Planning Commission sets May 7 hearings for Columbia Heights rezone and 4511 Ocean Beach annexation after notice failures

Planning Commission members voted to set two Planning Commission public hearings for May 7: a rehearing of the 3009 Columbia Heights rezone (previously noticed on March 5 but later deemed insufficiently published) and a hearing on the 4511 Ocean Beach Highway annexation comprehensive‑plan amendment.

Staff told the commission they discovered earlier in the week that the local newspaper (Daily News) had been hacked and that public notices for several items did not publish on schedule. Staff said the failure affected two Community Development items including the March 5 Columbia Heights rezone hearing and a master fee‑schedule item; attorneys advised treating those items as not sufficiently noticed and redoing the hearings. Staff said the fee schedule matter will return to City Council as planned and that the Columbia Heights rezone must be reheard by the Planning Commission with proper notice.

On the Ocean Beach annexation, staff described an 11‑parcel area proposed for annexation and that the applicant is seeking to amend the comprehensive plan designation for two parcels currently designated community commercial to high‑density residential because they are developed with multifamily apartments. Staff said the annexation method being used involves the 60 percent valuation petition method and that 10 percent of the property value is sufficient to initiate the annexation petition; final approval of annexation is granted by City Council and requires additional petition thresholds (staff described the valuation method and alternative 60 percent methods during the discussion).

Commissioners asked staff for clarifications about city boundary lines, what percentage of landowner support is required to initiate and to finalize annexation under the valuation method, and which properties in the map area are multifamily versus single family. Staff answered that the applicant used the valuation method (10 percent to initiate; 60 percent valuation method for final petition measures), and explained that utilities, tax rates and primary emergency response are common reasons property owners seek annexation.

The commission voted to set the public hearings for May 7 for both the Columbia Heights rezone and the 4511 Ocean Beach Highway Annexation comprehensive‑plan amendment. Staff said they will initiate required Department of Commerce notices and the public comment period after the commission’s actions.

Commissioners also discussed whether the Planning Commission or Council should initiate a separate item to extend the overlay to an adjacent portion of the Highlands; staff said either body could initiate an amendment and recommended waiting to see how Council reacts to the material forwarded from this meeting.