 Lately there has been an increase in concerns shared with Council and the City regarding the proposed storage facility in central Tacoma. The storage facility is referencing the proposed CubeSmart Self-Storage Building at 3307 S 19th Street (19th and Lawrence). With so much community activity on this issue I wanted to address the history of the site, the City's involvement, and why the City cannot take action in the private litigation.
In October 2017, the City received an application (LU17-0224) for the development of a new self-storage building at 19th and Lawrence which, at the time, was occupied by several derelict single-family houses. The site was zoned as Community Commercial Mixed-Use, which allows for the development and operation of commercial businesses such as self-storage facilities. Because the project was allowed in the zone, the law did not require the level of public notification that was necessary in 2009 when the zoning was changed from Single Family to Community Commercial Mixed-Use. When the zoning was changed from Single Family to Community Commercial Mixed-Use, the City provided public notice and a public hearing was held before the City’s Planning Commission.
Following the October 2017 application, it was brought to the City's attention that the property is subject to private covenants that restrict the use of the property to 1 ½ story single family dwellings. Under Washington state law, local governments are not bound by and cannot enforce private covenants on land. This applies to general zoning decisions as well as the processing of specific land use permits. Private covenants cover a wide range of matters ranging from tree height and building height, to unlawful restrictions on who may reside within a plat. It is left entirely to those seeking to enforce or remove the private covenants to resolve disputes through private legal action.
The City's permitting staff conducted a preliminary plan review, and an environmental review, of the October 2017 application. The preliminary plan review showed that the proposed building would meet all applicable zoning and design/landscaping standards, including residential transition standards, landscape buffering standards, and design standards. The City's environmental review disclosed that any impacts from the self-storage facility would be addressed under the City's existing codes and regulations. The written results of this review were complete on December 20, 2017, and were transmitted to other City departments that would be reviewing a future building permit, as well as the Central Neighborhood Council.
Under Washington state law, if a proposed project meets zoning and development code requirements, a permit must be issued. Because the CubeSmart Self-Storage project meets zoning and development code requirements, permits (SDEV17-0133 and WO17-0201) have been issued for the project, and the demolition of the derelict single-family houses on the site has been completed.
There is better news for the future though. The City is currently working to create new design review standards. Currently the City has very limited design review in permitting projects. In most cases, there are none which gives the City no legal recourse to deny issuing permits if they meet codes. This is particularly problematic when large commercial projects like Cubesmart are directly across from residential areas. In planner speak these areas are called “transitions”. Tacoma does not have regulations that address transitions well. While there will no doubt be opposition to design review, I believe we can scope the regulations to focus on tension points like commercial-residential transitions, which is ultimately the underlying issue at the Cubesmart site.
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I will continue to let you know when this work is moving forward through our policy development process so you can get involved in design review conversations. I will also work with staff to increase notification standards for transition projects like this in the future. If you have concerns or want to share your input there are multiple ways.
You can go to your neighborhood Council which meets at 7 PM, First Thursday of every month at the Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 South Tyler Street. Staff is always present and they can answer questions.
You can also contact my office at 253-591-5470 to leave feedback or request more information on developing programs.
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Make it easy for your customers to find your business. If you don’t have a Google My Business account set up for your business, you could be missing out on new customers. Don’t waste any more time.
In this workshop, you’ll learn how to set up and the benefits of having a Google My Business listing. Learn to manage how your information appears across Google and how you can attract more customers using the world’s largest search engine. With a Google My Business account, you’ll be able to interact with customers, encourage and respond to reviews, and see insights on how customers are searching for your business.
This free workshop is hosted by City of Tacoma + Google for for future entrepreneurs, current business owners, and non-profits. Space is limited, Register Here!
For any questions please contact Will Suarez, Management Analyst II, Community & Economic Development Department. (253) 591-5590 or will.suarez@cityoftacoma.org
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Wednesday, May 15, starting at 6 p.m. (informational meeting starting at 5 p.m.)
Tacoma Municipal Building Council Chambers (747 Market St., 1st Floor)
This public hearing will include the following five topics and will be conducted in order from one to five:
- Shoreline Master Program Periodic Review – This is a joint public hearing with the Department of Ecology
- Affordable Housing Action Strategy Incorporation into Comprehensive Plan
- Historic Preservation Code Amendments
- Manitou Potential Annexation
- Minor Plan and Code Amendments
You can view the Facebook event here.
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On April 16 the City Council voted to confirm Tory Green as the new Fire Chief for the City of Tacoma.
Over the course of his 26-year career with the Tacoma Fire Department, Chief Green worked successfully under the leadership of four fire chiefs, including his predecessor Chief Jim Duggan. Chief Green previously served as the deputy chief of administration for the department for the last seven years, and previously served as its assistant chief of emergency medical services and training, and medical services officer. Chief Green is a Tacoma native who began his career with the department as a firefighter and paramedic.
As the Tacoma Fire Department’s chief administrator, Chief Green will plan, direct, manage and oversee daily operations and all aspects of emergency services including implementing strategic plans and procedures, establishing efficient service delivery methods and response time mechanisms, and tracking the department’s budget.
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On April 16 Council heard about our homeless stability site in the Dome district and upgrades coming for new permanent shelter beds to address this growing issue. The Council shared some concern about the site not being funded past 2019, and staff will be coming back to share details and recommendations for addressing our homelessness crisis. We will also hear from staff on April 30 regarding the expansion to the Tacoma Rescue Mission's expansion for more permanent shelter beds starting at noon in Tacoma Municipal Building North. |
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