Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-26-2023 - Agenda Packet MEDINA, WASHINGTON PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Hybrid-Virtual/In Person Tuesday, September 26, 2023 – 6:00 PM AGENDA COMMISSION CHAIR | Laura Bustamante COMMISSION VICE-CHAIR | Shawn Schubring COMMISSIONERS | Li-Tan Hsu, Evonne Lai, David Langworthy, Mark Nelson, Brian Pao PLANNING MANAGER | Stephanie Keyser DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COORDINATOR| Rebecca Bennett Hybrid Meeting Participation Planning Commission has moved to hybrid meetings, offering both in-person and online meeting participation. Individuals wishing to speak live during the Hybrid Planning Commission meeting will need to register their request with the Development Services Coordinator at 425.233.6414 or email rbennett@medina-wa.gov and leave a message before 12PM on the day of the September 26 Planning Commission meeting. Please reference Public Comments for September 26 Planning Commission Meeting on your correspondence. The Development Services Coordinator will call on you by name or telephone number when it is your turn to speak. You will be allotted 3 minutes for your comment and will be asked to stop when you reach the 3-minute limit. Join Zoom Meeting https://medina-wa.zoom.us/j/83000236718?pwd=CWbynUMc3PhbvvdILo0aXzTxX7DRTo.1 Meeting ID: 830 0023 6718 Passcode: 549966 One tap mobile +12532158782,,83000236718#,,,,*549966# US (Tacoma) 1. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL 2. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 3.1 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of July 25, 2023 Recommendation: Approve Minutes. Staff Contact: Rebecca Bennett, Development Services Coordinator 4. ANNOUNCEMENTS 4.1 Staff/Commissioners 5. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION 1 Individuals wishing to speak live during the Virtual Planning Commission meeting will need to register their request with the Development Services Coordinator, Rebecca Bennett, via email (rbennett@medina-wa.gov) or by leaving a message at 425.233.6414 before 12pm the day of the Planning Commission meeting. Please reference Public Comments for the September 26 Planning Commission meeting on your correspondence. The Development Services Coordinator will call on you by name or telephone number when it is your turn to speak. You will be allotted 3 minutes for your comment and will be asked to stop when you reach the 3-minute limit. 6. DISCUSSION 6.1 Community Design Element Recommendation: N/A Staff Contact(s): Stephanie Keyser, Planning Manager Time Estimate: 45 minutes 6.2 Housing Element Recommendation: N/A Staff Contact(s): Stephanie Keyser, Planning Manager Time Estimate: 45 minutes 7. ADJOURNMENT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Planning Commission meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 6 PM, unless otherwise specified. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need a disability-related modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services, to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (425) 233-6410 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. UPCOMING MEETINGS Tuesday, October 24th – Regular Meeting at 6:00 PM Tuesday, November 28th – Regular Meeting Cancelled – Special Meeting Date TBD Tuesday, December 26th – Regular Meeting Cancelled – Special Meeting Date TBD 2 MEDINA, WASHINGTON PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Hybrid-Virtual/In Person Tuesday, July 25, 2023 – 6:00 PM MINUTES COMMISSION CHAIR | Laura Bustamante COMMISSION VICE-CHAIR | Shawn Schubring COMMISSIONERS | Li-Tan Hsu, Evonne Lai, David Langworthy, Mark Nelson, Laurel Preston PLANNING MANAGER | Stephanie Keyser 1. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL Chair Bustamante called the meeting to order at 6:03pm. PRESENT Chair Laura Bustamante Vice Chair Shawn Schubring (joined at 6:15pm) Commissioner Evonne Lai Commissioner Mark Nelson Commissioner Laurel Preston ABSENT Commissioner David Langworthy Commissioner Li-Tan Hsu STAFF Bennett, Burns, Keyser, Wilcox 2. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA By consensus, Planning Commission approved the meeting agenda as presented. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 3.1 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of June 27, 2023 Recommendation: Approve Minutes. Staff Contact: Rebecca Bennett, Development Services Coordinator ACTION: Motion to approve minutes. (Approved 4-0) Motion made by Commissioner Nelson, Seconded by Commissioner Preston. Voting Yea: Chair Bustamante, Commissioner Lai, Commissioner Nelson, 3 AGENDA ITEM 3.1 Commissioner Preston 4. ANNOUNCEMENTS 4.1 Staff/Commissioners Keyser welcomed Commissioner Lai to her first meeting. Keyser announced that the city gave notice of termination to our comp plan consultant. Keyser announced that it is Commissioner Preston's last meeting. 5. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION There was no live audience participation. David Yee provided written comment. 6. DISCUSSION 6.1 Community Design Element Recommendation: N/A Staff Contact(s): Stephanie Keyser, Planning Manager Time Estimate: 60 minutes Keyser gave brief overview on Community Design Element. Commissioners discussed their comments. 6.2 Housing Element Recommendation: N/A Staff Contact(s): Stephanie Keyser, Planning Manager Time Estimate: 30 minutes Commissioners made comments one by one and discussed suggestions to the housing element. 7. Public Comment Brian Pao gave suggestions on Community Design Element and Housing Element. 8. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 7:55pm. ACTION: Motion to adjourn. (Approved 5-0) Motion made by Commissioner Nelson, Seconded by Commissioner Preston. Voting Yea: Chair Bustamante, Vice Chair Schubring, Commissioner Lai, Commissioner Nelson, Commissioner Preston 4 AGENDA ITEM 3.1 MEDINA, WASHINGTON AGENDA BILL Tuesday, September 26, 2023 Subject: Community Design Element Category: Discussion Staff Contact(s): Stephanie Keyser, Planning Manager Summary The draft Community Design Element is attached and has been updated per the minor edits called out during the July PC meeting. Also integrated into the draft are all of the public comments/suggestions from Dr. Yee except for the request to strike fences be screened with vegetation so they’re not visible from the street. Based on the discussion, that suggestion did not seem to be supported by the majority of Commissioners. Just as with previous amendments, if something is red and underlined that means it’s new, if it’s red that means it’s existing language that has been relocated. Attachment(s) Community Design Element Draft Budget/Fiscal Impact: N/A Recommendation: N/A Proposed Commission Motion: N/A Time Estimate: 45 minutes 5 AGENDA ITEM 6.1 1 COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT INTRODUCTION King County countywide planning policies (CPP) direct jurisdictions to encourage growth that improves local neighborhoods and landscapes, and builds a strong sense of place. Thoughtful community design can enhance the quality of life for residents by increasing privacy, encouraging interaction in public spaces, and creating a cohesive sense of place. The Community Design Element provides a framework for community development along with guidelines for construction and street improvements to ensure the protection of the City’s natural and built features. The quality of Medina's neighborhood development is distinct and enhanced by a combination of natural and built features, including the proximity of the lake shore, views, narrow streets with extensive mature landscaping, and large tracts of public and private open space which can be seen from residential lots and City streets. Proximity to urban centers has reduced the pressure to permit higher intensity commercial activities in the city, thereby allowing Medina to maintain its small-town residential character. Street Design and Treatment The design and treatment of Medina’s streets is a major element in the City's appearance. The character and quality of the landscaping of these streets is fundamental are extremely important in maintaining the City's natural, informal character. Over-development of these streets could result in the As Washington cities continue to face pressure to accommodate more growth, thoughtful transportation planning will ensure Medina’s streets can accommodate increased traffic without significant loss of trees and other vegetation, without compromiseing pedestrian safety and enjoyment, and without adding visual clutter to Medina's neighborhoods. Vehicular Surfaces and Parking All collector streets should be maintained as narrow, two-lane roadways except for 84th Avenue NE (from NE 12th Street to the SR 520 bridge/interchange) and the corner of 4th Ave NE and NE 24th Street , which requires additional lanes for turning at intersections. Along collectors, parking is discouraged and the rights-of-way should not be improved for parking except in designated areas. Street rights-of-way in neighborhood areas and private lanes have historically been used to supplement on-site parking. Where practicable, these uses should be minimized and new construction and major remodeling should make provisions for the on-site parking of cars. All parking for recreational vehicles, commercial trucks, trailers, and boats should be screened from the public right-of-way, and parking in front yard setbacks should be minimized and screened. The number and width of driveways and private lanes accessing arterial streets should be minimized to reduce potential traffic conflicts and to retain the continuity of landscape. Medina Landscape Plan Trees and vegetation help reduce the impact of development, by providing significant aesthetic and environmental benefits. Trees and other forms of landscaping improve air quality, water quality, and soil stability. They provide limited wildlife habitat and reduce stress associated with 6 AGENDA ITEM 6.1 2 urban life by providing visual and noise barriers between the City's streets and private property and between neighboring properties. They also have great aesthetic value and significant landscaping, including mature trees, is always associated with well-designed communities. It is important that citizens be sensitive to the impact that altering or placing trees may have on neighboring properties. Trees can disrupt existing and potential views and access to sun. Residents are urged to consult with the City and with their neighbors on both removal and replacement of trees and tree groupings. This will help to protect views and to prevent potential problems (e.g., removal of an important tree or planting a living fence). Clear cutting should not be permitted on a property prior to development. The Medina Landscape Plan lists provides planting options landscaping alternatives to perpetuate the informal, natural appearance of Medina's street rights-of-way, public areas, and the adjacent portions of private property. The Landscape Plan provides the overall framework for the improvement goals in these areas and should be reviewed periodically and updated where appropriate. This plan should be used to create landscaping arrangements, which meet the following The goals include:  provide a diversity of plant species;  screen development from City streets and from neighboring properties;  respect the scale and nature of plantings in the immediate vicinity;  recognize restrictions imposed by overhead wires, sidewalks, and street intersections;  recognize “historical” view corridors; and  maintain the City's informal, natural appearance. The Medina Landscape Plan consists of three items: 1. A map diagramming the Landscape Plan for streets and neighborhoods. 