Planning Commission s Recommended Docket (Rev. 10/22/15)

Transcription

1 Page 1 of 16 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND PLANNING COMMISSION S RECOMMENDED DOCKET 2016 GMA Periodic Update Comprehensive Plan/Development s Compliance Review & Update Program The document represents the City s determinations for review/update revisions that will fulfill the first major milestone of the 2016 Update requirements of GMA (RCW36.70A.130). This following matrix will be utilized in concert with the Comprehensive Plan and Development Checklist to review and revise the City s Comprehensive Plan and Development s. The schedule for accomplishing the update is dictated by the Planning Commission and City Council Hearing schedule. The 2016 Update is partially funded with State funds made available through the State Department of Commerce. The following GMA required Elements of the Comprehensive Plan were reviewed: Land Use Housing Capital Facilities and Utilities Element Transportation Also reviewed for compliance: Development s Critical Areas (not recommended for docketing at this time) Other Plan Elements not required by GMA - Economic Development FINDINGS 1) Since the Comprehensive Plan mandated by GMA was adopted in 1996, amendments have been made on an annual basis both for local needs and to maintain Plan consistency with legislative amendments to GMA and for internal consistency among its elements. In addition, the City updates its Capital Improvement Program annually to enhance the applicability of the Comprehensive Plan capital facilities funding. Development regulations have been updated on an asneed basis Planning Commission s Recommended Docket (Rev. 10/22/15)

2 Page 2 of 16 2) Although this work plan includes house-keeping, and locally suggested optional amendments and anticipates their completion in 2016, these updates will be placed on a separate track(s) if it is determined that additional time is needed to adequately address public input. Given limited resources, revisions to the Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) necessary to comply with the BAS requirements of GMA are slated for a subsequent phase (anticipated 2017). 3) Amendments included herein present a matter appropriately addressed through the comprehensive plan - The Director compiled a broad range of suggested amendments during the public participation process. Those that would require an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan and development regulations were compiled into a preliminary docket. As anticipated, the number and complexity of suggested amendments exceeds capacity. After a duly noticed public hearing, Planning Commission recommended those suggested amendments that warranted inclusion on the 2016 docket. 4) The proposed amendments can be reasonably reviewed within the available resources and time frame - The substantive work effort will largely be undertaken and completed by Development Services Department and Public Works Department staffs and a project team including representatives from other City departments and the Planning Commission. Public Works Department staff will be needed to complete required updates to the Transportation and Capital Facilities & Utilities Elements of the Plan. Given limited resources, the Planning Commission and Director recommend that the City proceed as follows: process amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, zoning code and subdivision code (Titles 17 and 18 respectfully) process amendments (both mandatory and optional) to the critical areas ordinance (Chapter 19.05) 5) The proposed amendments address significantly changed conditions or respond to an expressed desire by the community since the last time the pertinent comprehensive plan map or text was amended and thus warrant review in the current year In applying this criteria, the Planning Commission relied heavily upon the Changed Circumstances memorandum (June 24, 2015), Planning Commission Assessment (September 24, 2015) and input received during the extensive public participation process throughout the spring, summer and fall of 2015 (as more fully described in the Planning Commission Assessment). 6) The proposed amendments are consistent with policy implementation in the county-wide planning policies, the Growth Management Act, other state or federal law, and the Washington Administrative Code Planning Commission s Recommended Docket (Rev. 10/22/15)

3 Page 3 of 16 Planning Commission s Recommended Docket In order to comply with the City s requirement to periodically update its Comprehensive Plan and associated development regulations by June 2016, the Commission recommends that the City incorporate the following updates to the Port Townsend Comprehensive Plan and development regulations to address compliance with the GMA and to update the plan, to respond to changed circumstances and public input. Items on the docket are categorized as follows: Mandated amendments necessary to comply with the GMA Optional amendments including Housekeeping revisions Ongoing amendments Council had previously slated for the 2016 Update Suggested Amendments Throughout the Mandated Plan 1. A consistent population projection throughout the plan which should be consistent with the Office of Financial Management forecast for the county or the county s sub county allocation of that forecast. RCW , WAC (f) Throughout the Suggested Plan 2. Plan for Transition and community resilience. Incorporate community resiliency concepts throughout the plan, beginning with any new policies adopted during the 2016 update. Consider resiliency recommendations included in public comment letters including but not limited to the recommendations of Local 20/20 Climate Change Preparation Group (Comment 17) Planning Commission s Recommended Docket (Rev. 10/22/15)

