Livable Seattle Movement's Two Step Plan

2 Step Citizens' Work Plan to Fix Seattle's Residential Land Use Emergencies and Prevent More

Ref: 6.7.08 PLUNC Townhouse Forum

STEP I INTRODUCTION
At the Townhouse Forum, Councilmember Burgess, Planning Commissioner Eanes, and a citizen wondered if a "moratorium" would stop the townhouse invasion from destroying more neighborhoods and affordable housing. A moratorium is not the appropriate way to stop the bleeding: that's the role of Emergency Interim Controls.

STEP 1 PROPOSAL
Adopt "Interim Controls" on an emergency basis (3/4 vote) as is typically done in Seattle to halt and resolve serious errors. In this case, remove the over-encouragement of townhouses and in the "interim" figure out the most effective way to restore the townhouse's intended role as an important, but not domineering, housing type.

STEP I CITIZENS' TASKS

* Understand the difference between a moratorium and emergency interim controls:


~A moratorium stops development awaiting some missing condition, e.g. no sewers. Seattle avoids moratoriums. Former Councilmember Kraabel had a good explanation why this is so: "a total moratorium of all construction in specific zones is a significant disruption. With each special exception, our land use laws become more and more erratic. We must, therefore, have very substantial provacation for a moratorium."

~Emergency interim controls are another story: they stop the bleeding with a strong and certain fix and use the learning during the interim to inform the long-term fix, as measures somewhat less drastic become more apparent. Seattle uses them regularly: #113858 et al 1988-89, # 114428 '89, #114928 '90; # 116205 '92, #116616 '93, and Council Bill #113149 '00. http://clerk.ci.seattle.wa.us/~public/CBOR1.htm

* Review with Single Family zoned neighborhoods whether they want to pursue emergency interim controls to stop megahouse abuses in Single Family while Councilmember Conlin's proposal is being reviewed, possibly amended and hopefully adopted late this year. (A PLUNC meeting takes an introductory look at Conlin's proposal on June 25th.)

* Build the necessary support for a 3/4 Council vote by advocating the 2 Step approach to neighborhood government organizations (CNC, SNC, & SCCF's member councils), ad hoc issue-based or professional organizations, and the media.

* Consider and reach agreement on what development standards, etc. to propose modifying to use as the interim controls. SCCF is holding a workshop on June 21 that will include this topic. See details at bottom of page.


STEP 2 INTRODUCTION
At the Townhouse Forum, panelists from both ends of the spectrum suggested mutual respect: simple rules that assure prompt permitting of "everyday projects" and freedom to explore new directions and high quality work.

STEP 2 PROPOSAL
Strengthen the two-tier nature of the existing code. Create a more foolproof first track—clear, simple, and fast and a second departure track that more effectively achieves community goals. The present two tiers aren't working at all. The first tier is so complex nobody, including DPD, can understand it. The proposed updates are even worse. The departure track is similarly complex and, in addition, time-consuming, arbitrary, and totally ineffective at turning destructive projects back on course, much less enabling desireable ones.

Council directives may have gotten lost in all the fooling around, but the assignment is quite clear: Resolutions 29860 (11/98), 30075 (10/99) —ask for a code that is "understandable, user-friendly and can be administered and enforced in an efficient and effective manner;" Resolutions 30138 (3/00), 30161 (4/00)— set out to "reduce complexity and increase understandability of the Land Use Code." http://clerk.ci.seattle.wa.us/~public/RESN1.htm
The 98-99 resolutions grew out of and reference a consultant's report "Land Use Code Simplification" Issues and Options 9/98 (Cedar River Associates, paper copy only). Similar, more abbreviated recommendations appear in the May 1997 conference report cosponsored by the Puget Sound Regional Council (page 38file://localhost/). http/::www.smartgrowth.org:pdf:LIVABLE.pdf

• First tier— "As-of-right" procedures impose strict requirements in return for prompt permits. "As-of-right" is a legal term meaning entitlement upon compliance. To work well, as-of-right standards must be simple to understand and restrictive enough to assure that projects are in context with their current or envisioned surroundings (the latter is the case in urban villages). Environmental and design review would be required for projects that exceed designated thresholds. Guidelines and procedures would be improved (see also second tier).



