Kirkland Planning Commission Meeting – August 25, 2022

The Kirkland Planning Commission met on August 25, 2022, at 7:16 PM in the Council Chamber, adjourning at 9:35 PM. The meeting included a study session on Missing Middle Housing implementation, a public hearing on Houghton Community Council sunsetting amendments, and administrative reports. Commissioners voted to approve zoning code amendments for the Houghton area and to pursue hybrid meetings.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Margaret Bull, a Kirkland resident, expressed concern that as the city supports increased density, the school district may not have plans for new schools, leading to longer bus rides for students. She urged the Commission to consider demographic data and school capacity.
• Greg Young, a Houghton resident, asked about the specific problems being addressed by the Houghton amendments and the next steps in the process.
• John Kappler, a former Houghton Community Council member, provided detailed testimony defending the regulatory differences, arguing that there has been no study of their effectiveness and that they reflect neighborhood character. He opposed the removal of certain standards, including floor area ratio (FAR), critical area regulations, and affordable housing mandates.

Discussion Items

Missing Middle Housing Implementation Status Senior Planner Scott Guter presented an update on missing middle housing (MMH) code amendments adopted in 2020. He highlighted an uptick in permits for duplexes, triplexes, cottages, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) since adoption. He introduced the city's new housing dashboard, which shows trends by neighborhood. Discussion included the slower pace of MMH development in the former Houghton area (only one cottage project, under appeal) versus the rest of the city. Commissioners raised questions about permit costs, the pre-approved ADU program (launching next month), and challenges such as fire separation requirements and driveway standards. Several commissioners expressed a desire to survey applicants who abandoned the permit process to identify barriers. Staff agreed to bring another update in six months.

Houghton Community Council Sunsetting Amendments (File No. CAM22-00322) Planning Supervisor Nick Cilluffo presented the proposed zoning code amendments to remove references to the defunct Houghton Community Council and synchronize regulations citywide as required by state law (HB 1769). The amendments cover procedural changes and regulatory differences including floor area ratio, garage design, tree regulations, affordable housing, and missing middle housing. Staff recommended a delayed effective date of January 1, 2023, to allow projects to vest. Commissioners debated whether the Planning Commission had meaningful input since the City Council had already expressed desire for consistency. Public testimony from John Kappler argued that the differences were based on neighborhood character and that no study justified the changes. Commissioner Tymczyszyn recused himself as a Houghton resident. After deliberation, the Commission voted on the amendments.

Administrative Reports & Commission Discussion Deputy Director Allison Zike reported that the City Council passed a tenant protections ordinance on August 3, effective September 17, requiring notice for rent increases and capping security deposits. She advised that the Chair and Vice Chair would discuss communication with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor regarding the Station Area Plan (Phase 2) at their quarterly meeting. Commissioners expressed frustration about lack of information and perceived bypassing during Phase 1. They agreed to have the Chair and Vice Chair raise these concerns prior to Phase 2.

In-Person/Hybrid Meetings Commissioners discussed returning to hybrid meetings, noting that virtual-only formats have reduced public attendance and engagement. They emphasized the importance of allowing remote participation for accessibility while resuming in-person hearings, especially for the upcoming Station Area Plan. A motion was made to direct staff to begin hybrid meetings immediately, provide a status update at every meeting, and communicate this to the City Council and City Manager. The motion passed 6-0.

Key Outcomes

• The Planning Commission voted 5-0 (with Commissioner Tymczyszyn recused) to approve the Houghton Community Council sunsetting zoning code amendments as presented by staff, with a delayed effective date of January 1, 2023.
• The Commission voted 6-0 to direct staff to immediately initiate hybrid (in-person and virtual) meetings, with updates at each meeting, and to communicate this request to the City Council and City Manager.
• The Chair and Vice Chair were authorized to discuss communication concerns with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor prior to Phase 2 of the Station Area Plan, and a broader discussion on the planning work program will occur in the first quarter of 2023.