accused of being arbitrary
and capricious and we get taken to court. The staff
has made the best effort possible to try to reach all
the citizens to get their opinions. Seven citizens
volunteered for the committee and staff provided
general policies to the committee and then sat back
while the committee went to work. Their modified
policies went to the Planning Commission for a public
hearing and the notice was published twice in the
Record Chronicle. The Planning Commission made a
few insignificant changes and then a notice was pub-
lished twice for a public hearing before. the City
Council tonight. The matter will probably be placed
in some committee where all interested parties are
welcome to voice opinions. After this review, the
Council will again consider the statements in the
form of a resolution. A variety of actions is avail-
able to the City Council as well.
Mayor Todd declared the public hearing closed at
9:55 P.M.
MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY STERLING, THAT THE
MEETING RECESS. CARRIED. Mayor Todd called the
Council meeting back to order with all Council
Members present as previously listed.
Mr. Bruce Solly, Manager
Segale Business Park
P.O. Box 88924
Tukwila, Washington 98188
Dear Mr. Solly:
OD
Gerhardt Research Service / marketing and opinion research in the pacific northwest
722 Central Building/ Seattle, Washington 98104 / (206) 623 -05e8 - - -
• • r_J
January 5, 1976
JAN 6 1976
At your request, I have examined the survey results
and sample questionnaire prepared by the City of Tukwila
Planning Department which were designed to be used for
direction in comprehensive planning for the Tukwila area.
Upon examination of the memorandum to the Planning
Commissioners dated October 10, 1975, on the business
questionnaire results and the comparison between the
residential and business responses, I note the following:
1) The respondents of the residential community
and the business community do' not view the City
of Tukwila in the same light, as stated in the
memorandum.
a) They differed on the subject of apartment
expansion on Tukwila Hill.
b) They differed on the future urban development
on fertile agricultural land.
c) They perceive different problems to be primary
in the Tukwila area.
2) There are the following similarities between the
business and residential communities found in the
survey results.
a) They both feel annexation should be directed
at both residential and industrial expansion.
b) They both feel the Plan should address the
aesthetic aspects in design of the buildings
and in urban development.
Mr. Bruce Solly January 5, 1976
Page 2
c) They both agree the Plan should reflect
Tukwila's uniqueness but also recognize its
inseparable part in the total region.
In examining the questionnaire, several factors were
noted, which could affect the results of the survey:
1) The choices given to the respondent are extremely
"wordy" and complex.
2) The possible answers are not clearly "either - or"
choices. It seems likely that a respondent could
fall into more than one category of responses.
3) The percentages always add up to 100% and the total
number of responses often exceed the number of
questionnaires returned. The percentages are based
on the total number of responses and do not represent
the percentage of people responding in the reported
manner.
Finally, it would be valuable to see data comparing the
characteristics of respondents with established census
information in that area. Since less than 23% of the population
surveyed returned questionnaires, it is important to know
whether this small percentage represents the total population
or if it is an atypical segment.
The results would be considerably more reliable if the
questionnaires returned represented a minimum of 50% of the
residents and business community. If the survey were conducted
over the telephone by well- trained, experienced interviewers and
the questions were designed by a professional, impartial research
firm, a higher percentage of completed interviews could be met
and the results would be more reliable than those presented.
With so much of the future of Tukwila residents and the
business community at stake, it seems imperative that the Plan
accurately reflect the needs and desires of the people to be
Xx
Gerhardt Research Service
Mr. Bruce Solly January 5, 1976
Page 3
affected. In my judgment the questionnaire used in the survey
and the small sample of respondents precludes such direction.
JG:j
Cordially,
GERHARDT RESEARCH SERVICE
Jane Gerhardt
President
MAYOR'S OFFICE
NEWS RELEASE
DECEMBER 29, 1975
The review and updating of the Tukwila Comprehensive Plan is coming along
on schedule. On Thursday night, December 18, 1975, the Tukwila Planning
Commission reviewed word by word the proposed Natural Environment Element
of the Comprehensive Plan in a published public hearing and recpmmended
it to the City Council for adoption. It will now be before the Tukwila
City Council at a published public hearing during their regular meeting
of January 5, 1976 at approximately 7:30 P.M.
The basic thrust of the preliminary Natural Environment Element is to encourage
retention of vegetation, promote retention of areas highly suitable for wild-
life habitat, encourage the use of existing topography, encourage the preser-
vation of natural streams, ponds, and marshes, and discourages the mining of
mineral resources in environmentally fragile areas.
