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Wednesday, October 15, 2025

6:30 PM · 41m 38s · Council Chambers, 135 E. Sunset Way, Issaquah WA
Topic tracked across meetings:
Blue Fern Development LLC Fee in Lieu of Frontage Improvement Agreement for Newport Way NW and NW Holly St AB 9147 1/2
Section
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
2a
Minutes of September 03, 2025
packet pp.5–9
Staff report:
MINUTES DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION 6:30 p.m. – Wednesday, September 3, 2025
4. PUBLIC HEARING
4a
Site Development Permit Application for 60 Newport Way Townhomes, Quasi- Judicial (A)
Emily Medina, Senior Planner Cliff Low, Owner/Applicant Application No.: SDP23-00005; PRJ21- Location:60 Newport Way NW Parcel:2824069241 Applicant: Clifford Low Description: Site Development Permit NW. Public Hearing Order: · packet pp.11–751
Topics: Land UseTransportation
Staff report:
STAFF REPORT Site Development Permit File No SDP23-00005 (PRJ21-00030) October 8, 2025
5. REGULAR BUSINESS
5a
Vote on November Special Meeting Date
Emily Medina, Senior Planner
6. REPORTS
6a
City Council Update
7. OTHER BUSINESS / ANNOUNCEMENTS
7a
Upcoming Schedule
packet pp.753
Staff report:
Development Commission 2025 Schedule (subject to change)
0:06 All right, good evening and welcome. I
0:07 would like to call the October 15th City
0:09 of Isqua Development Commission meeting
0:11 to order at 6:39 p.m. As a reminder, we
0:16 have a remote aspect to our meetings.
0:17 This means both staff and members of the
0:19 public may be participating in the
0:21 meeting meeting remotely via WebEx. For
0:24 those attending remotely, if you have
0:25 questions or issues, please send the
0:27 host a chat message or email staff at
0:29 emilyme
0:32 isqua wa.gov.
0:36 Excused absences for this meeting are
0:38 Commissioner Iicada, Brennan Price, and
0:41 Stancheek,
0:43 alternate member Jeff Mayo is filling on
0:45 as a regular member, and uh Commissioner
0:49 Foon is remote.
0:52 Our
0:54 first item of business is to take action
0:55 on meeting minutes for September 3rd,
0:57 2025. Has everyone had a chance to
1:00 review the minutes?
1:02 How do we
1:05 talk to the people online?
1:08 >> Um, commissioners online, you can unmute
1:11 yourselves to speak. Commissioner Mayo,
1:12 if you could turn your camera on,
1:14 please. Thank you.
1:15 >> Sure.
1:20 >> Give me one second, please. having a
1:21 little difficulty. Just one second.
1:26 >> All right. Uh, all commissioners, are
1:28 are there any corrections to the
1:29 September 3rd minutes provided in the
1:31 agenda packet?
1:35 Hearing none, the minutes are approved
1:36 as submitted.
1:38 Next, I would like to open the floor to
1:40 any members of the public in person or
1:42 virtually who would like to make a
1:43 general comment, not about the 60
1:45 Newport Way project, but on general
1:47 topics. This will there will be an
1:49 opportunity later in the meeting for
1:51 those who would like to comment about
1:52 the project on tonight's agenda.
1:56 Miss Jackson, has anyone signed up to
1:58 make general public comments?
2:00 >> No, they have not.
2:02 >> Okay. Would anyone in person like to
2:04 make general public comments? Okay.
2:10 >> Is it a general comment or on 60
2:12 Newport?
2:21 Okay, then please wait. Yeah.
2:24 >> No, wait. Wait until later.
2:28 >> All right. No general comments.
2:32 The order of operation for this hearing
2:34 will be as follows. First, the purpose
2:35 of the public hearing followed by our
2:38 appearance of fairness doctrines. Then
2:40 we'll open the public hearing with a
2:42 staff presentation followed by applicant
2:44 presentation. Then open the floor to
2:46 public comment. Opportunity for rebuttal
2:48 by staff by applicant then staff and we
2:51 will close the public hearing followed
2:54 by commission deliberation
2:56 and commission action, motions,
2:58 amendments, discussions and vote. Then
3:01 we will conclude the agenda item on the
3:03 quasi judicial permit.
3:05 If for any reason the hearing cannot be
3:07 completed this evening, it may be
3:08 continued to a specific date.
3:12 The purpose of this public hearing is a
3:15 formal public hearing for the proposed
3:16 site development permit for 60 Newport
3:19 Way. The purpose of this hearing is to
3:21 solicit relevant public comment and
3:23 facilitate the review, discussion, and
3:25 decision on the application by the
3:27 development commission. This is a quasi
3:29 judicial hearing.
3:31 Miss Medina, please proceed with our
3:33 appearance of fairness disclosures.
3:48 There we go. Thank you, Commissioner
3:49 Sher. I'm just going to get my
3:50 presentation up and rolling.
