2022-09-14 Planning Board MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS PLANNING BOARD
Minutes of Webinar Meeting
September 14, 2022
Vice Chair Pence called the virtual meeting of the Edmonds Planning Board to order at 7:00 p.m. and announced
Chair Crank would be joining later.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
Board Member Campbell read the Land Acknowledgement.
Board Members Present
Alicia Crank, Chair'
Roger Pence, Vice Chair
Todd Cloutier
Judi Gladstone
Richard Kuehn
Mike Rosen
Beth Tragus-Campbell (alternate)
Lily Distelhorst (student rep)
Board Members Absent
Matt Cheung (excused)
Staff Present
Kernen Lien, Planning Division Manager
Susan McLaughlin, Development Services Director
Deb Powers, Urban Forest Planner
READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION MADE BY BOARD MEMBER ROSEN, SECONDED BY BOARD MEMBER
GLADSTONE, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF AUGUST 10, 2022 AS PRESENTED.
Vice Chair Pence noted a correction to the name of Michelle Dotsch under Audience Comments on page 1.
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY TO APPROVE THE MINUTES AS CORRECTED.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF AGENDA
THERE WAS UNANIMOUS CONSENT TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS
None
' Chair Crank joined the meeting late. Vice Chair Pence chaired the entire meeting.
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September 14, 2022 Page 1 of 7
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
A. Reimagining Neighborhoods and Streets
Director McLaughlin made an informational presentation regarding Reimagining Neighborhoods Streets +
Creating Community Spaces Together. The project objectives are to develop new street and public space
typologies that will guide how streets are built in the future and allow for more spontaneous use of public space.
The scope of work will include developing new street typologies (sidewalk code update, street map update,
update of pedestrian prioritization investment network); developing new public space typologies (how streets
can be reallocated to expand public space, design standards to shape public space in the right of way); and
creating a public space activation strategies toolkit (empowering communities to utilize streets for people needs
beyond mobility, permitting structure to enable each strategy). The new street typologies will consider vehicle
movement and ensure that street design serves social, environmental, and economic needs and functions. She
reviewed an example of a draft street typology cross-section and map.
Public Space Activation refers to making the best use of streets we already have. This could be for certain parts
of the street and/or certain times, days, and special events. Six in -person neighborhood meetings were held to
raise awareness about this topic. Participants voted on activation strategies that would be best suited to their
neighborhoods. Staff tallied those responses and mailed postcards to the broader neighborhood to confine those
activation ideas. Director McLaughlin explained that the City is committed to funding and supporting one pilot
project in each neighborhood district (Downtown, Five Corners, Firdale, Westgate, Highway 99Ballinger, and
Peninville).
A Public Space Activation Toolkit provides critical information for each activation strategy to reduce barriers
for community -led design and implementation. It also offers ideas to neighborhoods to promote social
gathering/community building. Director McLaughlin reviewed a tentative timeline for this project with
anticipated Council adoption in Q 1 of 2023.
Board Member Cloutier said he loved the layout and the systematic approach.
Board Member Campbell agreed with Board Member Cloutier. She was disappointed with the poor response
in the Highway 99Ballinger area. She asked if there are plans to do additional outreach to get more people
involved. Director McLaughlin noted that the purpose is to raise awareness so even if there is a smaller core
group it can still be effective. The City will be doing more outreach before the package gets adopted, but for the
public space activation portion, they do not have the resources to do more outreach.
Board Member Rosen agreed that the presentation was very helpful and informative. He asked if there is a
Council directive to advance streateries. Director McLaughlin commented that there is controversy around
streateries. She noted that the public space typologies just provide a menu of tools for where they could expand
public space in the right of way for people needs and not just mobility. Streateries is just one example of what
could happen. Board Member Rosen expressed appreciation for the context and encouraged staff to share it that
way. Director McLaughlin agreed and noted the need to have these conversations for all neighborhood districts
and not just the downtown area.
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September 14, 2022 Page 2 of 7
Board Member Kuehn agreed with Board Member Rosen. He encouraged staff to have clear context and
language so it is not steering one way or another on any topic. This will help to keep minds open and get better
public engagement.
