[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6158380,"mediaKeyId","5458637-052a2c2c21e9d280ef2a851cf7eadc53","parentId",5458637,"title","Planning commission amends minutes and approves agenda changes; formally reorders agenda to allow second public comment","audioSeconds",5713,"startMs",166000,"endMs",5879000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5458637-052a2c2c21e9d280ef2a851cf7eadc53&start=166&end=5879","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5458637-052a2c2c21e9d280ef2a851cf7eadc53/thumbnail_166000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6158380/Washington/Planning-commission-amends-minutes-and-approves-agenda-changes-formally-reorders-agenda-to-allow-second-public-comment","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6158380-171d6b8e726ee3fa12a9c3fabe2ef594/orig.mp4?Expires=1775286680&Signature=aCtCiraIbU6LXu-Fq6PyamePhn2OLER9sE7VyX9QeIYlyBTNnTX2PaB2wUHuH~3w238ARx5jRHQn4cOk1wNmyUFcfQUMHtC9kuzQ1ODTtgAmRXM2yTURumvMGQKRYorLTWNOHdo91xs0P8jmaDORJsFVCFvs0SlX0TOUy8GfmdSXLG3EgPZhMxWfRsQtc1YQ8bXTb2MsdvOOO6s~BfUNBdxPe6PlpXZ5fDUwz10h0wzZm~E0I5RBMjDGmUSFLOiOx1aYEAEeSMUza0cna4-UL-qSn0bRf0Ih5ffN~JXOYxIPhNmZNd-nj3RiQRhYJwMp~IOOeT0ITxJR1jyQRRBjBw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Newcastle, WA","date","2025-07-24T05:51:52.903Z","article","The Newcastle Planning Commission opened its July 22 meeting with approval of the agenda and an amendment to the June 25 minutes to reflect an earlier vote mentioned by Commissioner Lowe. After substantive discussion on critical areas, a formal motion was made and seconded to change the meeting agenda so that a second public comment period would occur before the zoning map presentation. The motion passed with all commissioners present voting in favor.

Chair Gadsick called for any changes to the posted agenda and, seeing none, the commission considered the agenda approved. Commissioners then approved an amendment to the June 25 minutes after Vice Chair Troutman and Commissioner Lowe raised that a prior recorded vote had been mischaracterized in the draft minutes.

Later in the meeting, Vice Chair Troutman moved to change the order of the agenda to allow audience members who had questions about the critical areas item to speak again before the zoning map discussion; another commissioner seconded. The chair called the vote; commissioners responded in the affirmative and the agenda change took effect. The commission then held a second public comment period focused on the critical areas ordinance discussion.

Ending: The procedural changes were recorded in the meeting minutes and the second public comment period was completed; staff and commissioners proceeded with the rezoning presentation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2025-07-22 Planning Commission","oneSentenceSummary","Commission approved its agenda and amended the June 25 minutes, then later voted to change the order of business so a second public comment period would precede the zoning discussion.","taxTitle","City Council Meetings, Newcastle, King County, Washington","taxId",71821,"location","Washington","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6158385,"Planning commission reviews proposed zoning map changes; staff flags city-owned parcel as candidate for affordable housing study",1311,6537000,7848000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5458637-052a2c2c21e9d280ef2a851cf7eadc53&start=6537&end=7848","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5458637-052a2c2c21e9d280ef2a851cf7eadc53/thumbnail_6537000.jpg","/articles/6158385/Washington/Planning-commission-reviews-proposed-zoning-map-changes-staff-flags-city-owned-parcel-as-candidate-for-affordable-housing-study","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6158385-3c815fcbaa206ca7f7a5b4ba9b9862bd/orig.mp4?Expires=1775286680&Signature=O8eG5ecTb65QsyiPTjMwPJJWmDOB8SPwhyWwr-zrWoR-1LSN70NvHfhVo2~i8lIi1NmZfi3JQCdkwQnGqJFarn8YSYS8ifRqYD65bnGQeXe17HilkI5-XRBRktsxNSPs-O-iCrt7~HGpRMDwahkdOYart2v8laGDSW1yREQtkR4EMAIfZjhXudPBKydlobe1yis6MuepZ23edWJCPMLUltUhcaeM1tX0jbLg~Ctl7yObC6cpIyc5yglJEk~11HrW-vf6PtUQL-wqXhvTcwUxCfR0l5BLie6xTNAiGeud1GPA5mO5HqwdLfjnkdvyMOAxPyz5N1PhdPunEnYz-tGrXQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Newcastle Planning Commission reviewed proposed updates to the zoning map July 22, considering potential rezones in several neighborhoods and identifying a city-owned parcel as a candidate for further study for affordable or workforce housing.