Such standards would create needed more rational, predictable bases for a growing list of incentives and floating bonuses. This list nears epidemic proportions—already so many that the City is at serious risk of violating the "first-do-no-harm" and the equity principals of zoning.

• Second tier— "Optional design departure" procedures hold "better ideas" to clear and lucid tests we can all understand. "Clear and lucid" is plain talk for the legal term "rational nexus" (connection). To avoid being "arbitrary and capricious" and get intended results, individualized departure decisions must be managed for results. Design guidelines must prove themselves concise; review procedures must prove themselves sound; reviewers must prove themselves qualified; and outcomes must prove themselves effective at ensuring long term appeal and good manners, which means taking only one's share of sunlight, view, tranquility, streetscape and street use, etc.

Guidelines to consider in reconsidering existing guidelines: the Uptown CC's 1997 proposal to clarify Citywide Guidelines (paper only at the moment) and SHA's guidelines for developers at HOPE VI @ Highpoint http://www.seattlehousing.org/development/highpoint/Images/HighPointDesignBook2.pdf (a take off on the "standard plans" approach mentioned at the Townhouse Forum).

CITIZENS' STEP 2 TASKS

* Persuade the City to make use of information learned during the interim periods in resolving final fixes that reliably and consistently achieve community goals and are much easier for citizens and applicants to use.

* Persuade the City to leave the remainder of the Residential Land Use Code as-is and instead 1) simplify the as-of right standards by gradually removing exceptions and classifications not worth the complication, and 2) improve the clarity of design guidelines and departure procedures to effectively deal with special situations.

* Persuade the City to adopt and place in permanent memory the idea that land use codes need to accommodate change in the same way that nature limits and culls mutations—improving the as-of-right standards through regular and candid review of design departure, looking regularly for consistently better results from commonly requested departures.

Offered for Consideration, by the Livable Seattle Movement http://www.livableseattlemovement.org/
(see Four Point Seattle City Council Action Plan and Citizens' Master Agenda for Seattle)

New info on the
SEATTLE COMMUNITY COUNCIL FEDERATION
Annual Workshop
(updates: http://www.seattlefederation.blogspot.com.)

at
Brighton Apartment Penthouse
6727 Rainier Avenue South
Saturday, June 21, 2008, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
When you arrive at the Brighton turn left into the visitor's parking area. Someone will be in the lobby to admit you and direct you to the ADA compliant elevator.

EVERYONE WELCOME, THIS IS AN OPEN, COMMUNITY-WIDE WORKSHOP

A Dialogue With The Livable Seattle Movement,
Some Proposed Solutions To Make Seattle More Livable and Affordable

New info on the
SEATTLE COMMUNITY COUNCIL FEDERATION
Annual Workshop
(updates: http://www.seattlefederation.blogspot.com.)

at
Brighton Apartment Penthouse
6727 Rainier Avenue South
Saturday, June 21, 2008, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
When you arrive at the Brighton turn left into the visitor's parking area. Someone will be in the lobby to admit you and direct you to the ADA compliant elevator.

EVERYONE WELCOME, THIS IS AN OPEN, COMMUNITY-WIDE WORKSHOP

A Dialogue With The Livable Seattle Movement,
Some Proposed Solutions To Make Seattle More Livable and Affordable

The Federation Workshop will further continue the dialogue initiated at Sally Clark's Planning and Land Use Committee workshop, but this meeting will be between neighborhood and community folks and architects, land use planners, and others who have weighed the City's housing agenda, the current and proposed land use codes, lax or entirely missing code enforcement, "flexible" and porous code, "micropermitting" aka "piecemealing" and have found all to be wanting.

It won't be dominated by a majority of developers, consultants and City employees.