The next element of the Comprehensive Plan that will be developed is the Open
Space Element. The citizens committee appointed will be reviewing this ele-
ment during the first two weeks of January of 1976. They will than recommend
it to the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission hearing is tentatively
scheduled for 8:00 P.M. on Thursday January 23, 1976. It is anticipated that
the Tukwila Park Plan and the Capital Improvement Program will also be consid-
ered in a public hearing on the same night. Both of these items may be forwarded
to the City Council with a favorable recommendation to be considered by the City
Council during their regular meeting of February 2, 1976.
Other elements to be considered by the Comprehensive Plan effort will be as
follows: Residence Element - February, 1976; Commerce /Industry Element -
March, 1976; Transportation /Utilities Element - April, 1976; Comprehensive
Land Use Map - May, 1976.
More information will be provided regarding the specific dates when each of
the above elements will be considered. Those citizens interested in coming
to meetings on the Tukwila Comprehensive Plan development should read legal
section of this paper for notices of hearings.
o f - ke lvtr; -v C -Av i re n Y,11/4 vrtc.r t - l�
Members of the citizen committee which created the draft to the
Planning Commission were: Byron Sneva - Chairman, Tim Dubois, Janice Dunn,
Frank Kreidler, Berdene Saul, Gerald James, Bill Hickman and Glen Livingston.
Dear Bruce:
Segale Business Park
Attn: Mr. Bruce Sally
P.O. Box 88050
Tukwila, WA 98188
( Frank Todd, Mayor
CITY OF TUKWILA
6230 SOUTHCENTER BLVD.
TUKWILA, WASHINGTON 98067
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
19 December 1975
The Planning Commission received your letter of 18 December .1975 at their
regular meeting conducted last evening, 18 December 1975. The letter was
read into the minutes and attached as a part of the Commission's permanent
records.
It was the consensus of the Commission, however, that adequate public notice
had been given prior to development of the Natural Environment Element by
the citizen's committee, that all committee meetings were open to the public,
copies of evolving drafts were available upon request and that the Planning
Commission and City Council will conduct advertised public hearings. More-
over, the hearings conducted by the Planning Commission will include the
public discussion of every word contained in the proposed draft.
In consideration of those facts as well as the self- imposed time frames for
completion of the Comprehensive Plan, the Commission proceeded with the
public hearing and, after several amendments, recommended the document to
the City Council for adoption.
A public hearing has been scheduled before the City Council at 7:30 P.M.
Monday, 5 January 1976, to receive additional public input regarding the
Natural Environment Element. Copies of that Element, as recommended by
the Planning Commission, will be available upon your request as will all
future elements as they evolve.
Sincer,
Crutchfj el d
Assistant P anner
GC /cw
y,
cc: Chmn, Ping Comm
AGENDA
PLANNING COMMISSION
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
III. OLD BUSINESS
A. City Council Actions
B. Comprehensive Plan Review
18 December 1975 8:00 P.M.
IV. NEW BUSINESS
A. PUBLIC HEARING - Adoption of Natural Environment Element
V. SIGN REVIEWS
VI. BOARD OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW
A. Site Plan - McCann Project #295
VII'. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
18 December 1975
(date)
• r
•
•
CITY OF TUKWILA •
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
8:00 P.M.
(time)
Notice is hereby given that the Tukwila PLANNING COMMISSION
will conduct a'PUBLIC HEARING on the above date at City Hall, 14475 - 59th
Avenue South, to consider ADOPTION.'of.the NATURAL ENVIRONMENT ELEMENT of
the COMPREHENSIVE PLAN for the Tukwila Planning Area.
All interested persons are encouraged to appear and be. heard.
.. Herbert Lamb, Secretary '
Tukwila Planning Commission
For further information please contact Fred.Satters.trom at 242 -2177.
Published in the Renton Record - Chronicle on 3 & 10 December 1975
OBJECTIVE 5.
•
MEMORANDUM
CITY of TUKWILA
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
TO: Natural Environment Committee
FROM: Planning Department
SUBJECT: New Objective on Air Quality and Proposed revision to
Objective 7, as adopted by the committee on December 11, 1975
Make a new objective 5 and make the former objective 5 into objective 6.
STRIVE TO IMPROVE THE CHEMICAL, VISIBILITY, AND OLFACTORY
QUALITIES OF THE AIR TO A LEVEL CONDUCIVE TO A HEALTHY
ENVIRONMENT.