4:00 [Music]
4:11 All right. So, we will go through the
4:12 appearance of fairness. If commissioners
4:14 online could just unmute themselves for
4:16 this portion to respond to each
4:17 question. Um, that would be great. I'm
4:20 Emily Medina, the senior planner with
4:21 the city of Isaakqua. Um, and in 60
4:23 Newport Way is one of my assigned
4:25 projects. Um so to go through uh the
4:28 parents of fairness the quasi judicial
4:30 decisions context um it requires
4:32 proceedings to be fair in fact and
4:34 appearance exparte contacts are
4:36 prohibited and the test is would a
4:38 disinterested person knowing the
4:40 totality of a decision maker's personal
4:42 interest in a matter be reasonably
4:43 justified in thinking that partiality
4:45 may exist. Decision makers who have
4:47 personal interest, prejudgment of issues
4:49 or partiality are disqualified from the
4:51 proceedings.
4:53 I will go through these questions one by
4:55 one for the commissioners. Um and if you
4:57 could just respond in the affirmative or
5:00 no if um how you agree with these. Uh
5:03 number one, do you have a personal
5:04 interest financial or otherwise in the
5:06 outcome?
5:07 >> No.
5:08 >> No.
5:08 >> No.
5:10 >> Does your employer have an interest
5:11 financial or otherwise in the outcome?
5:14 >> No.
5:14 >> No. Do you have any familial, social, or
5:18 business relationships or connections
5:19 with any of the parties or nonparties
5:21 who have an interest in the outcome?
5:23 >> No.
5:24 >> No.
5:25 >> Do you have any special knowledge about
5:26 the substantive or the merits of this
5:28 proceeding which would or could cause
5:30 you to perure the outcome?
5:32 >> No.
5:32 >> No.
5:35 >> Will there be any prospective employment
5:37 for you or your family as a result of
5:39 the decision?
5:40 >> No.
5:41 >> No.
5:41 >> No.
5:42 Do you own or control property within
5:44 300 ft of the subject property?
5:47 >> No.
5:48 >> No.
5:49 >> Have you had any exparte communications
5:51 regarding this project?
5:53 >> No.
5:53 >> No.
5:54 >> No.
5:56 >> Do you believe you can sit and hear this
5:57 matter fairly and impartially both as to
5:59 the respective positions of the
6:01 proponents and the opponents of this
6:02 matter?
6:03 >> Yes.
6:04 >> Yes.
6:05 >> Yes.
6:06 >> Uh questions for the audience. Does
6:09 anyone in attendance wish to challenge
6:10 the participation of any commissioner
6:12 based on the parents of fairness
6:13 doctrine?
6:16 If you have any objection, raise your
6:17 hand. Or if we have any virtual
6:18 attendees, they can type objection into
6:20 the chat window. Do we have any virtual?
6:23 All right.
6:25 All right. Thank you. Now, I open the
6:28 public hearing at 6:45 p.m.
6:33 First, we'll proceed with the staff
6:34 presentation. Emily, I'll need to swear
6:36 you in. Please state your name and
6:38 position with the city for the record.
6:40 >> Emily Medina, senior planner. Do you
6:42 swear by oath or affirmation that the
6:44 testimony you are about to provide is
6:46 true? I do. Thank you. Please proceed.
6:49 All right. Good evening everybody. We're
6:51 here to talk about the 60 Newport Way
6:53 site development permit.
6:57 So I will go through my presentation if
6:59 it would proceed.
7:02 There we go. Um project information,
7:05 it's located at 60 Newport Way
7:07 Northwest. Um it's in the Isiqua Valley
7:09 neighborhood. Zoning is multi-family
7:12 medium and the land use designation is
7:14 multif family residential. Um this
7:17 project is vested to the 2022 is aqua
7:20 municipal code um which is included as
7:22 an exhibit to the staff report.
7:25 So a summary of the proposal. This is a
7:27 two buildings each has three units and
7:29 is three stories. Um the garages are
7:33 underbuilding garages and there is
7:35 frontage improvements included with this
7:37 um project which in includes rightaway
7:39 dedication to the city. Um the primary
7:41 access is off Newport Way Northwest and
7:43 that includes onto a private drive that
7:45 goes in between the two buildings on the
7:47 site.
7:50 So um again this is vested to the old
7:55 code. So the presentation order may look
7:57 a little bit different to commissioners
7:58 than the previous couple because um
8:00 we're not looking at our 2025 code. So
8:03 parking circulation um two spaces per
8:05 unit are required and two spaces per
8:07 unit are provided in the garages. Of
8:09 those spaces, 60% are allowed to be
8:11 compact and 25% are proposed to be so.
8:16 Non-motorized facilities are required on
8:18 site which is essentially pedestrian
8:20 access. Um on site the applicant has
8:24 requested an AAS which is an
8:26 administrative adjustment of standards
8:28 um to reduce their internal walkway from
8:30 the required 5t width to 3 ft of width.
8:33 This is in order to help them make their
8:35 um impervious surface coverage for the
8:37 site um and the staff report goes
8:38 through the criteria needed to um get as
8:42 approval. staff does recommend approval
8:44 and feel all these criteria are met and
8:46 that a 3-foot width um doesn't violate
8:48 any of our regulations or have a
8:50 negative impact on the project.