4 Page 4 of 16 Throughout the House keeping Plan 3. Update to reflect current conditions: delete/revise outdated narrative, goals and policies (e.g., specific improvements/acquisition/tasks that have since been accomplished; update agency names/acronyms; Port Hadlock/Irondale UGA). 4. Update Tables, Figures and Maps as necessary to reflect changed /TJ circumstances/clarification Introduction House keeping 5. Update to reflect existing conditions and current planning process 6. Update Profile of Port Townsend 7. Revise/add assumptions (per Planning Commission assessment Assumption 3, 12, and 9/18/14 meeting) Population growth, economic outlook 8. Uncertainty of Assumptions add climate change & climate refugees; natural disasters (PC Assessment 9/24/15) Land Use Mandated Element 9. A consistent population projection must be used throughout the Plan, which should be consistent with the Office of Financial Management (OFM) forecast for the Jefferson County, and County s sub county allocation of that forecast. 10. A process to ensure public participation in the comprehensive planning process. The comprehensive plan public participation process, detailed in Land Use Element Goal 15 and Policies requires critical review and revision to ensure its conformance with RCW 36.70A.130 (2), as amended, as well Planning Commission s Recommended Docket (Rev. 10/22/15) Goal 15 and Policies

5 Page 5 of and PTMC. Presently, the municipal code appears to more faithfully reflect the statutory requirements than the Plan. Modify the Plan policies to better align with the statutory requirements, differentiating between annual amendments, periodic updates, and emergency amendments. See also, RCW 36.70A.020 (11) and WAC (3). RCW 36.70A.020 (11),.035, and.140; WAC (3) The process should address annual amendments [RCW 36.70A.130(2), Amended in 2006], emergency amendments [RCW 36.70A.130(2)(b)]; Adopt a specialized periodic update process. Ensure plan amendment processes are well publicized. 11. Land Use Element Policies 2.8 and 16.7 require critical review and assessment to ensure that they provide sufficient guidance to ensure that both regulatory and administrative actions taken by the City do not result in unconstitutional takings of private property. Include specific policy guidance that outlines the analysis the City will conduct to avoid both facial (prospective) and as applied (retrospective) takings. See RCWs 36.70A.020(6) and 36.70A.370, as well as Attorney General s Advisory Memorandum: Avoiding Unconstitutional Takings of Private Property (2006). Policies 2.8 and Update to reflect GMA periodic update cycle (previously 7 years) Policy Planning Commission s Recommended Docket (Rev. 10/22/15)

6 Page 6 of 16 Land Use Element House Keeping 13. Update to reflect current conditions (e.g., City purchase of 80 acre DNR land) 14. Delete Table IV I: Land Use Designations Suggested Uses, Densities & Building Heights (per the footnote, this table is intended only to provide information and guidance in the preparation of revisions to the Zoning Code) which was revised in Land Use Element Ongoing Howard Street Corridor Policy Table IV I: Land Use Designations Suggested Uses, Densities & Building Heights 15. Based on the Economic Feasibility Study (Hovee: 2015) consider revisions to Land Use Policy 10.9 to reflect the working vision statement for the Howard Street corridor. Consider contracting with a land use consultant to formulate a subarea plan to implement the recommendations of the Economic Feasibility Study. 16. Review description of C II and C II/MU based on the Economic Feasibility Study (Hovee: 2015). Is city wide market too limiting? 17. Consider broadening the definition of CI MU mixed use to include not just one category of use in a building structure (as vertical mixed use), but also applicable to structures used for single use with adjoining buildings on the same or different parcels for other complementary uses (as horizontal mixed use) (Hovee: 2015) Policy 10.9 Definitions of C II and C II/MU (Corollary amendments to Zoning) Definition of CI MU (Corollary amendments to Zoning) LB LB LB Planning Commission s Recommended Docket (Rev. 10/22/15)

