01394.•.,.L
of the trees. Mr. Birch also stated that Mr. LaTourelle told him there was no way
to save the trees. Mr. Birch stated that he would like to see an all out effort to
try to save these trees, which would greatly improve the area. Mr. McGibbon stated
that he thought the reason for continuation of this item was the possibility of making
certain exceptions to normally accepted standards to save the trees because the trade
off would be worthwhile. He said he is getting information from Mr. Birch that if
certain things were done the trees would somehow be saved. Mr. Morrison stated that
the trees Mr. Birch is talking about are not the trees in question, they are three
trees along the existing right-of-way, not the trees on the development site. Ms.
Block stated that the ADB will not give final approval until the Planning Commission
approves of the proposal. At this time Chairman McGibbon stated that the commission
will probably approve of this proposal because in terms of land use it is an acceptable
project. 'As far as the trees are concerned it will be left up to the ADB since they
have the expertise in this field. Public portion of the hearing was closed.
MOTION COMMISSIONER ROSS MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER LA BELLE , TO APPROVE PRD-2-79 AS
SUBMITTED:WITH.THE CONDITION THAT THE END OF THE DRIVEWAY BE WIDENED SO AS TO ALLOW
FORIEHICOLAR'TURN-AROUND FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS: (1) IT JS CONSISTENT WITH ALL
CITY ZONING REGULATIONS; (2) IT IS CONSISTENT WITH THE"POLICY PLAN IN THAT."FLEXIBLE
SUBDIVISION PROCEDURES; SUCH AS PRD'S SHOULD BE:USED IN (STEEP SLOPE) AREAS TO.PRE
SERVE THE SITE-,AND`REDUCE IMPERVIOUS SURFACES, CUTS AND FILLS°; (3); THERE`HAS BEEN'k
FINDING;,OF NO SIGNIFICANT ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS; (4) THE DESIGN IS WELL
SUITED'FOR THE SITE MOTION `CARRIED.
Chairman McGibbon recommended to Mr. Birch that since this item will go before the
ADB for a final hearing he should attend that meeting to make sure that everything
is done to preserve as many trees as possible.
AGENDA
R-6-79 Bryce Black - Contract rezone from RS-8 (Single Family Residential 8,000 square
feet to N (Neighborhood Business) at 23107 100th Avenue West. (RS-8)
Ms. Block showed the commission transparencies on the location of the area in question
stating that it is just south of the Happy Burger in Westgate. She pointed out where
the city limit boundaries were in relation to the site. She stated that the area
North and West of this location is zoned BN, the area South and East of this location
is zoned RS-8. Applicant is proposing to rezone this property to BN and use the
existing house on the lot as attorneys offices. The general area on the comprehensive
plan shows as business and this would be in keeping with the intent of the comprehen-
sive plan. There is domestic vegetation on the site, the land is flat, no streams
running through or water bodies on the site. The right-of-way is adequate (70-100
feet). One fact to be considered before rezoning to BN is that the property is
separated from other BN zoned property by a small strip of land. This land is used
as access to the property to the East and is zoned RS-8. Ms. Block stated that she
thought the use of the proposed rezoned property is appropriate in that it does
conform to the intent of the comprehensive plan; it would provide a transitional
buffer to the BN area to the north and RS-8 to the south. The only problem would be
if it is defined as spot zoning. Larry Martin, City Attorney, stated that he didn't
see any problem with it being defined as spot -zoning. Courts have defined spot -
zoning as zoning that disregards the comprehensive plan. He noted that there is a
rational distinction here in that there is justification for leaving the small
strip of land zoned RS-8. Commissioner La Belle brought up the idea, if Mr. Black
sold the property there is nothing to stop a commercial business from moving in. The
public portion of the hearing was now opened. Mr. Black, the applicant, stated that
he recently wanted to have office space in Edmonds to practic law. Through a real
estate agent he found this property and felt it was ideal for an office space. He
stated that he would leave the house on the lot as the office and would not change
the outside structure, and do only the necessary remodeling inside as needed to create
offices. Mr. Black stated that he would be willing to include in his contract with
the City a statement that this property would be used only for professional offices,
ie. lawyer, architect, CPA. Mr. Black stated that he would make it attractive, no
glare or neon signs. He indicated that he would have to provide parking to meet
with the Codes, which there is ample space to do. Only vegetation changes would be
to move some shrubc. Richard Breen of 1010 8th Avenue S., Edmonds stated that he
had indicateddthaththeeownerrof doesthe notpobjectytoehind rezoningslot of thenpropertynto BN. Breen
The
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Page 2, September 12, 1979