2. A chart, “Key to Medina Landscape Plan,” which relates the street and neighborhood designations to appropriate trees, shrubs, and groundcover. 3. A Preferred Landscaping List of Suitable Tree Species List (separate document). That portion of the City' s highly visible street (formally designated as arterials) right-of-way not utilized for the paved roadway, driveways, and sidewalks is to be landscaped as specified in the Medina Landscape Plan, using species from the Preferred Landscaping Species List. This list has been developed to provide a selection of landscape alternatives applicable to the various City streets and neighborhoods, as indicated on the Landscape Plan. Property owners are encouraged to use the list when selecting landscaping for other areas of their properties. The City's design objective is to maintain the City's natural, low-density, and informal appearance. The City's arterial street rights-of-way should be heavily landscaped with predomi- nantly native trees and shrubs arranged in an informal manner. Fences should be screened with vegetation so they are not generally visible from the street. The historic landscaping along the perimeter of the golf course should be retained and/or replaced with suitable trees. 7 AGENDA ITEM 6.1 3 In addition, special design and landscaping consideration should be given to the five entry points to the City. Standards recommended by the Parks Board should be considered. The five entry points are:  SR 520 off-ramp at 84th Avenue NE,  NE 24th Street at 84th Avenue NE,  NE 12th Street at 84th Avenue NE,  NE 10th Street at Lake Washington Boulevard, and  Overlake Drive East at the City limits. 8 AGENDA ITEM 6.1 4 9 AGENDA ITEM 6.1 5 Street Landscaping Planting strips between a sidewalk and the street should be planted with trees and shrubs from the City's Preferred Landscaping Species List. Grass within street rights-of-way should be limited to those areas noted on the Medina Landscape Plan. Rocks and other barriers shall not be placed within the planting strip without consulting the Public Works Department and obtaining a permit . In historical view corridors, view preservation should be maintained by the selection of appropriate species, and periodic trimming and limb removal of such species. Views which are framed by vegetation or interrupted periodically by trees located along property lines are preferable and more consistent with the City's character than views maintained by clear cutting or topping. If the desire is to preserve or augment views, limb removal and pruning should be employed rather than topping. Consideration should also be given to the removal of taller trees and replacement with shorter species (see Preferred Landscaping Species List) rather than repeated topping. A number of existing streets have drainage ditches adjacent to the roadway. As adjacent properties are developed, or redeveloped, and/or as street improvements are made, the City may require these drainage ways to be placed in pipes and filled, or otherwise improved, and landscaped to City standards. Any resulting area should be landscaped to screen properties from the street. Where natural drainage courses exist, provision should be made to preserve adjacent natural vegetation. The impact of SR 520 on adjacent public and residential properties should also be minimized by landscaping the highway corridor, including the Park & Ride lot, in a manner consistent with the Medina Landscape Plan. Additionally, such landscaping that may impair the visibility of pedestrians, cyclists, and/or vehicles should be discouraged. 10 AGENDA ITEM 6.1 6  The Landscape Plan isn’t codified. 11 AGENDA ITEM 6.1 7 Public Spaces The City's large open spaces, Fairweather Nature Preserve, Medina Park, and the Overlake Golf & Country Club, are defining elements of Medina's community character. Medina Beach Park, the two schools, and St. Thomas Church and School also contribute to the City's neighborhood character.  This isn’t codified.  The lists aren’t reflected in the current list of suitable trees. 12 AGENDA ITEM 6.1 8 The distinctive landscaping along the perimeter of the golf course is an important visual feature long identified with Medina. In particular, the long stand of poplars along 84th Avenue NE has become a historic visual landmark and is the first thing one sees when entering the City. It is the intent of the City to maintain this landmark. As the existing poplars reach the end of their useful life they will need to be replaced with a species that is visually similar, since poplars are not on the Preferred Landscaping Species List. The City is working with the Country Club to secure a landscaping plan that maintains the integrity of this historic visual feature. Fairweather Nature Preserve and Medina Park both have a significant area that has been left in a natural state. Fairweather Nature Preserve has a dense stand of trees and understory, and Medina Park has a large wetland. Non-native landscaping has been minimized in both parks, with the exception of a landscaped portion of Medina Park at the comer of NE 12th Street and 82nd