Shoreline Planning Commission Regular Meeting - February 20, 2025

The Shoreline Planning Commission met on Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:04 p.m. in the Council Chamber at Shoreline City Hall. The meeting focused on two study items: proposed amendments to the Bicycle Parking Development Code and a draft of the 2025-2029 Economic Development Strategic Plan. Commissioners discussed bike parking requirements for different land uses, a tiered approach, and design standards, and heard public testimony on economic development opportunities, particularly activation of Seattle City Light property in North City.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda was accepted as presented.
• The minutes of the February 6, 2025 regular meeting were accepted as presented.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kevin Atkinson (President, North City Neighborhood Association) spoke in support of activating the Seattle City Light property at 185th and 10th NE in North City for community benefit, such as pop-up markets, food trucks, and a one-night activation event this summer. He urged the Commission to consider the site as a vibrant community space aligning with the Economic Development Strategic Plan.
• Megan Kogut (Owner, Ridgecrest Public House and Drumlin, Shoreline resident since 2003) expressed support for the draft Economic Development Strategic Plan, particularly its focus on placemaking and identity. She highlighted arts-focused efforts in Ridgecrest and the role of old buildings in fostering creative spaces.

Discussion Items

Bicycle Parking Development Code Amendments

• Senior Planner Alicia Halberg presented the draft code, including new definitions, administrative design review, short-term and long-term rates, and design standards. She followed up on previous questions about bike trip data, utilization, and market desire.
• Debate on lower density residential uses: Commissioners generally agreed that long-term bike parking should not be required for low-density residential (single-family, duplexes, townhomes), but short-term parking should be required for larger townhome developments (over 20 units). Commissioner Lin suggested that common open space in large townhome developments could host bike racks.
• Debate on in-unit long-term parking: Commissioner Fry supported counting individual unit spaces as required. Commissioner Cabe thought larger developments should also have some common spaces. Vice Chair Brinson asked about administrative feasibility and requested examples from other jurisdictions. Commissioner Povick wanted more information on what in-unit parking would look like.
• Revisiting tiered approach: Commissioners discussed whether to require higher short-term bike parking rates near transit/trails. Commissioner Cabe initially supported tiers but later changed to supporting the lower “otherwise” column citywide. Chair Mosier argued that tiering is unnecessary because higher rates apply only to larger uses allowed in most neighborhoods. Commissioners Fry, Lin, and Brinson supported using the higher (left) column citywide. Commissioner Povick supported using the lower column. Staff noted that the higher column represents “leading edge” rates (APBP recommendations) which the Commission had previously declined.
• General discussion: Commissioner Povick suggested consulting Surface Water staff about using alternatives to concrete under bike parking. Commissioner Lin asked for clarification on long-term parking calculations, especially for smaller developments; staff will provide case studies. Commissioner Cabe wondered how other jurisdictions handle multiple bikes per unit. Commissioner Fry thought a 20-space maximum seems low for very large developments. Chair Mosier raised concerns about the ratios and suggested nuance by use, and also noted connections to the Transportation Master Plan’s mobility hubs.
• Commissioner Fry commented that parking garages are often the best location for long-term bike parking.

Draft Economic Development Strategic Plan

• Economic Development Manager Nate Daum presented the draft plan, which outlines five-year goals (2025-2029) building on the 20-year Comprehensive Plan. Key themes: small businesses & startups; tourism & things to do; placemaking; jobs/housing balance; city & community strength/stability; and creative economy.
• Discussion:
  • Commissioner Povick asked about financial assistance for low-income entrepreneurs. Daum explained state law bars gifting public funds, but revolving loan funds and CDBG grants exist. Chair Mosier noted that ports and development authorities can gift funds and suggested exploring that.
  • Commissioner Cabe asked about spreading permit costs over several years. Daum said they can sometimes defer costs until certificate of occupancy but are unsure about longer terms.
  • Chair Mosier noted that neighborhoods other than Ridgecrest and North City are less successful and suggested working with landlords to reimagine properties.
  • Commissioner Lin asked about inflation-adjusted sales tax growth, trends in startup businesses, and feedback on Shoreline Place. Daum acknowledged community dissatisfaction with national chains at Shoreline Place and said he would follow up on data. He noted that staff is focused on codes that encourage service connections.
  • Vice Chair Brinson emphasized the need for marketing connectivity to attract visitors from outside the city.
  • Chair Mosier asked if growth is concentrated in certain sectors; Daum cited state privacy laws but will check. Chair Mosier also wondered about zoning lapses near light rail stations. Daum noted opportunities within existing code and that decisions may be needed on preserving some areas for non-residential uses.

Key Outcomes

• For the Bicycle Parking Code: Staff will gather data on average development sizes, provide case studies, and further refine the rates and tiered approach. The Commission leaned toward a citywide uniform rate (either the higher or lower column) and will revisit with a final draft.
• For the Economic Development Strategic Plan: The Commission provided feedback on financial assistance, permit costs, data granularity, zoning for non-residential uses, and marketing connectivity. Daum will incorporate comments and present the plan to City Council in May.
• The next regular Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for March 6, 2025, but may be canceled due to a lack of agenda items. A joint meeting with City Council is planned for March 24, 2025.