There are several different types of air pollution. In
high concentrations, pollutants like carbon monoxide and sulfur trioxide are
deleterious to human life. Olfactory pollutants, on the other hand, are not
dangerous to health but can make an environment unfit for work or residence;
and visual pollutants, like dust, create much of the haze we see in the air
which constrains visibility. There are probably as many different sources of
air pollution as there are pollutants: automobiles, factories, dirt roads : _
truck loading, rock drilling, to name a few. This objective is aimed at
improving all aspects of air quality so that it is fit to breathe, smell, and
see.
Policy 1. Recognize and encourage the efforts of other agencies
involved in the regulation and control of clean air.
It is recognized that the regulation and control of
air quality is a regional issue which is handled by state or
..federal agencies and not under the control of the City of Tukwila.
The Cit should reco:nize the efforts of these agencies and coo•
ate in doing our share in helping to improve the air quality in
Tukwila.
Former objective 6 should be changed to objective 7. Former objective 7
should be changed to objective 8 and modified as follows:
OBJECTIVE 8. RECOGNIZE THE ENVIRONMENTAL BASE MAP OF THE TUKWILA PLANNING
AREA FHICH DEPICTS THE DISTRIBUTION AND EXTENT OF THE
NATURAL AMENITIES BASED ON THE OFFER MENTIONED OBJECTIVES.
No change to text portion of objective.
DATE: Dec. 16, 1975
Memorandum
Natural Environment Committee
Page 2
December 16, 1975
Staff: The new objective 5 proposed on air quality was discussed with the
citizens committee on December 11, 1975, when no quorum was present. Those .
members there seem to feel that an objective on air quality should be included.
The attached is the staff's recommendation for this objective with one policy.
Also at the December 11 meeting, a map of natural amenities on an overlay
bases was discussed for potential adoption by the committee. It is for this
reason that the former objective 7, new objective 8 is proposed for revision
in the hopes that the committee would agree to the use of the environmental
base map which you will be reviewing tonight.
AGENDA
Natural Environment Committee December 16, 1975
1. Minutes from December 9th meeting
2. Changes to Policies - through December 9th
3. Objective: Air Quality
4. Environmental Basemap
5. Planning Commission Public Hearing - December 18th
6. Critique
of
Dec,
v:P.c. Form No. 87
Affidavit of Publication
STATE OF WASHINGTON
COUNTY OF KING
L•ee••Bai•ley
being first duly sworn on
oath, deposes and says thashe is the chief .elerk of
THE RENTON RECORD - CHRONICLE, a ne1.ospaper published four (4)
times a week. That said newspaper is a legal newspaper and it is now and
has been for more than six months prior to the date of publication referred
to, printed and published in the English language continually as a news-
paper published four (4) times a week in Kent, King County, Washington,
and it is now and during all of said time was printed in an office maintained
at the aforesaid place of publication of said newspaper. That the Renton
Record - Chronicle has been approved as a legal newspaper by order of the
Superior Court of the County in which it is published, to -wit, King County,
Washington. That the annexed is a . ..pl.anni.ng...camm....hearin.g
as it was published in regular issues (and
not in supplement form of said newspaper) once each issue for a period
twp
3 day of Dec. ,19 75 ,and ending the
10 Dec. 75
day of ,19 both dates
inclusive, and that such newspaper was regularly distributed to its sub-
scribers during all of said period. That the full amount of the fee
charged for the foregoing publication is the sum of $ 9112 , which
has been paid in full at the rate of per folio of one hundred words for the
first insertion and per folio of one hundred words for each subsequent
insertion.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 10 day of
,19 75
Notary Public in
ss.
consecutive issues, commencing on the
chief clerk
'd for the State of Washington,
residing at Kent, King County.
Passed by the Legislature, 19S5, known as Senate Bill 281, effective June
9th, 1955. l
‘‘-- Western Union Telegraph Co. rules for counting words and figures,
!, adopted by the newspapers of the State.
• CITY OF TUKWILA "• }" ; °t
• • NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
18 December 1975 - •
8:00 P.M. - 1
Notice is hereby given that the
Tukwila PLANNING COMMISSION
will conduct a PUBLIC HEARING on
• the above date at City Hall, 14475 -
59th Avenue South; to consider
ADOPTION of the NATURAL
ENVIRONMENT ELEMENT of the
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN for the •
Tukwila Planning Area.
