Shoreline Planning Commission Regular Meeting - April 3, 2025

The Shoreline Planning Commission met on April 3, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber at Shoreline City Hall. The meeting focused on two study items: bicycle parking code amendments and elimination of parking minimums citywide. The commission also elected new officers and discussed updating its rules of procedure. No public comments were received.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the agenda as presented.
• Approved the draft minutes of February 20, 2025, as presented.

Public Comments & Testimony

• None.

Discussion Items

• Bicycle Parking Development Code Amendments (Study Item 6a): Senior Planner Alicia Halberg presented an updated draft code. Key discussion points included:
  • Should multifamily long-term bike parking have a maximum? Commissioners supported a maximum of approximately 125 bikes, with 80% allowed in units and the remainder in a bike room with a repair station.
  • Should short-term bike parking overlap with required outdoor open space? Commissioners unanimously supported allowing overlap.
  • Should developments providing in-unit bike storage be required to provide a shared bike repair station? Commissioners unanimously supported this requirement.
• Development Code Amendments to Eliminate Parking Minimums Citywide (Study Item 6b): Senior Planner Steve Szafran presented background and council direction. Commissioners discussed several questions:
  • Parking/circulation/loading management plans: Commissioners expressed skepticism, noting such plans could add complexity and delay; they preferred to rely on existing code for loading zones and curb management.
  • Uses that should still require parking: Commissioners generally agreed that no uses should have minimums, as market forces would ensure large retailers like Costco provide parking. Commissioner Brinson raised concerns about car-dependent families with young children.
  • EV charging requirements: Commissioners leaned against requiring EV charging if no parking is provided; if parking is provided, percentages should remain. Some favored focusing on non-driving modes.
  • ADA parking requirements: Commissioners agreed ADA parking should be required even if no general parking is provided, and some suggested increasing the number of accessible spots. Staff will bring back building code requirements.
• Election of Chair & Vice Chair (New Business 8a): Commissioner Mosier nominated Commissioner Brinson for Chair; no other nominations. Motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Cabe nominated Commissioner Mosier for Vice Chair; no other nominations. Motion passed unanimously.
• Planning Commission Rules of Procedure Update (New Business 8b): Planning Director Andrew Bauer proposed consolidating all public comment to the beginning of meetings (except for public hearings) to mirror city council procedures and improve flow. Commissioners expressed support; staff will bring back formal amendments at the next meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Bicycle Parking: Consensus to set a maximum of 125 long-term bike parking spaces for multifamily developments, allow 80% in units with a repair station, and allow short-term bike parking to overlap with required open space.
• Parking Minimums Elimination: Commissioners generally supported eliminating parking minimums citywide, did not favor requiring parking/circulation management plans, and agreed EV charging should not be required if no parking is provided. ADA parking should be required, with details to be refined.
• Officers Elected: Leslie Brinson elected Chair, Christopher Mosier elected Vice Chair.
• Rules of Procedure: Staff directed to bring back amendments to consolidate public comment at the start of meetings.
• Next Meeting: April 17, 2025, will include an introduction to critical areas code update and a vote on rule changes.