8:56 Residential standards um building
8:58 modulation is provided with the
8:59 balconies and entrances for each
9:01 building. It is compatible with the
9:03 surrounding residential character. Isqua
9:05 Valley has quite a few um threestory
9:08 multifamily developments within the
9:10 area. Um the staff report talks about
9:12 there's two single family homes right
9:13 next door um that are vastly different
9:16 um design uh styles um so it's not a
9:21 cohesive one that it needs to adhere to
9:23 in the adjacent areas. Um roof line
9:26 variation is provided in each building
9:28 and outdoor space is provided in two
9:30 locations. Um 288 ft required for
9:34 outdoor space and 3600 provided so far
9:37 exceeding the requirement. Um there is a
9:39 recommended condition around this to
9:40 create usability within the common
9:42 outdoor space. Um right now the spaces
9:45 are heavily landscaped um and don't the
9:48 staff doesn't feel it meets the intent
9:49 of a usable outdoor space. The
9:52 recommendation in the condition is for
9:53 the northwest space which you see on
9:55 your screen there to be revised to
9:57 create some usability. Um that that
9:59 space is recommended as the other
10:01 outdoor space um is not as accessible
10:03 and the outdoor spaces need to be able
10:05 to meet ADA standards.
10:08 For landscaping and trees, type three
10:10 perimeter landscaping is required um
10:12 which is along every setback and is
10:14 provided. Tree retention is required at
10:16 25% and 53% is proposed. Replacement
10:20 trees are required for one tree for
10:22 every 6 in of tree removed. Um 27 trees
10:26 are required but only 22 are proposed.
10:28 So there is a condition to add five
10:29 extra trees to the site.
10:32 As far as environmental protection,
10:34 Isiqua Creek runs adjacent to this site.
10:37 Uh it is a shoreline of the state and it
10:39 has a 150 or excuse me, a 100 foot
10:41 buffer and a 15-ft building setback.
10:44 There's no development proposed in the
10:45 buffer or the setback. Um and there is a
10:48 separate shoreline permit that is
10:49 required and has been issued and
10:51 approved um for the project.
10:55 For lighting, there's a couple standards
10:56 that apply when it comes to multif
10:58 family. Um these are mostly centered
10:59 around the common area including the
11:01 foot candles required which is how um
11:03 bright a space is essentially phototric
11:06 and anal phototric analysis and cut
11:08 sheets will be required with
11:09 construction permitting. Um this is very
11:11 typical of our process that lighting is
11:12 specified during construction
11:14 permitting.
11:16 Um as this was the vested 2022 code we
11:19 use the design criteria checklist. Um
11:22 not going to go through every item on
11:24 there but I just broke it down by the
11:25 section headers. Um so it complies with
11:28 every section. Um the service and
11:30 storage areas isn't applicable and then
11:32 for landscape design um it complies as
11:34 conditioned as there is a recommended
11:35 condition around creating that usable
11:37 open space. Um the design criteria
11:40 checklist is included as exhibit A to
11:42 the staff report that goes through every
11:43 item.
11:47 So SEIPA environmental review um was
11:50 completed for this project. A
11:51 determination of non-significance was
11:53 issued in April of 2024. One comment
11:55 from neighbors was received with
11:57 concerns about construction dust and
11:59 materials um that staff responded to and
12:01 there was no appeal um associated.
12:05 So tonight the commission's possible
12:07 actions are approve as proposed, approve
12:10 with revised andor conditional or
12:12 additional conditions and deny. Um I've
12:15 created a recommended motion um which I
12:17 can leave up after the applicant
12:19 presentation and then bring up again
12:21 later. Um before I go to any questions,
12:24 since we do have two virtual attendants,
12:26 I just want to remind our virtual
12:28 attendees to unmute yourselves if you
12:30 would like to talk and um make sure that
12:32 when we're having discussion tonight to
12:35 give each other longer pauses to allow
12:37 our virtual commissioners to jump in and
12:39 there seems to be just a little bit of a
12:40 lag. So, we just want to make sure we're
12:42 having time for each other. All right,
12:45 with that, is there any questions?
12:48 >> No questions.
12:50 I do have one question just on the
12:51 timing. Um curious have in 22 and and a
12:56 sea permit and 24 and then to now how
12:59 long or why so long and you know
13:02 >> it was a long process. Um this condition
13:05 was not originally mine. It was a
13:06 planner um who's no longer with the
13:07 city. But uh from my understanding it
13:10 came in and there was a lot of confusion
13:12 and back and forth with the city about
13:14 um what the original proposal was if it
13:17 was allowed or not. Um, and that took up
13:19 quite a chunk of time of just figuring
13:22 out the gray area of our code of what
13:24 wanted to be done, if that was allowed.
13:26 And then the project was then revised to
13:29 meet standards. And so it just had a it
13:31 had a long lead time and a healthy chunk
13:34 of that had to do with some internal
13:36 staff discussions around um what was
13:38 allowed on site
13:40 >> and it's still in process. The previous
13:42 guidelines remain.
13:44 >> Yes.
13:45 >> Yeah.
13:45 >> Yes.
13:46 >> Okay.
13:47 >> Yes. They submitted a building
13:48 application with their SB. So that ve
13:50 that's what vested them to the previous
13:52 code is that their building permit um is
13:54 in process as well right now.
13:56 >> Great. Thank you.