`
All interested persons Tare
encouragedto appear and beheard. ,
Herbert Lamb, Secretary;
Tukwila Planning Commission
For further :information please
contact Fred Saterstrom at. 242 •
2177.
Published fmthe Renton Recoid'
..'Chronicle on December 3 & 10;
1975. T1041 ?'• 4;,t .. .."-'f
Per proposed WAC 197 -10 -120 (2):
ENVIRONMENTAL RESUME
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT ELEMENT
OF THE
TUKWILA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
1. Objective of the Plan:
The objective of the Natural Environment element is to establish
a policy framework within which City development addresses the
natural environment. Endemic within this objective is the conser-
vation of natural resources, protection of natural amenities, and
the provision for development which is suitable to the natural
environment.
2. Existing Conditions or Information Concerning Affected Environment:
Information regarding the natural environment in the Tukwila area can
be found in the document Data Inventory: Tukwila Planning Area. The
first section of this report deals with climate, geology, physiography,
hydrology, soils, vegetation and wildlife.
3. Significant Impacts That Plan Implementation May Have on Environment:
Implementation of the element may have its most significant impact on
environmentally sensitive areas where it will mitigate adverse envir-
onmental consequences in these areas. Undoubtedly there will be
beneficial impacts on the natural environment not only through the
implementation of this element but also through adoption of regulatory
ordinances based upon the policy content of the Natural Environment
element.
4. Alternatives and Methods of Mitigating Adverse Impacts:
There are basically only two alternatives in this instance: adoption
of a Natural Environment element or no adoption. The range of alter-
natives to the policies within the element is limitless, and these
alternatives have been discussed through the public participation
process.
Since no adverse impacts are anticipated, development of methods for
their mitigation is not applicable.
December 4, 1975
C:
5. Other Methods of Reaching Objective:
Outside of contracting with a private consultant firm, the only way
to establish policies concerning the Natural Environment is through
the City's own initiative.
6. Redefine the Objective of the Plan in View of Predicted Impacts:
SEE, original explanation of objective of the plan as stated in
Section 1 of the resume'.
7. Consider Alternative Uses of Resources and Retention of Resources for
Future Generations:
The Natural Environment Element provides for a diverse use of natural
resources — including water, soil, mineral resources, and land - and
promotes their retention for future generations.
8. Consider Environmental Amenities and Values:
Areas of low opportunity for development and high natural amenity
form the basis of the Natural Environment element. The wise use of
these areas — e.g., steep hillsides, marshes, ponds — is promoted
and preservation of certain areas is proposed.
C
TO: Kj el l , Gary
FROM: Fred
SUBJECT: Natural Environment Committee Meeting, December 2, 1975
FS /cw
MEMORANDUM
CITY of T U KW I LA
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Attached herewith is a copy of the changes made by the committee to the
first two objectives of the Natural Environment element. The revisions
have been made like revisions or amendments to ordinances where deletions
are crossed out and additions have been underlined.
Minutes of the first meeting have been made and will be issued to you also.
These and other minutes of all subsequent meetings will be kept in the
Natural Environment Element file behind the Comprehensive Plan in the
Projects drawer.
DATE: 3 Dec. 1975
OBJECTIVE 1.
C
RECOGNIZE THE AESTHETIC, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND USE BENEFITS
OF NAPURAL VEGETATION AND PROMOTE ITS RETENTION AND INSTAL-
LATION.
To the freeway passer -by who only stays in Tukwila for the
few minutes it takes to traverse it, the forests which line the freeway are
a welcome and mellowing embrace. To the Tukwila residents, the trees and
shrubs aid privacy and foster a feeling of low- density living. Hence, despite
the "urbanness" of Tukwila, the character or image of the city is one of a
unique blend of urban and rural values and amenities. While vegetation does
indeed represent a natural amenity or aesthetic resource, it serves other pur-
poses as well. For instance, vegetation reduces erosion and storm water runoff,
produces' oxygen, provides wildlife habitat, helps to stabilize steep slopes,
provides food in the form of agricultural crops, and diminishes noise.
Policy 1. Maintain the wooded character of the steep slopes and
upland plateau, and encourage the use of vegetation in
slope stabilization.
Most of the major wooded areas in the Tukwila vicinity are
located primarily on the steep slopes bordering the valley and parti-
ally in the upland plateau. As far as the steep slopes are concerned,
vegetation here helps to curtail erosion and surface water runoff while
generally aiding the stability of the slopes.