It won't be a gripe session, but will present some concepts that have yet to be grasped by some Councilmembers, much of our Department of Planning and Development and Mayor Nickels.

We hope to have representatives from neighborhoods all over the city who share the goal of correcting the current housing trends.

Bring your ideas, your hopes and your dreams for an affordable, livable Seattle, and let's get something done.

SEATTLE COMMUNITY COUNCIL FEDERATION

Annual Workshop
Brighton Apartment Penthouse
6727 Rainier Avenue South
Saturday, June 21, 2008, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.


AGENDA

A Dialogue With The Livable Seattle Movement,
Some Proposed Solutions To Make Seattle More Livable and Affordable

Last month's Federation dialogue with Councilmember Sally Clark, the Chair of the Planning and Land Use Committee, sparked a lively and informative exchange of ideas, and last Saturday's "Town Houses – Can the Patient be Saved?" forum sponsored by Sally, continued the conversation. An excellent report on that forum is posted on the West Seattle Blog.

The Federation Workshop will further continue the dialogue, however this meeting, unlike last Saturday's, will not be dominated by a majority of developers, consultants and City employees, but will be between neighborhood and community folks, including architects, land use planners, and others who have weighed the City's housing agenda, the current and proposed land use codes, lax or entirely missing code enforcement, "flexible" and porous code, "micropermitting" aka "piecemealing" and have found all to be wanting.

This will not be a gripe session, but will present some concepts that have yet to be grasped by some Councilmembers, much of our Department of Planning and Development and Mayor Nickels.

We hope to have representatives from neighborhoods all over the city who share the goal of correcting the current housing trends.

Visit the Livable Seattle Movement website, download the 3X Report, the Comment and the Citizen's Master Agenda. Bring them and your ideas, concerns and suggestions to this Workshop, and be prepared to make a real difference in your own community.

When you arrive at the Brighton turn left into the visitor's parking area. Someone will be in the lobby to admit you and direct you to the ADA compliant elevator.

Updates to this notice will be posted on the Federation website, http://www.seattlefederation.blogspot.com.

Questions, comments? Contact Rick Barrett, 206 365-1267, rickbarrett(AT) gmail.com

SEATTLE COMMUNITY COUNCIL FEDERATION

Regular Meeting
NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency), Pacific Marine Center on Lake Union
1801 Fairview Avenue East
Thursday, May 22, 2008

AGENDA

A Dialogue with Councilmember Sally Clark
Chair, Planning, Land Use and Neighborhoods Committee

With the Mayor’s pro-growth, pro-density and pro-business agenda, will the City Council’s Planning, Land Use and Neighborhoods Committee exercise independent judgment on land use issues? What will be the future of neighborhood planning in light of the City Auditor’s Neighborhood Plan Implementation Audit Report? Will citizen-driven neighborhood planning continue, or will the City move to a top-down approach as predicted? These are just a few issues we will address with Councilmember Sally Clark, who is also vice chair of the Transportation Committee.

Learn about Councilmember Clark’s vision for keeping the City’s neighborhoods livable and the economy thriving.

The May meeting will also include a round robin and is your opportunity to brief our citywide membership on projects and issues that your community council or organization is working on—and matters that the Federation should involve itself. If you have informational materials you would like distributed at the meeting, please email electronic copies or links to Jeannie Hale at jeannieh@serv.net and copies will be provided at the meeting.

7:00 Call to Order and Introductions
Administration
1. Changes to the agenda
2. Treasurer’s report
3. President’s report

7:15 Round Robin—Bring Your Issues!
1. Multi-Family Code Proposed Changes—update
2. Southeast District Council—Have social service agencies been given voting spots on the Council contrary to bylaws?
3. Mega-House legislation
4. Parks and Green Spaces Levy—funding for priorities
5. Other Issues/Projects

7:45 A Dialogue with Councilmember Sally Clark

8:45 Round Robin—Continued

9:00 Adjourn

NOAA is a federal facility on high security alert, so attendees must enter by the security gate and may need to present photo ID. If you haven't attended a recent Federation meeting, please send your name, contact information, and address to rickbarrett@gmail.com to be added to the entry list. No e-mail? Call 206-365-1267. The building is ADA compliant, with ample parking in front.