13:57 >> You're welcome.
13:59 >> Question on the staff report. Uh page 12
14:02 of the report. It's on the traffic
14:04 analysis.
14:05 It says it was submitted to the city for
14:07 review which listed net new vehicle
14:09 trips as 2.12
14:11 per the IT trip generation manual. Could
14:14 you explain what that means? Does that
14:15 mean two trips per unit or
14:18 >> No, I um from my understanding I would
14:21 say that it so it is the net new trips
14:24 is the afternoon um PM peak hour trips
14:27 and they are given credit for the use
14:28 that was already on site. So there was a
14:30 use already on site. So that would
14:32 reduce the amount of um new trips.
14:35 Beyond that I would have to talk to our
14:37 engineer to get a better understanding
14:38 of it. But that that is my
14:40 understanding.
14:41 >> Yeah. the use that was already on site.
14:43 Is that a single family dwelling?
14:45 >> I believe it was a single family
14:46 dwelling. Yes.
14:47 >> So, here we have 12 autos in these
14:50 units, but only a difference of two
14:52 trips per day.
14:53 >> The trip manual bases it not on the
14:56 amount of cars that are on site, but but
14:58 on the the use um of the site. So, it
15:02 would be I believe the use would be
15:03 single family attached and then that
15:05 assigns a number of trips per unit
15:08 >> um which is
15:10 >> lower than one. And I can't remember the
15:11 exact amount. And then those are added
15:13 together.
15:13 >> Okay.
15:19 >> I see. I see.
15:21 >> Okay. Um
15:22 >> so there was a higher volume than a
15:24 single family house. Okay. Okay. That
15:27 explains it. Thank you.
15:29 >> Uh I have a question on the maximum
15:31 density.
15:32 >> Sure.
15:33 >> Uh it says
15:35 um units per acre. I think it's 5.66 66
15:39 but then proposed is six. Is that
15:43 >> um our code specifies that we um.5 is
15:46 the limit and we round up above that and
15:48 round down below it.
15:49 >> Okay. Thanks.
15:51 Any other commission questions?
15:54 Thank you. Now we'll proceed with the
15:56 applicant's presentation.
16:00 So you can come up here and speak into
16:02 the microphone so our um online can hear
16:05 you. And I will Are you going to hand
16:06 out
16:07 I sure can. I Why don't you hand those
16:10 out and I'll pull it up on my computer
16:11 for the ones online. It's the
16:14 elevations.
16:18 >> I I'll I'll pull it up online for them.
16:20 Don't know.
16:36 >> All right. I will need to swear you in.
16:39 Please state your name for the record.
16:41 >> My My name is Clifford Low.
16:44 >> And do you swear by oath or affirmation
16:46 that the testimony you're about to
16:47 provide is true?
16:48 >> I do. Thank you. Please proceed.
16:51 >> Thank you. Thank you, commissioners, and
16:52 Emily for that presentation. Guests, my
16:55 name is Cliff Lowe, and um I live in
16:58 Isukqua. We moved here a couple years
17:00 ago. We're super excited about the
17:02 community, born and raised in this area.
17:04 Um I'm proposing that we develop two
17:08 triplexes at 60 Newport Way. It's
17:11 replacing a office space, garage, and um
17:17 I think originally it was zoned built as
17:20 a single family home. And so it's a
17:22 roughly a quarter acre um 17,000 square
17:25 ft. Um we've kind of gone through the
17:28 process. It's I you brought up a good
17:30 point. It's been a few years. There's
17:31 been some delays as we're kind of
17:33 working through the code. So that's why
17:35 the the old code is in place. Um, but
17:38 basically I think most of the things
17:39 have been covered by Emily. Um, I think
17:42 the key thing is that we are super
17:44 excited about the fact that it's this
17:46 it's a high walking area. It's just
17:49 right off Sunset. And so um, what we're
17:52 excited about is it gives access to the
17:54 actual urban core um, of Isiqua through
17:57 the through um, just high walkability.
18:00 Um, I think most of the key things are
18:02 going on. It's gone through the
18:03 concurrency process and and SEPHA. So,
18:07 um I think we've done most the work
18:09 that's necessary. Um but we wanted to uh
18:12 have this opportunity obviously just to
18:14 answer any questions you guys might
18:15 have. Um hopefully you guys have had an
18:17 opportunity to to read the staff report.
18:19 I know some of the neighbors are here so
18:21 they have additional questions. Um feel
18:23 free to ask.
18:28 >> One question. Do are there any issues
18:29 you have with the conditions that have
18:31 been added to the staff report?
18:33 >> No. No, they seem totally reasonable. So
18:36 yeah, we'll be adjusting the open space
18:39 uh with the landscape plan. And I think
18:41 one of the things that can also be used
18:42 is the is the decks part of the open
18:45 space. So it makes sense because one of
18:46 the issues is how accessible it is. And
18:49 I think the decks will cover part of it.
18:51 But we'll definitely be reworking the
18:53 landscape to meet those needs.
18:57 Oh, and I think one of the questions is
18:59 um we want to make sure that the that um
19:02 Jean's um Jean, what's your last name?