Planning Director Erin Fitzgibbons presented the map changes and staff recommendations. Key items discussed included retaining R-12 zoning for a steep parcel near Coal Creek Parkway (staff cited historic aerials showing prior structures and potential access), considering rezoning small clusters near May Valley Road and Dashwood at May Creek to R-4 or R-6 for consistency with surrounding development, and addressing a Highland neighborhood request to match zoning to existing house patterns.

Commissioners asked staff to contact neighborhood HOA leadership (Highlands) and property owners where staff had not yet received responses. Staff said two property owners contacted about May Valley parcels had either declined or requested more information, and recommended not proceeding on rezones without demonstrated property-owner interest. For one city-owned parcel near Lake Warren and Bridal Creek, staff noted existing utilities and trail access and recommended a feasibility study and outreach; Commissioners suggested exploring Habitat for Humanity or Arch (affordable-housing consultant) involvement and directed staff to pursue preliminary feasibility and cost information with city council coordination as needed.

Other items discussed: consistency of zoning across the Alterra subdivision (staff neutral; critical-area tracks constrain buildable areas), the status of a locally notable commercial parcel (Porter Jensen Jewelry) where staff will attempt further contact before recommending any change, and clarifying a desire to rename some open-space zoning categories (staff suggested “City Open Space” for municipal parcels and leaving “Limited Open Space” for private/open areas).

Ending: Commissioners directed staff to continue outreach, attempt additional contact with property owners and HOA leadership, and prepare a public hearing on the zoning map at the August meeting if a quorum is available. Staff said a zoning-map hearing could be scheduled for August and that final ordinance language would be prepared before any adoption action.","Commissioners reviewed proposed rezones across several neighborhoods and asked staff to pursue further outreach and feasibility work, including exploring a city-owned parcel for potential workforce or Habitat for Humanity housing.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6158390,"Planning commission weighs larger wetland and stream buffers; residents seek exemptions and grandfathering",5280,1260000,6540000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5458637-052a2c2c21e9d280ef2a851cf7eadc53&start=1260&end=6540","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5458637-052a2c2c21e9d280ef2a851cf7eadc53/thumbnail_1260000.jpg","/articles/6158390/Washington/Planning-commission-weighs-larger-wetland-and-stream-buffers-residents-seek-exemptions-and-grandfathering","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6158390-4060b404b90f54ca83600c2c685d9260/orig.mp4?Expires=1775286680&Signature=Q56Yy0jfMMpB3tbIAAFj3Dwr2s4K1y6rAlH7bmrrdxvyJGcL7bYQoXjgmx3bPuIOxZYgvBbtxiDbHNh-yPSfXA8tVmH4J2gffrJwz2aToZg-hY2UpNStsocj2uy~4f0WcfkefrzR0ltP~MvxBIxdDH3VGuRaBrRvHJfgvPqAcJu6N3S93RAvcYuiXVYOhcO6ckedI17zyaBvca567ln3m06gQZj6IU06H5c-gxB9OjzolleN-ewQDt6I7986gcnTfuKCz8mo-T9Dk4TXLviYvH5NeFm0I7A9US9z~ttutUkJv8ATpZS2hV-urHa-~qb9Yo-NitTvi4WII9OvXktnqw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Newcastle Planning Commission discussed proposed updates to the city’s critical areas ordinance July 22, focusing on larger wetland and stream buffers, how to apply state “best available science,” and potential exemptions or grandfathering for existing lots.

