Workshop on Sequim Urban Residential – I Zoning

Responding to Non-Compliance and Invalidity Ruling of Western Washington Growth Management Hearing Board (WWGMHB) Case No. 07-2-0018c, Dry Creek Coalition & Futurewise vs. Clallam County

Presented at: Planning Commission Meeting, August 13, 2008

Clallam County Department of Community Development

Sequim UGA Areas found Invalid

What did the Hearing Board Find?Compliance Issues

• The Sequim Urban Residential – I [(S(R-I)] maximum allowed density of two dwelling units per acre (2 du/acre) is a non-urban density and violates the GMA .

• All comprehensive plan policies and map designations that relate to the S(R-I) district are non-compliant and substantially interfere with RCW 36.70A.020 (1) and (2).

.020(1): Urban growth. Encourage development in urban areas where adequate public facilities exist or can be provided in an efficient manner.

.020 (2) Reduce sprawl. Reduce the inappropriate conversion of undeveloped land into sprawling, low density development.

What did the Hearing Board Find?Compliance Issues

• The presence of critical areas provides reasonable justification for reduced density, however the GMA seeks to focus growth into UGAs so utilizing established residential land use patterns as a basis for reduced densities is not a reasonable justification.

• To allow historic, sprawling land use patterns in and around urban areas to control future development would simply negate the intent and purpose of the GMA itself – directing urban growth into urban areas – in other words, for some areas sprawl would simply continue in perpetuity.

What Must County Address?

Urban Residential Density is the Compliance Issue

NOT

UGA Size or Location

Characteristics of Challenged Lands

• Approximately:– 450 acres– 36% vacant– 52% occupied

• Represents about 12.7% of total acreage of Sequim UGA.

Neighborhood Request for UGA Reduction

County Response To-Date?

• Appealed portions of the Growth Hearing Board decision.

• Adopted interim official controls, including Interim S(R-II) zoning to replace the S(R-I) zoning found noncompliant & invalid S(R-I). – The S(R-II) allows for a maximum density of 4 to 5 du/per acre with

urban services. [Prior S(R-I) zoning allowed max. 2 du/per acre]

• Held a Joint Planning Commission and Board of Commissioner Meeting (August 6) to review compliance issues & work plan.

• Adopted Public Participation Process, including public meeting schedule (August 6, 2008).

• Tonight’s Work shop

Public Participation Process Planning Commission (PC)

• August: Workshops every Wednesday.

• Sept. 3 & 10: Work sessions on draft updates for public hearing.

• Sept. 17: Public Hearing at County Courthouse

• Sept. 18: Public Hearing on West-end (likely in Forks)

• Sept. 24: Recommendation

Public Participation Process Board of County Commissioners (BOCC)

• Aug.– Oct: Staff Briefings at Monday Work sessions thru October.

•Oct. 14: Public Hearings » County Courthouse at Regular-meeting (10:30 am)» County Courthouse or Sequim area (evening)

• Oct. 15: Public Hearings» Clallam Bay-Sekiu Area (Day)» City of Forks Area (Night)

• Oct. 21: Decision (Adopt Compliance Updates)

RecommendationsHendrickson/N. Priest Rd Area

• Adopt the Sequim Urban Residential – II (S(R-II) Comprehensive Plan Land Use and Zoning designation.

• Pursue intergovernmental agreement with City on annexations and utility extensions.– Avoid piecemeal annexations of existing subdivisions by

requiring the majority of subdivision lot owners to support the

annexation. – Avoid leap frog utility extensions into existing subdivisions.

RecommendationsHendrickson/N. Priest Rd Area

• Consider:– UGA Reduction as part of 2009 Annual Docket (possibly 2008).– Any removed lands consider for “urban transition” designation that would

place controls on future development infill.– Place interim moratorium on new land divisions pending review of UGA

Reduction & Urban Transition designations [Exclude divisions that result in 5 acre or larger lots - only one parcel eligible].

Objectives:– Address Hearing Board’s order to prevent further conversion of

undeveloped land into land into sprawling, low density development.– Retain potential for future urban densities, especially on the few

remaining larger lots, while area is evaluated. – Consider land owner interest to be removed from the UGA.– Evaluate for compliance with GMA.– Coordinate with City of Sequim.

RecommendationsOther Areas

• Adopt the Interim Sequim Urban Residential – II (S(R-II) as final designation.

• This designation is consistent with the current City of Sequim Optimum Land Use Map for these areas.

Public Participation Process How Can I Provide Input?

•Provide Public Comments at:–Planning Commission Meetings and Workshops –Planning Commission & County Board Public Hearings

•Send written comments to:Clallam County Department of Community Development

RE: GMA Compliance Comments

223 E. 4th Street, Suite 5

Port Angeles, WA 98362

•Email : GMAcompliance@co.clallam.wa.us

Public Participation Process How Can I Provide Input?

•Written comments are welcome through the close of the Board of Commissioners public hearing(s).

•Commissioner public hearings are scheduled for October 14 and 15.

Public Participation Process How Will Public be Notified?

•Public Meeting & Hearing Agendas posted at: www.clallam.net (Click on “2008 Growth Management Compliance Proceeding” link

under Current Issues)

•To request to be placed on mailing or email list:–Provide us contact information on meeting sign-up sheet.–By Email: GMAcompliance@co.clallam.wa.us–By Phone: (360) 417-2277 –By Mail: Clallam County Department of Community Development

RE: GMA Compliance Mailing List223 E. 4th Street, Suite 5Port Angeles, WA 98362

(Please include name and mailing and/or email address)

Public Participation Process How can I become more informed?

•Clallam County Website: www.clallam.net(Click on “2008 Growth Management Compliance Proceeding”

link under Current Issues)

•Visit the Clallam County Department of Community Development located at the Clallam County Courthouse at 223 E. 4th Street, Port Angeles, Washington, during regular-business hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

•Questions about upcoming meetings or want to speak to a County Planner phone: (360) 417-2277 (Staff Assistant)

QUESTIONS?