19:06 >> McMullen. She has a property on the
19:08 southeast corner of our property and
19:11 part of her drain field um intrudes onto
19:13 our property. And so we want to make
19:15 sure that um that we don't infringe on
19:19 that. But I think one of the things
19:20 we've talked about is granting an
19:22 easement so that in the future if she
19:24 wants to tap into the public uh sewer
19:27 system, she can work on that.
19:31 >> Yes.
19:32 >> Question for you. Uh on the color board
19:34 there's material called Avante aluminum
19:36 and glass garage. Is that material
19:39 that's going to be used on the garage
19:40 doors?
19:41 >> I think so. Yes, that's I didn't bring
19:44 the color bar, but yes. And I know that
19:46 when I was talking to Vicki um Valerie,
19:49 she said that there's some there's you
19:51 can play with it a little bit. So those
19:53 that was the plan um a year and a half
19:55 ago, two years ago, but um Okay.
19:59 Appreciate uh the new colored elevations
20:02 that you provided for us uh especially
20:05 the printed ones tonight. They seem to
20:06 have a little bit more detail than the
20:08 ones we received earlier. Yes.
20:10 >> Yeah. And I'm especially looking at uh I
20:13 guess it would be the south end of
20:14 building one right there. In the view
20:17 before it had the appearance of almost a
20:20 building back with almost no detail in
20:23 it. But here I can see a couple of
20:24 materials and some vertical uh
20:27 separation and so on that adds variation
20:29 to that that. So that's important
20:32 because I think with the Newport Way
20:35 corridor project, we'll have lots more
20:36 people walking and biking there. And so
20:39 we wouldn't want a building that looks
20:41 like the back of a building, but it
20:42 looks as though you have that covered
20:44 here. So
20:44 >> yeah. No, I I do like how they turned
20:46 out. Actually, let me provide um my
20:48 email address because some of the people
20:50 that are online may want access to it.
20:52 We provided this packet in print. I
20:54 didn't think to to create an electronic
20:56 version. So my email address is cliff cl
20:59 i ff m as in michael lwgmail.com.
21:04 So feel free to reach out with any
21:05 questions or if you'd like that packet I
21:07 can send it to you. Also notice that uh
21:10 on the color board some of the material
21:12 colors weren't exactly like these. The
21:15 the roofing material onx black for
21:18 example looks like pure black in in the
21:21 color board but in the various
21:23 elevations here we have a lighter color.
21:25 >> Yes. So
21:27 you have a sense of which it might be.
21:30 >> We're we're moving more towards the
21:32 definitely towards the colored ones that
21:33 you
21:34 >> that we see here. Okay, that's great.
21:35 >> Exactly. That's great.
21:36 >> So
21:39 >> I think the contrast is much nicer. So
21:45 >> any commissioner questions online?
21:48 >> No questions.
21:55 in person. You guys
21:58 all right? Thank you.
21:59 >> Thank you.
22:00 >> Now, we'll move into the public comment
22:02 portion of the hearing. Miss Jackson,
22:04 has anyone signed up to comment on this
22:06 topic?
22:07 >> No, they have not.
22:08 >> Okay. Well, I see we have people in
22:10 person. So, um
22:13 >> do I remain here or do I?
22:14 >> Uh you can take a seat and then if
22:16 there's a question you need to answer,
22:17 you return up here. Thank you.
22:20 >> All right.
22:22 For those making comment in person,
22:24 please direct your comments to the
22:25 development commission and not
22:26 individuals. For in-person attendees,
22:29 you will need to step to the lectern.
22:32 When is your turn to speak, state your
22:34 name, speak clearly and pause frequently
22:36 and limit your comments to 5 minutes.
22:39 Personal attacks, obscene language,
22:41 derogatory remarks, and disruptive
22:42 behavior such as shouting, bullying,
22:44 clapping, and stomping feet will not be
22:46 permitted.
22:49 Is there anyone in person who would like
22:51 to speak
22:56 >> to this right here in the middle? Yeah.
23:02 >> Uh yeah. Um my name is Tenjian Kai. Uh
23:06 I'm the property owner in the 25.
23:12 Yeah. My name is Tenjian Kai. Uh I'm the
23:15 property owner in the 255 northwest
23:18 outer court. It's in the immediate north
23:21 of this project. Um so my cons uh I have
23:26 three concerns for this project. The
23:28 first one is the solar access. Um uh the
23:33 new town the new threetory townhouse
23:35 will be only a few feet uh close to the
23:40 border. So it seems like during the
23:43 winter time my home will be covered in
23:45 the shade for the entire day for months.
23:48 Uh so so I'm I want to know if the
23:52 developer have any plan to improve that.
23:56 Uh the second one is the privacy. Um I
24:00 saw in the in in the plan there are a a
24:05 big living room window as well as two
24:07 bedroom window that uh in the north side
24:10 of the townhouse. Uh these windows can
24:13 easily look look into my bedroom window
24:17 and the living room window. Uh as I
24:21 don't see the the windows in the in the
24:24 other townhouse in the north side of the
24:26 other townhouse. I want to know if the
24:29 developer can align this design and
24:31 remove these windows. Uh the third one
24:34 is the uh traffic. Um there will be a
24:39 new driveway in this prop in this
24:41 project and this driveway uh turns 90
24:45 degrees and it will directly point to my
24:49 uh bedroom window. So I'm worrying about
24:52 the headlights as well as the noise to
24:56 come into my home because there's no
24:58 buffer and the driveway directly go to
25:00 their borders. Yeah. Uh these are my
25:04 concerns. Thank you.