Avenue NE. The natural areas of these parks should be left undisturbed. If some maintenance activity is required due to severe winds or other destructive forces, these areas should be restored with native species. Landscaping in other areas of these parks should be consistent with the overall natural setting found in the parks. City Hall and Medina Beach Park are located on the site of the former ferry terminal that connected Medina with Seattle. Landscaping in the park has been primarily hedges along the parking area and north property line and maintenance of a number of shade trees. These grounds are used extensively by City residents during the summer months, so landscaping must leave much of the park open. A long-term landscaping and maintenance plan should be developed to maintain this historic site in a manner that is consistent with and enhances public use. GOALS CD-G1 To Rretain Medina’s distinctive and informal neighborhood development pattern. CD-G2 To Mmaintain the informal, natural appearance of the Medina’s street rights-of-way and public areas. POLICIES Citywide Character CD-P1 Preserve and enhance trees as a component of Medina’s distinctive sylvan character. CD-P2 Foster and value the preservation of open space and trails as integral elements to the City. CD-P3 Create a safe, attractive, and connected pedestrian environment for all ages and abilities throughout the city. CD-P4 Support the efforts of individual neighborhoods to maintain and enhance their character and appearance. CD-P5 Establish and maintain iconic gateways at the entry points into the city. CD-P6 Encourage infill and redevelopment in a manner that is compatible with the existing neighborhood scale. 13 AGENDA ITEM 6.1 9 CD-P7 Discourage the presence of open spaces of grass in private lots. Street Corridors CD-P81 The City shall Mmaintain and implement the Street Design Standards and the Landscaping Plan, including landscaping of arterial street rights-of-way. CD-P92 The City should Rrefine and update the Street Design Standards and Landscaping Plan as needed based on community input. CD-P103 The City's design objective is to maintain the City's natural, lower-density, and informal appearance. Medina’s highly visible streets as identified in the Landscaping Plan should be heavily landscaped with native trees and shrubs arranged in an informal manner. Fences should be screened with vegetation so they are not generally visible from the street. The historic landscaping along the perimeter of the golf course is an iconic part of Medina's character and should be retained and/or replaced in the future with an appropriate selection of trees. Equally as important with this perimeter area is maintaining view corridors into the golf course which contributes a sense of added open space in the heart of the community. CD-P114 Special design and landscaping consideration should be given to the entry points to the City. CD-P12 Consider alternative street and sidewalk designs that enhance walkability, and minimize environmental impacts, including the use of permeable surfaces where appropriate. Open Space CD-P13 Preserve, encourage, and enhance open space as a key element of the community’s character through parks, trails, and other significant properties that provide public benefit. CD-P14 Utilize landscape buffers between different uses to provide natural transition, noise reduction, and delineation of space. CD-P15 Encourage artwork and arts activities in public places, such as parks and public buildings. CD-P16 Where appropriate and feasible, provide landscaping, seating, Dark Sky compliant lighting, and other amenities for sidewalks, walkways, and trails. Vegetation and Landscaping CD-P175 Residents shall are urged to consult with the City and with their neighbors on both removal and replacement of trees and tree groupings to help to protect views and to prevent potential problems (e.g., removal of an important tree or planting a living fence). 14 AGENDA ITEM 6.1 10 CD-P186 Clear cutting is should not be permitted on property prior to, or during, development. CD-P19 Preserve vegetation with special consideration given to the protection of groups of trees and associated undergrowth, specimen trees, and evergreen trees. CD-P20 Promote water conservation in landscape and irrigation system designs. CD-P21 Use Low Impact Development techniques, unless determined to be unfeasible, within the right-of-way. CD-P22 Minimize the removal of existing vegetation when improving streets or developing property unless hazardous or arborist recommended. CD-P23 Encourage and protect systems of green infrastructure, such as urban forests, parks, green roofs, and natural drainage systems, in order to reduce climate-altering pollution and increase resilience to climate change impacts. CD-P24 Encourage concentrated seasonal planting in highly visible, public, and semi-public areas. CD-P25 Encourage landscaping that screens the view of houses from the street. Historic Preservation CD-P26 Consider creating a voluntary program to inventory the city’s historic resources prior to redevelopment. CD-P27 Consider the designation of historic landmark sites and structures to recognize their part in Medina’s history. 