Director Erin Fitzgibbons and consultants from Shockey Planning Group presented the draft. Darcy Miller, senior wetland biologist with Shockey Planning Group, described wetland categorization (categories 1–4) and how habitat score and land-use impact (low, moderate, high) factor into buffer-size recommendations. Miller said the draft also retains options such as buffer averaging and mitigation measures that can reduce required buffer widths when applicants implement specified best-practice measures.

Fitzgibbons and the consultants said the proposed changes are intended to align Newcastle’s code with state guidance — principally the Growth Management Act (RCWs), the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) guidance on best available science, and recommendations from the Department of Ecology and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). For streams, DNR’s riparian management zone guidance and tree-height science were discussed; staff noted DNR suggests a 100-foot minimum buffer in many cases and that DNR’s method can produce substantially larger buffer widths than the city currently uses.

Residents who received July 2 notification letters told commissioners the proposed setbacks could cut into home footprints and yards. Jan Drange, who said her family has owned property on Lake Boren since the 1930s, asked the commission to keep a 110-foot setback rather than increase it to 150 feet so future owners could build and see the lake. Deb Huizenga, of Pleasant Cove, and Chelsea Adams, of the Lake Washington Bridge neighborhood, said the draft’s language in the notice was unclear and asked whether existing homes would be grandfathered, whether rebuilds after fire or earthquake would have to conform to new setbacks, and whether property tax assessments would change to reflect lost development rights. Jerzy Bialchevski and other residents said some mapped wetlands appeared to be runoff or temporary features, not true wetlands.

Commissioners pressed staff for clarity on exemptions and grandfathering options. Fitzgibbons and the consultants described three main approaches: adopt DNR-style riparian management zones (which can require very large buffers tied to tree heights), use a hybrid, or adopt more traditional fixed-width buffers with required restoration to reduce buffer widths. The consultants pointed to other cities’ models: Sammamish and Anacortes have used differing approaches (Sammamish used smaller buffers with restoration requirements; Anacortes implemented riparian management zones and offered recorded-subdivision exemptions and specific square-foot limits for additional clearing).

Staff proposed options to reduce the burden on existing homeowners, including:
- Exempting existing recorded subdivisions or existing building footprints from new buffer rules, with objective criteria (examples discussed included limits on additional cleared area — staff cited a 2,500–2,800 square-foot threshold used by other cities).
- Allowing administrative variances that would let existing structures or modest additions remain or be rebuilt (staff suggested a 5-foot building setback administrative variance for existing, nonconforming structures in some cases).
- Shortening required mitigation monitoring from five years to three years for smaller plantings (staff suggested 2,500 square feet as a cutoff consistent with clearing/permit thresholds).

Commissioners sought an analysis of how many properties would be affected under a 100-foot minimum buffer versus the draft buffers and asked staff to map those impacts. Fitzgibbons said staff will produce GIS analyses showing the number of parcels affected and will post links and resources on the city website, including plat maps and the public mapping tool used for notifications. Staff also noted the draft has been submitted for the 60-day Commerce review and that the public hearing is scheduled for Sept. 24 at 6 p.m.

The commission agreed to continue the discussion in August and asked staff to return with more detail on exemption and grandfathering options, the legal and tax implications, examples from Sammamish and Anacortes, and parcel counts for a 100-foot buffer scenario. Fitzgibbons said she would also include assessor-related guidance in response letters to residents who asked about tax consequences.

Ending: Staff emphasized that the proposal remains a draft and that changes are likely before the September public hearing. The commission encouraged continued public input and said staff would circulate additional materials and GIS analyses in advance of the next meeting.","City planners proposed larger buffers for wetlands and streams under a draft critical areas ordinance update. Staff said the proposals draw on state guidance; residents and commissioners pressed for exemptions or grandfathering for existing lots and clarity on costs, tax impacts and next steps.","actionData","errors"]

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Planning commission amends minutes and approves agenda changes; formally reorders agenda to allow second public comment

Planning commission reviews proposed zoning map changes; staff flags city-owned parcel as candidate for affordable housing study

Planning commission weighs larger wetland and stream buffers; residents seek exemptions and grandfathering