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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning June 17 1997WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL Planning and Development Committee June 17, 1997 The meeting was called to order at 4 p.m. by Committee Chair Alvin Starkenburg in the Council Committee Room, 311 Grand Avenue. Also Present: Absent: Marlene Dawson None Kathy Sutter Staff Present Michael Knapp, Planning and Development Services Director Sylvia Goodwin, Planning and Development Services Manager Dan Gibson, Prosecuting Attorney's Office COMMITTEE DISCUSSION DISCUSSION REGARDING POSSIBLE MODIFICATION (DUE TO PROCESS ERROR) OF THE BIRCH BAY URBAN GROWTH AREA (AB97 -229) Starkenburg noted the committee was meeting one hour later than usual due to the Finance and Administrative Services Committee Strategic Planning session. He clarified the purpose of today's meeting was to discuss whether or not there was an omission or an error regarding the final drawings of the short- and long -term boundaries map. He stated that from his perspective of all the committee meetings held at Northwest Avenue to discuss all the Comp Plan areas, his assumption was that the boundary lines were drawn to include this particular property, which is represented by Jack Swanson. He then described the workings of the process, stating that Sandy Mackie, Whatcom County Legal Counsel, reviewed the sections where he felt there was no service to an area. Mackie removed some of these areas in some cases. Starkenburg was not sure if this is what occurred to this area. What is known is that there are services to that area. He did not wish to open the door to a Comp Plan amendment. He then requested staff and committee member input. Michael Knapp, Planning and Development Services Director, concurred with Starkenburg. He did feel, however, that Mackie was unclear regarding the boundary of the water service. Knapp then spoke to the location of the property in question. The sewer line has no direct access on the west side of the property; however, the connection can be made 1,000 feet away. By making this connection, the sewer line would be available. Water is also potentially Planning Minutes, 6/17/97, Page 1 available. The property is adjacent to the commercial core. A short discussion followed on water availability. Sutter noted she understood Council intended this property be included. Starkenburg stated the entire list committee was given by Planning and Development Services was discussed; adjustments were later made by staff and Mackie in order to ensure services. Knapp pointed out that staff brought forward the need to conclude the matter but, because of the intensity and volume of the material, it was not concluded. Dan Gibson, Prosecuting Attorney's Office, stated that at first he was concerned a Comp Plan amendment was involved; however, after reviewing this material, he was satisfied that was not the case. Short-term planning areas are changeable boundaries through a process other than Comp Plan amendment. He stated the intent was to include those areas within the Birch Bay Urban Growth Area, which has the availability of services. Dawson moved to recommend approval the 60 acres into the short-term planning area. There was discussion on the motion. Starkenburg pointed out full Council did not have an opportunity to take action on this matter; committee did. Due to the complexity of the issues, he requested legal assistance with the motion. Sutter suggested a map correction. Starkenburg stated committee could agree at this meeting to bring this matter forward to Council with a recommendation. That motion would be created by planning and legal staff. Knapp suggested this could be included in a rezone package. Nelson clarified that this area was in the long -term section of the map, and committee will be correcting what should have been in the short term and asked why a motion on this was necessary. He felt no formal action was necessary by Council at tonight's meeting other than giving staff direction. Dawson withdrew her motion. Starkenburg noted committee had before it a letter from Knapp recommending Council wait until the 60 -day process and then make the correction. Therefore, staff will be instructed to bring this forward as corrected. Knapp stated the rezone process may not be needed. Gibson stated that if it were a process, it could be addressed as a map amendment. The shifting of a boundary is ordinarily treated as a rezone. He explained the difference of going from a long- to a short-term boundary, which was significant. A long -term boundary means that one unit per five acres will be developed; a short-term boundary with services requires development of four units per acre, which yields a density twenty times greater. Gibson clarified the discussion was on shifting the boundary, which is treated as a rezone for process purposes. Starkenburg directed committee and legal and planning staff consider the best manner of correction. OTHER BUSINESS Planning Minutes, 6/17/97, Page 2 Starkenburg directed staff bring to committee a list of items needing to be covered regarding the Comp Plan. He was desirous that all these items be brought forward to determine which ones need to be discussed first instead of one at a time in no particular order. Starkenburg requested legal and planning staff discuss this priority list so the public has some understanding of the process. Discussion followed on a timeline and the list. Gibson pointed out the adoption of the Comp Plan may have sufficient bearing on this list so that the previous review of an item is irrevelant. Brown spoke to a specific property and situation regarding a rezone process. Knapp stated the zoning is contingent upon the boundaries of that particular area. ADJOURN The meeting was adjourned at 4:30 p.m. Elizabeth Bennett, Recording Secretary ATTEST: WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL W1 ATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk Alvin Starkenburg, Council Member Planning Minutes, 6/17/97, Page 3