Jan. 10 — Planning Commission Chair looks to 2008 plans

Recently re-elected Chair Jon Swanson reflects on 2007 successes and looks toward projects for 2008

Roxanne Cooke / of the Herald

Sumner Planning Commission Chair Jon Swanson feels good about the group’s accomplishments of 2007 and the upcoming projects for 2008. Swanson was re-elected at the commission’s monthly meeting last week.

In the works for this year are historic preservation, updating the Sumner/Pacific master trail plan, updating the shoreline master program and revising the city’s design guidelines. While the planning commission doesn’t have the final say in those issues, it can provide research and recommendations to the city council.

“There’s a lot happening,” Swanson said. “These are fairly big undertakings.”

The city has already worked with the Sumner Downtown Association on creating a historic preservation ordinance; the next step is applying to receive funds that would go toward preserving historic landmarks, and the planning commission will be involved in that.

Updating the shoreline master program involves examining a 2002 study that was conducted on Washington shorelines, including the Puyallup and Stuck rivers, Swanson said. As floods and other weather conditions alter the landscape, it’s possible that the study has become outdated.

The planning commission will review the provisions of the act and see how those provisions apply to Sumner, he said. At that point they’ll make recommendations to the city council.

“Sumner’s involvement is because we have two rivers to deal with within our boundaries,” Swanson said. “Nature’s gonna dictate some of the changes that we may have to make.”

In addition to the projects for 2008, Swanson said the commission has been involved in a handful of successful endeavors this past year as well.

Accomplishments for 2007 include proposed amendments to the zoning code concerning accessory dwelling units, which are also referred to as “mother-in-law apartments.” The amendments will allow ADUs to be subdivided from houses and provide more specifics on size allowances. The council plans to vote on the amendments later this month.

Other accomplishments include the approval of zoning for the interchange commercial zone and more clearly defining buffer zones and setbacks for wetlands, Swanson said.

The proposed Stepping Stones Estates development was another hot plate issue, he added. The applicant for the housing development planned for 12 lots on the 2.12-acre land and wanted to designate a side street as an alley so that the smaller lot sizes would be allowed.

While the applicant was within zoning codes, “He was pushing the envelope,” Swanson said. Still, Swanson predicts the development will make a return and be approved in the near future.

The issues with Stepping Stones represent one of the main challenges of the planning commission — keeping track of growth and making sure it doesn’t get out of hand, he said.

Swanson became a member of the planning commission in 2006 because he wanted to help see the best for the city. He plans to stay involved for a long time, he said.

“I enjoy working (on the commission),” Swanson said.

The planning commission is looking for one more Sumner resident to complete its membership. Those who are interested should contact City Clerk Terri Berry.

The commission’s vice chair, Brett Morrison, was also re-elected for 2008. Planning commission leadership is nominated and voted on by commission members.