SEATTLE COMMUNITY COUNCIL FEDERATION
Regular Meeting
NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency), Pacific Marine Center on Lake Union
1801 Fairview Avenue East
Thursday, April 24, 2008

AGENDA

Pike Place Market Levy and Campaign Finance Reform

The April Federation meeting will feature speakers on both the proposed Pike Place Market Levy and proposals to implement the local option for public funding of local elections approved by the state Legislature in the 2008 legislative session.

Market Levy: You’ve read that the Mayor has proposed a six-year, $75 million levy for improvements to the Pike Place Market for the November 2008 ballot. Learn about the needs of the Market and different perspectives. The levy as proposed by the Mayor would cost the median Seattle homeowner $37 per year from 2009 through 2014 (based on a $420,000 home). The levy proposal would include:
• $68.6 million for major repair, structural, and infrastructure and accessibility upgrades to all Public Development Authority (PDA)-owned Market buildings, as well as associated tenant space alteration costs.
• $2 million for capital improvements to Victor Steinbrueck Park to make it a more lively and attractive park that can be a great gathering place and an asset to the Market and neighborhood.
• $4.4 million in estimated financing costs.

Local Option for Public Campaign Financing: In the 2008 legislative session, the Legislature approved a bill ending a 16-year state ban and once again allowed local jurisdictions to create programs that offer public funds for local political campaigns—legislation supported by the Federation. What is the appropriate approach to implementing legislation at the local level in Seattle? Learn from representatives from Washington Public Campaigns about their work to level the playing field in political campaigns.

7:00 Call to Order and Introductions
Administration
1. Changes to the agenda
2. Treasurer’s report
3. President’s report

7:15 The Pike Street Market Levy—The Needs of the Market

7:45 Campaign Finance Reform at the Local Level—The Options

8:15 Round Robin—Bring Your Issues!

9:00 Adjourn

NOAA is a federal facility on high security alert, so attendees must enter by the security gate and may need to present photo ID. If you haven't attended a recent Federation meeting, please send your name, contact information, and address to rickbarrett@gmail.com to be added to the entry list. No e-mail? Call 206-365-1267. The building is ADA compliant, with ample parking in front.

Go to http://www.livableseattlemovement.org to see the work of the Housing Taskforce
Go to http://www.labwatch.org/docs/html to see Seattle biosafety laboratory locations

SEATTLE COMMUNITY COUNCIL FEDERATION
Regular Meeting
NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency), Pacific Marine Center on Lake Union
1801 Fairview Avenue East
Thursday, March 27, 2008

AGENDA

The Future of Seattle’s Libraries –
A Dialogue with City Librarian Deborah Jacobs

The $196.4 million Libraries for All bond measure approved by voters in 1998 is coming to its conclusion. In addition to a new Central Library, projects have been undertaken in Wallingford, NewHolly, Delridge, Capitol Hill, Green Lake, Rainier Beach, West Seattle, High Point, North East, Beacon Hill, Columbia, Greenwood, Fremont, Ballard, the International District, Lake City, Northgate, Montlake, South Park, Douglass-Truth, Southwest, Queen Anne and the University District. So, what is next? What are the Library’s future needs?

How will the Library continue to build on its history of excellence in serving citizens? Will there ever be sufficient funding to maintain staffing to ensure open access to information, resources and services for our diverse communities and collections on par with King County? Will funding ever be available for the Library’s reciprocal borrowing agreement with King County? How will the Library and the Board of Trustees modify its service plan with funding limitations? These are just a sampling of questions that will be asked of City Librarian Deborah Jacobs and Library Board of Trustees member, Rajiv Shah at the March Federation meeting.