15 AGENDA ITEM 6.1 1 COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT INTRODUCTION Thoughtful community design can enhance the quality of life for residents by increasing privacy, encouraging interaction in public spaces, and creating a cohesive sense of place. The Community Design Element provides a framework for community development along with guidelines for construction and street improvements to ensure the protection of the City’s natural and built features. Medina's neighborhood development is distinct and enhanced the proximity of the lake shore, views, narrow streets with extensive mature landscaping, and large tracts of public and private open space. Proximity to urban centers has reduced the pressure to permit higher intensity commercial activities in the city, thereby allowing Medina to maintain its small-town residential character. Street Design The design of Medina’s streets is a major element in the City's appearance. The character and quality of the landscaping of these streets is fundamental in maintaining the City's natural, informal character. As Washington cities continue to face pressure to accommodate more growth, thoughtful transportation planning will ensure Medina’s streets can accommodate increased traffic without significant loss of trees and other vegetation, without compromising pedestrian safety and enjoyment, and without adding visual clutter to Medina's neighborhoods. Vehicular Surfaces and Parking All collector streets should be maintained as narrow, two-lane roadways except for 84th Avenue NE (from NE 12th Street to the SR 520 bridge/interchange) and the corner of 4th Ave NE and NE 24th Street , which requires additional lanes for turning at intersections. Along collectors, parking is discouraged and the rights-of-way should not be improved for parking except in designated areas. Street rights-of-way in neighborhood areas and private lanes have historically been used to supplement on-site parking. Where practicable, these uses should be minimized and new construction and major remodeling should make provisions for the on-site parking of cars. All parking for recreational vehicles, commercial trucks, trailers, and boats should be screened from the public right-of-way, and parking in front yard setbacks should be minimized and screened. The number and width of driveways and private lanes accessing arterial streets should be minimized to reduce potential traffic conflicts and to retain the continuity of landscape. Medina Landscape Plan Trees and vegetation help reduce the impact of development, by providing significant aesthetic and environmental benefits. Trees and other forms of landscaping improve air quality, water quality, and soil stability. They provide limited wildlife habitat and reduce stress associated with urban life by providing visual and noise barriers between the City's streets and private property and between neighboring properties. They also have great aesthetic value and significant landscaping, including mature trees, is always associated with well-designed communities. 16 AGENDA ITEM 6.1 2 It is important that citizens be sensitive to the impact that altering or placing trees may have on neighboring properties. Trees can disrupt existing and potential views and access to sun. Residents are urged to consult with the City and with their neighbors on both removal and replacement of trees and tree groupings. This will help to protect views and to prevent potential problems (e.g., removal of an important tree or planting a living fence). Clear cutting should not be permitted on a property prior to development. The Medina Landscape Plan provides planting options to perpetuate the informal, natural appearance of Medina's street rights-of-way, public areas, and the adjacent portions of private property. The Landscape Plan provides the overall framework for the improvement goals in these areas and should be reviewed periodically and updated where appropriate. The goals include:  provide a diversity of plant species;  screen development from City streets and from neighboring properties;  respect the scale and nature of plantings in the immediate vicinity;  recognize restrictions imposed by overhead wires, sidewalks, and street intersections;  recognize “historical” view corridors; and  maintain the City's informal, natural appearance. The Medina Landscape Plan consists of three items: 1. A map diagramming the Landscape Plan for streets and neighborhoods. 2. A chart, “Key to Medina Landscape Plan,” which relates the street and neighborhood designations to appropriate trees, shrubs, and groundcover. 3. A List of Suitable Tree Species (separate document). That portion of the City' s highly visible street (formally designated as arterials) right-of-way not utilized for the paved roadway, driveways, and sidewalks is to be landscaped as specified in the Medina Landscape Plan, using species from the Preferred Landscaping Species List. This list has been developed to provide a selection of landscape alternatives applicable to the various City streets and neighborhoods, as indicated on the Landscape Plan. Property owners are encouraged to use the list when selecting landscaping for other areas of their properties. The City's design objective is to maintain the City's natural, low-density, and informal appearance. The City's arterial street rights-of-way should be heavily landscaped with predomi- nantly native trees and shrubs arranged in an informal manner. Fences should be screened with vegetation so they are not generally visible from the street. The historic landscaping along the perimeter of the golf course should be retained and/or replaced with suitable trees. 17 AGENDA ITEM 6.1 3 In addition, special design and landscaping consideration should be given to the five entry points to the City. Standards recommended by the Parks Board should be considered. The five entry points are:  SR 520 off-ramp at 84th Avenue NE,  NE 24th Street at 84th Avenue NE,  NE 12th Street at 84th Avenue NE,  NE 10th Street at Lake Washington Boulevard, and  Overlake Drive East at the City limits. 