Title
Urban Waterfront Code Amendments
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Planning Commission recommends the Land Use and Environment Committee accept and recommend the attached draft resolution denying the Urban Waterfront Code Amendments.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to accept the Planning Commission recommendation and recommend the City Council adopt the draft resolution denying the Urban Waterfront Code Amendments.
Report
Issue:
Whether to accept the Planning Commission recommendation for denial of the Urban Waterfront Code Amendments.
Staff Contact:
Cari Hornbein, Senior Planner, Community Planning and Development, 360.753.8048
Presenter(s):
Cari Hornbein, Senior Planner, Community Planning and Development
Background and Analysis:
The City of Olympia received an application from the Port of Olympia in December 2020 to amend Chapter 18.06 of the Municipal Code. The proposed amendments would allow recreational vehicle parks (RV parks) in the Urban Waterfront zoning district and establish related development standards (see attached draft amendments and applicant narrative).
The Planning Commission held a public hearing on July 19, 202, and conducted deliberations on August 14, 2021. The Commission voted unanimously to recommend denial of the proposed amendments and forwarded a recommendation letter with findings to the City Council.
The Land Use and Environment Committee (LUEC) considered the Planning Commission’s recommendation on September 16, 2021. The matter was referred back to the Commission for additional input from the applicant due to technical difficulties encountered the night of the public hearing.
Port staff provided an in-depth informational briefing to the Planning Commission on November 1, 2021, followed by a public hearing on November 15. The Planning Commission deliberated on December 6, 2021, and voted unanimously to recommend denial of the code amendments for the following reasons:
• Lack of consistency with the Comprehensive Plan, Downtown Strategy, Shoreline Master Program, and purposes of the Urban Waterfront zoning district.
• Lack of consistency with the City’s greenhouse gas emission reduction goals and commitment to equity and inclusion.
• Use of waterfront property for an RV park would restrict and discourage water accessibility.
• The proposed amendments would benefit a single property owner instead of the broader public interest.
The Planning Commission updated the previous recommendation letter to include additional findings. This letter, along with one prepared by Commissioner Richmond, are included in the attachments below.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Staff notified Recognized Neighborhood Associations, marina operators, and interested community members of the informational briefing and public hearing. A number of comments letters were received, with the majority opposed to the proposed amendments (see attached letters - includes those from prior comments periods).
Options:
1. Accept the Planning Commission recommendation of denial and recommend City Council approve the attached resolution.
2. Reject the Planning Commission recommendation and direct staff to prepare an ordinance for City Council approval with findings of fact to support that decision.
3. Refer the proposed amendments with guidance for further consideration.
Financial Impact:
None. The process of reviewing code amendments is covered in part by the applicant fee and the Community Planning and Development Department’s base budget.
Attachments:
Draft Resolution
Draft Code Amendments and Applicant Narrative
Recommendation Letter
Public Comment