7:00 Call to Order and Introductions
Administration
1. Changes to the agenda
2. Treasurer’s report
3. President’s report

7:15 The Future of Seattle’s Libraries—City Librarian Deborah Jacobs and Library Trustee Rajiv Shah.

8:15 Round Robin—Bring Your Issues!
1. Multi-Family Code Update Task Force Report
2. Pike Place Market Improvement Levy
3. Updating Neighborhood Plans—Advantages and Pitfalls
4. Will the Magnuson Park wetlands be filled?
5. Children’s Hospital Proposed Expansion—Update
6. Other Issues/Projects

9:00 Adjourn

NOAA is a federal facility on high security alert, so attendees must enter by the security gate and may need to present photo ID. If you haven't attended a recent Federation meeting, please send your name, contact information, and address to rickbarrett@gmail.com to be added to the entry list. No e-mail? Call 206-365-1267. The building is ADA compliant, with ample parking in front.


Please check with your organization to see if your annual dues are in arrears. Although the Federation has a “tolerance policy” and nearly infinite patience with member organizations which often face financial challenges similar to our own, we certainly appreciate your attention to keeping your membership up to date. We need to all work together to really be effective

SEATTLE COMMUNITY COUNCIL FEDERATION

INVOICE/INVITATION FOR 2008 ORGANIZATIONAL DUES

Dues. Annual dues are $50. Please send your payment to: Doris Burns, Treasurer, Seattle Community Council Federation, 2511 West Montlake Place East, Seattle, Washington 98112.

Background. Founded in 1943, the Seattle Community Council Federation is one of the nation’s oldest federations of neighborhoods. Its only regular source of funds is the annual dues of its member organizations. Membership is open to any community-based nonpartisan, nonprofit organization with its primary focus in Seattle. We always welcome comments and suggestions, to SCCF President Jeannie Hale, mailto:jeannieh@serv.net or 206-525-5135. Bring the issues of your community to a broader forum.

Contacts Please designate your organization’s representative and an alternate to the SCCF board, and please also list other contacts and those who would like to receive notices of SCCF’s monthly meetings. SCCF does not share its mailing list with other organizations. Please also list name, address, phone and email address for the following positions, and any separate address, website or email for your organization.

Your Organization:


Representative and Alternative to SCCF Board:


President or Chair:


Vice President/Chair:


Secretary:


Treasurer:


Please list others in your organization who would like to receive notices of SCCF meetings on the back of this sheet.

Miriam Stuart Barnes

Miriam died peacefully at home, February 6th, 2008, after a lengthy, hard fought battle with congestive heart failure and pulmonary fibrosis. She was born January 3rd, 1925, in West Union, West Virginia to Effie Lee and Harold Lyle Stuart, and was preceded in death by her younger brother, Wendell (Sam) Lamar Stuart. She was a caring, loving, and devoted wife, mother and friend, and spent most of her life caring and fighting passionately for others less fortunate than herself. She loved gardening, worked tirelessly as an educator, lab technician, civil rights advocate, and realtor, and was very active in the Unitarian Church. She was an active member in the Mount Baker Community Club, Franklin High School Booster Club, on the Board of Equalization in the King County Assessors Office and was a co-founder, along side husband, Glover, of the Rainier Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in 1998. She and Glover received a letter of salutation from then governor, Gary (Mona) Locke, noting "Through your abiding love and commitment to one another you have set a wonderful example for all of us and....we salute and thank you". They also received the City of Seattle Proclamation of Miriam and Glover Barnes Day from Mayor Greg Nickels in honor of their 30 years of service to the Mount Baker Community Club and their 50th wedding anniversary on January 26th, 2002. Miriam is survived by Glover, her loving husband of 56 years; sons, Erik (Lisa) Barnes of Dallas, Texas and Noel (Nancy) Barnes of Renton; and 3 grandchildren - Ivan, Jalen and Zoey. She will be deeply missed by her family and others touched by her tireless generosity. A Memorial Service is planned for 2:00 p.m. on March 27th, 2008 at Eastshore Unitarian Church, 12700 SE 32nd Street, Bellevue, WA 98005.
A second Memorial Service is to be held on March 30th, 2:00 p.m. at the Mount Baker Community Club, 2811 Mount Rainier Dr. S., Seattle, WA 98144. No flowers, if you wish, please send a charitable contribution to the charity of your choice.
May she Rest in Peace; she has certainly earned the right to do so.