Vice Chair Pence commented that the project timeline on the website needs to be updated with current
information. There also needs to be more substance. He asked whatever happened to equitable engagement
framework. In the public meetings he has attended he hasn't seen much of a difference. Director McLaughlin
explained that it takes time to build trust and relationships. Staff believes that the framework will work and over
time this will yield results. Vice Chair Pence asked for an update on the tasks and strategies that they expect
will yield results over time.
Chair Crank2 agreed that just because they extend an invitation to a group that has been routinely left out doesn't
mean that they will just show up. It will take time and advocacy from the non -minority members of the
community to encourage others to participate.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Tree Code Amendments
Urban Forest Planner Deb Powers made a PowerPoint presentation regarding Phase II Tree Code Amendments.
She stated tonight's focus was on the low-level policy code amendments and that staff will be asking if this
general direction is appropriate. The current tree code was adopted in response to the Urban Forest Management
Plan Goal IA: Update tree regulations to reduce clearcutting or other development impacts on the urban forest
and consider changes to tree replacement requirements and penalties for code violations. Both the Planning
Board and the Council directed staff to do the Phase II Tree Code Amendments in 2022. The project scope for
the Phase II Tree Code Amendments is to limit property owner tree removal (major) and consider minor
amendments to the current code that would simplify, match industry standardsBMPs, streamline the review
process, and address code interpretation issues.
She started by reviewing preliminary code amendments that would have no policy level impact. She invited
board members to give feedback on their attempts to work through development scenarios she had provided.
Vice Chair Pence brought up a project at 240 and 87t' and noted that developers routinely clearcut the entire
lot of trees and replant trees. He asked if this would no longer be possible. Ms. Powers explained that the current
code strives to retain as many viable trees as possible while letting the development move ahead in a timely
manner. The code requires a certain threshold for tree retention depending on what type of development it is.
From there the code acts to prioritize how and what they are retaining. Developers are not able to just pay the
fees right off the bat; they are required to show infeasibility if they are unable to retain the required trees. Vice
Chair Pence commented that the project site had a cluster of very significant trees that were removed. He
wondered if the project could have been worked out in a way to preserve the trees.
2 Chair Crank arrived prior to 7:30 p.m.
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September 14, 2022 Page 3 of 7
Board Member Gladstone asked about the development scenarios provided by staff. Ms. Powers explained
these are examples of what the Planning Division reviews. They help to illustrate issues with the current Tree
Code. Vice Chair Pence asked about flexibility to allow developers to have sub -minimum setbacks if that will
allow the saving of trees. Ms. Powers explained that setbacks are a requirement separate from the Tree Code.
The Tree Code does not focus on saving trees in setbacks, but this could be one way to simplify the code. She
explained that the Conservation Subdivision Design has incentives to give leeway in development standards if
they commit to greater tree retention right from the beginning.
Board Member Campbell stated she is also concerned about developers that are able to clearcut. Because of
negative examples of this she is opposed to allowing fees in -lieu -of. She is also somewhat against replanting
and prefers focusing on saving as many trees as possible upfront with code amendments because replanting
often results in poorly maintained plantings. She noted that if developers are paying fees -in -lieu of they will just
pass it on to the property owner/renter thereby increasing housing costs in addition to destroying the
environment. She would like to see every possible barrier to using fees in -lieu -of. She asked why they want to
focus on no impact policy amendments. She thinks the big clearcutting examples would be more important.
Ms. Powers explained that ultimately the Tree Code is trying to establish a healthy urban forest 20 years from
now. It is a balance between growth/development and tree retention. Not every tree should be retained on a
development site if it can't sustain development impacts and is not the kind of tree in 20 years that will be part
of a healthy urban forest. She agrees with the prioritization of retention, replanting, and then fees -in -lieu as the
lowest priority. Finally, she referred to the no -impact policy amendments are just a start to create a basic
framework before they move up to the other code amendments. Board Member Campbell expressed concern
about the time it will take to address these small things while damage is allowed to continue. She is looking
forward to addressing the prioritization aspect.
Ms. Powers explained that there are 11 preliminary amendments which fall into the categories of:
• Definitions — hazard tree, Limits of Disturbance (LOD), nuisance, qualified professional
• Property owner tree removal — clarify emergency tree removal process
• Tree retention with development — show development types that require tree retention, add "viable",
allow silt fence, strike "must", replace "developer" with "applicant".
