Title
Approval of a Recommendation to Terminate the Briggs Urban Village Development Agreement
Recommended Action
Not referred to a Committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a recommendation to terminate the Briggs Urban Village Development Agreement and forward to the full City Council for consideration.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a recommendation to terminate the Briggs Urban Village Development Agreement and forward to the full City Council for consideration.
Staff Contact:
Jackson Ewing, Senior Planner, Community Planning and Development, 360.570.3776
Presenter:
Jackson Ewing, Senior Planner, Community Planning and Development
Background and Analysis:
The City established specific zones and zoning code requirements for the development of “villages” within the City in 1995. Villages are intended to be mixed-use districts that include both commercial and residential development.
The Briggs Village Master Plan was adopted in 2003. The Master Plan establishes the specific layout, design, and aesthetic for the village, but the zoning code (OMC 18.05) establishes the development standards. Since the adoption of the Master Plan, significant development has occurred including a majority of the residential units envisioned. While residential development has occurred, the commercial (grocer, retail and office) uses have not been built out as envisioned, leaving the village’s commercial core mostly vacant for 20+ years. In a desire to develop the commercial core, the applicant seeks to terminate the concomitant (i.e., development) agreement capping residential units at 810. This will also allow for the potential of accessory dwelling units associated with single family development.
In the 20+ years since the code’s adoption the economic landscape has changed significantly. The applicant’s proposed changes to the development standards aim to readjust accordingly. City Staff recommends terminating the Development Agreement to allow additional housing units to support the required commercial development in Briggs Urban Village. Instead of a residential unit cap, development standards can be used to determine how many units the urban village can support. Examples of development standards include but are not limited to; building and impervious surface coverages, height limits, setbacks, parking requirements, and landscaping.
Climate Analysis:
The proposed action would allow for increased housing opportunities in an area already served by city services. Increased urban residential density in an area that also requires additional commercial and office space would allow for a more efficient land use pattern. The village is currently served by city water and sewer, has existing private and public streets, bike lanes, and is served by public transportation that provide ample opportunities to bike, walk or take the bus to nearby services including those offered within existing villages. A dense mixed-use development reduces trips and greenhouse gas emissions. This is consistent with the city’s climate goals of promoting infill development.
Equity Analysis:
Termination of the Development Agreement is consistent with the comprehensive plan goals for increased housing within the city limits. This will allow for the potential for increased housing stock. Housing has been identified as a major equity issue by Washington State and the City of Olympia and emergency declarations have been made. Increased multifamily housing and Accessory Dwelling Units in the Briggs Urban Village would help address this problem and allow for increased density within the core of the urban village. Furthermore, having services nearby can reduce a household’s transportation costs, making housing more affordable.
Neighborhood/Community Interests:
Community concerns center around the lack of development in the mixed-use core, village green, and maintenance of existing streets and public space. Removing the residential unit cap will allow for further development to occur within the mixed-use core of the urban village.
Financial Impact:
None, processing of these amendments is covered by the department’s annual budget and application fees made by the applicant.
Options:
1. Move to approve a recommendation to terminate the Briggs Urban Village Development Agreement and forward to the full City Council for consideration.
2. Move to recommend retaining the Development Agreement and forward to City Council for consideration.
3. Take other action.
Attachments:
Agreement