7 Page 7 of 16 Comprehensive Revisions 18. Consider single story in mixed use Policy 12.6 (Corollary amendments to Zoning) 19. Existing C II/MU definition cater to a local or City wide market may be a barrier consider broadening/clarifying (Hovee Study/Howard Street) Land Use & Zoning Ongoing Map 20. Howard Street Corridor Description: Consider amending the land use classification/zoning based on the recommendations of the Economic Feasibility Study (Hovee: 2015), effecting lands generally located between SR 20 to the south, Discovery Road to the North and northeast, Howard Street to the west. Consider contracting with a land use consultant to formulate a subarea plan to implement the recommendations of the Economic Feasibility Study. Land Use Element Suggested 21. Revise Policy 4.11 to be more inclusive of other entities when collaborating on park and recreational facility needs. Consider Parks, Recreation and Tree Advisory Board (PRTAB)proposed language in Comment letter #18. Housing Element Mandated 22. An updated inventory and analysis of existing and projected housing needs over the planning period. The anticipated population for the year 2036 (11,805) is lower than was forecast in the current Plan for 2024 (13,329). Accordingly, an updated inventory and analysis would be expected to reflect lower C II/MU description in Comprehensive Plan and DR Policy 4.11 Provide updated Inventory in Appendices Replace existing inventory narrative within the element with a brief overview of updated LB LB LB/ Planning Commission s Recommended Docket (Rev. 10/22/15)

8 Page 8 of 16 aggregate housing demand than the current Plan. Because of this lower overall housing demand, a simplified inventory format would appear justified. See RCW 36.70A.070(2)(a) and WAC (2)(b) and (c). Inventory to reflect both the Housing Action Plan and OlyCAP s Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness; changed agencies/advisory groups (HAPN to the Shelter to Housing Partnership; Jefferson Housing Authority to Peninsula Housing Authority; Community Action Council to Habitat for Humanity) 23. If enacting or expanding an affordable housing program under RCW 36.70A.540: identification of land use designations within a geographic area where increased residential development will assist in achieving local growth management and housing policies. RCW 36.70A.540, New in WAC Include provisions for temporary encampments for the homeless pursuant to RCW (WICA) Housing Element House Keeping Housing Element Suggested 25. Consider adding re examine parking requirements to the list of affordable housing strategies. inventory. Preparation of a revised inventory has been identified as a necessary component of the 2016 Update. Goal 2, Policy 2.2. Note both the Plan policies and development regulations should be reviewed, and if necessary, amended, to conform to RCW 36.70A Planning Commission s Recommended Docket (Rev. 10/22/15)

9 Page 9 of Provide more flexibility in housing types while preserving neighborhood character. Set the framework for future amendments to the zoning code. Transportation Mandated Element 27. An updated inventory of air, water, and ground transportation facilities and services, including transit routes, state owned transportation facilities, and general aviation airports is required. See RCW 36.70A.070(6)(a)(iii)(A) and WAC (2)(c). (See: Map 21, Peninsula Regional Transportation Plan, Washington State Ferries Long Range Plan, current Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) SR19/SR20 corridor study; Jefferson Transit. Also consider Jefferson County s Quimper Peninsula Transportation Study dated January 2012 (while technically outside of the City of Port Townsend, this study was developed in conjunction with the WSDOT SR 19/SR 20 study and identifies gateway strategies in the vicinity of the Jefferson County and City of Port Townsend boundary.) 28. New or revised policy language should be contemplated that specifies actions that will be employed by the City to bring locally owned transportation facilities and services to established levels of service (LOS). This requirement is a consequence of amendments to RCW 36.70A.070(6)(a)(iii)(D) in The guidance provided in Transportation Element policies 8.1 through 8.8 arguably may suffice; however, critical review and evaluation Planning Commission s Recommended Docket (Rev. 10/22/15) Policy 2.2 Use updated Inventory from the 2009 Transportation Plan Replace existing inventory narrative within the element with a brief overview of updated inventory. Preparation of a revised inventory has been identified as a necessary component of the 2016 Update. Level of Service (LOS) Standards & Concurrency Management narrative on pp. VI 6 VI 7 of the TE, and TE Goal 8 and Policies ; and /TJ

