Title
Approval of an Ordinance Amending Municipal Code to Clarify Provisions Related to Zoning and Tree Protection
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Land Use and Environment Committee recommends approval of the proposed amendments to Title 16 and Title 18 of the Olympia Municipal Code.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the Land Use and Environment Committee recommendation of the proposed amendments to Title 16 and Title 18 of the Olympia Municipal Code.
Report
Issue:
Whether to adopt minor amendments to Title 16, Buildings and Construction, and Title 18, Unified Development Code.
Staff Contact:
Joyce Phillips, Principal Planner, Community Planning and Development, 360.570.3722
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
Background and analysis has not changed from first to second reading.
The Olympia Municipal Code (OMC) is made up of several Titles, Chapters, and Sections that pertain to a wide variety of topics related to laws and requirements. The Planning Division of the Community Planning and Development Department deals primarily with Title 14 (Environmental Protection), Title 16 (Buildings and Construction), Title 17 (Subdivisions), and Title 18 (Unified Development Code) of the OMC.
It can be challenging to keep code sections consistent with each other and to update the code when clarification is needed or to correct errors. In some cases, such as for the new sign code that was adopted in early 2019, staff seeks amendments related to questions that have come up over the course of using the new code for a year or two. In addition, sometimes a code amendment is desired but by itself does not warrant the time it takes to go through the code amendment process. City staff keeps a list of these types of code amendments, generally thought of as minor or of a housekeeping nature, and periodically compiles the proposals into a set of code amendments for review. The last set of such code amendments were processed in 2019. Staff estimates that these types of amendments will generally occur every two to three years.
The proposed ordinance consists of amendments to two chapters in Title 16 (Buildings and Construction) related to tree protection measures. These amendments are primarily at the request of the City’s Urban Forester. The remainder of the proposed amendments are to a variety of chapters in Title 18 (Unified Development Code), at the request of multiple city planners.
The initial draft was made available in early March. Based on comments received from members of the public and city staff, additional revisions were made in late April and early May.
The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on May 17, 2021. The Commission completed its deliberations and issued its recommendation to approve the proposed amendments the same night.
The Land Use and Environment Committee (LUEC) supported the amendments, with one modification from the recommendation of the Planning Commission. The LUEC’s recommendation is different regarding parking requirements for certain housing types in order to address changes to state law (RCW 36.70A.620, attached). The LUEC modification adds the provisions around transit frequency and duration, in addition to the original proposed language pertaining to proximity to transit.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Neighborhood or community interests or concerns were limited. To help raise awareness of these proposed amendments, staff routed the proposed amendments to the designated contacts for all Recognized Neighborhood Associations in the City on March 12, 2021, with a request to share the information with their neighbors. In addition, the proposed amendments were also routed to other City Departments, adjacent jurisdictions, business organizations, Tribes, State Agencies, and the City’s media list.
Copies of all public and agency comments received are attached.
Options:
1. Adopt the code amendments, as proposed.
2. Adopt the code amendments, with modification(s).
3. Remand the code amendments to the Planning Commission, with specific direction on any provisions to be reconsidered.
Financial Impact:
The process of drafting and reviewing the proposed amendments are covered by the Community Planning and Development Department’s base budget.
Attachments:
Ordinance
RCW 36.70A.620 - Minimum Residential Parking Requirements
Public Comments