We at the Seattle Community Council Federation are deeply saddened by the Miriam's death. Miriam and Dr. Glover Barnes have been long-time Federation stalwarts. In the 1970's, when United Way withdrew its support because the Federation had taken a stand on the design of Interstate 90, Dr. and Mrs. Barnes led the Federation through that crisis and have continued to give invaluable guidance and assistance, which continues to this day.

For many years, Dr. and Mrs. Barnes have hosted the Federation's annual potluck at their Mount Baker home, and Dr. Barnes will continue to do so. They have proved to be the best of hosts, with Mrs. Barnes cooking an outstanding casserole and fruit pies. Politicians came for the feast as much as to shake hands and keep in touch. During her final years, Mrs. Barnes was on a respirator, but despite this handicap, she actively participated. She had a strong commitment to good schools, to fair treatment for the less fortunate amongst us, and for the quality of life in Seattle. Her comments were insightful and often became the theme of Federation letters.

On their 50th wedding anniversary, well-wishers filled the Mount Baker Community Clubhouse even though it had snowed and the roads were icy that night in 2002. The praise was lavish and well-deserved. Although almost 80, she danced with the energy of one half her age.

We truly miss her.

The Livable Seattle Movement is online!

The Federation’s Multi-Family Code Update Task Force has produced a brand new website and several documents, all to be available at the newly-born website, LivableSeattleMovement.org

Check it out for news and articles about Seattle’s neighborhood housing issues, but remember to be patient, it’s just getting started.
Soon it will include more downloadable articles that will help you to maintain your community’s affordability and livability; links to authoritative commentary on local housing and zoning issues; things that you always wanted to know about why increased density doesn’t seem to result in affordable (or even livable) neighborhoods; and what you can do to improve the current dismal Seattle housing situation.

So far you can download the Four Point Work Plan for the Seattle City council. It’s page 4 in the March 3, 2008 Commentary on the proposed multi-family updates. Click on the Livable Seattle Movement link above, then the Publications tab to get the entire report. Print at least page 4 and take copies to your neighborhood council. ask them to urge the City Council to adapt the four points.


February, 2008 Meeting Notes (These are not minutes)
Our February meeting featured a presentation by a group that has drawn up a proposal for independent oversight of Seattle’s numerous biological safety laboratory laboratories, as outlined here:

Proposal - Independent Oversight of Seattle Biosafety Laboratories

Seattle got a wake-up call three years ago when the University of Washington campus in the center of the city was temporarily proposed as the site for a Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, a large-scale high-security facility to study disease-causing agents. One result was public awareness of biosafety laboratories already operating within the city.

There are currently no provisions for the protection of human health that govern the siting of such laboratories. There are inadequate provisions governing the operations of such labs.

To remedy this situation for the future, we have drafted regulations for the City of Seattle that will create an independent biosafety oversight committee located within our public health institution, the Seattle-King County Board of Health.

Self-regulation is insufficient for the protection of the public or for the development and preservation of public trust in both government and industry. The biotechnology industry is playing an increasingly important part in the local economy. Independent oversight is essential, by representatives of the public who are unconnected to biohazardous research and who have no financial or other self-interest in the conduct of such research.

Although publicly funded labs are subject to the National Institute of Health Guidelines, these do not have the enforcement power of regulations. Privately funded biosafety labs have no governmental oversight and may not even be identified to local authorities.

These regulations will create a level of transparency and accountability which will help ensure that the biotechnology industry in Seattle operates safely and responsibly. We seek your endorsement of this concept and your backing to forward these draft regulations to City Council for review.