25:06 >> Thank you.
25:09 >> Would anyone else present like to speak?
25:15 >> Good evening. I'm Jean McMullen. own the
25:18 house just to is that north? You said
25:20 north
25:21 >> east
25:23 >> south
25:24 >> southeast
25:25 >> southeast.
25:26 >> And I'm Katie McMullen. I'm her daughter
25:28 >> and she lives in the house that's next
25:30 door. Um
25:33 >> third generation of owning that house.
25:35 Um our our main concern is the water
25:38 line runs through Cliff's property and
25:40 we are also on a septic. Um
25:44 concerns about being able to hook up. I
25:47 have found that I do have an easement
25:50 through Dalbotton's property that was
25:52 purchased by the city but um
25:56 I just
25:57 >> we're
26:00 trying not to be an island but next to
26:02 the city uh next to the creek. Cliff,
26:04 thank you for addressing that earlier.
26:05 I'm not supposed to talk to
26:07 >> Yeah, thank you for addressing that
26:09 earlier. Um but our main concern is
26:11 accessibility to city sewer, city water,
26:15 um should we need that in the future and
26:17 what that looks like with development in
26:19 between us and Newport Way.
26:22 >> We met with Patrick Kenny and Elaine
26:24 came out and said that our waterline
26:27 would be protected. Um so that needs to
26:30 be addressed somehow with the final
26:33 plan. Um and then uh parking is a
26:37 concern for us because of the park that
26:41 has been created back there. Um two cars
26:44 per unit uh per square footage. We
26:47 realize there will probably be some kids
26:49 or teenagers or whatever and they will
26:52 most likely come back to park on the
26:54 back um on our driveway.
26:57 >> Yeah, if looking at it, our driveway
26:59 extends to Jen's driveway and that
27:01 street on Alder. Um, so the concern
27:05 would be the pass through on our uh
27:07 driveway.
27:10 >> Those are our concerns. Thank you.
27:12 >> All right. Thank you.
27:19 >> And is there anyone else who would like
27:21 to speak?
27:23 Okay.
27:25 Um, does the applicant have any rebuttal
27:28 to these comments?
27:36 Yeah, sure. I I appreciate those
27:38 comments. So, a couple things. I um Jen
27:40 is Jen.
27:42 >> Yeah. So, I will provide the renderings
27:44 so he can see. Just be prepared. I think
27:46 there's like 50 ft of distance, not so I
27:50 get that it's feels intrusive. So, but
27:52 I'll at least get provide those
27:53 renderings for you. And then yeah, I
27:55 think in the staff report they requires
27:57 that we and we would absolutely make
27:59 sure that your water lines protected and
28:01 so I think that's part of the purpose of
28:03 creating an easement. I think one of the
28:04 reasons when when we originally applied
28:06 is we wanted to immediately add you as
28:08 part of the project but the problem is
28:11 that you are in the um the is it called
28:13 the native growth area? It the wetland
28:16 buffer and so if we applied it brings
28:19 all the wetland issues involved. Um but
28:22 if we provide an easement then you can
28:24 apply for to access the sewer line so we
28:28 can bring it pretty close to the wet
28:30 wetland buffer and so that'll allow this
28:33 is just a sewer line waterland will be
28:35 will be will be added but I think that's
28:37 the it's a really good solution. The
28:39 reason why I think it's a good solution
28:40 is that you can continue to use the
28:42 septic system until it fails and then
28:44 when it fails you have an easement for
28:46 perpetuity so that you can access um you
28:50 have rights to access the sor line and
28:52 so yeah and so I think those are the
28:55 main issues.
28:56 >> Okay. Um I also noted the parking
28:59 question.
29:00 >> Oh yes. So I it there is that challenge,
29:03 but it is meeting this the city code and
29:06 I think there's it's close to rapid
29:08 transit and it's you know it's downtown
29:10 and so I think yeah it's I could if I
29:14 yeah I recognize that there is that
29:16 challenge. So
29:18 >> okay thank you and staff do you have a
29:21 rebuttal to the comments?
29:25 so as was mentioned, our engineer
29:29 Patrick Kenny and um Elaine Goober went
29:31 out to look at the um property and there
29:34 are two conditions on our staff report
29:36 that require um the protection of the
29:38 septic and water line and that's also um
29:41 so it's condition on the staff report
29:42 which means that's be met and then it
29:43 will also be evaluated with the
29:44 construction permits. And as far as the
29:47 park in the back of the property, um
29:50 that's what I was talking about about
29:52 making the front one usable versus the
29:54 back being heavily vegetated um and not
29:56 a usable open space. Um so it has um the
30:00 plantings and trees. And then below that
30:03 is the buffer and the um uh the stream
30:08 setback and that will be required as
30:09 part of construction fencing to uh
30:11 construction permitting to have a split
30:12 rail fence along it so that it can't be
30:14 accessed um to and to protect the
30:17 critical area. Um so that will be
30:19 required that it's fenced. So just
30:21 wanted to add those two details to that
30:23 as well. Okay.