18 AGENDA ITEM 6.1 4 19 AGENDA ITEM 6.1 5 Planting strips between a sidewalk and the street should be planted with trees and shrubs from the City's Preferred Landscaping Species List. Rocks and other barriers shall not be placed within the planting strip without consulting the Public Works Department and obtaining a permit . In historical view corridors, view preservation should be maintained by the selection of appropriate species, and periodic trimming and limb removal of such species. Views which are framed by vegetation or interrupted periodically by trees located along property lines are preferable and more consistent with the City's character than views maintained by clear cutting or topping. If the desire is to preserve or augment views, limb removal and pruning should be employed rather than topping. A number of existing streets have drainage ditches adjacent to the roadway. As adjacent properties are developed, or redeveloped, and/or as street improvements are made, the City may require these drainage ways to be placed in pipes and filled, or otherwise improved, and landscaped to City standards. Any resulting area should be landscaped to screen properties from the street. Where natural drainage courses exist, provision should be made to preserve adjacent natural vegetation. Additionally, such landscaping that may impair the visibility of pedestrians, cyclists, and/or vehicles should be discouraged. 20 AGENDA ITEM 6.1 6  The Landscape Plan isn’t codified. 21 AGENDA ITEM 6.1 7 Public Spaces The City's large open spaces, Fairweather Nature Preserve, Medina Park, and the Overlake Golf & Country Club, are defining elements of Medina's community character. Medina Beach Park, the two schools, and St. Thomas Church and School also contribute to the City's neighborhood character.  This isn’t codified.  The lists aren’t reflected in the current list of suitable trees. 22 AGENDA ITEM 6.1 8 The distinctive landscaping along the perimeter of the golf course is an important visual feature long identified with Medina. In particular, the long stand of poplars along 84th Avenue NE has become a historic visual landmark and is the first thing one sees when entering the City. It is the intent of the City to maintain this landmark. As the existing poplars reach the end of their useful life they will need to be replaced with a species that is visually similar, since poplars are not on the Preferred Landscaping Species List. Fairweather Nature Preserve and Medina Park both have a significant area that has been left in a natural state. Fairweather Nature Preserve has a dense stand of trees and understory, and Medina Park has a large wetland. Non-native landscaping has been minimized in both parks, with the exception of a landscaped portion of Medina Park at the comer of NE 12th Street and 82nd Avenue NE. The natural areas of these parks should be left undisturbed. If some maintenance activity is required due to severe winds or other destructive forces, these areas should be restored with native species. Landscaping in other areas of these parks should be consistent with the overall natural setting found in the parks. City Hall and Medina Beach Park are located on the site of the former ferry terminal that connected Medina with Seattle. Landscaping in the park has been primarily hedges along the parking area and north property line and maintenance of a number of shade trees. These grounds are used extensively by City residents during the summer months, so landscaping must leave much of the park open. A long-term landscaping and maintenance plan should be developed to maintain this historic site in a manner that is consistent with and enhances public use. GOALS CD-G1 Retain Medina’s distinctive and informal neighborhood development pattern. CD-G2 Maintain the informal, natural appearance of the Medina’s street rights-of-way and public areas. POLICIES Citywide Character CD-P1 Preserve and enhance trees as a component of Medina’s distinctive sylvan character. CD-P2 Foster and value the preservation of open space and trails as integral elements to the City. CD-P3 Create a safe, attractive, and connected pedestrian environment for all ages and abilities throughout the city. CD-P4 Support the efforts of individual neighborhoods to maintain and enhance their character and appearance. CD-P5 Establish and maintain iconic gateways at the entry points into the city. CD-P6 Encourage infill and redevelopment in a manner that is compatible with the existing neighborhood scale. CD-P7 Discourage the presence of open spaces of grass in private lots. 23 AGENDA ITEM 6.1 9 Street Corridors CD-P8 Maintain and implement the Street Design Standards and the Landscaping Plan, including landscaping of arterial street rights-of-way. CD-P9 Refine and update the Street Design Standards and Landscaping Plan as needed based on community input. CD-P10 The City's design objective is to maintain the City's natural, lower-density, and informal appearance. Medina’s highly visible streets as identified in the Landscaping Plan should be heavily landscaped with native trees and shrubs arranged in an informal manner. Fences should be screened with vegetation so they are not generally visible from the street. The historic landscaping along the perimeter of the golf course is an iconic part of Medina's character and should be retained and/or replaced in the future with an appropriate selection of trees. Equally as important with this perimeter area is maintaining view corridors into the golf course which contributes a sense of added open space in the heart of the