Submitted by Kit O'Neill, Steve Reisler, Randy Baker and Mike McCormick.
For background and the draft regulations, go to http://www.labwatch.org/docs.html
Contact: Mike McCormick nobioterrorlab@yahoo.com

Motion passed to support the above proposal, and to write to the Seattle-King County Board of Health and other governmental organizations as appropriate.
Note: This proposal is also being supported at a state level by House Bill 3385 (attached).

THE MAP BELOW SHOWS THE LOCATIONS OF LEVEL 3 BIOSAFETY LABS IN SEATTLE

For a comprehensive overview, go to http://www.labwatch.org/

THE LIVABLE SEATTLE MOVEMENT
livableseattlemovement.org
PUBLISHES DOWNLOADABLE DOCUMENTS.
The first of these is:

Commentary on the proposed multi-family updates. This document includes history, photographs of good/bad multi-family homes, analysis of lot coverage suggested by these updates, and an action plan for addressing the unintended outcomes of these updates.
The Four Point Council Work Plan below is on the fourth page of the Commentary, which has been well received by the City Council's Planning and Land Use Committee (PLUNC) and several Community Councils. We urge you to download the entire document and present it to your Community Council or other neighborhood group for endorsement.
Other documents will soon be posted on the Livable Seattle website.
You can copy the Four Point plan and distribute it to other interested parties. This is a March 27, 2008 Federation Agenda item.

Four Point Council Work Plan

1. Clarify and strengthen the urban village strategy so that buildings outside villages actually do conserve the diverse and individual characteristics of Seattle’s cherished neighborhoods and so that the buildings inside villages actually do produce over time new or revitalized neighborhoods of comparable merit.

2. Keep and strengthen the following time-tested, essential standards of the existing code. They are really all it takes to assure predictability and a “sustainable” city.
a) Setbacks (known to us variously as streetscapes, yards, gardens, outdoor rooms (e.g, play areas, sun rooms, dining rooms, patios, etc.) Even very different buildings fit together well if they have similar setbacks.
b) Height limits, preferably in stories and without excessive “exceptions” for various features or groups. The current method of calculating heights needs to be re-examined, for heights have been going up without a change in standards, so that new buildings in 30-foot-height zones are often forty feet. This is not what was expected, the result is appalling, and the public is confused. (See the attached photo essay for some representative photos of wrong-size buildings that are probably legal, but all wrong for their location – and for their hapless neighbors.)
c) Meaningful lot coverage limits are the least expensive, surest way to implement the “low impact development” initiatives now being discussed by other Council committees. If the City wants to debate high-tech versus low-tech solutions to its runoff problems, people in the City are more than ready to join the discussion. But it should not be rushed through, half-baked, as part of something else.
d) Open space, with a new definition that incorporates the upcoming “low impact development” initiative as well as the City’s urban tree cover goals. Again, this requires careful consideration, with all the parties involved in the discussion—not a dialogue of planners.
e) Parking that is accessible, not just in name only with the burden shifted to the streets. See the attached photo essays for some really bad examples of what goes on now in the name of parking. This is the sort of problem that needs fixing, not expansion.

3. Enforce existing code(s), then amend as necessary so that townhouses are restored to their standing as a very desirable housing type.
a) Correct problems in the land use, building, and fire codes themselves
b) Correct informal, probably illegal interpretations
c) Decide what to do about existing townhouses that are now hard to resell, hard to access, and neighborhood fire hazards

4. Change the planning culture to one that invites us all to participate as we come to public judgment, instead of one that imposes expensive misunderstandings, wasting time, money of all varieties, and our physical environment.
a) Correct planning processes to avoid the use of narrowly selected “focus” groups substituting for real citizen involvement (and hearing from skeptics).
b) Correct problems that result with personnel who simply don’t have enough expertise to be doing what they are trying to do.
c) Correct problems in the Design Review Program and the proposal to turn the review over to plan-checkers
d) Correct problems between City Departments so that, for example, design review, storm water drainage and fire safety issues are properly addressed.