Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Annexation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council hears staff briefing on Des Moines boundary petition tied to HOA permitting dispute
Summary
City staff outlined three options after an HOA sought a boundary adjustment so Des Moines could handle a hillside permitting issue; council asked staff to invite the HOA and clarify implications for residents, permitting costs, and long-term hillside maintenance.
City staff explained a petition to adjust a roughly half‑acre boundary so that a parcel currently in Normandy Park but owned by a Des Moines entity would fall under Des Moines jurisdiction.
Staff said the HOA hired consultants for permitting but ran into Normandy Park's 'critical areas' report requirement, which the HOA described as costly and cumbersome. “Des Moines has recently confirmed with us…they see us as 3 options,” staff summarized: approve the boundary adjustment and allow Des Moines to take on permitting and the project; deny the adjustment and leave permitting with the HOA and Normandy Park; or approve the map change but proceed only if HOA and Des Moines reach a separate agreement.
Why it matters: Council members flagged implications beyond permitting: whether residents understand that shifting a parcel to Des Moines changes which city enforces land‑use code, who bears costs for stabilization, and whether Des Moines will follow through on slope work over time. One councilor urged the staff to ensure the HOA president and residents understand “all the ramifications of this change.”
Council questions focused on technical and governance details: whether the two cities' critical‑areas report requirements differ; whether prior environmental/geotechnical work could be reused; whether Des Moines' takeover would relieve homeowners of study costs; and the correct ownership and tax records for the parcel. Staff noted the parcel currently appears under Normandy Park taxing authority in assessor records and said they will confirm details.
Next steps: Staff will invite the HOA (and requested representatives from Des Moines if feasible) to a future meeting or provide a clear written statement from the HOA confirming support and awareness of consequences. Council requested a concise list of the key yes/no points they want from the HOA so staff can write a clear letter back.
Provenance: topicintro=SEG 1651, topfinish=SEG 2639