Board Member Rosen commented that the City needs to reconcile the tension between the desire to have
additional housing and the desire to save habitat and trees. They also have to be aware of unintended impacts
such as increasing housing costs which conflicts with other goals. He asked if they are looking at legal liability
risks related to tree codes. He heard that Kirkland was being sued over their tree code, and a Michigan township
went to federal court that said having people who remove trees pay into a tree fund was unconstitutional. He
asked for clarification about what constitutes risk (for "tree at risk"). He asked if the City is certifying arborists
so they maintain a level of excellence. He wondered about using the phrase, "The director may ..." since it
seems subjective.
Ms. Powers acknowledged the tension between cost of housing, development, and growth and the loss of
canopy cover and habitat. Reconciling this is the purpose of the Tree Code. She commented that Kirkland is not
being sued, but the Master Builders of King and Snohomish County have filed a petition with the Growth
Management Act Hearings Board on the constitutionality of Kirkland's tree code. Mr. Lien commented that
staff has been in consultation with the City Attorney as part of the code development process.
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Ms. Powers stated that there is a methodology described by the International Society of Arboriculture to come
up with a score for the risk of a given tree. The code would refer to this methodology to determine risk.
Regarding having certified arborists, she noted that the City requires one of two of five different credentials.
She referred to the "director may" verbiage and acknowledged that this is subjective, but it also provides
flexibility. This is another point of balance — between predictability and flexibility.
Board Member Gladstone commented that in the scenarios the trees had to be planned around the buildings.
She recommended looking at this more holistically. For, example, she suggested that maybe the building
requirements need to be reconsidered so that the buildings have a smaller footprint to preserve more trees.
Perhaps this would result in a smaller, lower -priced building with more trees. Ms. Powers explained that would
be a major code amendment, but it could be looked at. Director McLaughlin agreed with looking at the
symbiotic relationship between these things. Board Member Gladstone recommending thinking about how they
balance the tree code requirements with existing homeowners so they don't end up with disparate impacts.
Board Member Campbell said that after listening to the various concerns raised in the discussion tonight, she
understood the justification of addressing the "low hanging fruit" first and is supportive of trying to get these
minor amendments resolved.
B. Climate Action Plan Update
Mr. Lien presented an update on the Climate Action Plan Update process. He gave some background on the
Climate Action Plan development process. Highlights of the plan include a Call to Action, a new section on
equity, a Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory, how the plan is presented in different target sectors, and metrics
and tracking.
The Call to Action:
The Edmonds community has not kept pace with its goals to reduce GHG emissions. Mr. Lien reviewed action
the City can take to reduce GHG emissions:
• Adopt regulations to require new multifamily and commercial buildings to be 100% electric by 2023.
• Require charging infrastructure with new development.
• Support mixed -use and transit -oriented development in neighborhood commercial centers.
• Coordinate with transit agencies to increase service and improve access to new light rail connections.
• Develop an action plan to adapt to sea level rise in Edmonds.
The most effective actions that individuals and businesses in Edmonds can take are to:
• Replace fossil -fuel burning heating systems, hot water heaters, and cooking equipment powers with
electric appliances.
• Replace fossil fuel -burning vehicles with electric vehicles.
• Reduce vehicle trips by using transit, telecommuting, biking, or walking.
• Conserve energy wherever possible, especially energy from fossil fuels.
Mr. Lien explained that the since the CAP adoption, the City has upgraded the energy efficiency of city facilities;
upgraded the wastewater treatment plant; installed public electric vehicle charging stations; upgraded the city's
vehicle fleet; and completed a tree canopy assessment to track coverage and identify gaps.
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Equity is a new section in the CAP. Climate change impacts frontline communities the most. They often live in
denser settings, use transit, conserve energy, and consume less. National studies show that affluent households
(above $120,000) produce GHG emissions that are double those of households with income between $40,000
and $80,000. He pointed out on a map that areas with less trees have higher heat impacts than other areas.
A key takeaway of the GHG inventory is that Edmonds has not kept to its goals since the 2011 CAP. Two of
the biggest causes of GHG emissions remain buildings (50%) and transportation (40%). Most of the strategies
in the CAP address these two sectors.