Policy 2. Encourage the utilization of live landscaping in develop-
ment landscape plans.
A trend has begun in the last few years to substitute
synthetic or artificial landscaping — like astro -turf for grass and
plastic plants for real vegetation. While these types of landscaping
require little maintenance and can be easily removed and "replanted ",
natural or live landscaping produces oxygen, provides wildlife habi-
tat, reduces runoff, and provides diversity by changing colors with
the seasons.
Policy 3. Discourage disturbance of vegetation when not in conjunction
with the actual development of the property.
In some cases, land is cleared of vegetation before a
building permit or rezone is ever issued on the assumption that the
permit or rezone can be obtained merely by applying for it. However,
if the request is denied upon application, the land then lies vacant
in a denuded condition and its future potential as marketable property
is oftentimes damaged.
As amended by Committee
December 2, 1975
Policy 4. Encourage the retention of commercial agricultural
cropland.
Valley soil in the Tukwila area is especially suitable
to agricultural activities. However, as the area develops, more
and more agricultural land is buried beneath parking lots and ware-
houses. This policy encourages the cultivation of valley soil for
farming purposes and discourages the needless, premature displacement
of existing farmlands. In addition to its commercial value, agricul-
ture has open space value, serves as wildlife habitat for certain
species, and utilizes the natural gift of the valley — alluvial soils —
for the public's welfare.
OBJECTIVE 2. PROMOTE THE RETENTION AND PRESERVATION OF CERTAIN HIGHLY
SUITABLE AREAS FOR WILDLIFE HABITAT AND NATURAL AREAS.
Wet lands and remote, wooded land constitute the most valuable .
wildlife habitat. These types of areas are shrinking in number and size as the
Tukwila area is developed. Many species of songbirds and waterfowl either live
in or visit the Tukwila vicinity each year: Small mammals also live here, though
their numbers are fewer. The retention of viable habitat is crucial if these
wildlife species are to be retained.
Policy 1. Strive to retain viable wetland areas -- like- marshes -afar
pends -- of wooded hillsides, agricultural lands, wetlands,
and the Green River for wildlife habitat.
There are essentially four types of areas which are
hospitable for wildlife in the Tukwila vicinity — wooded hillsides,
agricultural lands, wetlands, and parts of the Green River environs.
In addition to these, areas of low density residential use also help .
to support various bird and small mammal species. The presence of
wildlife in an urbanizing area is deemed an amenity worth preserving.
As amended by Committee
December 2, 1975
Natural Environment Committee
How We Got Here?
Tukwila Tomorrow Questionnaire
What Are We Here For?
Planning Process
Committee Responsibility and Authority..,
2. Distribution of Data Inventory
3. Slide Show
4. Review
AGENDA
Timothy Dubois
Janice Dunn
Bill Hickman
Gerald James
Frank Kreidler
Glen Livingston
Berdene Saul
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS
December 2, 1975
1. Introduction:
Introduction by Ron Mettler, Planning Commission Chairman
Past Planning in Tukwila
FS /cw
TO: FILE
FROM: Fred Satterstrom
SUBJECT: Proposed Natural Environment Element
MEMORANDUM
CITY of TUKWILA
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
The objectives and policies for the Natural Environment Element, attached .
hereto, constitute the proposed element submitted by Staff for review by
the Natural Environment Citizens Review Committee.
DATE: 1 Dec. 1975
G
Frank Todd, Mayor
CITY of TUKWILA
6230 SOUTHCENTER BLVD.
TUKWILA, WASHINGTON 98067
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
Byron Sneva, Chairman
Timothy Dubois
Janice Dunn
Frank Kreidler
Berdene Saul
Gerald James
Bill Hickman
Glen Livingston
. 5 January 1975
(date)
•
CITY OF TUKWILl
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
f
7:30 P.M. '
(time)
Notice is hereby given that the Tukwila CITY COUNCIL •
will conduct a'PUBLIC HEARING on the above date at City Hall, 14475 - 59th
Avenue South, to consider adoption of the ENVIRON-
MENT ELEMENT of the COMPREHENSIVE PLAN for the TUKWILA PLANNING AREA. ' •
All interested persons are encouraged to appear and be heard.
. ' 'Shirlee Kinney
City Clerk
For further information please contact Fred Satterstrom at 242 - 2177.
•
Published in the Renton Record - Chronicle on 21 & 28 December 1975.