community. CD-P11 Special design and landscaping consideration should be given to the entry points to the City. CD-P12 Consider alternative street and sidewalk designs that enhance walkability, and minimize environmental impacts, including the use of permeable surfaces where appropriate. Open Space CD-P13 Preserve, encourage, and enhance open space as a key element of the community’s character through parks, trails, and other significant properties that provide public benefit. CD-P14 Utilize landscape buffers between different uses to provide natural transition, noise reduction, and delineation of space. CD-P15 Encourage artwork and arts activities in public places, such as parks and public buildings. CD-P16 Where appropriate and feasible, provide landscaping, seating, Dark Sky compliant lighting, and other amenities for sidewalks, walkways, and trails. Vegetation and Landscaping CD-P17 Residents shall consult with the City and with their neighbors on both removal and replacement of trees and tree groupings to help to protect views and to prevent potential problems (e.g., removal of an important tree or planting a living fence). CD-P18 Clear cutting is not permitted on property prior to, or during, development. 24 AGENDA ITEM 6.1 10 CD-P19 Preserve vegetation with special consideration given to the protection of groups of trees and associated undergrowth, specimen trees, and evergreen trees. CD-P20 Promote water conservation in landscape and irrigation system designs. CD-P21 Use Low Impact Development techniques, unless determined to be unfeasible, within the right-of-way. CD-P22 Minimize the removal of existing vegetation when improving streets or developing property unless hazardous or arborist recommended. CD-P23 Encourage and protect systems of green infrastructure, such as urban forests, parks, green roofs, and natural drainage systems, in order to reduce climate-altering pollution and increase resilience to climate change impacts. CD-P24 Encourage concentrated seasonal planting in highly visible, public, and semi-public areas. CD-P25 Encourage landscaping that screens the view of houses from the street. Historic Preservation CD-P26 Consider creating a voluntary program to inventory the city’s historic resources prior to redevelopment. CD-P27 Consider the designation of historic landmark sites and structures to recognize their part in Medina’s history. 25 AGENDA ITEM 6.1 MEDINA, WASHINGTON AGENDA BILL Tuesday, September 26, 2023 Subject: Housing Element Category: Discussion Staff Contact(s): Stephanie Keyser, Planning Manager Summary The draft Housing Element is attached. Just as with previous amendments, if something is red and underlined that means it’s new, if it’s red that means it’s existing language that has been relocated. Attachment(s) Housing Element Draft Budget/Fiscal Impact: N/A Recommendation: N/A Proposed Commission Motion: N/A Time Estimate: 45 minutes 26 AGENDA ITEM 6.2 1 HOUSING ELEMENT GOALS H-G1 The City shall Ppreserve and foster the development of a variety of housing types, sizes, and densities development consistent with to accommodate the diverse needs of all members of the community while maintaining Medina’s high-quality residential setting. POLICIES H-P1 The City shall minimize changes to existing zoning designations except as to meet above goals when deemed necessary by citizens. This is a land use policy, not housing. H-P4 When a home is constructed such that it may potentially have no feasible resale market as a single family residence, the owners should be aware that this would not set the stage for a future conversion to a nonresidential use. This is a land use policy, not housing. H-P12 To reduce the loss of households, the City should discourage lot aggregation that impacts the scale and character of the neighborhood. This is a land use policy not housing and one that isn’t reflected in the code. Community Values and Quality Neighborhoods H-X. Ensure new development is consistent with citywide goals and policies, including but not limited to sustainable site standards, landscaping and tree retention requirements, and diversity of housing options. H-X. The City shall seek to Mmaintain the informal single family residential character of its neighborhoods including preventing intrusion of non- residential activities. H-X. Promote fair and equal access to housing for all persons and prohibit any activity that results in discrimination in housing. Affordable Housing H-X. Work cooperatively with King County, A Regional Coalition for Housing (ARCH), and other Eastside jurisdictions to assess the need for, and to create affordable housing. The City should continue participation in inter- jurisdictional organizations to assist in the provision of affo rdable housing on the Eastside. The H-X. City shall Ccontinue to make contributions to agencies that support affordable housing. 