30:27 >> Yep.
30:30 What is split rail?
30:33 >> Need to come to the mic.
30:34 >> Oh, yeah.
30:35 >> Yeah. Can you turn on the mic and speak
30:37 into that?
30:38 >> Let's speak.
30:39 >> Hello,
30:40 >> Katie McMullen. Back up. Um, would the
30:42 split rail be between our house and the
30:46 development or would that be on the city
30:48 side?
30:49 >> The um split rail is going to be on
30:52 their we can only require them to put it
30:54 on their property. So, it's going to be
30:55 along the buffer on their property which
30:57 is behind the rear building. Um, so the
31:01 buffer, you know, it extends onto their
31:02 property and then it comes back. So,
31:04 it's going to be along this is the
31:05 building. It's going to be along this
31:07 side.
31:08 >> Got it. Okay. Just trying to get visuals
31:10 with.
31:11 >> Yes. And I um will provide my email too
31:13 and I can we can talk and I can show you
31:15 where it is.
31:16 >> Appreciate it.
31:17 >> Sure.
31:18 >> Is it possible to pull up like Google
31:20 Earth, Google map?
31:21 >> Sure. has to.
31:37 All right.
31:42 So,
31:44 just put a
31:46 just put a point on it.
31:50 Um, this is our project property and I
31:53 believe this is your property.
31:56 >> Yes. Okay. And then the creek is back
31:59 here.
32:08 >> Okay. And the the split rail fence would
32:09 be along that property line.
32:11 >> Let me just pull up the actual So this
32:14 Oh, too much.
32:19 So this is the property line right here.
32:21 And the split split rail fence is going
32:23 to go along the buffer to protect the
32:25 critical area.
32:29 Yep. This is the property line. This
32:31 kind of dashed. And then the split rail
32:33 fence will go right here along the
32:35 property line or sorry not along along
32:38 the buffer.
32:43 >> Yes.
32:45 Okay.
32:46 >> And that that buffer area should not be
32:48 used.
32:49 >> The buffer area cannot and shall not be
32:52 used.
32:52 >> Yeah. There'll be signage.
32:53 >> Correct. So the split split rail fence
32:56 will get critical area signage along it
32:58 that says like this is a protected
33:00 habitat.
33:01 >> Don't go in there.
33:06 >> It will curve along with the uh to
33:08 follow the buffer of the creek.
33:14 to the microphone.
33:15 >> Would you mind turning on the microphone
33:16 just for our online commissioners?
33:19 >> Um, in one of the renderings there was a
33:22 a bit of a dispute
33:24 um with where the apple tree is and
33:28 Ging's property. It looked like it came
33:30 onto the road um that was actually part
33:34 of our street.
33:37 Uh I am not following.
33:40 >> Yeah, I'm trying to find
33:42 >> there was a dispute about the tree or
33:45 the property line or the property line.
33:48 >> Uh it it is the property line
33:52 but where
33:54 >> so
33:59 >> this
34:00 >> the word
34:04 I think
34:04 >> that's the apple tree. So that will be
34:07 protected.
34:09 >> Okay.
34:11 [Music]
34:13 >> Okay.
34:14 >> To the microphone, please. Sorry, you
34:16 have to speak into the microphone.
34:17 >> GG.
34:19 >> How do I point it out? How do you point
34:20 it out? Can you take your arrow
34:23 >> and then where the property line ends
34:25 will
34:28 the split rail
34:30 go to the property line and then head
34:33 north.
34:36 at a straight angle to meet Jingen's
34:38 fence, I guess.
34:39 >> So, the the split rail is only going to
34:42 go along the buffer. So, you can see the
34:43 15 foot buffer is this right here. So,
34:45 it's going to go like this
34:46 >> and stop right there.
34:48 >> Correct.
34:49 >> Okay.
34:49 >> Because the buffer continues this way
34:51 and we require the split rail fence
34:53 along buffer for the protection of the
34:54 critical area.
34:58 >> Okay. Do you see?
34:59 >> So, the tree is with going to be within
35:00 what's going to be a vegetated area.
35:04 The tree is pretty full right now, so I
35:06 think it overgrows. But the split will
35:09 go to
35:12 >> I guess it won't go all the way to where
35:15 the property line is at.
35:17 >> Yeah, it's not going to go to the corner
35:18 of the property.
35:19 >> Okay. All right.
35:21 >> What's your Just help me understand.
35:24 >> No, just Well, we were talking about
35:26 parking and then Oh, there was going to
35:28 be a fence put in, but now the fence
35:30 will not go all the way to the end of
35:32 the property line. Okay. So, but
35:35 >> Oh, sorry everyone. Um, so yeah,
35:37 applicant, please come to the microphone
35:38 to speak.
35:39 >> Yeah,
35:41 >> you can go to come to this one.
35:42 >> Yeah.
35:45 >> So, in all likelihood, well, we'll be
35:48 fencing the north the northeast portion.
35:51 So, I mean, that's partly it's creating
35:53 the the the space for the tenants.
35:55 They're going to want their their space.
