Ordinance 2736-03 - Laserfiche WebLink

WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the amendments to allow piers and docks in the Aquatic Conservancy environment are consistent with the criteria for revisions to the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code text, as follows: 1. The proposed amendments are consistent with the policies and applicable provisions of the Everett general plan. The Growth Management Act, RCW 36.70A.200(1) requires that comprehensive plans include a process for identifying and siting essential public facilities, including state or regional transportation facilities as defined in RCW 47.06.140. The Comprehensive Plan revisions that implement the SMP update (Ordinance No. 2705-03) added a definition of transportation facilities of statewide significance, consistent with RCW 47.06.140. The Land Use Element Public Facilities Land Use Policies call for working with the County and others to develop a common siting process to site capital facilities of a Countywide or Statewide nature, including transportation facilities. The policies also call for siting and developing facilities so as to be compatible with adjoining land uses to the greatest extent feasible. In August 2002, City Council approved and the Mayor signed an interlocal agreement with Snohomish County to implement a common siting process for Essential Public Facilities. The process was developed by Snohomish County Tomorrow (SCT), and will be incorporated into Everett's Comprehensive Plan in the 2003 docketing cycle. The requirement for a Conditional Use permit in the Aquatic Conservancy shoreline environment is consistent with the SMP Conservation Element, Public Access Element, and management policies for the Aquatic Conservancy environment (adopted as part of the Comprehensive Plan) in that applicants will be required to document that the proposed use will not result in significant adverse impact in the Aquatic Conservancy environment, and that the use will not interfere with the normal public use of public shorelines. The Conditional Use permit also requires that the applicant demonstrate that the use of the site and design of the project are compatible with other authorized uses in the area and with uses planned for the area. This requirement is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan Land Use policies that call for siting and developing public facilities so as to be compatible with adjoining land uses to the greatest extent feasible. The proposed limitation of piers and docks to provide only for transportation facilities of statewide significance (and public access) in the Aquatic Conservancy shoreline environment is consistent with the SMP policies that recognize the unique characteristics and natural/ environmental resources in these areas. 2. The proposed amendment bears a substantial relation to public health, safety or welfare, and promotes a more desirable growth pattern for the community as a whole. The proposed revision will help to ensure the mobility of the public, interstate and international goods, and continued economic development in the region, while ensuring environmental protection and public access to shorelines of the state.