HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/15/2003 MINUTESMinutes for Approval of
Planning Commission Meeting
April 15, 2003
I. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Kennedy at 5:30 p.m.
II. Roll Call
Those present were: Commissioner Buckingham, Commissioner Cockburn, Commissioner Dingfield,
Commissioner Kosusko, Commissioner Nelson, Commissioner Wood, Commissioner Kennedy.
Quorum certified.
III. Approval of Agenda
Commissioner Kennedy introduced the agenda. A motion was made by Commissioner
Buckingham and seconded by Commissioner Kosusko to approve the agenda as written. Called
for a vote: Buckingham: yes; Cockburn: yes; Dingfield: yes; Kosusko: yes; Nelson: yes; Wood: yes;
and Kennedy: yes. Agenda approved as written.
IV. Approval of Minutes
The Regular Meeting of March 18, 2003, minutes were presented for approval by Commissioner
Kennedy. A motion was made by Commissioner Dingfield and seconded by Commissioner
Nelson to approve the minutes as corrected (page numbering only). Called for a vote:
Buckingham: abstained; Cockburn: abstained; Dingfield: yes; Kosusko: yes; Nelson: yes; Wood: yes;
and Kennedy: yes. Minutes approved as corrected.
V. Public Meeting
Chairman Kennedy moved directly to the call to the public portion.
A. Call to the Public (public comments on any item not on tonight's agenda). Seeing no
comments from the public, Commissioner Kennedy closed this portion of the meeting and
moved onto the public meeting portion.
B. Public Meeting
Public Hearing: None. Commissioner Kennedy moved directly to the workshop
portion of the meeting.
2. Workshops:
a. Discussion on recommendation to City Council on Proposed Revisions to Kitsap
Countywide Planning Policies.
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Chris Hugo presented the proposed revisions to the Countywide Planning Policies
that the Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council has been working on for the past year.
This is the second set of revisions to the CPPs since their original adoption in 1992.
In a PowerPoint presentation (hard copy attached), Chris highlighted the positive
effects of the proposed revisions.
The Commission's discussion focused on three options in Element A. Urban Growth
Areas for considering the inclusion of a policy area on "urban separators" as a
technique to promote community identity. Following extensive deliberation, the
Commission unofficially expressed strong support for Option `C' as the only option
that achieved the intent of helping to retain distinct community identities throughout
the region.
The Commission decided to defer any formal action to its Special Meeting on May 5,
2003, and then take a formal policy action on the CPPs and the separator proposal.
The Commission will meet 15 minutes prior to its previously scheduled meeting with
the Shaping Bremerton Coordinating Council to address this agenda item.
b. Review of proposed changes to fence height regulations.
Chris Hugo presented a draft ordinance to address chronic issues with the fence
height regulations in the BMC. Fence installations are regulated by zone classification
but do not require a building permit. Chris noted that the City is plagued with new
fences in residential zones that exceed the allowed height in front yards. Some of
these are expensive constructions that include elaborate entry features of pillars and
gates.
Chris reported that recently he had confirmed the City Council's resolve to regulate
fence heights as currently provided in the BMC. The draft ordinance clarifies the
authority to grant fences up to eight feet high in side or rear yards by specifying
approval only by Type III Special Use Permit. Chris added that decision criteria are
also proposed to provide a basis for the Hearing Examiner's action on a SUP
application. Finally, Chris explained another new provision that would allow
architectural appurtenances such as trellises or entry gates to define a walkway or
driveway entry. The Commission discussed the allowed height of such features and
asked that the proposed height be increased from seven feet to something a little
higher in the draft for public hearing.
Chris concluded his comments on the fence height issue by stating that the CD
Department will also ask the Council to require building permits for all new fences.
Chris noted that this is the best way to catch installations before they become
nonconforming realities — the work can be checked for compliance with approved
plans immediately when any fence construction is observed in the field. The cost of
the permit would be minimal since there would be little work to check construction
plans.
Planning Commission Meeting April 15, 2003 Page 2 of 3
VL Business Meeting
A. Chair Report — Commissioner Kennedy.
Commissioner Kennedy announced the annual fall statewide housing conference
sponsored by the State Housing Finance Commission. The venue of this year's event is
Spokane from September 8 th to the 10
Commissioner Kennedy also reported on the Kitsap Regional Economic Development
Council's Annual Meeting and the distribution of the Annual Report.
Commissioner Nelson invited the Commission and staff to attend a presentation on
mixed -use development sponsored by the Bremerton Housing Authority on April 16 at
the Oyster Bay Inn. Lunch will be provided.
B. Director's Report — Mr. Hugo.
Chris Hugo presented a draft "Public Hearing Check Sheet" that he prepared from a
suggestion by Commissioner Dingfield. The check sheet would set a protocol and standard
template for all Commission hearings. Commissioner Dingfield noted that it would be
particularly helpful as the Commission looked forward to many hearings on the new
Comprehensive Plan.
There was some discussion about the order of presentations and the closing of public
testimony. The check sheet will be reviewed by the City Legal staff to insure that it
complies with statutory and due process requirements.
C. Old Business: None.
D. New Business: None.
VII. Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned at 7:41 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for May 20, 2003.
Respectfully submitted by:
Executive Secretary
Approved by:
Scott Buckingham, Vice Chairman
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