10 Page 10 of 16 against the revised statutory language is necessary. See RCW 36.70A.070(6)(a)(iii)(D) and WAC Adopt Level of Service (LOS) standards for arterials and transit routes (RCW 36.70A.070(6)(a)(iii)(B)). 29. An updated forecast of traffic (through at least 2026) must be prepared, including the land use assumptions used in estimating travel. See RCW 36.70A.070(6)(a)(i), RCW 36.70A.070(6)(a)(iii)(E) WAC (2)(f). 30. An updated projection of state and local system needs to meet current and future demand is required. See RCW RCW 36.70A.070(6)(a)(iii)(F) WAC (2)(f) 31. An updated analysis of future funding capabilities, to judge needs against probable funding resources is necessary. See RCW 36.70A.070(6)(a)(iv)(A) WAC (2)(k)(iv) CF&UE Concurrency narrative on pp. VII 3 Goal 3, Policies Goal 4, Policies The 2009 Transportation Functional Plan provided a traffic forecast to This updated traffic forecast should be used to update the Transportation Element as part of the 2016 Plan review process. TE section entitled Policy Direction for Future Transportation Needs, pp. VI 3 through VI 5. Goal 10, Policies ; CF&UE pp Identified needs should be reevaluated against probable funding resources as part of the 2016 Plan Update Planning Commission s Recommended Docket (Rev. 10/22/15)

11 Page 11 of a. An updated multi year financing plan must be prepared, based on the needs identified in the Plan, the relevant parts of which serve as the basis for the 6 year street, road or transit program. See RCW 36.70A.070(6)(a)(iv)(B) and RCW WAC (2)(k)(ii) 33. An updated description of intergovernmental coordination efforts should be incorporated, including an assessment of the impacts of the transportation and land use assumptions on the transportation systems of adjacent jurisdictions and how they are consistent with the regional transportation plan. See RCW 36.70A.070(6)(a)(v); WAC (2)(a)(iv) Replace outdated Table VI I: Capacity Related Improvements; CFE narrative & CFE Tables which set forth the initial six (6) year financing plan for transportation improvements; a new financing plan should be prepared as part of the 2016 Plan. Narrative, Goal 2, Policies Further review of this section of the TE is necessary to confirm its consistency with RCW 36.70A.070(6)(a)(v). Transportation House keeping Element 34. Update terminology/definitions per WSDOT Design Manual (2011) Transportation Suggested Element 35. Review existing parking policy consider parking pricing policies in commercial districts and explore the feasibility of paid parking as a means to fund nonmotorized transportation/transit.(see comment letter #22) Transportation Policy Planning Commission s Recommended Docket (Rev. 10/22/15)

12 Page 12 of 16 Capital Facilities & Mandated Utilities An updated inventory of existing capital facilities owned by public entities must be completed. For example, the inventory should be updated to reflect changes in the ownership of facilities since 2005 (Kah Tai Lagoon Nature Park, City Dock, Union Wharf, etc.). See RCW 36.70A.070(3)(a) and WAC (a). Fire Station to EJFR Broadband*NOAA NET and PUD fibersystem City PUD water facility transfers PUD as electric utility provider Internet Providers: WAVE, Century Link Numerous Cellular providers PTTV, RCM, EJFR Water Treatment; DNR 80 acres 36. A forecast of needed capital facilities is required, based upon the projected population at the end of the planning period and adopted levels of service (LOS). As was the case with the housing inventory, the anticipated population projection would be expected to decrease the demand and need for expanded capital facilities. See RCW 36.70A.070(3)(b) and WAC (b) Planning Commission s Recommended Docket (Rev. 10/22/15) The integrated Draft Plan/EIS from 1996 included this inventory; make corollary amendments to the Comprehensive Plan element as needed; preparation of a revised inventory has been identified as a necessary component of the 2016 Update. A Capital Facilities Plan Support Document was included as an appendix to the Integrated Draft Plan/EIS from This document requires revision as part of the 2016 Update process. Adopted LOS: See Table VII 4 in the CF&UE, p. VII 28. Future needs: See pp. VII /TJ