There are four main target sectors with strategies, actions, and metrics associated with them. The target sectors
are Buildings and Energy; Transportation and Land Use; Environment; and Lifestyles and Consumption.
Tracking progress will be an important part of the CAP.
Next steps include refining CAP feedback from July and August workshops. The draft CAP will be available
for review by the end of September. This will be followed by review by the Planning Board and adoption by
the City Council. After this, staff will implement actions and likely incorporate elements into the
Comprehensive Plan update. Mike Clugston is working on the schedule for different code amendments coming
up. He will be giving a presentation to Council on this next week.
Vice Chair Pence asked about plans to expedite retrofitting existing multifamily buildings with charging
stations. Mr. Lien explained there are some provisions in the electric vehicle standards that were adopted. Vice
Chair Pence recommended finding a way to give a little incentive to do this.
Board Member Rosen asked for confirmation that they are looking at a goal of a 40% reduction in GHG. Mr.
Lien concurred and added that they have a goal of being carbon neutral with local emissions by 2050. Director
McLaughlin agreed that it is a colossal goal considering they have made no progress yet, but she is encouraged
by advances in technology. Board Member Rosen suggested they can get a massive reduction in a year by
simply outlawing gas leaf blowers. There was some discussion about his calculations and the feasibility of this.
Board Member Gladstone encouraged the City to have coordination with the PUD to make sure they are able
to provide alternative sources for the increased demand for electricity. Mr. Lien agreed and noted they would
need to do this anyway because of state regulations. There was discussion about needed code amendments to
support homeowners and businesses in making desired changes.
Board Member Campbell referred to the requirements for new commercial and residential buildings to be fully
electric by 2023 and recommended education and outreach for homeowners and businesses who are remodeling
or upgrading. Mr. Lien agreed and stated there are action items specifically related to this. Director McLaughlin
agreed. Board Member Gladstone noted that education only goes so far, but financial incentives have been very
effective with water issues. Director McLaughlin concurred that incentives are effective; development of a green
building incentive program is expected to be part of the 2023 work plan. Mr. Lien added that there is an action
item related to providing financial assistance, grants, or low -interest loans for installation of solar projects or
energy efficient projects, particularly with affordable housing.
Board Member Campbell commended staff on the amount of work and detail on this draft and presentation.
PLANNING BOARD EXTENDED AGENDA
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Staff reviewed the extended agenda and noted tonight was Chair Crank's last meeting.
PLANNING BOARD CHAIR COMMENTS
Chair Crank stated it has been a very educational 6t/2 years. She is excited about her new role, but it is taking a
lot of time and focus that make it time for her to retire her position on the Planning Board. She thanked everyone
for the support and education. She is pleased with the increased diversity on the board (renters, homeowners,
age). She hopes it continues to diversify and to promote equity in the conversations around land use, zoning,
and planning.
PLANNING BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
Vice Chair Pence thanked Chair Crank and stated she has been a good chair to work with and runs a good
meeting. He thanked her for her advice and support and stated he will miss her.
Board Member Gladstone wished Chair Crank the best in her next journey. She appreciates her work on the
board and the welcome Chair Crank gave to her when she started on the board.
Board Member Rosen thanked Chair Crank for her service to the City, for serving as chair, and for her consistent
and gentle voice reminding them to consider impacts to all members of the community. He thanked her for her
easy laugh. He stated he knows they will continue to benefit through her work at the CityClub, with the Airport
Commission, with the Hazel Miller Foundation, with the Edmonds International Women's Day, and her efforts
to bring professional women's hockey to the area. He stated that she will be missed.
Student Representative Distelhorst thanked Chair Crank for teaching her about leadership. She is glad to have
served with her on the Planning Board.
Board Member Campbell thanked Chair Crank for helping her get started and established. She is sorry she
didn't get a chance to work with her longer. She congratulated Chair Crank on her new role and stated she
makes a big impact on people's lives.
Board Member Cloutier thanked Chair Crank for her service and stated she was an outstanding representative
for the city's neighborhoods.
Board Member Kuehn congratulated Chair Crank on her new endeavor. He stated she has been a great partner
on the Planning Board. He knows she will continue to be a great citizen for everyone in Edmonds. He thanked
her for her service and said he looks forward to seeing her around.
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The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
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