Shoreline Planning Commission Special Meeting & Public Hearing: 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update

On October 24, 2024, the Shoreline Planning Commission held a special meeting and public hearing to receive an overview of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and to take public testimony on the draft 2024 Comprehensive Plan. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational and will inform a future recommendation to the City Council.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda was accepted as presented.
• The draft minutes of the October 3, 2024 regular meeting were approved as presented.

Public Comments & Testimony

Public Comment (non-hearing):

• Nicolaus Faino, Shoreline resident, expressed concern about a proposed school closure due to projected declining enrollments, which he argued contradicts the Comprehensive Plan's growth projections. He urged the Planning Commission to communicate with the Shoreline School Board to align data and projections.

Public Hearing Testimony:

• Kathleen Russell, Shoreline resident representing Save Shoreline Trees, thanked staff and requested that references to “established trees” (approximately 19 words of edits) be added to the natural environment and transportation elements of the plan to better recognize the natural environment.
• Tom Lang, Parkwood homeowner and member of Urbanist Shoreline, supported the missing middle housing provisions but recommended eliminating all parking minimums to reduce hardscape and promote a greener city. He also encouraged allowing commercial uses in residential neighborhoods to increase walkability and inclusion.
• Laura Zuchlewski, Shoreline homeowner and member of Urbanist Shoreline, supported removing residential and commercial parking minimums to lower development costs, retain trees, and encourage walking, biking, and transit. She also supported allowing neighborhood commercial in all neighborhoods to reduce car pollution and support climate goals.
• Bob Danson, General Manager of Olympic View Water and Sewer District, stated that the DEIS incorrectly states Shoreline has no Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas (CARAs). He argued that the district’s wellhead protection area qualifies as a CARA and requested that the final Comprehensive Plan clearly identify the CARA and implement protections, including consultation on any proposed development in the buffer areas.

Discussion Items

After staff presentations by Planning Director Andrew Bauer and Planning Manager Elise Keim on the Comprehensive Plan update and DEIS, the Commission discussed:

• Visual models: Commissioner Povick requested a visual or 3D model showing how multiple goals (e.g., no parking minimums, bike lanes, curb access) fit together at the block scale. Staff agreed to consult with traffic and transportation planners for examples.
• Competing policies: Vice Chair Brinson noted that competing public policies create healthy tension that can be resolved at the block scale. Commissioner Povick cited the 185th Station’s lack of ground-floor retail as a missed opportunity and asked how to prevent similar outcomes.
• Document length: Chair Mosier questioned whether parts of the 400-page plan could be removed. Planning Manager Keim responded that any removal would need to be reviewed against state, regional, and county requirements.
• Commissioner Hadley commended staff on the comprehensive presentation.

Key Outcomes

• The public hearing was closed.
• The Commission was asked to submit written feedback on the draft goals and policies by November 7, 2024, to inform the version to be considered at the November 21 public hearing (joint hearing on the plan and development code amendments).
• The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for November 7, 2024, for a public hearing on the draft development code amendments.
• Vice Chair Brinson reported that Planning Manager Keim presented Shoreline’s approach to middle housing at the Washington American Planning Association Conference, which was well received.