13 Page 13 of Proposed locations and capacities of expanded or new capital facilities. RCW 36.70A.070(3)(c) and WAC (3)(C) 38. A six year funding plan identifying sources of public money to finance planned capital facilities is necessary. Because the City does this on an annual basis as part of its budget process, this requirement should not add to staff s baseline workload. See RCW 36.70A.070(3)(d), 36.70A.120 and WAC through VII 72 of the CF&UE. See pp. VII 22 through VII 72 of the CF&UE. See pp. VII 22 through VII 72 of the CF&UE. Capital Facilities & House Keeping Utilities Element 39. Place legacy text Capital Improvements page VII 22 through VII page VII 22 through VII 72 ST 72 in an Appendix and provide updates. 40. Delete reference to 50 year planning horizon ST 41. Water System Master Plan ST 42. Consistent with the GMA and PTMC Revise from annual Policy 6.2 ST reassessment to Reassess Comprehensive plan as per the schedule provided in RCW 36.70A.130 or more frequently as may be directed by council Economic Development Element Mandated None Planning Commission s Recommended Docket (Rev. 10/22/15)

14 Page 14 of 16 Economic House Keeping Development Element 43. Update to reflect current higher educational opportunities (delete reference to Magnet Center as funding is no longer available) 44. Update intro to reflect Mandated however postponed until state funding is available Economic Ongoing Development Element 45. Howard Update measuring our success to reflect Howard Street Street Economic goals 46. Howard Review small scale clean' industry and cottage based industries Street is it too confining in respect to encouraging local companies to grow (Hovee: 2015) Economic Suggested Development Element Planning Commission s Recommended Docket (Rev. 10/22/15) 47. Consider promoting local food production as an economic strategy. Appendices Mandated 48. Provide updated inventory information in supporting documentation. Identify outdated appendices. Either eliminate/move to supporting documentation. Title 17 Zoning Mandated 49. Except for residential zoning districts, the tables of permitted, CF&UE 31.5 encourages LB LB

15 Page 15 of 16 conditional and prohibited uses set forth in Title 17 PTMC ( , , and ) must be amended to specifically permit electric vehicle battery charging stations in all areas outside designated critical areas. See RCW 36.70A.695. Title 17 Zoning Ongoing 50. Howard Street See Land Use Element section above make corollary revisions in the Zoning Code Title 17 Zoning Suggested 51. To support resiliency in the local food system, define commercial kitchens and food hubs ; consider allowing these uses in the Commercial/ Mixed Use/ Light Manufacturing zoning districts. these stations; however, the zoning code requires amendment to specifically permit such stations within the areas specified by RCW 36.70A.695. **Historic district? Require design review? LB 52. Define conference center LB Title 18 Land Mandated Division 53. The timelines for approval and disapproval of preliminary plats in RCW 36.70A.140 have been amended in the wake of the 2008 recession, providing more time to obtain final plat approvals. Sections and PTMC must be reviewed and amended to ensure conformance with the statute, as revised. Preliminary plat approvals are now valid for seven (7) years if the date of preliminary approval is on or before December 31, 2014, Further review needed: PTMC sections and These provisions require further review to ensure conformance with the statute as revised Planning Commission s Recommended Docket (Rev. 10/22/15)

16 Page 16 of 16 five (5) years if preliminary approval is issued on or after January 1, 2015, and nine (9) years if outside the shoreline jurisdiction and preliminary approval was obtained on or before December 31, Planning Commission s Recommended Docket (Rev. 10/22/15)