35:58 So I I my my thought is they might we
36:02 could we could look at putting a fence
36:05 on the northeast portion between the
36:06 split rail and and the north property
36:09 line.
36:09 >> Okay.
36:10 >> So so it'll create a barrier. So it's
36:12 not perfect because people could
36:13 probably hop over the fence and go
36:15 around, but I think there's there's
36:16 enough of a barrier to
36:18 >> impede most reasonable people except for
36:21 homeless people as you've learned. So
36:23 >> Okay.
36:26 >> Okay. Okay.
36:26 >> Does that answer the question?
36:29 >> I think so. Yeah.
36:30 >> Okay.
36:30 >> Okay. Thank you everyone.
36:35 >> All right.
36:36 >> Question for
36:37 >> Yes.
36:38 >> Just one more. Um
36:39 >> Sure.
36:40 >> Uh Miss Medina. So I understand. So
36:43 there's no requirement for guest parking
36:46 in the 202 code for projects of this
36:49 size. Is that right?
36:50 >> There is not not in the 22 code or in
36:52 the or in our current code either.
36:54 >> Okay. Thank you. Any
36:57 other commissioner questions?
37:02 >> All right.
37:04 >> I guess just one just in terms of
37:07 shading things like that. There isn't
37:10 something that would require a change to
37:13 >> There is not
37:14 >> not in code.
37:18 >> All right. Are there any objections to
37:19 closing the public hearing?
37:22 Hearing no objections, I now close the
37:24 public hearing at
37:26 7:16 p.m.
37:30 Now it's time to move into the
37:31 deliberation portion of the meeting.
37:33 First, we need to make a motion. Is
37:35 there a motion on the item before the
37:36 commission?
37:40 Madam Chair, I move the the development
37:43 commission approved the site development
37:44 permit for 60 Newport Way SDP23-
37:48 00005
37:51 associate administrative adjustment
37:52 standard AA S24
37:56 00003
37:58 as described in evaluating the staff
37:59 report dated October 8, 2025
38:02 with exhibits A through O subject to the
38:05 conditions therein and as amended
38:06 tonight. And I move that the development
38:09 commission direct the community planning
38:10 department and development department to
38:12 prepare findings of fact and conclusions
38:14 for review and approval by the
38:16 development commission chair affirming
38:18 the development commission's decision to
38:20 approve SDP23-00005
38:25 and AAS24-00003
38:29 subject to the conditions listed in the
38:31 staff report dated October 8, 2025
38:34 with exhibits A through O subject to the
38:37 conditions therein and as amended
38:39 tonight.
38:41 >> Second.
38:42 >> Thank you.
38:45 And do we have any discussions or
38:47 amendments?
38:51 I guess the only discussion I can
38:53 appreciate the issue with shading but if
38:56 the code I think I am on
38:59 um with the can understand concerns
39:02 about that but if the code doesn't
39:04 require a change that we couldn't force
39:07 a change
39:11 I wonder if uh landscape screening might
39:14 be a possible solution to Mr. Kai's
39:17 issues. I'm not sure if there's enough
39:19 room to do that, but it might meet the
39:21 visibility problems.
39:26 Overall, I have a sense um it's a
39:28 handsome design and I think it provides
39:32 a needed housing type area.
39:39 >> Thank you. Any comments or discussion
39:42 online?
39:44 No,
39:47 it looks great by the way. Yes.
39:54 >> Anything further? All right.
39:57 Uh, with the deliberation concluded, it
40:00 is time for the commission to take
40:01 action on the item before us.
40:04 All in favor of the motion say I.
40:07 >> I.
40:08 >> I.
40:09 >> All right. The motion is approved.
40:12 This concludes the 60 Newport Way site
40:14 development permit. A notice of decision
40:16 will be issued by staff within seven
40:18 days.
40:21 And uh any updates from staff for the
40:25 commission?
40:27 Yes, we have another agenda item tonight
40:29 which is um well supposed to be
40:32 establishing a quorum for a November
40:34 meeting but um right now the commission
40:37 or staff is looking at November 19th as
40:40 a commission meeting. Um this would be
40:42 for the Isakqua High School um and
40:45 elementary school site major amendment.
40:47 Um, so if commissioners present can
40:49 confirm if November 19th um would work
40:53 and I will send out a follow-up email to
40:55 all the other commissioners as well.
40:58 >> Yes, for me.
40:59 >> Same.
41:01 >> Yes.
41:03 >> Yes.
41:05 >> Great. We will at minimum have a quorum
41:08 um and we will ensure it's in person
41:11 next time and I will follow up with an
41:13 email with the other commissioners to
41:14 confirm as well.
41:16 Great. Otherwise, um, as far as no no
41:19 council updates or, um, anything like
41:21 that.
41:22 >> All right. Thank you to staff, the
41:25 applicant, and members of the public.
41:27 There being no further business before
41:28 the commission, I adjourn the meeting at
41:30 7:20

Attendance

Council / Members (5)
Shore
Commissioners Fasehun (virtual)
Mayo (virtual)
Morgan
Sanford
Staff (1)
Amanda Jackson, Meeting Assistant Emily Medina, Associate Planner 2. Approval of Minutes a) Minutes of September 3, 2025