Title
Final Deliberation on Proposed Landscaping and Screening Code Amendment Related to Screening of Solid Waste Receptacles (Containers)
Body
Issue:
The Planning Commission will deliberate and vote on a recommendation regarding a proposed amendment to Olympia Municipal Code 18.36.060 (I) and (L) Landscaping and Screening for solid waste containers.
Committee Recommendation:
Not applicable
Director's Recommendation:
Staff recommends the Planning Commission recommend to City Council to amend the OMC 18.36.060 Landscaping and Screening (I) and (L) with or without additional amendments.
Staff Contact:
Ron Jones, Senior Program Specialist, Public Works Department, 360.753.8509
Dan Daniels, Director of Waste ReSources, Public Works Department, 360.753.8780
Amy Buckler, Associate Planner, Community Planning & Development, 360.570.5847
Todd Stamm, Planning Manager, Community Planning & Development, 360.753.8597
Presenter(s):
Ron Jones, Senior Program Specialist
Amy Bucker, Associate Planner
Background and Analysis:
The Commission held a public hearing on Monday, June 17, 2013, about a proposed amendment to the landscaping and screening code related to solid waste containers.
The proposed amendment affects OMC 18.36.060, sub-sections (I) and (L) only. It removes the requirement for a Type I Solid Screen and inserts the requirement for a Type II Visual Screen or Type III Visual Buffer, depending on circumstances. Other changes in text focus on updating language and terminology for clarification.
The purpose of the amendment is to improve solid waste container access and worker and employee safety, while maintaining community aesthetics and making it easier to locate solid waste containers on commercial, multi-family and mixed-use properties.
At the hearing, the Commission provided input and directed staff to present a final draft amendment for deliberation on July 15. A final draft amendment is attached and contains the following edit under the definition of a Type II Visual Screen.
Corrects the cross reference to Multifamily Residential Fences and Walls from OMC 18.04A.050 to OMC 18.170.050
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
No public comment was received prior to or at the public hearing. The public comment period remained open through Friday, June 28, 2013, and none were received.
If approved, the proposed amendment will provide more flexibility and make it easier to place waste containers on commercial, multi-family and mixed-use projects. Waste containers would not be required to be 100 percent sight-obscured from public view.
Options:
A. Recommend to City Council to amend the OMC 18.36.060 Landscaping and Screening (I) and (L), with or without additional amendments.
B. Do not recommend to City Council to amend the OMC 18.36.060 Landscaping and Screening (I) and (L) and provide direction to staff.
Financial Impact:
None known at this time.