Planning commission backs WinCo-adjacent commercial buildings, adds awning requirement

The Washington City Planning Commission voted 5-0 June 18 to recommend approval of a conditional use permit for two new commercial buildings adjacent to WinCo Foods at 135 West Buena Vista Boulevard, with an added condition that three awnings be placed on the Buena Vista-facing sides of the buildings.

Staff said the project, submitted by the WinCo Foods ownership group, includes Building A (about 6,000 square feet) with a drive-through and outdoor patio and Building B (about 5,000 square feet) with outdoor patio space; each building can be divided for up to three tenants. The applicant’s site plan shows 66 parking spaces; city code requires 60 for the proposed restaurant/retail mix. Staff noted the previously approved WinCo project provided 108 stalls.

The commission’s action came after a staff presentation and a public hearing in which the project architect, Nathan (architect for WinCo Foods), said the applicant had no exceptions to staff conditions and would work with WinCo on signage for future tenants. Resident Sarah Thomas urged commissioners to prioritize pedestrian safety and asked that the city consider a crossing on Buena Vista Boulevard; staff said a signal is planned at Brio Drive and would include pedestrian features.

Commissioners raised design concerns about the elevations that will face Buena Vista Boulevard; several members said the façades appear like the “back” of a building when viewed from the street. Commissioner Bullock suggested awnings or other treatments to make the Buena Vista-facing facades more inviting. Commissioner Anderson made the motion to recommend approval with staff’s four findings and 14 conditions and a 15th condition requiring three awnings on the rear elevations; Commissioner Mitchell seconded. Voting was Anderson — aye; Mitchell — aye; Tupelo — aye; Davis — aye; Bullock — aye. The item will go to city council with a recommendation for approval.

Project details recorded in the staff report include maximum building heights of about 26 feet and exterior materials of metal paneling, brick veneer and stucco. Staff said future buildings on the same parcel will require conditional use approval.

The commission did not set any additional requirements on tenant selection or signage beyond the city’s sign ordinance limits, which staff said controls sign size by frontage percentage but not color or detailed placement. The recommendation package forwarded to city council will include the motion language, the 15 conditions as approved and staff findings.