27 AGENDA ITEM 6.2 H-X. Support the construction of housing types that are available to very low, low, and moderate income households. The City shall explore affordable housing opportunities. H-X. The City shall explore additional affordable housing options that are compatible with the City’s high-quality residential setting.; including the preservation and rehabilitation of older housing stock to create affordable housing. H-X. The City should work with cities and community representatives on countywide, or subregional, state and federal funding sources for housing development, preservation, and related services. H-X. Limit short-term rentals as they can limit the availability of housing for full- time residents. H-X Consider using Housing Trust Fund to subsidize Land Use Permit Fees for Affordable Housing Developments. Special Housing Needs H-X. Ensure development regulations allow for and have suitable provisions to accommodate housing opportunities for special needs populations. The City shall not discriminate between a residential structure occupied by persons with handicaps and a similar residential structure occupied by a family or other unrelated individuals. H-X. Provide reasonable accommodation for special housing needs throughout the city, while protecting residential neighborhoods from potential adverse impacts. The City shall assure that zoning does not unduly restrict group homes or other housing options for persons with special needs by making reasonable accommodations in its rules, policies, practices, and services, when such accommodations may be necessary, to afford persons with disabilities equal opportunity to use or enjoy a dwelling. H-X. Encourage a range of housing types for seniors affordable at a variety of incomes. The City shall permit group living situations that meet the definition of “family status”, including where residents receive such supportive services as counseling, foster care, or medical supervision, within a single family house. H-X. Encourage and support accessible design and housing strategies that provide seniors the opportunity to remain in their own neighborhood as their housing needs change. Innovative Housing H-X. Support and encourage through the use of appropriate incentives innovative and creative responses to meet Medina’s housing needs, including a need for a variety of household sizes, incomes, and types. 28 AGENDA ITEM 6.2 3 H-X. Encourage innovative designs where the structure fits into the form and scale of the neighborhood in which it is to be located. H-X. Support and promote the development of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) within new and existing residential developments. Development Standards H-X. Craft regulations and procedures to provide a high degree of certainty and predictability to applicants and the community-at-large to minimize unnecessary time delays in the review of permit applications, while still maintaining opportunities for public involvement and review. H-X. The City shall consider ways to Rrestrict the size and scale of new and remodeled homes in order to retain the character of the community. 29 AGENDA ITEM 6.2 1 HOUSING ELEMENT GOAL Preserve and foster the development of a variety of housing types, sizes, and densities to accommodate the diverse needs of all members of the community while maintaining Medina’s high-quality residential setting. POLICIES Community Values and Quality Neighborhoods H-X. Ensure new development is consistent with citywide goals and policies, including but not limited to sustainable site standards, landscaping and tree retention requirements, and diversity of housing options. H-X. Maintain the informal residential character of neighborhoods. H-X. Promote fair and equal access to housing for all persons and prohibit any activity that results in discrimination in housing. Affordable Housing H-X. Work cooperatively with King County, A Regional Coalition for Housing (ARCH), and other Eastside jurisdictions to assess the need for, and to create affordable housing. H-X. Continue to make contributions to agencies that support affordable housing. H-X. Support the construction of housing types that are available to very low, low, and moderate income households H-X. The City shall explore additional affordable housing options that are compatible with the City’s high-quality residential setting.; including the preservation and rehabilitation of older housing stock to create affordable housing. H-X. The City should work with cities and community representatives on countywide, subregional, state and federal funding sources for housing development, preservation, and related services. H-X. Limit short-term rentals as they can limit the availability of housing for full- time residents. H-X Consider using Housing Trust Fund to subsidize Land Use Permit Fees for Affordable Housing Developments. 30 AGENDA ITEM 6.2 Special Housing Needs H-X. Ensure development regulations allow for and have suitable provisions to accommodate housing opportunities for special needs populations. H-X. Provide reasonable accommodation for special housing needs throughout the city, while protecting residential neighborhoods from potential adverse impacts. H-X. Encourage a range of housing types for seniors affordable at a variety of incomes. H-X. Encourage and support accessible design and housing strategies that provide seniors the opportunity to remain in their own neighborhood as their housing needs change. Innovative Housing H-X. Support and encourage through the use of appropriate incentives innovative and creative responses to meet Medina’s housing needs, including a need for a variety of household sizes, incomes, and types. H-X. Encourage innovative designs where the structure fits into the form and scale of the neighborhood in which it is to be located. H-X. Support and promote the development of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) within new and existing residential developments. Development Standards H-X. Craft regulations and procedures to provide a high degree of certainty and predictability to applicants and the community-at-large to minimize unnecessary time delays in the review of permit applications, while still maintaining opportunities for public involvement and review. H-X. Restrict the size and scale of new and remodeled homes in order to retain the character of the community. 31 AGENDA ITEM 6.2